IAM in Sikkim
To cross into Sikkim, you’ll be subjected to identification checks, almost as if you are crossing an international border. As we moved in, it was indeed like stepping nto a different country, maybe even a different era. The winding roads alongside the gushing Teesta river was a magnificent sight. Large monasteries and constant chanting of sacred mantras bestow it a sanctimonious ambience. Sikkim has a very strong Tibetan influence – as it has been in close contact with it for many centuries. It even has an Institute of Tibetology. A large number of Tibetan refugees have made Sikkim their new home, and the influence is distinct – in architecture, culture, religion, cuisine. Yes, it includes the famed Tibetan steamed ‘mo-mo’ – usually prepared with yak meat (We tried the vegetarian one of course ; at least they told us as such!).The road to Lhasa remains closed but one can advance upto the Nathula pass, and actually come face to face with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) personnel. (Not much to write about the emotions on their face though). We were told that the guards on either side of he border engage in regular volleyball games to foster personal contact and spirit of camaraderie. We wish that they might conduct IAM sessions together someday too someday soon!
Owing to the restraint of space (Gangtok is a vertical town having only two directions to find your way – up or down!) classes were conducted on the first day right in front of the Sikkim Assembly building in Gangtok. This ensured that we were joined by a few security personnel – though mostly as spectators (even the dog squad was watching intently – especially our ‘çat stretch’ exercice). So the next day we arranged to shift to a quieter place.
Time seems to be standing still here. The Chogyals – the royal family of Sikkim – still command some semblance of authority and reverence. Sikkim enjoys a lot of autonomy – the people here are not governed by Indian Tax laws. The most striking aspects that stand out here are its enchanting beauty and the surprising cleanliness. In fact, one of the avowed goals in the election manifesto of the present government is to bring Sikkim on par with the western countries – I hope they only have the better aspects in mind..
Though the soldiers of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) are not generally involved in armed combat – but just staying in extreme inhospitable climatic conditions and terrain – away from family and cut off from the rest of the world for indefinite periods of time creates a lot of stress. They have to be battle ready at all times. Frost bites and amputations are common occurrences. We witnessed a heartbreaking sight on the day we reached there. One young soldier had to have his arm amputated. He was in one of the frontier posts. His only ‘mistake’ was that he unconsciously pulled his arm out of the sleeping bag while sleeping and put it under his head to support it – thus exposing the arm to the frosty condition. By morning it was frozen – there was no option but to amputate it.
We take the seemingly simple things for granted but these courageous sentries of the border forces sacrifice so much so that we can live in peace and safety. And it is in this context that knowing about Amma, Her life and Her mission creates so much impression on them. In the beginning its just one of those meditation classes that they have been ordered to sit through. But by the end of the classes it is wonderful to witness them palpably transformed and touched. Amma works in her own wonderful way to bring Love into even the remotest and inaccessible parts of the planet. It is only in these rare moments that we can just begin to fathom the immensity of the good fortune to be so close to Amma – even if for a few moments…
— Mukesh & Kalesh
