By Aditi Chopra
Dehradun, 4 Nov: MP Kuksal has travelled extensively in various parts of the Himalayas during his life as a community development officer. In his twenty five years of service, he was posted to the remote areas of Uttarakhand. His love for travelling took him to picturesque destinations. Now, at the age of 86, he has written an account of his love for nature, particularly the Himalayas and the Ganga. All of his experiences and adventures he brings to us through his book - 'People and Legends of Himalaya and Ganga'. His fascination for the simple lifestyle and culture of the people living in the hills is illustrated in his descriptive accounts of these regions.
The book begins with a touching poem written by Kuksal, dedicated to his son, the late Ashok Kuksal. Giving a bird's eye view of the Himalayas, the writer describes the mountain range from different aspects and places, calling them 'a manifestation of God - a celestial temple where divinity is enshrined'. He also perceives the hills from an ecological perspective, highlighting the importance of its preservation.
He tells us, "The Himalayas have been my main source of inspiration, as they have been there with me right from childhood. Of the many years that I was posted at different places in the hills, I explored the region and the neighbouring areas."
A few pages have been dedicated to Nainital, from where the author did his schooling. Then he went to Allahabad to complete his graduation in law. Soon after, he joined as a block development officer and, later, retired as district development officer. During his days spent at Allahabad, he was an observer of a part of the freedom movement. In the 1940s, when Allahabad was the headquarters of the Indian National Congress, Kuksal was a witness to the many political meetings and speeches conducted there. He recounts some interesting and rare stories of leaders like Nehru and SC Bose, in his book.
In his early days as a community development officer, Kuksal lived in the village areas, when he also had a glimpse of the British Raj. He narrates his life staying in close contact with the villagers and working with the British. He also talks about the British officials' love for the hills and plantation, with a special mention in the chapter "Wilson's House", about Wilson, a British official who started horticulture cultivation.
Kuksal describes his visits and mythology behind the Badrinath temple; Parnakhanda temple, where Parvati conducted her tapasya for Shiv; Kedarnath; Rudranath; Hemkund Lokpal; Niti valley; Urgan valley; Valley of Flowers; Gaumukh; Bhagirathi valley; Gangotri glacier and Tapoban.
In the last few pages of the book, the author presents the various 'pauranik' stories as given in the Bhagwat Puran, Devi Puran and Balmiki Ramayan, tracing the path of the holy Ganga. "The Ganga is called 'Sursari' - River of Gods - and is the most worshipped river of the world," Kuksal informs us. Another chapter gives a brief about the art and culture of Uttarakhand. A special mention has been given to the hill women, and the writer also dedicates a poem, named 'God's Image', to them.
Sardar Mohamed Osman, naturalist, geophysicist, wildlife enthusiast, freelance journalist and a reputed author of wildlife books, has written the foreword for the book. According to him, there is "a lucid glimpse of myth, history and belief as well as unending series of kaleidoscopic colourful changes occurring throughout the narrative."
Giving his reason for writing such a book, Kuksal says, "I have written this book for my own satisfaction." Though it took him a year to complete it, he plans to write about Indian mythology, as presented in the Vedas and Puranas, in the future.
Kuksal is a poet at heart. In various segments of the book, he includes his beautiful poems. He also enjoys photography, and has added some of his pictures in the publication. Reading and gardening are his other interests.
The book has been published by Kalpaz Publications, Delhi. This 260 page narrative also includes an index for reference. A hard bound version of the book is priced at Rs 690.
