tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65848059856826789262024-02-07T20:43:16.116-08:00Ride For Gender Freedom Rakesh Kumar Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355343165726493984noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584805985682678926.post-71821193950634174262015-04-15T06:09:00.001-07:002015-04-15T06:09:59.627-07:00Dhabas, friends and Ambdekar Jayanti ... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlmOLOa6pnJLs2hxHdNIzV0eAZkF0KwAZRvJy4yvGnWZ9TlxjngZ_mQvs_-0i0GdEfyc-ppWQESXTidO4ne9siixDl74GlT2djttNKY1Q7bQFM_HUvgKYK5q9bwAWZ7jjAAPbJd-3K2oo/s1600/IMG_6577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlmOLOa6pnJLs2hxHdNIzV0eAZkF0KwAZRvJy4yvGnWZ9TlxjngZ_mQvs_-0i0GdEfyc-ppWQESXTidO4ne9siixDl74GlT2djttNKY1Q7bQFM_HUvgKYK5q9bwAWZ7jjAAPbJd-3K2oo/s1600/IMG_6577.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8i35xilMWGijTAjE2j89ZrQtZ0o5DEc4L9Bk_TNUvc8LSiztdewwRW3RC3E0I6gFOGEAT-LMJjoaA6aXtj-Yp7M4Q6D0h8aYZhiyJYtEIj4MddFM45AbndvtPiI6fFf5nmzopSKFJqIU/s1600/IMG_6598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgev5iQ7oFVphHI0SajnwnaLbIQsX2nfUdd7naTYLUbvu9U5NPnDDquujuAdbjQYCsCpFwkmS-3V4oOP_m4RVHZop-1CuMgoKNN4IEvfTl7GRnWc8cfG1KWP8I8tqI8FmjjHQkSJbdGS4KZ/s1600/IMG_6568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgev5iQ7oFVphHI0SajnwnaLbIQsX2nfUdd7naTYLUbvu9U5NPnDDquujuAdbjQYCsCpFwkmS-3V4oOP_m4RVHZop-1CuMgoKNN4IEvfTl7GRnWc8cfG1KWP8I8tqI8FmjjHQkSJbdGS4KZ/s1600/IMG_6568.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eRGWzmLBk7MB4Gv_vCMw5wCgdIOROhXMjhADPQymeBWAOwSNA0PbNGwjryA3xumPxFXxEKPapx0TA8kN_uYxiDqCZ_d-PnSSKhsVmzKJpseJxvObuNLHavky4RnprJ0FOeYVoHLdrEB7/s1600/IMG_6499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eRGWzmLBk7MB4Gv_vCMw5wCgdIOROhXMjhADPQymeBWAOwSNA0PbNGwjryA3xumPxFXxEKPapx0TA8kN_uYxiDqCZ_d-PnSSKhsVmzKJpseJxvObuNLHavky4RnprJ0FOeYVoHLdrEB7/s1600/IMG_6499.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>Reached Vijaywada previous afternoon. Before entering into the headquarters of Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh had taken a few halts on the way from my last shelter, a road side DHABA in Nandigama. I am very thankful to the Dhaba owner and all the staff for their kindness. They not only provided me space but also but also two tables to make bed, one of which broken in the morning. :( <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuc2lcrwkxX8euu3Czmlw_b4aFfHi2uY40dYPI2ntQLagZUcOGURjIjpOSu8vprCeOOptzLsaBNVYsZRn9SItBYoU-0RCen7czQO0RmPmw9ly24kbcDqPO8V0t3TN7crW_yDGsFLZ_ekd/s1600/IMG_6290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuc2lcrwkxX8euu3Czmlw_b4aFfHi2uY40dYPI2ntQLagZUcOGURjIjpOSu8vprCeOOptzLsaBNVYsZRn9SItBYoU-0RCen7czQO0RmPmw9ly24kbcDqPO8V0t3TN7crW_yDGsFLZ_ekd/s1600/IMG_6290.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCarEIQ4bxMtrJvKiB0LGcj9atizLq9mDICq2zbLf7hgi2TRYFkMMK9tFWMJ0fUJ2N6xF8yrgUNqLGB7X-ibz1xLiGNUCmuuWOLEcBBdAZu0nvRZ3TaF8f5mMkrqo8JGG922QKGYBKrHCN/s1600/IMG_6615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCarEIQ4bxMtrJvKiB0LGcj9atizLq9mDICq2zbLf7hgi2TRYFkMMK9tFWMJ0fUJ2N6xF8yrgUNqLGB7X-ibz1xLiGNUCmuuWOLEcBBdAZu0nvRZ3TaF8f5mMkrqo8JGG922QKGYBKrHCN/s1600/IMG_6615.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>Dhabas are the most convenient space to settle down in the nights. Apart from food and snacks, usually they have the facility of washrooms too. The night prior to Nandigama, had got shelter at Sai Durga Hotel in Indiranagar, Munagla. There met Sai Kiran. An engineering student helps her dad-mom in running the hotel. What a
delicious meal I had there. They gave me plenty of dosa and onion
chutney in the breakfast. Sai Kiran's dad gave me 3 huge papayas, "this
is fresh, keep it with you. Eat whenever you feel on your way".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPFHCCTnTuk_tkVHCNHkcatkZ8pOlcLYSpDKFNNHYFDVG43Ji9vH_sUAkuiMo-E5IsHMKB6sU0Lnlg31FCLO-zLpg34jt-tfTzIU9vYsVnfTZCt02CELex4ehs4nQFXn8_1jrgI5XyBDQ/s1600/IMG_6662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPFHCCTnTuk_tkVHCNHkcatkZ8pOlcLYSpDKFNNHYFDVG43Ji9vH_sUAkuiMo-E5IsHMKB6sU0Lnlg31FCLO-zLpg34jt-tfTzIU9vYsVnfTZCt02CELex4ehs4nQFXn8_1jrgI5XyBDQ/s1600/IMG_6662.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a>The first halt of Yesterday was at Keesara, next to the bridge on
Krishna river. A dry krishna! There met an young engineer, Pranit.
Pranit came to me and said that he saw me riding while he was traveling
on a bus to his work place. Just after deboarding the bus, he took his
sister's scooter and came to see me. He asked whether he can spent some
time with me, which i affirmed. We both walked upto the toll plaza.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSmWvh2Gi4nuG0W_QdEzcc2xpdaHCVt99VEvbVHMn7_rpdsipzUQTHvgatty18cBt1hrmU9tt3Xi9LHz5irLT9MQZKF9ZLeCa10xifeSzVMJdnna8Po983Hn-m6FdyYDN8ihR25yqpRMs/s1600/IMG_6285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSmWvh2Gi4nuG0W_QdEzcc2xpdaHCVt99VEvbVHMn7_rpdsipzUQTHvgatty18cBt1hrmU9tt3Xi9LHz5irLT9MQZKF9ZLeCa10xifeSzVMJdnna8Po983Hn-m6FdyYDN8ihR25yqpRMs/s1600/IMG_6285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSmWvh2Gi4nuG0W_QdEzcc2xpdaHCVt99VEvbVHMn7_rpdsipzUQTHvgatty18cBt1hrmU9tt3Xi9LHz5irLT9MQZKF9ZLeCa10xifeSzVMJdnna8Po983Hn-m6FdyYDN8ihR25yqpRMs/s1600/IMG_6285.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0DdM8vL-kF_XRlOwFjpsVlNsmgLn-4VgQWzX2pHmSL9Rs-RSevGp6Dp5qlDDYeSIrrTPbT13GZNTv7U83vxGwMfgw9Mc09BP3Z2Ynvm5FDu6hK0TflnmTQhs6rUp_Abq3Zq8xqzoRzUH/s1600/IMG_6606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0DdM8vL-kF_XRlOwFjpsVlNsmgLn-4VgQWzX2pHmSL9Rs-RSevGp6Dp5qlDDYeSIrrTPbT13GZNTv7U83vxGwMfgw9Mc09BP3Z2Ynvm5FDu6hK0TflnmTQhs6rUp_Abq3Zq8xqzoRzUH/s1600/IMG_6606.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBV16OC7SlTWz2sxt25s4Gp9AozTsM2TdDSiEuO5cqKApcZEAOE17xMBXLPklT6C8srNsno6Hktf7h3Oye23dLc6XalLYNOxl1PJv7hScGRmgMc8WSb5FSuT3PvWmQ22IF-Hqgb5mCDKRe/s1600/IMG_6446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBV16OC7SlTWz2sxt25s4Gp9AozTsM2TdDSiEuO5cqKApcZEAOE17xMBXLPklT6C8srNsno6Hktf7h3Oye23dLc6XalLYNOxl1PJv7hScGRmgMc8WSb5FSuT3PvWmQ22IF-Hqgb5mCDKRe/s1600/IMG_6446.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>There I found the washroom, which I was looking for. After my freshening up, we sat together for sometime in the same complex. There met some staff of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and a staff of AP police. All were very kind to me and the ride. Later we together went to a dhaba on the other side of the road and had breakfast. Idly and dosa! A little spicy!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5n-7YFQ0rGIQcQ1PlWzx5mYJ2g4qG2dQTlUfarn8fWFztf-jxNsEaOU9GYGwcrNybYjJXdWgcvaGfHPxS72ooRKrw0sL4IxZDHgeMcxWNi8hEUD24mAYO79IbwfZs80SR-mDhjXPtepF/s1600/IMG_6698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5n-7YFQ0rGIQcQ1PlWzx5mYJ2g4qG2dQTlUfarn8fWFztf-jxNsEaOU9GYGwcrNybYjJXdWgcvaGfHPxS72ooRKrw0sL4IxZDHgeMcxWNi8hEUD24mAYO79IbwfZs80SR-mDhjXPtepF/s1600/IMG_6698.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>The next halt was at Kanchikcharla, somewhere 22 kms before Vijaywada.
There I stopped to click some photographs of the statue of the legendary
Telugu actor, who founded the Telugu Desham Party and later become CM
of Andhra Pradesh for many years, N T Rama Rao, popularly know as NTR.
While I was busy in clicking, heard drum beats. It was a huge
procession, in celebration of the great visionary, legendary wold leader
and the father of Indian constitution Dr. Bhimrao Ambdekar's birth
anniversary. Later the procession converged into a public meeting. When
they knew about the ride and its purpose, invited me to speak to the
people. It was indeed an honor for me talk to about Dr. Ambedkar. They
offered me food too, which could not avail as I had to reach Vijayawada,
which still was more than a hour ride. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpStznd0K6y1mLXg7-CJ7TkLnKVNt3bxCQ7MEmsqEF_3D22YwJ0-qXKomlPrCdmH-27-CQEixth2dk7Lym3m42Ce882snl-9A9rbjYmVcxo0L6eiYBKgEVDYocdIFXCG5E-mt26nA5aMs/s1600/IMG_6920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpStznd0K6y1mLXg7-CJ7TkLnKVNt3bxCQ7MEmsqEF_3D22YwJ0-qXKomlPrCdmH-27-CQEixth2dk7Lym3m42Ce882snl-9A9rbjYmVcxo0L6eiYBKgEVDYocdIFXCG5E-mt26nA5aMs/s1600/IMG_6920.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROu-1t4T0lHa_IT2PalSzhx3LUlyJtgS91G1dhKpjCIn6RiYaRtuji8Q523p6_bEc7bw6WcQKJIIhPklhrWudLqwL3LJ08yLtRb92YCZ1piRRSESsWTNV8IQIVVsQZQYZi1JEWEA9Dilm/s1600/IMG_6949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROu-1t4T0lHa_IT2PalSzhx3LUlyJtgS91G1dhKpjCIn6RiYaRtuji8Q523p6_bEc7bw6WcQKJIIhPklhrWudLqwL3LJ08yLtRb92YCZ1piRRSESsWTNV8IQIVVsQZQYZi1JEWEA9Dilm/s1600/IMG_6949.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>Yesterday (10 December '14) had been gone to a solidarity protest at Civil Station, Kapatta with Father Baby. I was told that people will observe International Human Rights Day by this silent protest and express their solidarity to the ongoing standing protest on Tribal issues in Trivandrum. I started clicking photographs as usual, meanwhile staff from Special Branch of Kerela </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvbhEyriW-I72do5JYcQSzEiM7U4MhdVuki_mY-anaZy5BDNrSp9jvC2SLBp0on-c5bjJTbomBr6TXvbRIDcKohhHKgTIbAJMknzmObYOQ_UTAkqgHN54FeNraiiayKXks58gBPCNqDdj/s1600/IMG_6960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvbhEyriW-I72do5JYcQSzEiM7U4MhdVuki_mY-anaZy5BDNrSp9jvC2SLBp0on-c5bjJTbomBr6TXvbRIDcKohhHKgTIbAJMknzmObYOQ_UTAkqgHN54FeNraiiayKXks58gBPCNqDdj/s1600/IMG_6960.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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Police started interacting me about my locus standee, whereabouts, my family, my </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiErj5vgCClbTfW0TpeiCvVs8o6NRkCal4MNszmeDte6Z3MPYAx7QF9zbFSBynO_CQ9UbAaXUW_3dU-4ELT3Eae4sFgXpI751j7QGFP0a3J15CXNJ-s8OtP18sRBHkemr4_hJYXCcR6z_S/s1600/IMG_6973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiErj5vgCClbTfW0TpeiCvVs8o6NRkCal4MNszmeDte6Z3MPYAx7QF9zbFSBynO_CQ9UbAaXUW_3dU-4ELT3Eae4sFgXpI751j7QGFP0a3J15CXNJ-s8OtP18sRBHkemr4_hJYXCcR6z_S/s1600/IMG_6973.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>native place and my prior connection with the people present in the protest. Which I repliedone after other. This interaction/interrogation went on till the end of the protest, almost for more than one hour. Had a long interactions with ASI Mr. Gopi and Forensic Photographer Mr. S. Babu. A few others had their questions, which I replied. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAxVdsE2QotEiA4Xb-lk5laWqLq7xwhyphenhyphenW11pvqQWpaX3djppVH2Ybc43b03NCCsmyNyXASsH-yzD2lI52HtegiO2-xFoBuT22KTAKEMe3BsQkSyBXcyNwh6YArbhqYBBt2ZvY5ViRkU7b/s1600/IMG_7006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAxVdsE2QotEiA4Xb-lk5laWqLq7xwhyphenhyphenW11pvqQWpaX3djppVH2Ybc43b03NCCsmyNyXASsH-yzD2lI52HtegiO2-xFoBuT22KTAKEMe3BsQkSyBXcyNwh6YArbhqYBBt2ZvY5ViRkU7b/s1600/IMG_7006.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbF2_7KEeEPzYvcNzLXnueUhtWygxXU4jzYFkA9n-TMfYDM61aSnXivtJua3mIX-lBMmYSAAK7aduNlPHMLPoYPrPIyUA-7x4_AdnKJANNwIXM5h6cM6HMiZ4CBCw8V5EfC_ATrjhgs8H/s1600/IMG_7003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbF2_7KEeEPzYvcNzLXnueUhtWygxXU4jzYFkA9n-TMfYDM61aSnXivtJua3mIX-lBMmYSAAK7aduNlPHMLPoYPrPIyUA-7x4_AdnKJANNwIXM5h6cM6HMiZ4CBCw8V5EfC_ATrjhgs8H/s1600/IMG_7003.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>They wanted to know about the Ride and my further route, which I told them. Later Mr. S. Babu, (a Fine Arts Graduate and a official police </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTG9hNO1R_7RnTd8WFZNND9JxrL2OdIGb4e-VsYmKqFViFaHRDeLlMrntBOySKLcA7HjC-67K3MWWNUGrcVyGjdti7e_NTQ0jGbc1zzQ3G0gflLSvC2Pi-GORBc1aTZKwFvQw_sAGrEeHg/s1600/IMG_7004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTG9hNO1R_7RnTd8WFZNND9JxrL2OdIGb4e-VsYmKqFViFaHRDeLlMrntBOySKLcA7HjC-67K3MWWNUGrcVyGjdti7e_NTQ0jGbc1zzQ3G0gflLSvC2Pi-GORBc1aTZKwFvQw_sAGrEeHg/s1600/IMG_7004.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDTnRR6xvQ8A00UjIPsuDgot434worixMiGufMrCwhVypEVatGIlWmwWrkU0F8v21edTAEHpd47OZg5GUMiy01UYewTZxHK0vAf_FgYTJTA7IK_YLcL0u_0obD4sEHfPHZZISZKFr3yPQ/s1600/IMG_7005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDTnRR6xvQ8A00UjIPsuDgot434worixMiGufMrCwhVypEVatGIlWmwWrkU0F8v21edTAEHpd47OZg5GUMiy01UYewTZxHK0vAf_FgYTJTA7IK_YLcL0u_0obD4sEHfPHZZISZKFr3yPQ/s1600/IMG_7005.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>photographer for the last 17 years) told me, "Please don't mind the questions of Special Branch officials, as recently a Maoist action has been taken place in the district and the Maoists are active in Waynad district. Since you do not seem local,this is why they were asking to you these questions". To which I replied, I really don't mind to these questions, because when I am on the wheels, <br />
<br />
people ask whatever they want. It would have been nice if any senior/responsible official from your department would have asked all the questions instead of persons coming one after other with the same set of </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dRDLwDzBubGTAdn2gzxwn2sfmZQ7C6iTzFLTCNF-Opv8eane_NO0BWZn_F0k51ZV0EMaqjKwfRvytFeUU-nwbHmDaqJLJHI797W4RoZKyaLA4ST5gxsurxB51tme8Y1Zj4sXYj1W-7Ih/s1600/IMG_6993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dRDLwDzBubGTAdn2gzxwn2sfmZQ7C6iTzFLTCNF-Opv8eane_NO0BWZn_F0k51ZV0EMaqjKwfRvytFeUU-nwbHmDaqJLJHI797W4RoZKyaLA4ST5gxsurxB51tme8Y1Zj4sXYj1W-7Ih/s1600/IMG_6993.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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questions and ascertaining my identity and citizenship. Later ASI Mr. Gopi invited for a tea at nearby shop. We had a brief conversation on tea also. He told me about the terrain and road towards Karnataka </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlzKbBr0Y0tTT40fj4vsXmNVXKi64OsoKcIfu-tq4zcXins1QwnYi4YTLSs_ihLXMmrlK7z3Pm_BYTo05eHu08wIa4Z5h_Yitjs1AcyagFJ0RVgdxCs3fc-8jE7QXzt-eFfTf1h2z34Wo/s1600/IMG_7007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlzKbBr0Y0tTT40fj4vsXmNVXKi64OsoKcIfu-tq4zcXins1QwnYi4YTLSs_ihLXMmrlK7z3Pm_BYTo05eHu08wIa4Z5h_Yitjs1AcyagFJ0RVgdxCs3fc-8jE7QXzt-eFfTf1h2z34Wo/s1600/IMG_7007.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>boarder. He said me to be careful while crossing the Jungle part of Karnataka. It could be dangerous, because wild animals like elephants freely roam there. Replying my question he said that his elder son has recently completed B. Tech while the younger one is doing B. Com., And he is a native of Waynad district.</div>
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<br /></div>
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With the words, 'if I face any difficulty on my, I will give a call to
you', I departed from there. It was a memorable and a bit traumatized experience indeed. </div>
</div>
Rakesh Kumar Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355343165726493984noreply@blogger.com0Wayanad, Kerala, India11.703206 76.08339990000001811.672108999999999 76.043059400000018 11.734303 76.123740400000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584805985682678926.post-65379987520059060662014-12-10T04:10:00.000-08:002014-12-10T09:18:19.256-08:00City Ride, Kozhikode Beach and Stuffed Banana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gsrx304sdpRFFn6v9_XFPr9IZYoCpsAgD_Btb2IhyVlVVNyVnX86WB4JRuCJcP5VS8yNXeTl4keKhjsa2Wy-eoT53uTycCCFPLCnsT6ezQMpTYw91_9H1bZSlD7mFluGcblaSvgWlsq0/s1600/pottamel+junction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gsrx304sdpRFFn6v9_XFPr9IZYoCpsAgD_Btb2IhyVlVVNyVnX86WB4JRuCJcP5VS8yNXeTl4keKhjsa2Wy-eoT53uTycCCFPLCnsT6ezQMpTYw91_9H1bZSlD7mFluGcblaSvgWlsq0/s1600/pottamel+junction.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pottamel Junction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US">Before retiring
previous night, had fixed three alarms; at 5.00, 5.20 and 5.30 am
respectively. I wanted to be at Pottamel Junction on time, i.e., 6 O’clock. The beginning point of the Ride, which Abhishek
had already planned with Kozhikode cyclists on Sunday. My very beloved
Kris Bhai also had promised to be there to see off the cyclists for the morning
city ride. Baring a few exceptions, I never remained early riser after my
college days. I had to wake up on the
second alarm even after not having proper sleep previous night. I wanted to be
there on time. After freshening, I checked up the route map on my mobile phone
and started for the day with my dear Gender Bender. I was pedaling towards the
Malaparamba junction; saw Abhishek coming from the other side. He supposedly
was coming to the house to accompany me to Pottameal Junction. I stopped just
opposite to the Qurram Hospital and rang him up to say that I already have left
and saw you going towards home. He turned his bike and within a few seconds I
started following his week. It was still a bit dark.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">By the time
we reach Pottamel Junction, around 7-8 cyclists were already there. They all
welcomed me with hand shake and hugs. It was around half past to 6 and we were waiting
for Rafiq. By the time my dear Kris Bhai had also reached. Though doctor had
suggested him for rest for few more days, but he simply wanted to be there for
our encouragement. He took out his camera from his pocket and started clicking from
different angles. Meanwhile Rafiq reached. We all did fall in line and there
happened a photo session and then we all started. Initially it was decided to
cover 35 kilometers in one hour and then will reach to Kozhikode beach. I was
told to be in the front, as my cycle had board and flag and I am the
campaigner; which I replied, “I will try my level best but please don’t expect
me always to be in front. And I am also a bit tired, as I am continuously riding
for the past two weeks without any gap. This terrain is entirely new for me …”
Pressy understood me and did revision into the plan. I was allowed to ride
easily and the city riders decided to cut sort the route also. So, now It was
only 25-28 kilometers before reaching the end point Kozhikode beach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">During the
ride Mahesh, Rafiq, Pressy, Neyaz and Farish had some conversation with me
regarding my campaign and cycling. By the time we entered into the main city,
people were started coming for tea at the stalls. At many points they expressed
their solidarity by raising their hands. I was told to explain about the ride
at a few corners. Whenever passer bys and bus passengers used to look at us curiously,
and especially the school children; it felt nice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg857ZRMrqrtDb_KUuq9NuKpgp_j0aP8iJ3kh5i1akyNHCzS1MkDXhyphenhyphenPdlm-EsmeFFqdWN44rQK2CdTVCVTl4Q4YjIe9N5gJBpi4KiGjC1xmbw0U-YBASsePCw_Wu5Qzx6YWJsAy5cRwzZl/s1600/10410167_312870385585246_8393670044668895837_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg857ZRMrqrtDb_KUuq9NuKpgp_j0aP8iJ3kh5i1akyNHCzS1MkDXhyphenhyphenPdlm-EsmeFFqdWN44rQK2CdTVCVTl4Q4YjIe9N5gJBpi4KiGjC1xmbw0U-YBASsePCw_Wu5Qzx6YWJsAy5cRwzZl/s1600/10410167_312870385585246_8393670044668895837_n+(1).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Kozhikode beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US">After
having almost one third round of the city we reached at the beach. There we met
a few more riders who were jogging there. Gender Bender was attracting public
attention as usual. Farish was the youngest rider among us. He is a student of
std. XII and continuously riding for the last one year. Recently he did
pedaling to Kannur in 4 hours. He is an inspiration for me. After spending some
time, we went to Bombay hotel in Silk Street. I was amazed to see so much
people having their morning tea and breakfast in hotel unlike any other North
Indian city. Saw women having tea and breakfast in groups, some alone, but nobody
was staring them. Being a North Indian, a Dilliwallah and a Bihari this would
have been a surprise for me, if this would have been the first such glimpse.
Thanks to the Ride, I got the chance to witness and feel, what is generally
termed as South Indian culture. Nothing
unusual!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Got an opportunity
to taste so many dishes in breakfast including fish curry, mutton curry,
stuffed banana, putt and pakodas. Thanks to Gokul and Lekha my friends in Thrissur
that I did taste PUTT for the first time and fell in love with this. Stuffed
banana is generally a part of snacks and a very delicious sweet dish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">After
having the breakfast I started for Malaparamba, my local shelter. Pressy was
with me, as his house was also on the same route. After a few kilometers pressy
turned towards his house, I took the route of Civil Station which is in
Malaparmba. I had to finish some important writing work, so I sat on Abhishek’s
computer and did my work. Later after lunch had a good sleep, which was required,
because could not sleep well last night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Rakesh Kumar Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355343165726493984noreply@blogger.com0Wayanad, Kerala, India11.703206 76.08339990000001811.672108999999999 76.043059400000018 11.734303 76.123740400000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6584805985682678926.post-13943073142772036482014-12-06T06:06:00.000-08:002014-12-06T10:16:35.252-08:00Day one in Calicut: Talai, Vinayaka and the Good Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: red;">A</span>fter a wonderful stay and work in Thrissur, My stay in Calicut
was pleasant and fruitful. I reached Malaparamba Junction, the place suggested
by </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/abhishek.sanker?fref=ts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Abhishek Shankar</a> <span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">on Saturday (29 November 2014) afternoon and gave him a
call on his cell phone. He was going to take care of my lodging at his office,
which earlier used to be his house. Just after a few minutes of unbinding my
luggage and settling down, Abhishek, a professional Architect with vivid </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/1001-Things-to-Do-in-Calicut/594783050590782" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">social concern</a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">, handed over a well designed map/chart of the city to me. Explaining
the map he told me about all the important places, landmarks and institutions.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNNt3M6qm18AqGBD04bmc3jcUYxMP56jNBUQw1yB1XIfghyvoVC6t504XLcaHSTs6RA5IYN6uwcEsRfGakO6bWjWgYiMEJUjcyCb759G-g-V9EhAbtz7NSahwgJhs3KjW76nUB6yY6-PD/s1600/10011862_1009241772425938_6451094963930304890_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNNt3M6qm18AqGBD04bmc3jcUYxMP56jNBUQw1yB1XIfghyvoVC6t504XLcaHSTs6RA5IYN6uwcEsRfGakO6bWjWgYiMEJUjcyCb759G-g-V9EhAbtz7NSahwgJhs3KjW76nUB6yY6-PD/s1600/10011862_1009241772425938_6451094963930304890_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">In the evening he escorted me with his Enfield mobike to the city.
First we stopped at Calicut Press Club. There we met the Secretary Mr. A. V.
Sherine. Sherine is a nice human being. He heard about my ride and its
objective. Appreciated and suggested to see an article on Acid Attacks written
by the Social Welfare Minister Mr. Muneer in the recent issue of Matribhumi, a
malyalam weekly. He also suggested to meet Mr. Muneer as he could understand
the mission of the ride and might support. Next he offered a press conference
in the press club on Monday. That was a kind of big moral support. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">After that Abhishek took me to Talai area (Daryaganj of Delhi). There
is huge pond in the locality. That might be one reason for naming the area
Talai. Mr. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kris.sreekandath1?fref=ts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kris Sreekandath</a><span id="goog_747533829"></span><span id="goog_747533830"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1336714474"></span><span id="goog_1336714475"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>, now my very dear Kris Bhai and Sebastian uncle
waiting there for us. Kris Bhai, originally from Kochi has spent most of his
time in Oxford and now settled in Calicut for the last few years. Sebastian
Uncle, a cyclist for the last 62 years is a very nice and enthusiastic human
being. Later we all went to nearby Vinayaka restaurant, there Abhishek and Kris
Bhai <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybYBfLMmaBo&list=UU56DEX3g8nh0sxQAWKZhvRA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interviewed</a> me with nice coffee. Kris bhai always keeps Sony camera in his
pocket and never leave any chance to click. He has taken some photographs in
front of a very old temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">On the way to Vinayaka restaurant we met with a cycle shop owner,
Kris bhai introduced me to him and said that he met to Abhishek only because of
him. This wonderful human being offered me to repair my cycle if
required. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Later I followed Abhishek and went to the office of Social Welfare
Minister of Kerela Mr. Muneer. But by the time we reached there, he had left
for some other work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Once again I followed Abhishek’s Enfield till a whole sale market.
From there Abhishek left for his home and I decided to take a round of the
city. But before that I got some batteries for my cycle lights and a tooth
paste. K. P. NAMBOODIRI'S an Ayurvadic for the first time. The shopkeeper
gifted me a packet of Good day, my all time favourite biscuit. There met many
shopkeepers and salespersons encircled the GENDER BENDER and started asking
about the Ride. Why the ride? From where I started? My native place? (these
were the questions. In fact, these are the questions, I usually reply. Everyday
at least 50 times! I Always enjoy answering except when someone stops in the
sun and started asking questions one after other or a mo bike passerby starts
asking during the ride only.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">After that, I started for Malaparamba, my local place of stay. On
the way to I had my dinner in SANGAMAM hotel. During my Calicut stay I had my
many meals in Sangamam. Now the hotel owner and staff are my good friends.
Every night I used to take two bottles of boiled water from Sangamam. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">This was the end of the first day in Calicut. By the time I
unfolded my mat, it was 1.00 hours. But I could sleep only after 3.30 hours.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></div>
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Rakesh Kumar Singhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355343165726493984noreply@blogger.com0