A Sombre Christmas: Reflections


Its yet another cold winter in Darjeeling with the same festivities and spirit of Christmas. Some daring or off season tourists have arrived in the hope of catching snow or perhaps they are here to take part in the Tea and Tourist Festival of Darjeeling. 
Over this one year or so much has changed in Darjeeling, the roads have become wider,  major drains are being cleared as the foot path shops have been removed. The road leading up from Chowk Bazaar till Chowrasta has widened. These places which used to be major attractions for the tourists for shopping have lost some of their their charm.  It's not to deny that the change is welcome but also to acknowledge that many locals in the process have lost their livelihoods at a time when the economy of the hill is recovering and is at it's nascent stages. 
This Christmas let's pray that there  is lasting prosperity and peace in the beautiful Darjeeling Hills. Let us hope that people are able to live in peace and harmony. May these glowing lights bring happiness and well-being to the residents of this small hill town. 
Meanwhile the rest of India is seething in the face of the recent Delhi Gang Rape incident, the death of constable Subhash Tomar in the protest clashes. News has arrived that the curfew in Manipur, because of the molestation of film actress by a Naga militant, has been lifted for Christmas.
This Christmas let us all pray that the country will find the resolve and strength to get over this difficult period. A hope that there is a systemic change as well as change in the mindsets of the people that will prevent such incidents from happening.
Let's hope and pray that the public will move beyond anger, revenge, violence, & hatred to discuss &  find solutions to deeper psycho social issues that have resulted in violence on women.
Lets hope that the country will elect representative who stand for good governance and principles enshrined in our Constitution.
Here is hoping that this Christmas will bring light into our hearts and our lives. A salute to all the people who came out on the streets of Delhi.
It's  heartening to see Facbeook  lighted up with photos and wishes of a very Merry Christmas. May Santa Claus bring us bundles of joy and happiness.

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