Soft heart behind imposing uniform in hills

Devprayag Ved Vyas Village Khand

Behind a set of hill ethos & pathos, and a culture distinct from those in plains is the 3-dimensional mysterious topography of high lands. With fewer people around one is likely to become more concerned for others. This personal account of 2016 reflects on how such mindset impinges in the context of commutation.

PART 1: UP TILL DEVPRAYAG

Devprayag Ved Vyas Village Khand- The most convenient route to reach my native village Khand in mountainous Uttarakhand is via Devprayag, about three-hour road travel from Rishikesh. So far it is fine. Uncertainty looms over the next 26 km track beyond this point after crossing river Ganga. Absence of bus service on this route frustrates prospective visitors attuned to cosy urban life. Car owners settled in cities also avoid plying their vehicle to their home village because of rugged, bumpy roads especially in rainy season. Of this 26 km track, initial 16 km proper road is frequented and okay up to Vyas Ghat, the confluence of Ganga-Nayar rivers, and the seat of Maharshi Ved Vyas known to have scripted the Puranas and Vedas here. Then there is a bifurcation; the main pucca road leads to Satpuli town. Lorries accommodate the in-between passengers at fair rates. For our village we take the lonesome right turn, walking or dragging oneself, to cover remaining 10 km, unless rarely plying vehicle is found. The entire 26 km length is boon to Nature lovers. Throughout, one moves along the Ganga flowing now turbulently, now lingering serenely in pensive mode.

One wintry morning seven years ago, I was all alone at Devprayag to attend a Grih Pravesh ceremony in my village. I am notorious for seeking opportunity to be there. After ascertaining from a local Dhaba manager it was revealed that chances of a vehicle were rather bleak that day, I hung my bag on the back and proceeded to traverse the entire 26 km length on foot. A vehicle in my direction, if any, shall pick me as normative in hill roads.

I hardly covered a kilometre that a vehicular echo reverberating Umraas hills seemed to usher in hope. Shortly, a police jeep was in view; it slowed down, and halted in front of me. The young police officer with three stars asked my destination. In a stunned tone, the man in uniform commented, “It is 10 km further from Vyas Ghat as you tell, how come at this age you dare to proceed like this?”

Proudly pointing to my legs, I said, “These parts, and my heart imbue me with all the energy I require in going wherever I want.” I added, “Plus, that place is my own native village.” Overtly moved by my confidence, he offered me to accompany up to Vyas Ghat. Shortly we were friendly. He revealed that he was SHO in Devprayag, now on errand. The 30-minute we were together elapsed in twinkling of an eye. Before we bid adieu, he shared me his contact details and urged me to meet him whenever I was around Devprayag. The police officer was a Godsend. When I visit or think of Devprayag, I recall the humane perspective of man in uniform.

PART 2: VYAS CHATTI ONWARDS

A little away from Vyas Chatti, one takes right turn overlooking the Nayar river. Midway on bridge, the view is particularly idyllic, the green waters of Nayar gently merging into the Ganga afar. It is wondrously awful and picturesque by all counts. While I was immersed in thoughts of infinity here, a youngster in bike heading in my direction appeared. “I shall drop you at Kinsur village turn.” Thus a 3 km more distance was made easy for me.

I had trekked just for 15 minutes, and lo! My cousin, hosting the Grih Pravesh ceremony came to fore in a jeep. That was the fag end of my journey, perennially fresh in my psyche.

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Part 1 of the article was carried by Deccan Herald in edit page (Right in the Middle column) on 18 January 2024 with the caption, ‘A walk to Devprayag’. Link of online edition of newspaper: https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/a-walk-to-devprayag-2853561

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