■◇■ラジャさんの原文■◇■
As usual in the evening,the core group leaders of the Makaibari
Joint Body had gathered at the convention room to greet the
Tigress and her group. I made the fresh introductions for Ms.Chino
and Mr.Gary to the committee. Maya devi,had been copted to welcome
and ask all the questions by the joint Body as the spokesperson
for the evening. Maya,welcomed the Tigress's group and then asked her,
if she had made any progress with the loan for the small hydel project
--as both the Toyota Tiger and Tigress had promised to seek a loan for
the turbine and water project for the community,during their
last visit. Tigress,explained that any project sanctions in Japan moved
slowly,and that was the reason that she had left the Tiger behind at
tokyo to pursue the matter,whilst she visited herbeloved Makaibari forests
and the community.
Once that was installed,then the children would not have to walk
to the bottom of the hill,every day,where the sparkling water was carried
from. The electricity would enable the water to be lifted to the top of the
mountain--all of 1000 metres and distributed to the seven villages by
gravity. Everyone was happy that in time all would have water on top for
drinking,bathing and washing on tap in their houses. Then no one would have
to walk 10 km every day for this essential.
Maya,next asked Ms.chino,how many people read her newspaper.
2 million was her reply. She then asked Ms.Chino,
if it would be possible to appeal to all her readers for
the turbine project by contributing $5 each,so that the
turbine money could be raised speedily.
Ms.Chino,said she was on a different mission this time to
research extensively on the first Japanese visitor to darjeeling in1877,
however,she would return again to Mb and try her best to
fulfill the wishes of the MB Joint Body request.
Thanks were accorded to all, and next day we left for Darjeeling.
Had a wonderful day,with clear blue skies and the majesty of the
eternal snows of kanchenjunga as the backdrop was uplifting and
inspiring. Unfortunately.on our way back,we lost
our way,and entered a pedestrian zone unknowingly
(there were huge throngs of tourists as well as local people
celebrating Dussera), and a mob threat eningly surrounded our vehicle as
to why we had trespassed. After due apologies,and slight aggressiveness
from drunken youngsters,we succeded in making our way to the palace of
my friend the Princess of Burdwan,Karuna Mehtab. She was a delightful
hostess,and took great pains to show my friends the palace in all its
magnificience and spectacular views of darjeeling and the eternal snows.
Alas,all good things must end,and it was with aheavy heart that we bade
Ms.Chino and her assistant goodbye. The next day at the
airport it was even sadder for us to wave adieu to the Tigress and the
beautiful Cub Hiroko. I know that parting is full of sweet sorrow,but also
meeting again is unbounded joy. Although we may be far apart physically,when
the heart beats strongly--distances have no meaning.
To all readers who have bade farewell to dear ones--remember the next
meeting with departing friends will briing in tremendous happiness.
Till next week--please wring out the towels used to mop the tears,
and dry it ,and never use it again.-
