This guy Kanuram was a literate. He got education till 9th standard. Due to lack of guidance he could not make a proper professional life. This is a common problem in such areas. Even the owner of Palash Bithi Lodge, Pashupati was not very much satisfied with his present situation. Though whatever he did on his own without proper guidance was admirable. But he continuously kept complaining against the system who did not let him progress. He told me how his loan application were turned down by banks. He wanted to employee more people like Sunil and Kanuram at his place. He wanted it to make a more better place for tourist. But its ridiculous to hear when system provides unsecured, unconditional, interest free loan to big corporates, who also default in paying back to government. But when somebody like Kanuram or Pashupati asks help from Government, he is forced to get entangled in completing complex procedures. This wastes his time, money and energy. Finally they give up. In this way we not only loose positively motivated manpower but also make them to loose their faith in the system. Thereafter what happens to them, everyone of us are aware.
This Santhali boy was aged 28 years and already had 2 children. One of them was already 5 years old. He was not able to speak Hindi properly. But he was so energetic and inquisitive in nature. We were able to communicate our messages in our own languages. Though it used to take time, but everytime it gave me a feeling of pleasure after making him understand what I wanted to tell him. We can really be a powerful nation, if youths like Kanuram are guided and trained in proper manner.
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| The Dense forest of Garhpanchkot |
It was 11:30 am and we were at a height of 1,804 feets. I was seriously missing something like Google maps which could tell me how far I was from my target. Or atleast the more easier path to trek. But such things can undermine the feeling of adventure. Though by this time I could feel that we were very close to the top. The incline was not getting flatter and it was comparatively easier to trek here. Kanuram was understanding my situation. He kept on encouraging me in his own way. The integral member of our team - The dear dog used to stop with me and start waving her tail whenever I stopped.
Around 12:15 pm I heard Kanuram, 'aa gaya', means 'We reached' in his language. I started moving quickly to see the top. I found he was standing on a road. I was amazed to see a road at this point. It was totally unexpected. Nobody told me about this. I immediately started making plans of coming again to this place on my bike. Finally we both reached at a hut-shaped concrete structure. This place appeared like an abandoned tourist place. The whole structure, including the ceiling and pillars were engraved by the love messages of countless 'romeos and julliets'. Both of us were so tired by now that we just sat down on the floor without bothering to clean it. The dear dog also sat near us.
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| a structure built at the top of Garhpanchkot - Now abandoned |
I took everything from my bag whatever I had to eat. 'Parle-G' biscuits were thoroughly being enjoyed by the doggy and both of us shared a mixture of 'chana, mudhi, cheevda and badam' - a Bengali fast food. Also finished the 'Britannia' fruit cake which I had in breakfast.
After taking long rest, I got up to take some pictures.
Kanuram called me at a place which was actually a view point. I could see the panoramic views of Damodar River and Dishergarh. It was bit hazy therefore could not locate Asansol. But I am sure these places can be clearly seen if the weather gods permit.
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| Kaanuram, the guide on a view point |
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| Panoramic view of River Damodar and Dishergarh area |
After taking long rest, I got up to take some pictures.
