Canada is a dream country, especially for Punjabi students and other immigrants. I have seen this craze among every second person, whether he is studying in school or graduating, or even working in any sector on good profiles. Whenever I go to any sector in my routine work like banking, colleges, insurance, or in my friend circles, I always find people anxious about migrating abroad, especially Canada. There are other destinations as well, but Canada is always a popular destination. Studying in Canada, working there, and finally settling in a dream destination have so many steps that one has to follow. Over 200,000 people have moved to Canada in 2020-2021.
In north India, especially in Punjab, this trend is growing day by day for the last few years. In the coming few years, it will affect the socioeconomic fabric of society. It is being reported that a good number of students are moving abroad, especially to Canada, to study and then to find employment. Strength in Colleges has dropped, making them worried. No doubt this aspect is of serious concern for the Government. A better system with more opportunities here can only stop moving people. Some factors such as personal connections, educational goals, career aspirations, and familiarity with specific provinces or cities within Canada may also influence the decision-making process.
CANADA: a DREAM Destination
There are so many reasons behind this trend. If we see at the Canadian system, Canada takes care of its people and has a robust economy, providing free health care and education until grade 12. People move to Canada from all over the world, making it multicultural. International students also focus on work opportunities after the completion of their studies. Present education and immigration law allows them to work for 2-3 years after their studies. In short, we can say, Canada is an immigration-friendly nation, and the government primarily supports aspiring immigrants by offering over 80 economic immigration programs.
Different Pathways to Move Canada
There are many pathways through which you can migrate to Canada from India. To name a few, there is Express Entry Program, PNP, Study & Work permit, family sponsorship, and more.
Express Entry System
They introduced an express entry system in 2015 to enable skilled individuals and their families to move to Canada as residents in as little as six months. So many immigrants migrate every year and the number is increasing every year. It is a point-based system and the highest-ranking candidates are issued invitations to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Program
The provincial Nominee Program is the second most popular Canadian immigration pathway after Express Entry. All the top Canadian provinces like Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and more have their immigration program for immigrants. Each PNP has different eligibility criteria and invites and nominates candidates as per local labor market needs.
Study Permit for students
This is the most popular program among overseas students. A good number of Indian students chose Canada every year. Upon graduating from a Canadian institution (DLI), you can work temporarily by obtaining a work permit. This way, you can gain relevant work experience, which would eventually prove helpful for you to qualify for a PR visa through Express Entry Program. If we see the data of students applying for study in Canada, we can easily say that Canada is a popular destination among Indian students.
Working in Canada
In Canada, you can also work in any Canadian organization. There are two types of work permits. One is an employer-specific work permit, and the other is an open work permit. After fulfilling specific conditions, you may also qualify for permanent residency. Read more details on working in Canada.
There are so many other options to move to Canada, which you may check from the Official site of the immigration
Running through 103 tunnels and 969 bridges, and 919 stunning curves, the Kalka Shimla train track is one of the world’s unique and most scenic railway tracks. Having a total distance of 96 Km from Kalka to Shimla, this track has 18 railway stations and 5 level crossings. The rail track rises from Kalka at 640 m to the cool climes of Shimla at 2.060 m. Compared with the Australian oldest railway of puffing Billy, I named this article, Kalka- Shimla railway, as Indian Puffing Billy.
Himalayan Queen going through a tunnel on the Kalka–Shimla Railway route
Both railway tracks were built almost simultaneously in the early twentieth century. Though the Kalka Shimla train route was completed on November 2, 1903, they opened it to the public only on January 1, 1906. It is said that this railway line was first drawn in November 1847, almost 50 years before they actually constructed it. Lord Curzon, the then British Viceroy to India, inaugurated this magnificent train in November 1903. The Kalka-Shimla Railway was built to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during British rule, with the Indian rail system. The five-hour journey is one of the best train journeys for tourists operated by the Indian railway.
Train track passes through scenic landscapes
Natural beauty and pleasant weather greet you whole the way. A cool breeze sweeps across faces as the train crosses one station after another, like Taksal, Gumman, Dharampur, before reaching Barog, which is the almost mid-point of Journey. This journey encompasses a vast display of awe-inspiring landscapes. Barog is a colonial showpiece with bougainvillaea clusters tumbling down the walls. This station is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained on this track. From here, you can see the towering mountains. At Barog, we pass through the biggest tunnel.
Train passing over the Arch Gallery Bridge
A tragic tale of Engineer Barog
A tragic story is associated with the construction of this railway track. The longest tunnel at Barog is named after engineer Barog, who sacrificed his life when he attempted to construct the tunnel but failed resulting in the wastage of government funds. Barog committed the mistake of digging the tunnel from both ends of the hill. The ends of the tunnels could not meet because of a mistake in alignment.
It is said that the British authorities lay a fine of Rs 1 on him for wasting government money in the tunnel. The British engineer could not digest this humiliation and shot himself in sheer desperation while walking with his pet dog. He killed himself near what now is the state government-run Barog Pine Wood Hotel. After his death, tunnel work done by Barog has left aside, and a new tunnel was constructed a little farther from the old one. After Barog comes other beautiful destinations like Solan, Shogai, and Koti, all these have wonderful scenery with towering mountains with green and deep forests. You feel like being amid nature throughout the entire journey.
UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage in 2008
It is a heritage train, a journey with breathtaking views and stunning scenery throughout the entire journey. Track passing through beautiful surrounding takes you near to nature and is a wonderful experience. Its speed slows down as the train ascends through steep mountains and curves. This journey runs on a narrow gauge, taking passengers with breathtaking views of rugged mountains. On the way, there are lush pine forests and waterfalls. And picture-perfect hill stations along the way that will definitely tempt you to disembark and bask in their beauty. The entire journey takes about five and a half hours.
Earlier the train used to run by a steam engine, but now a diesel engine is used. It runs at the speed of 40 to 45 km per hour as against the earlier speed of 22 km per hour. To preserve the heritage roots of the railway, it is suggested that steam engines be preferred, like the Puffing Billy train of Australia.
In July 2008, UNESCO’s world heritage committee added the Kalka Shimla train track to the world heritage list. On 9th Nov 2008, UNESCO officially declared this railway line a world heritage site. Also, the Guinness Book on Rail Facts included this track as the greatest narrow gauge engineering achievement in India.
Special Trains on specific days
They equipped this train service with standard car seats and have nine halts. Passengers can get off at the stations along the way and nourish their eyes and soul with beautiful scenery. There are also two heritage carriages operating on this route: Shivalik Queen and Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach. Both are luxury services, with ultra-modern facilities, including an onboard kitchen, refrigerator, dining table, and folding cushion beds. These trains usually operate once a week, from March until September. During the high season (May-July, September-October, and December-January), several special holiday trains also run on this route because of a heavy tourist influx.
Culture and heritage always attract human minds, and their roots give blood to our growth. No doubt life moves every moment in the future, but still past plays its role to shape our present and future. Many things of the past can be the reason for making our life more beautiful and worth living.
Puffing Billy’s steam train is one of those things of the past that are worth being preserved forever. I visited this dreamland during my visit to Melbourne in June 2010. As I feel on every travel, you see beautiful things; it was really a wonderful and memorable experience to see the rail preserved in its original look.
It is a railway track of 24 km running through dense and beautiful forest. Volunteers of Puffing Billy Preservation Society are putting their efforts to ensure the continued preservation and operation of the historic narrow-gauge steam railway between Belgrave and Gembrook.
Engine Front View
Built in 1900, Puffing Billy is Australia’s oldest steam railway. On the 18th of December 1900, this narrow-gauge railway was opened to serve the farmers in the area to transport their goods to the markets in Melbourne.
…reaching there
Belgrave, the gateway to Dandenong Ranges, is situated 35 km east of Melbourne. You can plan your way to get there. If you are not going in your own car, there is a second option to use public transport. Metro train service is available from Melbourne City to Belgrave via Ringwood. Belgrave is the primary starting point of this railway. It would take approx. One hour to get there. When I visited this place the first time, I used public transport, which is quite easy and cost-effective. After reaching Belgrave Station, take a short walk to puffing billy station.
Open-sided carriages add more fascination to the travel experience as you feel closer to the forest and nature. The whole track passes through many curves, where you can easily get the train’s view captured in your cameras. You can’t ever forget the thrilling sensation when you pass over an iconic wooden bridge. On the train, there are also several enclosed carriages, both saloon and compartment cars.
Belgrave Station
Menzies Creek, Clematis, Emerald, Nobelius, Lakeside, Wright, Cockatoo, and Fielder are the main railway stations between Belgrave and Gembrook. Neal Menzies Creek station, there is a narrow-gauge railway museum.
During my first visit to Puffing Billy
Emerald is a good place to stop off and eat and Lakeside to have a walk. Emerald is also the destination as well departure point of many trains of Puffing Billy.
..stop to relax at Lakeside
At Lakeside, there are many café refreshing points, lawns, supervised swimming pools, playgrounds, barbecues, and other picnic facilities, so passengers can alight here for a few pleasant hours and enjoy bushwalking, swimming, or just relaxing in peaceful surroundings. This station is 13.2 Km from Belgrave.
The operations and administration center, main refreshment room (also selling souvenirs), and ticket purchasing are located at Belgrave station.
Most trains start from Belgrave and travel to Lakeside and return. Except for Christmas Day, the railway operates every day of the year. One service each day has the option of first-class carriages and lunch.
..once decided to close, but preserved
This railway track was blocked in 1953 after a heavy landslide but again reopened in 1962 to Menzies Creek and in 1988 at Gembrook Station. A plan was made to close the line and a farewell day was organized. However, when people gathered to say goodbye, a dedicated group of train enthusiasts came together to save the Puffing Billy.
Children hanging their legs out of the steam train’s windows. The court banned this practice in 2019 after an accident.
Before you plan your trip, there are a few important things that you need to take care of. You must know the timetable of daily trains that starts from Belgrave. There were four trains daily when I last visited. You must check it while planning to go there. Trains have tickets that you also need to book well in time to avoid any issues later.
Traveling on the Puffing Billy train is like recapturing the romance and charm of the bygone days of the steam engine era. Puffing Billy steam train takes you through the dense and beautiful forest of the Dandenong hill ranges, and you feel like moving in some dreamland. It’s really worth visiting again and again.
Special events train for couples & families
If you are thinking that the puffing train is all about kids, families, picnics, and fast food, you are not very right. Sometimes on some occasions, special carriages are set out for parties with special cuisines, delicious foods, drinks, chocolates, soups, baked chicken, and different desserts. If you are looking for a unique and lifelong experience, you must plan to join special event trains. Puffing Billy is great for families and children, but it is also fantastic for couples, singles, and groups.
The century-old tradition of leg tangling outside train windows is banned
A minibus driver crashed the iconic pugging Billy train in March 2018. One passenger on the bus was injured, but no one was injured on the puffing Billy. The court ended the century-old tradition of children hanging their legs outside the train. Many people protested the court’s decision, but it ended what was a long tradition practice. Safety is more important than anything despite that, people love it as a kid, so they bring their kids, then they bring their grandchildren. Generations of families have done it for years. It would just be so sad to see that tradition disappear forever. Court’s decision is also taken as a complete overreaction by a group of masses.
I will end my article by saying that traveling always helps us understand the meaning of life, become better people, keep traveling, and keep exploring and never forget to visit once in a lifetime, this beautiful adventure of puffing billy train in Melbourne. Read about more Beautiful Places around Melbourne
Memories are like pages of a diary that we all carry with us. Sometimes we feel some memories are gone in the deep past, but suddenly, we see them floating back like some moving screen. Good memories are always the source of inspiration, and we try to keep them refreshing from time to time. Today in this article, I will share a few moments from my trip to Tashkent, and I hope you will also enjoy the brief description of those wonderful moments. I strongly believe that sharing adventures means enjoying them to the fullest.
We planned a Tashkent trip in 2018
In September 2018, a few friends from the same profession planned a trip to the ancient city of central Asia, Tashkent, in Uzbekistan. In this article, I will share a few names; otherwise, the description will remain incomplete. I read somewhere, ‘A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles. This trip was initially planned by my wonderful friends, Amarjit & Gurpreet, although at a very initial stage, it was not an organised one but later we all enjoyed it a lot. Few of us were not quickly ready to join the trip, maybe having different reasons.
Tashkent, a tourist destination
Tashkent is still a very underrated destination, but it has many amazing things to make the tour trip worth memorable. Ancient mosques, dazzling minarets, and Medieval-style Islamic monuments gloriously exhibiting the country’s rich cultural and architectural heritage make your experience really awesome. On the second day of our trip, the very first place we went was Alisher Navoi National Park. It is a beautiful and largest park having beautiful buildings located deep within the park, and while one can’t enter, it creates a stunning view. These buildings, especially Romanov Palace, are examples of Russian influence in architecture. They named the park after Alisher Navoi, the great Turkic poet and thinker.
Alisher Navoi National Parkme@ Alisher Navoi National Park.
We spent a few hours in the park while clicking a few photographs. Park is so large, having a water stream passing through it. You can enjoy so many activities like boating, cycling, and roller skating. Having seen a lot of greenery, a big lake, canals and fountains, meadow and decorative flower beds, most probably, that you will forget about being in the centre of Tashkent.
Alisher Navoi is a big garden with several monuments inside. There is a very large man-made pool. It is a good place to chill for some time.
Independence Square, in the centre of the city
Another place we visited was Independence Square, in the centre of the city. This is again a big garden with a lot of water fountains, statutes, and few buildings. Spread over 12 hectares, this place has so many government buildings and administrative institutions located there. During Soviet rule, the square was named Lenin Square. A monument to Lenin was erected in its centre, dismantled upon the Declaration of Independence in 1991. There is a monument of a woman, normally known as a mourning mother, sadly looking down onto an eternal flame in memory of her children who fell in defending the country, making us silent for a few moments.
..all friends, Mr Virk, Satbir Bhatia, Sachin & Mr KamalGroup photo reminding, friends that travel together, stay togetherA journey is best measured in friends than in miles
As the late Prime Minister of India passed away in Tashkent, his memories have been treasured as a monument by the Uzbek Government as a mark of respect to the great man. Visitors, especially Indians, visit this monument while they visit Tashkent. We also planned to visit this place and spend a few memorable moments and also clicked a few photographs as memories.
There is an unspoken bond you create with the friends you travel with. With Kamal & Hardeep in a leisurely mood.
Amir Timor Square
We went to Amir Timor square; his statue is fixed in a huge sized park, where visitors hang out. Amir Timur was the most famous Central Asian conqueror in history. At its largest, the empire stretched from the borders of Western China all the way to Turkey. He was the great-grandfather of the famous Mughal emperor Babur who ruled India.
It was a sunny day with pleasant weather as it was the month of September, so the weather was sunny but not hot. A beautiful garden surrounds the statue. In the background, the building of the Uzbekistan Hotel, a classic piece of Soviet design, makes the sight more beautiful. The park surrounding the statue and the Bolazhon Park is certainly worth exploring, especially around sunset as locals meet to chat and relax. We all friends clicked a few pictures with statues. There are so many restaurants, café in the square’s surroundings, where you can sit and enjoy your evening. In the evening, this area comes more alive with visitors roaming here and there. Tashkent’s nightlife is also amazing. Bars and clubs attract you. A few of us went there and shared our experiences second day. I still remember they were pleased.
cycling time with Kamal, my friend
Shopping in traditional market
There are so many other details that I am missing because of the size of this article. We went to a traditional market, a dry fruit market, and many food corners and enjoyed delicious dishes. Restaurants and cafes in Tashkent surprise you with perfect service and food quality. It will amaze you with the wide range of cuisines.
The traditional market, in the old city, is a major crowd-puller of tourists. Just perfect for souvenir shopping, you can pick gorgeous trinkets, handicrafts, apparel, home décor items, and spices. You must know bargaining art while shopping there. I still remember how we purchased a few things using this bargaining art; few of us have.
In the last, it was really a wonderful trip to Tashkent, we really enjoyed it a lot. I can easily recommend you choose Tashkent as your next destination for a vacation.
When you wish to apply study visa for any destination of your choice and have a partner or child dependent on you, you need to check the visa provisions of that country. If the country is Australia, you need not worry, and no need to leave them behind. You can apply for a student-dependent visa along with your visa application.
On the other side if you are applying for your visa or you are already on a study visa in Australia, still you have the option to apply for a visa as a subsequent entrant. Subclass 500 prescribes some requirements that must be satisfied for approval of their visa applications. In all cases, the duration of their visa will depend upon the visa of the main applicant.
Eligibility to apply for a visa under this category
Who is eligible to apply under this category or who can apply for a student-dependent visa? Family members include your partner and you and your partner’s dependent children. In other simple words, dependents that can apply for a visa under this visa clause include your spouse or de facto partner. De facto partner means when you are not married, but you live like married and have a relationship. A person under this clause can apply if the relationship is at least 12 months old. And the relationship is genuine and exclusive. Similarly, a dependent child to apply under this category should depend on you or your partner and has not turned 18.
We must declare all existing members timely
It is mandatory under subclass 500 that you declare all your relationships at the time of your first application. Whether you are married or single should be clearly mentioned in the application. It is not relevant if the dependent is accompanying you or not. If you cannot mention it at the time of the first application, it would be difficult to add them later or at the time of the subsequent application.
Student Dependent Visa
A member of the family member failing to declare will not be eligible to enter Australia as the student’s family unit member, apart from a person who becomes a member after the student’s application was decided. Such negligence can also make doubtful the genuineness of the applicant. Genuineness (GTE) is a significant factor considered when deciding on any visa application in Australia. So being on the safe side, all family members, including married or de facto partners and dependent children, should be declared at the time of first application.
Subsequent entrant visa application
In case the main applicant gets married after the lodgment of his initial visa application. Still, before the visa is granted, he must notify the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible. This update will help you add your dependent later in the subsequent visa application. Subsequent entrant applications can be lodged when the marriage is done after granting the main application’s visa. Proof of marriage and continued relationship must be provided along with a visa application. The Visa officer may ask for any related document to ascertain the genuineness of the relationship.
It should be obvious that the visa officer is always concerned with the present situation of the relationship. The continuity of the relationship needs to be proved to get visa approval. Along with relationship proof, there are also financial requirements for a successful visa application. Such requirements keep on changing, so readers are advised to check with official sources before applying for your visa application.
Financial requirements for family members
As mentioned above, there are also financial requirements. Dependents need to show that they have sufficient funds to cover living costs during their stay in Australia. Applicant needs to show living costs for 12 months. And if the application is combined, then the student needs to show 12-month tuition and living cost. The cost of dependent children also needs to be calculated. Financial requirements are an essential part of a visa application, so I advised it to check properly while applying for your application.
Checklist of documents required
If you are already in Australia and you are fulfilling your all visa conditions and want to invite your dependents. In that case, your dependents need to file a visa application along with the following documents. This checklist is not final; the visa officer may ask for additional documents for his satisfaction.
# Form 919 Nomination of student defendants
# Form 157A Application for a student visa
# An Original letter from the education provider stating the course you are studying, the duration of the course, your expected completion date, and satisfying course requirements.
# Proof that you have sufficient money to support your dependents in Australia
# Proof of your relationship with your dependents as birth and marriage certificates
# Proof of school enrollment for your school-aged dependents
# Proof of health insurance for each dependent. Family members of the main applicant or visa holder must provide evidence of having adequate health insurance for the grant of their visa for the period of their intended stay in Australia. Documentation includes evidence of payment of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Living and working overseas can be a dream for anyone for so many reasons. The fascination of foreign land attracts all of us. Today, going abroad for further study, working and finally for settlement is a popular trend among Indian youth. Everyone wants to have this unique and wonderful experience. The ones who wish to get exposed to a different culture altogether must go overseas to study or working. This way you will get to learn a new language, meet new people and, gets to learn a new perspective on the world. Here we will discuss the concept of Canada work visa
Here we must accept working overseas is not a cup of tea for everyone. The entire process involves a lot of technicalities and professional skills that getting a dream come into reality is not very easy. Starting with job offers, visa formalities, language barriers & finally cost involved, there are a lot of things that have to be managed. What kind of job will suit your profile and where to look for such jobs are few things that need to be answered before finally deciding on the goal.
Job & Company is more important than Place:
Although our major topic is working in Canada, still we note that while planning to work abroad, our focus must be on the job profile and the company offering the job. Where and which country should be the next thing, otherwise things may get more tough for us. We must do proper research to fix our right choice of lifestyle, climate, culture and comfort of language. We must keep in mind that working in a country or city is not the same as spending few days on a vacation. Beautiful places may attract you, but don’t choose them at the cost of your career.
Now coming to our main topic of working in Canada, we will discuss few aspects that one should know properly. Canada is the paradise of skilled workers with multiple job options, diversified culture, a high standard of living, and a stable political system.
How to get Work Visa in CANADA
Search for Job / LMIA
When you had made your mind to move to your dreamland country, the very first step is to find a suitable employer who can offer you the right job. Your work visa application will require a job offer letter and a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment document, normally called LIMA, which can be obtained with the help of a placement company or other professionals. A positive LMIA shows that a Canadian employer could not fill the particular job directly from Canada and he needs to hire a foreign worker. I would like to add here that there are categories where LMIA is not mandatory. Open Work Permits do not require the applicant to have either an offer of employment or a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
There are two types of work permits. An open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer. And an employer-specific work permit, which is given on the condition you remain with that employer. Many open work permits are for a year or two and are only available to certain countries.
Open Work Permit Canada
An open work permit differs from a regular work permit because it does not specify a particular job or employer. The job and employer are both shown on Canadian Work Permits, restricting the holder to those circumstances while in Canada. An Open Work Permit allows its holder to work for any Canadian employer, in almost any capacity.
Apply for Work Visa
After getting a job offer or LMIA, the next step is to apply for a work permit on that basis. Work permits are employer-specific unless a worker has an open work permit. If a worker wants to change employers, they must obtain a new Work Permit before performing another job in Canada. Canadian work permits are also limited in duration. Applying for a work visa is something more than simply filling the forms. It’s always advisable to consult an experienced professional to avoid delays in the process and unwanted refusals.
Bhawana
Canada is “The beautiful and safe place” to be for young immigrants from India, says a Jalandhar based consultant Bhawana Salaria, who has a record of guiding 100’s of clients to different destinations. She further said “With an ageing population, it needs many young people to fill up various job openings in Canada and Indian clients can be able to take their share,”
English Proficiency
Language proficiency is very much essential to interact with people while at your work. Before moving to a new place, we must know a need for language skills. Most jobs in Canada require you to speak and read English at an advanced level, even for unskilled positions. It is still possible to find jobs without speaking English or with minimal knowledge of the language.
JOBS in demand in CANADA
With an increase in the number of immigrants to Canada annually, a question arises, what are the most popular jobs in Canada? Few jobs are consistently in demand for the past many years. Everyone moving to Canada wishes to make a career in those jobs to be highly paid. There are so many skilled jobs, managerial jobs, administrative jobs, general labourers, project managers, account managers, farming jobs, and ever truck drivers.
Truck Drivers in demand
Canada has a high demand for truck drivers. With over 3,000 jobs in Canada currently listed on websites such as indeed, Job Bank, and eJobbo, and that truck drivers are listed on almost every Canadian province and the territory’s in-demand jobs list, so there is no better time than the present to start your Canadian visa application as a truck driver. Labour market report June 2021 also reflects the same facts.
Registered Nursing Jobs
Nursing jobs are one of the highly in-demand jobs in Canada. If we take a closer look at the Labour Market report, we see this demand is expected to persist into 2019-2028. New job openings are expected to total 191,100 in all these years.
The country has a vast scope for nursing for both nursing students and aspiring nursing professionals. Also, the ever-increasing demand for healthcare professionals makes nursing a highly valued career option on the list of leading career options in Canada.
Other jobs in demand in Canada
Web Developer
Human Resources (HR) Managers
Electrical Engineers
Financial Advisors
Pharmacist
Welder
General Labourer
Administrative Assistant
Project Managers
Account Managers
Business development Managers
Software Engineers
Cyber security Specialist
With all these occupations, there is a NOC code number. If you are having any of these professions, you must check other requirements for educational qualification and experience required before applying for a working visa in Canada. You may ask some professionals for other requirements for this visa.
During my trip to Australia in September 2019, I got few days to explore Melbourne, although I visit this beautiful city almost every year. This time, I attended some family functions; hence, it was a gathering of family and friends. One day I planned to visit Werribee Open Range Zoo with family members.
Spread over 225 hectares, it is an African-themed zoological park. It is on the Werribee River, about 32 kilometres in southwest Melbourne. We spent an almost full day with several species of animals, birds and experienced a never forgettable moment there.
Plan Trip with Family & Friends
This tour can be more fun-filled if you visit with family, friends, and especially kids. We enjoyed watching wildlife, including different species of animals like camels, zebras, crocodiles, horses, waterbuck, giraffe, ostrich, rhinoceros, and so many others. Because of its size and variety, this place promises you an entire day packed with many activities.
Deep & my sister, Paramjit @ Werribee Zoo Entrance
Off Road Safari at Werribee Zoo
At Werribee Zoo, visitors can book various ‘specialty’ tours, including the Off-road Safari, and have close encounters with gorillas, giraffes, and ostriches. With this tour, you can experience animals’ natural habitats; live commentary makes you more aware of wildlife. On this safari, you pass through well-maintained grasslands and natural forest surroundings. When Safari stops, you sneak a peep into the lives of different animals; you feel amazing when the giraffe touches the window of Safari, and you touch and even feed them.
Road Safari tour takes you off-road and up close to the animals, creating a more intimate and exceptional experience. You get opportunities to stop, observe, ask questions to your guide, and capture the perfect photograph; it’s nothing less than a true African safari.
Longhorn CattleLonghorn Cattle protecting her grassland
A day at Werribee Open Zoo gives you wonderful experiences about the lives of so many wild animals, like lions, hippopotamus, Kulinda, and cheetah. The Gorillas encounter is one of the largest in the world and allows you to feed and interact with mammals. The Texas Longhorns cattle alongside zebra make grassland look more amazing, and it reminds you of African wildlife more lively.
Safari passes near LakeOstrich greeting you
Feeding giraffes can be a wonderful experience
Another wonderful experience that you can have with your kids is feeding giraffes at the Werribee Zoo while you see eye-to-eye with one of the tallest animals in the world. There are plenty of giraffes, so everybody easily sees them closely. Normally, they bend their long necks over the fence, and you can even touch them, as they are so friendly.
Giraffe at Werribee Zoo
Other attractions nearby
Other attractions near Werribee Zoo are Werribee Park Mansion and State Rose Garden. Thomas Chirnside, built between 1874 in the Italianate style mansion from Scotland and his brother Andrew Chirnside. Nowadays, it is converted into the five-star Mansion Hotel & Spa, also named the ‘Most Romantic Hotel in Australia.’ The mansion has several rooms open to the public, including the billiards rooms, main bedrooms, reception rooms, and the kitchen. In the surrounding mansion, a State Rose Garden is having 5000 roses blooming. You can plan and enjoy a picnic or explore the gardens.
Carry some eatables
As you will be there for almost an entire day, you must carry some eatables or fruit, but if you forget, don’t worry about lunch. There is a cafe that has an excellent list of scrumptious food on its menu. The menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks, etc. You can also order a glass of wine or a bottle of beer. Enjoy your meal and drinks with wildlife animals in lush green grassland.
Werribee Open Range Zoo tickets
You need to purchase entry tickets to visit Werribee Zoo. You can buy tickets at the counter, but it is safe to buy tickets online to avoid waiting in long lines. We also recommended opting for a guided tour pass to learn more about the zoo’s various animals and their habitats. If you’re planning to visit during the weekend, then having an entry ticket at hand is the best way to make the most of your tour.
Werribee Zoo & State Rose Garden
Must visit while you are in Melbourne
This time, when you visit Melbourne, you must book a Werribee Open Range Zoo Tour with Wildlife Tours Australia and experience the grassland wildlife. You will surely get a lifetime experience of grassland full of savanna-like African environment.
Travelers from the Punjab, Chandigarh, Jammu or Delhi regions, who have a few days (2 or 3 days) off work and would like to go to some hill areas can make McLeod Ganj in upper Dharamshala their travel destination. To continue with the location of this small town is located in the north-western region of Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Another major city in the Punjab state of India is ‘Jalandhar’, about 166 km from here. The distance from Chandigarh is 239 km. So a visitor travelling from Jalandhar with his/her vehicle would need about 4 hours. After Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur is the last Punjab district to touch with Himachal. The hills start from Hoshiarpur while you are entering the state of Himachal Pradesh. Gaggal Airport is the nearest airport, about 15 kilometres away from the region. Some areas with regular air flights are Jammu, which is 200 km, Amritsar, which is 210 km, and Chandigarh.
Explore the Scenic beauty all the way
Dharamshala is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Himalayas, as it is surrounded by snow-capped Dhauladhar ranges. I travel to this place quite regularly while I stay in Jalandhar. I know many prefer Dalhousie and Jammu or even Shimla, but I believe there are better options in Dharamshala. the entire drive is through Chintpurni, Kangra, and Hoshiarpur to reach Dharamshala. As seen in pictures, McLeod Ganj is also one of those amazing hilly terrains. The Himalayan alpha ranges of the Kangra Valley are located in this hemisphere. It is one of the most scenic valleys in the Himalayas. Another good alternative is scooting via Pathankot, which is also very nice to travel through.
Kangra Fort: An icon of the historical past
While reaching Kangra by road, you can see ‘Remains of Kangra Fort‘ on your left side. Bhuma Chand built this fort. It is located at strategic heights surrounded by Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers. We can judge the importance of this fort from the common saying that ‘Kangra belongs to those who conquer Kangra Fort‘. Raja of Kashmir made the first attack on this fort in 470 AD. After that, there is a long list of those who made this fort their target. In the second half of the 18th century, following the decline of the Mughal empire, Raja Sansar Chand II recovered the ancient fort of his ancestors in 1789 but in 1809, he was compelled by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab to surrender this fort to him.
It remained in the hands of Sikhs till 1886 when it fell into the hands of British Rule. Kangra Fort is an attraction for tourists. There are two temples inside the fort. One is the Laxmi Narayan temple, and the other is the Adinath temple. Interestingly, this fort is the largest in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India. At present, the fort is under the control of the ‘Archaeological Survey of India. It was badly damaged in the 1905 earthquake.
Remains of Kangra Fort. This fort is the oldest recorded fort in India and the largest in the Himalayas. It has the unique distinction of being ruled by great Hindu Kings, Muslim Invaders, Sikh Maharaja, and Christian Rulers of the British empire.Photo clicked inside the Fort. Photo credit: Rajni Singh
McleodGanj-Land of Monasteries
Also referred to as Little Lhasa, McLeod Ganj is well known worldwide for its scenic beauty and as well for the residence of the Dalai Lama. McLeod Ganj was also known as a ghost town after the British left India in 1947, till it came into prominence after the Tibetan spiritual leader and Noble Peace Prize winner, Dalai Lama settled here with thousands of his followers in 1959.
As Dharamshala became the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in exile, headed by the Dalai Lama, it gained prominence worldwide, and prominent personalities started arriving here. McLeod Ganj emerged as a major Buddhist center. During the last three decades, The Tibetans have built many religious, cultural, and educational institutions in and around McLeod Ganj. Several monasteries and Tibetan schools came up at McLeod Ganj. With all this mix, McLeod Ganj presents a multicultural face. It has now become a sort of hippie town, with visitors and travelers from all walks of life heading to this hill station.
Tourists come from different nations and cultures. International tourists equally affect businesses. Today, this place has become an important tourist destination, with many hotels, restaurants, shops, and cafes leading to growth in tourism and commerce. Several shops are selling Tibetan art and literature stuff. McLeod Ganj is also a shopping hub. It is an excellent place to shop for a few things like shawls, woolen dresses, ornaments, statues, and unique paintings. Tibetan art and craft items are also there to shop.
Yoga and Reiki classes are also available where you can learn to relax your mind and soul. There are many Yoga learning centers and Spa Therapies that offer meditation and peace centers. These centers are some of the popular McLeodGanj tourist attractions for those who seek peace and relaxation of the soul. Relaxing Spa therapies are one of the refreshing things to do around McLeodGanj.
Tibetan Temple in McLeod GanjAnother view of the Temple at McLeod Ganj
Tsuglag Khang or Dalai Lama Temple
Tsuglag Khang or Dalai Lama’s temple is important to visit while you are in McLeod Ganj. It is the biggest Buddhist temple outside Tibet and is located opposite the Dalai Lama’s residence. The temple is magnificent from the inside, and you rotate the prayer wheels in a monastery. The temple has statues of the bodhisattvas Shakyamuni, Avalokitesvara, and Padmasambhava. The temple is visible from a distance, covered with multi-colored prayer flags. Depending upon the time of your visit and chance, you may meet the Dalai Lama as he often comes out to be with his devotees and followers.
The Golden Buddha at the Tsuglagkhang
Take a short hike to Bhagsu Waterfalls
Bhagsunag Temple is situated around 2 km from McLeod Ganj. You may choose to go there by your vehicle or even on walking. Walking would be a better option if you want to feel a cool climate on the way. Very next to Bhagsunag temple is a waterfall, one of the major tourist attraction spots in Dharamshala, Bhagsu waterfall is an ideal recreation and picnic spot. You can sit near the water stream and enjoy natural surroundings full of amazing views. You can also take a dip in the chilly water of fall.
Waterfall at Bhagshu
McLeod Ganj is a great eating place, and the town has an abundance of restaurants, especially in the mid to upper range, that cater to tourists. You can have various dishes ranging from the local Tibetan to Chinese, Korean, Israeli, and many more. The must-try is the momos available in and around the restaurants, even in tiny carts and stalls. A few years back, during our visit to this place, we stayed in Hotel Jungle Hut on Bhagsu Road. It was a perfect hotel with good accommodations. Recently I stayed at Hotel King Castle, it was a small hotel with a homely stay. While you are in this beautiful place and you want to see all the attractions, it’s advisable to hire a local guide and even a taxi, this will save you time and avoid traffic.
Cafés and Relaxation
Bhagsu also boasts a few laid-back cafes where you can enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee while soaking in the breathtaking views. These spots offer a great atmosphere to connect with fellow travellers and share stories about your adventures throughout the region. The local dish, bhagsu cake, is a must-try for its unique flavour and flaky texture, providing the perfect accompaniment to your drink.
View from my stay at Hotel King Castle
Shopping for Local Crafts and other items
There is a beautiful market where you can spend time if you love shopping. Although people visit McLeod Ganj as an escape from the busy life of big cities, still shopping may attract you. Local Tibetan handicrafts and other decorative things can be the best bargain to make your trip a memory for many years. A few items like singing bowls, beautiful silk and satin wall hangings, carved boxes, Buddha statues, jewellery items, beautiful gems, and fabric paintings are available. Yes, the price of things is a matter of concern. You must know the art of bargain. There is an abundance of items that you will love to buy.
Most of these are handmade local creations that incorporate the unique styles and designs of Tibetan and Buddhist cultures. The shopping experience in McLeod Ganj is worth remembering, provided you know how to bargain
Church of St John in Wilderness
Church of St John is another must-visit place while you are in McLeod Ganj. Being there, you really enjoy green nature. You will feel a beautiful blend of forest, mountains, and snow in winter, and the magic of the sun’s rays filtering through tall and green deodar trees in summer.
Side View of St John Church, McLeod GanjAnother View of St John Church
The excellent St. John Church McLeod Ganj holds a rich history. They constructed the church using Gothic Stone, in memory of John the Baptist. The churchyard is the last resting place of Lord Elgin, who served as the Governor-General and Viceroy of India in 1861 during the British period. The church is also famous for its Belgian stained-glass windows donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin.
Naddi- A tiny village near the sky
‘Naddi’ is another scenic picnic spot located 5 km northwest of McLeod Ganj. It offers a spectacular view of Kangra Valley. You can trek to Kareri Lake, Triund, and Guna Devi from here. It’s a top-rated destination for nature lovers. Triund is a nice trekking spot in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, and it is around 9 km from Mcleodganj. The route to Triund from Mcleodganj goes through Dharamkot and Galu temple. The road is motorable up to Galu temple from Mcleodganj. Beyond Galu temple, the actual trek path to Triund starts. The trek route is very rocky, and one needs to be careful when walking.
View of Village Naddi. Here the majesty of the mountains was awe-inspiring.Naddi View
The entire way up to Triund passes through a forest trail and is full of natural beauty. View of mountain peaks and forests has many things to create long-lasting impressions on your mind and soul. Triund is a beautiful mountain ridge portraying astonishing views of the snow-clad Dhauladhar Mountains in Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh.
Must explore another Dal Lake
If you are going toward Naddi, just at a distance of 2 Km from McLeod Ganj, there is an oval-shaped lake called Dal Lake. Although it is not big like the one in Srinagar, is also located beautifully and engulfed by deodar trees. There is also a Shiva shrine nearby. You can enjoy sitting there and if you like boating is also available. You can also enjoy fishing with the permission of concerned authorities. We should avoid swimming because of the possibility of snakes in the lake water.
This lake attracts tourists from all over the world because of its serenity and beautiful panoramic view. In September every year, tribal people living there celebrate a festival, so if you go around that time, you may take part in their activities. If you are staying in nearby hotels, this place is good for an early morning walk and also for spending some time relaxing in the woods near the lake.
The tribal people living in the surrounding regions of Dal Lake come to celebrate the most awaited festival in September, where several food stalls and other attractions are set up.
The roadway from Jalandhar to McLeod Ganj via Pathankot
McLeod Ganj is undoubtedly a beautiful place with natural beauty. It has everything to make your trip really memorable and wonderful. You will certainly love to be there again and again. I like this place so much that I have been there so many times. If still wondering what else lies hidden in the Himalayas around McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala, the only way out is to plan your trip at soon as possible. The other best destination you must plan to visit is Dalhousie & Khajjiar in the Chamba District of Himachal. Another beautiful place near McLeod Ganj is a beautiful and calm village, called Dharamkot. Here read more on this Place. Dharamkot, A hippie village near McLeod Ganj.
History is not only a subject full of kings, queens, fights, conspiracies, and power-capturing strategies. It also has many other things than dry tales and discussions. Love, emotions, and sacrifices also remained an important part of pages of the past. All kings are not behind power politics; few set their priorities in their own way. They left the crown for their love, their passion as well other values. The love tale of Prince Edward and Mrs. Wallis Simpson is a perfect example to say that love and passions can really drive the lives of a few, and those few make life really beautiful and more liveable and meaningful.
When Prince Edward fell in love with Wallis, she was not only already married but also divorced. Prince himself was also involved with other women. Mrs Simpson entered his life, but being American was a big hurdle in their love story, as Americans were not highly regarded in British. Their relation grew up into a deep friendship, and then it crossed all limits to be a ‘perfect love story. Nobody in the Royal family liked this relation. The passion in relation was so intense that it sparked a constitutional crisis. Despite all this, King was happy to give up the British throne, and ultimately, Edward VIII renounced his throne in December 1936 with his brother Albert crowned King George VI.
Following his abdication, the pair married a year on, and remained in union for 35 years until Edward’s death in May 1972.
The first meeting of Edward & Mrs. Simpson
King Edward was a good-looking person with blonde hair and blue eyes, a boyish look on his face. He maintained this look throughout his life. Yet Prince Edward preferred married women. Because of his appealing personality, many women got attracted. Before meeting Mrs Wallis Simpson, he was having relations with different ladies. One of those was lady Furness, who hosted a party on 10 January 1931, where she invited both Prince Edward and Mrs Simpson and her husband, Ernest Simpson. It was the first meeting between Prince and Mrs Simpson. No doubt it did not leave any powerful impression on Prince. Thereafter, they met on different occasions during the next few months. Very truly, it was not love at first sight for either of them. Edward continued his affair with Lady Furness, although he and Wallis met at various house parties.
Prince Edward’s style
Prince Edward’s other relations:
In 1918, Prince Edward met Mrs. Winifred (“Freda”), Dudley Ward. Although they were about the same age (23), Freda had been married for five years when they met. For 16 years, Freda was Prince Edward’s mistress.
Mrs. Simpson also remained a frequent guest to Prince Edward for the next two years. They came close to each other when Lady Furness was on a trip to the USA in January 1934. Thereafter other ladies, including Lady Furness, were cut out of Prince’s life. Freda Dudley Ward was also one who remained close to Prince until 1934 and the beginning of Prince’s relationship with Wallis Simpson. In January 1934, Thelma Furness made a trip to the United States, entrusting Prince Edward to the care of Wallis in her absence. Upon Thelma’s return, she found she was no longer welcome in Prince Edward’s life—even her phone calls were refused.
Mrs. Simpson & her earlier life
Simpson was born on June 19, 1896, in Pennsylvania but grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. She was a socialite who had been married twice when she met Edward at a party. Mrs Simpson was not only exquisite, but she also had a sense of style and posed in her personality. She was 35 when she met Edward at a house party hosted by Lady Thelma Furness.
When she grew into a young woman, she married Lieutenant Earl Winfield, a pilot for US Navy, in 1916. This marriage lasted until their divorce in December 1927. After a few months of divorce, she got married to Ernest Simpson in July 1928.
As said earlier, it was in the year 1934 that Prince and Wallis became closer. There was a reference to when Prince invited both Mrs. Wallis Simpson and her husband to cruise, but Ernest Simpson could not accompany his wife because of his business involvement. On this cruise, they crossed the limits of friendship and fell completely in love with each other.
The testing phase of their relationship
The relationship between Prince and Mrs. Simpson entered a testing phase when King George V, father of the prince, died in January 1936, and thereafter Prince became King Edward VIII. The New King was occupied with big state affairs responsibilities, but no one in the King’s circles welcomed his infatuation with Mrs. Simpson. Then-Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin believed people would not accept divorced women with two living ex-husbands as queen. In fact, this relation rocked Britain’s most prominent institutions – Parliament, the monarchy, and the Church of England – to their cores. But Edward was excited and wanted to make her Queen, but he couldn’t.
The Duke & Duchess of Windsor, Style Setters: at resorts in Miami, 1941.
King left his throne to be with the women he loved
The Church of England did not allow divorced people to remarry if their former spouses were still alive, and as King Edward was the head of the Church, so it was believed that he could not remain king and marry Wallis Simpson. Ultimately, he was left with simple options, either leave Simpson or abdicate Thorn. As he was very much committed to being with his love, King Edward finally left the thorn in December 1936.
In his famous abdication speech, he said, “I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility, and to discharge my duties as king as I would wish to do, without the help and support of the woman I love.” His brother, Prince Albert, who became George VI, acceded to the throne. Edward went off to marry Wallis in France and was rarely seen in Britain again.
It was certainly a significant decision where he proved that love is more important than anything in life. More interestingly, Edward abdicated the throne for her, even though she was still married to her second husband. Later on, she sued for divorce, and it was granted. Edward and Wallis got married on June 3, 1937, in a minimal ceremony.
Voluntary exile in Paris
After the abdication and marriage of Edward to Wallis, the Royal family shunned the couple. Their ‘wedding day was also the first day of the rest of their lives in permanent exile. Once Edward abdicated, he lost his title as King and was referred to immediately after Prince Edward. Given the titles of Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the couple lived in voluntary exile in Paris, where they were known for their elegant dinner parties. They continue to attend the galas, fashion shows, and dinner parties that had always been her natural environment. Publically, they were always looking elegant and well-dressed. Edward loved the 12,000-acre secluded estate near Tallahassee, where he was preoccupied with outdoor pursuits including hunting, picnics, and horse riding, which he enjoyed immensely. They were also sent to the Bahamas as Governor for a short period.
Edward & Mrs. Simpson in 1942
Edward passed away in May 1972, as his health fell down because of heavy smoking, Mrs. Wallis lived fourteen more years till her death in April 1986, at 89, when she was buried beside her Duke of Windsor. The couple had no child. They could never return to Britain unless Edward came to attend the funeral of King George VI in 1952 and again for his mother, Queen Mary, in 1953. Wallis didn’t accompany him to either funeral, but she could return for Edward’s funeral in 1972. With many difficulties, their love tale is really touching.
The Duchess and Duke of Windsor, 1946
Royal Family relation in later life
Although their marriage forced Edward into exile (which explained the move across the English Channel to Paris), Wallis was granted some acceptance from the royal family as the years went on. When Edward died, his funeral was held in England, and she stayed at Buckingham Palace for the event, according to Anne Sebba, the author of the book, That Women: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor
Eyes for each other: Wallis and Edward in more tender moments in Florida, 1956
Love ultimately proved
Love certainly is more than just going on dates holding hands and kissing. It’s about accepting each other’s weirdness and flaws. Sometimes people also say ‘Love is being stupid together. This love tale ended years ago it has many aspects to remember for ages to come. Their tale remained a hot topic for the entire world for the last more than a half-century. Few say it is the greatest love story, while others see it as the ultimate royal scandal. Still, their romance is certainly mired in controversy because, to be with the woman he loved, Britain’s king paid a truly extraordinary price – he gave up the British throne for his love.
A king left his throne to be with the woman he loved. Duke of Windsor has become a romanticized figure over his devotion to American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Few believe that this was the love story of the century, but for others, it was a scandal that threatened to weaken the monarchy.
While reading some notes from a book, it diverted my curiosity towards someone in 60s Bollywood names. I searched for further information, but there was nothing much available. Whatever I got is really a tragic tale of a beautiful lady who was certainly a wonderful personality in her time. She was Bollywood actress Vimmi. Born in Jalandhar, Punjab in 1943, she was the shining star of Bollywood in her time.
Vimmi: Amazing Beauty
How she became a star?
Vimmi dared to marry the son of an industrialist against the wishes of her parents. She was not an actress when she got married. She got stuck in the eyes of music director Ravi at some party in Calcutta because of her fascinating personality. With the initiative of Ravi, she, along with her husband Shiv Agrawal, was invited to Bombay, where Ravi introduced her to filmmaker B.R. Chopra, who launched her in the lead role in the film ‘Humraj’. The movie proved a success, and she became a star. Her parents, who regarded acting in films as a disreputable profession, cut off all ties with her and disowned her. They were not happy about joining her film industry. Same way Agarwal’s family too disapproved of Vimmi working in films, they also cut off all ties with them.
Kisi pathar ki murat se
Her enchanting beauty was so amazing and magical that famous lyrist Sahir was impressed to write the famous song ‘Kisi Patthar ki Murat se, Mohabbat ka irrada hai, praschit ki tamana hai, ibadat ka irrada hai..’ She did few more successful movies after Humraj. Patanga(1970), Vachpan(1974), Aabroo (1968), Kahin aar kahi paar (1971) are other movies of Vimmi. Although she became a star with her first movie, she has been more concerned with how she looked and what she wore than her acting.
With actor Raj Kumar
Family life of Vimmi
It was not all good in her life. When she moved to Bombay to become an actress, this decision was not acceptable to her in-law’s family, and they disowned her for this step. Good and bad things were moving along in the life of this dream lady. Her relationship with her husband was not running smoothly. He uses to interfere in her career, which producers did not like. Financial problems are further added to make relations tougher. Ultimately, they got separated, and her husband returned to his family.
Soon after the success of Humraaj, her next big project, Aabroo, was released in 1968. This film, however, was unsuccessful at the box office. Even veteran actors like Ashok Kumar and Nirupa Roy, who were also part of the film, couldn’t do much to save it. Patanga, her 1971 film with Shashi Kapoor, also failed to strike a chord with the audience. Thus, after successive flop films, she went into oblivion. B R Chopra never repeated her in his upcoming films. The one silver lining for Vimi was the Punjabi devotional film, Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai (1969). The film was very successful and celebrated a silver jubilee. But it did not set again her career.
She was left alone, and fate was not on her side. Vimmi started living with Jolly, a dubious filmmaker. She did not have any work. In such a miserable situation, she found solace in alcohol. She did not have any money. Alcohol, particularly cheap alcohol, killed her ultimately in the year 1977.
Vimmi with Sunil Dutt
Tears of the mystic rose
Here I want to share the book’s relevancy that I was reading, which attracted me to the life of this exceptional lady. The Book titled ‘Tears of the Mystic Rose’ written by Swami Rajneesh is a sort of life sketch of the writer. Rajneesh is a disciple of ‘Osho Rajneesh’ and the son of the same Bollywood actress Vimmi and her industrialist husband, Shiv Agrawal. There are few references in his book where he is narrating his childhood memories. In the book, he has admitted his disliking towards his father because of his arrogant nature. In contrast, he described his mother as beautiful, kind, humble, sensitive, radiant, and full of compassion toward all those who met her. He further writes that she was from an elementary and honest family. Her parents were simple school teachers.
He also narrates the days when the matter of separation was in process. As he was always supporting his mother, his father did not like him. When he was on winter vacation from his boarding school in Darjiling, he saw his father having alcohol and making sexual advances with film actresses every night. One such night there was a fight between them, and the son left the house and never returned.
One morning in November 1977
As the book described, ‘One morning in November 1977, I woke up to see the newspapers announced the untimely death of my mother and under mysterious circumstances. No one was with her at the hospital at the time of her death, and it prevented my father and that side of the family from seeing her due to a court order. Unfortunately, her body was taken for cremation with none of us present such a tragic story… that a famous movie star was cremated with very few people present for the last rites.’
Nothing much is available on this lady who was gifted with ultimate beauty and worst fate. Her end was harrowing. She died broken-hearted and penniless, unloved, uncared. A few friends and well-wishers arranged her cremation. No family member was present at her cremation. They reported the cause of her death to be heavy drinking. She was still in her mid-thirties when she bid adieu to the world. Source References: Wikipedia, Tears of the Mystic Rose
