Debut

Namaste,

Since its inception in the mid nineties, the term blog seemed good for poseurs,but I dare say now that such a notion not true any more as I have created one.

I have started this blog to evince the love I share for India.India is not just a country, its a subcontinent.From the Silk route in the snow clad Himalayas to the sea shores ofTirucendur,India bamboozles the speculative traveler. Perhaps no word captures the enigma,that is India.

Home to more than a billion people , India unites in its diversity.It has never invaded in its 3000 year history and has sustained and thrived with the oldest religion on the planet.Our roots have begun in this country, a country rich in history, culture, spirituality, sights, architechture, not to mention being the world's oldest democracy(I did not say the largest yet,because few would reckon the rootages of democracy lie in one of the most told epics in India) , a country which brought forth number zero, the game of chess and a myriad of other accomplishments.

When you first set foot into this country, you can actually 'smell' it. India has a distinct fragrance--whether it be of camphor, incense, spices,turmeric,smoke,cows, people, food, cars,grease and anything you imagine. You are immersed into the country from the very first step you take outside the airplane.

But nothing could be more real than this lovely anecdote below that seems to capture the essence of India

"

Jack Lush

Seattle, WA

2009-01-06 01:49:31

In 1984 I was fourteen and lived in the village of Chikhale, Maharastra.

It was December; a planned pilgrimage to Goa had to be cancelled so we went east into Maharastra. I didn't know where we were going and I still don't know where we went. After hours on a bus into an arid dusty landscape we came to a large rock hill. I vaguely recall being told this hill was a sacred place and many came from all around to climb and pray. There were stairs embedded in the rock and it was a long climb to the top. About half way up I noticed a man sitting in a crevasse, there were monkeys all around him and yet he did not move. He sat cross-legged, long white hair draped to his knees, he only wore a white tunic and he never moved. The monkeys walked on him, around him, nested near him and sat with him yet he did not move. I couldn't take my eyes off him. I stood there transfixed by his locked serenity. He became part of the rock, the hill, the cloudless sky and watchful monkeys.

Now the image of the Hindu ascetic from years ago, in place I may never find, calms me at times, and will forever be my picture of India."

I hope this blog bring to you the culture, traditions, mannerism, friendliness,humility and the profound humanity,this fascinating country encapsulates.Discover the India in you,because being born in India is not the only reason to fall for this land,as the aroha of India belongs to the world.Open thyself to it and India welcomes you with open arms with this Debut