Sar pass trekking - Youth Hostel...

I got to know about this trek through Rashmi and her cousins. This trek is organized by Youth Hostel Association of India and the details is available on this link - http://www.yhaindia.org/program_bookings. Initially, we planned to go in a group and finally, only 3 confirmed including my friend Srinath. Lot of planning went behind in booking the slots, creating itinerary, preparing for the trek etc. Rashmi had some urgent work and she also decided not to come for the trek. Finally, it was Srinath and I who were going for the trek. We hadn't had any idea how it would be, but we were looking forward.

On the 20th of May, we reached Delhi. We were supposed to reach Kasol on the 21st. Kasol is a small place near Manikaran (known for the famous Gurudwara). We had our base camp in Kasol. Kasol is 30 KMs from Bhunter and Bhunter is 10KMs before Kullu. So, we booked our tickets to Bhunter (has an airport) through Himachal Tourism (online booking facility is available).

We took the 7 pm bus from Delhi and reached Bhunter at 10:30 am. It was a long journey and later we were informed that Swagatham Travels is better than Himachal Tourism. We had our breakfast from Bhunter and started to Kasol. There are many buses from Bhunter to Kasol. We reached the base camp at around 2 pm and immediately completed the joining formalities.

Before I detail anything further about my experience, I would like to comment something very important about the trek:

a. YHAI organizes these treks at a very low cost

b. These treks are managed by volunteers

c. Those who are joining these treks should take care of themselves during the trek

d. There isn't any back-up plan in case of bad weather as there are groups joining every day

e. Sar pass is not an easy trek and individuals should be physically fit. This is not a pleasure trek and those who feel that they are not physically fit should not attempt it.

f. At any point of trek, if anyone feels that they cannot manage it further should abort and get back.

Please check this link to gather complete info related to Sar pass - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sar_Pass_Trek

21st May - After the joining formalities, we checked the process. It was clear that YHAI has their own schedule and we are expected to adhere to it. We understood that there were two other batches with us and one of the batches had their briefing about the trek. The Field Director - Mr. Chauhan was briefing them. Most of them looked tired.

We thought of taking bath and so, went to the bathroom and realized that the water was freezing, but still we took bath. We were given Tent no. 9 to accommodate and there were around 8 from the earlier batch. This is where we met Abhijeet and Ramesh Uncle from SP 21.

Spoke to a few of them to check their batch and realized that there were Kannadigas who belonged to SP 20 and many kids from Mumbai from our batch.

The best was the camp fire in the evening. Srinath and I were looking for the fire spot and were not sure how it would be organized. At 8:30, we were asked to assemble with other batches. SP 20 were supposed to organize the camp fire. Srinath and I were still looking for woods, but to our surprise it was not the woods, it was electric camp fire. The best part of the program was the Teacher from Shimoga singing a song for the Kishore kumar's tune; it was really funny, but should appreciate his enthu to do that. We were informed that it was SP 21's turn tomorrow to organize the camp fire.

In the night, we met new faces like DharmaTeja, Suri, Sarvanan, Vijay... We had Milo in the night and slept off. We were worried about our belongings and Srinath took complete care of them. Srinath managed that very well.

22nd May - we got up early and charged our mobile phones. This was the best part - charging mobile phones. We had around 15 slots and all the 3 batches had to use it. So, our strategy was simple, call our parents once in a day and then switch our mobile phones. As per the schedule, we had tea at 5:30 am. We were taken to Kasol at 6 for our exercise, uffff, long time since I had done some exercise. All of us ran to the ground and Mr. Chauhan was ready. Most of them were scared of Chauhan and did adhere to his instructions. So, the exercise started and most of us were struggling. Our body was reluctant to take any exercise, but Chauhan... so, after the first dose of exercise, I realised that my body was rigid.

We were asked to get ready by 8:30 for our acclimatization walk. Before we started our walk, we were asked to stand in a line and cheer SP 19 who were starting their trek. All of us stood in a line including SP 20 and cheered them. It was fun...

For our walk, we were led by a kid who might be like 15-16 year old. As he walked, we followed him. It was a small hill just opposite to our camp. As we went ahead, we could understand how our trek would be... Nobody struggled, but it was not easy. We reached a particular point and took sometime off to speak. This is where I spoke to Swapnil, Shantanu, Vijay, Raj, Kalyani, Swachit, Raj's brother... Also, got friends with our Andhra friends - good kids. Swapnil took the lead to manage the camp fire and was busy planning. Srinath and I took off and were enjoying the nature.

We reached the base camp at around 12:30 pm and took some rest. All of them were keen on charing their mobiles. The weather was good, it was bright and sunny.

At 3 pm, we were briefed about the Trek by Mr. Chauhan. He tried to cover all the aspects starting from how YHAI started and their objectives to all the aspects about Trekking. I really admire him for his dedication, we realized that he had taken off 30 days from work and volunteering.

In the evening, our group organized the camp fire and it was OK. Kids were enjoying and it was good.

23rd May - slowly we were getting used to the schedule and we used to get up bit early. The water used to be freezing and Srinath or I didn't dare of thinking to take bath. It was nice to see people busy, getting ready as per the schedule, speaking to people whom they would have met for the first time, some were very anxious about the trek and would check with the batches which had got back from the trek... Ya, most of them were anxious to listen to the stories of the earlier batches, and when we saw them, we realized that they were exhausted, but very happy. We all knew that it is going to be a long trek and I was clear that we need to mentally prepared to take the physical strain, but I was looking for those huge mountains capped with snow. I so wanted to feel the ice and play with it, and definitely experience the great views of Himalayas. With the path unknown, I was clear that many have walked, and so, we can also.

The day started with our morning exercise and it was better than yesterday. We knew that we will have raffling and rock climbing today. My earlier batch friends had told us about this and I was also anxious about this. So after cheering SP 20, we went for raffling first. We had two instructors and one of them was Dev. So by this time, it was clear that we would walk with our Andhra friends as we were comfortable. So, we had like four groups, but still we did engage conversations with all of them.

The location for raffling was near the river side and it was good view. All of them were eager and hence I decided to go last. So, we had to reach out like 40-50 ft high place and from there, we were supposed to descend. All the instructions were given and I was like - oh ho... and when kids started to do, I felt comfortable. I think the best one was from our Deputy although he was about of fall, but he managed very well. I went almost at the end, and when I reached the top, I was nervous. I was clearly instructed what to do, and when I stood almost 90 degree to the wall, I knew that it was comfortable. I went slowly and I knew that I need some more time to take big jumps. I descended calmly and so did Srinath. In between all this, we got to know that Kalyani had hurt herself while descending, and I knew it would be tough for her to join as it was a knee injury.

After raffling, we went near the river side and took some snaps. Our Andhra friends and Srinath enjoyed the water, and it was cold. At around 1 pm, we reached the camp and we were told that we will start for rock climbing at around 3 pm. We were taking rest and we realized that it was raining. So, we waited for rain to stop and we started at 4 pm. I decided that I will start first and I was given the opportunity by Dev. Now, we were about to climb the same wall which was used for raffling. I knew that it would be easy considering that I was not physically geared up for it. I climbed to a certain distance, but I was not able to go further. I tried couple of times and I felt that it would be tough for me to further. I gave up and got down. Srinath also did the same. After Kalyani's injury, I didn't wanted to take any chance. The best were brothers - Shantanu and ... (sorry forgot the names)... and I felt they were challenging each other. But the kids were amazing, and they were reaching the top easily. One of the girls who attempted was superb, considering the height of the rock. Suri decided to go and I was watching him. Sarvanan and Teja were there watching him. He tried and reached around 20 ft, and he was struggling. And suddenly, I see that Suri is falling right down and he is helpless. The rope was let free and Suri fell down. Everyone hurried, but I didn't move and was scared of the worst. Suri was shocked and was in pain, and he couldn't move. Both of his friends panicked and didn't know what to do. We made him rest, but Suri was in deep pain. Finally, one of the instructors got a bike and dropped him off at the camp. It was clear that he had a sprain and he might not be able to join us tomorrow. The sad part was that we didn't have any bandage at the camp, and his friends went to get them. Everyone started giving their opinion and finally, we decided that Suri cannot join us and so their friends decided to drop also. It was very sad, but nothing much could be done. So, we had a quite evening and slept. Others were getting for tomorrow and we knew the road was tough.

- will continue...

IIT - JEE question paper errors

IIT - JEE exams are so sensitive and still we have errors in the question papers. With such talented authorities who would have organized many such exams earlier, such mistakes can be avoided. All they need a strong review process before and after printing and such process deviation is not accepted.

There are a few assessment companies in India who have conducted tests for PSUs and have done a decent job, and if they can do it, I am not sure how the core IIT group failed this time. I am sure that they will act on this and ensure that this is not repeated.

Certain links -

http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/iit-directors-discuss-jee-question-paper-errors-20902.php

http://www.breakingnewsonline.net/newswatch/1585-outrage-among-students-over-printing-error-in-iit-jee-paper-.html

http://updates.highereducationinindia.com/2010/iit-jee-2010-hindi-version-question-2741.php

http://jee.iitd.ac.in/

Customer feedback - customer service & product service of Whirlpool - Very bad

Thought I should share Customer and Product service of Whirlpool product (Refrigerator)

If anyone is planning to my Whirlpool products, I think you need to think about their service process also. I think they have authorized certain franchise to take care of the service, and my experience is very sad. They do not respond or update properly. I have spent almost 2 days waiting for the engineer to come and fix the issue. I suggest everyone to check the quality of service before buying any products. Both product and service is important when we buy, and that is the learning for me.

Please go through the issue that I faced... It is not yet over, but I thought people should know about Whirlpool's service.

This is the email that I sent to the customercare email id...

I want to raise a complaint at the service provided for the refrigerator.

Our refrigerator had an issue and we raised a complaint on the 21st and the reference no. given was 13478. I was initially told that the service engineer would come on the same day and look into this, later, it was changed to the next day. I was initially told that the engineer will come at 12 noon, but after multiple follow-ups on this number 040-65741666, the engineer came at 3 pm. I had clearly stated the issue - cooling problem after the gas leaked in my freezer when the engineer called me at 10 am. The engineer came and realized that he has to replace the Gas kit.

I was told that the kit was not available and hence I had to wait for a day, and I was assured that the engineer will come on the 23rd evening. I once again had to make calls to get it confirmed. On the 23rd evening, when I didn't get any update, I once again followed up to realize that they will not come on the 23rd and will come on the 24th between 4 and 5 pm.

On the 24th, I called up the Support no. given in the website and raised the complaint. The customer support person confirmed that the issue will be fixed on the 24th. As expected I waited till 4 pm for the engineer to come, but no one came. I called up the same no. 040-65741666 to check, and the person did not have any information and promised to call me in 10 mins.

To lodge a formal complaint, I called up 1860-180-4558. I spoke to the supervisor and he updated me that we can fix the issue only after 7 days.

The entire experience is sad. There isn't any proper communication channel, and customers are taken for a ride. I am sure that this email also might not have an impact, but I am sure that I will never ever go for Whirlpool products and also, will never recommend my family and friends.

I hope some action will be taken on this.

Death...

The subject sounds pessimistic, but I feel that there is nothing wrong discussing... Based on my personal experience I feel that Humans are really afraid of death; they have conquered a lot in the last 100 years, but they have never tried to conquer DEATH because they know that they can never do that...

Death is inevitable, and the best part of is that we often realise it too late. The struggle to survive or becoming rich or powerful is so dominating that we tend to forget death, which might occur anytime. Death can be either be a surprise or known event, but one day, I have to be a part of it... then, why do I struggle so much... a good question, but I really don't have the answer for it...

Death brings sorrow, but it is always temporary. We adapt to the missing person and we move on. So, Death brings adaptability, but a few years ago we had practices when Death used to bring Death at certain occasions.

For me, Death is part of life... and when it comes, everything ends for me, but nothing will end for others...

Kulgi nature camp...

I always wanted to go Dandeli because I had been to Ganesh Gudi 10 years ago with my friends. The experience was amazing, might be because it was my first trek (it is true that after this trek, I did not trek after this;)) Memories are Shivpura (where we stayed) and Sathodi falls are very clear even today.

I had met Narayan 10 years ago at Shivpura, he came along with us to Sathodi falls and we are still in touch. Even now, it amazes me that he used to call me from a place where people cannot reach easily; even today, we do not have a bus facility to this place. He always wanted me to visit his place and I also wanted to, but unfortunately, I couldn't plan earlier. Finally, we decided to go to Dandeli. Thanks to Narayan, I got contact details of Dandeli Widlife Department and I could book tent houses in Kulgi Nature Camp.

Deputy Conservator of Forest,

Wildlife Division,

Dandeli – 581325

Phone: (08284) 231585 or 09916218630

As this was our first trip to Dandeli, we did not have any clue on how to plan, and so, we decided that we will take it as it comes. All we knew was to try white water rafting and some adventure sports. I got contact details of Mr. Pramod who organizes adventurous games, and so, we contacted him the day before we started. He promised us to organize white water rafting once we reach. So, all of us were excited, but were not sure when we would reach from Hubli. I think Dandeli is close to 100 Kms from Hubli and we have buses from Hubli, and we reached at around 2 pm.

We contacted Pramod and he took us to junglelodges. I did not understand how it works, but I think junglelodges organizes white water rafting and this is an yearly contract. So, all of them have to go through junglelodges for white water rafting. We were taken to the river on a Forest Department jeep. The driver was very sweet and he could converse very well in Hindi and Marthi.

All of us were excited when we reached the place from where we were supposed to start. We understood that there were 4 boats and max 8 could accommodate. We were given clear instructions and we were assigned to each group. Unfortunately, our team broke in two and that was the sad part. I am not sure whether I was afraid, but I was definitely anxious to get onto the boat. I had no fear because I knew that I had a life jacket. Our Captain gave us all the training in 15 mins. We moved left, right, stopped, got down, got up.. it was fun... It was little scary when Rashmi fell into the water because she was feeling uncomfortable initially, but she was OK after sometime. When my turn came, I did not think of anything and I jumped; I think I was worried about shoes :) I floated and I tried to balance. I thought I should try swimming, but ... All of us from our team were in the water and it was fun. We got back onto the boat and we started. It was very clear for me that I will learn something in next 1 hour and so, I concentrated on my Captain's instructions. I was putting all my efforts, but I knew that it is the Captain who is controlling the raft and we are just going down the stream... I think it was Grade 2 of rafting: Some rough water, maybe some rocks, might require some maneuvering.(Skill Level: Basic Paddling Skill) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafting. We were looking at our friends who were on the other raft and I saw CB falling onto the water, I was like ... oh ho..

I would always cherish those moments when I went down in the raft (the moment, our Captain ordered - Go Down...) and the water splashing on my face... and definitely when I was in the Kali river, unfortunately, I did not look inside the water (I was not aware how deep was the water)... As we went near the end point, I thought I would have loved to stay on the raft only if we were put across higher Grades, atleast Grade 3...

All of us got onto the jeep that was waiting for us. It was not cold, but it was odd as all of were soaked in water, and we hadn't carried towel. We reached Pramod's office and picked up our belongings. Kulgi is 12 kms from Dandeli and we were not sure how we would reach there. Finally, we hired a jeep and reached at 7:30.

Kulgi... a small village, and the nature camp is 1 km from the village. When we entered the premise, we could see tents and it was interesting. I had seen tents, but these were fixed ones. We had booked 2 rooms and we got them after waiting for 10-15 mins. The caretakers of this place are very good and helpful. I was informed that they organize for safari and trekking, but we had to book vehicle.

Forest Dept. does not organize for your food in this camp. They have given kitchen infra to an outsider, who comes and cooks food. Food is OK and decent. I liked the boy who is to take orders and serve food - Lakshman... very sweet and never said "no"...

The next day, Jan 14th, Sankrathi, eclipse day, we couldn't go for trekking as one of my friends had some problems on his toe and hence we decided to take rest in the camp. Staying the camp during the day is very different. We realised that Langoors all around our camps, but never did they come close to us. Langoors are different from our monkeys and never come close to humans. There were walking on our tents, they were near the windows/doors, but we never felt they were aggressive. Simple animals, fun to watch, never scared us... We had our breakfast at around 8:30 because the eclipse was supposed to start at 11:15 am. I had brought Solar shades to view the eclipse, and I was very keen to watch the Sun. We noticed a substantial bite in the Sun at 12 noon and it was beautiful. As the time passed, the Sun started to cut down on it's size from one side, and then, it regained its structure slowly. By 3 pm, it was almost back...

In the evening, we went for a walk. About 1 KM from the camp, we have a Bird watching point and we walked through the woods to reach the place. Later, we walked towards the village - kids were playing cricket and mostly they spoke in Marathi