Dated: 30th November, 2024
19:19
Revisiting my birthplace, Deomali, was more than just a journey—it was a homecoming, a heartfelt reconnection with my roots and a treasure trove of memories waiting to be rediscovered.
Starting from Tinsukia, we embarked on this emotional odyssey in a private vehicle that arrived to pick us up. The day began on a simple yet comforting note, with some fruits and snacks to energize us for the road ahead. Little did I realize, the road back to Deomali would be as poignant and soul-stirring as the destination itself.
Our first stop along the way was the Tilinga Mandir in Bordubi, a temple that has been a cornerstone of my family’s faith and memories. This sacred place holds an extraordinary significance for me—it was here, many years ago, that I stood as a child and fervently prayed to Lord Shiv to bless me with a little brother. Not long after, our prayers were answered, and my family was complete. Returning to this temple after all these years, I was overwhelmed with gratitude, as if reliving that beautiful chapter of my life.
The journey continued through Naharkatia, a place intertwined with my childhood memories. We made a nostalgic stop at Arup Sweets, an iconic shop that has stood the test of time. Sitting down for a cup of tea (and coffee for some), accompanied by their signature samosas, was like stepping back into a simpler, happier time. The flavors transported me to my younger days, reminding me of countless moments when such small joys meant the world.
As we resumed our journey, the road itself became a storyteller. Stretching ahead of us were landscapes that had witnessed my childhood, now gently nudging my memories awake. The sprawling tea estates on either side of the road danced in the breeze, their lush green expanse a sight that seemed frozen in time. The familiar sight of old houses, children laughing and playing in the fields, the river flowing gracefully to our left, and even the mysterious place where fire burns endlessly—all these scenes evoked a sense of belonging I hadn’t felt in years.
Passing through Jeyrampore, we finally reached the border of Arunachal Pradesh. Crossing into my home state was a moment filled with emotion. The change in the air, the familiar sights, and the gentle reminder of where it all began were enough to fill my heart to the brim.
Revisiting the Heart of My Childhood
Once in Deomali, I retraced the steps of my early years, beginning with the Government Quarters (Picture 1) where I grew up. It was surreal to stand in the very house that witnessed countless milestones of my childhood. The visit to my first school, Sun Hum Nursery School (Picture 2), and the Deomali Field (Picture 3), where my mother and I shared countless evening walks, filled my heart with bittersweet memories.
The APFC office, where both my parents worked tirelessly for decades, stood as a testament to their dedication and the life they built for us. I also revisited the Ramakrishna Mission in Narottam Nagar, which radiated the same peace and spirituality as it did in my childhood, and the small market of Deomali, where I remembered my father holding my hand and teaching me the joy of life’s simple pleasures. (Picture 4)
The visit wouldn’t have been complete without the Deomali river (Picture 5), where I spent a reflective moment by the banks, letting the sound of the water carry me back to those innocent days. I also stopped by the Government High School of Deomali (Picture 6), which has now been renovated but still holds the same essence of my primary school days. The sight of this school brought back memories of my early lessons, the laughter of friends, and the foundation of everything I learned as a child.
Reconnecting with People Who Shaped My Past
Deomali has changed in many ways, but its people remain its heart and soul. During my visit, I had the privilege of reconnecting with several familiar faces who hold a special place in my family’s life. Most of my childhood friends have moved away and settled elsewhere, but I was delighted to meet new friends while rekindling old bonds.
Among those I met was Chimoy Simai Uncle (Picture 1), a man of remarkable achievements and humility. Despite his high position, his down-to-earth demeanor was truly inspiring. He surprised us with a visit the very next day after we arrived, making us feel so welcomed and valued.
I also met Jaya Moithak Aunty, Taiju Aunty and her family, Sumniya Aunty, Ramola Aunty (Picture 2) and Lowang Madam, my former Government High School teacher, who also happens to be the wife of the Hon’ble Forest Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Government of India.
Meeting Lowang Madam (Picture 3) was an especially emotional moment. I still vividly remember how, as a child, she used to lift me up in her lap and shower me with affection as if I were her own child. Of course, my irresistible cuteness might have had something to do with it too! (Or so I like to think!)
Her love and warmth back then were unparalleled, and seeing her again reminded me of the nurturing guidance that shaped my early years.
Savoring the Culture and Cuisine
No journey to Deomali would be complete without immersing oneself in its vibrant culture and culinary delights. As a vegetarian, it is always challenging to enjoy authentic local dishes, everywhere. But to my delight, our cook prepared some of the most delicious cuisines that showcased the unique flavors of our Northeastern heritage.
The meal was a symphony of flavors, with dishes like a hearty cauliflower curry, a fiery and flavorful spicy tomato chutney, and a simple yet nourishing preparation of a local leafy vegetable (saag). But the star of the meal was the raw banana curry, a dish that was both rich and comforting, embodying the essence of traditional Northeastern cooking.
Embracing the Natural Beauty of Deomali
Deomali is a true haven for nature lovers, a forest area brimming with breathtaking landscapes and untouched beauty. Everywhere I looked, there was greenery—far-reaching hills in the distance, expansive fields, and a diverse range of flora and fauna that painted the town in vibrant hues.
The Deomali river sparkled like a silver thread amidst the lush greenery, its gentle currents offering peace and tranquility. The forest houses, many of which can be considered heritage properties, stand as remnants of a time gone by, nestled amidst the wilderness like silent witnesses to countless stories.
While traveling through the jungle areas, I was fortunate to spot some monkeys and even a group of elephants. For us Northeasterners, such sightings are common, but the thrill of seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat never fades.
A Mystical Connection: The Shiv Temple
One of the most spiritual and mystical spots on the way to Deomali is the Shiv Temple, nestled deep within the forest along the Jeyrampore route. This temple holds a special place in my heart and my life story.
I still remember an incident from my childhood when I fell gravely ill due to severe dehydration. My condition worsened to the point where everyone believed there was no hope for me. In those desperate moments, my parents, especially my mother, poured out their hearts in prayer to Mahadev, seeking his divine intervention to save my life.
And here I am today—alive, healthy, and writing this blog for all of you, decades later. The Shiv Temple stands as a testament to faith, love, and miracles for me and my family. Every visit there fills me with gratitude and a profound sense of spirituality, reminding me of the bond between devotion and divine grace.
Blog Highlights: Moments Worth Reliving
This visit was not only an opportunity to relive old memories but also to document them through a blog that highlights some of the most significant moments of this journey. Walking through the same lanes where I grew up, re-experiencing my childhood memories, and visiting my parents’ workplace—the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Corporation Ltd (APFC)—made me feel immensely proud.
One particularly emotional day was when my parents’ colleagues visited us and showered us with their love. They gifted us traditional neckpieces and dresses, symbols of the cultural richness of our land.
The five days in Deomali were filled with beautiful stories, conversations, and cherished moments shared with my family. Sitting in the same house with my brother, mother, and father, we reminisced about the golden days of our lives, bringing laughter, tears, and gratitude in equal measure.
The Heart of Deomali: The People
Deomali is a place that offers much more than its culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Its true essence lies in its people—kind-hearted individuals with golden hearts filled with love, humility, and patriotism. It is the warmth of the people, their unwavering loyalty to their community, and their deep sense of pride in their roots that makes Deomali so special. I left with not only beautiful memories but also with a heart full of gratitude for the wonderful souls who continue to make Deomali a place worth cherishing.
This blog is just a glimpse of the unforgettable journey I had. Soon, I will be sharing the entire vlog of my experience on Destinatia’s YouTube Channel. Stay tuned for a more personal, visual journey through the streets, rivers, and hearts of Deomali!
Thank you, Jai Hind 🇮🇳🙏🏼
Moumita Chakraborty
Dated: 27th November, 2024
20:20
In the diverse fabric of India’s cultural identity, few symbols are as iconic and enduring as the saree. This timeless garment, worn across the country for generations, isn’t just a piece of clothing; it is a cherished tradition, a celebration of femininity, and a powerful statement of India’s heritage and pride.
My relationship with the saree is both personal and profound, as it connects me to my roots and brings me close to those I love – especially my mother.
A Personal Connection: Wearing My Mother’s Saree
To me, the saree is more than just attire. Wearing my mother’s saree is an experience that transcends words. It’s a feeling of love, pride, and warmth. Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to her sarees, finding comfort in their fabric and familiarity. They carry her essence, and with each drape, I feel surrounded by her affection. Even today, whether it’s a family gathering or a special occasion like Diwali, wearing her saree makes me feel grounded and confident. It’s as if I am carrying a part of her with me – a touch of her wisdom, her elegance, and the countless values she’s instilled in me.
The Versatile Expression of Indian Culture
One of the most beautiful aspects of the saree is its versatility. Though it’s the same garment across the country, each state has its own unique style of draping it, transforming the saree into a vibrant expression of India’s regional cultures. The way it’s worn in Maharashtra differs from how it’s draped in Tamil Nadu, Assam, or Bengal. Each style tells a story, representing the customs, colors, and craftsmanship of a particular region. The saree’s ability to adapt to these cultural nuances while remaining timeless is what makes it a powerful symbol of unity and diversity.
In this way, the saree becomes more than just a garment. It’s a storyteller, embodying the history, craftsmanship, and traditions of our diverse communities. Through its draping and design, we can see the intricate details of India’s regional artistry, from the vibrant bandhani of Gujarat to the elegant silk of Kanjeevaram and the intricate weaves of Assam’s mekhela chador.
Balancing Tradition and Modernity
The saree is often seen as traditional, but its adaptability speaks to its timeless relevance. Whether worn in professional settings, festive occasions, or international events, it brings elegance and poise to any environment. For me, the saree is the perfect amalgamation of personal and professional wear. It fits seamlessly into any setting, allowing a woman to express both her cultural identity and modern sensibilities.
In workplaces, sarees represent confidence and professionalism. During celebrations, they radiate grace and charm. Even in global settings, the saree captures attention and admiration, standing out as a piece of art that speaks to India’s rich history. This duality – of being both traditional and contemporary – is a testament to the saree’s universal appeal and its power to bridge generations and cultures.
The Essence of India
If I had to describe India in a single garment, it would be the saree. It encapsulates the essence of our nation, blending heritage with evolution, grace with strength, and tradition with adaptability. For many women, it is not merely clothing but a cherished part of their identity – a reminder of where they come from and a mark of their cultural pride.
The saree, in its simplicity and elegance, has a unique power to evoke emotions, memories, and values that define India’s soul. It is a reminder of the beauty in diversity, the strength in tradition, and the unity in our shared heritage. With each drape, it tells a story that spans centuries, connecting past, present, and future.
In wearing a saree, I feel like I am not only embracing my cultural heritage but also honoring the generations of women who have cherished and celebrated this iconic garment. The saree, to me, is the very essence of India – proud, graceful, and ever-evolving.
Thank you, Jai Hind 🇮🇳🙏🏼
Moumita Chakraborty
Dated: 08th October, 2024
17:17
As I sit by the window in our farmhouse in Arunachal Pradesh, I am mesmerized by the beautiful sight of a rainbow 🌈 arching over the lush green tea gardens. It takes me back to the days of my childhood spent here and to the many lessons nature has taught me. Being born and raised so close to Mother Nature is one of the greatest blessings one can have. Mother Nature is just like our own mother—she nurtures you like the spring, protects you like the summer, embraces you like autumn’s breeze, and loves you unconditionally like the winter.
When we stay close to nature, we understand why we call it “Mother.”
Today, as I sit by my window and look outside, I see a beautiful rainbow that reminds me how each color expresses its purpose with confidence:
As I sit by my window, I realize how much nature offers, making me feel humble and inspiring me to strive to learn more, connect deeper with it, and gain greater wisdom. The more I learn, the more I understand how little I truly know.
Thank you, Jai Hind 🇮🇳🙏🏼
Moumita Chakraborty
Dated: 28th March, 2024
04:04 AM
A Note of Thanks for a journey which started only because of the blessings of the following people & all my well wishers 🙏🏼🕊️
First & foremost, “My Maa Saraswati, You & my family are my everything!”🙏🏼
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, my Idol, it’s mainly you who guided me after Maa Saraswati & my family and then comes my inspiration, Ratan Tata Sir.
It was 2019 when I thought of starting my own page & conducting sessions on different important topics and I am immensely grateful to all the respected dignitaries most of who guided me as my sister, brother, father or mother and encouraged me by being my guest speakers although I was very new in the field of podcast, sessions, discussions etc. and they are highly respected dignitaries like Niladri Banerjee Sir, Major General Uncle, Anuj Dhar Sir, Charu Di , Sadhvi ji, Sayak Da, Chandra Bose Uncle, Brother Nijo Jonson and the list goes on… I thank each one of these stalwarts of National & international repute, who believed in me and happily joined my sessions as Guest Speakers or guided me and taught me one thing that no matter what position you hold, how popular you are or what heights you have reached, always stay grounded, humble & kind!
I have created a small collage who motivated me during 2019 i.e; in the beginning of my journey towards conducting sessions.
As days pass by, the list is getting longer with beautiful souls and I humbly keep each one of you in my list of gratitude. 🤍🕊️
Talking about 2019, it was one of the most difficult times we all experienced due to the CAA protests in Assam followed by the pandemic. At that time, I started my sessions with only one Facebook Page, but little did I know that due to some discrepancies, my previous Facebook Page would be taken down and trust me I know who did this! So here is a note of thanks to them too who tried to plummet me thinking I would not be coming back without knowing the fact that, the more one tries to dwindle me, I rise back stronger!
I never had, have or ever will give up!
So, I am starting afresh with bigger aspirations and want all of your blessings, support and love in my new journey.
I will be re-uploading my old sessions, podcasts, videos, etc., on my VERY NEW WEBSITE: https://www.MoumitaOfficial.com , my YouTube Channel and New Facebook Page.
Sharing,
I hope you all will shower me with your support and love just like before.
Thank you, Jai Hind 🇮🇳🙏🏼
Moumita Chakraborty
Dated: 12th March, 2024
05:55 AM
Social media platforms are now one of the most important mediums for connecting, networking, content creation, information gaining, creativity and many more things.
However, there has always been a debate to whether Social media is a boon or a Curse to humanity and society?
Now, I know there have been many voices, articles, information available on the internet on the same topic, but I wish to share it with you all from my perspective.
Social media, undeniably is a part of our reality now! Starting from watching a full length session or a 15 seconds reel or learning some skills, content creation or be it scrolling through short videos from starting the day, or while returning from work to just those 15 minutes of acquainting yourself with the day’s trending update before going to bed. Most of us can’t live without social media even for a day!
But what if a survey is being done where the social media platforms will be stopped for an entire day?
Will it be a boon to you or a Curse?
Yes, now you are in the way of thinking or reading from my perspective. What I mean to share is that, it is about each of our priorities!
Yes! The social media is neither a curse nor a boon or may be, it is curse for someone or boon for someone else!
Now let’s dive deeper!
Imagine you are a Content Creator on social media & you earn your livelihood through social media. Here definitely, it is a boon for you. But it may become curse for an individual who is probably being hurt by it rather than it being useful to him/her.
Social media platforms are accessible by almost everyone these days, be it a kid, youth or an elderly person.
Social media plays a prominent part when it comes to utilizing it in the correct way like imparting knowledge based information, teaching, creating informative videos, connecting globally or with dear ones who are miles away. But the dark part of the social media is as scary as beneficial the good part is!
Due to easy accessibility to the social media platforms and millions of people using them for whatsoever reason from different parts of the world, sometimes some person may land up to a kind of content which can be life threatening & there are proven records of such incidents where social media negativity was/is the cause of someone’s mental health issue, increase of stress or even death.
The more we start analyzing the positive & negative aspects of social media, we will be in a way, able to dive deeper into our mental health condition.
Now, let me get this straight, for example; you have come back from work and you open one of the most popular social media applications which is your all time favorite, to refresh your mind & guess what?! You land up to a video or message or a content which rather than making your day better, worsens it. You go to bed disturbed & you are unable to sleep. Next morning you wake up with a heavy head and half-hearted mind. You start your day in a negative course of action which ultimately ruins your current day too. So it becomes a curse to you. However, if just the opposite happens to you, it can serve you as a boon and you will be positive the entire day.
So what is it?
Is it the content? The algorithm? The platforms?
Or your approach towards it?
There are already a lot of arguments on this and as mentioned earlier, my perspective is completely different.
I feel, social media platforms should be more accurate in handling and managing the content being shared over their respective platforms and a filtration process should be included to analyze the algorithm of each user to make it more user-friendly.
Because social media platforms are/were invented to make our lives easier, not to make it worse! Don’t you agree?
Also when it comes to social media platforms, monetization also have contributed immensely to making it a boon or curse for many of it’s users.
I feel every application or machine which are being invented were/are created keeping in mind the positive aspects & their benefits mainly. But we must agree that the universe is proportionally darker as compared to light and you believe it or not, it is applicable to each & everything be it living or non living.
Thus, we might all have have noticed that a negative news spreads faster than a good news, a negative comment affects one person more than ten other positive comments! It’s a fact!
So, hope by now, you might have been able to get much closer to understanding my perspective that social media platforms are actually neither a curse nor a boon! It’s all about your psychological interpretation.
Yes! I know, in connection to this another question arises which says, the platforms decide the algorithms and we cannot control the contents being posted or being available when switch to those apps. I understand! But what is in your hand is what you want to take out of it & how you wish interpret it as!
If you are all jolly & having a great day, a little bad news won’t affect you. But if you are having a bad day, even a small pinch of negativity may cause disasters.
Thus, my motive to write this article is to apprise you that, “Value your mental health more than the likes, comments or reach of your posts. Because ultimately we all do it for only one thing, HAPPINESS.”
And as long as something makes you happy without affecting others, it is a Boon. But if something makes you happy by bullying or degrading someone else on social media or to just take out your frustration it becomes a curse!
Remember, it’s all vibrations of the universe & vibrations of the universe is scientifically proven. So even if you don’t believe in Karma, I am sure you believe in science.
Thus, try to make social media a Boon for not only yourself but for everyone out there. You never know, what miracles can positive karmic actions bring you! So, #BeKind to all even if you are going through a tough time, because vibrations of the universe travels, multiplies and returns you the double of what you pour out!
Thanks for your patience & reading my article.
Let’s make the world a better place for all, together!
– Moumita Chakraborty 🕊️
Dated: 06th April 2020
Who would imagine that a little known virus of the 06th Decade (1960s), in 20th Century would cause terror throughout the world in the present days and made modern day’s medical science become a mere spectator? Except taking some precautionary measures to curb this menace, all Medical fraternities are busy to find out appropriate medicines to save the world from the pandemic.
The Corona virus, which originated from China in the present time is certainly an infectious disease caused through respiratory systems of humans & spreads mainly through droplets generated by an infected person when s/he coughs or sneezes or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.
Till now, it has taken almost 50,000 plus precious lives of human beings & only time can say when this fury will end. Day by day, death tolls are increasing quite considerably. Most surprisingly, the people from developed countries are being affected most when they are well equipped with all the modern medical facilities compared to other developing and under-developed countries. Hearsay is that the developed countries, like all other challenges being faced by all the Nations, have not taken its menace seriously and are now facing the music. The damage caused in the developed countries like USA, UK, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, China are extensive & they are virtually on their knees and are praying to the almighty to save them and only a few are able to tackle the pandemic for time being. However, a developing country like us, has so far been less affected due to the steps taken timely & smartly by the Central & State Government authorities & implementing the decisions judiciously. The rapid growth of affected persons due to such viruses and mortality have shown an upward trend in the recent days in our country, which has become a prodigious concern for all of us.
People throughout the world are scared to make physical contact with their near & dear ones and even venturing out from homes for procuring immediate needs just to keep themselves aloof from the viral disease, which is also the need of the hour. The impact caused due to such pandemic is immense and will take quite a long to recover.
The entire education system in our country like all others has come to a standstill these days & will definitely have a cumulative effect in the days to come. Timely & judicious decision taken by the Central & State Government by closing down the educational institutions throughout the nation and taking tough decisions like cancelling & postponing the Board examinations on a short notice of time has noticeably lowered the affected or death toll rise of Indian citizens.
As per the latest records shown on www.covid19india.org the current statistics fall as below:
Maharashtra stands topmost in chart of confirmed & deceased cases all over India with 781 & 45 cases respectively. Northeastern states like Meghalaya & Sikkim come under the non-affected covid cases as per today, dated 06th April 2020.
India being the second largest populated country in the world after China, with a population of about 1.3 billion people is remarkably handling the pandemic with great efforts and as far is fighting against the deadly virus significantly as compared to many other developed nations.
However, because of some miscreants and extreme factors, there is a sudden rise on the confirmed and affected cases all over the country. Yet, due to the unity of our countrymen & pronouncements taken such as National lockdown, taskforce generated by different Government & Non-governmental organizations to help the needy, common people coming forward to help each other and following all the guidelines & safety measurements in widening the gap of the scale of affected Corona virus patients on right times are resulting in controlling this pandemic to a great extent.
Considering other perspectives, certain demerits too have shown up simultaneously such as; The virus outbreak has become one of the biggest threats to the global economy & financial markets with stock prices and bond yields plunging. The impact on economy could be at its lowest in the current (2019-2020) financial stats and the coming fiscals. It has become almost certain that 2020, is going to be a recession year in almost every economic forum. Due to non-functioning of the industries especially, manufacturing & other allied industries throughout the country, the GDP rates are bound to suffer to a considerable range. Fear psychosis has hurt investors’ sentiment and brought down stock prices in major markets. The pandemic has hit the major global industries like, Tourism, Aviation, Banking & Insurance, Automobile etc. at a high rate and the consequences are definitely going to mark a great drop-down in the economic growth of India & many other affected countries.
We shall overcome this pandemic sooner or later but the most important lesson we can learn from these kind of situations is “United we stand, divided we fall”. So, let us stand together in this trying times and we will overcome it slowly, but surely.
– Moumita Chakraborty
Dated: 08th April 2020
The story you’re going to read below is based on true instances as shared by Mr. NV Somaraju (Suresh), one of our clients at Destinatia Tours & Travels who went on a Pilgrimage group tour with us in the year 2019. I being a Destinatian am glad to be the travel partner for such generous people and wish to get connected to more such prodigious souls in near future too.
The picture below is of Mr. Suresh’s team & family members along with me when they visited Assam. The picture taken near the Brahmaputra River during The Brahmaputra Pushkaralu Festival, held in Guwahati, Assam in the month of November 2019.
As I was going through the status updates during the national lockdown, I came across his status update with the following image.
Out of curiosity, I asked him and he shared his anecdote on the same. I felt like it’s worth sharing it with you all and thus I tried to pen it down. Though it’s not an article, but I feel, it’s inspiring and we must read it once as this story reminds me of the quote:
“Little drops of water make a mighty ocean”
Before sharing the story I would like you to meet Mr. NV Somaraju (Suresh). He is the President of Arya Vysya Sangham, a community based Sangham in Elamanchili, a town in the Vishakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh, India since 2012. As per the information shared by him, the Sangham has been functioning since 30 years and is spread across the entire state of Andhra Pradesh. The Sangham led by Mr. Suresh in Elamanchili itself is made up of around 1000 members.
In this crucial times, when the world is fighting against the deadly Corona virus, they are trying to make a small difference by following the true aspects of humanity & solidarity. Maintaining the rules & measures initiated by the Govt. of India for the safety & wellbeing of our citizens like social distancing, self – quarantine etc.; 10 – 15 members are coming forward each day and helping the needy in this trying times.
As per Mr. Suresh, they have started the initiative from March 22nd 2020 and they are continuing to do so selflessly. They are distributing 100 packets of essential items such as food, grocery kits, grains etc.; to those who are stuck at petrol pumps due to lockdown such as lorry drivers, labours, etc. So far, they have also served 30 needy families, wage earners, hotel care takers who are not able to earn their daily bread due to lockdown. I have also been informed by him today that on Friday, the 10th of April, they are willing to contribute 100 more grocery kits to municipality sweepers.
Mr. Suresh & his team members distributing grocery items to people.
This is indeed an inspiring story & I urge all my fellow countrymen to come forward with such ideas and help each other in this crucial circumstances. As each drop of water finally creates an ocean, and each small help from our end can make a huge difference during this pandemic.
Let’s come forward India! We can & we will!
–Moumita Chakraborty
CEO & Founder
Destinatia Tours & Travels.
Disclaimer: This is a work of creative non-fiction. The article is completely based on the information & images shared by Mr. Suresh N. via a social media application. Facts, incidents & information may vary on realistic grounds.
©Moumita Chakraborty