Jottings from Jashpur

When I last posted on this blog, little did I know that I would be so directly involved with this General Election. It was rather a call of duty to pack my bag with dry fruits __ honestly, I learned it from the Kasav & Co of Mumbai 26/11 that dry fruits are actually meant for not-so-ordinary circumstances__ and all necessary stuff including Odomus & water bottles for Jashpur, the naxal-prone district of Chhattisagarh bordering Ranchi. A born patriot I was happy to serve the nation even as a micro-observer as part of the 14th Lok Sabha election. (I wish I had a Voter I-card to vote this time!!) At the same time, I was mentally prepared to venture into the disturbed area with due respect to all my colleagues who had cautioned me several times. Prior to the day of my deparature, I received a loud appalause in the department meeting for my "lofty" thoughts of serving the nation as a poll observer.
I started early morning on 14th April keeping in mind we have to reach there before evening to avoid any untoward incident. Meanwhile, I was communicated by the district administration that I need not go all the way to Jashpur as I have to do my duty in a place called Patthalgaon, a sub-division from where Jashpur would be six hours journey.
I was relieved to some extent!!xxxx Got into a hotel costing Rs 140 per single room per day in Patthalgaon. Visited the Kilikileswari temple, 8 km from Patthalgaon bazar, in the afternoon as I reached my destination very early contrary to what I thought. The temple was standing cool far from the madding crowd, promising tranquility. Being not-so-religious but a spiritual person, I love this kind of places offering a perfect setting for research and reflection. I had a small chat with the Babas who happen to be outsourced from Puri, without giving them the slightest hint of my roots. It was a pleasant experience to see the Babas speaking Oindi (Oriya plus Hindi) and offering us a sip of Dhanwantari in place of the usual tea.
The polling had little thrill to offer except the aged villagers taking time to click the EVM button, ladies carrying their babies tied to a chadar around their waist much like the hill-side culture, and the entire backdrop confirming how it is oblivious to the serious spade work involved in the voting process. I was doubtful whether they were knowing their candidates they were voting for or even the parties they just voted!! But one thing for sure, they were simple and hard working and thus deserve the fruit of good governance.
On the return day, we drove our car towards the "2nd Biggest and the oldest Church of Asia", located near a place called Kunkuri, 45 kms from where we were staying. I joined the Friday prayer along with others and thanked the God for offering me all niceties. I missed my camera which I didn't carry, thinking I could end up having some difficulties during my tour. Luckily, one of my colleagues had a camera. It was Nikons and was purchased during 70s, no zoom etc. I clicked some snaps wondering only Jesus would be knowing when I would get back those photographs.
(Tail Piece : Let my rest of the life offer this natural glimpse of eternity!! Now on, I should feel rather good and stronger and not lonely and down.)