"लिफ़ाफ़ा"- मुबारक

ये दोनों खूबसूरत किताबें हाल फिलहाल में की गई मेरी तिरुपति की यात्रा की साथी रहीं। मनीष-सिल्फ़ द्वारा लिखी "लिफ़ाफ़ा" दो अनजान प्रेमियों के बीच साझा किए गए खतों का एक अनूठा संकलन है, जो पारंपरिक उपन्यास न होकर प्रेम, संवाद और खामोशी की गहराई में उतरता है। इसमें कश्मीर की झलक और उर्दू का खूबसूरती है। यह किताब मनीष और सिल्फ के पत्रों के इर्द-गिर्द घूमती है, जिन्होंने कभी एक-दूसरे को नहीं देखा लेकिन खतों के माध्यम से इतने गहरे जुड़ गए कि विवाह के जरिए दोनों "मिट्टी और आसमान" एक हो गए। दोनों लोगों ने साहित्य, जीवन, रूढ़ियों, अवसाद, कविता, फिलॉस्फी, सरकार, राजनीति, स्त्रीवाद आदि पर बातें की हैं। 'लिफ़ाफ़ा' और ' लिफ़ाफ़ा मुबारक' दोनों ऐसी किताबें हैं जो आपको डिजिटल दुनिया में पुरानी चिट्ठियों वाले दौर का एहसास कराती है, जो आधुनिक प्रेम की परिभाषा को नया रूप देती है। "लिफाफा" में शादी के पहले के खत हैं और "लिफ़ाफ़ा मुबारक" में शादी के बाद के। दो सादे लोग जब साथ आते हैं तो उनकी सादगी दुनिया को जादुई तिलिस्म-सी लगने लगती है। क्योंकि सरल होना बहुत कठिन है। ये सामाजिकता का दबाव आपको इस सादगी वाले जादू से वंचित कर देता है। सच कहूं तो 'लिफ़ाफ़ा' किताब के बारे में सुना बहुत था, लेकिन पढ़ने का मौका नहीं मिल पाया। एक दिन अचानक से मेरी इंस्टा फीड में मनीष जी का एक पोस्ट आया, जिसमें उन्होंने त्यौहारों में अपनी कम रुचि के बारे में लिखा था। मुझे उस पोस्ट का कैप्शन पढ़कर अपने किसी परिचित की याद आ गई। उन्हें भी सामाजिकता के दबाव से सख़्त नफ़रत है। जिज्ञासा बढ़ी। मैं प्रोफाइल पर गई। तब पता चला कि ये पेज तो मनीष जी का है।हैं। मैंने कई पोस्ट देखें। सभी में आपका लिखा पढ़ा। सिल्फ़ जी के बारे में भी थोड़ा बेहतर तरीके से जान पाई। कई बातों से रबता महसूस हुआ। विचार मेल खाए और बिना समय गंवाए फॉलो कर लिया। आपकी हाल में ही आई "लिफाफा मुबारक" की बुक लॉन्च पर आप दोनों को सुना। फिर एक पॉडकास्ट में आपका इंटरव्यू सुना। विकलांगता और कई सामाजिक रूढ़ियों पर आपका बेबाकी से बोलना बहुत ही सराहनीय लगा मुझे। यूं कहिए प्रशंसक बन गई आप दोनों की। कहते हैं कुछ किताबें आपके जीवन में तब आती हैं, जब आपको उनकी सबसे ज़्यादा जरूरत होती है। मेरे साथ कुछ ऐसा ही हुआ। इसमें लिखी कई को मैंने जिया है। ये दो लोग आपकी नज़र में आम लेखक हो शायद। लेकिन ये दुनिया को बदल देने की हिम्मत रखते हैं। रूढ़ियों के खिलाफ बोलते ही नहीं, उन्हें तोड़ते भी हैं। मनीष जी स्वयं को त्रासदी से उपजा लेखक कहते हैं। शायद कुछ लोगों को ये किताब उतनी दिलचस्प न लगे, लेकिन फिर भी मेरे हिसाब से आप सभी को ये दोनों किताबें पढ़नी चाहिए, जिन्हें ऐसे सभी मुद्दों पर बात करना पसंद है जिनपर अक्सर चर्चा नहीं होती है या आपके इर्द गिर्द ऐसे लोग नहीं होते हैं, जिनसे आप एक हेल्थी डिस्कशन कर सकें। मुझे ये दोनों किताबें बहुत पसंद आई, ख़ासकर लिफाफा। आपकी आनेवाली किताबों का इंतजार रहेगा। 

International Women's Day 2026

8th March is no longer a common date in the calendar. Women are the base of the whole world. Her worth can't be described in words and everyone knows it very well. Nobody can honestly say we don't need women in our lives. The significance of International Women's Day is increasing year after year and has become a custom today. Women's day celebrates women's history, highlighting key events, milestones, achievements and aims to further promote awareness about women rights. I think women should be respected not because they are women but because they are individuals with their own identity. They contribute equally for the betterment of the society.

Gender equality is about accepting and respecting people for who they are whether it is a woman, man, disabled or a transgender. It is about being human. Unfortunately, a woman's value is linked to what she wears. We should instead celebrate women for their achievements, intelligence, strength and diverse choices. Men and women are equally important to society. No one can replace the other. Calling a nation independent doesn't make it independent. There should be equality among all its citizens. A woman shapes the destiny of civilization. In most of the countries including India, social reformers are doing a lot to empower women but we still have miles to go. There is a need to change the mindset of people regarding women. Equality is for everyone. I don't like when people say, ‘empower women’. There is no need to say ‘empower women’. They are already empowered and strong. It's about giving equality to women in every field without judging them and without creating obstacles in their way. Support her because real men stand with real women.

Men and women irrespective of their caste, religion and gender should come together and work together to contribute in nation- building which is far better than their individual name and fame. In my opinion, women's education is the only way to mend and to uplift the position of women in society. Women's education not just empowers her family but the whole community, even the economy. It is our social responsibility to be the voice for the human rights of women. Apart from education, women should also be taught the skills of leadership. I generally see women who don't like to lead. They hesitate. It is because of lack of confidence and lack of opportunity given to them. If we turn the pages of history, we would see how many women warriors took the leadership and they performed very well.

Though the early Vedic society was patriarchal and people celebrated the birth of a son, they still pay due attention to the education and living standard of the women. Their belief changed during the later Vedic Age. Only the girls belonging to the upper class families enjoyed the right to education and got proper nourishment. In the mediaeval period, the conditions deteriorated for the females. Even in the royal families, girls could not get the same status as boys. The example of Razia Sultan can be best considered in their context. Though she was more intelligent and brave than her brothers, she was rejected by her courtiers and afterwards was killed, due to the reason that she was female. Girls were not allowed to get education and were not allowed to go out without purdah. The prevalence of sati, dowry, polygamy, child marriage were excessively practised. Raja Rammohan Roy, Sir Sayed Ahmed Khan, Annie Basant, MG Ranade, Jyotiba Phule, Swami Dayanand Saraswati and many others have done a lot to improve the status of education for women in India. Of the several reformers, the works of Savitri Bai Phule are especially notable. She advocated education for female children.

Also, every woman should be respected whether she is working at home or at the office or doing both. We should thank women who invest their talent and hard work in mending our lives. The amount of work she does physically and emotionally is not respected enough. Powerful women are often seen as a threat to society, especially the moment they see a woman who takes a stand for herself. In spite of so much development and progress, unfortunately even today women are forced to deal with shocking inequality on a daily basis in every sector. Those countries flourish well where women are given equal rights and are not taken for granted. Most of the narrow thinkers still believe that women should be confined to their household chores and should not step out for work. If there will be no women on this Earth, then mankind would cease to exist. Every woman should stand strong, fight for their rights, the right to educate themselves, the right to enhance their skills, the right to learn safety techniques and much more. 

The need of the day is to educate the girl child. It would change the face of our society. People don't want to invest much in girls' education. The male centric mindset is the main culprit. The patriarchy is harmful for men too. Patriarchal social systems predate not only women but also mentioned who are vulnerable by nature. The continuous peer pressure of attaining machoism, flexing muscles n all generates anxiety in vulnerable men.

People consider girls as liabilities and boys as assets. Dowry demands, fears regarding property rights, an insecure environment for women, parents' dependence on sons during old age are all important factors. Educating a boy means educating one person, but educating a girl means educating a family, which will lead to the upliftment of the society. Educated women will take proper care of the health of her children and their diet. She knows what is good for her and for her kids. The state in which female literacy rate is more, population growth is less. As girls are not educated, they remain dependent on their family before their marriage and on their husbands after their marriage and on their children after the death of their spouse. This is the main reason for the unpleasant condition of women. If girls are educated, they will no longer be dependent on anyone and they can do a lot for their upliftment. As if now, after so many efforts and legislative reforms, time has changed a bit. A well-educated and well-settled daughter is against dowry and she looks after her aged parents better than a son can do. The problem of female foeticide can be solved not only by passing laws but by changing the mindset. And, ladies! don't look at motherhood as the end of your dreams or your personal goals. Motherhood is a stage in your life that will teach you that “giving up” is not part of your plans and children are not an excuse not to go after what you want. Quite the contrary, they will be your motivation.

Just love being a woman. Take pride in it. Every woman should cherish the blessing of being a woman. God has created the feminine creature as a symbol of utmost affection who not only dreams for herself but also lays down a strong base for others dreams as well.

"DO DEEWANE SEHER MEIN" MOVIE

What do we actually want from our partner? 

Many people will say - loyalty, companionship, respect etc. I completely agree. But, you know the bare minimum is -"acceptance". Acceptance is not just a word. It holds a big meaning and deep sense. Acceptance is very essential for us to love yourself first. We seek validation from outsiders but when our closed ones show trust in us, especially our partner, then the real magic happens in our life. When our person accepts us as we are, we don't just grow. We bloom.

This movie talks about this simple word-"acceptance". Roshni and Shashank are two socially awkward people in Mumbai who don’t know how to market themselves in a see-me society and in a hear-me workplace. Shashank is in a marketing job that sells washing machines. He suffers from a very common speech impediment of using "स &‌ श‌", that was the big reason for his low confidence during presentations and interviews. While Roshni, a content creator, works in a fashion magazine but is conscious of her features. As the society thinks that arranged marriage is the only way out for such boys and girls. So, their parents bring them together, and over the few meetings, Shashank and Roshni start healing each other’s complexes and, in the process, teach us that imperfections are fine and acceptance is more important than people's judgemental advices. I like such kind of movie that based on small but impactful things. This is very common in Indian society that a boy or a girl get body shamed very easily irrespective of their core nature or skills, especially when it comes to marriage. These kind of movies atleast let people think about it once in another way.

Overall, "Do Deewane Seher Mein" doesn’t break new ground or provoke dramatic emotional highs, but it tenderly explores two individuals navigating their personal battles with insecurity and self-worth. If you are bored with the bollywood movies now a days, then you can give it a try once.

"What Young India Wants" Book

Our nation needs such books. Freedom is much more than just a word. It is a sense of responsibility, sense of belongings and ownership of our own acts. Even after so many years of independence. India is facing so many problems that are obstacle in the path of development. To solve the following problems we have to co-operate with the policies and the functioning of our government. Any country is symbolised by its discipline within system and the level of corruption within the administrative system. Our forefathers had imagined india which is free from corruption. Poverty and social backwardness are creating a huge problem in the progress of our country. There are so many people in our country who have hopes in their eyes but don't have food in their stomachs. No one hear their screams. We often forget that it is not we personally who has this freedom but the nation as a whole. We all are equal whether we accept it or not. We should not just hoist the flag and chant National Anthem but also learn the true sense of it. We should try to do social service as much as we can. We can teach street children without any cost, open shelter homes for poor and provide free medical treatments to the poor. We should perform our duty honestly. We all are stake holders in these missions of our nation. We have come a long way and we still have a long way to go. We should try our best potential in making our country a developed country. This book shows the positive and constructive thoughts of the author to resolving ever troubling problems of India as a nation. This book have covered all sensational issues like CBs articles, published in newspapers on multiple issues ranging from education, poverty, corruption, politics and student suicide. The book is divided into three sections: our society, politics and youth. In the end, there are two short stories and an author’s note on the great Indian dream. So, if you can read all the articles one by one then two short stories will feel like a dessert after a great meal. And the book ends with a personal note of the author to his readers. I'm sure many of you have read this book quite earlier, but still if some of you haven't, then you must read it.

The First Reads of my life:

These two are heavy hitters. Actually, The Fault In Our Stars was my first read, recommended by a girl whom I accidentally met in my friend's wedding in 2016. She asked me to read it and also watch the movie made exactly on it. The second one "The Alchemist" was my second read, also recommended by one of my classmates in 2017. These two became favourites. Somewhere deep down, there was a desire to read books, which they brought to life. One book reminds you how beautiful and fragile life is while you're searching for it and other teaches you how to find your destiny and shape your life. It’s a fascinating combination. Here’s why those two likely left such a mark on me:

The Fault in Our Stars:

John Green’s story deals with the "unfairness" of the universe—the "star-crossed" nature of reality. While The Alchemist looks at the stars for guidance, Augustus and Hazel remind us that even if our time is limited, the small, quiet infinities we create with other people are just as meaningful. Hazel has cancer. A miracle, shrinking tumour has bought her a few extra years, but Hazel knows she’s dying. At a Cancer Kid Support group, she meets Augustus Waters and so begins a new chapter. “As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” The rest of the book follows them falling in love, facing their illnesses, living and accepting their fate This book is beautifully written with lots of beautiful quotes. My favourite one is - "That's the thing about pain. It demands to be felt." I liked the characters. I enjoyed how Hazel and Augustus interacted with each other. I liked their humour, how irreverent they could be, how open they were. I liked Hazel’s determination, she was determined to protect Augustus. I liked how passionate she’d get about things, how she’d stand by her convictions, was never afraid to speak her mind. There were scenes I loved, the trip to Amsterdam and the realisation that sometimes, you absolutely should not meet your heroes. The moments of anger felt real, their story was realistic, everything about them was realistic. The book made me feel sad and moved with teary eyes. I also wish to go to Amsterdam once in a lifetime. Maybe someday, if universe conspires for it.

The Alchemist:

Paulo Coelho’s story teaches that the journey is the destination and that the universe conspires to help you when you’re on the right path. It’s incredibly empowering because it suggests that your life has a specific and grand purpose. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a philosophical fable following Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd who leaves his home to find treasure at the Egyptian pyramids. Santiago meets a mentor, the Alchemist, who teaches him to listen to his heart. Along his journey to fulfill his "Personal Legend", he learns to listen to his heart, interpret omens, and discovers that the true treasure lies in the journey and personal growth.

Why They Pair Well:

Santiago searches for a treasure across a continent while Hazel and Augustus find their "treasure" in a basement or a shared book.

The Universe: In one, the universe is a guide and in the other, the universe is "not a wish-granting factory." Together, they give you a very balanced and resilient perspective on life. It sounds like you value authenticity and aren't afraid to look at the "big questions," even when the answers are a bit bittersweet.

"कसप"- क्या जाने!!

पुस्तक प्रेमियों की ये एक अजीब आदत होती है कि कभी कभी हाल में ही खरीदी किताब को वे बस कुछ दिन में पढ़कर खत्म कर देते हैं, तो कभी कोई किताब उनकी बुकशेल्फ में महीनों रखी रहती है। कुछ ऐसा ही किया मैंने इस किताब के साथ। नहीं करना चाहिए था। एक ग्रंथप्रेमी के लिए ऐसा करना भी एक तरह के पाप की श्रेणी में आता है। खैर, श्याम मनोहर जोशी द्वारा रचित 'कसप' कुमाऊँनी पृष्ठभूमि पर आधारित एक सरल और सरस प्रेम कहानी है, जिसका अर्थ "क्या जाने" है। यह भावुक अनाथ देवदत्त उर्फ डी०डी० और खिलंदड़ मैत्रेयी (बेबी) के अधूरे प्रेम, मध्यवर्गीय मानसिकता और 1950 के दशक के सामाजिक-सांस्कृतिक परिदृश्य को चित्रित करती है। जोशी जी ने कथा-सिनेमा शैली का उपयोग किया है, साथ ही साथ कुमाऊँनी शब्दों और मुहावरों का प्रयोग इसे जीवंत बनाता है। यह पाठक पर एक उदास और रूमानी प्रभाव छोड़ता है। अंत तक आप समझ नहीं पाते कि दोष किसे दें। लेकिन जब आखिर के पन्नों में आप नायक के खुलकर रोने के कई आशय पढ़ते हैं तो इतना जरूर स्पष्ट होता है कि जीवन के खोखलेपन को न भर पाने की ग्लानि तमाम अर्जित सफलताओं पर भारी पड़ती है। सही ही कहा गया है कि प्रेम में दिया गया खालीपन, प्रेम से ही भरा जा सकता है। अंत में, लेखक रोता है। फूट फूट कर रोता है। विलक्षण निरंतरता, एकाग्रता है इस रुदन में। जितना अभी तक मैंने प्रेम को समझा है उससे यही निष्कर्ष निकाल सकती हूँ कि प्रेम में धैर्य और सम्मान बहुत मायने रखता है। रिश्ते अक्सर तभी टूटते हैं जब या तो उनमें धैर्य खत्म हो जाता है, या फिर सम्मान।

बेबी अपनी जगह सही थी और डी०डी० भी। लेकिन जैसा कि किताब में भी एक जगह लाइन आती है -" सभी निर्णय गलत निर्णय होते हैं, किसी - न - किसी संदर्भ में, किसी न किसी के संदर्भ में। हमें वही निर्णय करना चाहिए जो हमारे अपने लिए हमारे विचार से सबसे कम गलत हो।" और कम गलत निर्णय वही होता अगर दोनों विवाह की सामाजिक व्यवस्था के खिलाफ जाकर अपने जीवन के फैसले लेते। थोड़ा इंतजार, थोड़ा धैर्य और थोड़ा संयम जीवन की कायापलट सकता है। लेकिन अगर कहानी में सब कुछ आपके और मेरे हिसाब से होने लगे तो कहानीकार का काम ही क्या रह जाएगा। कुछ ऐसे ही उतार चढ़ाव चलते हैं इस कहानी में। डी०डी० कई जगह कमजोर पत्र के रूप में प्रकट हुआ है। उसे अपने त्रासदी भरे जीवन से कुछ ज्यादा ही लगाव रहता है। उसे लोगों की सांत्वना की आदत पड़ चुकी है। इसलिए शायद उसे बेबी के प्रेम भी सांत्वना लगता है। उसे लगता है कि उसकी इस सांत्वना वाली प्रवृत्ति का बेबी भी हिस्सा बने। परन्तु बेबी भले ही अल्हड़ थी लेकिन अपनी बात को दो टूक शब्दों में बेझिझक रखना उसे सभी से अलग बनाता था। डी०डी० विफल हुआ। वह विफल हुआ अपने प्रेम की प्रामाणिकता देने में। बेबी को समझा पाने में कि उसका ऐसा निर्णय उन दोनों के भावी कल के लिए कितना आवश्यक है। बेबी को उसके अमेरिका जाने की बात समझ में आती नहीं, खासकर जब उसे अपने माता पिता की अनुमित मिल गई( जो पहले इस विवाह के पक्ष में नहीं थे)। बेबी को अपना सपना पूरा होते दिखता है। उनकी ज़िन्दगी अब साथ गुजरने वाली है, एक हो कर! वह उसे रोकने की कोशिश करती है, पर असफल होने पर ख़त्म कर देती है उससे रिश्ता! बेबी जिसने आपने आप को डी०डी० की ब्याहता मान लिया था, अब अपने आप को उसकी विधवा मान बेबी से मैत्रेय, मैत्रेय से विदुषी मैत्रेय, बनने की राह पर अग्रसर हो जाती है, खो देती है अपने आप को किताबों और पठन पाठन में। मेरे हिसाब से कई रिश्ते इस अमेरिका जाने, कुछ नया बन जाने की बलि चढ़ गए हैं। लेकिन क्या ऐसी स्थिति में भावनाओं में न बहकर एक परिपक्व निर्णय नहीं लिया सकता? क्या जो भी फैसले उन दोनों ने लिए, वो सुख दे पाए दोनों को?इसका जवाब ही है उपन्यास का शीर्षक 'कसप'!!

जब आप इस किताब को पढ़ेंगे तो स्वयं ही अपने जीवन अनुभव के आधार पर कई आशय निकाल सकेंगे इस कहानी का। हर कहानी को पाठकों के कई निष्कर्षों की आवश्यकता होती है..उसकी सार्थकता प्रमाणित होने के लिए। अगर आप मुझसे पूछे कि इस किताब को पढ़कर मुझे कैसा लगा तो शायद मेरा भी यही जवाब होगा - "क्या जाने!"

हर किताब के कुछ उद्धरण होते हैं जो लेखक के सुंदर लेखन को प्रमाणित करते हैं। "कसप" से ऐसे कैसी उद्धरण जो मुझे पसंद आए, निम्न हैं -

🌼"स्वार्थ सदा परमार्थ बोलता है। जो कहते हैं कि हम सब ये तुम्हारी भलाई के लिए कर रहे हैं, वह यह भी कह रहे होते हैं कि तुम्हारी भलाई में ही हमारी भलाई है।"

🌼"सभी निर्णय गलत निर्णय होते हैं, किसी - न - किसी संदर्भ में, किसी न किसी के संदर्भ में। हमें वही निर्णय करना चाहिए जो हमारे अपने लिए हमारे विचार से सबसे कम गलत हो।"

🌼"अब वह उदास ही नहीं, आहत भी था। उदास और आहत, दोनों होना, उसे कुल मिलाकर प्रेम को परिभाषित करता जान पड़ा।"

🌼"एक उम्र होती है आहत होने की और वे उस उम्र में पहुंच चुके हैं। उस उम्र के बाद और उस चोट के बावजूद तमाम और जिंदगी होती है, इसीलिए लेखक होते हैं, कहानियां होती हैं।"

🌼"मुझे किसी के लायक नहीं बनना। अपने लायक ही बन जाऊं बहुत होगा। तू किसी के लायक क्यों बनना चाहता? तेरे भीतर सभी गुन ठहरे। तू अपने लायक जो बनना चाहेगा तो कितना बड़ा जो आदमी नहीं बन जाएगा?"

🌼"जिन्दगी की घास खोदने में जुटे हुए हम जब कभी चौंककर घास, घाम और खुरपा तीनों भुला देते हैं, तभी प्यार का जन्म होता है।"

🌼"अकेलेपन में भी कुछ है जो नितांत आकर्षक है, सर्वथा सुखकर है। लेकिन अफसोस कि उसे पा सकना अकेले के बस का नहीं!"

🌼"अगर मानवीय तर्क ही हैं तो प्रेम के लिए दो में से एक की बलि अपेक्षित है। प्रश्न यह है कि तू उससे प्रेम करता है या कि तू चाहता है वह तुझसे प्रेम करे?"

🌼"आप जानते हैं, स्वीकारते हैं नि:श्वास छोड़कर कि यह मैत्रेयी का बाल-हठ नहीं, तिरिया- हठ नहीं, अस्तित्व-हठ है।"

🌼"मैं सोच रहा हूँ कि जिसे तुम अन्तरंगता कहती हो वह प्यार के बिना कैसे हो सकती है? प्यार से भिन्न कैसे हो सकती है?”

“प्यार दाता या भिखारी होता है। अन्तरंगता कुछ माँगती नहीं। दे रही हूँ औघड़दानी बनकर, इस भाव से कुछ देती नहीं। और हाँ, अन्तरंगता को बिना माँगे कुछ मिल जाये तो वह धन्य भी नहीं हो जाती।”

“प्यार भी कुछ नहीं माँगता।”

"सिवा इसके कि कृपया मुझे स्वीकार किया जाये! नहीं करोगे तो एक गरीब मारा जायेगा। प्यार लिप्सा और वर्जना के खानों पर जमाने-भर के भावनात्मक मोहरों से खेली जानेवाली शतरंज है। अन्तरंगता खेल नहीं है, उसमें कोई जीत-हार नहीं है, आरम्भ और अन्त नहीं है। प्यार एक प्रक्रिया है, अन्तरंगता एक अवस्था।"

🌼"प्रेम के आनन्द को प्रेम की पीड़ा से अलग नहीं किया जा सकता। नित्य संयोगात्मक है प्रेम, और नित्य वियोगात्मक। देखिबौ जहाँ विरह सम होई, तहाँ कौ प्रेम कहा कहि कोई।

नायक ने लिखा कि कदाचित् चिर-अतृप्ति ही प्रीति है। प्यास ही प्यार है। प्यारी जू को रूप मानो प्यास ही को रूप है।

नायक ने जानना चाहा कि यदि प्यार, प्यास ही है तो क्या प्यास का बुझ जाना प्यार का मर जाना नहीं है? क्या कोई खाँटी प्रेमी इस उद्देश्य से प्रेम कर सकता है कि प्रेम को अन्ततः मार दे? क्या असली प्रेमी, प्यास की विह्वलता बढ़ने से विचलित हो सकता है? क्या वह नहीं जानता कि इस प्यास का समाधान अतिरिक्त प्यास है? प्यार की पीड़ा का उपचार और अधिक प्यार है?"

🌼"क्या हम मानव एक-दूसरे को दुख-ही-दुख दे सकते हैं, सुख नहीं? हम क्यों सदा कटिबद्ध होते हैं एक-दूसरे को गलत समझने के लिए? इतना कुछ है इस सृष्टि में देखने-समझने को, फिर भी क्यों हम अपने-अपने दुखों के दायरे में बैठे रहने को अभिशप्त हैं? अगर हम खुशियाँ लूटना-लुटाना सीख जायें तो क्या यही दुनिया स्वर्ग जैसी सुन्दर न हो जाये?"

🌼"जीवन में क्या क्या नहीं होता है, यह जानते- समझते जिज्ञासुओं का पूरा जीवन बीत जाता है। विविध है, विचित्र है, मायावी है जीवन।"

🌼"नर के लिए प्यार का उन्माद वहीं तक होता है, जहॉं तक कि वह स्वीकार न हो जाएI उसके बाद उतार ही उतार है। उधर मादा के लिए उसकी उठान ही स्वीकार से आरंभ होती है।"

CASE STUDY OF AJANTA AND ELLORA

CASE STUDY OF AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES

Our country is no doubt, rich in world heritage. It has many places which are endowed with outstanding tourism value with its cultural and natural domains. Ajanta & Ellora of Maharastra is a good example of it.  Ajanta and Ellora caves have always been recognised  as the gems that represent Indian History.

Ajanta and Ellora is such a breath-taking beauty that can mesmerize anyone. It is an integral part of our cultural heritage. You have to do little bit efforts to enter these caves but believe me, after entering into these caves you will not regret. It is worth to come here. The aura of the past is overwhelming. You will feel like the sculptures are lively chanting. Those artists who carved these sculptures were definitely have god gifted talents. Feel the touch of nature with Ajanta & Ellora caves!

ABOUT AJANTA & ELLORA:

The Ajanta Caves are 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE in Aurangabad district of Maharastra state of India.  The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian Art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotion through gesture, pose and form. According to UNESCO, these are masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.
Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Aurangabad district of Maharastra, India. It is one of the largest rock-cut monastery temple cave featuring Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments and artwork dating from 600-1000 CE period. Cave 16,features the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world- The Kailash Temple.

BREATHTAKING SIGHTSEEING OBJECTIVES:

The world-renowned mystical caves of Ajanta and Ellora are proof of human skill and endurance. The objective of the project is to promote the tourism industry through conservation, improvement of the surrounding natural environment and infrastructure in and around the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. These caves are pride of Maharastra.

HISTORY BEHIND THESE CAVES:

Everyone and everything has a past. According to Walter Spink, they were made during the period 100 BCE to 100 CE, probably under the patronage of the Hindu Satavahana dynasty who ruled the region. According to Spink, once the Satavahana period caves were made, the site was not further developed for a considerable period until the mid-5th century. However, the early caves were in use during this dormant period and Buddhist pilgrims visited the site, according to the records left by Chinese pilgrim Faxian around 400 CE.
The second phase of construction at Ajanta Caves site began in the 5th century. Most of the caves of the second period were made under the rule of  the Vakataka King  Harishena.

                 On 28 April, 1819 a British officer named John Smith, of the 28th Cavalry, while hunting tigers discovered the entrance to Cave No.10 when local shepherd boy guided him to the location and the door.
                 Ellora caves have 100 caves, excavated from the Basalt cliffs in the Charandri Hills, 34 of which are open to public. These consist of 12 Buddhist caves, 17 Hindu caves and 5 Jain caves with each group representing deities and mythologies that prevalent in the 1st millennium CE. All the Ellora monuments were built during Hindu dynasties such as the Rashtrakuta dynasty and the Yadava dynasty. Funding for the construction of the caves were provided by royals, traders and the wealthy of the region. 

PERFECT TIME TO VISIT:

These caves are at prime beauty throughout the year. Since, it is an outdoor activity, winter is the perfect time to enjoy because Maharastra receives harsh summer in which dehydration chances are high. The only downside is that you can find a large crowd in these heritage sites, especially during weekends and holidays.

WAY TO AJANTA AND ELLORA:

Being a popular attraction of India, these caves are easily accessible through various modes of transportation.

BY AIR: 
These caves are about 100 km away from Aurangabad Airport which is well connected to major cities of India.

BY TRAIN:  
Jalgaon Railway Station is the nearest  railway station, located at a distance of 60 km. So, you can easily access your journey through trains.

BY ROAD:
It is easy to reach Aurangabad via road from different places like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bhopal etc.

WORTH VISIT TO KAILASH TEMPLE:

The Kailash Temple or Kailashnath Temple is one of the largest Indian rock-cut ancient Hindu temples located in Ellora Caves in Maharastra state of India. It is considered as one of the most remarkable  cave temple in India because of its size, architecture and sculptural design. Its construction is generally attributed to the 8th century Rashtrakuta king Krishna. The temple architecture shows traces of Pallava and Chalukya styles. It is the most astonishing temple in the world.

CENTRES OF ATTRACTION AT THESE CAVES:

Ajanta Caves consist of 30 rock-cut caves, showcasing some of the finest paintings and sculptures ever recorded in the Indian history.
While exploring these archeological gemstone, don't miss to visit Cave1 (it is the  most popular cave in Ajanta. The grand doorway is adorned with Bodhisattva murals), Cave2 (its main highlight is its ceiling  which has abstract designs of devils, birds, flowers etc), Cave4 (the largest monasteriesin Ajanta) and Cave17.

                  Ellora Caves have 34 caves, each one of its own speciality. So, you must make a visit to atleast Cave1 ( it has 8 monastic cells), Cave2 (it has 12 ornate square pillars. Lord Buddha is seated on a lion is another a centre of attraction) , Cave16 (it has a very famous pilgrimage spot Kailash Temple for the followers of Lord Shiva).

 SOME MORE FACTS:

Ellora caves are carved on the volcanic basalt rock which is known as Deccan Trap.
Cave15 in Ellora depicts the ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu.
The painting style found in Ajanta Caves is believed to be inspired that of Tibet and Sri Lanka.
The carvings of the caves are done in such a way that they somehow look like wood work.
Ajanta Caves were exacavated in a rock surface that looks like horse-shoe shape.
An exotic dance and music festival is organised every year at the Soneri Mahal in Aurangabad. This festival is organised by Maharastra Tourism Development Corporation. This festivals shows performances of well-known artists such as Pandit Jasraj, Zakir Hussain, Ghulam Ali etc.

IMPORTANCE OF THESE CAVES IN INDIAN TOURISM:

Ajanta and Ellora Caves have a great importance in Indian tourism because it is truly iconic. It is one of the greatest heritage of mankind. The Tourism Minister has identified Ajanta and Ellora Caves among 12 sites for development under the Iconic Tourist Sites Project. The main objective behind this is to promote Indian Tourism through conservation, improvement of surrounding and infrastructure development in and around Ajanta and Ellora Caves. In recent years, conservation of these caves, use of these as tourism resource have become an important issue. The Maharastra state has been putting efforts into promotion of tourism as a vital force for further economic development.

CONCLUSION:

India is a home of total 27 World Heritage Sites, including 22 cultural sites and 5 natural sites and out of these Ajanta & Ellora are the first places in India that got registered as World Heritage Site together with the renowned Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in 1983. Tourism covers diverse sectors. It promotes culture and economy of the country. Many local people get employed because of the tourism. For sustainability of historic site preservation, it is necessary to use the site preservation work itself as an important opportunity for human resource training!

-Khushboo Yadav