National Museum at Janpath

 Spent an amazing day exploring the National museum at Janpath. These artifacts were sent to the Royal academy of arts in London in 1947-48.These were brought back after independence and stationed at the Rashtrapati Bhawan known as Governor house then. It was housed in the present house in 1960.The first few rooms are arranged chronologically with Harappan, Mauryan, Sungha, Kushan and Gupta artifacts. After this the rooms are arranged theme wise. They also have a room related to North East and the various musical instruments of modern day. It was a treat to see the original dancing girl of the Indus Valley civilization, the various beautiful sculptures, the various miniature paintings. Right at the entrance there is s huge Ashokan inscription.The museum lists the services of various persons who act as guides and they do this voluntarily. We met Neel Dogra who was a banker and now after retirement acts as a guide. His love and passion for history impressed me a lot and he lovelingly took us around the museum with an indepth knowledge about the artifacts.

Chilika Lake

 At Chilka lake, going in search of the migratory birds from Siberia at sunrise. Most of these birds start coming from mid September and start returning from mid January onwards. Still could see thousands of  birds at one go and admire nature and it's different facets. Sighted many Dolphin's on the way. This visit is  for enjoying the moods of the sea at different hours from sunrise to sunset  and in the still darkness at night.

Chilika Lake Resort

 Far far away from the maddening crowd. At Chilka lake in a resort. Traveled by a boat for two hours  to reach this resort. Saw a large number of acqua farms. As we went deep into the sea a variety of birds, Ibis, crows seagulls came flying down. A great experience for in an urban dwelling we never see any kind of bird  from such close quarters. Also saw many Dolphins but could not photograph them as they were too quick. Enjoying the peace and quiet for two days and watching the different moods of the sea. The only minus point is very bad connectivity and cut off from the world for  there is hardly any internet  and mobile data works  at a very slow pace. They want us to leave all that the Urban world stands for and just nest in the lap of nature and the sea. One feels like meditating and enjoying the peace and tranquility of the place.

The Natraja temple

 Attending the 40th Annual session of South Indian History Congress is a double blessing. Besides the sessions and meeting many of my former students, I could visit the Nataraja temples. I am awed by these temples, their carvings, sculptures, the sheer size of them and marvel at the ingenuity of our ancestors and their skills in making these monuments. Photography is not allowed inside so could take pictures only in the outer area. The pillars with their carving and the Dravidian style temple are a treat to the eyes.