![\"sikkim02.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/e.amritapuri.org\/blogs\/files\/2008\/08\/sikkim02.jpg\")
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To cross into Sikkim, you\u2019ll 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\u00a0 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 \u2013 in architecture, culture, religion, cuisine. Yes, it includes the famed Tibetan steamed \u2018mo-mo\u2019 – 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\u2019s 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\u00a0 regular volleyball games to foster personal contact and spirit of camaraderie. We wish that\u00a0 they might conduct IAM sessions together\u00a0 someday too someday soon!<\/p>\n
Owing to the restraint of space (Gangtok is a vertical town having only two directions to find your way \u2013 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 \u2013 though mostly as spectators (even the dog squad was watching intently \u2013\u00a0 especially our \u2018\u00e7at stretch\u2019 exercice). So the next day we arranged to shift to a quieter place.<\/p>\n
![\"sikkim01.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/e.amritapuri.org\/blogs\/files\/2008\/08\/sikkim01.jpg\")
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Time seems to be standing still here. The Chogyals \u2013 the royal family of Sikkim – still command some semblance of authority and reverence. Sikkim enjoys a lot of autonomy \u2013 the people here are not governed by Indian Tax laws. The most striking aspects\u00a0 that stand out here\u00a0 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\u00a0 – I hope they only have the better aspects in mind..<\/p>\n
Though the soldiers of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) are not generally involved in armed combat \u2013 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 \u2018mistake\u2019 was that he unconsciously pulled his arm out of the sleeping bag while sleeping and put it under his head to support it \u2013 thus exposing the arm to the frosty condition. By morning it was frozen \u2013 there was no option but to amputate it.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 And it is in this context that knowing about Amma, Her life and\u00a0 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\u00a0 touched. Amma works in her own wonderful way to bring Love into even the remotest and inaccessible parts of the planet.\u00a0 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\u2026<\/p>\n
— Mukesh & Kalesh<\/p>\n
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