Sana Sana Hath Jodi (Madhu Kankariya)

Sana Sana Hath Jodi is a mesmerizing travelogue written by Madhu Kankariya, documenting her journey to Gangtok and further up to the Himalayas in Sikkim. The title is a Nepali prayer meaning 'I fold my small hands and pray that all my good deeds be dedicated to others'. The chapter is not just a description of scenic beauty but a sensitive observation of the lives of the people who inhabit these tough terrains. As the author travels to Yumthang Valley and Katao, she is struck by the contrast between the 'heavenly beauty' of the snow-capped mountains and the 'hellish hardships' of the local laborers.She vividly describes seeing Pahari women breaking stones to build roads, with children tied to their backs, highlighting the stark reality of development. The travelogue also touches upon environmental issues, noting the receding snow lines due to pollution and global warming. The narrative takes a spiritual turn as she witnesses the prayer wheels and learns about the local beliefs, realizing that the search for peace is universal. This chapter teaches students to travel with empathy, urging them to respect nature and acknowledge the hard work of the locals that makes tourism possible.