Tag: india

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK: 

A GIFT OF NATURE (Part -II)

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(Other than tourism or educational purposes)

Instagram : @rajatchandra sarnmah5

CONTINUED FROM PART -1

Exploring Kaziranga’s Ranges

Kaziranga National Park is divided into five distinct ranges for convenience of management basically:  Those are Kohora (Central Range), Bagori (Western Range), Agaratoli (Eastern Range), Ghorakati (Burapahar Range), and the recently added Northern Range. Each of these ranges offers something unique, allowing visitors to explore different facets of the park’s natural beauty.

The Central Range (Kohora): If one is visiting Kaziranga for the first time, this is likely where he’ll start. It’s the most popular range for spotting rhinos, elephants, and other large herbivores. The central range also offers picturesque views of the park’s wetlands, where one might catch sight of migratory birds or basking reptiles.

The Western Range (Bagori): Known for its higher density of rhinos, this range also offers a great chance to spot wild water buffalo and swamp deer. Bagori is considered one of the best spots for elephant safaris, giving visitors a chance to get even closer to the park’s wildlife.

The Eastern Range (Agaratoli): A paradise for bird lovers, Agaratoli boasts a rich diversity of avian species. The wetlands here are teeming with life, from storks and herons to fish-eating eagles. While exploring this range, you’ll feel a stronger connection to the aquatic ecosystem that defines much of Kaziranga’s landscape.

The Burapahar Range: If you’re looking for a more offbeat experience, the Burapahar Range offers a quieter, more rugged landscape. It’s perfect for those who enjoy trekking and exploring the park’s hillier regions, which are also home to species like the Indian gaur and the Himalayan griffon.

The Northern Range: This newer range offers a unique vantage point for viewing the Brahmaputra River and its surrounding habitats. It’s relatively less visited, making it a good option for those seeking a more peaceful experience.

Wildlife Diversity:

 Beyond the One-Horned Rhino

Kaziranga is often associated with the one-horned rhinoceros, but it’s home to so much more. With over 35 mammal species recorded, many of which are classified as endangered, the park is one of the richest wildlife habitats in the world.

The Big Five: Kaziranga is famed for its “Big Five” – the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. Spotting any of these species in the wild is a thrill, and the park’s conservation efforts have led to a healthy population of these animals.

Birdlife: Kaziranga is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 500 species of birds. From migratory waterfowl to raptors and rare species like the Bengal florican and the great hornbill, there’s always something to marvel at.

Reptiles: The park also has a good population of reptiles, including snakes, monitor lizards, and freshwater turtles. The Indian python and the king cobra are some of the more fearsome residents, while the smaller reptiles play an equally crucial role in the ecosystem. (TO BE CONTINUED)

Rajat Chandra sarmah 

Guwahati , Assam , India

06/10/2024

What is SUCCESS ?( part -II)

Let us discuss the First situation i.e., assume a person desires to achieve something and is trying day and night ,even during his sleep he thinks about his dream, alternatively about his target. But unfortunately on the day of his crucial date , he under performed or he could not participate due to some genuine or critical reasons . In such a condition, whether we tell him that he has lost or unsuccessful or express our views differently.

The example of our great athlete Vinesh is the most recent example . She was giving her everything and reached the final of the olympic 50 kg wrestling . But she was disqualified for the final for hundred grams extra in her weight .

Till the semi final she was the winner – meaning she was successful . But in the final, she was disqualified for 100 grams of extra weight . The same girl who was qualified as per weight requirement till the semi final , failed in the test for the final and she was not allowed to show her talent 

So , as per dictionary meaning she was not successful . Is it so ?

The girl who was qualified till the semi final on weight count , could not pass the test for the final . Can we call her a failure? In one sense , yes because she could not keep her weight within limit . But I do not consider her a failure , because the girl who  maintained her weight till the semi final, accidentally failed by 100 grams on the final . 

This means , she has given her everything for the game , tried everything possible to reach the final , and in the end she could not play. If she played and lost things could have been differently analysed, but she could not play. 

Is it a luck factor , Will of God , treachery of someone , whatever may be the reason? She failed to reach her target , the Olympic Gold. So, she is unsuccessful .

But what do you say , when you see from the angle that she came for a very humble background , a girl from the conservative family of haryana and reached to the final of olympic .This itself is a great success but it is a bad luck or Will of God that she could not play the final . So success is not only reaching the ultimate goal but trying to achieve the desired goal. And balance is the Will of God or luck whatever we like to say .

So . What I want to say is that success is not the winning of the target but trying with all the might to achieve the target .

 Now discuss the second assumptions –

Suppose , in the field , someone wants to be the Olympic winner . With all his past performance shows that he has really no major threat. But in the final someone else went ahead of him.

Similar incidents happened several times in Olympic history itself . When one has the record of best performances outside the olympic and no one even comes near to him in performance , have failed miserably in olympics . Is it to be called unsuccessful?

I think , yes, because he has the capacity and opportunity , but failed to keep his own performance . Or is it just a bad day ? ( TO BE CONTINUED )

RAJAT CHANDRA SARMAH 

GUWAHATI , ASSAM INDIA

EMAIL: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

Instragram : @ rajatchandrasarmah5

Happiness – A feeling ( part -I)

A modest family lived in the quaint village of Pratapur, nestled amidst the lush green fields of India. Rajesh, the head of the family, was a school teacher, and his wife, Meera, was a homemaker. They had two children, Aryan and Kavya. Their home was small but filled with warmth, laughter, and the fragrance of Meera’s delicious cooking.

Rajesh believed that happiness lay in the simplest of things. Every morning, he would cycle to the local school, where he taught mathematics. His students adored him, not just for his knowledge but for his genuine care and interest in their lives. Meera managed the household gracefully, ensuring that every meal was prepared with love and every corner of their home was clean and welcoming.

In the evenings, the family would gather on their modest veranda. Aryan and Kavya would share stories from their day at school, their eyes sparkling with excitement. Rajesh would listen intently, often helping them with their homework, while Meera would knit or prepare snacks for them. Their life was simple but full of contentment.

Rajesh’s best friend, Mohan, was a farmer. They had known each other since childhood, and their bond was unbreakable. Mohan often visited Rajesh, and they would spend hours discussing everything under the sun – from local politics to the best farming techniques.

Mohan’s wife, Sita, and Meera were equally close. They often exchanged recipes, shared household tips, and supported each other through thick and thin. Their friendship was a source of immense joy and comfort. The families often spent weekends together, the children playing in the fields while the adults shared laughter and stories.

One summer, Mohan and Sita invited Rajesh’s family to spend a weekend at their farmhouse. The children were thrilled, and even Rajesh and Meera looked forward to the change of scenery. The farmhouse was surrounded by vast fields of wheat, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers. They spent the days exploring the fields, playing games, and relishing the simple pleasures of rural life. The weekend was a refreshing break from their routine and strengthened the bond between the two families.

Rajesh had a profound love for books. His modest collection, though small, was his treasure. He often spent his free time immersed in a novel or a biography, losing himself in the worlds created by words. He believed that books were windows to different lives and experiences, offering wisdom and solace.

One day, Aryan found a dusty old book in the attic. It was a novel that Rajesh had written long back when he was a young boy. Seeing his son’s curiosity, Rajesh decided to read the book to both Aryan and Kavya. Every night, they would gather around Rajesh as he narrated the story, his voice bringing the characters to life. This nightly ritual became a cherished tradition, instilling in the children a love for reading.

Kavya, in particular, developed a passion for poetry. She began writing her own poems, often inspired by the stories her father read. Rajesh encouraged her creativity, proud of her talent and the joy it brought her. Through books, the family discovered a shared love for stories and the immense happiness they could bring.

Every year, Rajesh saved a portion of his modest income for a family holiday. These trips were not extravagant, but they were eagerly anticipated by everyone. They would visit nearby towns, historical sites, or scenic spots, exploring new places and creating memories.

( TO BE CONTINUED)

Rajat Chandra Sarmah , Guwahati , Assam , India

17/07/2024

Email ID: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

Instagram @rajatchandrasarmah5

The Chaat chronicle: A tale of love and spice( part -II)

As time went on, their business continued to thrive. The feature on the food blog brought a steady stream of new customers, and soon their chaat cart became a popular fixture in Raj Bazaar. But with success came new challenges. One evening, a local official approached their cart, demanding a bribe to allow them to keep their prime spot in the market. Ramesh, with his characteristic humour, tried to negotiate. “Sir, we’re just humble chaat vendors. How about a lifetime supply of gol-gappas instead of cash?” The official was not amused. “I need money, not snacks,” he replied sternly.

Sunita, ever practical, intervened. “We can’t afford a bribe, but we can keep the area around our cart clean and tidy. Would that be acceptable?” The official considered this offer. “Fine. Keep it clean, and I won’t bother you.” Ramesh breathed a sigh of relief. “That was close. You saved us again, Sunita.” “We’re a team, Ramesh. We’ll keep fighting, no matter what,” Sunita replied, squeezing his hand.

Their perseverance paid off, and they eventually saved enough money to rent a small shop at the edge of Raj Bazaar. The grand opening was a simple affair, with garlands of marigolds and the ever-present twinkling lights adorning their new space. “Welcome to ‘Ramesh and Sunita’s Chaat House’,” Ramesh announced proudly to their first customer. Sunita added with a smile, “Home of the best-flavoured pani puri in town!” Their new venture brought a mix of old and new challenges, but through it all, their love and humour remained their greatest strengths. They faced each day with the same determination and warmth that had carried them through their toughest times.

Years later, Ramesh and Sunita’s Chaat House became a beloved landmark in Raj Bazaar. Their children, having grown up in the chaat business, helped run the shop, bringing fresh ideas while preserving their parents’ legacy. On warm evenings, Ramesh and Sunita would sit outside the shop, watching the world go by. Their faces bore the marks of time, but their eyes still sparkled with the same love and humour that had seen them through so many years. “Do you remember our first cart?” Ramesh would often ask, his voice tinged with nostalgia. Sunita would laugh, her eyes crinkling with fond memories. “How could I forget? It was our first step towards this.”

They had built something beautiful from their humble beginnings, and their story became an inspiration for many. Through laughter, love, and the irresistible allure of chaat, Ramesh and Sunita proved that with determination and a touch of spice, anything is possible. (END)

RAJAT CHANDRA SARMAH

GUWAHATI, ASSAM , INDIA

01/07/2024

INSTAGRAM : rajatchandrasarmah5

EMAIL ID: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

A Journey to Kaziranga National Park

Henry and Margaret had always dreamt of an adventure. Married for over forty years, the couple had traversed much of Europe and America, but their wanderlust led them to a desire for something more exotic. So, when they stumbled upon an article about Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India—home to the renowned one-horned rhinoceros and the majestic Royal Bengal tiger—they knew it was the next destination on their list.

They arrived in Assam in early November, eager to explore the vast and vibrant landscape that promised to be unlike anything they had ever seen. The air was crisp and cool, a pleasant contrast to the oppressive summer heat they had left behind. Their journey to Kaziranga National Park started with a drive from the state’s capital, Guwahati. As they travelled, they were greeted by a kaleidoscope of lush green tea gardens, mist-covered hills, and vibrant local markets.

Upon reaching the park, Henry and Margaret were awestruck by the sheer beauty of Kaziranga. Spanning approximately 430 square kilometres, the park boasted a diverse array of flora and fauna. Tall elephant grass swayed gently in the breeze, and the air was filled with the melodic calls of exotic birds. The couple checked into a quaint eco-lodge that blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The wooden cabins, set amidst verdant gardens, provided a rustic yet comfortable retreat.

That evening, as they sat on their porch sipping Assamese tea, the distant roar of the Brahmaputra River was a constant reminder of nature’s omnipresence. Their host, Mr. Dutta, a knowledgeable and passionate conservationist, briefed them about the park’s ecosystem and the challenges it faced, especially during the monsoon season when the river swelled and inundated large parts of the park.

The following morning, Henry and Margaret embarked on their first safari. Their guide, Rajiv, was a young and enthusiastic naturalist with a deep love for the park. They set off in an open jeep just as the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue over the landscape to the elephant riding point. Rajiv dropped them there and both of them took the Elephant ride to visit the park. The Mahut ( the elephant handler) can speak good English as he used to take foreign tourists for the safari. They started the tour and the mahut goes on explaining. Margaret asked him one question after another.

The couple’s first encounter with wildlife came in the form of a herd of elephants. Henry marvelled at their sheer size and grace as they moved through the tall grass. Margaret, an avid photographer, clicked away, capturing the gentle giants against the backdrop of the misty dawn.

As they drove deeper into the park, Rajiv pointed out various species of birds, including the Great Hornbill and the Crested Serpent Eagle. But the highlight of the morning was their sighting of a one-horned rhinoceros. The massive creature grazed calmly by a waterhole, its armoured body glistening in the sunlight. Henry and Margaret watched in silent awe, appreciating the tranquillity of the moment. They soon saw a lot of barking deer buffaloes and wild pigs. The mahout told them that the wild pig is a dangerous animal and to keep their distance from them

The couple’s quest to see the Royal Bengal tiger, however, proved to be more elusive. The Mahut explained that tigers were solitary and territorial creatures, often hard to spot due to their nocturnal habits and the dense foliage of the park. Undeterred, Henry and Margaret signed up for an evening jeep safari, hoping that dusk would bring them better luck.( TO BE CONTINUED)

Rajat chandra sarmah

Guewahati 07/06/2024

Mail ID: rajatchandrasarmah@ gmail .com