Soliloquy of a Wandering Pilgrim

The sun barely peeked over the horizon, casting a pale orange glow on the untouched expanse of snow. In the shadow of towering peaks, an unnamed mountain stood tall, its summit a whisper among the giants. Arjun had been climbing for hours, his breath steady and his resolve unwavering. This was not just another ascent; this was to be his final climb. Arjun's life had been a tapestry of high-altitude adventures, each thread woven with memories of triumph and loss. The mountains had always been his sanctuary, a place where the noise of the world fell away, leaving only the rhythm of his breath and the crunch of snow beneath his boots. Today, however, he sought more than the summit's solitude; he sought an end. The climb was arduous, the air thinning with each step. Yet, Arjun moved with a grace born of experience, his mind focused on the path ahead. The peak loomed closer, its jagged edges silhouetted against the morning sky. He reached the summit just as the first rays of sunligh...

Helena Roerich, a visionary philosopher and writer, spent her last years in the serene hills of Kalimpong, where her journey on earth came to a peaceful end. Last week, I had the privilege of visiting her grave, located next to the sacred Durpin Gompa, a site as tranquil and inspiring as her teachings. Her epitaph, a simple yet profound tribute to her life's work, echoes the spiritual depth and intellectual legacy she left behind. Reflecting on her final years in this secluded retreat, one can truly appreciate the profound impact of her wisdom and the tranquillity she sought through her deep connections with the mysteries of the East.

In the heart of North Sikkim, the picturesque town of Lachen is currently facing unprecedented challenges after the catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) from the South Lhonak Glacier Lake on October 4, 2023. As a result of this natural disaster, the vital road connecting Munshithang and Phiring near Chungthang remains impassable, isolating the local community and forcing residents to carve their own trail through the rugged terrain. In a display of sheer resilience and determination, the community members have come together to create a makeshift path, defying the odds imposed by nature. Recently while trying to reach Lachen from Chungthang, I captured a series of video clips vividly showcasing this trail. The trail, weaving through the breathtaking landscapes tells a powerful story of human spirit, adaptation, and survival strategies in the face of adversity. This footage not only captures the challenges faced by the locals but also highlights the indomitable spirit that thr...