Started for a destination that was supposed to “show” itself and thus another ALAKH journey began. It was scorching hot and when I reached the station. If one really wants to feel what Govt machinery really thinks about the citizens, they should spend some time on Bus stations and Railway stations. Someone was being very honest when he use the famous “cattle class” to describe PEOPLE.
There is space for everyone .. Salman too!!
Got in the general compartment of a train that was going to Muzaffarpur (Bihar) and I had every intention of going to visit the Khudiram Bose and Prafull Chaki’s memorial there. Initially I kept standing, and saw the “class divide” in general compartments, the divide between those who have a seat and those who don’t have. It was really interesting to see that disdain for all those standing, people refusing to budge even an inch. Then as the train starts this divide starts to disappear when people start TALKING. This was really beautiful(for any student of human behavior), I also got the benefits and got a seat. The things that worried these people were so different from NATIONAL “WORRIES”!!
Patna Station ...
At Patna, I decided to get down to visit Jalalpur and go to Muzaffarrpur afterwards. This bought me to Meethapur Bus Stand at Patna. It was dark and they told me not to go, as it was not possible to get connecting transport at night. This gave me a chance to stay back at Patna and take some REST which I really wanted.This also gave me a chance to contact Mrs Bharti Dutt Bagchi, Daughter of Legendary Batukeshwar Dutt.
Meethapur Bus Stant at Patna .. Its Mazboori not Adventure !!
Next day morning I took a bus to Hajipur, I could see the posters/banners of Lalu's "Parivartan Rally" EVERYWHERE. To any outsider it would have sent a message that change in Bihar was imminent. But then, that's how "perceptions" work, and outsiders are not voters!!! From Jalalpur, I had to take another bus to Lalganj Bazaar. I was impressed with the "visible" signs of flourishing agriculture and it was heartening to see Ladies commuting freely, which was not the case earlier. To any trained eye its not very hard to see that Bihar has changed for Good.
Litti ..Chokha .. Green Chilli .. Onion .. Bliss!!
From Lalganj Bazaar, I took a rickshaw to Shahid Baikunth Shukla's house. Phanindra Nath Ghosh had turned approver and his testimony resulted in hanging of Shahid Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru. Baikunth Shukl avenged it by killing Ghosh and went to gallows smiling fearlessly. Met his descendants (sons of his brother, since he had no children) and from them I came to know about Yogendra Shukla, who was in fact GURU of ALL THE REVOLUTIONARIES!!
Will post further in the next post!! Till then keep reading and being with me in this journey.
ALAKH2011 is in its third year now, and it satisfies all of us associated with it ,that we have managed to inspire feelings that we hadn't thought about. What started as a journey to discover Unsung Heroes has become a source of inspiration, expectations ,symbol of values and valour. One at a time we brought names to the fore, refreshing the memories of Martyrs.
Its our resolve to continue ALAKH and evolve into better citizens who inspire confidence and hope. For those of you who may not know about ALAKH2011, here is a small clip which will give you some idea !!
This year too, ALAKH2011 will be hitting the roads, and the focus will be on the People in UNIFORM guarding our Borders and Guarding Us. We will try to meet Farmers who have set examples to be emulated by others. And we will also be seeking inputs for our initiative GARIMA by which we intend to change the way Women are seen, portrayed , treated.
It is obvious that an initiative like ALAKH2011 can survive and flourish only if it has been supported, nurtured by people who find BHARAT and its well being, their paramount aspiration. Would mention a few of them here >>
@GirishRsingh (Twitter) Since the time we thought about ALAKH2011 , he has been there. Supporting, guiding, keeping awake when we are on roads. A sentinel who watches over !!
@mishrashiv (Twitter) He infuses positivity in ALAKH2011 so that its always on the right course.
@manojsirsa (Twitter) is the man behind the strength of ALAKH2011 and ensures that this journey of enlightenment continues.
@manu_bajaj (Twitter) has been supporting ALAKH2011 in every possible way and continues to be one of those who "live" this initiatiive. @hchaturv (Twitter) A perfect Yayavar and who understands ALAKH by living it. A perfect blend of knowledge & values and a great Human.
@Arkjaiswal (Twitter) Amit has been tirelessly keeping the flame of ALAKH2011 burning in Social Media by frequently posting regular information about Martyrs.
@iampankajmani & @nikhilnikunj have been inspiring and getting inspired from ALAKH2011 since they came accross it long Back.
@radharaju18 (Twitter) strengthens ALAKH2011 by ACTIONS, her positivity and the way she looks at life is a learning experience for all those involved with ALAKH2011. @shailretail (Twitter) He has been contributing to ALAKH2011 with his innovations and actions. Recently he made a Blackberry apps for ALAKH2011. @dr_captalok (Twitter) what he is doing on ground is inspiring, and he is one of those unsung heroes who are all about less words and more action.
@Tosh_Tiwari (Twitter) his admiriation for ALAKH2011 is remarkable and infectious. These and a lot many others like @kalpesh0304 are the people behind ALAKH2011 which continues to inspire!! This year, it'll be a Journey that will start from Kashi and head for Nathula in Sikkim via Patna & back via Kolkata-Dhanbad. If situtation permits, next destination will be Hussainiwla in Punjab via Delhi.
We will keep posting on this blog ... Vandemataram ...
