On the the 76th Independence Day – NATHULA PASS
Safeguarding our borders high up in the snow-covered mountains, the men in green are always there. Met Sergeant Nalwade at the tourist point on the Nathula Pass. Patriotic fever surged through every tourist and each one wanted to speak to the Sargent or click a selfie.
We stood at the corner observing the pass and its strategic location. After climbing a fleet of snow-clad steps which are hardly any, this
location of trade and business between the two countries China and India via Tibet, apart from the beauty around we have feelings and thoughts crowding our minds.
What seems to be a no man’s land hardly 500 to 1000 meters, between the two gates of both countries, sparks curiosity, anger, and much more. As soldiers on both sides guarded their buildings now used only for meetings. The road between the two gates gave away much more than just the boundary.
Sikkim is a land of Natural wonders. With snow-clad mountains, lakes with changing colors, waterfalls, and hairpin curvy roads the state gives you a feel of driving through the clouds high Up.
The state is somewhat untouched and seems to be Naïve and very much humble, I feel the natural forces of Mother Earth automatically teach you to be humble.
NATHULA PASS was not on the itinerary. We were to go to Tsogmo Lake and return. But something didn’t feel right and we decided to first go to the pass and then do the rest of the sightseeing.
With our papers submitted for a permit required to access the Nathula Pass. A prerequisite we were now equipped and on our way. On a chilly day with our breakfast on the way to a homestay, the feel, the weather, and the fever are almost perfect. Climbing the Hairpin bends through the snow-clad mountains we find army check posts everywhere rightly checking our permits.
Located on the old Silk Route, it used to be a busy trading pass connecting Sikkim to China. At an altitude of 14450ft, the temperature here goes down to -25 degrees. Wondering how survival is even possible. But soldiers are standing Guard all the time …. Because they are we are… Listening to Nalwade I automatically choke up and tears stream down. What sacrifice means you see the live example. You are on a autopilot mode salute with Vande Mataram streaming out … the moment is filled with pride, emotion, and utmost gratitude towards our armed forces.
Just 58Km from Gangtok NATHULA weighs heavy on my mind as everything is starkly beautiful and it’s a matter of my Nation.
As we descend the steps, the Maratha regiment monument at the entrance stands guard and as you observe the peaks you see camouflaged guarding sites. Again the guerilla warfare takes you to the great valorous Maratha King Shivaji Maharaja.
A paradise with Gorgeous Mountainous Flora, the flags fluttering on the peaks all over, keep you glued. The roads leading to spectacular Chumbi Valley are calling and I travel to yathung a small settlement once an important trading town.
It’s raining and the winds are high, it’s said that on a clear day, we can see the stunning Himalayas and the chomolhari peak of Bhutan, but luck wasn’t on our side so we carried on with our other sightseeing nearby.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir another inspiring monument takes me to the next level of faith and loyalty. The belief each soldier had and has in Braveheart Baba Harbhajan Singh is undeterred even today.
Tsomgo Lake also known as the Changu Lake is under cloud cover. Streams flow down, making it a lake fed by the melting glaciers of the Himalayan Range. In winter it is frozen, but today we are lucky to experience this epitome of beauty. Climate change bringing in some pain.
At an elevation of 12,400ft, this place makes me think, that every tourist who visits the past must pause for a while and experience along with children, the history and what it takes to safeguard a nation.
Lack of awareness of our military and forces, how tumultuous times have been for us as a nation, and how the country comes first then I as countrymen is the need of the hour.
A holiday on a national day has diluted the fervor and it’s time to rekindle the love, loyalty, and integrity in the generations. The cultural and Natural wealth of our country makes us the most sought after and to protect it we need forces.
We as parents need to take a step ahead by promoting our children to take this as our prime Job, which today seems to be minimal, and hence salute to every parent whose children are safeguarding the country ……and Nalawade and Every soldier at Nthula Pass and at many strategic points …. Salute!
