#India rose 4 places

[srbachchan]

DAY 5799

Jalsa, Mumbai Jan 2/3, 2024 Tue/Wed 6:28 AM

🪔 ,

January 03 .. birthday wishes to our Ef and greetings to all ..

Ef Himanshu Srivastava .. Ef Nandkeshor Dattatreya Paatil .. Ef Omnia from Egypt 🇪🇬 .. Ef Anuradha Raheja from Madurai .. and Ef Megha VJ from USA 🇺🇲 ..

.. ✨

🌹

Babuji .. a prominent member of the Freedom Fighters for Independent India .. and how his modest home was opened for secret meetings and a place to hide, for the freedom fighters ..

In one of his conversations with me he did describe how the great freedom fighter Chandrashekhar 'Azaad' had sought refuge at his home and remained rolled up in a 'bistar band' .. बिस्तर बंद .. the 'HoldAll' of my times, a canvas type rolled packaging with straps to tie it up, inside which was laid a mattress, pillows, your shoes and other essentials for travel .. all then rolled up and tied in leather straps, which then became an essential baggage element during travel .. it would and was opened up by releasing the straps, unrolling it and viola, a ready made bed - mattress pillows and all .. open it up on the bed or floor or a train berth .. most convenient and the most important baggage material for travel .. well on train and cars and bus travels .. until the airplane arrived as the more, now common mode of travel ..

So 'Azad' remained rolled up in the 'holdall' - a most convenient and descriptive word coined for this kind of baggage essential - and secretly spent a night there at Babuji's home .. rolled up in a holdall !!

The dedication and will of the freedom fighter ! Incredible !!

Chandrashekhar 'Azad' later took on the British forces, a large contingent, in the famous Allahabad park, then known as Alfred Park, alone, hiding behind a tree, firing bullets from his pistol , until when his ammunition was exhausted and when he felt he would be caught, he ended his life behind that tree, by shooting his last bullet .. at himself .. not wanting to give himself up to the British ..

The park has now been renamed in his honour .. The Chandrashekhar Azad Park ..

I spent a large amount of time at this park, for picnics etc., and this was where the popular Allahabad Flower Show used to be held, where I went with Ma .. she won several cups for Best Garden, and Best Flower, the rose, competition !

I remember seeing that famous tree, behind which Azad took shelter and fought the British contingent ..

The park was a large expanse of green and flowers and trees right almost in the centre of the city .. a canopied structure in the middle of the park, was inhabited by a Band, every Sunday, playing old tunes of the time ..

The park also had a most well kept grass tennis court, where I saw some great International players during their tournament, organised by the Allahabad Civic authorities .. I cannot remember their names .. was too young for that .. but they were from Britain, and some European countries , I think ..

They were invited for a tea reception at Justice Mootham's residence, the then Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court ..

If my memory does not fail me .. Justice Mootham ! yes that name is correct in memory ..

7 :00 AM

a bit misleading the time , for I have been up since 4 .. loitering about in my room, nursing a muscle pulled back in spasm, unable to sleep or rest .. so a selective spray, that boasts of 'pain relief' within minutes - they all do - was generously applied and ..

And ..

Well, the discomfort remains .. ahahaha ..

🤣🤣🤣

The greetings of the New Year, the greetings for the Birthday have all been overwhelmingly large, and this has provided an enormous amount of space occupation on the mobile .. which as I try to address, is becoming a most arduous task ..

SO ..

may I just acknowledge all that have sent their wishes and greetings here and express my inadequacy in making personal responses ..

PLEASE ..

my gratitude then and my love for this ..

❤️

Laziness persists .. and that induces a temperament , which is difficult to describe ..

The absence of routine may sound odd, but routine puts and gathers the body in a way that keeps it going .. else , one never has a solution as to what can be done to occupy time .. and several essentials loose their essentiality !

Making sense ..

No ..

Well then too bad ! 🥹

Was going to suggest, you get lazy to experience and endorse my words, but that would be so ethically incorrect ..

Hence its a wish for the effervescent day ahead .. and my love 😍

Amitabh Bachchan

PS : I was right .. 👇🏽

Orby Howell Mootham

Sir Orby Howell Mootham (17 February 1901 – 19 July 1995) was a British lawyer, legal writer, and judge who was the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court from 1955 to 1961, the third-last British judge to serve in India.

[rambheem-is-real]

Gold Rings and Black Roses Pt 4

pt 3 here

-

On the fourth day Aadhya tries her luck in going outside. It’s been a while since she’s been exposed to direct sunlight, staying inside the house all these days. She walks up to the main door cautiously, but the men standing guard don’t even look at her. Now or never, she thinks, and takes a step outside. When she isn’t immediately shot, Aadhya slowly makes her way down the steps outside of the mansion until she gets to the gravel road. Here she notices the outside guards staring at her, but they make no move to bring her back inside, so Aadhya keeps walking, turning to see the mansion from the outside. 

Somehow it looks a lot less scary now than it had when she was first brought here, though that was because Aadhya had thought she was being led to her death then. She’s no architecture buff, but she thinks it’s beautiful. She’s also more familiar with the inside of the mansion now, both in terms of the layout and the people. Aadhya’s made friends with some of the women working for Radha Rama, especially the tall one that gives her clothes to wear for the day, Sara. She’s spent a few hours every day talking to Sara and the other women about her life in America, and listening to their stories of Khansaar. She’s come to the conclusion that Khansaar seems like a terrible place to grow up, what with the constant threat of being murdered, but maybe Aadhya’s just soft. Sara had spoken of it with barely concealed longing, and Aadhya had sympathized with being stuck in a place far from home. She didn’t sympathize with the rest of it, though. 

“I miss Khansaar’s government,” Sara had said last night. “Here in India, there’s way too many laws against killing people,” she scoffed. 

“...I think that’s the case in every other country in the world actually,” Aadhya had replied. 

Aadhya thinks about the rest of the conversation as she walks around the building, taking in the sights around her. She had gotten Sara and another woman working for Obullamma, Rohini, to spill about Radha Rama’s ex-husband. 

“It was a political marriage, Bhaarava was a powerful warrior and Raja Mannar wanted him in his control,” Rohini explained. 

Sara nodded. “And of course ammagaru didn’t oppose the marriage, she was willing to do anything for her father.” Rohini gave her a look. “Well, she wasn’t opposed to Bhaarava either,” Sara continued cautiously, looking like she was nervous of Radha Rama appearing behind her. “He was attractive, competent, and knew how to play the game of politics. Ammagaru… really liked him.”

Aadhya frowned. “Then what happened? Did he die?”

“Well yes, just after he was exposed as a Shouryanga spy,” Rohini spits. 

Aadhya perks up at the familiar name. Was this man related to her too?? 

“But Deva killed him and many of his soldiers in his quest to hand Varadha the throne.” 

Oh. Probably not, then. 

“Good riddance,” Sara says. “He betrayed our ammagaru, that pig. Even before he went for the throne, he sided with Rudra against her during the ceasefire.” 

So Radha Rama probably only felt resentment towards her ex-husband, Aadhya thinks as she makes it to the other side. She gasps as she realizes the back of the building is a huge garden, plants clearly only recently trimmed and wrangled into place. Delighted, she runs over, examining the different plants. She has no idea about the differences between the flowers, but she thinks they’re very pretty. Further along the path are ornate benches to sit on, and carved statues. There seems to be a fountain in the distance, in the center of the garden. 

Aadhya loves it. 

She spends the next hour exploring, and just enjoying the fresh outside air. Towards the end of the hour, she spies a cluster of beautiful black roses. The petals of the roses are pitch-black, looking almost alien amongst the rest of the white lilies and jasmines surrounding them. As she brushes her hand through them, Aadhya’s reminded of the black saree that Radha Rama wore on the first day she saw her, before she changed into the yellow one. She tilts her head, considering. Actually they remind her of Radha Rama in general. She knows there’s probably a superstition about black roses somewhere, that they represent mourning and loss, but beyond that Aadhya can see the elegance and mystery that surrounds the flowers, much like Radha Rama herself. Even though she was in mourning, and had been for the last seven years over her husband, her kingdom, and her father, Radha Rama had stayed strong throughout, still managing to be so regal despite her situation. 

“Aadhya Krishnakanth.” Aadhya jumps as she hears a voice behind her, turning to find a bored man looking at her. “You are expected for lunch in ten minutes.” 

“Oh, I’ll be there then,” Aadhya says, and it looks like the man is satisfied as he walks away.

She turns back to the flowers. Has Radha Rama ever received a bouquet of flowers in her life? Was Bhaarava the type to pamper her? Aadhya frowns as she thinks back to what she’s heard about the man. Probably not. She makes her decision, plucking a handful of black roses from the ground. She looks around and spots someone that looks like the gardener, digging a few yards away from her. Aadhya makes her way over to him. 

“Hello!” She attempts a friendly greeting. The man, who was muttering angrily to himself, turns to look at her. 

“What do you want,” he sneers. 

Aadhya’s taken aback by the blatant hostility emerging from this man, but soldiers on regardless. “So sorry to bother you, but could you please dethorn these roses?”

The gardener stares at her. “...Aren’t you the kidnapped girl?”

Aadhya squirms. “Yes?”

He looks at the roses in her hand, then back up to her face. “Who the fuck are the roses for? You’ve been here for less than a week and you want romance?”

She blushes. “Radha Rama, actually.” He stares at her some more, then a grin spreads across his face.

“I want to see this play out. Give me the roses.” He pulls a device out of his back pocket, overflowing with other gardening tools, and proceeds to clip and dethorn the stems of the roses. He hands them back to Aadhya when he’s done. “Here you go. Hope you go out quickly.”

“...Thank you,” Aadhya says, and tries to walk back inside as fast as she can. She knows she’s impulsive, but hopefully this doesn’t backfire on her as much as the gardener clearly thinks it will. 

-

Aadhya enters the dining room with the flowers held behind her back, wanting it to be a surprise. Radha Rama is already seated at the other end of the table as is their usual arrangement, scrolling through her phone. Aadhya had successfully convinced the older woman to download a few social media apps yesterday, but not before Radha Rama had gone through every sentence of the terms and conditions for each app. 

“I am not giving a random businessman my private information,” she sneered. But Radha Rama had seemed to find Twitter funny, which Aadhya counted as a win, as she believed getting the older woman on the Internet was the best way to integrate her into general society. She wasn’t royalty anymore, and it wasn’t healthy for her to hold onto that grudge for so long. Aadhya hoped Radha Rama would learn to have some fun soon. 

Radha Rama looks up at Aadhya’s entrance, raising an eyebrow at Aadhya’s hidden hands. “Are you going to try to shoot me?” Aadhya… decides not to be offended at how relaxed she is under the assumption that Aadhya has a gun behind her back. 

“Nope. I brought you a gift.” Radha Rama blinks in surprise, and Aadhya shoves her nerves down. She presents the loose bouquet of black roses, holding them out in front of her like a shield. 

When Radha Rama keeps staring at the flowers, Aadhya shifts on her feet. “I got you some roses from the garden. They’re black, and I thought of your saree, and also how cool you are…” Aadhya trails off as the older woman looks up at her, eyes piercing through her. 

“You got me roses?” Radha Rama’s voice is hoarse. “Because of… how cool I am?” 

“Well yeah. You haven’t killed me yet, and you’re mysterious and beautiful just like these roses.” 

Radha Rama lifts her arms to take the bouquet, gently stroking one of the roses as she inspects the flowers. 

“Radha Rama?” Aadhya asks. “Do you like them?” Aadhya hasn’t ever seen Radha Rama this unresponsive, and she’s nervous. 

“Rama.” The older woman says, and there’s a hint of a shy smile on her face now. “Call me Rama. It’s what my dad and-” she stops herself. “It’s what my dad used to call me, and it’s the name I prefer.” 

“Ok,” Aadhya says, relieved that Rama doesn’t hate the gift. “Rama, then.”

“I like the roses,” Rama says mildly, but Aadhya can see the blush high on her cheeks. Oh. Aadhya had done that, had put that blush there. Her heart starts to beat faster as she realizes her crush may have the remote possibility of being requited. 

Rama turns her head to the doorway. “Obullamma!” she calls. When the woman comes in, Rama hands her the flowers. “Put these in a vase in my room.”

Obullamma gingerly takes the flowers and leaves, not before shooting Aadhya a look, a mix of jealousy and bewilderment. Aadhya tries not to do anything as childish as sticking her tongue out at Obullamma. 

Rama turns back to Aadhya, then sits back down, gesturing for Aadhya to take her seat. “Let’s eat,” she says, smiling. Aadhya obeys, feeling very much like she’s accidentally rolled a Nat 20 on a charisma check. 

The lunch tastes exceptionally good that day, Aadhya thinks. 

-

Bilal finds Aadhya in her room sometime in the evening. 

“You gave flowers to WHO?” he asks incredulously as he enters. 

Aadhya sets aside the book she was reading, a political text that Sara had given her. She found it boring, but apparently it was a childhood favorite of Rama’s. Aadhya can unfortunately see that, all the talk about authoritarianism and the duties of a centralized government was right up Rama’s alley. 

“I gave them to Rama.” She shrugs, but can’t help the flush that runs through her at the thought of Rama’s smile at the gift. “She liked them.” 

Bilal stares some more. “Is this my life then? Am I to spend the rest of it running after Shouryangas who fall in love with Mannars?”

“Bilal!” Aadhya blushes. “No one’s in love with each other.”

Bilal scoffs, clearly disbelieving. “Uh huh. And you’re secretly Amma’s favorite child. Right.” He sits at the edge of her bed, keeping a respectable distance. “Whatever you’re doing to keep Radha Rama on your good side, keep doing it, but don’t get too close. Do whatever you can to get yourself out of here, then run. Don’t look back. Don’t come back. Forget about Khansaar and your biological family.”

Aadhya frowns. Her first instinct is to defend Rama, but she remembers that she’s here because Rama did have her kidnapped. But that was only to get Deva here, right? “Well, what’s the update on Deva? I’m here because of my brother, right? When’s he supposed to get here then?”

Bilal shrugs, looking uncertain. “I’m not sure, thalli. But when he does come, you should escape with him. He’s not going to let Radha Rama live when he realizes she’s kidnapped his little sister.”

“You assume he’ll care,” she mutters under her breath, but Bilal hears it. “Oh no, thalli. If Deva truly sees you as his, he’ll protect you in any way he can. He’ll tear Radha Rama to pieces if he needs to.” When Aadhya looks up, ready to protest, Bilal sighs, and lifts a hand to stop her. “You can’t protect her from him, Aadhya. You only know her good side. Deva has seen her at her worst, and if he realizes she was initially trying to set him up to kill Varadha, he’ll be even more angry.” Aadhya remembers what Bilal had told her days ago, about how Deva had beheaded a lord for daring to grip Varadha’s collar. “Think about it. That’s all I ask. Try to save yourself, Aadhya. If not for yourself, at least for your father who’s probably very worried.” 

Once Bilal leaves, Aadhya lapses into thought. Deva, with his history, has every right to kill Rama, and it would be the smart thing to do for her to use the opportunity to escape. But Aadhya realizes, with a jolt, that she really doesn’t want Rama dead, that she’ll truly miss the woman. She resolves to try to negotiate with Deva, whenever he shows up, bargain for Rama’s life somehow. 

-

Late that night Aadhya goes back outside. The skies are clear and she wants to see the stars, suddenly feeling homesick. As she tilts her head up to the sky, letting the vastness of space calm her down, she spots a familiar figure sitting on the roof. What was Rama doing up there? She wonders, but if Rama’s up there it means the guards will let her go up there. Aadhya finds the stairs that lead to the balcony of the mansion, giving an awkward wave to the unamused man standing on patrol near the staircase. She climbs up the stairs, then climbs up the ladder that leads to the rooftop. 

Rama turns her head to the side slightly at Aadhya’s approach, but seems to realize who it is and relaxes, facing forward again. Aadhya takes the opportunity to observe Rama from the back. 

The older woman is still in the red Banarasi saree she was in this morning, patterned with silver diamond designs. Aadhya absentmindedly wonders what her pajamas look like, or if she sleeps in the sarees she wears all day. Rama’s thick curls are gathered into a french braid, falling beautifully down her back, and Aadhya blushes as she realizes one of the black roses she picked this morning was carefully placed in the center, surrounded by silver earring chains. Rama’s still sitting as straight-backed on the roof as she does in chairs, but the set of her shoulders seems more relaxed than usual. As Aadhya sits next to her, crossing her legs, Aadhya’s breath catches as she observes the way Rama’s face gleams in the moonlight. The soft white light turns the hair in the front silver, making it look almost like a crown. 

Rama glances at her, brown eyes shining from the moonlight. “Couldn’t sleep?”

“I wanted to see the stars, so I came outside. Then I saw you up here, so I came upstairs,” Aadhya explains. 

Rama nods. “The stars are beautiful tonight.” 

Aadhya just barely stops herself from responding to that the way she really wants to. “Yes, they are,” is what she replies with instead. “Is this a habit of yours? Coming outside to stargaze at night?”

“I never did anything as simple as stargazing in Khansaar, no.” Rama sighs. “I was too busy for things that weren’t related to politics. It was always ‘Rama, there’s a rebellion that needs to be put down in one of our territories, authorize the military’, or ‘Rama, can you go sort out whatever’s wrong with your brother’, or ‘Rama, your husband didn’t show up to the lords meeting today, find out what happened’. I was my father’s finest weapon, and I’m proud of it. But in the grand scheme of things, does all that I did even matter? If the owner of the weapon is dead, then what good is the weapon?” 

She leans back a little, closing her eyes. “That bastard brother of mine didn’t even give my father an honorable death. Decapitated him right in front of everyone, then went and sat on the throne like it was his birthright. Of course that boyfriend of his slaughtered everyone on his way to the throne, then offered the crown he picked off my father’s corpse to my brother.” She swallows, and Aadhya can hear a deep bitterness in her voice. “It was still stained with my father’s blood when your brother crowned mine, did you know that?” Aadhya can only shake her head. “All those years Raja Mannar still kept that boy in his heart, even after he threw away my father’s greatest gift. He wanted to make him a lord, was willing to upset the Ghaniyars for it. And what did Varadha give him in return? Nothing. He kept taking and taking until he took what mattered most to my father.” 

The two sit in silence for a few seconds, Aadhya thinking about her response. She doesn’t want to anger Rama, doesn’t want to ruin the vulnerable mood between them, but as a neutral observer she thinks Raja Mannar is also very much in the wrong.

“Your father shouldn’t have punished him so harshly for what he did as a child,” Aadhya says hesitantly. Rama looks at Aadhya sharply, but Aadhya decides to keep going. “Not to mention killing Varadha’s friend’s entire family, and turning a blind eye to Varadha’s suffering all the years after.” 

Rama scoffs, quickly standing up, and Aadhya’s stomach turns. Oh, now she's done it. All the times she kept pushing, hoping that Rama would be charmed by her instead of offended, and now the worst has actually happened. 

“Of course you’d take his side,” Rama hisses at her. “You’re one of them Shouryangas too. I don’t know what I expected from you.” This is the first time Aadhya has seen Rama angry, and the shock is made worse by the fact that it’s directed at her. 

“Rama wait! I have nothing to do with the Shouryangas, I just got here! And I can’t just blindly take your side either,” Aadhya tries to explain. 

“No.” Suddenly the anger is gone, replaced by sadness. “No you can’t.” Rama wraps her arms around herself after a sudden cold gust of wind, and Aadhya’s horrified to realize that she looks close to tears. “No one takes my side, not even my own brothers, and not even my own fucking husband.”

“Rama…” Aadhya trails off, not knowing what to say. 

Without another word, Rama turns and descends the ladder. 

Aadhya stays up there for a few more hours by herself, feeling miserable and even more homesick than she was when she first came outside.

-

@illusions-of-serendipity @just-a-lazy-person @nini9224 @recentinterest @omgdontlookatmeuniverse @greatkittykoala @theimmortalprince

[most-screwed-by-writers-tourney]

Tentative list for best horror and thriller girls:

1. Maria from Mad Father

2. Reiko Mikami from Another

3. Bridget, from the webtoon Nonesuch,

4. Ha-Im, from webtoon Never-ending Darling.

5. Riot Maidstone (from Hello From The Hallowoods),

6. Martha from Ravenous 1999

7. Grace, from Ready or Not (2019).

8. Regan Abbott (A Quiet Place)

9. Ava (Ex Machina)

10. Beatrice (Over the Garden Wall)

11. Jennifer from Jennifer’s Body

12. Rozy from the guy upstairs

13. Rachel (Rachel Rising comic book series)

14. Amanda Young, SAW,

15. Wendy Torrance, “The Shining” movie

16. Pannochka - Viy

17. Blind Mag (Repo! The Genetic Opera)

18. Sasha from the magnus archives

19. Mina Harker (Dracula

20. Lex Foster from Black Friday.

21. Charlotte from Hello Charlotte!

22. Carrie White, Carrie

23. Scarlet, I’m the Grim Reaper

24. So Jung-hwa, Strangers from Hell

25. Dana Scully, The X Files

26. Akane Tsunemori, Psycho Pass

27. Mima Kirigoe, Perfect Blue

28. Nina Fortner, Monster

29. Eva Heinemann, Monster

30. Edith Cushing, Crimson Peak

31. Lucille Sharpe, Crimson Peak

32. Ellen Ripley, Alien

33. Clarice Starling, Silence of the Lambs

34. Lisa Reisert, Red Eye

35. Laurie Strode, Halloween

36. Kayo Hinazuki, Erased

37. Hondomachi, ID Invaded

38. Yonaka Kurai, Mogeko Castle

39. Ib, IB

40. Re-L Mayer, Ergo Proxy

41. Kyun Yoon, Bastard

42. Jisu, Sweet Home

43. Lauren Sinclair, Purple Hyacinth

44. Nita, Market of Monsters series

45. Rose the Hat from Doctor Sleep (2019 movie and Stephen King book)

46. Sidney Prescott from the original Scream movies,

47. Jade Daniels, Indian Lake Trilogy/My Heart is a chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones

48. Villanelle, killing eve

49. Harrow from gideon the ninth/Locked Tomb

50. Maggie, Everything is Fine

51. Chaerin Eun, Surviving Romance

52. Finn, I’m Dating a Psychopath

53. Rayne Liebert, Homesick

54. Ha-im Yun, Never Ending Darling

55. Ashlyn Banner, School Bus Graveyard

56. Chae-ah Han, Trapped

57. Jeongmin Choi, Dreaming Freedom

58. Frankie, Stagtown

59. India Stoker, Stoker

60. Nam-ra, All of Us Are Dead

61. Ji-woo, My Name

62. Nanno, Girl From Nowhere

63. Emerald, Nope

64. Jessica Jones

65. Susy, Wait Until Dark

66. Margot, The Menu

67. Vera, Just Like Home

68. Rosemary, Rosemary’s Baby

69. Gertrude Robinson, The Magnus Archives

70. Alex, Oxenfree

71. Margaret Lanternman/The Log Lady, Twin Peaks,

72. Audrey Horne, Twin Peaks,

73. Su-an, Train to Busan

74. Ji-a, Tale of the Nine Tailed

75. Cha Ji-won, Flower of Evil

76. Coraline

77. Helen Lyle, Candyman

78. Nancy, Nightmare on Elm Street

79. Mrs. De Winter, Rebecca

80. Mrs. Danvers, Rebecca

81. Shiki Ryougi, Garden of Sinners

82. Kirsty Cotton, Hellraiser

83. Pearl, Pearl

84. Take-ju, Thirst

85. Suzy Bannion, Suspiria

86. Lain, Serial Experiments Lain

87. Asami Yamazaki, Audition

88. Naru, Prey

89. Eli, Let the Right One In

90. The Girl, A Girl walks home alone at night

91. Cecilia, Immaculate

92. Evie Alexander, The Invitation

93. Maren, Bones and All

94. Michelle, 10 Cloverfield Lane

95. Thomasin, The VVitch

96. Emma, None Shall Sleep

97. Contestanta, A Dowry of Blood

98. Brigid O’Shaughnessy, Maltese Falcon

99. Sandra Voyter, Anatomy of a Fall

100. Lisa, Rear Window

[indian-kahani]

Day 4: Ten Steps Forward, Two Steps Back

I know, I know, it's a day late :P I was feeling really bad today and tbh just wanted to write something, so here you go.

Tagging: @tumhari-bhairavi and @morally-gayy because you both loved Durga x Saranika ;)

also @desi-lgbt-fest since ig it counts as a submission.

Might delete later but as of now here you go:

Durga stood stonily in front of the officer with disgust smeared across his face.

“Fucking unnatural.” He shook his head, curling his lip at her. “Who do you think you are, disrespecting India like this? Bringing shame to the army.”

It’s all for Saranika. She repeated the mantra that had brought her this far, over and over to herself. We are not immoral.

“Anyway-” the officer cleared his throat, eyeing her with utter revulsion. She could see him edging away from her, as if being gay was a disease that he could catch. “-Officer Sharma, you are honourably discharged from the Indian Army as of today.”

Durga let out a little shuddering breath. Honourably discharged.

“Honourably?” she questioned, the ghost of a sure smile lingering across her lips. “What, was my father’s influence so strong that you couldn’t even bear to discharge his daughter dishonourably?”

The officer sat down behind his desk, waving his hand at her in dismissal. The gesture stung more than she would like to admit. “Collect your things and leave. Your taxi arrives in half an hour.”

Durga stepped out of the office without saluting, head held high and with a smile on her face.

She had been discharged in the name of love, because of a system that continued to deny her identity.

Her lifelong dream… gone, and yet…

She couldn’t have been happier.

Walking down the corridor in her perfectly shining boots, keenly aware that this would be one of the last times she felt this way, wearing the uniform of the Indian Army, she called her beloved fiancée.

“Saranika?” her heartbeat quickened as the smile of a young girl deep in love twinkled in her eyes. “Ay, meri jaan. Honourable discharge. You?”

“Honourable discharge as well, Dee.” Saranika sniffed from the other end, clearly close to tears. “Papa ji’s influence is still strong, I see.”

-

As Durga prepared to step into the taxi, a young soldier ran up to her, her hair a mess and holding her cap in her hands. “Sindh-ji! Sindh-ji!”

Her voice was frantic, and although Durga was tired, something told her to listen to the woman. “Yes? Was there something you needed?”

“Just one minute, please.” The woman looked around furtively, beckoning Durga to a corner. “You got discharged because… you’re a lesbian, right? Do they do that to all of us?”

Us?

The woman’s eyes were wide and frightened, and Durga crumpled looking at her, just another girl that had to make the choice between her country and her identity.

“Yes.”

Her voice was barely a murmur.

“Please don’t abandon us.” The girl begged. “We need change here. I don’t want to leave… but I want to love someone, someday. Please, Sharma-ji.”

Her voice trembled and shook as she spoke, twisting the fabric of her cap between her fingers. Durga’s eyes were filled with tears, but she placed a comforting hand on the younger woman’s soldier. “Of course I will.”

Durga’s voice was soft, but resolute.

“I’ll fight for as long as I need to.”

-

Saranika had never seen Durga so frustrated. Always calm and collected, she was used to finding a logical solution to each and every one of her problems.

“Fuck-” Durga threw a cushion across the room, turning away to bury her head in her hands. Saranika wrapped her arms around her fiancée, wishing to ease her pain, even a little. “There are so many people just like us, baby.” Saranika sucked in a breath, seeing her red-rimmed eyes.

“It’s fine.” Saranika reassured her. “We’ll find a way to help them.”

In the next few months, they were full of plans. Durga’s and her father’s influences in the army was high, and there were many willing to listen to them. Around the world, support for their campaign rose higher and higher, the hashtag #LesbianArmy trending worldwide.

We are willing to fight!

Campaigns, reports, articles, websites, documentaries – the list was endless. Durga and Saranika held their faith. They were fighting for something they believed in, fighting for something they lived by.

It was a hard battle. They received as much hate as they did support. Daily, slurs were sent anonymously, hate comments left on websites.

It was a hard battle, yes – but they had each other, and so they persevered.

Three years later, the official bill was passed allowing those of any sexual orientation to join proudly in the Indian Army, and serve their country in the way they had always wanted to. Among those, Durga and Saranika stood proudly, hands intertwined: showing the world who they were, loving each other as much as they loved their nation.

That day, someone spat at them. They received a fair amount of disgusted looks and cruel sneers.

Despite that, they carried on.

Ten steps forward, and two steps back… is still eight steps forward.

Again idk anything about the army, literally everyone is referred to as officer so feel free to imagine appropriate ranks, etc etc. hope you enjoy regardless!

[punishabel]

But we weren't the kind of friends to lose contact despite all that. Akash went to Delhi to continue his Higher Secondary, he hated it over there. All kinds of new people, mostly racist towards him, but in any kind of place you went to, there was bound to be that initial discrimination, soon he had made some good friends and was starting to have some slight fun although the barely bearable heat and the recent heatwaves had him crying tears of blood at night.

The bastard really missed me and Bishu, of course we grew up in the same neighborhood but only became friends way later in 6th grade.

Summer really hit him bad this time.

He tried to find at least one good thing that Delhi had going for itself, but sadly the poor guy could not come up with even one thing, it was simultaneously both saddening and hilarious.

Myself being in Guwahati, proudly reputed as being one of Northeast India's most boiling cities, I could relate to him. We would often call and ask which city had it worse in terms of temperature. Guwahati lost a few times but was off with just one 3 or 4 degrees.

He really really missed Shillong and his old house, our childhood base of operations.

Bishu on the other hand had it easy since he went to Bangalore, the Tech City situated in the southern peninsula. Weather there was much like Shillong, "Very very pleasant and welcoming" in his own words, miles off from Delhi, though he got sick and caught a fever as soon as he reached the place he was going to stay at. Must've been the variety of new microbes entering his body.

We all had summer break for approximately 2 months and in the deepest and most unused corners of Akash's brain, rose an idea. And before we knew it, we were standing infront of our most cherished meeting spot, Akash's infamous house. The pungent smell that defined his home, though nostalgic, always remained a mystery to me.

Even after four years, I still can't seem to forget his house.

Me and Akash were just chilling inside his house, lounging on the worn-out bamboo couches and reminiscing about our old days. The air was thick with laughter and inside jokes, echoing through the familiar rooms that held so many memories. Bishu brought out a dusty old board game from his house, it was Ludo, and soon we were engrossed in a heated competition, teasing and cussing at each other mercilessly with every move. The hours slipped away unnoticed as we caught up on each other's lives, sharing tales of triumphs and setbacks since graduation. It was a moment frozen in time, where worries faded and bonds grew stronger amidst the oddly comforting scent of Akash's dilapidated wooden floor.

But suddenly, ours phones started to vibrate at the exact same time, almost in harmony. The sudden notification sound and intense vibration startled all of us. There appeared to be texts from the NDCAI

The messages read "Citizens are strictly prohibited from going outdoors and if you're outside head home immediately. this text is for your safety. Stay inside your houses and do not let any suspicious or strange individuals inside your houses.

National Disease Control Authority of India"

They were texts from the government. Normally messages that came from the government bodies were very detailed

with precise instructions but this text sounded very abrupt and seemed to be very much written in a hurry.

We get curious and turn on the news and we were blasted with reports of people panicking and screaming and right then...... a cameraman pointed to a scene where maddened people were eating and attacking others, it was a scene of blood and carnage everywhere and for some reason the channel operators didn't censor all the gore happening on the streets.

It was the doing of a zombie virus that was plaguing the streets of lower Shillong, it was called the Avita virus and there were more than 5800+ cases of infection, in one single day. It was insane.

Every major country had been the victim of Avita, there were infections everywhere. Scientists were also baffled as the RNA structure of this virus was impossibly unpredictable, they couldn't get a hold of Avita.

The three of us get dazed from watching the carnage unfold, I instantly reach for my phone to call my parents, but as I dialled the call, I was hit by a robotic voice saying communications are down for the network service provider.

It was to be expected, I couldn't imagine the number of people trying to call their loved ones to make sure they're okay.

I looked over Akash and Bishu and they had the same problem. It was incredibly frustrating, I wanted to know how my parents were doing and above all if they were safe.

All the screaming and panic from the news was starting to disconnect me from reality before Bishu turned it off.

I could see visible panic and uncertainty from Akash and Bishu, it was to be expected as they too must have wanted to know about the safety of their parents and siblings.

"Man we gotta figure something out guys" I said.

"No way this shit is real. A zombie virus seriously? What is the army doing?" Said Bishu.

He was visibly confused. He had every right though, seeing a zombie apocalypse unfold in front of our eyes was as unreal as the word unreal could define it.

"All our parents live in scarcely populated rural areas so they should be relatively safe." I said to reassure them.

Akash sighed.

"I guess you're right, my property in Manipur has very few people near us, but you know, still worried about my family man." said Akash.

I understood it all too well because that was case with me too.

Akash was trying to take it calmly but I could see a trickle of sweat on his forehead. Worry and panic are contagious things much like a virus.

"Fuck it man, we will survive. We ain't dying no dogs death. These undead fuckers can come to all they want, we'll send them back to hell as many times as they want. And don't you fuckers dare die on me now, I need y'all to think of yourselves as gods if you have to but make absolutely no fucking mistakes, make every decision with everyone's survival in mind. YOU WILL FUCKING SURVIVE AND THRIVE IN THIS WORLD!" I exclaimed.

I don't know where that speech came from, but at that moment I felt it, no we felt it together, something awakened in the three of us, a change that we all furiously wanted, but it had to be suppressed because of the peaceful good times.

This was what we always wanted, an apocalypse. A test of our wits and will, a challenge to push ourselves to the extremes of any moral, physical or psychological dilemmas. We dreamt of surviving an apocalypse. We will survive. We will protect each other until death, even after death.

"Guys now who wants to live and kick zombie ass?!" I cheered.

"We do!²"

They both forgot about their worries and cheered back

"Then now lets check what we have in stock in the house, check for any food and some weapons too, wait I saw a sack of potatoes Akash, how old are they?" I inquired while trying to distract myself from my thoughts.

"We just bought that sack 4 days ago, my parents wanted to take it along to Manipur but it was too much of a hassle" answered Akash.

The moment Bishu heard the word weapon he had a silly grin on his face. He was always into weapons, any kind, melee weapons such as aluminium bats, kukris, traditional swords from Meitei culture, he even crafted ranged weapons such as slingshots, bows and arrows. He was an incredibly crafty guy.

The houses of Akash and bishu were connected to each other, Akash's house being directly above Bishu's house. Though my house about 30 steps away. Very near.

There were a few knives in Akash's house but not the kind we could defend ourselves with but thankfully he had a few small shovels in his storage room. There were lots of useful things stored in the room, things like tarps, many buckets, hammers, axes, wood and planks and more.

"Aye Bishu, what happened to all those weapons you collected?" I asked.

"Shit man, I sent them all to Manipur, who'd know there would be a damned zombie apocalypse waiting for us man." He answered with remorse.

"Ah man, its alright, you still know how to make them right?" i said

"Yep its all in my brain. I can craft them again if i get the materials."

" We'll be counting on you for that then."

He flashes a confident smile.

I had two Kukris in my house as well as tons of firewood, I also had a 500 litre tank of water filled to half, for now we didn't have any worries for food, water or shelter.

While we were planning and looking at our inventory, there was a loud scream outside, probably of a middle aged woman, we ran to the front door and before we could pull the curtains to see what was happening, there was blood being splattered everywhere on the front porch and there it was, our first encounter with The Mad a.k.a. the zombies.

These 2 infected "people" if we could call them that were tearing this old lady's legs apart.

Akash was about to bolt outside because that woman was his neighbour who lived just beside him.

He was a brave guy, and I always admired that courage of his to shoot towards any kind of problem without a care for himself, a Hero if we could call him.

But just before his hand could reach for the doorknob, I stopped him. He gave me a questioning look, it was to be expected. I pointed to the woman's legs, Akash after catching a glimpse of the woman's legs was horrified. Her legs were practically none-existent from the Mad feeding on them, we could see her femur poking out of her right thigh. Akash appeared to be deeply saddened probably because he grew up seeing that woman as an older sister.

It was regrettable but any hope of her living was gone.

Akash composed himself and said "Although we cant save her life anymore, we can grant her life a peaceful end."

His determination exorcised any hesitation Bishu and I had. A brave lad he was and we had to honour his decision.

He opened the front door and ran towards the half alive woman.

we followed in suit to protect his back.

Akash was strong guy. He never boasted his strength and was always humble. He could give his literal all to have his people's back.

And with one swing of that blunt decade old shovel, he severed the head of the first zombie who appeared to be a middle aged man. His hands were trembling because even though whatever he put an end to could hardly be called a human anymore, whoever that zombie was, it still used to be someone's father and husband.

After finishing off the zombie, his eyes met the old woman's eyes. Her retinas were starting to dilate.

While he was staring at the motionless woman, the other zombie lunged at him, but was repelled by a straight kick from Bishu. The zombie appeared to be of the same age as the other zombie and made a strangely human shriek as it crashed onto the asphalt.

"YOU BRAINLESS FUCKER! What the hell are you just standing there for?" said an enraged Bishu.

"Give him some slack man." I said to Bishu as i finished off the fallen zombie.

"...akash.." muttered the old woman, she was barely holding onto consciousness.

His lips quivered.

The old woman didn't have any children, her husband too died in a housefire. She saw Akash as her own son and he saw her as another mother figure.

"....aunty why did you go outside?..." said Akash, while tears started to well up in the corners of his eyes.

"...Beverly..called in a hurry saying that her husband was acting.....very strange." said the woman as her voice got increasingly softer and quiet.

Mustering the last bit of her strength, the old woman moaned

"...than..k.....you kids." before her body went limp.

It was a grieve-stricken goodbye.

"God fucking damnit." sweared Bishu at the absurdity of this forsaken world.

Akash bit his lower lip as he looked away from the old woman.

I embraced him, not knowing what to say in a situation as dire as this.

"Let's bury her in a nice and quiet place, okay?" I told him.

"Yeah okay." he replied.

As Akash went inside, me and Bishu investigated the zombies for anything that could come in handy. The male zombie had a phone, a pack of Marlboro cigs, and 150rs.

The female zombie didn't have anything useful on her except for tattered rags.

We didn't notice it before but there was a thin trail of blood reaching from, the old woman's body to the what would be the old pair's house.

I made a mental note to go check it out later. For now we needed to head back inside but as we were heading back, I saw movement in my peripheral vision.

In the blink of a eye the old woman's body began showing erratic movement similar to a person experiencing a seizure. We were mortified, seeing a phenomenon like the dead coming back to life was so absurd to comprehend, yet, there she was, rising to what seemed to be an imitation of life.

I don't know how it was possible, she appeared to have died from blood loss, how could a body devoid of blood even move?

No use applying common sense to this situation.

Her body was moving in ways not quite human. In fact, I don't know in what way any part of her could be considered human.

I sure was glad Akash wasn't here to witness her try walking with just half a leg. In a flash, "it" realized how it's moving was inefficient, and quickly adapted to use both her hands as well.

This virus was adapting at an alarming rate.

Before we could see her become more and more inhumane, we put an end to an end to her now miserable life. It was getting late so we decided to head back home and check how Akash was doing. As we entered through the front door, we saw Akash peeling some potatoes and onions. We

[critter-of-the-day]

5th of August 2024: Ring-necked Parakeet

Today’s daily critter is the Ring-necked Parakeet (Alexandrinus krameri), also known as the Rose-ringed Parakeet [1]. You may find many older sources still referring to them as Psittacula krameri, as the genus change to Alexandrinus only came about 8 years ago [2]. They are native to Central Africa and South Asia, but have spread out much further than that [1]. They are around 40 cm in size [3]

They are considered an invasive species in many places, including Europe, the Middle East, the Canaries, Australia, the US, Japan, and South Africa [1]. One meta-analysis in 2015 concluded there are at least 90 different populations with a total of at least 85,000 birds in Europe alone [4]. Despite many humans (Homo sapiens) understandably enjoying seeing them around, they do have a negative impact on native fauna, doing everything from displacing birds to killing rodents. They are herbivores, however squirrels have also been seen to attack Ring-necked Parakeet chicks, so this may be a form of prevention [5].

Even when they stick to plants humans aren’t always happy with them. Especially in India, where they are actually native, they may negatively impact the outcomes of crops such as corn, sorghum, and sunflower seeds, and are considered one of the worst pest species there. They tend to go for fruit instead in winter [5] or in locations where they are easier to come by [6].

They may have some positive impacts in that they enlarge naturally occurring cavities so they can nest in them, afterwards leaving them behind for other birds to use [5]. Ring-necked Parakeets are, like many parrots, social birds, usually found in groups of 2-8 [6]. They can also be very noisy, emitting loud, screeching calls [7].

Sources:

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [Image]

[mycolourfullworld]

Here are some facts about the Moors in Europe: They ruled Spain and Portugal 754 years before the fall of the Mali Empire.

1. The Moors brought a wide variety of new fruits and vegetables to Europe.

The Moors brought many new fruits and vegetables to Spain and Europe that were considered exotic novelties at the time. These products included pomegranates, peaches, lemons, oranges, saffron, cotton, rice, silk, sugar cane, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables. Even though they are commonplace today, the Spanish at the time considered these objects to be almost alien. Several centuries later, they are still important components of Spanish food and production.

2. The Moors Developed Far More Rapidly Than Medieval Europe

The Arabs had an advanced civilization known for its architecture, science, mathematics, and exploration when they conquered the Iberian Peninsula. When the Moors arrived in Spain, they brought with them architectural innovations that astounded European stonemasons. The Alhambra, a fortress and palace complex in Granada, Spain, is one of the most stunning examples of Moorish architecture. Its construction started in 1238, and its grandeur and beauty far outstripped those of any comparable palace. It is still one of the palaces of the Islamic world that has been preserved the best today.

3. Chess Became Popular Across Europe Because of the Moors

Chess has been played for more than 1,500 years, but the Moors brought the game in its present form to Europe. The Moors brought chess to Spain after it had spread from India to the Arabic world. It spread through Europe's courts and society very quickly after it gained popularity. Chess was a well-liked game of strategy and endurance in medieval Spain. Chess was first mentioned in writing in Spain in the Catalan Testament in 1010 AD.

4. The Moors Took Their Hygiene Very Seriously.

A Moor, according to a catchphrase, "would rather go without bread than without soap." The Moors were known for their love of cleanliness. Due to their customs and the demands of their religion, the Moors valued cleanliness and often bathed; in the Moorish town of Cordoba, there were about 900 public baths. This made it possible to maintain proper hygiene at a time when plumbing and running water were still uncommon. Some sources also assert that the Moors introduced some kind of soap to Europe, ushering in a new era of hygiene.

5. The Moors Placed a High Value on Education

The Moors placed a high value on education and made sure that everyone in their realm had access to it. This was in stark contrast to medieval Europe, where education was only available to the richest nobles and clergy and where 90% of the populace was still illiterate. In fact, there have even been instances of European Kings who are illiterate. The Moors founded 17 prestigious universities in Spain, including ones in Cordoba, Malaga, Granada, Seville, Toledo, and Almeria.

6. Many Moorish Words Are Still Used Today in Spanish and English

The Moors introduced new ideas and words to Europe after they arrived, and these quickly assimilated into the common language. Up to 4,000 words in the Spanish language have Arabic roots, including algebra, checkmate, and influenza. Cipher, alcohol, chemistry, typhoon, orange, alkaline, cable, and nadir are additional examples.

7. The Moors Were Very Resourceful

The old Roman irrigation systems that the Moors discovered in Iberia had great potential, so they quickly adopted, improved, and revived them. This increased agricultural productivity and boosted the economy. Additionally, they were able to grow new crops they had brought, including figs, dates, apricots, lemons, and oranges. Thanks to the Moors' creative irrigation methods, Spain quickly rose to become one of Europe's top producers of crops.

8. The Moors brought significant Changes to Spanish Cuisine

For Europeans, spices were an uncommon commodity, and their cuisine was frequently regarded as bland. By bringing over hundreds of unusual spices, fresh recipes, and cutting-edge cooking techniques, the Moors altered that. We still eat a variety of wonderful dishes as a result of this culinary revolution. The spice markets of the Moors were renowned for their variety and provided options for chefs of all types. These medieval markets must have had the most amazing sights and smells.

[blitzkriege37]

What factions do you headcanon exist post-Tragedy? There's the Future Foundation, Towa City, and the various Despairs, but I don't see anything else about how societies exists in the DanganRonpa-verse, especially with their whole fascination on the semi-supernatural Talent that sorta caused the Tragedy in the first place.

I don’t have exact factions (Mainly because I was a child in 2012, the year THH takes place), but I do have general ideas of what might some factions look like, and what generally said cliques that rose from the collapse would act towards junko. Also headcanons for how some areas might collapse and redevelop.

1.Islamists would be very present in the Middle East. That era was around the peak of ISIS, and I think the tragedy increasing radicalization would only make that worse. Speaking of religious radicalization….

2. The American right-wing ��tea party” faction, would be a heavy presence in the former United States. Their cliques would vary from corporatism to outright religious theocracies. Heck, junko’s influence could’ve fanned their flames into facism, being the way the union collapsed in this timeline, akin to the US today.

3. The absolute monarchies collapse. All of them are prevalent on a central figure, ones that I have no doubt Junko would get their entire lines killed to force conflict. This would be a definite way to get an opening through infighting in Saudi Arabia and the gulf states. This also applies to NK and similar regimes.

4.Africa’s borders would be nearly completely redrawn. With the primary motivation for the borders being nobody wanting to move colonial borders, the collapse of Europe would make these borders obsolete. Whatever ethnic tension came up would fracture the post colonial states not only de jure, but de facto.

5.Any multiethnic states are almost completely rended apart. Whether it be one breakaway, or outright collapse, nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, and India would face ethnic violence.

6.Everyone gets a trade shock. The entire model of globalism in the 2010’s would be the equivalent of MAD, one junko would exploit. States like the oil states and Singapore would be hit the hardest, while states with notable sanctions (Iran,Cuba) would ironically be spared from this, although their governments would go through some things.

7.The states aligned with despair have levels in how bad they are. You have cliques who allied with despair out of convenience, and you have 77-B controlled states like Novoselic. Their brutality would vary between, although still be bad, considering the worldwide warlord era. When junko died, many of the less extreme cliques would either have their leaders commit suicide, turned to her side fully, and have less extreme people take over, or outright purge their despairite influence best they could. These states would be accepted back into the world community, to the FF chagrin.

8.There would be a notable split after everything settled somewhat. The FF would face heavy opposition from a myriad of groups, the most notable most likely being of some leftist variety, considering the oligarchic and unequal ideas of innate talent. I could see the FF contesting the very archipelago of Japan with the Japanese Communist Party. Even after post-DR3, where Makoto would definitely want to reconcile with the left, they wouldn’t be very trusting of the FF’s intentions.

9. A ton of city states. Whether they split off from a greater entity, or were forcefully ejected like Singapore, I’d expect for a lot of nations to fracture down to the city at some places.

10.And as my last one, it’s more about how the tragedy (or collapse, as it would probably be known) would be viewed. I’d say the Arab spring would be inherently tied to it, due to similar ways of organizing and wanting to overthrow established regimes. Heck, I could see more reactionary people arguing that the collapse did not begin with the tragedy, but the popular overthrow of the government of Tunisia.

Again, these are just my thoughts on the whole thing, so it’s really up to you.

[crickblast]

Biography of Sachin Tendulkar's, career and achievements (Indian Cricketer)

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, had a remarkable childhood that laid the foundation for his legendary cricketing career. Here's a brief biography of his childhood:

 Full Name:  Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar

 Date of Birth:  April 24, 1973

 Place of Birth:  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

 Family Background:

Sachin Tendulkar was born into a middle-class Marathi family in Mumbai. His father, Ramesh Tendulkar, was a Marathi novelist, and his mother, Rajni Tendulkar, worked in the insurance industry. Sachin has two half-brothers, Ajit and Nitin, and a half-sister, Savita.    

 Early Interest in Cricket:

Sachin's interest in cricket began at a very young age. His elder brother, Ajit Tendulkar, recognized his talent and encouraged him to play the sport. Ajit even took him to the Ramakant Achrekar, a renowned cricket coach in Mumbai, to get formal training. Sachin trained under Achrekar during his formative years.

 School Days and Early Achievements:

Sachin Tendulkar attended Sharadashram Vidyamandir School in Mumbai, where he started to make a name for himself in school cricket. His performances at the school level were exceptional, and he soon progressed to represent Mumbai in domestic cricket.

First-Class Debut:

Sachin made his first-class debut for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy at the age of 15 in 1988. He was essential to Mumbai winning the competition.

 Youngest Indian to Debut for the National Team: a

Sachin Tendulkar made his debut for the Indian national cricket team on November 15, 1989, against Pakistan in Karachi. At just 16 years of age, he became the youngest Indian to play for the national team.

 Rapid Rise to Stardom:

Sachin's talent was evident from the start of his international career. He quickly established himself as one of the finest batsmen in the world and became a cricketing sensation in India and around the globe.

Sachin Tendulkar's childhood and early years were marked by his incredible dedication, hard work, and passion for the game. His journey from a young boy with a dream to one of the greatest cricketers in history is an inspiring story of perseverance and talent.

Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the "Little Master" or the "Master Blaster," is one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the sport. An overview of his early life is provided here.

Childhood and Early Life:

1. Sachin Tendulkar was born into a middle-class family in Mumbai, India. His father, Ramesh Tendulkar, was a professor, and his mother, Rajni Tendulkar, worked in the insurance industry.

2. Sachin displayed an early interest in cricket and began playing the sport at a very young age. He was just 11 years old when he made his debut in school cricket.

3. His talent was evident from an early age, and he quickly rose through the ranks of school and club cricket in Mumbai. He played for Shardashram Vidyamandir School, where he was coached by Ramakant Achrekar, a highly respected cricket coach.

4. Under the guidance of Coach Achrekar, Sachin developed his skills and started to make a name for himself in Mumbai's junior cricket circuit.

Early Cricket Career:

1. Sachin made his debut for the Indian national cricket team at the age of 16 in a Test match against Pakistan in 1989. He was the youngest cricketer to represent India at the time.

2. In 1990, he scored his first century in international cricket, becoming the youngest Indian to achieve this feat in Test cricket.

3. Over the years, Sachin Tendulkar went on to become one of the most prolific run-scorers in the history of cricket, setting numerous records and achieving many milestones during his illustrious career.

Childhood Achievements:

1. At the age of 14, Sachin Tendulkar scored a century partnership with his childhood friend Vinod Kambli in a school cricket match, which gained significant attention and marked him as a rising star.

2. He also scored a historic unbeaten century at Lord's Cricket Ground in London in 1990, becoming the youngest cricketer to do so at the age of 17.

Sachin Tendulkar's childhood was characterized by a deep passion for cricket and a strong work ethic, which laid the foundation for his remarkable career in the sport. His dedication and talent eventually made him a cricketing legend and an icon in India and around the world.

Under-19 Career

Sachin Tendulkar's Under-19 cricket career was the early stage of his illustrious cricketing journey. Here is a brief biography of Sachin Tendulkar during his Under-19 cricket days:

 Early Life:

Sachin Tendulkar was born in Mumbai, India. He displayed an early affinity for cricket and started playing the sport at a very young age. His talent was recognized early, and he was coached by Ramakant Achrekar, a renowned cricket coach in Mumbai.

 Under-19 Career:

Sachin Tendulkar's talent in cricket became evident when he was just a teenager. He made his debut for the Indian Under-19 cricket team at the age of 16 during the 1988-89 season. His performances in youth cricket were exceptional, and he quickly became a standout player in the team.

In 1989, Sachin played in the Under-19 World Cup, which was the inaugural edition of the tournament. He performed impressively, scoring a century in the semi-final against Pakistan. Unfortunately, India did not win the tournament, but Sachin's talent was there for all to see.

*Early Milestones:

Sachin Tendulkar's success in Under-19 cricket paved the way for his rapid ascent to the senior Indian cricket team. He made his debut for the senior Indian cricket team on November 15, 1989, at the age of 16, becoming the youngest Indian cricketer to play in a Test match. He went on to have a legendary career, becoming one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket.

 Legacy:

Sachin Tendulkar's Under-19 cricket days were just the beginning of a career that spanned 24 years. He holds numerous records in international cricket, including being the highest run-scorer in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) formats at the time of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. He is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and accomplished cricketers of all time and is often referred to as the "Little Master" or "Master Blaster."

Sachin Tendulkar's impact on cricket is immeasurable, and his under-19 days were the first stepping stones in his remarkable journey to cricketing greatness.

Sachin Tendulkar's journey in Under-19 cricket marked the early stages of his illustrious cricketing career. Here is a brief biography of Sachin Tendulkar's Under-19 cricket career:

[glassbridge]

Munnar also referred to often as 'Kashmir of south India' is a hill station located in the southern state of Kerala situated at the height of 5200 ft. is kown for it's natural beauty and abundance of tea gardens. The climate provides the vegetation to grow uninhibited and flowers bloom in every small piece of land available to the nature in spring, one thing I observed during the trip was the predominance of violet and purple hued flowers throughout the hill station which I can not understand due to my lack of knowledge in the field of biogeography.

The beginning of march is the perfect time to visit Munnar since the sun is hot but the breeze and shade are cool and the wild flowers are in full bloom. Temperatures remain anywhere in between 21°C - 32°C depending on the height you are at and the time of the day.

It is one of the most beautiful places to explore and unwind making it suitable for all types of travellers. The best hotel to stay at with rooms overlooking Mountains and a velly from where you can see the sunrise is 'The Munnar Queen' located near the town of Chithirapuram, it is a budget hotel with great rooms, service and food ( the photos attached above were taken from the balcony of my room in the same hotel at dawn).

Top places to visit when in munnar:

1. Tata tea museum

2. Mattupetty Dam and lake(jet skiing is available here)

3. The rose gardens

4. Photo point and eco point

5. Watch Kalaripayattu ( it is a form of Indian martial art original to Kerala) at Kalari Kshetra.

6. Visit local tea gardens

( caution: wear shoes that cover your feet since there may be leeches that stick to your feet here and there, I am talking from personal experience and believe me they are hard to get rid of and the hirudin(an anti coagulant) present in their saliva makes you bleed for a long time after you pluck them out)

7. Explore towns that come along the way and eat at the local restaurants if you really want to taste the authentic food ; both vegetarian and nonvegiterian restaurants are available but to find the good vegetarian ones you'll have to search hard enough.

[history-time-out]

“Logos Rising” | E Michael Jones

The notes come from a podcast episode of “Culture Wars” when he was a guest on the “Joe and Joe from The Frontline” back in January of 2022.

​​​​2:25 - Atheism: 10 years ago 4(horseman) atheists based their argument on logical fantasy. Darwinism is the operating system of atheism. Prime philosophical ideology of today.

​​3:39 - Parmenides “that which is can’t come from that which isn’t”

​​​​4:14 - St. John’s gospel “in the beginning there was logos and logos was God”

​​​​4:41 - The atheists banned meta physics as an attack on God

​​​​4:54 - Darwinism says something can come from nothing. Every little step is the same as the step before it. This was their way to sell it and make it make sense.

​​​​6:31 - Atheism isn’t a philosophical problem, it’s a psychological problem.

​​6:40 - psychologist Paul Vince from NYU wrote a book on the relationship between atheism and father deprivation

​​

​​8:26 - Q: Why has modern philosophy taken this route? A: Logos makes a rebound due to researches of Thomism (official philosophy of Catholic Church) Notre Dame adopts as official philosophy as well until ND hires 2 physicists to run philosophy department (Irish men hessburg and McMillan) Late 1960’s.

​​11:20 - Talk about how God revealed logos to the Greeks. Q: How did the Greeks accept logos after throwing around different philosophical ideas which led them to the discovery of logos. A: listen to audio below for EMJs reply.

13:40 “Your thinking in physical terms with something that isn’t physical”

​​​​14:45 - God did not abandon people

​​15:16 - John wrote his gospel based on reason. (Greek) because he could not preach to the Jews anymore since he was kicked out. He said we needed a sound philosophical foundation.

​​17:30 - philosophy today, is based on science now. Physical science has become so powerful that everything has to model physics. Economics has become physics.

​​17:58 - Aristotle talks meta-physics (he calls it first philosophy) which he calls theology. “You can’t talk about the beginning and not talk about God.

​​18:02 - EMJ had this experience in India. 16 year old Hindu boy asks can you prove the existence of God? India you have hundreds of Gods and it doesn’t make sense to the boys.

​​​​21:09 - In India you have over a billion and half people in a confused state because there is no logos.

​​

​​21:34 - India cosmology is that earth is a semi-circle sitting on 4 elephants that is standing on a turtle.

​​20:33 - It is mandatory for every rational creature to believe in God. You don’t have to believe Jesus rose from dead, you accept that by faith.

​​

​​23:22 - “conform your desires to the truth or conform the truth to your desires”

​​

​​Read Degenerate Moderates

23:47 - fulfilling desires by questioning the order of the universe so you can do what you wanna do.

​​

​​23:54 - Polytheism exists bc you want to do something against Gods will (ex: sexual desires) Another example is you want to sleep with your neighbors wife. You can’t pray to God about that so you pray to another god. You are praying to demons. This stuff leads to demon cultures. Wilhelm Schmidt said “all primitive cultures are monotheistic and polytheistic cultures are a sign of decadence”

​​

24:59 - Are you willing to conform your life to logos?

​​

​​25:35 - Host: One problem in America is everyone is looking for political solutions instead of moral solutions…. Looking in wrong places for solutions…. In particular political parties.

​​​​EMJ - Reason “pure and practical reason”

​​-Pure allows you to know the truth

​​-Practical allows you to achieve the good AKA morality. Conform life to practical reason.

EMJ says Founding Fathers understood this:

​​John Adams “we have no constitution that functions in the absence of a moral people”

​​If you can’t have people do this to their lives you won’t have a government that can do it.

​​Freedom became defined as doing what you want to do as opposed to doing what you ought to do.

​​Host: “Perverted concept of freedoms”

​​License became the substitute for freedom.

31:00 - Co-Host: “Science as Opposed to Religion (modern dialogue) which is a fallacy.

​​​​“What is the Trinity? How does this concept of God lead to science itself?”

​​​EMJ: It goes back to the gospel of St. John. It begins with logos and logos was with God. Logos is God. This is the trinity.

A meditation on that phrase and the word Son. 300 years of meditation on that phrase to come up with an understanding of God. The Trinity is God revealing himself to us.

​​Pythagorus: was preparation for the Trinity. Believed number was order of the universe.

​​1 + 2 = 3

​​1 is unity

​​2 is diversity

​​3 is the Trinity (unity and diversity at the same time)

Beauty

​​​​EMJ: Another characteristic of God “The true, the good, the beautiful”

​​Because of 20th century beauty gets lost as a result of the decline of art. Beauty is a manifestation of God. There is evidence of this Trinity throughout creation.

​​​​Relationship between Jesus Christ and God the Father

​​“The father, the son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen”

​​Aryas said “if the son comes after the father then there was a time when the son was not. If there was a time when the son was not, then the son was not God. Therefore Jesus Christ is not God” This is False

​​You can’t take the term son and applying it to an analogous way to God and it does not apply because all of 3 of those principals were co eternal and always existed in relationship to each other.

​​Muslims did not get this. Did not believe Jesus Christ was God. This is the main reason science did not develop in the Islamic world.

​​The universe is a manifestation of God.

​​Openness of Heart to Accepting Linear Truth

​​EMJ: Fundamental problem is basing life on satisfying irrational passions.

​​Aquinas “lust darkens the mind”

​​Dealing with people sunken in sin and have made a living with one of these ideologies.

​​​Racism is an irrational ideology.

​​Lutheran church evaporated in Scandinavia and Iceland.

​​EMJ: Main problem in Middle Ages was collapse of Thomism and replaced with nominalism.

William of Ockham ended in Munich and died of Black Death. “no universals. Universals are all categories of the mind” (ex: Islam taking over catholic philosophy)

Martin Luther

​​Luther couldn’t control his passions. Violent guy, a drunk and didn’t pray. Finally broke from church and subjected to sexual temptation.

​​During this time the Lutherans were breaking into convents and raping nuns or pimping them out to priests to get them to join Luther.

EMJ on pornography

​“Pornography is a form of social control”

​​He once said this to a group of zoomers and they knew exactly what he meant because they were all enslaved to their passions.

[misseducator]

Challenges faced by UPSC aspirants

In India having a government job guarantees you the utmost prestige in your family. And it is truly justified as government exams are one of the hardest exams to crack. It needs:

High level of self-discipline

Great resilience power

Years of hard work

Good general awareness

A zeal to contribute towards the nation

Let us see what are the various challenges an UPSC aspirant faces while preparing for the exam.

Getting started: UPSC is no child’s play. There are so many options and so many things to take care of. Where to start, when to start and how to start? So many questions pop in mind at once. Some students spend a lot of time in planning, procrastinating it. While others do not plan enough and thus get confused on later stage.

Before taking a long dive in the ocean called UPSC, students should give a fair enough time to planning on how they going to start preparing. They should make a road map covering important factors like:

How early should they start preparing? The time needed for preparation varies person to person. It depends on everyone’s level of experience and situations. Every aspirant should firstly evaluate their current level of knowledge.

Will they be taking coaching? There are a lot of coaching options available nowadays, both online and offline. One should give it a great thought about which mode would be best for them as both have its own pros and cons.

2.Increasing competition: With significant rise in awareness and access to facilities, number of aspirants have been increasing day by day.  Reportedly, the count of students who apply for a UPSC exam has rose from 3 lakhs (approximately) to 11 lakhs (approximately) while the number of vacancies stands at a total of 1105. This increases competition.

3.Loads of Syllabus: UPSC exam tests your knowledge about every subject possible. It tests your knowledge about History, Geography, Economics, Political state of the country, Mathematics and much more. It becomes hectic to complete all on time.

It will require you to adapt a holistic approach and revise everything for at least 2 times.

4. Facing Family and societal pressure: As soon as people get to know that someone is preparing for UPSC exam, it automatically raises their expectations of that person. It does earn you a lot of respect but with that respect also comes a lot of pressure. Pressure of cracking the UPSC exam.

At times like this even motivating words can feel very overwhelming. Students should only focus on their plan and work towards achieving it. They should focus on doing better than yesterday.

One of the biggest challenges that a student faces is non availability of books in the market. An UPSC aspirant already has so many things to take care of so I have found an app that will take care of all your book related needs.

Nogozo ! Nogozo is an online bookstore. It is an all-in-one place where you can BUY, SELL, RENT books.

With NOGOZO, you can:

BUY new as well as used books at lowest prices.

SELL your used old books and get the best prices for it.

RENT books at minimum prices and get the freedom to read at your own pace. Rent your favourite book starting at Rs.10 only.

They have a huge collection which consists of Competitive exams books for JEE, NEET, UPSC exams, NCERT, ICSE BOOKS and much more.

They have a dedicated collection for government exams which also has UPSC book list in hindi medium.

You can visit the website: www.nogozo.in

Download the app today at Playstore and use the code *SHAILJA50* for exclusive offers.

[craftyinfluencerfun]

Flower Delivery in Bangalore Adding Elegance to Every Occasion

Bangalore, often referred to as the "Garden City of India," is known for its lush greenery, vibrant culture, and fast-paced lifestyle. With a population that thrives on celebrations, from birthdays and anniversaries to festivals and corporate milestones, flowers hold a special place in expressing emotions. The convenience of flower delivery in Bangalore has revolutionized how people share their love, gratitude, and joy. Whether you want to surprise a loved one or brighten someone’s day, online flowers delivery services in Bangalore offer a seamless way to send fresh and beautiful blooms for any occasion.

The Rise of Flower Delivery Services in Bangalore

The advent of online flowers delivery has transformed the gifting culture in Bangalore. These services provide a hassle-free way to select, customize, and deliver exquisite flower arrangements to any corner of the city. With Bangalore’s busy streets and packed schedules, having flowers delivered right to the recipient’s doorstep saves time and effort while ensuring a meaningful gesture.

Why Choose Flower Delivery in Bangalore?

Here are some compelling reasons why residents and visitors prefer using flower delivery in Bangalore:

1. Wide Range of Flower Options

Bangalore’s online florists offer an extensive collection of flowers to cater to every taste and occasion. From classic roses and elegant lilies to exotic orchids and cheerful carnations, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic bouquet for Valentine’s Day, a cheerful arrangement for a birthday, or a formal centerpiece for corporate events, you’ll find the perfect option.

2. Same-Day and Midnight Delivery

Timely delivery is crucial, especially for surprises and last-minute plans. Most flower delivery in Bangalore services offer same-day delivery, ensuring that your gift arrives fresh and on time. For those extra-special moments, midnight delivery services help you surprise your loved ones at the stroke of midnight, making the occasion even more memorable.

3. Customization and Personalization

A personalized bouquet adds a unique touch to your gift. With online services, you can customize your arrangement by selecting specific flowers, colors, and styles. Additionally, you can pair flowers with chocolates, greeting cards, stuffed toys, or even cakes to create a thoughtful and complete gift package.

4. Convenience and Accessibility

One of the most significant advantages of online flowers delivery is the convenience it offers. You can browse through various floral options, select your preferred arrangement, and place an order—all from the comfort of your home or office. This eliminates the need to visit multiple florists or worry about delivery logistics, especially in a bustling city like Bangalore.

5. Affordable Options for Every Budget

Online flower delivery services in Bangalore cater to all budgets, offering affordable bouquets and premium floral arrangements. Many platforms also provide discounts and seasonal deals, making it easier to send thoughtful gifts without overspending.

Popular Occasions for Flower Delivery in Bangalore

Festivals and Celebrations Flowers are an integral part of Indian festivals like Diwali, Pongal, and Christmas. Flower delivery in Bangalore allows you to send festive floral arrangements to loved ones, adding a touch of elegance to the celebrations.

Corporate Events Bangalore’s thriving corporate culture often calls for professional gifts. Floral arrangements are perfect for congratulating colleagues, appreciating employees, or enhancing the décor of office events.

Romantic Gestures Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a regular day when you want to express your love, flowers are a timeless symbol of romance. Online delivery makes it easy to send a bouquet that conveys your feelings perfectly.

Birthdays and Anniversaries A bouquet of fresh flowers is an ideal gift to make someone’s birthday or anniversary extra special. Pair it with a heartfelt message or a box of chocolates for a memorable surprise.

Sympathy and Condolences Flowers are also a thoughtful way to express sympathy and support during difficult times. Online florists in Bangalore offer subtle and elegant arrangements to convey your condolences.

How to Order Flowers Online in Bangalore

The process of ordering flowers online is simple and user-friendly:

Select Your Flowers: Browse through the wide range of floral arrangements available. Choose based on the occasion, recipient’s preferences, or your budget.

Add Personal Touches: Customize your bouquet with additional elements like chocolates, greeting cards, or personalized messages.

Provide Delivery Details: Enter the recipient’s address, select the delivery date and time, and opt for services like same-day or midnight delivery if needed.

Make Payment: Complete the payment through secure methods like credit cards, digital wallets, or net banking.

Why Bangalore Residents Love Online Flowers Delivery

Bangaloreans embrace technology in every aspect of their lives, and flower delivery services are no exception. These services make it easier to maintain connections with loved ones, even amidst the city’s hectic pace. Whether it’s sending a token of appreciation, celebrating a milestone, or simply spreading joy, online flowers delivery ensures that your heartfelt gesture is executed flawlessly.

Conclusion

In a city as lively and diverse as Bangalore, flowers remain a universal way to celebrate, comfort, and connect. With the convenience of flower delivery in Bangalore, you can effortlessly share the beauty of fresh blooms with your loved ones, no matter the occasion. So, the next time you want to brighten someone’s day or make an event unforgettable, trust online flowers delivery to bring a touch of elegance and joy.

[shrutika0]

Christmas Gift Items: Best Picks for a Bright Celebration

The holiday season is around the corner, and the excitement for Christmas is in the air! It’s the perfect time to start planning gifts for your loved ones and adding festive vibes to your home. If you're looking for unique and delightful Christmas gifts online, you've come to the right place. This article will guide you through the best Christmas gift options, and decorations, and why gift-giving plays such an important role during this joyful time.

Why Christmas Gifts Matter

Gifting during Christmas is a cherished tradition that symbolizes love, gratitude, and togetherness. Whether it's a thoughtful present for a friend or a special token for family members, gifts bring joy and strengthen bonds. They also serve as a way to express appreciation and spread happiness during the festive season.

Christmas Home Decoration

Decorating your home is a wonderful way to embrace the holiday spirit. Here are some must-have items to make your space glow with festive cheer:

1. LED String Lights

LED string lights are a staple for Christmas home decoration. Their warm glow can transform any space into a magical wonderland. From decorating Christmas trees to creating a cozy ambiance indoors, these lights are versatile and energy-efficient.

2. Golden Rose

Add a touch of elegance to your holiday decor with a golden rose. Its timeless beauty makes it a perfect decorative piece for your table settings or mantelpiece, enhancing the overall festive vibe.

3. Wish Heart Ball String LED Lights

These charming heart-shaped LED lights are perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Use them to decorate your living room or hang them in your window to spread the festive cheer outdoors.

4. LED Candles for Home Decoration

LED candles are a safer alternative to traditional candles, offering a soft, flickering glow without the risk of fire. They're ideal for creating a peaceful and cozy ambiance during Christmas celebrations.

Diwali Gifting Made Easy with DeoDap

At DeoDap, we make Christmas gifting stress-free with a wide selection of gifts that cater to all ages and preferences. Whether you’re looking for affordable options or luxurious presents, you’ll find everything you need to make your celebrations brighter. Explore the Christmas Gifts India collection to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones.

1. Personalized Touch

Gifts with a personal touch, like custom photo frames or engraved items, show that you’ve put thought into making the gift unique. A personalized gift not only feels special but also creates lasting memories.

2. Practical and Useful Gifts

Items like kitchen gadgets, stylish organizers, or wellness products make practical gifts that your loved ones can use every day. These gifts are a thoughtful way to combine functionality with festive cheer.

3. Gift Bundles

Gift bundles are an excellent way to add variety and excitement. A combination of chocolates, festive decorations, and small trinkets makes for a delightful surprise. DeoDap offers curated gift bundles that cater to every budget.

Conclusion

Christmas is all about love, warmth, and togetherness. By choosing thoughtful gifts and decorating your home with festive items, you can create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Let DeoDap be your trusted partner this holiday season for unique gift options and decorations that bring the magic of Christmas to life.

Explore the best Christmas gifts online at DeoDap and make this festive season truly special. Happy holidays!

[macawtravels]

Best Hill Station Places to Visit in India for Couples

India boasts a wide array of stunning hill stations, each with its own distinct landscapes, tranquil vistas, and refreshing respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Here are some of the top hill stations to explore in India:

1. Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)

• Why Visit? Shimla tour package, often referred to as the "Queen of Hill Stations," is renowned for its colonial-era architecture, picturesque landscapes and pleasant climate.

• Top Attractions: Mall Road, Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, Kufri, Christ Church and Toy Train ride.

2. Manali (Himachal Pradesh)

• Why Visit? A popular destination for adventure enthusiasts, Manali tour package offers beautiful landscapes, trekking, paragliding, and the chance to visit the famous Rohtang Pass.

• Top Attractions: Solang Valley, Hidimba Temple, Old Manali, Beas River, and the Great Himalayan National Park.

3. Darjeeling (West Bengal)

• Why Visit? Famous for its tea plantations, toy train, and panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling tour package is a perfect mix of natural beauty and colonial charm.

• Top Attractions: Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and tea estates.

4. Mussorie (Uttarakhand)

• Why Visit? Known as the "Queen of the Hills," Mussorie tour package offers breathtaking views of the Doon Valley and is perfect for a peaceful getaway.

• Top Attractions: Camel's Back Road, Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Lal Tibba, and Mussoorie Lake.

5. Ooty (Tamil Nadu)

• Why Visit? Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is famous for its lush greenery, serene lakes, and pleasant weather.

• Top Attractions: Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Rose Garden, and Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

6. Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)

• Why Visit? Known as the "Princess of Hill Stations," Kodaikanal tour package is famous for its beautiful lakes, forests, and waterfalls.

• Top Attractions: Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker's Walk, Pillar Rocks, and Silver Cascade Falls.

7. Nainital (Uttarakhand)

• Why Visit? Nainital tour packages is renowned for its picturesque lakes, pleasant climate, and the surrounding hills.

• Top Attractions: Naina Devi Temple, Naini Lake, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top and Mall Road.

8. Leh-Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir)

• Why Visit? Leh Ladakh tour package offers a unique combination of rugged landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, and adventure activities like trekking and motorbiking.

• Top Attractions: Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Thiksey Monastery, Magnetic Hill, and Khardung La Pass.

9. Almora (Uttarakhand)

• Why Visit? Almora is known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and old temples.

• Top Attractions: Nanda Devi Temple, Kasar Devi Temple, Bright End Corner, and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

10. Mussoorie (Uttarakhand)

• Why Visit? A lovely hill station near Dehradun, Mussoorie tour package is famous for its colonial architecture, scenic viewpoints, and historical significance.

• Top Attractions: Camel’s Back Road, Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, and Mussoorie Lake.

11. Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)

• Why Visit? A less-explored gem in the northeastern region, Tawang is famous for its monasteries and stunning mountain views.

• Top Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Madhuri Lake, Sela Pass, and Bomdila Monastery.

12. Chopta (Uttarakhand)

• Why Visit? Known as the "Mini Switzerland of India," Chopta is perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat amidst beautiful meadows and snow-capped peaks.

• Top Attractions: Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila Peak, and trekking routes to Kedar Tal.

13. Shillong (Meghalaya)

• Why Visit? Shillong, often dubbed the "Scotland of the East," is known for its refreshing climate, scenic waterfalls and stunning natural beauty.

• Top Attractions: Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Shillong Peak, and Mawphlang Sacred Forest.

14. Coorg (Karnataka)

• Why Visit? Known for its coffee plantations, lush greenery, and pleasant weather, Coorg is ideal for nature lovers.

Why Visit? Known for its coffee plantations, lush greenery, and pleasant weather, Coorg is ideal for nature lovers.

• Top Attractions: Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Raja’s Seat, and Talacauvery.

15. Mount Abu (Rajasthan)

• Why Visit? The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu tour offers a cool respite from the desert heat with its lush surroundings and scenic lakes.

• Top Attractions: Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temples, Sunset Point, and Guru Shikhar.

16. Kullu (Himachal Pradesh)

• Why Visit? Often visited along with Manali, Kullu tour package offers beautiful valleys, temples, and adventure sports opportunities.

• Top Attractions: Great Himalayan National Park, Bijli Mahadev Temple, and rafting on the Beas River.

17. Rishikesh (Uttarakhand)

• Why Visit? While more famous for spiritual tourism, Rishikesh is also a wonderful hill station near the Ganges, ideal for yoga, meditation, and adventure sports like white-water rafting.

• Top Attractions: Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Beatles Ashram, and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

Each of these hill stations has something unique to offer, whether it’s adventure, spiritual experiences, or just a peaceful retreat in nature. Depending on your interests, you can find the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation or an adventurous escape.

[rentnhop2]

Top 5 places to visit in Chandigarh on a bike rental in Chandigarh

Planning a trip to the City of Beautiful Chandigarh soon? Awesome! There's no better way to experience the City Beautiful than bike on rent in Chandigarh and cruising through its orderly sectors, green landscapes, and uncrowded roads.

Chandigarh's thoughtfully planned architecture and traffic-free environs make it a biker's delight. From rediscovering iconic landmarks to discovering hidden gems, a rental bike lets you soak in the vibrant spirit of this city on wheels. 

So where exactly should you head to on your rental Royal Enfield or other bike model in Chandigarh? Well, don your helmet and read on as I share the top 5 destinations perfect for exploring on two wheels, based on my own biking experiences across this beautiful city.

Based on my own experiences after offering bike rental in Chandigarh for years, here are my recommendations on the top 5 places to visit for a bike rental in Chandigarh: 

1. Sukhna Lake 

The crown jewel of Chandigarh, the sprawling Sukhna Lake is a must-visit on a bike rental in Chandigarh. Ride leisurely along the 3 km picturesque promenade with the lake's soothing waters on one side and the Shivalik Hills on the other. Early morning and sunset are great times to experience Sukhna Lake's natural beauty. Don't miss the quirky sculptures dotting the lawns.

2. Rock Garden 

The funky Rock Garden is a magical fantasy land crafted entirely out of industrial and urban waste. Ride through the labyrinthine pathways made of broken bangles, discarded ceramic tiles, auto parts, etc., and admire the sheer innovation of the space. Do check out the Open Air Theatre where cultural events are held regularly. The myriad art installations are perfect for quirky photo ops too. 

3. Elante Mall 

Want to mix shopping with biking? Head to the swanky Elante Mall, one of India's largest shopping malls. Park your bike and indulge in some retail therapy across the many national and international brands housed here. The mall has great eateries, entertainment zones, and even an ice skating rink. Don't miss gazing up at the architectural marvel that is the central dome.

4. Zakir Hussain Rose Garden 

Let your bike rental in Chandigarh take you to Asia's largest rose garden next. Spread over 30 acres, this botanical garden has around 50,000 rose bushes belonging to over 1600 species. Take a leisurely stroll on the walking tracks, appreciating the sheer variety of roses in fragrant bloom. The temperature-controlled greenhouses here are especially impressive.

5. Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary 

For some serenity, head to this wildlife sanctuary, home to sambhars, panthers, spotted deer, and exotic bird species. Ride past the tranquil lake within the sanctuary and if you're lucky, you may spot wandering wildlife across the trails. The lush monsoon greenery, especially after rains, is beautiful. Remember to tread softly and not disturb the sanctuary's residents.

Conclusion

So don't just admire Chandigarh's beauty from afar - feel it at a whole new level by getting a bike on rent in Chandigarh. Cruise past Sukhna Lake's shimmering waters, explore the magical Rock Garden, experience shopping and entertainment hubs, lose yourself amidst rose paradises, or spot exotic wildlife.

Chandigarh reveals its true colors when discovered on fun bike rides across its many sights. Just ride responsibly, soak in the joyful vibes, and let the wind be your guide across this clean, green, and serene City Beautiful.

Can't wait for my next biking date with Chandigarh's cultural delights, architectural marvels, and natural beauty. Join me on two wheels soon for the ride of a lifetime.