Perspective

Sukhna Lake Chandigarh  

Isn't it a biased lens that you are wearing today?

Why are you judging me in your way?

If I don't meet your criteria of success,
Or the present social norms,
If I don't dress the way you want,
Or choose not to respond to your taunt.
To you I am either noob or wrong!
I refuse to take it any more!
I don't need any validation,
For being who I am!
I belong to myself and my timeline!
My journey is unique in every way,
So, ponder and reflect before you say.
It would be wonderful for us,
And the world would be a better place.
If we respect each others opinions and space!
It's the perspective we need to re-set
Drop the stereotypical thinking and accept-
Ourselves and others in every aspect!

~ Monika

Himalayan Dream

The restlessness that sometimes sets in, disturbs me! There is an unexplained connection between us that intrigues me... There is part of my heart that rebels. It wants to break free from all the social norms... I wish either this heartache is gone or I begone! 
~ Monika 

Travel

Jihbi

My search for peaceful hill station brought me to a small town of Jibhi in Himachal Pradesh.  Unlike Shimla, Manali and Mclodeganj, it is lesser known or offbeat. There is hardly any crowd on the roads and no traffic jams.

Location : Jibhi is a small village in Kulu district of Himachal Pradesh about 277 km from Chandigarh and around  500 km from Indian capital state of New Delhi.
How to reach: Bhunttar is the nearest airport with flight connecting it with New Delhi.
We started our journey from Chandigarh at 5 am on NH 3 towards Manali. Soon we joined NH302. If one is traveling on own vehicle, on reaching the tunnel at Aut, one needs to take the right turn downwards towards Banjar valley. If travelling on Bus, cross the Tunnel and get off at Aut market for bus or taxi for Banjar or Jihbi. This road leads to village Banjar. All along the way parallel to the road runs the bubbling river with rapids at several places.  It is truly treat to the senses. After about 8 km from Banjar is the village of Jibhi.
It has many picturesque sight seeing location in and around it.

Best Time to Visit : The best time to visit is between  March to May and from October to January.
Where to stay: Since it is not very commercialized yet, there are no hotels.  There are small

camping sites, homestays and hostel in this area for logging. Ranging from INR 500 - 800 to INR 2000. We stayed at Shivang Homestay at Gadagusheni. It is run by Mr.  Heeralal.

 

 

Jibhi waterfall :There is a waterfall about 200 meters from the zero milestone of Jibhi.  There is a proper road to drive up-to 100 meter or you can trek.  After that, there is a small walk to a beautiful waterfall. On the way there are four small beautiful bridges.This place is very calm and rejuvenating. Nature in its unspoiled beauty mesmerizes the senses. I would say that having been to Campty falls(Masourie), Neel waterfall(Rishikesh), Jogini waterfall (Manali), this is the most easy and an accessible trek,  yet the most beautiful small waterfall.
The Shesh Nag Temple: Near the main market, an up hill short trek is the Shesh Nag Temple. It is a beautiful and colorful wooden structure. It has a revered local deity. The walls have wooden carvings and vibrant colors make it very attractive.

Other attractions are the Chaini fort trek, Jalori pass and Serolsar lake.  Most places one needs to trek to.  We were not able to visit any of these as our dog who was at hostel (as there are no pet friendly homestays) fell sick and we returned home next day.

Some tour groups conduct a weekend trip to this area. However the stay should be for at least 3-4 days if one wants to visit all places around Jalori pass and Jibhi.

Jihbi waterfall is undoubtedly the most indelible, wonderful and enjoyable experience that I will always cherish in my heart.

What does it matter- Black or White?

by Monika

Photo credits: Shutterstock

There are seven colours in a rainbow. While it is believed that some animals see only black and white, humans have this ability to see different colours. 

The scientists are divided on their opinion as to consider black and white as colours on the basis of light wavelength and pigment theories. It is believed, that white has presence of all colors and black absorbs all colours and reflects none. 

Black and white are colours forming contrasting combination.They are significant, symbolic and important. The zebra looks so attractive with it unique stripes. The youth enjoys his charm, however, when black color of his hair is lost, it is considered old and lacking vigor. The Chessboard and the chess pieces are in black and white and never in blue or green.  

In a recent visit to the court, the sight of all men and women dressed in back and white made me wonder why the advocates and judges dressed in black and white. I found out some interesting stuff. Centuries ago the British lawyers and judges wore black and white along with wigs to mask their true identity. Black was chosen as it was easy to dye, in those days when resources were limited.  Today, the lawyers wear black as it symbolizes authority and to uphold supremacy of justice.  White is symbolic of purity and integrity.

In some countries people were called "Blacks" derogatorily. The so called "Whites" cast atrocities on humanity on ground of race, colour and appearance.In some religions black is the colour of grief and white of happiness.  At times Black depicts darkness of the night and is considered shady, mysterious and notorious. While white is pure, innocent and trustworthy.

Figuratively speaking, coloured vision shows a bias. Just as putting it in black and white means to pen down clearly. 

However, not everything cannot be viewed as black and white. No person or situation is completely good or absolutely bad.  There are always shades of grey.  Good has traces of impurities.  What may generally be considered evil, may also contains goodness in it. 

The Taoist symbol Yin-Yang depicts this interconnectedness of things.

We may then debate like scientists about black and white to be colour-pigments or light-wavelengths or we may accept them as being just perceptions!