Author: Alok Kelkar

  • Mumbai to Mumbai via Srinagar, Dras, Kargil and Leh

    Mumbai to Mumbai via Srinagar, Dras, Kargil and Leh

    With a wry, half smile he said,

    “यहाँ कोई टेन्शन नही है, सब टेन्शन ट्रैनिंग में खतम हो गया.”

    I was talking to a Jawan in the Indian Army posted at a border post in Batalic sector. Mind you, this is one of the posts at the border of Pakistan and India. Violation of ceasefire can take place any day, at any time of the day. Gun fires, grenades can hit you any time, nobody is certain of life at the next moment. And this guy was saying ‘No Tension’!! (more…)

  • Getting Water to Bhuritek: An Experience

    Getting Water to Bhuritek: An Experience

    One hot and idle afternoon in late May, I received a forwarded message from our Mumbai Chapter’s Rural Initiative Group (RIG) WhatsApp group.

    अशोक सर
    नमस्कार!
    भुरिटेक गावात पाणी पोहोचवल्याबद्दल तुम्हा सर्वांचे शतशः आभार.

    -भुरिटेक ग्रामस्थ

    OK, what’s so great… you would think. But it is a great thing, and I must tell you the story. (more…)