On a chilly morning, while traveling to Leh from Kargil, I noticed a few labourers of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) at the heights of Photu la and Namik la. The temperature was -16 degree Celsius and those workers were on to their daily duties of road maintenance. Among those, I observed one lady (perhaps from the Central India) who was busy with her routine duties. Carrying a broom in her hand she was cleaning the road, of the debris that falls on the road as shooting stones and slides. Apart from the broom, she was also carrying a bundle of firewood tied to her back, perhaps to light a fire by the roadside for keeping herself and her companions warm amidst the chilly weather. I was awestruck and a sense of gratitude took over me ! What conditions would have compelled her and her fellow workers to travel thousands of miles to the harsh conditions of Ladakh to make a living, I thought. Certainly, it wouldn't be a choice she made out of her sheer will ! Our lives are similar...
Whilst the outside temperature is chilling -10 degree Celsius, Satinder Sartaj playlist is playing in the cozy warmth of my room at Leh. As the song Ikko Mikke played, the following lyrics struck to my mind: Sab mitt gaye ne atak adike Dasso ji hunn ki likhiye haaye Hoye main te sajjan ikko mikke Dasso ji hunn ki likhiye... Intrigued about the meaning of the lyrics, I discussed them with my friend and colleague Mohit: all the obstacles on my way have vanished, tell me what do i write now; I and my lover have become one, tell me what do I write now, he explained. What a beautiful song I exclaimed; the philosophy of life is summarized melodiously ! What would our life be, if its not eventful, full of twists and turns, I thought ! What would one have with to write or tell others about his/ her journey if the life is monotonous, isn't eventful ? Thank God, we have eventful lives, full of happiness, sorrows, anxious moments, heartbreaks, failure, success, accomplishments et...