The Journey Home ;Unexpected Hurdles and How I handled Them

Puri is well known among tourists for its Lord Jaganath temple and stunning sea beach. The city attracts tourists year round , but during peak times like holidays and festivals ,the number swells dramatically. 

Finding accommodations in hotels and lodges becomes difficult during peak seasons ,as people from all corners of India come to witness the divine presence of Lord Jaganath ,and to have their wishes granted.

Like others, I also made the choice to journey to the temple. Carefully planned out my itinerary and reached the destination as per our plans .The beautiful part was that my advance booking of accommodations two months prior worked well that ensured a smooth arrival without any complications.

After experiencing the darshanam of Lord Jaganath ,we explored other popular spots such as the Konark temple and Chandrabhaga beach. After two days of exploration , it was time to head home .Checking out an hour before our train's departure at 7 o'clock ,we settled into the waiting hall .

However , as the hours passed with 10 pm ,then 11 pm creeping up, there was no news of our train .Finally around 11.50 pm the railway authorities announced the train's arrival on the platform, prompting us to board with our baggage. Sitting at the station for over three hours, we were utterly worn out.

 

After half an hour of our board , the TTE approached us , but instead of demanding tickets began explaining that due to technical issues, our train's route had been diverted bypassing stops at Balasore, Kharagpur and Tatanagar .

I was shocked  hearing the news ,while the rest of my family members continued to sleep soundly under their blankets.

The TTE suggested that it would be better for us to disembark at Bhubaneswar .I agreed with his suggestions while other passengers began questioning why the railway had not notified earlier about the route diversion.

 Curious about the distance to Bhubaneswar, I inquired, and the TTE informed me that it would only take half an hour to reach there.

Without wasting time , I promptly woke up my family members who were deeply asleep .They too were shocked to learn about the situation .My biggest concern now was figuring out how to manage the heavy baggage during our disembarkation .

After arriving at Bhubaneswar, I attempted to secure a comfortable room but found no vacancies , even at the railway retiring rooms at the station .Feeling uneasy about venturing out late night around 12.30 AM , we opted to remain indoors.

 

The waiting hall was already packed with travelers , many stretched out on the thin plastic sheets or makeshift bedsheets .Rather than lying down , we settled for sitting on the couches , though the night was spent shifting uncomfortably due to the limited space .

Despite, the discomfort , we made it through the night and were ready to catch the Shatabdi Express to Kharagpur the next morning .Fortunately, the train arrived on time ,and we managed to handle our heavy baggage and board safely. The journey was relatively comfortable ,allowing us to relax and catch up on the sleep we had missed .

After five to six hours ,we reached kharagpur station ,where we had no reservations and needed to cover a two - hour journey to our home station , Tatanagar. 

 Four hours later , the train to Tatanagar arrived, two hours behind scheduled .The train was overcrowded ,making it challenging to even find standing room.

 Despite the difficulty , I maneuvered deep into the compartment , where a kind gentleman offered to help by taking my suitcase and finding a spot for it in a corner.

The journey was arduous, with little ventilation , unpleasant odors from the toilet ,and the smell of sweat from fellow passengers. Despite the hardships, we finally reached Tatanagar at 8pm , turning what was supposed to be an eight hour journey into a 24- hour  ordeal. However, despite the challenges, the experience of that journey will remain etched in my memory forever.

 Ram Navami Celebration :Surya Tilak Ceremony at Ayodhya's Lord Rama Temple 

Ram Navami marks the birth anniversary of Lord Rama and holds a special place in India's festival calendar. This year, it carries added significance as the pran prathistha or so called the installation of the Lord Rama Idol, recently took place after a centuries -old legal battle.

The highlight of this year's Ram Navami celebrations is the presence of Lord Rama's idol in the newly constructed Ram temple, marking a historic event after centuries.(Travel attractions) 

Today, Wednesday the 17th of April, Ayodhya is alive with the spirit of Ram Navami. Devotees at the birthplace of Lord Rama are thrilled to have direct access to the idol for worship and darshanam.

Since the morning, people have been exchanging Ram Navami greetings with each other. People are sharing Ram Navami wishes, messages, quotes with their loved ones . In the temples devotees have been standing in queues outside temples, waiting for the darshan of the deity. The fervor is palpable across India.

This festival is celebrated with great devotion and joy. This year, the excitement is even higher as people witnessed a special event named 'Surya Tilak or Abhishek' where sunlight illuminated the forehead of Lord Ram Lalla idol at the Ram temple in Ayodhya through mirrors and lenses.( Travel Attractions)

It is believed that worshipping Lord Rama on this day brings blessings, peace ,and remove obstacles from one's life .

 What to Do When Your Ticket Is Not Confirmed? 

Festive seasons and vacations bring about a frenzy of travel plans, with everyone rushing online and offline to book trips to holiday destinations since many educational institutions are closed.

 Peak seasons, often coinciding with holidays, festivals, and school breaks, during this period the quest for a coveted train seat becomes like playing a strategic game.

Amidst the thrill of travel, challenges often emerge during peak seasons. Delays, cancellations, and overbooked trains test the patience of even the most seasoned travelers.

The serpentine queues at the ticket counters pose yet another challenge. Booking a ticket at the last minute is truly exhausting and tough, and it's costly as well. As the last minute approaches, seats on trains nearly disappear, ticket prices soar. 

 To avoid the steep prices of last minute bookings ,vacationers typically reserve their tickets well in advance.

In case if they cannot get a ticket after much efforts, they abandon the idea of going on a tour or opt for a short trips nearby where getting train reservations isn't as challenging or they try the last minute option i.e. Tatkal tickets. If things go well ,perfect ;if not ,they cancel the tour idea. This happens usually in every case.

What options does a traveler have if they are unable to obtain a confirmed ticket and still wish to go on a tour? Are there solutions to this issue, and if so, what are they?

1) When unable to obtain a confirmed ticket, a   traveler can purchase a waiting list ticket offline.   while on the journey ,approach the TTE (Train   Ticket Examiner).They cannot prohibit you from   travelling with a valid waiting list ticket.

   Inquire about any available vacant seats- if you are fortunate ,you will find one, if not ,traveling without a reservation is an option.

2) During peak seasons Indian Railways announces several special trains every year, so it's good idea to check the availability of seats on these trains.

3) There is a ladies quota in trains. By applying for the ladies quota, you can secure a confirmed ticket.

4) If there is an elderly person in your family, you can avail the elderly quota, which greatly helps in getting a confirmed ticket.

5) The premium Tatkal quota is also a great option, as most of the time you can easily get a confirmed ticket. Seats under this quota often remain vacant until the last minute. Indeed, the premium Tatkal ticket remains expensive.

6) If you still fail to get a train ticket and have to reach your destination anyhow, consider breaking the journey into parts.

  This means booking a ticket from your station to the mid-station of your main destination, and then booking another ticket for the final leg of your journey. This will also ensure a journey that is both convenient and comfortable.

7) If your desired route has no available seats, try another route to reach your destination where the chances of getting confirmed tickets are highest.

8) Changing trains is also a viable option. Spilt the journey into parts and switch trains from other stations along the route where the probability of getting a confirmed ticket is highest.

9) Different stations have different quotas, If you cannot find a ticket from your preferred station, try booking from other stations along the same route to your final destination. There is a high probability of getting a confirmed ticket this way.  

10) Lastly ,consider using a travel agent. They have a good understanding of how to secure a confirmed ticket, knowing all the routes, stations, and trains where ticket availability and confirmations are easier.

These are the methods through which you can easily secure a confirmed ticket and enjoy the flavor of travelling. 

'' India's  battle with 'cancer capital' status"

While it may seem unbelievable, yet the fact remains- we're heading down the wrong path. Though it might not be  pleasant to hear, the truth is that what seems perfect and flawless is often nothing more than an illusion .My concern is directed towards the recent title of India as the world's cancer capital as per the reports of Apollo Hospitals on world Health Day 2024 . This is really a matter of significant concern.(Travel Attractions)

In a recent study, Apollo Hospitals has revealed statistics indicating a decline in the health of Indians. India has been given the title of the "cancer capital of the world. "surpassing all other countries. The alarming rate at which cancer cases are rising in India is deeply concerning.(Travel attractions)

The most frequent types of cancer in women are breast, ovarian, and cervical, where as men often encounter mouth, prostrate ,and lung cancer. According to 2020 statistics, there were 14 lakhs of cancer cases, and this number is expected to rise to 15.7 lakhs by 2025.

The findings from Apollo Hospitals also highlight the alarming rise of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, mental health disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

 What's particularly concerning is the increasing prevalence of these conditions among younger generations. Shockingly, in India, one in three individuals is pre-diabetic, two in three individuals are grappling with pre-hypertension, and one in ten suffer from depression. These statistics are truly staggering(Travel attractions)

Apollo's search reveals that the average age of breast cancer diagnosis in India is 52, while it stands at 63 in the USA and Europe .Additionally, they report that 30 percent of colon cancer patients in India are younger than 50 years old. 

Despite the rise in cases, India's screening rates are severely low. For instance, the breast cancer screening rate is a mere 1.9 percent in India, in contrast to 82 percent in the UK and 23 percent in China. Furthermore, the report highlights that cervical cancer screening in India is only 0.9 percent, compared to 73 percent in the USA and 70 percent in the UK.(Travel attractions) 

Apollo's research findings signal a serious health risk for the nation, emphasizing the need for immediate attention.

What initiatives can India undertake to counter the alarming rise in cancer occurrences, with the ultimate aim of no longer holding the title of the world's "cancer capital" and greatly improving the health and well-being of its citizens?

There are multiple ways to prevent and decrease the incidence of cancer:

Engage in regular exercise.

Ensure you get sufficient quality sleep daily, as lack of sleep is associated with weight gain , a risk factor for cancer.

Stay away from all types of tobacco.

Avoid alcohol.

Minimize exposure to radiation.

Minimize industrial and environmental toxins.

Vitamin D plays a role in reducing the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer, and other forms of cancer.

Most importantly, make it a priority to undergo screening tests regularly to detect cancer in its early stages.

           

Taiwan's seismic activity : causes, impacts, and preparedness

Despite its size , Taiwan offers a wealth of picturesque destinations to explore. Every year, droves of tourists from around the world descend upon its shores to witness the natural beauty that abounds in this country.

However, Taiwan grapples with a significant challenge- the constant threat of earthquakes due to its position at the convergence of two tectonic plates. The island's history is marked by numerous notable earthquakes that have badly impacted its landscape and inhabitants.

 True , earthquakes are a common occurrence in Taiwan .Geologists warn that Taiwan's geological setting makes it prone to  seismic activity, with earthquakes occurring nearly every year or at regular intervals.

Taiwan lies in the area called the Ring of Fire means the area that belongs to the seismically and volcanically active zone where world's largest earthquakes occurred.

while not all prove catastrophic, some unleash destruction, claiming numerous lives and devastating communities.

These earthquakes often register a magnitude around 6 on the Richter scale ,but on the morning of April 3rd , 2024  tremor surged to a formidable 7.2 on the Richter scale . It is considered the strongest in decades in Taiwan, causing widespread devastation that reduced buildings to rubble .Countless structures were destroyed, leaving many homeless.

  

The epicentre of the earthquake was Hualien city, 18 kms ,south of Taiwan 's at a depth of 34.8 kilometres.

There within the mountainous expanse , seismic activity triggered landslides resulting in debris damaging vehicles on the road and leading to deaths. 

Taiwan's first recorded earthquake dates back to 1624 .The major earthquake prone areas in Taiwan include Hualien, Taitung, Yilan , Taipei ,Chiayi.

Here the building constructions are done according to strict adherence to rigorous safety protocols. Taiwan's susceptibility to earthquake has prompted the implementation of rigorous building codes and disaster preparedness measures.

 The government has invested heavily in seismic retrofitting of buildings, especially in densely populated urban areas ,to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes.

Despite these efforts, Taiwan continues to face the ever-present threat of seismic activity. The most devastating seismic activity in recent memory occurred on September 21, 1999, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale , resulting in the deaths of 2400 lives. 

 The dichotomy of parenting: Nurturing care versus Emotional Stress  

When the notion to write this article struck me, I grappled with uncertainty, wondering whether to proceed, as I intended to dispel the belief that parents' decisions are always flawless. While parents undoubtedly have good intentions ,their decisions are not always infallible.

I have sought to clarify this by presenting two different narratives stemming from the same origin. These two stories will expose much and give a glimpse into the reality. The initial story pertains to parents whom I know personally.

I know a person who works as a salesman in a shop, while his wife runs a small garment shop nearby. Their only daughter is in the fifth grade at a prestigious convent school ,consistently ranking among the top ten students.

 

To cover her school fees and other essentials ,both parents work tirelessly .On the day of the school's final result announcement ,I was present. When the teacher didn't call their daughter 's name among the top ten ,her mother's face flushed with anger.

 

Angered by this ,her mother's face turned red with fury .Without uttering a word ,she stormed out of the school. Outside ,she scolded and punished her daughter all the way home, the child crying all along reached home .She suffered consequences due to her poor result, which reflected a waste of all her parents' hard work.

This clearly indicated the shattering of the dream cherished by the girl's parents ,or the dream they had envisioned in their earlier days and now hoped to achieve through their child. 

 In the same way ,another story that will give you insight into what parental pressure really means.

  

This story unfolds with a father, a science graduate from his time tried various competitive exams and applied to numerous jobs ,but none materialized.

 Disheartened, he left his job and joined as a sales agent at an insurance company. Like the previous case, he admitted his daughter to a prestigious school. Every spare moment ,he spent teaching her after school and even during vacations when she visited her grandmother's house ,he would set study targets. If she failed to meet them , he would scold her grandmother .

 

He even gave detailed instructions to the tuition teacher. He would also give him daily goals, directing him to complete a certain portion within a day, and admonish him if her exam outcomes were unsatisfactory.

 

Their daughter avoided staying at home due to the pressure , and always seeking enrollment in any course to escape her parents tyranny, which eventually happened .

 

Despite the immense pressure, her exam performance was lacklustre and she eventually enrolled in a nursing course. Her father 's aspiration of her becoming a doctor remained unfulfilled.

 

These two stories illustrate how parental pressure impacts the careers and lives of children .In truth ,there exists a fine line between parental care and parental pressure. What we often label as parental care may actually be parental pressure.

The fundamental question at hand is why parents feel compelled to impose such heavy expectations on their children .Is it a reflection of sincere parental care or a parental stress?

What ,then, can be done to foster children's growth without imposing excessive pressure?

Research indicates that parenting with praise can greatly enhance a child's performance.According to a 2022 study ,empowering your child to feel capable can increase their motivation to overcome future challenges.

Creating a positive environment where children feel at ease is crucial for yielding positive outcomes. Additionally, parents should establish practical and achievable expectations, rather than projecting their own unfulfilled desires onto their children.

In India, the competitive landscape is fierce. The National Career service reports that over 14 lakh eligible candidates are competing for 2.2 lakh jobs in the country.

Moreover, 66% of students in India feel pressured by their parents to excel academically. This pressure often arises without a proper understanding of the child's capabilities, interests , and intelligence.

Now the question is how can we motivate children to study without applying undue pressure? This can be better understood by a simple story.

There was a boy who was struggling with academics and lacked interest in studying, which deeply concerned his parents. Despite their efforts to encourage him ,there was little improvement.

 One day , his father attended a dog show where he observed the trainer's technique of using a ring to direct to leap through it .The dog was rewarded with a treat for each successful jump, and the height of the ring was increased gradually after each successful jump.

Inspired by this, the father decided to try a similar approach with his son .Upon returning home, he introduced the idea of sketching and asked his son to draw a picture of a dog.

He promised to reward upon completion .The boy enthusiastically completed the sketch. From then on , the father set progressively with challenging tasks for his son, rewarding each accomplishment with treats such as zoo visits, movie outings , and trips to water parks. This strategy ignited his son's interest and resulted in academic success.

Throughout this process, the father maintained a positive environment at home, consistently praising and encouraging his son .He would often say ," You can do it, you are a winner, "instilling a sense of confidence and motivation in his son to pursue his goals.

So the key to sparking children's interest in studying is through nurturing care and love, rather than applying pressure.

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