yet again ... getting lost ... then enjoying self-discovery ...

After crossing the the Gomti we enter Ghazipur, from Banaras, Bhitari in Saidpur, where these ancient structures lie, is not very far once we touch Ghazipur, It is hard to imagine that many of the non descript monuments (and sites) that are protected by the ASI today were demarcated few hundred years ago by people from foreign lands - to save history from the massacre of the railway lines (and other actions) being taken up then. Demarcated due to efforts of a few extra-ordinary people. The conversations as we sought directions to the exact spots were fun. We realized people (in the vicinity) referred to the ASI as the Khudai Vibhaag and to the pillar as Ashok Laat. Two sites, lie a few hundred meters from one another. The site adjacent to the market is in a relatively better state. The other, next to the river, is spread over a larger area. Recalled reading that one reason why we possibly do not value history enough could be that there is so much of it around!

Moving in eastern Uttar Pradesh has been an experience, One which has taught me to be ever ready for surprises and encouraged me to explore more. This trip also made me aware to the existence of multiple Chakias (the one I talk of lies in Chandauli). Latif Shah Latif Shah dargah stands not far from the dam's massive walls The dam is referred to as one of the older ones in the country An old Dargah and a 'temple of new India' together have not convinced us to keep the place clean! Musakhand This dam too is on the Karam-nasha One where I finally plunged into the waters Gurahupur Not far from where Chandauli and Kaimur meet Rock paintings, Buddha and silences

Day trips around Banaras are fun They bring out the eastern Uttar Pradesh beyond the towns and one that is far from the clichés. . .  Jargo Dam How we missed carrying additional clothes and towels here!  Khoya Mandi  I had no idea that Khoya could be available in such a range of shades!  The fun part was having it right there.  Fort It boasts of a rich history. A range of people from Governor General Warren Hastings to Rani Jindan Kaur are associated.  Today, however, it is a disappointment - only a small area is accessible to visitors and this too lies in a sad state.  Cemetery  The structures are crumbling. Inscriptions, however, are intact.  Dargah Here I saw a wall held with ropes.  I also wished that religions would ban plastic. 

  Beginning the morning at school with poetry  Nimesh Ved and Anshumalika Rai. Published at Deccan Herald on 7th December, 2021.  Warm thanks to the team at Deccan Herald.  Covid times had only the teachers attend school. After the confusions during the initial days the school focused on augmenting the capacities of the teachers. As the teachers began coming the question on how they would begin the days arose. It was agreed upon poetry. Two teachers, by rotation, would recite a poem each, to commence the activities of the day. This we initiated without too much fuss and like it happens many a time when we do not worry – things worked out well.   So, how did it go? Over a period of time the teachers moved from relatively simple poems to heavily metaphorical, from religious poetry to imager, from classical poems to those that are experimental and fresh. Similarly, the teachers focused on Hindi poetry initially but slowly also included Sanskrit, Bhojpuri and English poems.  O