INDIAN DEEP SPACE NETWORK- MARS NOT TOO FAR

ಪುಸ್ತಕ  ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ 

ಶ್ರೀ  ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಹತ್ವಾರ್  ಬರೆದ  ಇಂಗ್ಲಿಷ್  ಪುಸ್ತಕ   ,"  INDIAN DEEP SPACE NETWORK- MARS NOT TOO FAR  " ನ್ನು  , ಸೆಪ್ಟೆಂಬರ್  ೨೮ ,೨೦೧೬ ರಂದು , ಭಾರತೀಯ  ಬಾಹ್ಯಾಕಾಶ  ಸಂಸ್ಥಗೆ ಸೇರಿದ ,ಭಾರತೀಯ ಡೀಪ್ ಸ್ಪೇಸ್ ನೆಟ್ವರ್ಕ್ ,ಕೇಂದ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ , ಆ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಾದ  ಶ್ರೀ ಆಂಜನೇಯಲು  ಅವರು ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಮಾಡಿದರು. . ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ,ಭಾರತೀಯ ಉಪಗ್ರಹ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಮಾಜಿ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಾದ ಡಾ . ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್ ,ಹಾಗೂ ಈ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ  ಉಪನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಾದ  ಶ್ರೀ .ವಿ.ವಿ. ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸನ್ ಮತ್ತು ಹಲವಾರು ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞರು ,ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು .

 ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಡಾ .ಆಂಜನೇಯಲು ಸ್ವಾಗತ  ಭಾಷಣ ಮಾಡಿದರು.  ಮುಖ್ಯ ಅಥಿತಿಯಾದ ,ಡಾ . ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್  ರವರು , ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಲೇಖಕರಾದ  ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಹತ್ವಾರ್  ರವರನ್ನು, ಶಾಲು ಹೊದಿಸಿ ಸನ್ಮಾನಿಸಿದರು . ನಂತರ ," ಇಂಡಿಯನ್ ಡೀಪ್ ಸ್ಪೇಸ್ ನೆಟ್ವರ್ಕ್ -ಮಾರ್ಸ್ ನಾಟ್ ಟೂ ಫ಼ಾರ್" ಎನ್ನುವ  ಇಂಗ್ಲಿಷ್ ಪುಸ್ತಕವನ್ನು ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಮಾಡಲಾಯಿತು

ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭ ದಲ್ಲಿ  ಡಾ ಆಂಜನೇಯುಲು ಮಾತನಾಡುತ್ತ ಭಾರತೀಯ  ಗಾಢಾಂತರಿಕ್ಷ  ಕೇಂದ್ರ ದ , ಸ್ಥಾಪನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ , ಇಸ್ಟ್ರಾಕ್  ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ,ಪಾತ್ರವನ್ನು ಶ್ಲಾಘಿಸಿದರು .  ಡಾ . ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ , ಭಾರತೀಯ  ಗಾಢಾಂತರಿಕ್ಷ  ಕೇಂದ್ರದ  ನಿರ್ಮಾಣದ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದ  ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಸಂಸ್ಧೆಗಳನ್ನು ,ಹಾಗೂ  ಇದಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಹಗಲು ರಾತ್ರಿ ದುಡಿದ  ಎಲ್ಲಾ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿ ಗಳನ್ನು  ನೆನಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡರು. ಅವರು  ಲೇಖಕ ಶ್ರೀ  ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಹತ್ವಾರ್ ರವರ ,ಪುಸ್ತಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ  ನಿರ್ಮಾಣದ  ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ ಎದುರಿಸಿದ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ , ಕಂಡುಕೊಂಡ  ಪರಿಹಾರ ಎಲ್ಲವನ್ನು ಒಂದು ಕಥೆಯೆ ರೂಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯರೀಗೂ ಅರ್ಥವಾಗುವ ರೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ಪಡಿಸುವಲ್ಲಿ ಯಶಸ್ವಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು. ಭಾರತೀಯ  ಗಾಢಾಂತರಿಕ್ಷ  ಕೇಂದ್ರವು  ಚಂದ್ರಯಾನ  ಹಾಗೂ  ಇತ್ತಿಚೇಗೆ  ಕಳುಹಿಸಿದ , ಮಂಗಳಯಾನ ಉಪಗ್ರಹ ಯಶಸ್ವೀ  ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣದಲ್ಲಿ ವಹಿಸಿದ ಪಾತ್ರವನ್ನು ಹೊಗಳುತ್ತಾ, ಈ  ಯೋಜನೆಯು ಭಾರತೀಯ  ಬಾಹ್ಯಾಕಾಶ  ಒಂದು ಮೈಲಿ ಗಲ್ಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು. ಇದು ಭಾರತ ದಲ್ಲೇ  ವಿನ್ಯಾಸಗೊಂಡು  ಭಾರತೀಯರೇ ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಿ ದ ಒಂದು ವೈಜಾನಿಕ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ವಾಗಿದೆ .ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾ ಇದು ನಮ್ಮ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿ ಯವರ ಕನಸಿನ ,"ಮೇಡ್ ಇನ್ ಇಂಡಿಯ " ಪರಿಕಲ್ಪನೆಗೆ ಒಂದು ಉತ್ತಮ  ಮಾದರಿಯಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದರು.  ಓದುಗರು ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕವನ್ನು ಓದಿ ಪ್ರೋಸ್ಸಾಯಿಸುವರೆಂದು ನಂಬಿರುವುದಾಗಿ  ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು

ಡಾ .ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್  ಈ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಮಾಜಿ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಾಗಿದ್ದರು ,ಹಾಗೂ ಈ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರು ವಹಿಸಿದ ಪಾತ್ರ ,ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಮಹತ್ತರವಾಗಿದೆ.

ನಂತರ  ಲೇಖಕರಾದ , ಶ್ರೀ .ಹತ್ವಾರ್  ,ತಮ್ಮಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ  ಹಾಗೂ  ಈ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ  ಆದ ಅನುಭವನ್ನು ಮತ್ತು  ವಹಿಸಿದ  ಎಲ್ಲ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳು , ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳ  ಪಾತ್ರವನ್ನು ನೆನಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡರು. ಅವರು , ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ವನ್ನು ಹೊರತರುವಲ್ಲಿ ಸಹಕರಿಸಿದ ಎಲ್ಲರೀಗೂ ತಮ್ಮ ಕೃತಜ್ಞತೆಯನ್ನು   ವ್ಯಕ್ತ ಪಡಿಸುತ್ತಾ ,ಹಾಗೂ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕಕ್ಕೆ  ಮುನ್ನುಡಿಯನ್ನು ಬರೆದುಕೊಟ್ಟ , ಹಿರಿಯ  ವಿಜ್ಞಾನಿ ,ಹಾಗೂ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಭಾಹ್ಯಾಕಾಶ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ ಮಾಜಿ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ,ಡಾ .ಯು .ರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ  ರಾವ್ ತಮ್ಮ ಹ್ರತ್ಪೂರ್ವಕ ಅಭಿನಂದನೆಯನ್ನು  ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು .

ನಂತರ  ಕೆಲವು ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞರು ತಮ್ಮ ಹಳೆಯ  ನೆನಪುಗಳನ್ನು ಹಂಚಿಕೊಂಡರು. . ಶ್ರೀ  ಜಯಪ್ರಸಾದ್  ರವರು ವಂದನಾರ್ಪಣೆಯನ್ನು ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು.

INDIAN DEEP SPACE NETWORK- MARS NOT TOO FAR

ನನ್ನ ಪುಸ್ತಕ   ,"  INDIAN DEEP SPACE NETWORK- MARS NOT TOO FAR  " ನ್ನು  , ಸೆಪ್ಟೆಂಬರ್  ೨೮ ,೨೦೧೬ ರಂದು , ಭಾರತೀಯ  ಬಾಹ್ಯಾಕಾಶ  ಸಂಸ್ಥಗೆ

ಸೇರಿದ ,ಭಾರತೀಯ ಡೀಪ್ ಸ್ಪೇಸ್ ನೆಟ್ವರ್ಕ್ ,ಕೇಂದ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ , ಆ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಾದ  ಶ್ರೀ ಆಂಜನೇಯಲು  ಅವರು ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಮಾಡಿದರು. . ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ,ಭಾರತೀಯ ಉಪಗ್ರಹ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಮಾಜಿ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಾದ ಡಾ . ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್ ,ಹಾಗೂ ಈ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ  ಉಪನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಾದ  ಶ್ರೀ .ವಿ.ವಿ. ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸನ್ ಮತ್ತು ಹಲವಾರು ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞರು ,ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು .

 ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಡಾ .ಆಂಜನೇಯಲು ಸ್ವಾಗತ  ಭಾಷಣ ಮಾಡಿದರು.  ಮುಖ್ಯ ಅಥಿತಿಯಾದ ,ಡಾ . ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್  ರವರು , ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಲೇಖಕರಾದ  ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಹತ್ವಾರ್  ರವರನ್ನು, ಶಾಲು ಹೊದಿಸಿ ಸನ್ಮಾನಿಸಿದರು . ನಂತರ ," ಇಂಡಿಯನ್ ಡೀಪ್ ಸ್ಪೇಸ್ ನೆಟ್ವರ್ಕ್ -ಮಾರ್ಸ್ ನಾಟ್ ಟೂ ಫ಼ಾರ್" ಎನ್ನುವ  ಇಂಗ್ಲಿಷ್ ಪುಸ್ತಕವನ್ನು ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಮಾಡಲಾಯಿತು

ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭ ದಲ್ಲಿ  ಡಾ ಆಂಜನೇಯುಲು ಮಾತನಾಡುತ್ತ ಭಾರತೀಯ  ಗಾಢಾಂತರಿಕ್ಷ  ಕೇಂದ್ರ ದ , ಸ್ಥಾಪನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ , ಇಸ್ಟ್ರಾಕ್  ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ,ಪಾತ್ರವನ್ನು ಶ್ಲಾಘಿಸಿದರು  ಡಾ . ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ , ಭಾರತೀಯ  ಗಾಢಾಂತರಿಕ್ಷ  ಕೇಂದ್ರದ  ನಿರ್ಮಾಣದ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದ  ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಸಂಸ್ಧೆಗಳನ್ನು ,ಹಾಗೂ  ಇದಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಹಗಲು ರಾತ್ರಿ ದುಡಿದ  ಎಲ್ಲಾ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿ ಗಳನ್ನು  ನೆನಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡರು. ಅವರು  ಲೇಖಕ ಶ್ರೀ  ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಹತ್ವಾರ್ ರವರ ,ಪುಸ್ತಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ  ನಿರ್ಮಾಣದ  ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ ಎದುರಿಸಿದ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ , ಕಂಡುಕೊಂಡ  ಪರಿಹಾರ ಎಲ್ಲವನ್ನು ಒಂದು ಕಥೆಯೆ ರೂಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯರೀಗೂ ಅರ್ಥವಾಗುವ ರೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ಪಡಿಸುವಲ್ಲಿ ಯಶಸ್ವಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು. ಭಾರತೀಯ  ಗಾಢಾಂತರಿಕ್ಷ  ಕೇಂದ್ರವು  ಚಂದ್ರಯಾನ  ಹಾಗೂ  ಇತ್ತಿಚೇಗೆ  ಕಳುಹಿಸಿದ , ಮಂಗಳಯಾನ ಉಪಗ್ರಹ ಯಶಸ್ವೀ  ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣದಲ್ಲಿ ವಹಿಸಿದ ಪಾತ್ರವನ್ನು ಹೊಗಳುತ್ತಾ ,ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ವಿಷಯವನ್ನು ಎಲ್ಲರೀಗೂ  ಅರ್ಥ ವಾಗುವ  ರೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಂಡಿಸಿರುವ ವಿಚಾರವನ್ನು  ಶ್ಲಾಘಿಸಿದರು .  ಓದುಗರು ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕವನ್ನು ಓದಿ ಪ್ರೋಸ್ಸಾಯಿಸುವರೆಂದು ನಂಬಿರುವುದಾಗಿ  ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು

ಡಾ .ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್  ಈ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಮಾಜಿ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಾಗಿದ್ದರು ,ಹಾಗೂ ಈ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರು ವಹಿಸಿದ ಪಾತ್ರ ,ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಮಹತ್ತರವಾಗಿದೆ.

ನಂತರ  ಲೇಖಕರಾದ , ಶ್ರೀ .ಹತ್ವಾರ್  ,ತಮ್ಮಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ  ಹಾಗೂ  ಈ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ  ಆದ ಅನುಭವನ್ನು ಮತ್ತು  ವಹಿಸಿದ  ಎಲ್ಲ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳು , ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳ  ಪಾತ್ರವನ್ನು ನೆನಪಿಸಿಕೊಂಡರು. ಅವರು , ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ವನ್ನು ಹೊರತರುವಲ್ಲಿ ಸಹಕರಿಸಿದ ಎಲ್ಲರೀಗೂ ತಮ್ಮ ಕೃತಜ್ಞತೆಯನ್ನು   ವ್ಯಕ್ತ ಪಡಿಸುತ್ತಾ ,ಹಾಗೂ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕಕ್ಕೆ  ಮುನ್ನುಡಿಯನ್ನು ಬರೆದುಕೊಟ್ಟ , ಹಿರಿಯ  ವಿಜ್ಞಾನಿ ,ಹಾಗೂ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಭಾಹ್ಯಾಕಾಶ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ ಮಾಜಿ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ,ಡಾ .ಯು .ರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ  ರಾವ್ ತಮ್ಮ ಹ್ರತ್ಪೂರ್ವಕ ಅಭಿನಂದನೆಯನ್ನು  ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು .

ನಂತರ  ಕೆಲವು ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞರು ತಮ್ಮ ಹಳೆಯ  ನೆನಪುಗಳನ್ನು ಹಂಚಿಕೊಂಡರು. . ಶ್ರೀ  ಜಯಪ್ರಸಾದ್  ರವರು ವಂದನಾರ್ಪಣೆಯನ್ನು ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು.

Swachh Bharath” Program and the challenges ahead of us

“Swachh Bharath” Program and the challenges ahead of us

The PRIME MINISTER of India on the Independence Day announced, one of the favorite and pet program perhaps very close to his heart namely “ Swacch Bharath”.  Since, then  we  have been seeing many people including the rich and famous  and powerful  are holding the broom and  cleaning the  roads and other public places. PM has made many famous celebrities and public figures as the goodwill ambassadors for carrying forward the  Swachh Bharath movement. Many corporate houses lauded this program, and came forward to fund for building the toilets in schools etc. What else is needed to make this program success and sustainable? What are the challenges  and impediments to achieve the Swachh Bharath?

1.   Mindset Change-Indians have a habit of taking things very seriously in the beginning and quickly get disillusioned when things do not go as per their plan. Desperation sets in and pointing fingers starts. Oh! Nothing works here , see in foreign countries it works, but not here. Our people when they go there maintain cleanliness ,but when they come here they just do the opposite here. Is it true?

2.   Slogans: No program should end with only slogans. Sloganeering will help for some time , then we forget it and carry on our  old habit of throwing garbage in public places.

3.   Awareness: Educating the people on why we should  keep the public places clean is extremely important. Using the media both print and visual,  effectively to create an awareness and educating the  people will  help in sustaining the tempo of the programme. But we saw this seriousness in the beginning and slowly it seems to have lost the heat.

4.   Infrastructure: Without creating  the necessary infrastructure to keep the public place clean it is futile to talk of cleanliness. For EX:  where are affordable clean toilets in public places to prevent  the people  p..ing  in the public places? Where are waste disposable collection bins, in public places, parks and roads ? Where is Garbage disposable bins in  each locality? These are only few things  which are required before we ask people for cleanliness.

5.   Facilities for women: Our women folks most disadvantaged people in our society . While men folk  do  p—ing in public , women obviously cannot do that. Where is the facility for them.?Even our bus stand and railway stations toilets are maintained in  shabby condition, and  if anybody goes there they will certainly  catch infection. Therefore we must  make people to provide clean toilets in service stations, hotels, malls, railway stations and bus stand, schools, shops etc that are  to be maintained clean condition so that the public can use them. Create as many paid toilets as possible. IF you can afford to give one rupee per Kg rice, why not free toilets. Unfortunately, priority is missing.

6.   Clean water:  Providing clean water should have been part of this programme. We as a  nation failed to provide clean drinking water to large section of people in the country. How can we claim developed nation, when only 10 percent of our people get clean drinking water?

7.   Clean food: Do any of the Indian hotels prepare food in  clean and hygienic condition? Not many. We have number of laws for prevention of food adulteration. None of these are really being implemented on ground. Officials appointed for implementing these laws, collect their cuts and allow them abuse the law.

8.   Role of civic bodies in Swatch Bharath program: Civic bodies, like Panchayaths, Municipalities and City Corporations role are most important in this program to make it a success. Sadly, most of the civic bodies are either starved of funds or corrupt. Wherever funds are available, half of it goes in the drain due to rampant corruption. EX: Look at Bangaluru Mahangar city corporation [BBMP] affairs. It is only famous for scams, inefficiency. Every day at least one scam is being reported involving crores of money being siphoned off, by fraudulent bill payment for unfinished or semi finished works. They are yet to take any interest in Swatch Bharath program. This kind problem is plaguing all civic bodies, and these institutions unfortunately are key to the success of this program.

Having said this, we would like to showcase the work of one of the very dynamic self help groups  namely ,CHEMIST BRIGADE, of Thygarajnagar , Bangaluru, who have taken upon themselves the SWACCH BHARATH program very seriously. They are so far completed 27 such programs. They are a set of young professional chemists, who will go to any public place with their own equipment to clean the public place along with ordinary safai karmacharis .No political ambitions and no gimmicks, selfless service being motto of this group. If Swachh Bharath program has to succeed, we need more such groups in each locality. This will not only help in improving cleanliness, but also help us to overcome inhibition to do such work, that has so far been treated with contempt. This will also improve morale of safai karmacharis whose yeoman service has not been recognized by larger community.

ಬೀchi  ಕನ್ನಡದ ಹೆಸರಾಂತ  ವಿಚಾರ ಭರಿತ ಹಾಸ್ಯ ಸಾಹಿತಿ.ಅವರು  ಸುಮಾರು ೪೦ ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ ತಿಂಮಾಯಣದಲ್ಲಿ  ಒಂದು ವಿಚಾರವನ್ನು ಹೇಳಿದ್ದರು . ತಿಮ್ಮನೀಗೆ ಒಮ್ಮೆ ಲಾಟರಿ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿತಂತೆ. ಆಗ ಆತ ಅದನ್ನು ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರ ಉಪಯೋಗಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ವಿನಿಯೋಗಿಸಲು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿದನಂತೆ.
ಮೊದಲು ಅವನು ಒಂದು ದೇವಸ್ತಾನವನ್ನು ಕಟ್ಟಲು ಯೋಚಿಸಿದನಂತೆ .ಆಗ , ಅವನಿಗೆ ಅನ್ನಿಸಿತಂತೆ,ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ ಕಟ್ಟಿಸಿದರೆ ಹಿಂದೂಗಳು ಮಾತ್ರ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಾರೆ , ಬೇರೆಯವರಿಗೆ ಅದರಿಂದ ಏನು ಉಪಯೋಗವಿಲ್ಲ.ಹಾಗೆ,ಒಂದು ಚರ್ಚ್,ಗುರುದ್ವಾರ ,ಮಸೀದಿ ಯಾವುದನ್ನೇ ಕಟ್ಟಿಸಿದಲ್ಲಿ , ಅದು ಆ ಪಂಗಡದವರೀಗೆ, ಉಪಯೋಗ  ಆದೀತೆ ಹೊರತು ಎಲ್ಲ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರ  ಉಪಯೋಗ  ಆಗುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಆಗ , ಅವನೀಗೆ ಒಂದು ಯೋಚನೆ ಬಂತಂತೆ.
ಜಾತಿ , ಮತ  ಮತ್ತು ಧರ್ಮಗಳ ಭೇದವಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಉಪಯೋಗಿಸುವುದು ಒಂದು ಜಾಗ . ಅದೇ , ಕಕ್ಕುಸ್ಸು ಮನೆ . ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಅವನು ಆರು ಟಾಯ್ಲೆಟ್  ಕಟ್ಟಿಸಿದನಂತೆ . ಮೋದಿಯವರು , ಇದನ್ನೇ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದಲ್ಲವೇ.Build Toilets not Temples

London and Discover Europe Tour -Our Experience

London and Discover Europe Tour our Experience:

London Tour

We took a package tour called London tour and  Discover Europe organized  by Star Tours U.K. whose office is located in Wimbley  London. We took a flight from Helsinki to London and  landed in Gatwick Airport on 31 AUG at 4:30 PM. Star Tours  arranged our pick up from Airport for which  they charge extra  45 pounds. [They arrange free pick and drop from Heathrow Airport] Journey from Gatwick to London is around 90 minutes which is avoidable.

After reaching Wembly, We had dinner in a Punjabi restaurant opposite Star Tours and then we were dropped in Quality Hotel which was  a reasonably good hotel. Next day, we were taken for sightseeing of London at 9 am. We were only four people and therefore they have provided us a light vehicle which was quite big and comfortable .Our co-passengers were a Jain couple from India, and they were excellent co passengers. Driver who had come to pick us on the previous day for airport pickup was the same person  who was driver cum guide for London sightseeing also.  Our itinerary started with a visit to SwamyNarayan temple. Since we have already seen a better temple at Ahmadabad, it did make any great impression on us. There was change of guard ceremony at Buckingham palace and our guide timed it so well that we could have full view of the same. Then we were taken to house of parliament, West Minister Abbey, Bigben, Trafalghar Square, Piccadilly Circus etc. The time given was so less we could hardly get a glimpse of such places. Of course we took some photographs near West Minister Abbey, Parliament house.

Then we were taken to London Eye. London Eye is a spinning wheel of 430 ft diameter with glass paneled trolleys fully covered, through which we can have full panoramic view of London. This is worth seeing and Star tour will arrange for fast track ticket for the same. Star tour does not offer lunch in London, read their offer very carefully before going. You are left in a place where u can have simple lunch. Our co passengers offered us some Jain lunch . There were many visiting places nearby we are not given  time to see them,of course not a part of itinerary also. After lunch we were taken to Madame Tussuads. This is the only place  where u are given plenty of time to see. U can take plenty of photographs with many wax models. After that if u want, u can see some horror shows, which we avoided to see. I would have loved if Star Tours had given more time in other places rather than this place.

Discover Europe Tour:

Day 1

Next day, we were asked to get up early in the morning and 5:00 AM  and  were taken to Star Tours office from which place the  Discover Europe  tour starts . There were many People who have got up at 3 am and came from  far off places  wanted use rest room and there was nothing nearby. Even paid rest rooms  opens only  at 7 am. Star Tours doesn't open at that time and advisable they make some arrangement for  rest rooms  for the convenience of the tourists. We are not given any time to take breakfast also. Better u take something for eating on the way. Our Guide, J.Patel arrived very late and therefore our tour started very late.   Wembly  to Dover it takes 90 minutes. From Dover we have to take a cruise to reach Calais. There was so much rush at this place u have to wait for Ur turn to get into cruise. J Patel somehow managed to get some priority.

Lunch is  arranged  on the way in some convenient place. Normally catering vehicle will follow the tourist vehicle and stop at a place where rest room and wash facility are available. Star Tour provides good vegetarian lunch, and therefore there is no need to carry any extra food except if you like some light refreshments.

We reached Brussels around 3:00 PM and we were taken near Grand palace area. Grand palace area is   visually very impressive where u can take some photographs. This is voted as the best square in Europe and actually the main market place in Brussels. After we were taken to Mannekin pis, which has some story attached to it. This is nothing  but a boy pissing from the top. The story goes the Belgium used this trick to distract enemy attention and thereby they could win the war! In India it is a common sight therefore it cannot work, where as in foreign land pissing in public is prohibited, like wise India kissing in public is prohibited!

Brussels is known for good chocolates and if u wish to buy, u can purchase few of them. Our next stop was at Atomium which is large steel structure of 102 mts height with nine spheres attached to it. It was established during EXPO 1958. Few photographs can be taken at this place. In the evening we were taken to Golden Tulip hotel   which was quite decent hotel, and about 90 minutes driving from this place. Next two nights we are going to stay there.

Day -2

Second day of our tour, first visit was to Mudurodam model village [during March to May month this visit will be replaced by visit to world famous tulip gardens] Mudurodam model gives in a nutshell the entire picture Netherlands. It was must visit place and u can spend useful time learn the various activities of Netherlands in single place. Then our next visit was to a place called Volendam where they demonstrate, how the cheese is made in Netherlands [75% of world cheese market is captured by Netherlands, and it is famous for dairy business. U can see hundreds of cows gracing the land throughout journey through Netherlands. It is great sight to see. After extracting Cheese from milk they feed the milk to cows. Even cows are lucky to be born in this country. In our country cow grazing area taken over Land mafia and cows are left on road to eat plastic bags!].  In the same place they demonstrate how the wooden boot called clog is made. If anybody wants to buy the same it is available for sale and is very expensive.

After lunch we were taken to model fishing village and the village is below the sea level and a wall has been built all along the sea to prevent sea water entering the village. This is a very beautiful village and where u can sip wine, if one wishes, in front of the sea.

Our next destination is Amsterdam one of the very modern and beautiful city in Netherlands. In Amsterdam whole city can be seen by tranquil cruise. On both side we see the buildings all along the river. Amsterdam once upon a time known for shipbuilding and Dutch businessmen are very rich and city is very liberal in nature.

One of the specialties of Amsterdam is Night life. This city, legally permits use marijuana. The beautiful girls are displayed [almost close to nudity] in showcase like dolls. Perhaps nowhere in the world we have seen such a thing. No photographs.

Day-3

On this  day  we enter Germany,city of Cologne .In this city one of most beautiful church, called cologne cathedral[ Dome church], which is having doom 157 feet height. Almost all churches in Europe are of similar design and like our temples they are  decorated beautifully. Architecture of each church is unique and beautiful.  Almost all cities in Europe surrounded by rivers and invariably beautiful Cruise will be there to enjoy  scenic beauty of the surrounding area.  We reached Bopard from where we had one hour cruise in River Rhine.During these cruise u can have beautiful view of surrounding area of vineyard and castles.  Rhine is the biggest river passing through Germany. U can have hot tea on board cruise [courtesy Star tours]. From here we were taken to hotel Residenz Limberahof for stay and this Hotel was very ordinary. Germany was  very  hot  and  unbearable during this time and, none of the hotels are provided with air conditioning. Small fans they provide were very ineffective. I had to sleep on the floor the whole night.

Till Day four we had Mr.  J.Patel as guide. He was not very responsive and  co-operative also. From next day onwards we had new guide Mr. J.J. [Mr. Mohammed fazal] who was an excellent guide and enjoyed his company through out  the remaining period of tour.

Day-4

On the Day four we left for Heidelberg.  The way to Heidelberg is surrounded by forests that  are called as black forests. The very tall pine trees never allow sun light to fall inside the forest. U can take the photographs of  surrounding area of the forest and also castles situated on top of a hill.  By noon we reached a place where cuckoo clocks are made. These clocks are made in wood and are very expensive. Unless u have real interest to buy one and also your purse permits you can buy a clock of Ur choice. I was given to understand even in Bangalore there is shop which undertakes repair of these clocks. However, one can buy simple piece as souvenir.   Now time has come to leave Germany to Switzerland,and  after entering Switzerland we were taken to see Rhine falls. The entry fee for reaching falls has to paid by us. It is not a very great falls when compared any some of the  great falls u might have already seen  like Jog falls or Niagara falls. But u can go by boat near the falls and take few photographs. One can  sip masala tea with lot of sugar after seeing the falls. On the way u will shown Zurich city for which u have to pay  extra five euro.  All European cities look almost alike and Zurich also is also a beautiful city. U can relax for some time before proceeding to Hotel Ramda in Engelberg in Switzerland. This hotel is an excellent hotel where u will enjoy Ur stay here.

Day-5

Once U  enter Switzerland the weather pattern itself changes .It is a very a beautiful place and weather is very comfortable. It was also raining and all mountains were covered with snow. Switzerland is having border with five countries and Switzerland has three official languages. All rich people from all over the world visit this place at least once in their life time. Nobody need to say it is a must visit place once in anybody's life time. Our bus will pass through  U shaped   Lauterbrunnen valley with either side snow covered mountains almost 1000 mts height. On either side of the road u can see beautiful villages. U can also see thousands of cows grazing on the mountain. All of us were given an option of visiting a beautiful waterfalls namely  Trummelbach waterfalls world’s only glacier water falls that is accessible by lifts, galleries ,tunnels and paths and platforms. [15  euro]. One has to climb the steps to reach the top of the falls.  In this  magnificent falls  u can see the beauty of water  20000 liters/sec   falling from a great height , with roaring sound, through the craters created by nature.

After this we were taken to railway station from where we took cog wheel train to reach top of the Mount Jungfrau [3454 meters] above the sea level. At this level oxygen is very low. One need to very careful that they will not exert  too much, and tire themselves. It was extremely cold also. On the top there was a ice palace which has statues formed by ice. One has to have right kind of shoes to walk on the ice. We could not go out and see the view of Aletsch glaciers because of poor visibility. We were given packed food before leaving to Jungfrau  . After seeing Jungfrau  our  train brought us  back to base station from where we  proceeded  to tourist resort Interlaken. We came to hotel and it was raining heavily. Weather was excellent and food was very good.In Switzerland and shopping is very expensive. U can see watches from few thousand rupees to several  lakhs .Window shopping is good a thing. However, Switzerland is famous for chocolates and one will not miss buying it.

Day-6

On the sixth day of our tour we were taken to climb Mount Titlis which is 10000 ft high. Here cable car rotating type will take to the top in three different  steps. U can have excellent view of  surrounding mountains covered with ice. U can take beautiful photographs of Swiss mountains, and landscapes with pine trees. Word cannot explain the beauty of this place.U will have extraordinary feeling of some new world which u have never imagined. Now I may know many people throng this place through the year . After reaching top u can do skating on the mountain  if u are an expert  in skating. Otherwise u have plenty of opportunities play on the icy mountains. U can also take photographs with statues Sharukh Khan and   Kajol  of Dilwale Dulhaniya fame  [ some scenes of the movie was shot here].

There is very good restaurant on Mount Titlis where u can have snacks with wine if u wish. Weather is ideal for this purpose. All beautiful moments must come to an end . We came down from Mount Titlis and proceeded to  see the Lion monument. The monument has a story. Monument was carved by Swedish sculptor , who was not paid for his work by SWISS[ Swiss people are always known as misers] then the sculptor carved a pig as background  meaning Swiss are pigs. This is the story told by our guide JJ ,we do not know how far it is true. Anyway it is not a great monument except for this interesting story. Then our bus reached Geneva at around 5 pm. We were taken to UN building,which is a very ordinary building .One can take the photos outside the building. Mahatma Gandhi statue outside the building is the real attraction for us. JJ has given sufficient caution about Geneva known which is known for theft of Passport, Wallet etc. U need to be extra careful in this place. We went around Geneva city and finally dropped at  v Geneva lake, where u can see many interesting things, like flower clock, boating and fountains. A festival was going on in this place, like our car festival in our place. After city tour of Geneva we were taken to business park hotel on the border of Switzerland and France. This is an excellent hotel and we enjoyed the stay here. Tomorrow 7^th day of our tour involves long drive to Paris.

Day-7

We reached Paris around 4 pm in the evening. Throughout the Journey we can see beautiful of landscapes and villages of France. In the Bus JJ  has arranged many games and competition for the inmates  for which he announced some prizes also. JJ  also played some movies on the request  of inmates. There is written test arranged for u on your general knowledge acquired during the tour. If have not heard him carefully through the tour then u are bound to fail. Through out the tour he gives good explanation of the places, geographical details, language spoken, important stories associated with it. JJ is a very interesting ,affable and good guide. We learnt later he is good Driver also. We enjoyed his company through out.

At this time it is appropriate to tell something about our bus driver Mr. Bill, who is six foot  tall  sturdy personality. He has good temperament and conscious of his responsibility. Very safe driver. Every alternative day he has to unload and load luggages  of 35 peopl;, but never feels worked up with such jobs. He took lot of pride in doing this job, which rarely see in the drivers of our country.

Our team had only few youngsters, rest all are above sixty. We had people who even had open heart surgery. There were few aged women who were not accompanied by any young people. Some of them even cannot walk quickly. In  Europe there are many places u have to walk a long distance. We should appreciate STAR TOURS to accept such people on international tour .

As regards to food many of us were vegetarians  and a few of them  were non vegetarians. There were Jains  also. Food is catered to all types of people. Throughout the journey we had good food.

We reached Paris  at around 4 pm. Paris perhaps is the only city in the world every body like visit at least once  in his/her life time. Europe tour remains incomplete if u do not see Paris. Once u reach Paris Ur original itinerary will change depending on the rush in each place. Our Paris tour first started with viewing Paris by cruise in Seine River, which approximately takes one hour. Cruise is perfectly designed to view all important structures like Eiffel tower, Musec  d’ orsay museum, Notre dame cathedral [400 feet tall], National Assembly, Les Invalides etc. After that we had  a early dinner in the  Hotel  Novotel ,Palaiseau , where we were  going to stay for next  two  days; we left  for  seeing Paris by night. Paris  is a charming city to see at night with all its beautiful structures illuminated during night of  Champs Elysees[largest square], beautiful  Arc de Triomphe[ war memorial of Napoleon],palace de la Concorde  and finally Eiffel tower illumination at exactly  11 PM. We can enjoy seeing in full grandeur of Paris and one can’t but get mesmerized  by  the beauty of this city.

Day -8

Next day our first visit was to Louvre Museum. This is such a large museum, the time given 90 minutes is just not sufficient at all. May be this requires one full day even to walk through the entire area. Even the painting section where famous painting of Monalisa is kept requires more time than what is given. One can not enjoy this place in hop in hop out type of tours. After noon we were scheduled to see Eiffel tower therefore we had to rush back.  Eiffel tower  is a world famous structure [   300 mts tall weighing 7300 tons] there are Three  stages[ 58 ,115,276 mts] which u can reach by elevator and take 360 degree picture of Paris and also enjoy the visual beauty of Paris. We spend about 2 hours over this structure and it is once in life time opportunity for anybody to see Paris. Night may still  bebetter we do not know. After reluctantly descending from Eiffel tower, we were taken to Fragonards perfume museum, where we were explained how perfume is made. U will also have opportunity to buy perfume there. Of course I suggest u purchase perfume on the way back in the cruise from Calais to Dover, where in u have plenty of varieties at affordable cost is available [duty free shops inside the cruise]. U get plenty of Swiss Chocolates also on the cruise.  The day ends with a visit Avenue des champs – elysees, where u can relax for some time.

Day-9

The final day of our tour will start with visit Versailles gardens and Palace. Visit to palace is not possible due to paucity of time. However u can visit a portion of this large garden by taking golf cart on rent. U have to drive yourself. Do not forget to take your driving license. I have driven this golf cart with two old ladies who could not walk to see the garden. They also provide u a map. It is not possible to see this garden of 800 hectares by walk in the limited time available. Construction of Versailles garden as well as Palace costed  so much for French citizens, they  were taxed beyond their capacity to pay, due to which they had to starve.  This led to French revolution and the king was assassinated by people.

After visiting Versailles  garden we were taken for lunch in Bhojan restaurant and then we left for London through Calais, channel crossing and bid farewell group. We reached wimbley by 10 PM. Star Tours offered us complimentary dinner, after which we are back home,  with very  a nice feeling of having enjoyed nice tour of  Discover Europe with team of  unknown but friendly people. We thanked our guide JJ and the bus driver Mr. Bill   for their co-operation and made our tour memorable one.
General: Star Tours is the ideal tour operaters for specially for vegetarians. It is better u strictly follow the advise of the guide in terms of safety of Ur Passport,wallet and personal effects. You need on an average 30 euros per day for meeting contingency expenditure.Major Shopping extra. 

West Minister Abey and Bigben LONDON

Grand Palace  Brussels

Atomium Brussels

Mudurodam model village

Mannekin Pis

Discover Europe Team

Paris by Night-Avenue des champs Elysees

Eiffel tower by Night

Panaramic View Paris from Eiffel tower

On top of Mount Titllis[DDLJ]

Flower clock Geneva

Rakshasaru

1.  ರಾಕ್ಷಸರರು 

ಕವಿ ಗೋಪಾಲಕೃಷ್ಣ  ಅಡಿಗರು  ಬಹಳ  ಹಿಂದೆ ರಕ್ಷಸರರು ಎಂಥ ಒಂದು ಪ್ರಭಂದವನ್ನು  ಬರೆದದ್ದು ನನಗೆ ನೆನಪಿದೆ. ರಾಕ್ಷಸರು ಅಂದರೆ  ಯಕ್ಷಗಾನದ ಪಾತ್ರಧಾರಿಯಂತೆ  ಬಣ್ಣ ಬಣ್ಣದ ವೇಷ ದರಿಸಿರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಅವರು  ಎಲ್ಲರಂತೆ    ಸಭ್ಯರಂತೆ ಕಾಣುತ್ತಾರೆ .ಮೃದು  ಭಾಷಿಗಳಾ ಗಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ . ಆದರ್ಶದ  ಮಾತು ಅವರ ತುಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿ  ಇರುತ್ತದೆ.  ಅವರು ಸ್ನೇಹ ಪ್ರಿಯರು ಆಗಿರಬಹುದು .

ಕ್ರಮೇಣ ಅಧಿಕಾರ ,ಸ್ಥಾನ , ಮಾನ  ಸಿಕ್ಕಿದನ್ತೆಲ್ಲ  ಯಿವರು ಬದಲಾಗುತ್ತ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಾರೆ . ಇವರ  ಜನಪರ  ಕಾಳಜಿ  ಕಡಿಮೆ ಆಗುತ್ತೆ . ತಾನೊಬ್ಬ  ದೊಡ್ಡ  ಹೀರೋ  ಅಂತ  ಭಾವಿಸಲಿಕ್ಕೆ  ಸುರು ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ . ತಾನು ಮುಂದೆ ಬರಲು ಕಾರಣರಾದವರನ್ನ  ದೂರ ಇಡಲು ಸುರು ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ . ಹೊಸ ಸಂಭಂದವನ್ನು ,ಹೊಸ ಚಟಗಳನ್ನು  ಪಡೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾ  ತಮ್ಮನ್ನೇ ತಾವು ಪ್ರೀತಿಸುತ್ತ  ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಯಾರು ಕೇಳುವರಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂಬುವಂತೆ  ವರ್ತಿಸತೊಡಗುತ್ತಾರೆ . ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಇವರ ಅವಸಾನ

ಶುರುವಾಯಿತೆಂದು  ತಿಳಿಯಬೇಕು . ಅರುಣ್ ತೇ ಜಪಾಲ್  ಆಗಿದ್ದು  ಇದೇ .ರಾಜಕಾರಣಿ ಗಳೀಗೆ  ಸಿಂಹ   ಸ್ವಪ್ನ ವಾಗಿದ್ದ  ಈತ   ತಾನೊಬ್ಬ  ಹೀರೋ  ಎಂದು ಭಾವಿಸತೊಡಗಿದ . ಹೊಗಳು  ಭಟರನ್ನು  ತನ್ನ ಸುತ್ತಲು  ಬೆಳೆಸಿಕೊಂಡ . ನೈತಿಕ ಅಧ :ಪ ಥ ನದ ದಾರಿ ಹಿಡಿದ . ಈ ಗ  ತನ್ನ ಸುತ್ತ ಯಿರುವ ಎಲ್ಲ ಹೊಗಳು  ಭಟ್ಟರು  ಮಾಯವಾಗುತ್ತಾರೆ . ಆತ  ಏಕಾಂಗಿ ಆಗುತ್ತಾನೆ .

ಇವನು ಒಂದು ರಾಕ್ಷಸ ಎಂಬ ಅರಿವು  ಮೊದಲೇ  ಎಲ್ಲರೀಗೂ  ಗೊತ್ತಾಗಿದ್ದರೆ  ಈತನ ಅಧ:ಪಥನ ಆಗುತ್ತಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ . ಓಬ್ಬ  ಪ್ರಥಿಬಾವಂಥನ  ಅವಸಾನ ವಾಗುತ್ತಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ . ನೈತಿಕ ತೆಯನ್ನು  ಬೇರೆಯವರಿಂದ ಬಯಸುವವರು ತಾವು ಪರಿಶುದ್ದರಾಗಿರಬೇಕಂಬ  ಕನಿಷ್ಟ  ಅರಿವು  ಈತನಿಗಿಲ್ಲದೆ  ಹೋ ಯಿತಲ್ಲ  ಎನ್ನುವುದೇ ದುರ್ದೈವ . ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ  ಮೇಲೆ ಹೋಗುವುದು ತುಂಬಾ ಕಷ್ಟ . ಕೆಳೆಗೆ ಬೀಳುವುದು ತುಂಬಾ ಸುಲಭ ."

Norway a Heaven on Earth.

Norway a Heaven on Earth.

Norway is the one of the most beautiful must visit Scandinavian country with ice covered mountains with panoramic landscapes, waterfalls, hills and valleys. This country once ruled by Vikings [most feared sea pirates] who have invaded every other nearest country including Europe looted them. Norway was well known for its ship building technology, people from many countries came here to learn the technology. After the discovery of oil in 1960 the Norway has become one of the oil rich country, catapulted the country to very high standard of life. The population of the country is around 5 million out of which 1.5 million migrated labors from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Somalia. The cost of living is highest among European and Scandinavian countries.

However this is one of the most beautiful countries on Earth and should be on the itinerary of anybody who visits Europe.

I my wife Leela, son Dhiraj and daughter in law Tejashree had planned to visit Norway for four days that involved some of the most important places in Norway. We took the evening flight from Helsinki to Oslo, reached Oslo at 10:30 PM. We checked into hotel near the railway station at 11:30 PM. Dhiraj has booked hotels very near to railway station so that commuting time is kept minimum. All Scandinavian countries and also European countries 

have excellent public transport system unlike USA and Canada.

Next day our Journey started from Oslo station to Myrdal. The train left Oslo at 8:00 AM and it was raining heavily outside. Train route to Myrdal a hill station was a feast for eyes for enjoying the natural beauty of Norway. The ice on the mountain has not fully melted although the summer has set in. It was pretty cold outside. The trains are very clean and it is pleasure to travel by train. The train is attached with a dining car that serves very good breakfast. We reached Myrdal at 12:30 PM. Myrdhal to flam is by another train. The train will decent from the hill through steep curves crossing through dense forests, water falls and valleys. This train route that was designed way back in 1940’s, is an engineering marvel. The train stops at one of the famous waterfalls where we can take photographs. All along the route we enjoy the nature’s beauty at its best. Our train reached Flam at 2:05PM. We had quick lunch at Flam. There is railway museum at Flam which gives the historic details of railway from Oslo to Myrdal and Flam.

Our next journey is through the cruise to Gudvangen. Approximately 1 km Wide River flows from Flam to Gudvangen in between steep hills. The hills are covered with thick forests and one can see the water falls at every 100mts.The journey to Gudvangen will give you ample opportunity for taking photographs of Norway’s natural beauty.

We reached Gudvangen at 5:30 PM. A bus was waiting for us to take us to VOSS. The road journey was like the one we see in Himalayas steep curves. Any mistake from the driver would land us thousands of feet below the valley.  The bus provided with a guide who would give explanation on Norwegian life, culture, education, sight seeing, population and other general information. We reached Voss around 6:30 PM. Norway during this time will have only five hours of night and same is the case with all Scandinavian  countries like Sweden, Finland  etc. When we reached Voss we were extremely hungry. Unfortunately, nothing was available for eating in the railway station. Voss is beautiful city of only 7000 people with large magnificent lakes [for them it is a big city].Weather this time of the year will excellent [June, July]. Our train reached Bergen which is the second largest city in Norway at 9:00 PM. After checking into Hotel we started searching for Veg restaurant. In these countries it is curse to be vegetarian. We could find a Chinese restaurant which offers one or two pure vegetarian menu. But while ordering food we should be very careful in telling them, no meat, no beef, and no egg etc .Otherwise you may find some of these ingredients in your food. We were so hungry the food offered by Chinese tasted very good.

Next day morning we got up at 7:30 AM and had a very fine continental breakfast in our hotel. Sightseeing by walk is ideal in these countries to enjoy the beauty of these cities. They are very small places one can walk around the city very easily barring OSLO.Bergan is port city on the western coast of Norway and it was once capital of Norway before Oslo was declared as capital. This place is well known for sea food and other delicacies. As we are vegetarians we could only enjoy the look of it. We took some good photographs of fisherman wharf. Panoramic view of Bergen can be had from the top of Ulrich hill, which can be reached by cable car. Old city has a beautiful century old wooden structure   which is even today esthetically preserved.

In Bergen we wanted to have Indian food. We could locate a Punjabi restaurant in the city .We had some Nans and Pulav. It was a bad decision to have Indian food in these places .Immediately, after having food our stomach started troubling us and we had to take few medicines to restore it back to normal condition. In these countries it is better to follow their food habits than ours.

 In the afternoon at 3:00 PM we took a cruise to Stavanger. In these countries it is pleasure to travel by cruise. Cruise offers everything, good food, entertainment and for wine lovers it is a haven. Duty free shops offer all sorts of articles which is cheaper than outside. A short journey by cruise is really enjoyable. We reached Stavanger at 9:00 PM. As I already told you, day or night there is no problem in these places; we have all the time light. The hotel staff at Stavanger was extremely courteous and rooms were excellent. Breakfast was also good. They will also allow you to eat our own food, if you have carried something. Next day morning after breakfast we left for Tau by cruise for our adventures Journey to Pulpit Rock.

At Tau a bus was waiting for us to take us to base camp of Pulpit Rock. It was raining heavily and we had too little information about the Journey we are undertaking. My wife and daughter in law, purchased rain coat but I and my son had only Jerkin. We decided to brave the way to Pulpit rock top, which is About 3.8 Kms one way and around 700 Mts Tall. One would take around 2 ½ to 3 hrs to reach the top of the rock which is standing vertically over River stream.One can have the Panoramic view of this rock and River below. But there is no easy way to reach there. One has to carry food and water as the journey will be extremely tiresome. The journey is so physically demanding it was not meant for people like us. However after deciding to go by this route there is no looking back. Our Journey was further made difficult by rain and clouds. The path was not visible beyond few yards. If you do a small mistake you are bound to fall and injure yourself. It took us 3 hours to reach the top .By the time we reached we were so physically exhausted we took some energy drinks and cookies to reclaim energy.  We were  so fortunate after reaching there  sun god opened his eyes  ,we could see the awesome view of the rock and surrounding areas which cannot explained in words and can only be experienced. We spent an hour at this place taking photographs. One would find it difficult to leave this place and it is once life time experience.

We spent equal amount of time to reach the base camp. We could realize how difficult it is to climb down than going up. It was more challenging and physically more demanding. After reaching Stavanger we were so much exhausted it was necessary to take a hot shower to restore our energy. Hotel was kind enough to offer this service even though we have vacated the room in the morning. It may normal for all guests to make such requests.

After dinner we had planned to leave by train to OSLO. Train leaves by 10:00 Pm reaches Oslo by in the morning. In Oslo we have decided to go for sightseeing after putting our luggage in clock room. But yesterday’s adventure had serious effect on our ability to walk. Oslo is place where we have to see lot of places. In these countries the local transport is extremely good unlike USA and Canada. Oslo we first visited noble peace prize centre, where we c could see the Nobel peace prize winners photographs. Nobel peace prize is given at OSLO and other Nobel prizes are given at Swedish academy of science located in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. After visiting Nobel centre we went Vigeland stone sculpture Nobel peace prize museum

 Park where we could see world renowned stone sculptures created by renowned sculptor Gustav. Afterwards we visited Viking Museum where old ship used by Viking is kept. There is not much to see there and entry fee was ridiculously high. By this time me and wife so exhausted due to previous days tiresome journey we were no mood   to see anything .We could not visit the opera house which is another magnificent modern monument. We had to be satisfied with what we have seen so far and our visit to Norway was coming to close. We took evening flight back to Helsinki, where we stayed for almost two and half months.

View of Bergen city

Oslo railway sation

  

In between we visited several countries, like Estonia, Sweden, England, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, switzer land and Paris. One thing common I have seen in these countries is excellent infrastructure, like roads, transport system, by sea, land and by air, which we cannot see any other part of the world.

What makes feel sad is that our country perhaps unique in the world and  whatever we saw in those countries are available in our country in abundance. We have history of more the 3000 yrs. We have magnificent structures like Tajmahal, Fatepur sikhri,Sun temple ,Kazuraho ,Belur and Halebeed,Magnificient temples of Madurai and Tanjavur  in Tamilnadu,Ajantha ,Ellora  cave painting ,Historical monuments of Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi, Palaces of  Rajastan and Mysore ,Akshara dhama temple,Kutub Minar,Bahai centre,lal kila at Delhi ,Bulbaiya of Luknow, Gir lion sanctuary,Bengal Tiger sanctuary,innumerable number of zoos where we all animals in the world,Sanchi stoopas,Bodh Gaya , Golden temple  at Amritsar, beautiful Himalayas and  heaven earth Kashmir and Sikkim and longest beach of Goa to mention a few. India is total package of  culture, heritage where monuments created  by  all religions in the world can be found which no other country in the world has and can be proud of.

But unfortunately, we do not know how to showcase natural  treasure we have to outside world. Our infrastructure is awful. We showcase filth and not our national  treasure. When do we realize this? Why we have to travel abroad when we have everything here. Only difference between those countries and ours is we have messed up everything. We have no pride about our heritage and our national monuments. Travel within our country so hazardous, unsafe and unhygienic which will discourage all of us to take tour and  there is no wonder it will discourage outsiders. We do not know how to showcase our rich heritage. It is sad commentary on a country which aspires to become super po

Dhiraj on top of Pulpit rock

Nobel peace centre

Panoramic view of Norway

Pulpit Rock

One of the famous water falls

Cruise to Gudvangen

Nobel peace prize Museum