Travels are not always to cherish the natural beauties. Sometime it is about the people and the socio-economic structure of that place, about its history and the culture. And when you came in contact with some local people, you get even more clear idea about the place. I am talking about our recent short trip to Garpanchkot in Purulia, mostly known as underdeveloped, unprivileged district of West Bengal, a troubled place nowadays for frequent terrorist activities.
“This is now a common incident to us, basically they don’t disturb our lives. But we must say every time a disturbance happened people triggered to them where the reality is something else.” - said Basudeb Mahato, assistant cook in local tourist lodge and who lives in nearby Barhaichatal village. We don't want to get into the controversial reality but we found some other reality in our short stint there.
The scenario here is changing. You can see a much-developed portion of Purulia here. The well-made roads connecting Purulia and Asansol, electric supply to interior villages from nearby Panchet Dam. On our way we have seen nearly 10-12 primary school run by govt. in every gram panchayet.
Take the incident of Garh, where we met Bishu, a 10 years old boy from nearby village guided us to this ruined palace of King Panchkot. “Come, See, this is the place where queens were compelled to suicide.” I asked – why? He replied confidently “because of the bargi attack.” (There is enough evidence in history that dacoits from Maharashtra came to this remote part of West Bengal during the 1760.) I am quiet sure many of the boys of his age in Kolkata don’t know about Victoria memorial, Town hall, what this boy knows about his place. He studied in class 5 of Nituria chakra school. His father is a labour in Moynadih Steel factory and he wants Bishu should continue his study. Not only Bishu, we saw fare numbers of students are cycling back to home from recently started Madhyamik examination center near Boronti.
Accidentally we need to visit local block hospital in Harmandi where 7 doctors, 12 nurses and 15 other staffs are doing their job. Though the hospital environment is not so clean but local women and children are getting regular care and assistance from them. We spoke to Miss Kabita Biswas, a freshers from SSKM posted in this remote place, staying alone, far from her home at North Kolkata for a noble cause. Aha, Impressive picture everywhere.
As I have said, sometimes you can get even more satisfaction when you experience life in lap of nature, you sense its breathing in air. Once upon a time this region is known as “maan-bhum”(land of pride) and certainly you fill the pride of it and your heart may fill with joy like the colors of Palash in this spring.
