Adorning the traveler’s hat we were set to explore the capital city of Gangtok. Our first halt was Enchey Monastery. Apart from its religious significance what caught my eye was a plethora of paintings. Each work of art depicted one or the other form of Lord Buddha and was a visual delight with bright colors splashed across and minute detailing done up with such efficacy, I could sit the whole day admiring the intricacy of this art. Definitely my curiosity grew to know the artist behind it and I learnt that it was an amateurish effort by the monks in the monastery, and I for all these times associated them with just studies and meditation. Time whizzed past while I parked myself in the tranquility of the monastery but soon it dawned that we had lots more to visit and that this was just a beginning to the beautiful unknown ahead.
Evening we took a walk down the market place of Gangtok and if you think that the streets of Delhi flanked by mini momo stalls are yum, then what would you have to say about the most simplest restaurant here serving it, undoubtedly a lip smacking scrumptious plate that leaves you craving for more. I perceived young crowd squatting around, with laughter and cheer in the air, from warm woolen mittens and branded jackets to balloons and bubbles there was everything. Along with a lane of liquor shops! And it was here that I developed respect for this city and before you get me wrong let me delve a little into its detail. With an array of liquor shops and with much crowd in and outside it, worth noticing was the fact that not a single person was seen misbehaving, having liquor in public place and neither of that dingy-dangy walk after 2 pegs down. Yes I was in the north east and quiet literally far away from the land of chauvinism too. Men in this part sure knew how to respect the lady of the house as there were women selling liquor with no harm done to their dignity or respect.
The next day, we leapt in the gypsy to be driven to the very famous monastery in Sikkim, named – ‘Rumtek Monastery’. Rumtek is located 24 km from Gangtok, at an altitude of about 1500 m. It was built in the 16th century and is currently the largest in Sikkim. A Golden Stupa contains the relics of the 16th Karmapa. Opposite that building is a college, Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies. Unfortunately, as we went on a weekend the institute was closed, thus my inability at exploring its library or the general curriculum. But, Buddhism, what I thought to be just another kin of Hinduism, was not just it, but a scholastic discipline also called as Buddhology. There are universities world over that teach it as an academic discipline with higher studies in it too.
Now from east of Sikkim we headed towards south of Sikkim and were on our way to Namchi when we stopped past Temi Tea garden. We have heard of Darjeeling tea having the best aroma and taste, well now we have a tough competition in making too. This tea carries are premium the world over and costs around Rs. 200/- a kg and is marked by its exotic odour and flavour.
As we were still lost in the aroma of the Temi tea leaves, our eyes witnessed the world's largest statue (at 118 feet) of the Buddhist Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, Namchi. With hymns of “buddham sharanam gachchaami” reverberating and prayer wheels spinning, it takes you into an altogether different world.
Every religion has its own custom, Muslims perform sajda, Christians pray with rosemary beads and people following Buddhism spin the prayer wheel. Tibetan Bhuddhist tradition believes spinning a prayer wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers. The most commonly used mantra in prayer wheels is ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’. This mantra is the resonant vibration that helps tune a human being toward enlightenment energies.
The next place we were ready for was also the main reason that I chose to come to Sikkim. From Gangtok we headed straight to Nathula pass, better known as an offshoot of the ‘old silk route’. Our way up to the pass, was a bumpy ride uphill that the distance of 54km from Gangtok seemed a serpents’ endless tail. Even though the path was rutted and potholed but we cared less as our eyes were treated to unscathed nature. At a height of 13000 ft. high when u see crystal clear water in ponds, people living in the most basic hutments, not adorned by jewelery costing lakhs but each one wears a smile that runs in crores, that’s when you realize 21st century has not yet thrown away into the wilderness terms of purity, contentment and happiness.
Finally we were there, standing at an altitude of 14790ft high, in front of a war memorial, and gasping for breath we valued the sacrifice of our soldiers who braved the cold, altitude and bullets to save our nation and keep its people safe. A few feet away, with mist hovering the Himalayas, our heart beating akin to thunderbolt, rocky terrains athwart and a mere barbed wire across we could see the People’s Republic of China. It’s bizarre if given a thought that just a barbed line has separated the two great civilizations of the past. As I stood their observing a Chinese and an Indian soldier engaged in a pleasant talk, with smiles and cheers, I imagined if some day they get orders from their superiors both would be ready with their guns triggered, to fire bullets ripping off the other into shreds.
Greenery never looked so green, Sikkim is indeed an exquisite state renowned not just for its beauty but the sincere efforts of its people who make every attempt in maintaining the glory of the state. A great deal of credit also goes to the Chief Minister Ruling, Pawan Kumar Chamling who has been elected for the fourth consecutive term. Under his leadership, Sikkim is the most peaceful and insurgent free border state, numero uno in social justice in India and 70% of the total plan budget is allocated for the development of the rural areas. And these aren’t just stifled words put together in an election manifesto of the Sikkim Democratic Federation Party but goals accomplished successfully. This year Sikkim has been chosen as the best State in ‘citizen security, 2011’ category by IBN 7, by the national media house during its third ‘IBN7 Diamond States Awards’.
I guess its time for politicians across India to rise from their slumber. Do come over to Sikkim for a nice holiday and if you stumble upon the very visible and honest efforts made by this state on the path of development you could also try and re-learn the very basics of what is called ‘Democracy’.
Sadly, two places we missed out were Yumtang and Lachung, but am happy as it makes me hopeful of another visit to this splendid place. So, as I pen off, it’s a thumps up from me to this voyage, and until the next destination, “Om Mani Padme Hum”
