Lakshmi in Vaishno

Vaishno Devi is perhaps one of the most well known pilgrimage centers in India. Many people visit this place in the state of J&K every year. 

I went there as a tourist and explorer and less so for any religious sentiment. In fact since i am a Sikh, many people from my faith might get offended if i suggest that i had any religious inclinations.

I enjoyed the foggy weather, the cold breeze, and the trek to the shrine. What i also enjoyed was the presence of an active (relatively speaking) economy in that remote place. There were a number of opportunities for locals and others to earn money (lakshmi) for their living.

As soon as you begin the trek (or even before) there are small shops/kiosks selling prasad (offerings), head covers, sticks to help you walk comfortably, water, raincoats, and Gulshan Kumar's bhajans. 

Then you have the mules/horses/porters that help the infirm or the time-constrained to cover the trip easily. (* I was slightly disturbed to see some visitors being carried in carriages lifted by four men on their shoulders. On a steep terrain it is a very difficult task.) 

For the ultra busy, or for those looking to experience something new, helicopter services have also been launched. Pawan Hans and Deccan provide these services on all days except when it is foggy.

Interestingly the markets are captured not just by the small business but also by big chains. I was amazed to see numerous Nescafe kiosks (Nestle) doing brisk business. A popular vendor was selling ice-creams as well. On the half-way stop a Cafe Coffee Day (see picture) store was competing with the local jalebi-samosa sellers.

Mobile phones were ubiquitous and the networks were fair enough. The horse masters were using their phones to listen to music while carrying out the extremely boring and mundane task of ferrying passengers on the same route day-in day-out.

I got to visit the shrine in the night. Visit would be an exaggeration. I got a glimpse (you are shoved in and shoved out of the holy caves) of the shrine and what struck me was that it was a shrine not just of Vaishno Devi but also of Lakshmi. 

And i found this reality interesting. Lakshmi is present in the Vaishno Devi Shrine and she is present literally with the natives of the remote hills. The shrine is the main source of income for these natives who find it difficult to get employment in a state badly hurt by insurgency. 

True that pilgrims have sustained this area for long, but the level of activity there today is much higher. It is good to see the micro-elements of a to be super-power trickling to the remote regions.

I also wonder if shrines can be opened up in all the remote places in India!!!!

Isaac's growth story

His father was a truck driver. He didn't want to study much.
The car on the right (Blue Indica) is his. He also owns a Force van which is out on a trip to Jaipur.
He owns a plot which is appreciating these days.
He likes to support an orphan whose husband doesn't give her sufficient money for household chores.

On my trip to Aurangabad in January 2010 I met Isaac (the guy in white Kurta above). He was my cabbie for two days and took me to ajanta and ellora caves.

He has driven an auto, a taxi, and a bus. And he has spent some time driving others' vehicles but now drives his car only. And he makes it a point not to go on very long trips because these can be tiring. He has also stopped driving during Ramzan because fasting and driving can be very demanding.

He worked hard to buy his own vehicles but because of meddling into securities lost his entire savings. He thought he would then take a job but his living standards required a better income. He doesn't drink or gamble, but he loves non-vegetarian food. Eating dry fruits is a must for him. So he took a loan from one of his brothers who had studied sincerely and holds a government post.

With the borrowed money he again bought a second hand vehicle, and worked extra hours to reach the pre-fall status.

That Aurangabad is a tourist destination helps him, but his vehicles travel across India. I asked him how does he survive with the high food prices, and increasing number of taxis around. He said "dhandha bhi to barha hai" (business has also grown.)

And it is true. People are travelling more than ever. Tourism is growing. And this is because the economy is doing well. People have money over and above what is needed for food, clothing, and shelter.

This is a downward flow of money. Not necessarily to the most educated and the most skilled person.