Col GKS Reddy Coins: MY BUCKET LIST - VISIT NORTH EAST INDIA - MEGHALAYA

CHAPPIDI ABHIRATH REDDY

C/O COL GKS REDDY
Secunderabad - 500 015.

Visit to Meghalaya (D + 12 to D + 15)

Meghalaya /ˌ m eɪ ɡ ə ˈ l eɪ ə / is a state in north-east India. The name means "the abode of clouds" in Sanskrit and other Indo-Iranian languages. As of 2011, the state has a population of 2,964,007 and is the 23rd most populous in the country. Meghalaya covers an area of approximately 300 kilometres in length and about 100 kilometres in breadth. This state is bounded to the south by the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the north by India's State of Assam. The capital is Shillong, known as the "Scotland of the East",[4][5] and has a population of 143,007

About one-third of the state is forested. The Meghalaya subtropical forests ecoregion encompasses the state; its mountain forests are distinct from the lowland tropical forests to the north and south. The forests are notable for their biodiversity of mammals, birds, and plants. It was previously part of Assam, but on 21 January 1972, the districts of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills became the new state of Meghalaya.

Meghalaya has predominantly an agrarian economy. The important crops are potatoes, rice, maize, pineapples, bananas, etc. The service sector is made up of real estate and insurance companies. The state has become a hub of illegal mining activity. Meghalaya's gross state domestic product for 2004 was estimated at $1.6 billion in current prices.

Shillong, the capital of the state, is a popular hill station. There are several falls in and around Shillong. Shillong Peak, also known as the "abode of the gods" is the highest in the state.

D + 12 (22 Mar 2013)

(a) Reached Aloo Godown (Shillong) at 0630h on 22 Mar 13, after 15 hours
grueling bus journey from Aizawl. (Bad road condition due to road widening
work in progress right from Aizawl to Shillong). Received by Col RK Arora, Ex - CO, 12 Assam Regt and went straight to Assam Regt Centre Guest Room.

(b) After some rest, had late breakfast and decided to meet Ex Battalion Officers, who are settled down in shilling. Took a guide and started for the house of Maj NM Pradhan, Ex 2 i/c 6 Assam Regt, who was my first second in command when I joined the Battalion in 1976 and subsequently retired in 1978. Maj NM Pradhan (Retd), now an old man of 85 years was both surprised and very happy to see me. After, reminiscences and a cup of tea, I went and met Col Narayan Thapa (Retd), my first company Commander in 6 Assam Regt, when I joined them in 1976, who retired in the year 1992. Though he is now 72 years old, he was looking quite fit and is still continuing with his daily 3 Km run. It was very nice to meet them after a long time and I very reluctantly reached back to ARC for Lunch.

With Maj & Mrs NM Pradhan, My First 2 i/c in 6 Assam from 1976 to 78. He is now 85 years

Maj & Mrs Pradhan with their Grandson

Col & Mrs Narayan Thapa, My First Company Commander, on Joining 6 Assam in 1976

With Col & Mrs Narayan Thapa at his Home in Shillong

D + 13 (23 Mar 2013)

(a) Had breakfast with Col Raman Arora at his home, after which, I went around ARC to see the changes that occurred after Mar 2007, when I last visited them for my farewell Dinner prior to my retirement. Afterwards I went to see Angel falls at Mazbuth Hill. I had a cup of tea with Ex – Servicemen and Jawans of the unit posted at ARC at 1100h. (Photographs 145 to 152)

With Col Aroras Daughter Reeth, during Breakfast at his home.

She just returned from a Fancy dress competition at School

With Col Arora & Family

With Two JCOs who worked with me earlier

Sweet Falls - Happy Valley - Shillong

Situated near Happy Valley at a distance of about eight kilometers from Shillong. It resembles a straight pencil of water emerging from a large size water pipe, as it drops vertically over a distance exceeding two hundred feet. Most suitable for a day's outing and picnic, Explore it!

Sweet Falls, Happy Valley, Shillong

At Sweet Falls Falls near Mazabuth Pahad, Happy Valley

Meeting with Serving & Ex - Servicemen of 12 Assam Regt

With Unit Ex - Servicemen & Jawans at Shillong

With JCOs & Jawans of unit

with Sub Chikoo Lakher & Sub R Moia, who served with me in the unit

& Now settled down in Shillong After Retirement

(b) After early lunch, I went to see Shillong Hill and Ward Lake. Nothing much could be seen at Shillon Hill due to very low clouds. Ward Lake was well maintained with beautiful flower beds all around.(Photographs 153 to 155)

Ward Lake - Shillong

Ward’s Lake is a refreshing pool surrounded by beautiful gardens in the heart of the city. The serene lake and the cool shades of trees around it, makes it a nice spot for sightseeing and boating. As the name suggest, it is a lake surrounded by patch of land with some exotic trees. In winter the park sheds most of its hues along with the leaves; except for the oddly rejuvenated cherry blossoms, which paint the park in lovely off-white pink.