Part of series of articles published in IMAX (monthly journal of IMA Rajkot) based on real life heart touching experiences-2014

Last year in November, we were lucky to grab an opportunity to attend the National Trekking and Caving Expedition at Mizoram. The north eastern territory of our country has always allured me for the scenic beauty and serenity as read and heard since school days.

It was a six night scheduled track in the blue, green hilly forests covering about four adjoining districts of the state. It was an exciting experience to dwell in deep forests of varied flora and fauna, without electricity, without mobile and internet coverage, not to say about newspapers and television!!  Carrying  the requirements of five days in a backpack on one’s own back, uneven tracks of 12- 13 kilometers a day, chilled foggy nights in shared tents amidst fear of leeches and very basic food of mostly rice and curry ; all these thrilled because we knew we will be back to the comforts after few days.

Three local collegians were appointed as our guides. Though seemingly short and thin, they proved their strength when needed.  Only language connecting us was their limited vocabulary of English. They were all in one, laying down the tents as we moved to the new destination, our guides, helpers, cooks and companions in campfire at night.

During our journey through villages, we had a glimpse of their lifestyles and economy.  Mizo people were very relaxed, content, and ever smiling in spite of the adverse geographical conditions they dwelt in. Children were chubby and cheerful. Women of all ages were beautiful,well groomed and wore a look of self respect and confidence. No doubt they smartly handled the entire economy. Most of them lived in small but well furnished eco friendly, low cost houses made from bamboo. It was so surprising to see how intelligently they used bamboo to make everything you can name; cups, utensils, beds, sofas, racks, hats, buckets, artifacts, mattresses, etc.

We had hours and hours of free time to walk and talk leisurely with all the group members of different ages, professions, religions, states and customs. One thing in common was love for nature and readiness to endure the odds to enjoy the nature.

Once I was walking with our young guide, Zela (his full name was difficult to pronounce and remember, this was a nick name given to him by our group). We were talking about occupations and education in Mizoram.  Learning that he was in last year of graduation, I asked him “What is your future plan?” With our Gujju mentality, only thing I was asking for was how he would earn after completion of his studies. “K2” he answered, in one word, without taking even a moment. It took me few seconds to understand that he was mentioning his dream goal of reaching the peak of K2. Mountaineering was his passion and that was the reason he was here as a guide. I clarified myself -“No, no, I mean your source of income”.  “Don’t know” – he replied with a cute innocent smile.

A week in the eastern most state of our country compelled me to compare it with our westernmost state of Gujarat. Though we are much advanced in terms of area, population, per capita income, agriculture, business, education and many other aspects, we could see the people there were more happy and content. The shops remained open 10 to 6. There was no greed of earning more. Women looked smart because they had the authority of handling the money and were respected since birth. Simple meals and houses meant less time wasted in kitchen and cleaning. The youths were more interested in sports and small scale occupations rather than aspiring higher education or big business.  Listening to Zela’s answer, I assume there wouldn’t be much parental pressure too.

Couldn’t our state progress in happiness index instead along with growth index

If we forbid female feticide and show faith in females?

If we have easier lifestyles than difficult earnings?

If we strive for satisfaction then sales?

If pursuing a creative passion is considered as important as productions or profits?

If sports is looked upon with as import as studies?

Dr. Neema Sitapara

MD (Ped), PGDip. (Adolescent Pediatrics)