Remembering 1971 at Kolkata during Bangladesh Liberation 1971

It was 50 years back, I was a college student,

 appeared B.Sc final examination of the University of Calcutta, an NCC Cadet of Army Wing. We few active NCC Cadets of Kolkata formed an NGO for persuasion of adventure. We were manning 7x24 hrs our civil Defence Casualty service. We planned our first rock climbing training program at Sushunia Hill, Bankura district when the war was declared. We were mentally disturbed about our rock climbing training program.  All India Radio was main source of our information apart from daily newspapers. We heard the cease-fire declaration. I was spending some time at the Indian Red Cross Society (West Bengal), Disaster Training Institute at Gokul Boral Street of Central Kolkata. It was a two-storied building, one day I found plasma was stacked on the ground floor without any temperature control system in an open space. This was relief material received from foreign countries.

Surrender ceremony of Pakistani Army at Dhaka on 16th December 1971

We had our first Rock Climbing Course as per schedule. We had invited General Officer Commanding of Bengal Area, Major General Pemenshu Chowdury, PVSM,  to be our Guest in Chief  of distribution of certificates to the trainees of this course.  He accepted our request and program was held at BNR ( South Eastern Railway) Tent of Kolkata Maidan.

Vijaya Diwas Memorial service held at Kolkata on 16th December 2016 (.From Lt to Rt)  Lt General Parveen Bakshi, AVSM, VSM, ADC, GOC-in-C, EC, Vice Admiral Harish Bisht, FOC-in-C, ENC & Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, VM, VSM,, AOC -in-C EAC

In 1983,  I was doing annual training camp of Territorial  Army, we went to Bengdubi, North Bengal, I saw the cemented platforms of EPIP tents where the prison of the war of the Pakistani Army were kept. I visited Bangladesh by road in 1987 only at Dacca and again in 1997 this time Dacca and Sylhet. I have friends who are amateur wireless operators. I inspired Bangladesh youths to start adventure activities in their own way, they can visit the Himalayas which will inspire them mountain adventure. Bangladesh Army started this activity.

An  Artillery unit, 90 Field Regiment  of Indian Army who took part Cactus Lily  they captured some of the souvenirs from then East Pakistan, those are

Insignia of Pakistan Navy

Foundation stone of Chittagaon Naval Base

At the left Lt Gen ( then Lt Col) V P Gupta (Retd) Commanding Officer of 90 Field Regiment

Artillery Gun captured during Operation Cactus Lily of 1971

  

Memory on Indira Gandhi at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

It was 26 years back at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling, she was then Prime Minister of India and President of HMI. The occasion was to celebrate Silver Jubilee of HMI on 1^st October. The inaugural function was at the lawn of HMI, there was no public address system, only one mouthpiece was there for AIR Kurseong for the audio recording of the event. i was there as an ordinary member of HMI. I had an intention to record her speech by a record player, the security personnel directed me to record from the delegates arena. There was a table which was covered with various prizes and mementos. This was handed over during the event. I took a chance to place the record player on the table from where she was giving her address.

i prepared a memento made of ‘Khada’ ( a silk scarf) used to honour the people by the Buddhists.  All the participants of this event had given their autograph on this ‘Khada’ , Indira Gandhi took interest to give her autograph, others were Jyoti Basu, then Chief Minister and T N Singh, Governor  of the State of West Bengal, Sir Edmund Hillary, Peter Hillary, the members of last Indian successful Everest Expedition of 1965.

This was her last visit to Darjeeling. She was keen on adventure and Himalayas. I remember her on her centenary year

19^th November 2016

Trek to Amarnath Cave in Jammu & Kashmir, Indian Himalayas

Some young peoples were interested in trek  Jammu & Kashmir of Indian Himalayas. The team had a plan to trek from Sonamarg to Amarnath cave in 1970, it was not an open route, the special permission was needed. They approached Indian Mountaineering Foundation, New Delhi, the apex organisation for mountain adventure in India.

The project was approved by the Bharat Scouts & Guides of Eastern Railway, Sealdha Division. It was seven members team under the leadership of Amarnath Chakraborty of the Indian railway. The program was closely supervised by Late Robindra Nath Chatterjee, a true scouter of Indian Railway. Due to the constraint of time the team took normal route to Amarnath Cave from Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.

The team had faced bad weather before the trek and also while coming down.. 

It was in 1993, I was contacted by Fr Dominic, of Don Bosco Kolkata in connection of organising their next Boxscore event which was held on December 1984. The program was held at Don Bosco School Liluha, Howrah, West Bengal. We had a long discussion and then decided that  arrangement for exhibition on Maps of India by

Mountaineering photos, equipment by Giri Doot, a civil society of Chandan Nagar, Hooghly, West Bengal. 

An amateur wireless station was established, the operators wer from Indian Institute of Kharagpur, 

West Bengal.

The building of Don Bosco Liluha

The antenna was erected on the rooftop, it was found fantastic communication during this Boscoree event. I got the assistance of Rajiv Seikh, a Rover from then Don Bosco  Bandel, Hooghly, West Bengal. Out of three operators from IIT Kharagpur, two of them left India for their study, research and lively hood. 

The Cub, Bul Bul, Scout, Guide, Rover, ranger & Scouters who came all over the country enjoyed the event. I still remember the New year's eve at the Boscoree site. 

I will look forward to any participant in this event to remember this event. Last year I was looking for Fr Dominic who is also out of our country then.

My memory of Bangladesh Scouts after 1987

I had an opportunity to visit a open Scout Group of Bangladesh in 1987., The Cub, Scout & Rover they were well informed about their country. Bengali being my mother tongue it was great opportunity for me to interact with them very closely. They were regular writing to me and my reply were important to them for getting their proficiency badges. When ever any Scout viist that time, they used to visit my place. I was up dated their personal and scouting activities.

In 1995 a team of five youths from Behrampore, Murshidabad, West \Bengal, they planned to visit Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and India with three motor cycle. Due to political instability they team had left Bangladesh from their itinerary. 

We had strong desired to have joint venture from river Ganga  to Padma which was not materialised. How ever two expeditions wer took place on river \Ganga from Maharajpur, Jharkhand, India to Behrampore ( West Bengal), a total distance of 190 kms covered by 3 country boats by 14 persons . in 5 days. 

Route followed on river ganga in 1995 & 1996

Route followed in 1995 & 1996 in English

Another expedition was organised in 1996 from Behrampore (West Bengal) to Kolkata, a distance of 300 kms in 8 days by 18 persons by 2 rafts prepared by the members of the team.

In 1997, I went again to Bangladesh to attain Asia Pacific Rover Moot, an event organised by the Bangladesh Scout. . We all stayed under canvas at  Syleth. We went there by road from Dacca. There were about 2500 participants mainly from Bangladesh Scouts including Girls Guides. 

Bangladesh Amateur wireless operators had established station there at. a helicopter was in stand by mode near the camp location. I was attached with the Public Relation group of this event. I helped in publishing their special numbers during this event.

Bangladesh Radio, Syleth Station took an interview of my experience and scope of adventure in India. This was broadcasted during this event.

I had an experience to stay in a family of Bangladeshi, who is an senior amateur radio operator, his call sign is S21A, Mr. Sherif. Mr Anwar, call sign S21L who took me to places around Dacca including Bangladesh TV at Dacca.

My experience of visiting Bangladesh after a gap of ten years, in my mind that the general people were not getting food in 1987 which was not there in 1997.

My experience on Bangladesh Scouts of 1987

It was in 1987, I  used to visit The Bharat Scouts & Guides (West Bengal) State HQ at Kolkata, One day I mate the Leader of Dacca College Scout Group of Bangladesh. They were on a visit to India. I took interest to know about youth of Bangladesh. They were staying at Sea Scout Headquarter on the river bank of Ganga. I keep looking why Bangladeshi youths are not adventure oriented ? though good numbers are working in ships.I got verbal request to visit Bangladesh from my new Scouts   friends. In December 1987, I took permission from my employer and obtained visa to visit Bangladesh. I had a official  work at the Indo Bangladesh Town and then entered Bangladesh border, I took a night bus service to reach Dacca, the cost of ordinary bus service was about INR 26.

I reached Bangladesh Scout National HQ, there was a single  accomodation was availed by me. It was an opportunity to meet more Scouters and Scouts who used to visit this HQ.

 The law and order was not favourable at that time, the political disturbance was there.

I was interviewed by Bangladesh Radio, Dacca for a monthly Scout programme 'Agradoot', it was in Bengali language.I invited our friends to join for Rock Climbing training

 at Sushunia Hill of Bankura District of West Bengal. They arrived Kolkata when our team left Kolkata. It was difficult to contact at that time.

A true Scouter of West Bengal, India

I mate Dr Robin Chatterjee who was Scouter and In charge of Disaster Training Institute of Indian Red Cross Society (West Bengal). This Institute was located at central Kolkata. Dr Robin Chatterjee at Face Book

I had planned to visit Amarnath Cave,in 1970,  Jammu & Kashmir, in Indian Himalayas.Trekking route to Amarnath cave

Dr Chatterjee took interest for making this venture a success, we had a plan to trek from Batal, it was not a normal trekking route.The special permission were required that time. We were seven members, but who will sponsor our venture ? Dr Chatterjee took initiative and The Bharat Scouts & Guides, Eastern Railway, Sealdha Division sponsored this venture. Indian Mountaineering Foundation of New Delhi approved this venture.We faced hardship due to bad weather, before our venture there were lots of casualties of human and animal lives.

It was in 1982 mountaineers and trekkers meet was planned at The  Bharat Scouts & Guides (West Bengal) Campsite for the mountaineers and trekkers of the state of West Bengal of India. Apart from Himalayan Club the oldest civil mountaineering club is located at Kolkata, India. The Bharat Scouts & Guides (West Bengal) a Rover Crew was active in mountain adventure activities. Even then the State Secretary was very much interested in mountain adventure activities.

Rock climbing, trekking, and mountaineering expeditions were organised by them. An effort of making a confederation was initiated since 1980 and a meet was called at The  Bharat Scouts & Guides (West Bengal) Campsite. The various representatives of mountaineering & trekking organisations and individuals joined this meet. It was decided to form a confederation for the state of West Bengal for the development of mountaineering and trekking activities.

The name of this organisation is West Bengal Mountaineers & Trekkers Confederation. 

World wide communication through ICT by the Scouts, Guides of the World community

The word Jamboree means physical assembling in a particular place. It is important event of scouting and guiding. Another way of Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) it is an annual event of World Scots & Guides. It starts from mid night of Friday and continue till Sunday midnight, a total of 48 hours event.

Scots & Guides of the world they contact each other through amatur wireless operator stations. They greet each other, exchange information,idea,sing song and play games on air.. 

The camp site of Bharat Scouts & Guides (West Bengal) is having a camp site at Ganga Nagar, next to Kolkata Air Port.

 The first time a JOTA station was established there by a team of young operators and leader of this team was Ananda gopal Mazumder,  vu2agj,he was then resident of this state. He was very expert amateur wireless operator.. The contributor was also in this team, he is an amateur wireless operator, call sign is VU3SKD, he got his amatur wireless licence received in 1991.

IN the state of West Bengal 'Durga Puja' is a big event for about 5 days. and JOTA was just after puja event. The voltage of the power supply was too low. It was difficult to opearte during day time. The voltage was reasonable to operate during the night. 

The Scout & Guides were visited this station from various parts of the state, even Eastern Railway Scots & Guides joined in this event. I do remember the Guides from Howrha Division were very expert to translate the meaning of Bengali songs into English.

The Yong Explorers' Institute for Social Service Scout Group was very new the scout activities, some cub members joined this event, they are now grown up persons.

Fort William Kolkata

I got the opportunity to visit a fort which is located in my city, this is a scoop type fort on the western part of Kolkata city just next to Ganga. It was built in 1696. I got the opportunity to start visiting this fort when I was a school student and at the same time, I was a cadet of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Junior Division, Army Wing. Our weekly training was at the Brigade Parade Ground. The NCC office is located at this Fort. I was a less regular visitor of the Fort after our NCC training. I have the opportunity to fire the first .22 bore rifle at the short firing range at his fort. This firing range is not functional now.

It was seeing an army family who was living in this fort I thought  I should join the Indian Army. My friends Salil Chakraborty and Sabyasachi Mazumder were all NCC cadets of the 2nd Bengal Battalion NCC and we were students of Taltala High School which is located at central Kolkata. The NCC troop of our school was quite active in this training. We were sincere about the turnout and used to feel proud to be a cadet. The wet canteen of Army units where we could get some snacks 'pakora' was a tasty favorite item.

The NCC training and camp was very attractive for me that continues even in my college life as a senior division cadet. I got the scope to attain the attachment with Regular Army, it was with the 20th Maratha Light Infantry, the duration was about a month, the location was in North Bengal and we had a tough time during the rain, our kitchen was dug in where rainwater was a problem to drain out the same we had to face the bite of leach. I was selected for Republic Camp at New Delhi in 1970. I got the Basic and Advance Mountaineering training from Mountaineering Institute and Allied Sports, Manali and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Darjeeling respectively.

As a Senior Division NCC Cadet, I joined two camps which were in Fort William. There is a Holiday Home and Army Officers Institute.


In May 1984 an Army Exhibition was held during the month of May. I was then recommissioned in the Territorial Army. I was posted to 107 Infantry Stallion (TA) as a Company Commander,it was part-time soldiering. In civil was working with the State Bank of India, posted at Kolkata. I was associated with this exhibition.  Two stalls were given to HQ Territorial Army Group Eastern Command. and there was a) Bengal Contribution for India's freedom struggle & b) Bengal contribution to Indian Armed Forces.

We had collected some photographs from  Netaji Research Bureau, Kolkata The Indian National Army songs were available in audio cassettes. These songs were played during this program.

Fort William Kolkata is active where the Head Quarter of Eastern Command is located. The residence of General Officer Commanding of the Bengal Area is there.  The Kendriya Vidyalaya, library stadium, swimming pool, gymnasium, golf course,  cinema hall, banking, Indian Post facilities are there. I still visit this fort, it is now 55 years I am visiting this fort.


Eastern Command at face Book 

My experience in projecting Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and Indian National Army at the Army Exhibition held in 1984 at Fort William Kolkata

I was an Officer of Territorial Army posted to 107 Infantry Battalion at Lebong, West Bengal.. I was  associated with Army Exhibition which  was held at Fort William South Eastern Side, it was called Ellenbora Ground (opposite to Race Course). As a NCC Cadet I have done Camp there in the past.

It was in  May  1984 this exhibition was held. The Territorial Group HQ was given the responsibility to arrange stalls on Bengal Contribution to India's Independence, Bengal Contribution to Indian Armed Forces. On inquiry we had come to know that Government of West Bengal is having a stall on  our freedom movement, they were requested and they participated in this exhibition.

I got a reference book in Encyclopedia of War Heroes of India, published from New Delhi, it was great help to  project the theme stall. i went to New Delhi, Ministry of Defence Photo Division to select visuals for our exhibition. It was collected from them

The Staff Officer  of TA Group HQ and my self were not happy, so far we could not displayed Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and Indian National Army. The approach was made to Netaji Research Bureau, they supplied the photos and exhibits. Those were suitably displayed. We could collect the audio cassettes  on Netaji speech from various broadcasting stations and INA Songs, the Films Divisions films were available to project.

We were happy that we could projected Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and INA in a proper manner.

Scope of enhancement Mountain Adventure activities in Himalayan Countries

Scope of enhancement Mountain Adventure activities  in Himalayan Countries

India, Nepal & Sikkim all these countries are having a common heritage of The Himalayas which is east to west. The Himalayas regions are  great natural, cultural for which   the travelers, explorers are coming again and again to explore the region. A good numbers of publications in print and electronic is available for adventure-loving people, film producers, artisans, writers,  research scholars and so on. The Himalayan scenes are important shots of films.

For mountaineering activities In India the apex body is Indian Mountaineering Foundation IMF (IMF). In Nepal, it is Nepal Tourism. In India, good numbers of foreign tourists visit India Himalayas for trekking, skiing, mountaineering, white water rafting, and skydiving. In the past IMF had organised programs for seminars, climbing for both the Indian and foreign climbers. These camps in nature have a great impact on understanding each other in a natural environment.

Our North-East states have the great potentiality for enhancing mountain tourism in a big way. Our neighboring states have joined the training programs, mainly the adventure course conducted by the mountaineering institutes located in our country.

In the past to promote such activities the individual and civil society efforts were undertaken in the past. In 1977, Thimpu &  Paro  of Bhutan, 1997 and 1997 to Bangladesh an Indian citizen went to Bangladesh Scouts and took part in their Radio programs to disseminate the information of the scope of adventure activities available in India  at Dacca and Sylhet. A continuous effort is on through internet postings.

Even at the city base activities like a wall, climbing may be interesting with very little experience, time and resources. The existing facilities may be used for income-generating for the youths maybe during the better season. It may be ideal if such a thing can be started initially for the students who are studying in our universities across the countries. The civil society may be interested to initiate, conduct and review the same for the betterment of such activities.

Buddhist practioners, in India in the last century as observed by an Indian

Buddhist practioners, in India in the last century as observed  by an Indian

Recently there was an International seminar on Asian connectivity, it was held at New Delhi. Another connectivity of Buddhism in Asia was organised by Maulana Abul Kaklm Azad Institute of Asian Studies of Kolkata

I was thinking my personal experiences of Buddhist personnel with whom I have mate, worked in different situations and observation I have noticed as an individual.

I had friends who were originally from Chittagaon, Bangladesh. They were school students of Taltala High School and Rani Rashmoni High School of central Kolkata. few of them played  for Subrato Cup Trophy and also won that for Rani Rashmoni High School in ‘60s . They were simple souls and hard working friends.

During my service with the Indian Army I have the pleasure to play  football with Buddhist soldiers and won the championship, it gave me to know the soldiers better.  Another game they like is Boxing.

It was  in June 1972, we went to climb two peaks in Lahul & Spiti of Bara Sigri glacier of Himachal Praedesh.We were 12 members from Kolkata there were 3 High Altitude Porters (HAPs) and leader was Ring Zing, he had a fair knowledge about the area. The Central (20,620 fts) & Lion (20100 fts) were climbed by a British team, they had published a book titled Four miles high by Joshpehen Scar.We had to cross a ravine called’BarsiNullah’ for which we had halted at Batal and attempted to cross the Nullah early in the morning when there will be less water in the nullah. Two ropes were taken by Lama,  one of the HAP at the other side of the nullah. I was the first volunteer to cross the nullah.I did some physical exercise to warm up the body temperature. I massaged the bare feet with cold  cream. The water was coming from snow it was freezing cold.  was loaded including a 8mm movie camera. I had just moved 10 fts with holding the rope on both the sides. Certainly a huge boulder on which I was standing moved away with the current of the water. I lost the balance and floating on the nullah.

Jonbo, a tall HAP came to rescue me from the water, he first took out my rucksack and then pulled me back. It took some time to bring back my body temperature for which I did good physical exercise. Our Medical Officer (MO) came and checked me and gave me some tablet. I recovered, we crossed the nullah from upper region where the ice bridge was there.

We went to Advance Base Camp after establishing our Base Camp at an height of 12,500 fts, we were 4 members and 3 HAPS. Asit Moitra,our Deputy Leader ate egg item at Base Camp, this eggs were taken from Kolkata, Moitra had a loose motion and vomiting  after reaching Advance Base Camp. He had a good record of climbing, his body temperature was loosing, inside the artic tent,  our MO was at Base camp and we had no communication system to contact him. He was inside a sleeping bag, another sleeping bag was used and the loose portion of the sleeping bag was hold tight by us. His body temperature was rising and he was requesting water which was not allowed to give. Slowly  he went to sleep and early morning he was taken down by HAPs and on the way the MO was mate and he took the charged of him within 2 days, he was fit to climb and ascent the Central Peak (20620 fts) with 2 climbers and HAPs.

In both the incidents the HAPs played very important role to save the climbers at that altitude, climatic and terrain conditions. There contribution for the mountain adventure is recognised by all. In a changing world scenario there materialistic demand has increased but there attitude towards life to be understand.

Da Namgyal, a Sherpa who went to summit camp of Everest with Edmund Hillary & Tenjing Norgey in 1953, due to shortage of oxygen cylinder one has to come down the Da Namgyal was the volunteer, Is it unthinkable of present situation. I mate him last time in 1980 when Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenjing Norgay and other members of Indian expeditions to Mount Everest were there.It was the occasion of Silver Jubilee celebration of HMI. Indira Gandhi was present there to inaugurate this event,it was her last visit to Darjeeling in 1980. I found Da Namgyal at Mal of Darjeeling, he was selling woollen items there. he was then retired from HMI as an Instructor.

I had the opportunity to serve with the soldiers who are Buddhist by faith, they are simple hard working, sincere to their work even in odd situation like their performance in the desert. The Gun Position Officer (GPO) of Indian Artillery after reconcile the  area and planting flag for guns in a running and tense condition, he was thirsty, a glass of water is great to get from them and a cup of tea in odd times. Those are some good memories which will not be forgotten in the life time. It is difficult to realize by civilians of such good things in the life. This simple souls left for  home during his leave with Indian currencies for their family members, few of them were cheated  by some fellow passengers by offering drink. It may be  they could  not think negative aspect of life and love for drink which  is their way of life.

During my service with the biggest Bank of our country, one Bank Guard was lost his life in a road accident at Kolkata, he was lovable man for all. After the death it was possible to keep his body in a mortuary for few days, to bring his family members to Kolkata. His wife has been offered job in the said bank.

It is well known about their attitude towards their life, they are simple living and adopt  to overcome all odds of environment challenges and very god fearing people. This they have learned from Buddhism and nature.

Trans Himalayan Buddhism : Exploring Cultural Space

Trans Himalayan Buddhism : Exploring Cultural Space

First  week of March 2016 there was an International seminar on Asian connectivity held at New Delhi. Second  week another International conference has started at  Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies(MAKAI) on connectivity Buddhism in Himalayan countries, the research scholars from Bhutan, India and Nepal attending and discussing the Buddhism practice in their

countries and states.

A good number of foreign tourists visit India for Buddhist circuits in India mostly from Asian countries. The scholars presented and discussed culture, beliefs, practices, myths associated with Himalayan states. Like all religions Buddhism also teach to protect the environment. Though the Buddhism is not a religion it is the way of life like Hinduism as believed some section of the people. Buddhism belief not only physical wealth, it gives important of  mental wealth too, as stated by Lungtang Gyatso, Director, Institute of Language and Culture of Royal  of Royal University of Bhutan.

A book titled Water Resources Cooperation between India and Nepal , written by Manika Mondal, was launch by Prof Phunchok Stobdan, Former Ambassador and Senior Fellow of IDSA. The book is published by MAKAI. Dr Sreelekha Datta, Director of MAKAI welcomed all the participants for joining this programme, she mentioned that due to natural and man made calamity this programme deferred few times.

The Buddhist practising places in the lap of Himalayas, Coutse

Buddhist in Asia 
No of countries  in Asia   Percentage of Buddhist population 

  14                                            50 %

   07                                            90%

Asia Pacific                               98%

Studies on Buddhism in Indian Universities

Benaras Hindu University Department of Pali & Buddhist Studies

University of Hyderbad

Mahabodhi Society, Banglaru

Somaia Vidyabihar

University of Delhi

Syllabus of MA Buddhist studies of Delhi University

Gautam Bhudha University, UP

University of Calcutta Palli Department

Syllabus of Pali

Nalanda University

My painful memory with the Japanese Mountaineering Team in Indian Himalayas in 1975

My painful memory with the Japanese Mountaineering Team in Indian Himalayas in 1975

Sushanta De

It was in 1975 I had returned from Mulikla Six (20600 ft.) of Himachal Pradesh. I was with them as Indian Liaison Officer, then I was Second Lieutenant of the Indian Army. By then before joining Indian Army I  had done Basic & Advance Mountaineering Courses and also had the experience of organising mountaineering expedition to Indian Himalayas, I was also a  member of the team of Kolkata, India they had first time unfurled the NCC flag from a mountain it was in 1972.

My artillery unit released me for the USA team. After completing the assignment I went to the Army Headquarter for returning my unit location. A was told by the concerned officer that a Japanese team was waiting for the Indian Liaison Officer to arrive at New Delhi. I was advised to proceed with the Japanese team, I got only one day at my disposal at New Delhi before leaving for the mountain with the Japanese team. i had filled up the forms for accidental insurance for the sherpas who had arrived from Darjeeling, West Bengal. There was only one Sherpa who was in the 1973 expedition to Sickle Moon in the Kishtwar region of J&K.Siclel Moon, He was Havildar Ang Chatter, he was working with the Indo Tibetian Border Police (ITBP). He joined this expedition taking leave from his employer. This was twelve members  from Japan Self Defence Force (JSDF) from Japan along with two ladies. The leader was Lt Col Yunoki of Armoured Corps.

In 1973 there was a joint expedition with the Indian Army to the same peak. Havildar Ang Choter was rescued from an accident, he was evacuated to Military Hospital.

In 1975 we started our trekking from Kishtwar, Google Map of Kishtwar Regionthe road head towards that area. The team was carrying Very High-frequency transceiver sets. The communication between Camp I and summit camp ( at a height of 18500 ft. was possible through these radio sets. On the very first day, the team member could not cover the distance, they had bivouac on the very first night.

The team had after establishing a base camp which was at the height of 125000 ft., and intermediate camps were there. Lieutenant Takachi who had established weather observation instruments at the base camp those were wind velocity and temperature recording.

I tried to remember a few very important words in case of emergency but at the time of an emergency, those words were not remembered such as ‘watch out’ .

The base camp to nearest telegraph and police wireless was at a distance of 24hrs walking, we employed two mail runners and the cook was also used to carry the urgent evacuation messages to New Delhi by telegrams and also police wireless.

i was surprised to see the gesture of shepherds, they had brought meat, butter for the Indian Officer who was with the foreign team.

The final attempt for climbing the peak Sickel Moon was made the team returned to the summit camp at 1 am, they went to sleep in a tent thereat. All of them were in one row. At about 2 am. a running boulder from the top had hit the head of Hav Ang Choter who was dead at the spot.. next to Choter was Lt Takashi who got the hit at his chest, he survived for next 2 hrs and 30 mins. Another member from the said camp Lt Yamaguchi left the camp at about 4 am and reached Base camp for rescue. An immediate arrangement was sent but it was no use by then.

Myself Ms. Hiraga with the help of English to Japanese and vice versa dictionaries we marked helipad area for the evacuation of the dead bodies. This was not possible. The last rites of both of them were carried out at the base camp.

I took imitative with the employer and insurance company, the matter was settled. i was able to meet Mrs. Chotter after 2 years at Darjeeling.

Effort to create tools for mitigating natural disaster

Effort to create tools for mitigating natural disaster

India has different terrains, climatic conditions throughout the year. Due to the change in the climatic condition, it is more difficult to predict the natural disaster forecast.

In the state of West Bengal the state government officials are trained on disaster mitigation by the state-run agency Administrative Training Institute (ATI). A few years back the new Block Relief Officers (BRO)  were assembled this Institute it was just started monsoon and there was a flood in two districts. This area is low and flooded mainly due to discharging the excess water of the reservoir. The effected BRO rushed back to their place of posting to tackle the situation.

A contingent plan is also suggested and advised to review the same. The biggest bank of our country always finds out what was the condition of the particular area during the last flood of that area, before selecting an alternative or new Branch premises. The earlier benchmark was 1978 now it is 2000. There are branches which are flood-prone areas, they are mentally prepared on how to tackle the situation with their past experience.

The immediate local of young age group is always the first-hand resource persons to evacuate marooned persons. They required training to do the work more efficiently. They can be given the idea of making improvised rafts which they are capable to do so.

On enquiry of a district of the state of West Bengal, it was found that   the said district, subdivision, and block they prepared their action plan.

Recently the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) organised one symposium with the support of National Institute of Disaster Management ( NIDM), New Delhi  of National Disaster Management Authority on Disaster Management R Risk analysis under Big data paradigm.

The decision support tools by Md Abdul Gani of ATI Kolkata presented. Challenges and opportunities for big data collection was presented by Mr. P G Dhar Chakraborty, he was earlier Director of NIDM. He expressed that the date is scattered, it is to be collected and then stored with the premiere Institute like ISI. They are planning to create tools for natural disasters initially which will be effective for preparation, actual disaster mitigation, and post-disaster scenario.

Kolkata 21^st February 2016