An Evening With Friends At Historic Coffee House in Allahabad (Photo Feature)
“The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege.” (Charles Kuralt) That’s one of the reasons why I always look for moments when I can be in company of my old friends. Their company helps me to assess my one’s own growth in better light. It’s interesting that one always looks for substantial cause to enter into celebrations. That’s something which makes me uncomfortable since I love to celebrate even if there is no such weighty reason around! This time I managed to persuade all my old friends to be at historic coffee house, Allahabad, all in the name of celebrating grant of fellowship by Aavartan Research Institute, Gorakhpur. That was enough to tame the curious minds of some of my friends too anxious to know the exact reason! The real reason, however, was to spend some fun-filled moments with them. Life has become so hectic that it does not allow two individuals, however close they may be as friends, to sit together and get lost in old memories. That was the ultimate purport of organizing this get together with some chosen friends!
Why Coffee House? Allahabad has recently developed a lot having so many bright and glamorous food outlets but I selected Coffee House simply because being there means becoming part of its glorious history! This place is always occupied by legal hawks, writers and journalists during noon hours and by evening well-known oldies occupy the seats for long hours. This place in the past since early 50s witnessed development in lives of well-known geniuses belonging to Allahabad. Eminent literary figures like Firaq Gorakhpuri and Harivansh Rai Bachchan were frequent visitors to this place. Apart from them, the place has also witnessed rise of new creative wonders! The vibrations there ensure that there is no dearth of good souls in future!
I must thank to my friends from core of my heart that despite being trapped in busy schedules they managed to be part of this informal event at right time! It’s habit of the guests to worry the organizers with a deliberate delay! Mercifully, that’s not the case with events organized by me. I am spared this harassment for which I am really grateful to my friends. I must mention this fact that most of the friends who were part of this event have been my old friends and it makes me really happy when I state that they have all emerged as achievers! It was a moment of satisfaction for me to find them hale and hearty!
Obviously, the event was not solely attributed to dine together! We had some thought-provoking discussions. My friend Sheel, pursuing research in philosophy, rightly suggested that philosophy should also be taught at school level since that goes well with cultural legacy of this nation. Rajesh Kumar Pandey, legal correspondent associated with The Times Of India, lamented that Philosophy, of late, has become popular only because it helps students get good marks in competitive exams! It’s really hurting that a nation which is mired in philosophies of highest types has no mention about it at school level! My friend Ashish Nigam, on the other hand, asked me as to what was the method involved in my fellowship. I promptly informed him that besides books I was involved in interviewing concerned individuals. He also came to throw light on the glorious past of Coffee House, mentioning that visitors at this place love to sit here for long hours! It would not be out of tune to inform that most of the friends who gathered here were advocates associated with Allahabad High Court, who were also once upon a time had been my batch-mates!
There were some hilarious moments too when my childhood friend Pintu, lawyer at district court, got engaged in circulating images which showed us together as students in nursery days! Sangarsha Srivastava, who in past was a ferocious Communist leader and now an advocate, made everybody laugh by exhibiting that Coffee tastes less sweeter if you add more sugar in it! The only thing you should ensure is that stir it not well enough with a spoon and then drink it fast! Advocate Susheel Kumar Tiwary, Advocate Shashikant Kushwaha, Advocate Satyahdhar Dubey, Advocate Vinay Vishwakarma and Advocate Neeraj Shukla, who happens to be my brother-in-law, spent some qualitative time with me rising above constraints of time and without worrying about the fact that they have to return back home traveling long distance in night hours only to face ire of their anxious wives! It was heart-warming to hear Satyadhar ji asking me to make visit to this place till fag end of my life this way just like the oldies engaged in deep and interesting conversations sitting beside our gathering!
In the end I need to make special reference to contribution made on part of Arvind Kushwaha, advocate/computer programmer, and Arun Prakash Srivastava, District librarian. Arvind ensured that moments get captured in his camera while Arun ji ensured that all goes well in terms of management. Happily, the event ended on a high note with so many good feelings. That’s not possible without grace of Lord and, therefore, let’s thank the Almighty too for successful culmination of this event! “Take no pride in your possession, in the people (at your command), in the youthfulness (that you have). Time loots away all these in a moment. Leaving aside all these, after knowing their illusory nature, realise the state of Brahman, and enter into it. (Sri Adi Shankara in Bhaja Govindam; Verse 11)
With Friends At Historic Coffee House In Allahabad!
Happy to find old friends for one more time :-)
It’s a herculean task to ask friends to be present at one place on a working day! And they all appeared at appointed time!
Between interesting talks from philosophy to business we also ate :P :P :P
The ambiance inside Coffee House permits deep and meaningful talks! You can see few people engaged in deep talks :P :P :P
This time I did not say anything and simply enjoyed the whole affair. My friend Sangharsha did say few words in hilarious style :P :P :P
Coffee House is best known for South Indian dishes :-) Dosa is so delicious :P :P :P
Sheel Could Not Resist The Temptation Of Riding Royal Enfield :P
Some of us decided to sit again and taste Coffee for one more time :P It’s called partying after party gets over :P :P :P
The Party Virtually Ended :-)
Now Only The Memories Of This Get Together Prevail!!
The Party Ended On A Blissful Note! I Am Really Thankful To Lord For Sucessful Culmination Of This Event! Hope All My Friends Remain Hale And Hearty In Post-Party Life :-) Let me mention names of people who gathered: (From Extreme Left) Rajesh Kumar Pandey, Sangharsha Srivastava, Pintu Jaiswal, Sheel Kamal, Swajit Gupta, Arun Prakash Srivastava, Pankaj, Shashikant Kushwaha, Neeraj Shukla :-) The Author Stands In The Middle :P :P :P Those who are not in the frame Arvind Kuswaha, Satyadhar Dubey and Vinay Vishwakarma.
A Brief Meeting With Dr. Genady Shlomper- Hindi Instructor In Israel!
In company of an academician: Met Dr. Genady Shlomper who happens to be a Hindi Instructor at Tel Aviv University in Israel!
Dr. Genady Shlomper came to Allahabad both as a tourist and as a person with purpose! He was here to attend a function organized to mark Hindi Divas on September 14. I could not be part of this function since I had to attend another event organized in a different city. As a result of that I could not meet the professor at this event, but next day I got an opportunity to meet him. It was a hurried affair since he was about to leave for Ayodhya. Anyway, it did not deter me from asking some interesting questions. Interestingly, it was a memorable experience to seek an appointment with a foreigner in my own language. The few minutes of talk over telephone in Hindi to fix time for the meeting was an unique experience.
This time too when I met someone from foreign land I noticed remarkable simplicity. Right in the beginning he confessed that he is no big guy! True, he might not be a celebrity but you need not to be a celebrity to enjoy a dignified stature! Speaking about his love for Hindi he stated that there was no emotional reason to learn Hindi. He embraced this language because he found it to be useful in scheme of things about to unfold in future. The market is growing and more and more job opportunities get concentrated in Asian countries. Therefore, it’s always going to be beneficial to learn Asian language instead of learning European language! It appears “Capitalism” has proved to be lifeline for Asian languages languishing under weight of English!
Speaking about the influence of Hindi in Israel he said that it’s not very commonplace to notice Hindi speaking person there. However, in modern times there is always a greater space for assimilation of newer ideas from other nations and people in Israel are not hesitant to fall in love with Hindi! On a different note, speaking about the specialties of Allahabad, he said that he found nothing fascinating about it! The only striking thing about this city was confluence of three rivers at Sangam area! Hearing this I was but compelled to ponder about one of the ills of globalization: That it’s fast making cities across the globe to lose their uniqueness! All cities are simply becoming clone of each other!
This brief meeting ended in few minutes but it gave rise to so many ideas as food for thought. That’s the plus point of being in company of academicians!
P.S. :- Dr. Genady Shlomper is a Hindi Instructor at Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Allahabad: A City Wherein Global Salutes The Local (Photo Feature Part 3)
I have no hesitation in admitting that Allahabad (ancient name Prayag) redefined my beingness.It made me down-to earth, allowing me to view life in its true shades. Although I tried my best to capture all the shades of Allahabad, I am sure I would have missed some beautiful locations. I hope future writers would explore these untouched places in a colourful way. However, in the last part of the photo feature, I have shifted my attention from modern landscape of Allahabad to areas which still remind of the ancient times. Infrastructural bottlenecks prevented me from using state-of-the-art technology in capturing the images and that made me bit depressed. However, now in the aftermath of the publication of photo features, I feel pretty satisfied that I still came to do some good work. These photo features are a tribute to great city Allahabad- my birthplace. A city that taught me how to emerge successful in rising above contradictions to have glimpse of the Absolute!
Such roads making their way through dusty colonies of Allahabad remind me of Varanasi! This road connects Anand Bhawan area with Katra. Katra is very poular among middle class section of Allahabad. It’s also most favourite destination of students; after all, it lies close to Allahabad University :-)
Katra resembles Varanasi city in its style and mannerism!
It was cold and foggy when I came to visit Katra but observe the rush at this place. On ordinary days, this popular crossing at Katra is so full of people that traffic policemen are reduced to caricature of sorts while managing them!
This road needs no introduction for Allahabadis :P It’s University Road :-)
One of the eminent hostels associated with Allahabad University. It’s named after Sir Sunder Lal, who in 1906 became the the first Indian Vice Chancellor of Allahabad University! He was by profession an advocate, who later also served as High Court Judge.
Right in front of one of the gates of Allahabad University-Oxford of the East !
One of the things which separates Allahabad University from Benaras Hindu University, Varanasi, is the quality of roads spread in University area :P :P .. The streets adjacent to Benaras Hindu University are so much in love with potholes that while walking you have to look downwards all the time with fear ha..ha ..ha ..That’s not the case in Allahabad :P :P :P
On The Campus Of Allahabad University :-)
Once upon a time I always ventured on these beautiful roads situated on the Allahabad University’s Campus :-)
A beautiful park on the campus of University..Notice no love birds are present :P :P :P
In my days it was not a Central University. Today, it has attained the status of being a Central University!
Road adjacent to Allahabad University…When you move ahead on this road arrives Prayag Railway Station!
Loitering on these University Roads was one of the main activities during College days!
Don’t be confused :P We are still inside University’s Campus :P :P :P
Notice the activities on main University Road. Streets remain the same but faces of students get changed!
Main Katra Market!
A prominent Goddess Kaliji temple at Katra, Allahabad!
This time Lord Hanuman Ji is resting inside the Temple : -)
One of the street crossings at Katra :-)
A glimpse of life at Katra!
Lonely Road in Allahabad :P
The most prominent Sports Complex in Allahabad! It’s named after movie superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who hails from this city :-)
Maharana Pratap Crossing :-)
It’s getting dark :-)
CMP Degree College in Allahabad- a constituent college of Allahabad University. It has produced great students in past. And so it really saddens me when I hear about stories of violence, disruption of studies on its campus. I had been student of this college and we remember that in our batch most of the students came to score more than students of Allahabad University in prominent subjects like Philosophy, English Literature, Physics and etc. !
And under this great tree Philosophy and English Literature students often had great discussions. Long Live This Cute Tree :P :P :P
At this place it was so hard to control the tears..At this place I found some great teachers like Anand Srivastava Sir (Philosophy), K K Ghatak Sir (English Literature), K C Srivastava (Ancient History) and many others who imparted so many values to young and fresh minds like us! In fact, they were generous enough to give additional lectures in staff room during lunch hours!
Road that led to English Lectures in those days :-)
The park in which my science department friends played cricket during Chemistry hours :P
I hope new students who become part of this great college would keep its standards high. I am happy to notice that most of my friends from this college of that batch, from both Arts and Science Wings, have done exceptionally well in their post college lives! And I should not hesitate to state that I also fell in love with someone at this place :-)
This cute Krishna Temple in Meerapur area makes me smile. That’s because this area has prominent Shakti Peeths of Allahabad: Lalita Devi Temple And Kalyani Devi Temple!
Entrance gate of Krishna Pranami Temple :P ..Name itself is so cute :P
Goddess Lalita Devi Temple In Meerapur Area! It’s one of the Shakti Pithas in Allahabad!
Goddess Lalita Deviji :-)
Actvities like Ved Paatha always takes place inside Lalita Devi Temple :-) Sadly, I could not get a better image :-(
Outside Kalyani Deviji Temple :-) Beautiful structure :-)
Inside View Of The Kalyani Deviji Temple :-)
Another view of Kalyani Deviji’s temple :-)
And life goes on at its usual pace outside Kalyani Deviji’s temple!
Road Adjacent To Ewing Christian College!
On the way towards Muthiganj :-)
Life in another part of Allahabad away from the glamour of elite areas like Civil lines :-)
Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Allahabad. It was established by by Swami Vijnanananda in year 1908! He was a monastic disciple of Sri Ramakrishna!
Front View Of This Important Spiritual Center in Allahabad :-)
It has got its own wonderful library! No wonder this Mission is so popular among students!
Meditation room inside this Mission having images of Sri Ramakrishna, Ma Sarada Deviji, Swami Vijnanananda ji and Swami Vivekananda ji!
Books For Sale Inside The Temple :-)
Close Look At The Books :-)
Havana Taking Place On Occasion Of Vivekananda’s Birth Ceremony At The Mission :-)
Swami Nikhilatamanandaji, current head of this center in Allahabad, giving lecture on relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s views in modern times!|
Very Conscious Listeners :-)
Swamijis at Ramakrishna Mission are very well-informed, highly educated and down-to-earth people!
This tea stall has photo of Sri Anna Hazare :P :P :P
Sri Krishna Selling Jewellery :P :P :P
Khusro Bagh in Allahabad…A place that gives glimpse of Mughal architecture. It has “tombs of Khusrau Mirza (died 1622), eldest son of emperor Jahangir, Shah Begum, Khusrau’s mother (died 1604), a Rajput princess and Jahangir’s first wife, and that of Princess Sultan Nithar Begam.” (Text borrowed from Wiki)
This place cultivates best varieties of Guava. This park is about to get the status of National Eco-Knowledge Park!
It has been renovated to attract tourist :-) I am happy that it is close to my house :P
Peace prevails here :P
Besides Guava trees a large number of mango trees are found here!
As informed earlier such parks in Allahabad are often occupied by students preparing for competitive exams…See how they are engaged in studies :-)
Eco-friendly Hanumanji inside Khusro Bagh :P
One of the tombs situated inside the Khusro Bagh!
Green house plantation inside the Khusro Bagh!
Very old Banayan Trees inside Khusro Bagh…If you sit under them you are bound to engage in deep meditation :P
Very Beautiful Scene Inside Khusro Bagh…Leaves Everywhere…A Very Striking Image Both Philosophically And Aesthetically :-)
It was a delightful sight for me to see cricket match going on at such a romantic place :P
Cricketers giving a pose :P :P :P
I had a hard time bringing this squirrel under the lens :P :P :P
Such Scenes Make You Fall In Great Romance With Nature :-) :-) :-)
Another Tomb Inside Khusro Bagh!
A flower fallen on ground yet it has such a bright smile :P ..We should be like this flower: Broken and dejected yet always smiling :-) :-) :-) Anyway, it’s called flower of Semal Tree (Bombax cieba)
Khusro Bagh Has Awesome Sight :P
PINKISH BLISS :P :P :P…
That’s commonly called Cotton Tree (Bombax ceiba). In India it’s called Semal and we often notice this tree along the road in Allahabad!
Noticed this depressed motor bike inside Khusro Bagh :P :P :P “Girls don’t trust me” :P :P :P
May Lord always give such unfortunate souls enough to eat! I wonder why state-governments do nothing for these abandoned souls? It’s really a sad scene!
And these are fortunate souls, who came to take a dip at Sangam during Kumbh Mela..Now they are happily returning back to their respective places! They come from distant lands, facing all sorts of hardships!
Unlike women from cities, these rural woman are quite tough both physically and mentally! The city women are usually bit lazy types :P :P :P
Varanasi sees foreign visitors throughout the year but in Allahabad foreign visitors come only during special occasions like Kumbh Mela, International Conferences and etc. Here they are seen waiting for train at Allahabad Junction!
Hope they had nice experiences in Allahabad :-) :-) :-)
A Bird’s Eye View Of My Locality From Rooftop Of My House :-) :-)
This pic is especially for the likes of Sucheta ji and Carmenji living in foreign lands :-) I hope Suchetaji, living in USA, comes to notice at least one cute activity taking place on Indian roof :P :P Kids from my family having a great time on the rooftop :-)
Allahabadis love flying kites :-) View of the beautiful sky over my roof :-)
And these are students of the year :P :P :P
Kids engaged in serious discussion right in the middle of the street! Kids have become so serious nowadays :P :P
This corner at my locality remains quite busy during festivals :-) :-)
A Railway Over-bridge close to my locality!! And notice one guy walking in the middle of the railway tracks! That’s why tragedies take place!
Sports Stadium Belonging To Railways!
And evening prevails :-)
On the road near Baluva Ghat! This area is in old Allahabad!
Activities Near Baluva Ghat. Well, ghat in India signifies that we are close to the bank of a river!
Lord Hanumanji in the making :P :P :P
Ma Yamuna ji ..She is very dear to Lord Krishna :-) And I am really disappointed to see so much garbage on its banks..Let’s not forget that it’s a very busy place owing to religious ceremonies taking place throughout the year.
Who has allowed black beauties (read buffaloes) to take dip in Sri Yamunaji :-( :-( :-(
Scenes around Baluva Ghat made me feel I have traveled back in time!
Black Beauties Have Now Attained Regular Moksha (liberation) :P :P :P
Myself at Khusro Bagh :-)
India is land of great rivers and great mountains. It’s our duty to keep them clean. Why are we so casual in keeping them in good shape? Hope Sri Yamunaji remains evergreen in this nation. Just see what we have done to her in Delhi area! Let’s not the same happens to her in Allahabad. Jai Sri Yamunaji..Pranama to Everybody: Sri Radha Krishna, Gopas, Gopikas And Cows :P :P :P
P.S. :- The copyright of these images rests with the author of this post. Anybody making use of them without prior permission of the author, or without giving due credit to the author, could be penalized as per legal norms.
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Reference:
Allahabad: A City Wedded To Realism (Photo Feature Part One)
Allahabad: City Of True Beauty, Real Romance And Mysticism (Photo Feature Part 2)
Allahabad: City Of True Beauty, Real Romance And Mysticism (Photo Feature Part 2)
Many find Allahabad a very tough place to live an honourable life. That’s because even though it came to enjoy a wonderful divine legacy, it never ensured a desired vibrancy for average souls. It never created any scope for living a truly fun-filled life, being all the time involved in dry intellectual activities. Lack of proper encouragement on the part of city towards its vast pool of talented brains have now given way to brain drain sort of affair. Many great souls remained an unsung hero in this city. However, what’s amazing is that it keeps on producing great souls at a regular interval! In nutshell, it’s a city of true beauty, real romance and mysticism. The city teaches you how to remain true to life in a real way, making it very clear to any conscious soul that life is not a bed of roses and it is meant to discover new mysteries of nature. Naturally, average souls running after money, fame, beautiful girl, big house, big car and many other cosmetic affairs would always feel disappointed to be part of this city. Having said that, I hope this city learns to truly honour its exceptional souls and also learns to be bit more blissful!
That’s one of the major Lord Hanuman Ji’s temples situated in the heart of the city.. Anyway, it’s so ironic to see love birds engaged in romantic talks at this place :P
The Streets Of Civil Lines Make People Of Other Areas Jealous :P
Hard to forget this guy…During university days, I came to buy so many great classics, costly magazines at very reasonable rates..And this person made way for all sorts of desired adjustment. He proudly told me that someone from Times of India also came to click image of his magazine corner…This shop is hot favourite among students! Although Internet has affected the sales, it was good to anticipate the great spirit of his father, also seen in the pic, who digested the change in philosophical way. Now that’s called wisdom!
Quite a romantic place to have tea! It’s adjacent Company Garden!
When I say it’s a romantic place I really mean it too..Just close to this tea shop in Civil Lines area we have many beautiful plant nurseries.. So the air is full of fragrance :P
Allahabad’s museum inside Chandra Shekhar Azad Park (Alfred Park or Company Garden). This museum displays the vehicle which carried the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi for immersion at Sangam and many other articles of great historical significance!
This park established in the memory of great revolutionary Chandra Shekhar Azad is now favourite place for morning walkers living in the heart of city.. In the noon time, one notices new- age romance :P Anyway, it’s a great place for an outsider wishing some isolated hours!
At such places, like this old man, one gets lost in deepest memories hidden in subconsciousness!
Company Garden has the honour of having this wonderful Government Public Library. This majestic building built in Gothic style was designed by R. Roskell Bayne. This building is of immense significance since here only Legislative Council for the North Western Province and Oudh held its first meeting on January 8, 1887. Let’s not forget that Allahabad was capital city of United Provinces from 1902 to 1920! Anyway, I am happy that in my college days I was the most frequent visitor! Even now also I can be seen here :P
It’s not that one notices only romance in parks..In Allahabad most of such parks are occupied by serious students preparing for competitive examinations!
And those students who are not studying inside Company Park are seen ferociously involved in Cricket match :P ..This is the biggest park of Allahabad.
Just see the vastness of the park that many teams are playing at the same time :P :P :P
Saint Joseph’s college which lies adjacent to Company Garden :P
That’s the road which connects Company Garden with Civil Lines-the heart of city dominated by glamour and modernity!
The Mall Culture In Civil Lines!
Well, this new age glamour does attract me but not for long!
Statue of Subhas Chandra Bose Amidst Mall Culture :P
Laxmi Book House is first choice of any journalist! By the way, how many times do you notice cinema hall and prominent magazine/newspaper corner close to each other :P :P :P
Palace Theater enjoys a great place in the memories of all good cinema lovers. It’s one of the oldest theaters in the city. However, its old charm has given way to this new modern appearance ! My choice also witnessed drastic changes from “Thodi Se Bewafai” (1980) to ” Ship of Thesus” (2012) at this Palace Theater :P :P :P
However, this historic cinema hall in old Allahbad, Niranjan, failed to start again. This hall needs to be renovated at the earliest. Two prominent movies which I came to see here when they got released were Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi(1982) and Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park (1993).
Indian Coffee House enjoys a special place in hearts of all literary class. It has witnessed many great literary and political figures carving a niche for themselves at global level since late 50s!
Resting place of capitalist forces :P
Worried about your future :P Consult this astrologer at Civil Lines under this tree :P
A Tree taken aback by pomp and show at Civil Lines :-(
Public Service Commission – an office where my father worked as an officer. And we lived in the residence situated on the huge campus of this office. Later, we shifted to Lucknow branch of the same office! Allahabad is city devoted to prominent government offices in Uttar Pradesh. Civil Lines area is mainly occupied by such government institutions.
Allahabad is also known for coaching institutes!!
And that’s the place where I work: Allahabad High Court :P
Greenery is in abundance at Allahabad High Court :P :P :P
Nearly all newspapers have their offices in Civil Lines area. However, Northern India Patrika’s office holds a special place in my heart. This is one of the oldest newspapers in India which started in year 1868. It was then named Amrita Bazar Patrika. Today, all good news editors and journalists are by-products of this newspaper. Today it’s financially not that successful but editors like V.S. Datta have kept its standards high. V.S Datta, senior-most journalist from Allahabad, is its editor since early 60s. And when my first article appeared in print in this newspaper in year 1995 he was the one responsible for its publication. I owe a lot to him for all my accomplishments as a writer/journalist. May Lord give him long life and good health!
A Journalistic road..The road running parallel to Patrika House!
Lawyer’s Hanuman Temple :P :P :P It’s situated close to Allahabad High Court. Most of the lawyers first have Hanumanji’s blessing and then proceed towards their respective chambers :P :P :P …
Geeta Niketan Temple In Tula Ram Bagh!
These areas are so over-crowded that one thinks twice before paying a visit ! This place is called Kotha Parcha. Courtesy Telephone Department that I have to come here quiet often to buy phone related instruments :-(
One of the busiest rail bridge!
Pathar Chatti Ramleela Committee’s Venue which hosts many programmes related with cause of Hindus! It’s situated in Ram Bagh area of Allahabad.
This Hanumanji’s temple in Rambagh is also quite well-known temple in Allahabad :-) Hanumanji rocks in Allahabad :P
Cute Street At Rambagh!
It’s a place which gives rise to new doctors :P :P :P
Allahabad has proper roads, any doubt? :P :P
Theosophical Society in Allahabad. ” Blavatsky portrayed the Theosophical Society as being part of one of many attempts throughout the millennia by this hidden Hierarchy to guide humanity – in concert with the overall Intelligent Cosmic Evolutionary scheme – towards its ultimate, immutable evolutionary objective: the attainment of perfection and the conscious, willing participation in the evolutionary process.”
Roads teach you a lot!
This place bears testimony to meeting of Rishi Bharadwaja with Lord Rama…However, this park is nowadays chosen spot of lovers :P ..Anyway, meeting of Sri Rama, Sri Vishnu’s incarnation, with Rishi Bharadwaja would always remain one of the most significant moments in the history of Prayag!
Sometimes some places in Allahabad give you the feeling that you are moving in Kashi :-)
That’s the ancestral home of India’s first prime minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru which Indians know as Anand Bhawan. It played a significant role in Indian freedom movement. That’s why visitors never miss this place :-)
Hope new generation gets right message from being at such places. This place also has a famous planetarium.
Places like Anand Bhawan are not picnic spots but these places are now best remembered for spending few hours in fun-filled way..Anyway, historical legacy has ensured survival of these small shopkeepers selling eatables!
P.S. :- The copyright of these images rests with the author of this post. Anybody making use of them without prior permission of the author, or without giving due credit to the author, could be penalized as per legal norms.
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Reference:
Allahabad: A City Wedded To Realism (Photo Feature Part One) Allahabad: A City Wherein Global Salutes The Local (Photo Feature Part 3)
Allahabad: A City Wedded To Realism (Photo Feature Part One)
Allahabad enjoys a glorious legacy. It’s a city that has been dominated by best minds since time immemorial. Its ancient name Prayag is associated with Rishis (saints) and Devas (demigods) eager to have an opportunity to live in this city. Sri Rama, incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and, Sri Shankaracharya, incarnation of Lord Shiva, both came to interact with this city in their own ways. Needless to state about Kumbh Mela, which provides it a global appeal. And who can forget its role in Independence movement? And in post- Independence era, it still continues to dominate the course of this great nation by giving birth to remarkable thought patterns. Leading politicians, top bureaucrats, great literary figures and etc. all belong to this city. This city wedded to realism is very very slow in embracing ultra-modern changes, but now it has started accepting bizarre changes all in the name of being in tune with time!
Even Allahabad’s Skyline Above A Busy Corner Of The City Speaks About Saints :-)
This city has imbibed secular spirit so well without any adherence to so-called secularism demonstrated by modern India’s so-called secular leaders. It’s beautiful Central Methodist church located in Civil Lines.
Another beautiful church located in Allahabad called “All Saints Cathedral” (Patthar Girja)! Designed by William Emerson this church depicts Gothic style.
A Busy street in Chowk Area. It’s always a great rush here!
Another corner of Chowk area. This area comes in old Allahabad.
Don’t be confused! It’s not a gali of Benaras. It’s Allahabad’s Loknath Ki Gali :-) Here too, like Varanasi’s gali, you would find Lord Shiva, Bull, Bhaang, Mithai, Chaat and sea of people :P :P :P
Yum! Yum! Yum! Sweets being made in Loknath Ki Gali. It’s called Imarti :P :P :P
Parrots on sale :P
This is Baldau’s famous newspaper corner at very busy crossing of Johnstonganj :-) These two brothers started this shop in late 90s and even in era of Internet they have done well to retain the flow of customers!
And here Lord is on sale..I mean their images :P :P :P
Hot Popcorns :P :P Garma Garam Aur Karare :P :P
It’s the place which defines the existence of Prayag..It’s the place which bears testimony to one of the largest gatherings on planet earth called as Kumbh Mela..This is Sangam area, which is confluence of three rivers, namely, Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati!
Visitors from distant lands arrive at this divine place :-)
Usually one finds Pandas beneath such constructions-the people who perform religious rituals on banks of rivers…However, at this time, we are noticing only the devotees :P
Well, it’s a great feeling to be at this place…It fills you with positive energy!!
Evening Hours At Sangam :-) So Beautiful :-)
On Road To Sangam :P
During Mela time it’s absolutely jam-packed!
These routes are created during Mela days to allow smooth passage of vehicles!
Beautiful View Of The Sangam Area!
Now That’s The Place Which Witnesses Millions Of Devotees Each Year :-)
I also left my footprints here :-) :-) :-)
A Bird’s Eye View Of The Sangam Area :P
Glimpse of devotees at this place. They come from various parts of India with a hope to have their wishes fulfilled. But not without taking a dip in the icy waters :P :P :P
This Is Allahabad’s Fort built by great ruler King Ashoka! Now it’s under the control of Indian Army!
This beautiful fort was repaired by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1583 A.D. !
This is famous Akshayavat Temple situated inside Allahabad Fort. This temple has so many great stories associated with it from being the only place to survive during great annihilation of universe by the Lord to a place associated with visit of Lord Rama, Sri Sita Maiyya and Sri Lakshmana!
In Uttar Pradesh very few cities have beautiful roads :P
This is Bade Hanuman Ji’s Temple located in Sangam Area. It’s an extremely popular temple among the devotees! Notice the huge number of devotees at this place! Interestingly, every year Sri Hanumanji, who is in lying position in this temple, is made to have total bath by Ganges at least once :-)
Life around this temple. It’s so colourful and serene :-)
These three fellows were having great arguments among themselves..Later they became friends :P :P :P
Modern upper class women might not be interested in buying any item from these shops but women from rural belts spend a long time on these shops to have their beauty enhanced :P
This is a temple dedicated to Sri Adi Shankaracharya ji. Sri Adi Shankara ji was India’s greatest philosopher who added new dimensions in Advaita Darshana. This temple is managed by Shri Kanchi Kamkoti Peeth.
Entrance Gate Of This Temple.
Various episodes from the life of Sri Adi Shankara have been shown via images carved on the walls of the temple. In this one, we find him having a dialogue with another great philosopher of his times Sri Kumarila Bhatta :-)
Now who can forget Sri Adi Shankara’s debate with Sri Mandana Misra- a great Hindu philosopher ? :-) :-) :-)
Just close to this temple one would find this beautiful shop selling decorative items made of brass and other metals!
It’s a beautiful affair to have a lonely walk on these roads in Sangam Area :-)
Close to the Sangam area lies Allahbad’s Daraganj area. Allahbadis best remember it for Niralaji’s presence, who happened to be doyen of Hindi literature. Notice his statue behind the vegetable shop!
The rustic feeling which one gets on being streets leading to Daraganj is quite unique :-)
This street is bit cleaner without losing its rustic appeal :P
And Daraganj area has its own railway station. Small stations have their own unique charm :P
And I also came to notice these very beautiful calves in Daraganj area :P :P :P
Daraganj area has many well-known temples. One of them is associated with Goddess Shakti: Alopi Devi’s Temple. During Navratris there is huge flow of devotees :-)
Inside view of Sri Alopi Devi’s Temple :-)
Now how can Lord Krishna remain far behind :P :P This temple known as Rupa Gaudiya Math is part of Vaishnava cult. It’s learnt that Srila Prabhupadaji took initiation here from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati ji Maharaja! Jai Sri Krishna :P :P
And the life goes on in routine way on streets running parallel to this temple :-)
And I also came to notice this Sanskrit College associated with Sampoornananda University, Varanasi, in Daraganj area :-)
Have you tasted Dehati Rasgulla :P If not, then it’s time for you to taste them :P. My favourite shop lies in Bairahana area..During my college days, this was my favourite place for Rasgullas :P …And notice the huge crowd :P
They taste really good :P…Just have them before I come back with Part 2 of photo feature associated with Allahabad :P :P
P.S. :- The copyright of these images rests with the author of this post. Anybody making use of them without prior permission of the author, or without giving due credit to the author, could be penalized as per legal norms.
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References:
Allahabad: City Of True Beauty, Real Romance And Mysticism (Photo Feature Part 2)
Allahabad: A City Wherein Global Salutes The Local (Photo Feature Part 3)
My Recent Write-Ups Which Appeared In Blogosphere As Well As In Mainstream Media!
It’s quite a strenuous affair to be sandwiched between demands of social media and mainstream media. Both the mediums in our times have attained new heights. However, it’s a great accomplishment if a writer/journalist is getting sufficient space in both the mediums at the same time. Fortunately, my writings managed to appear in mainstream publications without much canvassing on my part. I never had to heed to confrontational attitude to convince the editors from mainstream media to understand the relevance of writings which had first appeared in virtual world.
That’s because before I moved to virtual world I had already found space as Writer/Contributor/Freelancer/Letter Columnist in all leading national and International publications which include Time, Newsweek, The Hindu, The Telegraph, The Statesman, The Times of India, The Hindustan Times, India Today, Outlook, The Week, Harmony, The Sunday Indian, Hardnews, Critique, Tehelka, Northern India Patrika and Soham, to name a few. Today when I have primarily got confined to virtual space, the write-ups still appear in Northern India Patrika- a leading newspaper published from Allahabad. It’s one of the oldest newspapers published in India, being sister publication of now defunct Amrit Bazar Patrika (Kolkata) which had started in 1868.
Recent write-ups which appeared in mainstream media:
1. Vishal Bhardwaj: A Genuine Music Composer In Times When Indian Music Directors Have Become Copycats
Appeared in Media Musings Column of Northern India Patrika On December 08, 2013.
2. Unleashing Magic Of “Triple S” Of Indian Cinema: Sahir Ludhianvi, Shakeel Badayuni and Shailendra!
Appeared in Media Musings Column of Northern India Patrika On December 22, 2013
3. Rape Allegation That Led To Suicide of Kurshid Anwar: A Resounding Slap On The Face Of Media!
Appeared in Northern India Patrika’s Editorial Column On January 07, 2014.
4. Swami Vivekananda: A Spiritual Powerhouse Who Really Understood The Potential Of Youths!
Appeared in Northern India Patrika’s Editorial Column On January 18, 2014.
5. News Item Related With Speech I Gave In Allahabad On January 12, 2014, At Jagat Taran Girls Degree College.
News Related With Speech I Delivered As A Guest Speaker In An Event Organized At Jagat Taran Girls Degree College To Celebrate The Birth Anniversary Of Swami Vivekananda. It’s The Same Venue Where Couple Of Days Back President Of India Pranab Mukherjee Addressed The Gathering Of Students! This News Item Appeared In Northern India Patrika On January 13, 2014.
5. The Times Of India’s News Coverage
The Times Of India News Item Related With Speech I Delivered. This News Item Appeared On January 21,2014
6. That’s Myself Giving Speech At Jagat Taran Girls Degree College On January 12, 2014.
Giving Speech In Allahabad Is A Great Feeling. After All, It’s A Place Associated With Great Thinkers, Intellectuals And Writers! I Gave The Speech At Jagat Taran Girls Degree College On January12, 2014. That’s The Same Venue Where President Of India Pranab Mukherjee Also Delivered A Speech Some Days Back.
The Times Of India: Marriage Bill Is Anti-Men
This News Item Appeared In The Allahabad Edition Of The Times Of India On December 19, 2013.
It’s a matter of great satisfaction that prominent publications related with mainstream media have begun to embrace issues related with men in a fair way. The various bodies working for the cause of men across the nation have decided to ferociously protest against the recent amendments made in Hindu Marriage Laws which are not only anti-male but also do not augur well for the cause of society. I must appreciate The Times of India and its correspondents some of them whom I know personally quite well for being sympathetic towards issues sensitive in nature. The complicated issues cannot be dealt with in a proper way unless we know both the sides of story and this type of fair reporting allows us to be more informed about aspects which remain neglected owing to lack of dissemination. Right now some of the well known Men’s associations based in Bangalore, Pune, Nagpur and elsewhere are working hard to create awareness regarding misuse of laws, which they call legal terrorism. The activists right now are engaged in having dialogue with Members of Parliament with a hope to apprise them of with concerns of Men’s Associations. I am sure the day is not far when gender-neutral laws would get introduced to provide a better shape to Indian society now on the verge of disarray due to blatant misuse of power by the feminists, enjoying support of negative powers operating within the nation and in foreign lands.
Acute Power Failure In Allahabad: Kareli Power Substation And Other Substations In Huge Mess
That’s Kareli Power Substation. Notice That It’s Locked From Outside During Duty Hours. That’s The Way It Functions!
The political party which has no sound policies cash in on populist measures to gain power. If such a political party somehow manages to register its presence in corridors of power, it proves to be an ominous sign for the growth of democracy. Uttar Pradesh is facing similar crisis in the regime of Samajwadi Party. Right from series of communal riots in various parts of states to administrative failures in various major cities the state has been held hostage to dangerous elements masquerading in various forms. The Samajwadi Party wooed young voters by promising laptops and nobody questioned the utility of launching such scheme at cost of taxpayers’ hard earned money. Look at the irony involved that state is reeling under worse power crisis. It appears laptops provided by this government get recharged by darkness! The same money spent on laptops, tablets and etc. could have been diverted to improve the infrastructure involved in production of power. It’s no secret that most power houses operating in state are operating with help of worn out machinery. However, you can’t expect such measures from a government run by unethical minds.
Allahabad, most important city after Lucknow, which is on paper getting 21 hours power supply, is facing huge power crisis. Let’s take into cognizance working of one of the power substations operating in Allahabad, which is home of eminent intellectuals, bureaucrats, writers, poets, judges and journalists. One example is suffice to have idea of how the system is operating under this government’s rule. Kareli power house, an important substation, which supplies power to Kareli and other adjoining areas like Bhavapur, is in total disarray because of its incompetent officials and poor management. It’s now very clear that may be in Mayawati’s regime there were huge scams at ministerial level, the bureaucratic machinery still remained under awe of strict punishment in case of non performance of duty. Under this regime absence of such threat of getting punishment has led to lawlessness and haughtiness on part of officials.
The Kareli substation under Maywati’s regime was one of the best substations operating in the city having a smooth supply in both Hindu and Muslim colonies, even in peak hours during some important festivals like Dussehara or Eid. A telephone was always there to register the complaint of aggrieved consumers and the fault was dealt with in a conscious time bound manner. The same substation is now working in most shabby manner. The employees stationed here are rude while dealing with consumers besides being incompetent. They are not bothered as to how to ensure smooth power supply. Many linemen/technicians on condition of anonymity stated that there is nobody to check huge power theft in this area. As a result of this power theft as many as 20 transformers have blasted in one single month. The staff operating at power houses often gets beaten at the hands of angry public. Prima facie one always blames citizens for such display of violence and angry reactions but if we delve deeper into the cause of mob violence one would realize that ordinary citizens are not that guilty.
For instance at Kareli substation during some critical faults there is no one present to register the complaints of consumers. There is also no telephone, and thus, one living at a distance has to travel many kilometers to reach this substation. Imagine the state of the mind of such consumer if he/she finds that gates are locked from outside during working hours! If the same consumer tries to contact with higher officials over telephone, the officers at the other end don’t give much importance to his/her problems. So what options do power house officials leave for aggrieved consumers other than to react violently? Bhavapur area which is major Hindu colony having distinguished citizens faced 18 hours power failure for two consecutive days which included Dussehara day. Can one imagine the level of collective anger of such residents?
Most of the areas, falling under this substation, for past one and half months are facing huge power cuts. Earlier it was informed that feeders were being changed along with replacement of incoming panel. The residents of this area kept quiet but people lost their cool when even after removal of major faults the areas like Bhavapur, Nihalpur and etc. remained dark for more than 10 or 12 hours at a stretch while the adjoining Muslim areas like Akbarpur remained above such power cuts! The whole Navaratri celebrations along with tableau exhibition was marred by absolute darkness. In fact, this substation is working in a dangerous way too. That’s because no employee of higher rank is placed at this substation. As a result of that staff which is comprised of linemen and few technicians are either missing in night schedule or if that’s not the case they are involved in drinking of beer. Just few weeks ago, a lineman involved in repairing work at Kareli substation in inebriated state suffered serious injuries.
This government has failed to realize that citizens are not impressed by populist measures. To win their hearts the government needs to improve the functioning of public administration. What prevented it to improve the quality of services provided by government bodies? Instead of doing that it’s engaged in divisive policies, which involve huge wastage of taxpayer’s money. It’s time for the electorate to realize that during voting it’s better to have in their view right aspects instead of being swayed by flawed populists measures of parties devoid of vision and sound principles.
Distributing laptops when the whole state is reeling under total darkness! The same taxpayers’ money could have been used to improve power supply.
Pics Credit:
अँधेरे के मनहूस गर्त में डूबी उत्तर प्रदेश सरकार
ये है करेली पॉवर हाउस. आप खुद देखे किस तरह ड्यूटी आवर्स में इस पर ताला लगा है. ये तब होता है जब कोई बड़ी फाल्ट आ गयी होती है. कर्मचारी बजाय शिकायत सुनने के इस तरह ताला लगाकर गायब हो जाते है.
लैपटॉप बाटती उत्तर प्रदेश की सरकार को शायद इस बात की परवाह नहीं कि बिन रौशनी के ये लैपटॉप कूड़े के ढेर में फेंकने लायक चीज़ है. इस सरकार को शायद ये एहसास नहीं कि जनता इस तरह के वाहियात स्कीम से खुश नहीं होती। जनता तब प्रसन्न रहती है जब जनता से सरोकार रखती आवश्यक सेवाए सुचारू रूप से पहुचती रहती है. लेकिन जिस सरकार में मंत्री और अफसर दोनों बेलगाम घोड़े की तरह हो गए हो वहा फरियाद करने का क्या औचित्य? इलाहाबाद एक महत्वपूर्ण शहर है ये बताने की जरूरत नहीं लेकिन यहाँ जिस तरह सरकारी संस्थाए काम कर रही उससे लगता नहीं लखनऊ में बैठे आकाओ या इलाहाबाद में खुद इस सरकार के नुमाइन्दो को कोई फिक्र है यहाँ के हालातो से. इलाहाबाद में जब सारे शहर में दशहरे की धूम थी शहर का एक ख़ास इलाका भावापुर जो करेली पॉवर हाउस से संबद्ध है अँधेरे में डूबा रहा दो दिनों तक लगातार। सिर्फ दो दिनों तक अँधेरे में डूबे रहता तो कोई बड़ी बात नहीं थी. ये इलाका पिछले ढेढ़ महीने से बिजली की समस्या से जूझ रहा. हद तब हो गयी जब दशहरे के दिन और उसके अगले दिन १८ घंटो से अधिक बिजली बेवजह गायब रही. और यहाँ का एक मंत्री को ये सफ़ेद झूठ बोलते लाज नहीं आई कि इलाहबाद शहर में तो २१ घंटे बिजली आती है!
मायावती के शासन काल में कम से कम सरकारी अफसरों में एक जवाबदेही का भय था. यही करेली का सबस्टेशन सबसे बेहतर पॉवर हाउस में से एक था मायावती के शासन में. पब्लिक की समस्या को सुनने के लिए एक टेलीफोन भी था जिससे कम से कम शिकायत तो दर्ज हो ही जाती थी. समाजवादी पार्टी के सत्ता में आते ही इस पॉवर स्टेशन के अधिकारी निरंकुश हो गए. टेलीफोन कहा गया पूछने पर कर्मचारी बत्तमीजी से बतायेंगें कि खो गया है! दशहरे के अवसर पर किसी इलाके की बिजली अट्टारह घंटो से अधिक काट देना एक जुर्म है क्योकि शिकायत करने पर कुछ घंटो में बिजली देने का प्रावधान है.लेकिन इस करेली पॉवर स्टेशन में फैली दुर्दशा इस सरकार में फैली अराजकता को स्पष्ट दर्शाती है और ये दिखा जाती है कि इस सरकार की कार्यप्रणाली किस प्रकार की है.
इस पॉवर स्टेशन में पिछले डेढ़ महीनो से समस्या चल रही है. पहले पहल पूछने पर ये बताया जाता था कि फीडर बदले जा रहे है और उसके बदलते ही इस इलाके में ट्रांसफार्मर फूंकने इत्यादि की समस्या हल हो जायेगी. इस बाबत अधिकारियों के बयान कई दिनों तक अखबार में छपते रहे और जनता धैर्य धारण किये रही. बिजली के अधिकारी लोगो को आप अक्सर सुनते मिल जायेंगे कि साहब फला केंद्र पर कर्मचारियों को पब्लिक ने पीटा. अधिकारी इसके पहले अपनी करतूतों को जाहिर भी कर दिया करे तो बेहतर रहेगा! इस करेली पॉवर स्टेशन पे फैली अराजकता को देखे और ये पाठक सोच कर बताये जब पानी की किल्लत, गर्मी और उमस से जूझती जनता की समस्या को पॉवर हाउस के कर्मचारी/अधिकारी संज्ञान में लेना जरूरी ना समझे तो क्या हो? यहाँ के इलाके के अधिकतर ट्रांसफार्मर फूँक गए है. क्यों? क्योकि यहाँ के अधीनस्थ कर्मचारी नाम न छपने के शर्त पर ये आपको बता देंगे कि अफसरों ने कितने अवैध कनेक्शनो को कम क्षमता वाले ट्रांसमिशन पर डाल रखा है. क्या नतीजा होगा इसका?
आप पूछेंगे क्यों नहीं अधिकारी इस बात को ध्यान में लेते? तो इस सबस्टेशन की कहानी ये है कि इस पॉवर हाउस में कोई अधिकारी तकरीबन ना के बराबर बैठता है. इसका नतीजा ये है कि लाइनमैन टाइप के लोग रहते है जिनको अगर कोई हादसा हो जाए तो ये भी नहीं मालूम कि करना क्या है. क्योकि कोई अधिकारी भी नहीं बैठता लिहाजा नीचे के कर्मचारी या तो आपको मिलेंगे नहीं या अगर दिखे भी तो ड्यूटी के वक्त दारुबाज़ी जैसी हरकतों में लिप्त मिलेंगे. अगर कोई बड़ी फाल्ट आ गयी तो ये सबस्टेशन में ताला लगाकर भाग जायेंगे. इसी सबस्टेशन पर कुछ दिनों पहले एक कर्मचारी नशे में पोल पर चढ़ गया और बड़े हादसे का शिकार हो गया. अगले दिन इलाहाबादी पत्रकारों ने पत्रकारिता के गिरते स्टैण्डर्ड को दर्शाते हुए इस घटना को गायब करते हुएं लिखा कि हाई टेंशन वायर टूट जाने से करेली सबस्टेशन की बिजली गुल!
ये पॉवर स्टेशन मुस्लिम बहुल्य इलाके में पड़ता है. इस वक्त इस केंद्र में अधिकतर इसी वर्ग के कर्मचारी भी तैनात है जो कितने काबिल है वो आप अगर ऑफ द रिकार्ड अधीनस्थ कर्मचारियों से पूछे तो खुद समझ में आ जाएगा! ये बताना कोई बहुत जरूरी ना होता अगर इस इलाके में इस बात की सुगबुगाहट ना होती कि इस दशहरे में इस तरह के लापरवाही सुनियोजित थी. जाहिर है ये बात इस केंद्र से के कर्मचारियों के बीच से ही उठी है. इसी शहर में कुछ दिनों पहले अखिलेश यादवजी का आगमन हुआ. जिस करेली केंद्र को अधिकारी अभी कई दिनों से बुरी तरह फाल्ट ग्रसित बता रहे थें उसी से अबाधित २४ घंटे बिजली आई. उनके जाने के अगले दिन बिजली फिर चली गयी. केंद्र फिर फाल्टग्रस्त हो गया!
खैर मै सुनी सुनाई बातो पे कम यकीन रखता हूँ. दशहरे के दूसरे दिन जब बिजली सब जगह आ रही थी (भावापुर से जुड़े मुस्लिम इलाको जैसे अकबरपुर इत्यादि में) पर भावापुर में बिजली नदारद थी. फ़ोन करने किसी अधिकारी के पास सिवाय बहानेबाजी के कोई ठोस जवाब नहीं था कि क्यों ऐसा हो रहा है और ऐसा कब तक होगा. ये इस सबस्टेशन की कहानी नहीं है. ये इस सरकार की विकृत और बीमार मानसिकता की निशानी है. शायद इस सबस्टेशन के लाइनमैन दबी ज़बान में कडुवा सच कह रहे है कि इस तरह के गैर जिम्मेदार अफसरों के रहते आप किस सुधार की कल्पना कर सकते है! तकलीफ इस बात की भी है कि इसी इलाके में हाई कोर्ट के अधिकारी, अन्य विभागों के अधिकारी, हाई कोर्ट के जज भी रहते है. शहर के अन्य उच्च अधिकारी अगर इस बात को संज्ञान में नहीं ले रहे है तो ये क्यों खामोश बैठे है? इस इलाके की साधारण पब्लिक जो अब बहुत गुस्से में आ गयी है वो शायद पीटने पाटने के सिवाय कुछ ज्यादा ना करे लेकिन हाई कोर्ट या इस शहर के अन्य अधिकारी तो इस करेली केंद्र के कर्मचारियों/ अधिकारियो को उनकी इस लापरवाही पर कड़ी सजा दिला सकते है. यही करने का वक्त आ गया है. सुधार ऐसे ही आता है.
लैपटॉप बाटने से पहले बिजली तो ठीक तरह से देना सीखे ये सरकार!! सरकारी पैसा बिजली देने में लगाए बेहतर नतीजे मिलेंगे।
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पूर्णता की शिकार ये कुछ मैच्योर आत्माये (व्यंग्य लेख)
जय गऊ माता की …जय कुक्कुर देव की भी।।।
[सर्वप्रथम 03 जुलाई, 2004 वाराणसी/इलाहाबाद से प्रकाशित सम्मानित दैनिक “आज” में प्रकाशित। ये लेख ऑटोमैटिक रूप से प्रयाग की धरती पर भटकती पूर्णता को प्राप्त रूहों से मिलन के बाद लिखा गया था एक दम फटाफट।]
आज का मनुष्य विरोधाभासों का पुतला बन के रह गया है। जिधर भी देखिये आज ऐसे ही मनुष्यों का समूह पायेंगे। तमाम तरह की विरोधाभासी प्रवृत्तियों को इस तरह अपने में समेटे रहते है कि ऐसा लगता है कि व्यंग्य की कृतियों ने मनुष्य का चोला धारण करना आरम्भ कर दिया है। कुछ उदहारण देने से बात समझ में आ जायेगी। आज के अधिकांश राजनैतिक दल जो क्रन्तिकारी परिवर्तनों की बात करते है अगर हम उनको ध्यान से देखे तो पायेंगे कि गली में घूमने वाले टामियों, मोतियों और शेरूओ और इन दलों के बीच का फर्क बिलकुल समाप्त हो गया है। अब इन कुत्तो को देखिये। दूसरी गली में कोई कुत्ता किसी कारण से भौंक रहा हों तो मेरे दरवाजे के पास बैठे काले कुत्ते को भौकना ना जाने किस वजह से अनिवार्य हो जाता है।
फिर तुरंत ही सारे कुत्ते इकट्ठे होकर सामूहिक रूप से अपनी उर्जा समाप्त करके अपनी अपनी जगह लौट जाते है फिर ऐसी किसी प्रक्रिया को क्षणिक विश्राम के बाद दुहराने के लिए। कोई कुत्ता यदि भिन्नता लिए हो या फिर कोई कुत्ता अजनबी गली से आउटसोर्सिंग की वजह से गुजर रहा हो तो वह अन्य कुत्तो की आलोचना का अर्थात “भौकन क्रिया” का शिकार हो जाएगा। वह आगे आगे और अन्य गलियों के काले, भूरे, सफ़ेद, चितकबरे आदि रंग के तमाम कुत्ते उत्तेजक रूप से भौकते उसे गति पकड़ने पर मजबूर कर देंगे। कुछ इसी बीच नई माडल की गाडियों पर टांग उठाते चलेंगे।
आप संसद या विधानसभा की कार्यवाही पर गौर करे तो लगेगा कि आप ये सब पहले कही देख चुके है! बात निवेश की हो या आर्थिक सुधारो की कुछ लोग जो ऊँघते या अनुपस्थित न होंगे तो आप उन्हें हरदम “साम्प्रदायिक सरकार नहीं चलेगी, नहीं चलेगी” या “फ़ासिस्ट हाय-हाय” आपको नियमित रूप से उच्चारित करते हुए मिलेंगे। अब पता नहीं किन अनुभवों के आधार पर आर्थिक सुधारो को साम्प्रदायिकता से जोड़ लेते है ये तो खैर इनकी प्रोग्रेसिव आत्मा ही बता सकती है। और इस उच्चारण को जब और सारे दल सुर में सुर मिलाते है तो वाकआउट नाम का जिन्न प्रकट होता है जो तत्काल सबको एक बराबरी पर ला पटकता है। और इसके बाद कुछ मुद्दों पर इधर-उधर की कह कर अर्थात टांग उठाकर अपने ठिकाने की तरफ बढ़ चलते है। विरोधाभासों के मंच के सशक्त केंद्र बन गए है संसद आदि स्थल।
अपने इलाहाबाद शहर के एक व्यस्त चौराहे पर अखबार की रसीली दुकान है। विरोधाभासों के कई सशक्त हस्ताक्षर यहाँ दिन भर डेरा डाले रहते है। ऐसे ही एक सज्जन कई अखबारों के पन्नो को यूँ ही उल्टा पल्टी करने के बाद टीका टिपण्णी के बाउन्सर फेकने लगते है। एक दिन मुझसे ये बोले हिंदी में जरा आप लिखे तो कुछ बात बने वर्ना अंग्रेजी लेखन के जरिये तो आप कभी राष्ट की चेतना से सम्बन्ध नहीं बना पायेंगे। पता नहीं अंग्रेज़ क्यों अपनी अंग्रेजी कुछ लोगो के हवाले करके चले गए। अपनी मिसाईल दाग कर वो चलते बने। अफ़सोस इस बात का नहीं था कि अंग्रेजी लेखन को निशाना बनाया गया था पर इस बात का था कि अपनी दिमागी जड़ता को राष्ट्र की चेतना के विकास से जोड़ गए। क्योकि मै अच्छी तरह जानता हूँ कि अगर मै इनसे ये कहता कि मुझे हिंदी की श्रेष्ठ कृतियों से लगाव है तो मुझे ये संस्कृत से जुड़ने की सीख देते, संस्कृत से भी अगर जुड़ा पाते तो फिर ये कहते आप भोजपुरी से क्यों नहीं गठबंधन करते आदि आदि। खैर मै आपको विरोधाभासों के बारे में, विचित्र प्रवृत्तियों के बारे में कुछ बता सा रहा था।
अगले दिन मुझे बड़ा आश्चर्य हुआ जब मैंने इन सज्जन को फेमिना, कास्मोपोलिटन इत्यादि अंग्रेज़ी मैग्जीनों के पन्नो को पलटते देखा। मैंने उनसे कहा कि लगता है आपने अपना पाला पलट लिया है। अभी आप कल ही तो स्वाभिमान वाली बात कर रहे थें। उन्होंने ये सुनकर कहा कि आपको लगता है तो लगे पर मै स्पष्ट कर दूँ कि मै पढ़ नहीं सिर्फ इन्हें सिर्फ देख रहा हूँ। आप की अंग्रेजी पर इतनी पकड़ नहीं तो फिर आप इन्हें देखकर क्या प्राप्त कर रहे है? इस सवाल पर उनका चेहरा तमतमा उठा पर झेंप को छुपाते हुए बोले देखिये निरुत्तर बनकर मुझे अपूर्णता का शिकार तो होना नहीं है। इनके पन्ने पलटने से तो ही मैचोरिटी आती है। संक्षेप में मंत्र इन्होने ये दिया कि राष्ट्र की चेतना का विकास भले हिंदी में लिखने से होता हों पर पूर्णता अंग्रेजी के मैग्जीनों के पलटने से ही आती है।
अगर सेंट्रल लाइब्रेरी में घटी घटना का उल्लेख न करू तो बात अधूरी रह जायेगी। मै वाचनालय में किसी लेख को पढने में पूरी तल्लीनता से रमा हुआ था कि किसी के कदमो की आहट ने मेरा ध्यान भंग कर दिया। देखा कि एक साहब आदिमकाल के मनुष्यों में पाए जाने वाले गुणों को अभिव्यक्त करते हुए चले आ रहे थें। दुर्भाग्य से ये आके मेरे बगल में खड़े हो गए। आँखे इनकी अभी भी दरवाजे की तरफ ही थी पर इनके हाथो में अंग्रेजी का अखबार आ चुका था। फिर जिस तरह कैशिअर नोटों को गिनता है इन्होने इसी अंदाज़ में पन्नो को तेज़ी सें पलटना आरम्भ किया। केवल मुंह की तरफ हाथ थूंक लगाने के लिए उठता था। कुछ ही सेकेण्ड में भारत का नंबर एक अंग्रेजी का राष्ट्रीय दैनिक अखबार पढ़ा जा चुका था।मुझे इनकी शक्ल कुछ जानी पहचानी सी लगी। भाई साहब लगता है मैंने आपको पहले कही देखा है। इन्होने मेरी तरफ देखा फिर अटपटे लहजे में पूछा कि आप क्या करते है? इससें पहले कि मै इनसे कुछ कह पाता ये जिस तरह मेरे पास चल के आये थें उसी तरह से ये दरवाजे की तरफ बढ़ चले थें। चलिए ठीक है अब मै किसी जानी पहचानी शक्ल से मिलूँगा तो यही से शुरुआत करूँगा कि आप क्या करते है ? आप की शक्ल कुछ जानी पहचानी रही है। अब तो ठीक है न। शायद मै परिपक्व और पूर्ण हो चला हूँ।
बस इसी रोड पर कुछ कदम और आगे बढ़कर है एक अखबार की दूकान!
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