Between Shorelines and Clouds (Notes from a Journey, June 2018)

Between Shorelines and Clouds

(Notes from a Journey, June 2018)

This travelogue is a record of a brief journey that unfolded across diverse landscapes, cities, and skies, while also opening up inner spaces for reflection. It does not aim to guide or instruct, but to observe—how nature, history, infrastructure, science, and human presence quietly converse with a receptive mind.

On June 9^th and 10^th, I visited Daman and Mumbai with my EE Nilabh ji; some of my experiences have already been written about earlier. Here, I want to recall 10th June, the day of returning to Delhi.

On the night of 9^th June, Nilabh and I stayed at Hotel Jajira, Moti Daman. Breakfast was taken at the hotel around 10:40 AM; meanwhile, Steelcase’s Santosh Kumar had also arrived. Earlier in the morning, we took a beach walk. The sea appeared to move steadily toward the shore. By night, it retreats with the tide; by morning, it seems to expand again.

It was an ecstatic morning at the ocean, with heavy clouds covering the sky. In Mumbai, the monsoon had already begun, and Daman is not far from it. The sun kept peeping through the clouds, playing a continuous game of hide-and-seek. I felt quite in heaven; my sense of vastness expanded—something that often happens in the presence of colossi like the sea.

In the roar of the sea, I tried to sing from my heart whatever came to mind:

देखते रहो, समुद्र को तुम, इतना विशाल देखते रहो
समुद्र किनारे बीच पर कल शाम दूर तक पत्थरों को देखते रहो I
कुछ देर तो आत्मसात होऊँ, पर समुद्र की दहाड़ में मेरी आवाज़ गुम हो जाती
मेरे राम, मुझको भी बना दो कुछ तो महान
कर दो मेरे मन को विभोर, मैं तो बहुत अदना सा हूँ तेरी विशालता के समक्ष I

(Keep watching the ocean, witness its vastness endlessly.
Along the shore, watch the stones scattered far and wide.
For a while, I try to merge, but my voice is lost in the ocean’s roar.
O Lord, make me something great too;
Fill my heart with awe, for I am so small before your immensity.)

Lofty thoughts emerged naturally. I dipped my feet in the seawater, picked up snails & shells, admiring their beauty. The stone beach was rugged & difficult to tread; in pockets, clear water collected. I picked some water and drenched my head & body, trying to feel that vastness more fully.

I experienced this vastness within me, too. My parents’ ashes had once met this ocean through the Ganga. My forefathers, too, had merged with this immensity. I felt myself a tiny part of cosmic vastness. I breathed air that had travelled far distances, my hair waving in happiness. I went a little deeper, but the sea retracted & then rushed again toward the shore.

Nilabh came closer. We spoke about the sea, water, snails, rocks, and human littleness. I recorded the live movement of snails in clear water—creatures complete in themselves. Their upper shells were rugged, almost like pieces of stone. Dead shell deposits lay scattered on the rocks, though I could not gauge their ages.

Two young women in their late twenties stood nearby, with a little girl of five or six. The child hesitated near the water, while the elders appreciated the beauty more freely. I guessed one was her mother and the other a maternal aunt. I spoke gently with the little girl, trying to add some warmth to the atmosphere.

I took photographs of the clouds over the sea, some selfies too. Today, when I look at them, I can return to those moments. Mobile cameras are handy tools; they allow us to preserve fleeting experiences. I had taken some snail shells to the hotel, but found one still alive & moving. I returned it to the sea—it felt right. Saving one life is good, though ultimately, all have to perish.

After writing a little in my diary, we had breakfast. I wore a red-blue-white chequered shirt, and we left Hotel Jajira for the next journey and proceeded to Daman Fort. Coconut trees lined the road. The city is developing, populated mainly by Gujaratis and some original inhabitants. Earlier, under Portuguese rule, Daman became part of India in 1961.

Crossing the Daman Ganga bridge, we reached the fort with its thick defensive walls.  The Portuguese had built the fort to defend against Mughal incursions. Nowadays, it houses the office of the Commissioner, Daman Administration, under India’s Union Territory governance.

We then reached the ferry point. Along with Santosh and driver Robin, we took a 15-minute boat ride in a kerosene-powered boat—an ecstatic experience. Baskets hanging in the water were explained as fish traps. The Daman Ganga River separates Moti Daman from Nani Daman; the city lies about 23 km from NH-8.

The merging of river & sea always amazes me. Backwaters intrude far inland before slowly mixing. Sea water is saline, river water fresh—Amitav Ghosh has beautifully described this phenomenon observed in Sundarbans at the confluence of Hooghly & Brahmaputra rivers with the Bay of Bengal in his famous novel ‘The Hungry Tide’.

From there, we travelled roughly 200 km to Mumbai by taxi. Greenery spread across the landscape. The mango season was at its peak. Daman & Silvassa are famous for delicious Alphonso mangoes.  We stopped at roadside stalls on the way, with orchards visible behind, bearing fruit of great value, and tasted & bought some mangoes.

In the way, we stopped at Lonavala Chikki, near Anam Restaurant, where we had eaten the previous day. Around 4:00 PM, we halted at Delhi Darbar Inn, Manor—grand in appearance, elegant in ambience, though the food was average.

Approaching Mumbai, high-rise buildings dominated the skyline. Each visit reveals further development. Roads are narrow due to land constraints; metro lines pass overhead. Numerous overbridges ease congestion. Dharavi’s slum cluster appeared dense with humanity. From afar, the towers looked like stacked matchboxes. Coastal humidity accelerates corrosion; the painting & anti-corrosive coating industry thrives here. Steel reinforcement requires protection, yet maintenance costs remain high.

Entering Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, the approach itself felt scenic—palm trees, hedges, and a well-maintained median lining the road. Hoardings & nearby hotels like Marriott marked the area clearly. Our driver Robin, a Nepali married to a local Christian woman, had been working with Steelcase’s Bhuttas for years.

The airport interior appeared grand & thoughtfully designed. Large columns widened gracefully toward the ceiling, carrying intricate artwork. The sense of investment & care was visible everywhere—floors, railings, lighting, and spatial planning.

We descended via escalators to a lower level, where greenery lined the sides. Small potted plants placed in structured stands resembled a green wall. Similar attempts at integrating greenery can be seen in Delhi as well, especially near the Yamuna bridge at Sarai Kale Khan.

On the lower floor, different ceiling patterns appeared—petal-like forms with lights embedded between them. A gallery of antique wooden, stone, and metal doors stood on display, along with artifacts & artworks. Standing there, I felt minuscule before the human genius that had imagined & built such spaces, filled with quiet amusement & gratitude.

We waited to board Air India 660, Airbus A320, seat 16B, Gate 42B, Terminal T2. The flight, originally at 6:00 PM, departed at 7:00 PM. As we lifted, I saw vast slum clusters below—perhaps Dharavi—each life deserving dignity.

Above the clouds, the sun shone pale yellow. To the west, it glowed; to the east, darkness gathered. Colours shifted—pale, dark, yellow, white. From this height, the concept of time felt relative. Moving westward delays sunset; moving east hastens it—relative motion at play, as described by Stephen Hawking in The Grand Design. The sun appears to move, though it is Earth that rotates.

We flew at about 9–10 km above Earth. Below, clouds resembled a sea; above, sunlight streamed through the window. Gradually, the sun disappeared from view. At around 8:30 PM, only a yellow streak remained on the horizon. Lightning flickered within clouds—caused by electrical charge separation—illuminating the sky.

Dinner was served, though I ate little. We landed in Delhi around 9:00 PM. Nilabh dropped me at Dwarka. I shared the experience with family, feeling contentment. 

Journeys are great teachers; we must be good students to learn from them. Journeys are great teachers; we need patience to learn what they offer.

 

Pawan Kumar,

Brahmpur (Odisha), 21st January, 2026, Tuesday, Time 9.29 A.M.

(From my Diary, dated 22 & 24 July 2018, Sunday & Tuesday) 

On Becoming a Writer

 On Becoming a Writer

This diary entry captures a writer at the threshold—questioning discipline, originality, purpose, and endurance. It does not offer conclusions, only an honest account of early resolve. The piece stands as a record of process, where ambition meets awareness and patience begins.

 

What is this writing business? People write 10 hours daily without holidays.
From where do they bring material, as writing is not an easy game?

If it is copy and paste, then compiling words feels easy.
But that is not yours; you roam elsewhere, losing convictions.
Some produced tremendous works within small human lifespans.
How did they do it, how reach the top coterie?

Intent alone is insufficient to lift pen and diary daily.
Unless inner forces push gently, nothing original comes out.
Professional writers are not driven only by excitement.
Writing becomes a livelihood; otherwise, what else sustains them?

Casual writing happens intermittently, without any serious purpose.
No big theme exists; whatever comes gets written.
Works remain small; spurts never build lasting networks.
Yet writing appeared early in antiquity, quietly surviving centuries.

See newspapers, magazines, and journalists of every kind.
They are trained, disciplined, words treated with sanctity.
Data compiled, interpreted, and offered to a wider readership.
Over time, such effort becomes personal intellectual assets.

Some authors publish yearly, chasing bestsellers & recognition.
Some sell millions, and piracy is followed by free eaters.
Ideas spread, readers get attracted, and influence grows.
But whether they’re thinkers or sellers remains another question.

What is the priority, becoming visible or becoming thoughtful?
Unless you present yourself, how will people know you?
Do you want publication or development into a thinker?
Life returns what you seek; firm your mind early.

Hard work cannot be skipped while expecting benefits.
Life remains input-output; churn more, more cream appears.
Milk has limits, but the mind holds endless possibilities.
The human mind grows beyond consumption & visible ends.

Yet even an empty mind requires nourishment and patience.
Life satiates only after conscious internal processing.
Quality depends on how seconds and minutes are lived.
Drudgery fades when time is spent honestly with oneself.

Some inner urge persuades reaching ecstasy through writing.
How to trim body and soul amid distractions?
Keep Colossus in mind, and store ideas quietly.
Results demand discipline, not miraculous supercomputer skills.

How much is my world, home, office, or digital friends?
Colleagues, relatives, family, and circles overlap daily.
Does my life benefit others meaningfully or superficially?
Do I show form outside, lacking inner honesty?

How deeply do I observe the world around me?
Is my thinking original or a borrowed copy-paste?
Who takes my thoughts seriously, and how far do they travel?
Will even one idea travel like Buddha’s teachings?

If you want to write, why not commit professionally?
Create office-like discipline, write and edit as work.
Plan themes, publish slowly, print books patiently.
Approach mentors, ask how writers truly grow.

Motivate readers gently, let them discover your work.
Hard work matters more than goodness or empathy.
Be serious in life’s games and not impulsive.
Design goals, work daily, accept uneven outcomes.

Be an achiever, not just a thinker waiting endlessly.
Days pass, nights pass, conditions often remain unchanged.
World values visible transformation, not internal intention.
Performance earns respect; everything fades quietly.

Daily writing builds platforms; don’t settle easily.
Toil reshapes self; comfort weakens discipline.
Untuned minds produce noise, not a meaningful signal.
Aim larger; consciousness guides all creative business.

Yet some days writing teaches patience, not brilliance.
Some days nothing appears, but effort still counts.
Becoming takes longer than ambition comfortably allows.
Practice remains faithful when praise disappears.

Use spare time cautiously for higher purposes.
Present writing is a seed, develop it patiently.
Spread the word, you write something thoughtful, unusual.
Interaction grows; mind and personality expand.

Is it selfishness, a challenge, or a higher purpose calling?
Great people die, too, yet traces remain.
Names fade, but thoughts survive discussion.
Legacy lives quietly through written memory.

Originality appears when the self speaks effortlessly.
Not wearing others’ shoes, writing flows naturally.
Consistency builds the beginnings of authentic work.
Documentation may turn fragments into remembered writings.

Why think one or two hours suffice for writing?
Absorption defines success in every demanding field.
Incessant effort without fatigue creates mastery.
Practice breeds proficiency; effort remains unavoidable.

The world notices unusual contributors who give generously.
The goal is not selling oneself, but enriching others.
How to elevate minds, create shared trance?
Writer & reader rise together through substance.

Who is my audience, and how do I grow them?
Send writing to retired minds, thoughtful judges.
Let them critique freely, guide improvement.
Life fulfils itself through shared contribution.

Let the world know one PK is sincerely trying.
Not idle, but consciously engaged each moment.
Success follows seriousness, not loud ambition.
Writing becomes life, not a weekend hobby.

When you are a writer, you see writing everywhere.
Loss and profit appear daily; don’t fear setbacks.
Check priorities daily, adjust direction honestly.
Life becomes unusual when inner truth guides actions.

Make steps to reach readers thoughtfully.
Fulfilment follows self-enrichment naturally.
Publish patiently, approach the right people steadily.
Build spaces where readers gather meaningfully.

Notify readers regularly, but care for them daily.
Readers are assets; relationships sustain writing journeys.

 

This feels like a beginning, not any arrival point.
The road ahead is long & demanding daily presence.
I may falter, repeat, and question myself often.
This will take time, effort & patience—and I am willing.

Still, I choose the discipline of continuing.

 

Pawan Kumar,

Brahmpur (Odisha), 17^th January, 2026, Saturday, Time 11.11 A.M.

(From My Diary, dated 25 March, 2016, Friday, 8:25 A.M.)

In the Midst of Work and the World

 In the Midst of Work and the World

This reflection arises from lived experiences within work & society over time. It is not an indictment of individuals, but an examination of shared human tendencies. The intent is introspection rather than accusation—strengthening ourselves so society may rise with us.

Human beings often feel perturbed when things deviate from their desired direction.
All seniors or juniors must align many factors; else deviations turn unfavourable.

 

Responsibilities demand timely action, clarity, and decisions from all concerned.
Yet we may remain complacent, unsure how to shoulder real workloads.
Limited knowledge or experience often prevents handling entrusted responsibilities.
Self-interest delays decisions, though such gains rarely materialise meaningfully.

 

We in responsible positions are paid to act, yet fall short often.
Targets stay unclear when timelines are never sincerely pursued.
Excuses shift delays onto others, helping us avoid ownership completely.
Even with guidance and support, movement stalls, yet benefits are expected.

 

The world grows difficult with unattended concerns, prolonging shared suffering.
Tasks finishable quickly linger for months, severely harming collective progress.
Why does meaningful work begin only after excessive pressure is applied?
A sensible approach reads situations rightly; life remains vast yet manageable.

 

Work occupies much of life; our devotion must remain wholehearted & sincere.
Giving one’s best benefits both the world and the individual equally.
Correcting actions to expected levels makes anyone heroic in the eyes of others.
Diligence and alignment matter; idling remains deeply inimical to growth.

 

Silence before atrocities allows suffering to spread among innocents.
Fear & apathy strengthen vandalism; courage & responsibility must prevail.
We must show moral courage, not wait until our own homes burn.
Collective duty includes neighbourhood peace & active community support.

 

Across nations, myth-orientation increases, blurring stories with absolute truths.
Educated minds know these are gospels, yet conditioning alters belief.
Ancient narratives, created long ago, still hold masses in delirium.
Literature of war, deception, and divisive politics overtakes noble thinking.

 

Self-proclaimed elites once ensured benefits flowed mainly to their groups.
Self-empathy feels natural, yet upliftment must compassionately reach all.
When we counsel only ourselves, darkness extends across generations.
Wisdom is not exclusive; equity emerges when all are valued.

 

Differentiating literature is often justified as pious, ancient, & beneficial.
Yet we may ignore its tenets, using it to appear superior.
Right conditioning, penance, education, & training elevate life meaningfully.
Everyone deserves equal rights to learn, refine, and rise.

 

Community upliftment requires both personal effort & administrative support.
Dialogue on improving public living must remain sincere and sustained.
Political competition often aligns sections for power, not real progress.
Still, respected individuals can guide society with steadiness & honesty.

 

We must serve communities with fewer resources through thoughtful planning.
Representation in legislatures voices long-ignored and genuine concerns.
Governments must align to cure deep-rooted ills affecting the weaker sections.
Corrective measures expand dignity and opportunity for marginalised lives.

 

Writing must strengthen people with confidence, resilience, & rooted clarity.
Awareness of broader benefits helps modify habits across spheres.
Cure remains internal and external; both realms need attention.
Strengthening ourselves leads toward social & economic respectability.

 

Humanity deserves benign, equitable, & just frameworks for coexistence.
Divisive gospels must not dictate relations or cloud intelligence.
When intelligence flourishes equally, mutual respect becomes natural.
Inspiration from leaders across sections stabilises societies effectively.

 

Responsibility sometimes demands attachment to larger, grander roles.
Courage is needed to bear such tasks with maturity.
Equitable spaces emerge when mutual strengths are honestly recognised.
Educated, employed, & caring youth can uplift society alongside themselves.

 

Anger, pain, frustration, and failure visit us all occasionally.
We act under pressures and dilemmas; empathy must remain mutual.
Efficient solutions arise when we proactively rise and contribute.
The path is demanding, yet workable with clarity and sincerity.

 

Creation feels tedious, repetitive, energy-intensive, testing patience deeply.
Outward insincerity may conceal inner fears or uncertainties.
Leadership requires easing difficulties and showing clear directions.
Trust grows when pathways stay visible, and expectations are understood.

 

Life demands boldness; stereotypes must break for humanity’s upliftment.
Society must be sensitized to universal advantage, especially the weaker sections.
Upliftment remains a universal duty, though empathy focuses where needed.
Progress depends on expanding intelligence, awareness, & opportunity for all.

 

Small shifts in intent can begin transformations larger than we imagine.
Consistent effort, however modest, slowly reshapes habits and horizons.
When we choose awareness over indifference, progress becomes possible.
Hope endures wherever shared responsibility is carried with sincerity.

---

 

Pawan Kumar,
Brahmpur (Odisha), 3rd January, 2026, Saturday, 12.36 AM (Midnight)

From my Brahmpur (Odisha) Diary, 27 January 2025, Monday, 7.45 A.M.