India’s North East- The land of beauty and bliss.

2017 has been one of the most exciting years of my otherwise less happening life. It’s just half the year and I have travelled a lot. A lot by my standards atleast. First let me share my experience of an epic road trip with 2 of my buddies to the hidden jewel of India’s tourist circuit- the enchantingly beautiful North East. Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya is where we went. We were touched by the simple, hardy and joyful people. A people who have struggled and are still struggling against the elements, official apathy and sidelining from India’s mainland but who, through their sheer hard work, natural athletic build and inherent jolly nature manage to stay happy and provide a cozy home, a warm meal and a sincere smile to anyone who visits them.

Its a region so beautiful, that any description in mere words is doing its beauty awful injustice. It is God’s poetry in action. Lush greenery, mountains and valleys with gushing rivers, the clouds descending upon them playing hide and seek. Every corner of the winding mountain roads waiting just to spring a picture more beautiful than the previous one. The camera and our eyes got exhausted at the end of the trip just trying meekly to capture all this wonderful beauty in our respective lenses. It inspired both awe and respect for nature and made us once again realize how tiny and inconsequential we really in front of nature’s grandeur and fury.

And the people. Oh how beautiful were the girls that we couldn’t help gawk at every second or third girl who crossed our paths. And they have an impeccable fashion sense. The young boys and girls were smartly dressed which constantly made us feel underdressed. J These guys can give Mumbai and Delhi fashion divas a run for their money with their style. Music is also an inherent part of their lives and most of them are fantastic singers and guitar players. They also speak English way better than so-called convent educated kids and are very gentle, hard-working, and trustworthy.

So much, just so much to write home about but never feels enough. This trip, this region and its beautiful people will remain forever etched in my memory and I will carry my love and respect for them to my last breath. May God bless them.

Note: Its about time we realize that they are our fellow countrymen who love India as much as any of us. They are OUR people. And we fail them every time we call them Chinki, Kancha or any such derogatory name or judge them only by their appearance or dressing. Let us give them the respect and love that they deserve.