TRAVEL SURVIVAL.

As the winds blew, and the cold weather made a chill run down everyone’s spine, she stood there with her arms folded around herself, waiting for the bus to arrive. With two heavy luggage bags, she was all set to leave the town. She was dreaming about how amazing this journey was going to be for her, the first one with her friends. She was only half a day away from joining them on this long planned trip. That is when her thoughts were interrupted by the screeching halt of the State Government bus, in which she had to spend the night. But this, did not bother her as much as the stare of the guy who stood beside her at the bus stop.

Then her thoughts floated back to the TV news she had been listening to the whole morning, of the gangrape of Nirbhaya in Delhi. About, how brutally she had been thrust into the path of darkness and death. All these thoughts made her comprehend how risky this journey of a few hours could turn out to be for her…

Today, these thoughts are not limited to this one girl alone, but to a million who live along the length of this country. What made India different, a century ago, makes it different yet now. While then we would proudly state this nation to be our motherland, now it puts us to shame. Each and every person in this country is constantly on a journey, literally and otherwise. And, out of 10 people who are traveling, if 5 are women, all the 5 are constantly under the fear of being cornered and endangered. What are women, these days? Species on the verge of getting extinct? Seems so like it.

Travel is a vital aspect of each one’s lives that you cannot rule out. Being a college student myself, I spend nearly half my day outside my house, majorly traveling. Similar is the case of any other girl or woman, staying in any part of the country. But, with the number of cases against women increasing, wandering freely on the roads is turning out to be a threat. It is funny, that a woman feels safe to travel abroad with her friends, being absolutely assured of her security. But the same woman, has to think thrice before stepping out of her house in Bangalore, at 11:00 pm for something important.

Indian tourism will soon come to a standstill due to this mentality. There will be a time when, travel agents will have to sign contracts to ensure women’s safety if they agree to visit this country, for our society is turning to become a vulnerable one. But things need to change, and sure it will, if we learn how to take care of our women and provide them with safe travel experiences. Hence, travel scenes should alter and, for the good.

 

The Fault in my Stars?

Throwback. July 2^nd, 2014 :

That day was such which I can’t help but pen down, for I made new friends who are still un-named but people I’m going to remember for the rest of my lifetime. Not for some heart-amazing reason, but just because they were companions, who spent those longest three hours with me in the Ist Class compartment of the 10:49 am local train.


And, here is the complete account.
“What made today different from any other, especially since I’m writing a complete post on it?
Well, every minute detail.
Right from the fact that I was getting treated at the Press Club of Times of India, where only 'journalists' dine. I was more than excited to be called for lunch there, since I had just been an intern. With all the excitement in me, I got dressed up for the lunch so that I could be there on time. Whilst on the way, I decided I would stop by college for some work. As I boarded my 10:49 local from Thane, I’d hardly thought it would be one adventurous ride today, without even reaching halfway to my destination.

The train, steadily passed Vikhroli and Ghatkopar, taking more halts than usual. It was only when we had passed Vidyavihar that the train came to a standstill. Right between, Kurla and Vidyavihar, in the middle of nowhere. After an hour of listening to my playlist and reading Economic Times, I decided to look up and inspect the matter, a bit. By then, women who had been standing had started getting down the train and walking on the track, while a majority still remained in the train not budging at all. As time passed, conversations ensued. Some complaints, some ranting, some panicking, while rest phone calls. But, anyhow the entire compartment was talking. We could hear men from the adjacent compartment also engaging in similar activity.

Hours passed and not for a second did it seem as if the train was going to move an inch. As I stood gazing out of the window, looking for some signals and counting the number of fast trains passing did I realize that getting down would be a better option. So, finally I did jump down along with three other females. As a matter of fact, we were some of the last ones to get down. But still, there was no sign of a Thane bound train, which only meant, I had to walk my way back to Vidyavihar. So I did. And, trust me, never for a moment did I feel alone, it was like half the Mumbai crowd was on tracks. Mumbai had come to a standstill.

Finally, walking through tracks and streets, I found my way to Ghatkopar station in order to ultimately board a train back home. But, what actually struck upon me was the approachability every Mumbaikar carries. Irrespective of whether you know the one in front of you or not, it takes only a smile to connect. A talk to open up, and there builds a new friendship.”

No anonymity, no strangeness. Only too much Love.
“Mumbai may not be my city, but it is my kind of city.”
Mumbai Meri Jaan.