Gangtok

Mrinal Chatterjee

Window Seat 

It was my fourth visit to Gangtok, a city in which I could spend the rest of my life, if I get a mountain view room. The road from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok- about 120 km winds through mountainous terrain. There have been landslides damaging the road. Though it has not rained heavily in the last one week or so- and the road is open- it took us over 5 and half hours to reach the city and we reached past midnight. After a long time I saw high mountains on a moonlit night. With the eerie silence around and the surrounding forest which looked different with the silvery hue- it looked surreal. I did not doze off for even a minute, which I usually do as soon as I get into a vehicle and it starts moving. I kept on looking at the dark forest, moon-lit mountains. It was a journey I’ll never forget.

Gangtok-2

Gangtok, which literally means ‘hilltop’ is the capital of Sikkim. It is a serene hill station nestled in the eastern Himalayas, though the population is increasing and with the influx of tens of thousands of tourists, it is gradually losing its pristine serenity. Known for its breath-taking landscapes, Gangtok offers stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga, one of the world's highest peaks and the highest in India (Mount Everest is in Nepal).

The city is a blend of tradition and modernity, with bustling markets like MG Road and tranquil monasteries such as Rumtek. Its rich culture, influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, adds a spiritual aura to the surroundings. Adventure enthusiasts flock here for trekking and river rafting, while nature lovers enjoy its clean, green environment. Gangtok's charm lies in its peaceful ambiance, friendly locals, and vibrant festivals.

After my fourth visit to this city, I have become a self-appointed ambassador of Gangtok.

Enchey Monastery

Enche Monastery is believed to be the guardian protector of Gangtok, following the Nyingma order of Vajrayana lineage of Buddhism.

One of the most sacred and the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, Enchey had its origin back in the year of 1840, when a yogi named Lama Drupthob Karpo blessed the location. Later a hermit known as ‘Karma Sherab’ meditated at this place. The monastery was later built during the reign of Chogyal Sidkyong Namgyal in the late nineteenth-early twentieth century. The architecture was inspired by Gyanak Wu Tsang monastry in China. The meaning of its name literally translates to ‘solitary temple’ and no other building was supposed to be built near it. The monastery still offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range. But the city has grown and many buildings have come up around it.

However, Enchey Monastery's intricate architecture, vibrant prayer flags, and spiritual ambiance make it a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and cultural insight in Sikkim.

Hari Om Tiwari

I met senior cartoonist Hari Om Tiwari for the first time in person in Bhopal. I had seen his cartoons on social media. In fact he is one of my favourite contemporary cartoonists. But I had never met him. It was a coincidence that Shri Tiwari is the husband of Prof. Rakhi Tiwari of MCU, where I had been to. It was easy thereafter.

Hari Om Tiwari is a tall and handsome man. Besides cartoons he also indulges in acting and script writing. He has a small role in the web series Panchayat. He is in major roles in two upcoming web series. He has also written the script of a comedy series.

But cartoons are where his heart is. Born in a small village named Billowa in Gwalior district in North East of Madhya Pradesh in a farmer’s family it was logical for him to do post-graduation- in soil science from Jawaharlal Nehru University of Agriculture. However, he turned to cartooning under the influence of the legendary cartoonist RK Laxman, whom he considers as his guru.

After working as a cartoonist with several newspapers and magazines like Bhopal- based National Mail, Central Chronicle and Dainik Bhaskar- he is presently drawing cartoons for Haribhumi. He also does issue and advocacy based cartooning. His exhibition of cartoons on tigers, titled ‘The Tiger Speak’ - focusing on tiger conservation has drawn applause from all sections of the society. Drawn with strong drawings and gentle humour it foregrounds the problems of the tigers–from their perspective. ‘The Tiger Speak’ has been published in book form. And yes, Hari Omji presented me a copy.