The Thrill Of A Surprise

How do you celebrate the 75th Birthday of a buddy?

You travel 800 kms to be with the buddy. 

What else?

You go unannounced to give a surprise. 

How?

You team up with the buddy's family and plan a secret operation.  Like a military ops.

But there are other common friends in town. How to keep the visit a secret from all of them?

You do it by maintaining 'social media silence'. Like the radio silence in the Navy. 

That's a tough call. Isn't it?

Thanks to Gunjan, my buddy's daughter, we were able to pull it off! The surprise and the joy was worth the 20-hour train travel from Secunderabad to Mumbai. See the pictures and two short video clips below.

Gian Prakash, GP my buddy in the Navy for 52 years, was in the shower when I reached his home in Kharghar. When he came out, the joy and delight for both of us was priceless.

The short clip captured by Gunjan, GP's daughter says it all

It was a surprise even for Jaya, GP's wife. See her reaction in the video clip below.

On checking out Jaya's well being, I told her my favourite line for all Veteran couples, "One wicket at a time"!

Having reached two days before the 75th Birthday,  the celebrations included many events. One of them was watching a live performance of 'Meera- The Mystic' by Shama Bade of Nadroop Ensemble of Pune at NMCC the iconic Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in BKC, Mumbai. The tickets for such shows are sold out months in advance. NMCC is a world-class theatre complex having 22 gates for entry and exit. You can imagine it's size! Thanks again to Gunjan for her planning and affection. 

Photography inside the Grand Theatre is not permitted while the show is on. Sharing below a video, few pictures of the empty theatre and the plush lobby.

Notice the wheel chair in the picture below? Few of the original chairs in the last row are removable to accommodate a guest with a wheelchair. Talk of inclusivity!

The lobby at NMCC also  has a small temple with Radha Krishna as the deities.

The Birthday Boy with Jaya.

The buddies since 52 years!

The lobby

Mirrored corridors 

The entire Raghunath Vihar, the AWHO apartment complex in Kharghar seemed to be celebrating GP's landmark birthday. See a short video clip of an entertainment evening. 

ĢP's seven-year-old grandson Hariansh played a piece on his keyboard.

Hariansh with Gunjan his Mom. Love his eyes and the smile.

The celebrations ended with a puja and Havan on the D-day, 10th Nov. I was fortunate to attend it. Few pictures.

The 87-year-old pujariji from Dwarhat in Kumaon setting up the puja chowki.

Ghumakkad then proceeded to Vapi to give another surprise to his college buddy of 57 years. Shirish Chinoy had been unwell for a while. His younger son Nimesh ensured the secret operation. See the sheer joy on Shirish's face when I entered his house.

Felt blessed to be with Shirish and Madhuri.

Video below shows when Shirish got motivated to take a morning walk the next day.

When buddies of 57 years meet, the gup shup doesn't stop. Whether day, night or early morning! Pictured below after a morning walk.

The joy of giving a surprise is so thrilling. I guess receiving a surprise is equally joyful. Ghumakkad feels blessed that I could pull off both the surprises mentioned above.

Any visit to Vapi is incomplete without having the famous Ubadyu. Available only in the Vapi-Valsad stretch during Nov-Feb season, it is a delicacy cooked in a matka, an earthenware pot on slow fire. Papdi, a local flat bean, potato,  sweet potato and yam are all cooked with the peel.  The pot is lined with the leaves of a local shrub which grows only during the season. The Ubadyu is eaten with green chili chutney and butter milk. Few pictures below.

Where to eat Ubadyu? See the picture at the end of the story.

Do share your joy of giving or receiving the surprises in life.

Thanks for browsing.  Stay connected and do leave a comment. It encourages us.

   Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Vapi/ 12th November 2025

#surprises #joyofasurprise #givingasurprise #receivingasurprise #smallthingsinlife #ghumakkadhb #ghumakkadharsh

Train Journeys - Always Fun

When did you last undertake a train journey?
Anywhere, specially in India?

Ghumakkad is on a train. Sharing a few snippets of the interesting journey. These lines were written in pieces and shared with my children, who also added to the story!

One.

After a hearty lunch and cozy nap, the otherwise empty bay has passengers.

Rudra, an ever curious and talkative 5-year-old UKG boy, his baby sister (or brother) in arms of his mother. 

Rudra has questions like:

Why are the stones on rail lines?

Why do we get dhakka, jerks in the train?

Why has the train stopped?

These questions pop up when he is not jumping or climbing the upper berth!

Copying me, he wants to stretch his legs to rest on the berth opposite! And his Mom admonishes him. I retract my legs sheepishly. He follows suit.

Moment of quiet. Rudra has been given his mother's phone!

Sounds familiar and nostalgic? 🩷

My packed lunch on which Ansh, my grandson who lives with me in Secunderabad, promptly responded. I called it 'healthy and delicious' food.

Ansh's immediate response follows:

"Good, you took all the scary food away😋"

Episode-2

Devagiri Exp runs on a circuitous route to Mumbai.

Secunderabad-Nizamabad- Umri- Nanded- Manmad- Kalyan- Mumbai. It skips the shorter route via Sholapur and Pune. Large part of this circuitous route has single line. Therefore, trains have to stop to give passage to the train running in the other direction. Just like the shipping traffic through the Suez Canal. When the north and south bound convoys briefly anchor in the two bitter lakes. My Naval buddies who have crossed the Suez would know!

While our train had halted at a place called Umri, there was a big flash and a loud sound near our AC Coach. Something like a transformer burst in the cities. After I got down, came to know that it was a monkey who had got electrocuted by the overhead power lines! But thankfully it got thrown off and survived the shock! Rudra's mother felt relieved when I told her it wasn't due to power breakdown. 

While I was taking a short walk on the platform, another blast occured few coaches away! Another monkey came in contact with the electric line and survived!

And the train chugs along!👍

Wonder what will be Episode-3?

Episode-3

When the train started from Secunderabad, I opened my packed lunch and started to eat. Just then a well dressed and polite person said "Excuse me Sir. If you have any issues with electrical items, please call this number." I was impressed with the concern for customers, us the rail passengers. 

Desh badal raha hai!

Episode-4

 Aisa Bhi Hota Hai

I got down at Naded Station to stretch my legs. Quite a few passengers boarded the train.

After a few rounds on the platform, I just peeped through the window at my berth. And what did I find? A family of three happily plonked on my berth with the bed nicely spread. I came in and enquired. They had an upper berth and the side berth. But with no concern and courtesy for me and my bed, they merrily hijacked it. With my stern message 'At least you should have asked me', they immediately vacated it. One gent and two ladies.

 Aisa bhi hota hai!

After a few minutes, another gentleman came in. He said "Berth number 9 is mine". I said "Is it coach A1/9?"

He rechecked his ticket. It was in Coach No. A3. Without any apology, he moved on.

 Aisa to bahut baar hota hai!🙏

Not only in a train, but you could be on a wrong plane! What? Yes, see the conversation below.

[07/11, 20:59] Ankush: We got into the wrong plane in malaysia 😅 and we're wondering why people were on "our" seats 🤣

[07/11, 21:01] Harsh Bhargava: Aisa plane mein bhi hota hai!👍

[07/11, 21:20] PRABJOTH: We did it! Got into the wrong plane went to the seats and told the person .. these are our seats in Malaysia

[07/11, 21:22] PRABJOTH: Phir dekha uski seat bhi wahi hai and then realised wrong plane! Two planes parked side by side and we were allowed to walk upto them . We chose the one closer to our gate .. and had this epic experience 😁

[08/11, 05:57] Harsh Bhargava: You missed visiting another country free of cost 😀

[08/11, 06:08] Ashi: Lekin immigration pe to atak jaate na 😂

[08/11, 06:17] Ankur: Ye aagayin technicality le ke .. 🙄🤣

[08/11, 06:20] Ankush: Mauke ka mazaa nahin lootne deti ho tum 🤣

[08/11, 06:21] Ankush: Funny thing was both flights were to Kuala Lumpur only....from Langkawi 🤣

[08/11, 06:26] Harsh Bhargava: Oh, limited fun then!

Aren't train journeys fun?

If you are worried about the wash rooms, it has improved too. However, it is the users of the wash rooms who need to improve their sense of hygiene and leaving it clean after usage!

And the last one, back to five yo Rudra.

As I was peeling an orange, Rudra turned to her mother and asked "Orange ki khushboo aayee?"

Children's innocence!

Of course after peeling the orange, I was happy to share it with him.

Rudra and family got off at Manwat Road.

After nearly three hours of delay (the train was stuck before Matubga for a good two hours), we finally reached Dadar. Since I was to get down at CSMT (old BBVT), I kept sitting. I saw all other passengers also got down there. After some time the TT came and informed that the train had been terminated at Dadar. Call it the Murphy's Law!

Never a dull moment!

So, take a train journey and share your stories. Besides, you will prevent enormous amount of carbon emissions caused by aeroplanes!

Thanks for browsing and stay connected. 

Do leave a comment.  Few words would do to encourage us.

   - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Devagiri Express/ 8th November 2025

Ladakh Fauna

Ladakh is famous for Khardungla and now MigLa at 19,400 feet, Pengongtso lake, Siachen Glacier and the like. But Ladakh is also known for the Double-humped Camels, Asian Wild Ass, Yak, Marmot and other fauna. Though we were neither fully equipped for wildlife photography nor had the time for it, but we did observe and capture some of the fauna of Ladakh. With scant vegetation and harsh winters, the animals adapt themselves. We share below few pictures along with a brief description of the associated fauna. Picture quality may not be as good, but we wanted to share with our readers and prospective visitors to Ladakh so that they are better informed about the flora and fauna.

Double Humped Camel

Double-humped camels, also known as Bactrian camels, are found in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, India. They are a popular tourist attraction, particularly for camel safaris on the sand dunes of Hunder (also spelt as Hunder), Diskit and Sumur. These camels are well-adapted to the harsh, cold desert environment of Ladakh. They are smaller and stouter than single-humped camels, with thick, woolly coats for warmth. The double-humped camel is now the main source of livelihood for natives of Ladakh, thanks to camel safari and other tourism activities. The Bactrian camel is an IUCN Red List species listed as critically endangered since 2002. These camels are largely domesticated. Based on our experience, we would prefer Sumur sand dunes and camel safari over Hundar. Because Sumur is less crowded, serene and peaceful. Sumur also hosts the National Traditional Archery Tournament in June every year. But you have to take a call whether you are visiting Siachen base camp or not. If yes, then stop over at Sumur on the return leg. See the pictures.

Kiang or Asian Wild Ass

We sighted this animal at two places. Firstly in Chushul valley while going to Rezang La and then on the return leg to Chang La. On both occasions we sighted the Kiang in pairs. or threes On Changla road, it appeared to be a family with a calf following the parents! Pictures will follow. But before that, a brief description of Kiang thanks to Britannica. Kiang, (Equus kiang), species of Asian wild ass found in the cold, arid highlands of Nepal, India, Pakistan and China at elevations above 13,000 feet. The kiang’s coat is reddish in summer and brown, and it has white underparts that do not change with the seasons. The kiang is the largest species of wild ass; it stands 55 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 250 and 440 kg and many times mistaken for a horse! Pictures follow.

Marmot

Did you know that the Marmots belong to the squirrel family? According to Britannica, Marmots are found primarily in North America and Eurasia including the Himalayas. These rodents are large and heavy, weighing 3 to 7 kgs, Marmots are well suited for life in cold environments and have small fur-covered ears, short, stocky legs, and strong claws for digging. All live in burrows that they excavate. Marmots are active during the day (diurnal) and are almost entirely vegetarian. All hibernate in winter, most of them deeply. During hibernation they live on fat reserves accumulated during the summer. Pictures shot from long distance follow.

Yak

Yaks are seen grazing at elevations above 14,000 feet above mean sea level. We observed an herd near Pengongtso as also in the Changla region. Yaks live as domesticated animals as well as in the wild. Easily identified by their jet black coat of long hair, short legged, large size (as compared to other cattle) and grazing posture. They are found in the higher reaches of the Himalayas, Central Asia and China. Their long hair and heavy undercoat can keep them warm even at -40 degrees Celsius. According to Britannica, Yaks’ lung capacity is about three times that of cattle, and they have more and smaller red blood cells, improving the blood’s ability to transport oxygen. Domesticated yaks are bred for tractability and high milk production. Yaks are also used for ploughing and threshing, as well as for meat, hides, and fur. The dried dung of the yak is the only obtainable fuel on the treeless Tibetan plateau. Few pictures shot by us follow.

Like human beings, yaks also have an ID as seen in the tag below.

Pashmina Sheep

Pashmina shawls are woven and sold in Ladakh and Kashmir region of the Himalayas. Pashmina sheep are reared. You can see a herd grazing on the road to Chang La.

Birds of Ladakh

We did not go birding in Ladakh. Few birds which we sighted are incidental. Few more for which we don't have pictures were Large wagtail and an eagle soaring high up in Diskit area. Sharing few pictures of those which we could identify.

Alpine Accentor or Robin Accentor

We sighted this bird with orange underbelly and short but pointed beak on Changla Road. We queried gen-AI and got the response, "Alpine Accentors are residents of Ladakh and are commonly found in high-altitude regions, including areas near Changla Pass, which aligns with the user's sighting location. They prefer open barren rocky slopes and valleys above the tree line. " So much for generative AI and its usage. Readers may browse eBird site for further details. Our pictures follow.

Chukar Partridge

We sighted a solitary Chukar on the road in Nubra valley while returning from Siachen Base camp. Very alert and agile, by the time I could position the DSLR in my moving vehicle, it scurried away. Therefore, both the shots are a bit blurry. Chukar partridge is easy to identify because it is boldly-patterned. It is overall pale sandy brownish-gray with bold black stripe on the face and black stripes on sides. For further details you may browse ebird. See the pictures below.

Another Bird

We sighted another bird with longish tail sitting on a rock at ground level near the road from Tangtse to Pengongtso. lake Gen-AI responded saying that it looked like White-tailed Ptarmigan. At the same time, it mentioned that the Ptarmigan was a native of North America and not likely to be sighted in Ladakh. So we are not sure which bird was it. Moreover, despite the 300mm lens, it was too far away for reasonably clear magnification. See the picture below.

Would be grateful to any reader for further help in identification.

Cormorants were sighted at many places in Ladakh. Sharing below a picture taken opposite the Shey Palace.

Other Fauna

Once the snows melt, multitude of grass and flowers sprout adding colour to the barren terrain. Sharing few pictures below.

Sia flowers grow wild. Siachen is named after Sia flower. See the picture below.

Dogs love to sleep for better part of the day. Ladakhi dogs are no exception. See the sleepy though innocent looking eyes of the dog below. His companion on the left did not get disturbed and continued to enjoy the slumber.

Trucks and Bikers

Trucks and bikers are an integral part of the roads in Ladakh. The trucks have hilarious one-liners painted on the rear. See the pictures below. 

How many messages or one-liners do you see in the picture below?

Truck Lover
Rolls Royce

Shikari; Game Over
When we walk on road, you eat at home
I Love Kashmir
Use Dipper at night
Own Power, Own Rules, Own Kingdom
Speed 60km

Bikers invade Ladakh highways once the snows melt. Hordes of them can be seen riding together and making reels. Sharing two pictures below.

Other Stories About Ladakh

We share below some of the stories of our Ladakh trip undertaken in June 2025.

High Altitude Hiking in Ladakh- Is it risky for a 73-year-old? Picture story with video clips. 

Siachen The Highest Battlefield in the World - The picture story is sure to give you goose bumps! We salute our Siachen Warriors.

Blue Skies Lift Your Spirits - Feel the blue skies as we land in Leh.

Here is another perspective of Ladakh through the lens of our daughter Akanksha who went there in June 2022.

Ladakh - Shades of Heaven on Earth - a story with breathtaking pictures

Thanks for browsing, stay connected.

Do leave a comment, it encourages us.

    -   Harsh-the-Ghumakkad with Ansh Bhargava/ Secunderabad/ 22nd Oct 2025

#Ladakh #Himalayas #Flora #Fauna #DoubleHumpedCamel #Kiang #LadakhiWildAss #ChukarPartridge #RobinAccentor #Marmot #Yak #PashminaSheep #Kashmir #Snow #PengongtsoLake #Tangtse #CheLa #ChangLa #GhumakkadHarsh #ghumnakkadhb