Kunzum; The Cool Travel Cafe!

“Travelling excites me!”  This is that one feeling that brings a lot of people together, together at Kunzum.  Kunzum is a world created especially for travel enthusiasts. It is a place where travelers from around every corner can meet and exchange their experiences. They can tell people how they explored a beautiful city and talk about its charm and magnificence. It has that soothing environment which helps people make new friends and even future travel partners, over a cup of coffee which is nearly free! Yes, another exciting feature about Kunzum is that you get to have coffee and cookies for the money of your choice.  There is this vintage box in which you just drop in whatever money you wish to give them for the yummy chocolate cookies they serve you. Amused, aren't you? Well, there is a lot more.

Kunzum is one of its kind cafe currently running only in Hauz Khas Village, only in Delhi, the only cafe in India! Visitors get to record their experiences in the scrapbooks available at the cafe or writing interesting lines on the spoons and pinning them up on the pin boards. Kunzum provides its visitors with a well maintained library containing travel books which can be relied upon for guides and travelogues. All of this in a place with ‘moodhas’ to sit and read is surely a delight to us crazy, book freaks! You can bring in your own piece of writing and spend hours at the place wandering in your thoughts and creating a new ‘Sherlock Holmes’. Visitors at the café are lured by the amazing photographs displayed at the walls. These pictures are a master piece of the owner and creator of Kunzum, Mr Ajay Jain.

It is often said that random thoughts and ideas create a master piece. Indeed, it is to be believed once you have been to Kunzum. Kunzum Travel café was inaugurated in 2007, as I mentioned earlier, with no idea of its survival among others and since then has gained a lot of popularity among youth. Usually students visit Kunzum and have a time of their own discussing issues or at times just relaxing. It has in recent times become a platform for conducting discussions and conferences. People from different spaces of life come here and add to the diversity in the place. To add on to the excitement, Kunzum also organizes film screenings twice a week, once in collaboration with Magic Lantern Films Society.  What a delight to all the movie buffs! It further provides with opportunities to attend interactive talks and workshops by travellers, photographers, writers and other relevant personalities or the luxury time to simply sit back and enjoy musicians jam around.

Kunzum has become the ‘It’ place for the youth and is usually always blooming with people sitting with coffee mugs and reading books, or maybe the ones like me, just talking!

P.S. Yes! I've been going to Kunzum for a year now..the reason for this post is a friend who hadn't even heard of it! 

Mumbai: paradise within

"I fell a little out of place as the couples sitting next to me in the compartment got a little cozy." Did I not mention earlier; Mumbai is a famous honeymoon destination too. However, any feelings of apprehension that I had about visiting the place alone went right out of the window as the train arrived at the Mumbai Central Station and I forgot about everything.

Mumbai is like a really gratifying meal. It has all the right flavors, topped with perfect ingredients, perfectly blend together. Due to its colonial history and immense multicultural diversity, there seems to be something for everybody. It is an enigma of sorts, but a beautiful one at that. It's as modern as you can get and traditional at the same time. When one walks its streets, she is sure to get awe struck by the ultra modern architecture and cars juxtaposed with small tea stalls and vendors. It is a city so metaphoric that it gives life a new meaning; a phoenix in itself.

I took a cab from the station to my hotel in Juhu, welcomed by the traffic jam. Mumbai is a city missing curves; don't apply your brains it simply implies that there are few alternative routes to reach a place. So traffic is inevitable. Switching over to my feelings, every passing moment brought within a sense of anticipation. For, I was here in Mumbai!

The next morning I set forth to the famous place of worship, 'Haji Ali'. The most intriguing thing for me was that it was a mosque built in the middle of the sea connected through a walk able path way! You often get wet on the path way by the huge sea waves. Perhaps 'Allah' washes your sins away before you enter his home. A place so pure, so tranquil that it soothes every inch of your heart and overloads you with positive energy. Your soul will bless you for going there. I decided to stay there to witness dusk overtaking dawn and the 'dargah' being lit up by small yellow lights making it look like a shining star amidst the dark sea. There was a lot about the place that put me into a state of blissful inertia.

Elephanta caves were the next target destination that I decided to conquer on my second day in the city. It is an island so beautiful where dense green forests run down steep slopes and eventually flatten into meadows where the caves are situated just before balding near the thrashing shore. Covering a two hour distance from the Gateway of India didn’t bother me much; instead it gave me the pleasure of riding on a ferry and watching the giant navy ships. A mini train runs from the ferry dock up till the long set of 200 stairs taking you up the island to the caves. The caves exhibit sculptures of Lord Shiva and other deities of the Hindu mythology. The sculptures portray Lord Shiva dancing and standing with his family along with Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. The place mesmerizes you with its centuries old heritage and interesting stories about them and has been given the title of the world heritage site. The place is also a habitat for a lot of monkeys, either hanging around the trees or sitting near the staircase. Besides the caves they are second most important attraction for the eyes of the tourists. The hills have also been a hot spot for various movie shoots.

You must be wondering how I could possibly ignore the legendary 'Gateway of India' and move forward to the Elephanta caves. It’s just that I wanted to visit the three glorious buildings together. The three buildings which give us an example of courage and perseverance; the three buildings which have faced the greatest of terror attacks, the three phoenix of Mumbai; the Gateway of India, the TajMahal hotel and the Trident hotel. They teach us how we can rise from the ashes and start afresh. Besides, the Gateway of India is a historic building signifying the "monumental memento" of colonialisation by the British. The gateway stands as a symbol of the "power and majesty" of the British Empire; it still is. So, I considered giving it more importance.

On my way back to the hotel, I decided to shop and the best place to do so when you’re on a budget trip is the Colaba market. Colaba market is a display of colors and lights. It offers a shopaholic the heaven of markets. It has something for everyone.I managed to bag a dress and some earrings, my favorite! What made me happier was that it rained. Think rains. Think vadapao. Think Mumbai. It goes like that. After some walking around and getting wet, I found a little shop offering me tea and vadapao that warmed me up instantly. Oops! Did I forget to mention that I was walking through the marine drive?

I dedicated my last day to the beaches, challi’s and movies. How could you possibly not watch movies in the city of dreams? The Juhu chawpati has been the best chawpati ever. Not that I visited any other though! It had challi stalls, paobhaji stalls, paanipoori and things enough for my taste buds.

Like they say you don’t know what you are missing until you know what you are missing! Mumbai has a way of connecting and before you know it under the sea and its starlit sky you end up taking a little bit of Mumbai back with you. May be this is why even those who aren’t from the city fit in just as well if not better. I’d love to visit it again and be a part of this quaint town I was almost starting to fit in.

P.S. On your way back home, visiting Goa is just another amazing brilliant idea!

Tashi Delek

Well, I was done with giving my final exams and as I thought to myself, I decided that now is the time to complete my movie.

Back in February when we had to submit our final projects in college, I was motivated and inspired to go and shoot the story of Tibetans living in exile. Though the final project got submitted on time; I never could complete the film. Maybe because of the timelessness we faced (freelancing and studying mass communication together really don’t leave you with enough time to even sleep!)

So, meanwhile just to keep my thoughts alive I have been reading a lot of books and articles about the recent developments (read increased sufferings) in Tibet.

It has been 119 Self Immolation now. It was 102 back then, when I had gone to Dharamshala. 17 deaths in just 4 months! And I would want to reiterate these are not just deaths; these are the portrayal of inhumanity of a system perpetrated in the name of progress and ideology.

I don’t know why, but every time I try to be practical and rational and make the movie my sentiments, rather my conscience forces me to look towards these people with the eyes of compassion. How could you not feel for the people who have been forced to leave their country, who live with the insecurities of new ideas and new world taking over their 2000 years old culture?

It is not only their sufferings at the end of Chinese rulers, or their acts of courage that beholds my attention; it is their struggle to never let go, it is their perseverance that constantly beats through my mind.

Dharamshala is not just a tourist place for me anymore. It has become ‘Dhasa’ the place where His Holiness The Dalai Lama has been praying for the well being of his people since more than 5 decades. The place has attached to itself a sense of reverence by giving refuge to a lot many Tibetans.

It seems that not everyone feels the same way about the Tibetans. Clearly, the fact that the communist party is bewildered with the increasing acts of self immolation and tightening their claws without any apprehension from the International Community gives light to the conclusion that everyone is bias. Be it bias towards money and political benefits or humanity. For me, there is nothing more destructive than a nation being enslaved for more than 60 years. This gives me a legit reason to present a story bias towards the resilience of these people.

By having the scientific characteristics of a human, it has been stated obvious that we are never content. Following the notion I believe that making a 30 minute movie won’t really help. Of course it will be the source of knowledge for those ‘many people’ who enjoy their lives unaware of the unjust and unlawful sufferings of these people. I feel the emptiness and a need for a power, a force that could speak and act for the Tibetans letting them to fulfill their dreams to live and rest in peace in their country! And I wish for the power to be discovered soon.

Tashi Delek!

P.S. Tashi Delek means good greetings in Tibet.
If you want to know more about the Tibetan history of sufferings under the Chinese rule go to
http://shivangi92.blogspot.in/2013/03/the-tibetan-issue.html

The Tibetan Issue

"Majnu ka Tila mei kaha jana hai, madam?"
"Refugee Colony"…

This was a mere beginning to my journey. The journey which showed another shade of life to me. It all began with reading an article online about children coming from Tibet to India without their parents and families. It sounded like I've heard about the place. I was reminded of the world map where our teachers taught us to write Tibet in brackets on the map of China. I never knew reading further about Tibet would make the Tibetan Issue such a strong part of my life. That's what it is popularly known as, the Tibetan Issue.

Tibet was a beautiful independent country. Surrounded by huge mountain ranges the place had one of the richest religious and cultural heritage preserved within the hearts of every Tibetan. It was a serene plateau with echoing sounds of prayers. Under the blessings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, every Tibetan believed in living a happy and peaceful life. Tibet was, in its true sense The Roof of The World. However today what we know of Tibet is an entirely different story. In fact, do we even know about it? Today, it no more listens to the echoing prayers in monasteries. It no more feels the tranquility of air. It no more experiences the serenity. It now only witnesses the mourns and the cries of the people. The merry making lot are now seen sacrificing their lives by setting themselves ablaze! Yes, people of Tibet are dying! They are self immolating!

You must be by now wondering, what exactly it is that I'm so anxious about. It was in 1949 when the Communist Party of China came into power and stood up to reunite their 'motherland', Tibet. They said they wanted to liberalize Tibetans from the serfdom practices. They infiltrated and stealthily occupied Tibet killing thousands of people. Within a span of only a decade China forced the Tibetan religious and political leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to escape and take refuge in India. Since then, whom Tibetans believe to be the reincarnation of the Buddha of Compassion is living in exile as a refugee! Since then thousands of Tibetans have crossed the borders to come and live in exile. What China terms as development are a bunch of cultural re-education and assimilation policies which forces Tibetans to abandon their language and culture and accept the communist regime. Tibetans are forced to defame and denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Voices with differences arose several times but were crushed by the draconian rule of the communist party. The protestors are suppressed, brutally beaten and detained in the prisons for several years. If that didn't sound enough, they are barbarically tortured by electrical prods being inserted into their mouths. They say it is a fate worse than death.

With its increasing powers China has curtailed media's entry into Tibet. Even the Chinese media cannot cover issues related to Tibet. Today, the only way left for these people to make their voice audible is through setting themselves on fire. Since 2008 107 people have self immolated themselves inside and outside Tibet. They cry out for freedom and call for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama back in Tibet. These people have died for their true identity. Identity of being a Tibetan. The only wish they have is for once to see His Holiness coming back to live in a free Tibet. They want to experience the and feel the presence of their 'god' closer than ever to them. What the world have named these acts as is desperate. I feel they are the most courageous and selfless acts by any human being. Of course, you don’t think setting oneself on fire is easy?

Who is it that these people want to reach to? It is the International Media and International Organizations. The United Nations, The United States Of America, Russia, Germany, France, The United Kingdom, Japan all these. They are not just names, they are the power source of the world. If together these nations can definitely bring a difference in the fate of these Tibetans, if not change. However, the questions that keep on lingering in my mind are why aren't these communities acting? Why aren't they initiating a firm dialogue with China? Is it because of their own economic interests? Will China ever be moved by the sacrificing acts of Tibetans to get their nation and freedom back? I haven't found the answers to these one's yet. But I'm sure, one day the sun will rise from behind the clouds and give these people their bit of the sunlight.

Meanwhile, Tibetans living in exile are persistent with their struggle. They all are doing their bit. Either by participating into the peaceful candle vigils or protest marches. While the martyrs are giving their lives, these people far away from their homeland carry the struggle forward and demand for solidarity. As a child when I first visited Dharamshala, what they call as little Lhasa, I saw these people as a part of the crowd. But today, for me they shine as the highest example of perseverance and selflessness.

LOVE

Love is a deep affection or fondness, a sexual passion, a romantic relationship between two people, an intense enthusiasm or liking for someone. This is how the dictionary describes the most deepest emotion; the hardest secret. So it really makes me fight for and believe that there is a lot more to love than we all could imagine, or expect.

Love is the strongest power. Strong enough to evoke the feelings of happiness, sadness, longing, affection, lust, insecurity, jealousy. So strong that it can make 'anybody' lose their heart and soul and selflessly live with that 'somebody' whom they have fallen for. It is a feeling so intense that 'anybody' tend to weave their world around their 'somebody'. That 'somebody' becomes so important; rather special in your life that you tend to see things around you with their perspective. Being a writer, I can say that they become an inspiration for your work and thoughts and dreams and desires. The craziest part of being in love is that you don’t even tend to recognize the reason most of the times.

A mother loves her child like nobody could. It the most selfless love. A woman's love for her man is her desire and loyalty towards him. She loves the man in the most purest form. A friend loves another friend for the fun they have together. It is the mischievous love. That day I saw an old couple holding hands and walking down the street. That was the love of support and understanding. It does seem this is a lot like what love is.

However, love has an even broader dimension to itself. It could be anybody's love for something. Now, that something could again be anything. It could be a musicians love for sound, a dancers love for rhythm, or a writers love for pen!

I feel love is like a breeze, free flowing. It is a natural resource too! Of course, you can't make 'anybody' love 'somebody'! It just happens. All I can say is after being in love it is easier to believe about more in magic than before. It gives you light in darkness guiding you on the unfolding road, joy in sorrow, pain in relief. Whatever it may be, it just binds you together!

It has a sort of chemical reactive nature too. 'Anybody' might love 'somebody' but that 'somebody' might just not be aware of that 'anybody'. It brings complications. Like being in love gives you a bipolar disorder at a maximum indulgence but it usually starts with something like pms!

I Love You! It is still a mystery for me or I guess everybody, that how are these three words capable enough to sway you off your feet and take you to the seventh cloud. It makes you feel wanted. 'Anybody' would need a 'somebody' to talk to, share feelings and spaces with, to be a part of their lives. Love is a little selfish too, almost! Though it brings out the best in us.

It is the quality of relationship the some 'anybody' and any 'somebody' shares. It lets them be the greatest person and demands to put forth the best in them to always overcome the worst and lowest in their souls. Love is like an unconquered spirit, always surrounding us, making people happy. And with so much love around, I have started to think, "Can anybody find me somebody to love?".

Relative Obsessions

We always have someone to look up to. Not the role model somebody. Someone whom we can relate with. It might be the relation of love, admiration or simply sharing some common obsession.

Usually, I've seen people obsessive about cars, cameras and all such sort of things. But that's like the category of elite people always narrowing down on the niche objects. Some might also be obsessive about higher education (some really are!), people, colors or words. Again, aren't we getting too materialistic!

What I'm talking about is the obsession for a thing that makes it a part of our own self. It might be the tiniest of a thing but for the person it seems to carry their soul.

One of the greatest men we know on earth, Samson; the man of the sun, had a similar obsession. He was the possessor of these long locks which were the beholders of his incredible strength. Strength, strong enough to perform heroic feats. His hair were the greatest power that he had and with that power he was able to conquer the world alone. In simpler, perhaps more easily relatable words 'the hair' were his identity. Something that he couldn't part with.

There is one similar persona that I personally know of and is similar to Samson in regard to his 'hair obsession'. For him his hair have become his identity. He has been watching himself with the curly locks and have over the time made them a part of himself. This obsession is to such an extent that thinking about getting a haircut makes him PMS!

Of course, the locks are awesome enough to make girls woo at them. I mean, I'm sure Samson would have been a heart throb for many at that time. The man that I know surely is! Besides, the thing that they are obsessive and possessive about becomes an exhibitor of their personality. However, I believe it is the biggest weakness that they have. Samson, lost his powers once he lost his hair. And this other man will lose the confidence and faith in himself, the power that mankind has today, if his hair are shortened.

Of course, my reason for writing about them comes with the relation of admiration I have for the men. Anyway, the point is that we all are obsessive about something or the other. We relate to things constantly. I believe that's the empathetic way of living life. The concern comes in as to what extent shall we remain obsessive about those things and allow them to overpower our heart and soul.

P.S. I'm usually obsessive about the pen that I write with, though in my case the pen changes every time I write!

'Those People'

I guess I'm turning into an insomniac! It is strange when you return from a three day road journey, are dead tired but unable to sleep; isn't it? Anyway, so while I was drinking tea trying to make me warm at 3 in the night a thought struck my mind and I began thinking about the people that we meet in our lives. 

How important are these people? Some are our friends, some acquaintances and some are just present to fill in the space. Among them there is a certain category of people who affect our lives by either becoming a part of it or by leaving it or both.

These I guess are the most important people as they are the ones who do not let us be what we thought we would be or we could be.

These ‘invaders’ (as I like to call them) make us realize our mistakes by not just telling us but encroaching our self respect and dignity; literally. They persuade (read force) us to do certain things which we may not agree to initially but are quite fruitful for us at the end, or maybe from the beginning itself. They act as a catalyst making us change our reactions, thoughts, perceptions and if involved to a greater extent; our own selves!

They teach us to be self reliant, to be confident, to be fun and most importantly ‘preach’ us to be independent in our lives and create an identity. They help us ‘shape’ ourselves and turn us into better human beings. They are those few critics necessary after a hundred admirers.

Now the strange feature about ‘the invaders’ is that they are the ‘non-attachable’, ‘non-associate-able’ types. Confused? Let me simplify. While you think that they are completely bind to you, these people do not get attached to a ‘particular setting’ for a long period of time. Even if they do, they have skills given to them by the almighty to detach themselves quite easily. They are the nomads who come live in your life, stir your emotions and then sooner or later leave.

Maybe they are meant to leave; destined to. Because while they are gone we are left with memories! Memories that remind us of the special time where there was somebody to take care of us in a very naive way capable enough of making ourselves what we are today! Memories which are even precious than those people! 

I’m sure you all must have been lucky enough to have had at least one such invader in your life, a person whom you trust upon, whom you desire to keep with you always, on whom you are dependent. People who become your support system and even if you want to not rely on them you end up doing that even more.

A teacher, a mentor, a friend! Whoever they are, keep them with you always. Because they are the ones who can be truly yours!

Cheers!

P.S- Happy New Year! :)