Mount Abu The rock and Roll Fete

Muncipality Chairman Jalam Jiri

The Hostel association Mount Abu today hosted a fete for the students. It was the first ever fate organized by the association. I was there on the ground by 10.30 am as the scheduled time was 11.00 am. The fate of the fete seemed doomed by the low key activities I witnessed till 12.00pm. The stalls were still being organized; there was an air of apprehension, would the Abu schools support our efforts by sending their student to make the fete a success.
The roller coaster influx of the students caught the organizers off guard, the steady stream of students descended like the tsunami with a vengeance. Sophia High School my hats off to the sister for bringing the entire girls school to the venue. The gaiety, the rocking music from the disco stall held the student enthralled, neither the heat nor the dust had any dampening effect on the merrymaking crowds. The so called elite of the students St.Mary’s High school weren’t to be seen anywhere on the premises I really wonder, why were they grounded? I’m sure the boys if they had landed would have had a ball of a time.
Municipality chairman Jalam Giri was the chief guest , he on seeing the crowd was impressed while shaking my hand he commented , “It’s a wonderful and thoughtful way your organization have streamed your efforts to give the students of this hill station such a grand time, keep up the good work. The fete was a hit the students, the organizers and the team of devoted helpers all left the venue with a smiling faces. I’m sure the students will look forward to another fate next year.

My brother-in-law and self

The crowd of students at the fete

Mount Abu Our Precious Kingdom

The Rajasthan Government's Vision for Mount Abu: Opening the Doors to Progress

A significant knock rang through the progress doors, marking a positive turn in Rajasthan's destiny. On April 17, 2008, Principal Minister Vasundhara Raje was the honoured principal guest at the conclusion ceremony of the Maharao Sirohi Pole Match. Following her arrival, the area seemed to be blessed with heavenly favour, ushering in a new era of partnership. The Rajasthan government extended its support to different sectors by bringing together professionals from various fields. Their mission? Not just a mere facelift, but a transformation of this oasis into an international tourist hub.

In a recent speech, Chief Minister Raje outlined a plan to develop Mount Abu into a model tourism destination without harming its natural beauty. The government is determined to provide significant job possibilities to the region's indigenous communities. The focus is on reviving the Lake, which is vital to the region. Tackling the issue of increasing traffic and parking, which has increased a hundredfold over the years, is paramount in their plans. Moreover, efforts to restore heritage sites and other activities are planned to bring this humble hill station into the international spotlight. Mount Abu aims to create a high-quality golf course to appeal to players from around the world, honouring its rich sporting heritage.

This story showcases the Rajasthan Government's efforts, led by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, to transform Mount Abu into a global destination while preserving its cultural and ecological heritage.

The Golf pavilion lying in ruin 

It seems that my constant thinking and passionate speaking have produced some positive results, although the general public may not consider my opinions important. Through my own path, I've come to see that most people believe in 'live and let live' and are true believers in 'Karma.' Amen to that."

Mt.Abu "Swami Vivekananda" Champa Gufa

Today was an exhilarating day; neither the hot mid day sun nor the trudging up the steps to the base of Toad Rock could have been more invigorating. I had gone to get some snaps of the Champa Gufa (caves) which is mid-way. Finding it closed I went in search of the present day Poojari or Maharaj. The Poojari, Saral Pandey was an accommodating, simple man. In the course of my chit chatting with him he divulged that a few years ago three holy Shishyas of Swami Vivekananda had come in search of this very same Gufa. You may be wondering where I’m leading you with this introduction, well it’s time I dwell on the main topic as to why I’m highlighting this place .
I’m going to write about what I consider the Swami of all Swamis none other than Narendra, to the rest of the world known as Swami Vivekananda. I only hope I do justice to this most revered and learned man, the man responsible for spreading Hinduism to America and to the rest of the world. His charismatic charm, his rich personality, his profound and flexible wisdom held his audiences in rapt attention whenever he held discourses or gave lectures. He was an individual of great strength, always questioning, seeking for answers unceasingly, never believing anything that was heresy.
He was a shishya( disciple)of Ramakrishna. When Ramakrishna died of throat cancer Narendra and a group of disciples took vows to become monks and renounce everything. Narendra travelled a lot, he was an undeniable force of transformation for many people who came into his life.
He was the chief guest of Maharaja Ajit Singh Shekhawat in Mount Abu, at his residence Khetri house. Today Khetri house is the present day Sophia High School. Swami Narendra also spent a month in meditation and discourses at the Champa Gufa. From here he went to Khetri. To know how Narendra got the name Vivekananda click on this link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khetri


Swami Vivekananda is today one the most revered Swamis of this century. He is a true beacon to the youth of this country, his doctrines and wise advice vibe with this modern generation. . His advice is that, “Do not hate anybody, because that hatred which comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.
Anyone looking to do penance just for the heck of it would like to see if could endure what this soul went through in Champa Gufa. I’m attaching some photographs I took today of the Gufa where he slept and conducted his discourses for the one month that he spent in Abu.

Saral Pandey at the door of Champa Gufa

Swami Vivekananda's bedroom while he was here in Abu.

seat of discourse

Seat of wisdom graced by Swami Vivekananda

A small ashram built In his honour opp the Catholic grave yard

Mount Abu "Nun Rock"2

Nun Rock Mount Abu

Nun Rock Mount Abu

Today I hit the jackpot, a very senior and fit ex-Marian, has just sent me two lovely black and white snaps of the famous Nun Rock. These authentic snaps have survived the passage of time. Bob Amore sent them to me. Thanks, Bob, this is what Bob had to say.
Ains,

I've enjoyed all the snaps and articles about Abu. Fantastic, the way you keep us informed.

I've a few old black and white snaps were taken circa 1953 to 1957 and they should be attached.

Nun Rock and Nun Rock 2... 1954 just shows the top of the rock, lower parts covered by bushes and trees. Also, shows the tennis courts.

Mount Abu "Nun Rock"

Nun Rock. Mount Abu.

Nun Rock. Mount Abu.

While surfing a few days ago, I stumbled upon this unique painting of the Nun Rock, Mount Abu. Its uniqueness immediately caught my attention. I had heard of this rock and assumed it existed in the convent's vicinity, hence named NUN Rock. I thought I knew Abu like the back of my hand; how had I missed this remarkable structure of nature beyond me? My query from the wise old sages of Abu regarding this legendary rock seemed like a tale set in time. They told me it was a rock shaped like a nun holding a child in its arms overlooking the tennis court that belonged to the Rajputana Club of Abu. I was also told that heavy undergrowth covered this rock. A Rajput gentleman shared that the rock's shape had been modified by lightning in 1994.

They did this painting when the Rajputana Club experienced its hay days under the British administration. This beauty of nature, as depicted in the painting and its fascinating tale, sent me scampering to the site. I felt like a pricked balloon when I beheld the sight that greeted me. The tennis court was in shambles. At first, I could not figure out where this marvel of nature was. On scrutinizing the surroundings, I discovered it behind a huge Peepal tree.

The present-day Nun rock is hidden behind the tree (view from the East)

The painting reflects the passage of time and of memories of an era long gone. Rajputana Club was an exclusive club catering to the British, the Maharajas, and the Rajas of Abu. This club did not entertain the average person. The club was the chief hub of entertainment. They completely equipped it with an assortment of all that pertained to the elite. Card tables, billiards, badminton courts and squash courts catered to their needs.

The Rajputana Club of Abu then. They have converted the club into a hotel.

"Cama Hotel"