My earliest memory with the month of August is from early school days when we celebrated Independence Day at the Residency/Political Office in Gangtok without much knowledge of what was in store two decades later Sikkim fully merged to be the 22nd state of the Indian Union. Another two decades after this historical event and as the Secretary of the Cultural Affairs and Heritage, the nodal department it was a rare privilege for me to organize one month-long state-wide concluding functions for the year-long celebrations of the 50 Years of India's Independence. During the year a cultural troupe under the aegis of Nepal Bhasha Manka Khala: from Kathmandu was in the state capital on invitation of the State Government.  For the first time ever not only the Newars in Sikkim but others also could get a taste of rich cultural extravaganza of the Newar civilization. People who  came even from remote corners of Sikkim and braved the cold rainy winter evening of December 13 and 14 felt amply rewarded. Otherwise they would have missed once in a lifetime such a golden opportunity. During the launch of 'The Newars Worldwide - Connecting the Dots' in March 2016 in Kathmandu, this author had acknowledged and felicitated the duo who led the troupe two decades ago in 1997 - Padma Ratna Tuladhar and Naresh Bir Shakya. Golden Jubilee of India's Independence had the State level closing ceremonies in a befitting manner in the capital Gangtok where the celebrations continued all day long that Independence Day 1998 with a cultural show held in the evening inside the Indoor Gymnasium of the Paljor Stadium in the august presence of state dignitaries. So much was the vim and vigour in the audience mesmerized by the performance of various local and guest artistes in the musical evening that it continued till wee hours. We had declared the function officially closed at the strike of the midnight by bursting of crackers outside, but so much was the jubilation that its video recordings were enjoyed much later also often shown in the local television networks. We had brought out a compilation of patriotic songs in various languages of Sikkim and the best was 'Vande Bharatam', which was also the name of the album. That was two decades ago we celebrated the Golden Jubilee of India's Independence in an unprecedented way and unparalleled manner so far, the memory of which still lingers fresh to cherish forever not only me but many who were part of such a magnificent celebration! 

The month of August is, however, best remembered personally for two reasons of my life that gave a headstart to my career bringing in something meaningful to take me further on. It has been one of my life changing months to see me entering the second phase having completed my studies two years back but without any employment even in Sikkim. It was the year 1971 second day of this month found myself reporting to join my first ever job - not in Sikkim nor in any part of India or Nepal but in remote corner of the Himalayas to be in the wilderness of the Manas Game Sanctuary as its Game Warden with His Majesty's Royal Government of Bhutan. My education (having done M.Sc. in Zoology 1969 North Bengal University) and love for Nature took me there across the river Manas which was in turbulant spate to cross over in a ferry boat. A year later same date my return was fated but after drenched fully from a rising wave in the last lap that nearly swept off all five of us in the boat. It could not be anything less than a miracle to save me without the knowledge of swimming even to survive in the event of  a mishap. It was a heart touching good bye from the forests that gave me all the experience to be amidst nature through all the seasons one could dream of. Only regret I have with the place is that I could not see a tiger though often ventured out with a Dukpa forest guard in search of one to have a glimpse to the place nearby the animal frequented as we had placed salt-lick blocks previously (except once when we confronted a herd of wild boars.) Not even from the tree-top house we constructed though visitors coming for a day or two were more fortunate that way. Pug marks around my residence  were the only thing seen next morning suggesting of tiger visiting there the previous night. Project Tiger, an attempt to save the Indian tiger from extinction, was not started as yet and I remember Kailash Sankhala (1925-1994) naturalist and conservationist best known for his works in preserving tigers, had visited once when there. More from Wikipedia "Kailash Sankhala  was the first conservationist who raised his voice in favour of protecting them. Project Tiger is a tiger conservation programme launched in 1973 by the Government of India during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's tenure. The project aims at ensuring a viable population of Bengal tigers in their natural habitats and also to protect them from extinction, and preserving areas of biological importance as a natural heritage forever represented as close as possible the diversity of ecosystems across the tiger's distribution in the country." He has some six books on tiger to his credit. It was interesting to read about Tiger in the Times of India online on August 15, 2017 'India: An unauthorised biography of people, events, policies' - "We bring you the energy, fluidity and unpredictability of the seven decades post independence and the promise of the future." India@70 included at number "14 - Tiger, tiger burning bright - Project Tiger, India's flagship conservation project began in 1973 when tigers were in decline, their number guesstimated at 1,800. Despite setbacks that saw their number drop to 1,411 in 2006, the project has achieved. ...At last count India had 2,226 tigers - the number is growing!" 

It was fascination for the Manas brought to limelight by E.P. Gee and his discovery Golden Langur mentioned in his classic book 'The Wildlife of India' (1964) we read in M.Sc. Wikipedia  has some more to share here - "Edward Pritchard Gee (1904–1968) was a Cambridge educated, Anglo-Indian tea-planter and an amateur naturalist in Assam, India. He is credited with the 1953 discovery of Gee's golden langur. He is notable as an early influential wildlife conservationist, especially for his 1959 and 1963 surveys and recommendations resulting in the creation of Chitwan National Park, the first of nine national parks in Nepal.He is famous for his discovery of the langur species which is named after him, Gee's golden langur. He had heard reports of an unusual coloured primate and he organised an expedition in 1953. He managed to film the langurs near the Sankosh River on the border between Assam and Bhutan. Nehru's forward to Gee's book in February 1964 was one of the only pieces he ever wrote on wildlife conservation. In it he said, 'Life would become very dull and colourless if it did not have these magnificent animals and birds to look at and to play with.' Nehru called for more refuges for vanishing wildlife, but he died in May and Gee died four years later. It was the end of an era." 

My batch-mates in the Royal Sikkim Civil Service viz., Badri Nath Sharma*, Madan Kumar Chettri, Tashi Topden* and Norbu Dadul Chingapa  were already there in the (Lal Bahadur Shastri) National Academy of Administration at Mussoorie on the day I was returning from Bhutan. It was possible for me to be there a week later on the 9th day of August. This date 45 years ago in 1972 reporting there as the Probationer for two years' course was also reckoned as the date of my joining the Government of Sikkim. It was a long tenure of 35 odd years full of dedicated efforts to contribute something till the end though not without some tribulation. Life is neither always of smooth sails nor to be swept off that easily also. The lesson learnt from the mighty Manas that bad farewell overflowing all over me with great gusto!

Disclaimer: This is author’s personal account of memories updated to cherish and treasure often on a detour here and there en route to share the joy of the journey called life. Some names (*asterisk for those no more), quotes, places and events mentioned are just to connect with and no malice whatsoever intended. He can be reached at shrestars@gmail.com. His latest "The Newars World~Wide Connecting the Dots : Sikkim" is available at Rachna Books.     

With schools closing for the vacation many families found it best season to spend with their kids together. Some had their parents from back home in India join them as well. Fortunate were those who could take their time out with their family to best destinations unmindful of what was the weather likely there around. Many go to nearby beach as they want to unwind best away from hustle bustle of life. They would not mind adding a close friend or two to make the long weekend trip more enjoyable. More the merrier as we know. This we did while going on vacation in Florida last time to Outer Banks and previously to Long Island or Martha's Vineyard. What more to wish if the trip was Institute-sponsored with some conference organized in places with tourist interests to keep their guests entertained even while at work for some part of their stay away from home.
 
Yet a couple of days or even a fortnight away vacationing was not the remedy one could expect out while the whole summer was there to stay as long as it wished least bothered whether holidays ended or not. So the best way for many to enjoy seemed to be stay home with all comforts at your hands and let the kids know the facts of life as most of the people do back home. Children are sent to camps and some learn dance Indian classical style as well. Unmindful of hot summer days, people send their kids to India to remain connected to the roots. Some parents go along while others send them with someone going there and follow later for a fortnight to escort back. Such kids are fortunate to have the best (summer) of  both the worlds.

Health conscious would not mind the hot weather as they were seen walking/running around while kids playing in the community park and some enjoying swimming. Mothers taking out their babies in stroller while some cycling out long distance tracks constructed to link far away places gradually developed over the years to the benefit of residents as a social responsibility to the community.  Yet you find many doing rounds shopping at the mall for recoup their household needs while elders taking dog out to stretch their legs allowing the pet to benefit as well. It was also time to see hot air balloon in the sky and some venturing out high in the sky paragliding to enjoy the fine evening around this season with long days and sun set around 8.30. 

Lucky are also those kids whose parents are caring enough to provide them playing facilities inside and outside their home. Driveway is refurbished and  seen converted into basketball-cum-volleyball court while some have the net-posts to play football. Kids enjoy skates, bikes and cycling is the thing they love and seen doing rounds in the community. They are sent for swimming and martial art classes. Frisbee  and water bottle were seen given free to kids but with some message as advertisement during the Annual Block Party we went. Otherwise, the Spring Fair at Exton was full of games enticing children to gamble with toys as baits with three chances for five dollars - quite costly but crowds were seen enjoying the fun being game there. Fidget spinner was the new thing kids enjoyed seen coming here this time and seemed to be a craze world over. 

We are best kept busy with the baby so sweet to watch her grow every day unnoticed but find more charming than the previous day. In her own little way she tries to win our heart all the time, be it smiling or even crying - for us to enjoy looking forward for more to come each passing day as seasons change. 
Disclaimer: This is author’s personal account of memories updated to cherish and treasure often on a detour here and there en route to share the joy of the journey called life. Some names (*asterisk for those no more), quotes, places and events mentioned are just to connect with and no malice whatsoever intended. He can be reached at shrestars@gmail.com. His latest "The Newars World~Wide Connecting the Dots : Sikkim" is available at Rachna Books.      

This being our yet another trip to the USA, we could have the opportunity to be  familiar with more places around to have idea how fast this place is developing and the changes with new additions in the neighbourhood. First thing was the lush greenery everywhere  we could see out of what barren land with stark naked trees due to snowy winter weather we left the place last time. With flowers of all kinds welcoming the Spring season heralding the better days ahead but not that easily. We had some weeks together with showers to cool the temperature to give the impression that winter was not yet over and leaving us so easily. Sometimes it made think if there would be fine weather at all with hot summer days taking over. Soon the vast stretches of land with plants and yellow flowers everywhere dried up and bales of hay were seen lying around being made by converting dried up forage plants there strewn. Another stretch was already lavish green covered with corn plants about to mature and ready to be harvested during this span. A plot of such land opposite of the road we take coming out of the community was to be developed into another residential area. This would make commuting time for those going to work  escalate as already a number of vehicles pass through before we take our turn there. Another such a community nearing completion with new road was found coming up next to the community we stayed in Exton during our first visit in 2010. One Sunday afternoon we were for lunch with Sheshadri-Nisha and her parents, who welcomed our little baby with traditional welcome Tika. It was nice of new mother to offer some cash on puja thali to reciprocate in gratitude as per our custom. We had very appetizing south Indian food to taste though myself kept off spicy items. May be wondering what of such cuisine without spices - yes, curd rice and payasam helped me a lot, rest was just for tasting rather testing the dish served all others enjoyed the best!

It was quite pleasant to find rows of beautifully constructed similar looking town homes on both the sides while passing through Fringetree Drive of West Whiteland nearby. Many other new communities had come up and were already part and parcel of the life of the people here. Outstanding common feature of these developments seem to be the Indian population. It would not be much of a surprise if you find local community parks crowded with their children as also the grocery shops by parents. Earlier there was one by the name Himalaya Indian store but now Bhawani and some others have come up in and around Exton. Same with the restaurant serving Indian cuisine that has multiplied over the period and people would not mind travelling that distances in search of authentic taste. Even Americans have developed a taste for Indian food served less spicy. Started with Indian Hut, we now have Indian restaurant with names like Deccan Biryani, Devi, Bangles, Ruchi and Tabla besides Nala and Spice,which serve Indian and Thai combined. Latest to join the race was with the name Manam, a word that reads same from front and back. Very much like the word Malayalam and the word we had for our group at Rhenock way back in 1963. Named after the famous Navjivan Trust Gandhiji started, it also read same in Nepali/Hindi - Navjivan Sandhya Club!
​
Restaurants here serve water with ice or no ice to welcome as the guest is ushered in and shown the table to sit. Contrary to the common notion that the people in America drink a lot of beer and only beer for water even but apparently it is not so here. Many of these places whether Indian or Chinese do not serve liquor at all. At the most some restaurants have beer in their menu under beverages mainly of mocktails non-alcoholic. There are beer bars for those who love and found on sale during Annual Block Party we joined with many games for children. When we first came here we had small breweries with draft beer like Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant and another was Victory Brewing Company that has grown popular with its brand name Victory.  Incidentally, there has been a spurt in beer bars as well with as many as six that came up in the neighbourhood around this summer. World of Beer was the first this season while one fine Sunday noon we found ourselves in an open beer garden just started. Developed in sprawling lawns where barns and stables used to be there earlier and named as Levante at the Stables. Learnt that it was an 1840 farmhouse/stable where  the rawness of the original stable was preserved with simply built a 32-tap bar around it. Not only their own beers, but Pennsylvania (PA) wines and some mixed PA cocktails as well served. Food trucks, close to two acres of outdoor seating and lounging and a chill atmosphere. Planned to be open through the summer, the satellite might remain open year-round the way they are going ahead well received.                                                                                                               (To be continued)

Disclaimer: This is author’s personal account of memories updated to cherish and treasure often on a detour here and there en route to share the joy of the journey called life. Some names (*asterisk for those no more), quotes, places and events mentioned are just to connect with and no malice whatsoever intended. He can be reached at shrestars@gmail.com. His latest "The Newars World~Wide Connecting the Dots : Sikkim" is available at Rachna Books.

With many of the places around seen during our previous sojourns we were happy staying home rather than brave out in hot weather which we come across outdoors these days here. Preoccupied, there was no question of ourselves reaching out to near and dear ones even as they were all busy with life meeting day to day schedule of routine works their own and priorities. It is a matter of few hours to spare and be with it but taking out time was the major concern. Long due with months together already here, ourselves not in a position to reach them so far nor see any such possibility in near future too. Staying home did help us some way as many came visiting from far and wide each weekend. Appreciate much those who acknowledged our position and deferred meeting to a future date unknown. Cordiality in relations is, however, maintained by talking over the phone which is easy these days, if one cares. Such a formality is not necessary if there is well understanding between the two. Reciprocal visits add fun and/or eases of what becomes otherwise - always at the receiving end. We could not term it as inconvenience straight away yet it was if comes often. Simple it might seem but not so - could be the age factor that was taking a toll or was it our health to incapacitate us entertaining all the while. Not in habit of talking much otherwise also in our nature, we often find mere being courteous even as a formality, a tiring exercise. Zeal and enthusiasm not lacking as before but energy comes on our way sometimes making us feel sluggish. Unable to understand but undeniable that something was lacking in us to be as good as before. This was not the age to enjoy all the good things coming late for us in spite of best of intentions rather longings all the life. Such realities of life one cannot escape but face whatever came our way as a matter of fact simply to name it as fate. Much attention and time all diverted to the little one as she deserved more and more as she grew day by day in order to enjoy the bliss of being grandparents.
 
Weekend means visiting places nearby to unwind for the days ahead until the next weekend came again but not much with us this time. We were kept indoors most of the time with the baby taking much of our attention, love and care as well naturally. Whatever little spare time came to our hands was utilized in visiting some shopping malls if not places of interest nearby like Chester Springs Creamery that gave much needed glimpse of farm life for the people here who were not acquainted with such rural life. Children had access to and fun time playing with animals like cow, goat, sheep, poultry, etc. but could also see the fruits and vegetables grown there. Thereafter you could have the taste of yummy ice-creams made from milk obtained and named after each of the cow there. You could also buy some fresh organic  eggs, fruits and green vegetables as well.
~ ~ ~ 
In one such weekend was the visit of our relatives from Gangtok who had come to meet their son in New York City. Apart from visiting his cousin Sundari spending her days with daughter  Urwashi and son-in-law Bikash near Philadelphia, they thought it worthwhile to drop in to our place also as a part of their itinerary. It was Urwashi who had earlier invited  Rachna-Vimal  home for dinner one weekend and to their utter surprise that turned out to be the first baby shower with friends like Dr. Manjari Moktan from Mirik, Christine P. Bhutia from Kalimpong, Lhakpa Lhamu from Gangtok besides others there. Sundari and Urwashi-Bikash were later with us when Bindiya, Priya and friends had another surprise function of baby shower for Rachna soon after we arrived here. Soon thereafter Sundari with Urwashi-Bikash came to our place and had informed that Shanti Daju and Sabitri Bhauju with elder son Gyanendra were coming to the US to see their younger son Dr. Anup. They would be visiting them and interested to meet us all here. Thus it was a great family get-together away from our homeland. Since they had a plan to see Washington D.C. next day, early dinner was in mind but stayed on to reach back home late night. Long summer day with sunset around 8.30 p.m. we could not believe that they were here all that long and our meeting was full of fun and joy to share together its memories to treasure lifelong!
​
Shanti Daju and Sabitri Bahuju had recently been enjoying life much visiting places back home nearby Kalimpong-Darjeeling as well as Guwahati-Shillong . They stopped at New Delhi for a couple of days en-route to the US and in return journey at Dubai. Anup was surprised of not having met at all before in Gangtok and asked his father since how long  we knew each other. Right from our school days was the answer. Shanti Daju from Underground Villa and me from Happy Cottage and Development Area/Gangtok used to be sparsely populated those days. Going to the same school and playing on the same playground in front of our residence in 1950s we had many reminiscences from our student life to share about. Later on in pursuing our own life and career, we used to meet sometimes  but more often in social gatherings. He was the person to be seen attending most of the social functions and familiar with many of our relatives in both side of the Teesta. He seemed to be the connecting link between the Newar families there in Sikkim as well as outside in Darjeeling Hills. When I mentioned this to him and enquired whether he still continued the same way like in good old days, he said that age and health did not permit it any more. I best remember Chandra Jyoti Daju* (more popularly known as CJ) of Melli-Kerabari from the other side who similarly used to be seen attending in such social functions often.He left us soon after his trip to Nepal attending one of his social obligations as he had not been keeping well of late that took him to New Delhi where he breathe his last. He was an amiable and charming personality. We met him last at Namthang Kothi attending the wedding of  Dharma Pratap's son - the scion of Rai Saheb Bal Krishna Pradhan better known for his fabled "Baburamko baja". CJ was known since our school days when he worked for sometime with the Sikkim Mining Corporation at Rangpo in 1960s. He used to invite us to his place whenever we met and could make it once when returning together after attending our sister Chanda's daughter Alka at Melli Danra. During my posting as the District Collector (South) in Namchi, I had the rare opportunity to visit and pay respect to Bhuwan Prasad Pradhan* at Shumbhuk Kothi and to CJ Daju at Kerabari first time with my parents. My Muma remembers Bhuwan Daju to be similarly a person in days of yore as the connecting link between the family of Taksari Chandrabir Pradhan at Rhenock and that of Taksari Lakshmi Das Pradhan on the other side of the Teesta since he used to visit Rai Saheb Ratna Bahadur Pradhan* quite often to seek his valued advice on personal matters as well. Their outstanding contributions immense together in making what Sikkim is today might have gone into oblivion but their name and fame had spread out far and wide like the fragrance from the flowers of the fabled Chandra Nursery the world over. I would not be fair  without a line in tribute remembering the contribution also of Moti Chand Pradhan* and Rai Saheb Hari Prasad Pradhan* on land both sides of the Teesta while that of the latter beyond to the neighbouring kingdom of Nepal in 1950s. He is much remembered even today for his landmark contributions laying foundation of the judiciary system during King Tribhuvan's tenure being invited on recommendation of the prime minister Bisheshwar Prasad Koirala* and later appointed as the first Chief Justice by King Mahendra.
 
It would be interesting to share here an anecdote when Bikash posted a picture of Urwashi carrying the baby as his Facebook status next day. His friends started congratulating them for being blessed with a baby. Matter settled down only after he clarified whose baby she was with. Such  misunderstanding also happened with another family visiting us who posted similarly on his Facebook page. That too needed a clarification to stop the flood of congratulatory remarks. While posting on Facebook a word or two in description could have helped avoid/save from such an awkward situation and to know the place visited as well!

Disclaimer: This is author’s personal account of memories updated to cherish and treasure often on a detour here and there en route to share the joy of the journey called life. Some names (*asterisk for those no more), quotes, places and events mentioned are just to connect with and no malice whatsoever intended. He can be reached at shrestars@gmail.com. His latest "The Newars World~Wide Connecting the Dots : Sikkim" is available at Rachna Books.

To break the monotony, rather out of fondness we take baby out for a drive. Otherwise also, she has to visit pediatrician for routine check up as we are keen to know if everything going on well for her. Growth being the major concern which is a natural process that takes its own course, but we are curious to know if baby is gaining weight and height. Apparently she is as we find some of her garments and socks suddenly gone small and pyjamas shorter. Yet a weekly visit for checking the weight only could well be taken care of by bringing a weighing scale home to keep a close watch after bath almost daily. Accurate is the weighing but for measuring the height we trust the clinic as we think it being not done correctly with body or the measuring tape not stretched properly. It was quite heartening to hear from the doctor baby had grown like a champ in past one month. We could also see the difference physically as well. Every little change in behaviour is so interesting when she follows things shown or sound from rattles. But the most to charm her way best is little smile she gives back in response to make my day without forgetting the cute protruding mouth for the feed she needs every time she feels hungry. This makes me rush to her mamma before baby gets angry! 

New mother checks app in her cellphone whether it is time to feed with last done noted. I tell her growing baby needs feeding more frequently as and when her body demands and need not necessarily be every two hours or so. It depends if baby emptied her bowel or even before sleeping little feed needed to satisfy and comfort of mother's lap. When she gives me back, baby opens her eyes  a little to see who the person carrying her. Behaviours like this and her alertness getting disturbed even from little sound makes me believe that Mother Nature has gifted her sharp intelligence being a good girl all the while otherwise. The  app is useful to keep the record of baby growing with each event right from feeding with quantity and/or time taken to pooping with colour and consistency.
 
Another app her father  uses helps make baby sleep. It is all music pleasing to the ears but not as effective as mother's lullaby and the best which she picked up from her mother very recently only. Phupu loves to sing "Chanda hai tu, Mera suraj hai tu..." another lovely number by Lata (Aradhana 1969 S. D. Burman, Anand Bakshi) whenever she is with the baby. Simply humming is often found doing magic when baby really needs a sleep. Otherwise, talk to baby when awake and enjoy how she responds if in mood.
​
There are many useful baby products available online to make parents happy more than baby herself. Besides an attachment with some colourful toys, light and music to keep busy while in the crib, outside she can be put in a sleeper with vibration that lull baby to sleep. Even a little gym is there to strike the piano rid to play different musical notes each time baby hits it while moving her legs cycling.It also has a mirror hung above an arch with some toys swinging. Mirror is believed to help baby improve recognitive quality by reflection while back home traditionally showing a mirror is supposed to delay her talking ability rather turn dumb. Mother herself fond of reading, her baby too has a good collection of little and miniature books held with book-ends on the table to start the library. Besides 'First 100 Words' and 'Baby Touch and  Feel :  Animals', popular titles like 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar', 'Snow White' and 'Sleeping Beauty' are also included. Reading aloud  a book to  baby from very early age helps in many ways. As per kidshealth.org "benefits of Reading aloud - a. teaches a baby about communication. b. introduces concepts such as numbers, letters, colors, and shapes in a fun way. c. builds listening, memory, and vocabulary skills. d. gives babies information about the world around them."
​
As a baby-seat in the car is mandatory and the law is - "Children under age 4 must be properly secured in a child restraint system in the rear seat, if possible. They must then ride in a booster seat until they turn 8, weigh more than 80 lbs., or are taller than 4 feet 9 inches. Violation of the child restraint law is a standard offense." The rule is - "All children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their car seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 through 12 years of age." Seat is rear facing helps see someone beside till the age of four and thereafter front facing so that mother can see on the mirror while driving the car herself. She can drive a car two weeks after the delivery. Here the company she works for allowed maternity leave of six weeks and another two weeks more for facilitated delivery while paternity leave was just two weeks only. Both the parents take class on parenting and also  learn how to give a bath to the baby and change a diaper. 

My online search led me to the article "These 10 countries have the best parental leave policies in the world" mentioning "America does plenty of things well, but paid parental leave isn't one of them. Out of the world's 196 countries, the US is one of only four that has no federally mandated policy to give new parents paid time off. That burden is placed on individual states and employers. But some countries really prioritize the well-being of new parents — both straight and same-sex — granting them more than a year of leave at full pay. If you're thinking of starting a family, here are the ideal places to call home...." Finland, Denmark, Sweden and most of the European countries made the list. Further, fortune.com said "India’s New Maternity Leave Policy Puts the U.S. / rest of the world to Absolute Shame.  - India's new 26 weeks of paid maternity leave surpasses France's 16-week leave and easily bests the 14 weeks available in Germany and Japan. If India was an OECD country it would rank sixth, alongside Israel and Poland, for longest paid leave. Only the U.K., Greece, Ireland, the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic offer new mothers more paid time off." United Kingdom (52), Greece (43), Ireland (42), Slovak Republic (34) and Czech Republic (28) comes before India, Israel and Poland with 26 weeks and next is Hungary (24) while the USA (0) last.

Life returns to normal with mother back-to-work earliest making colleagues happy asking when she was bringing  baby to meet them. Baby is given to baby care whole day if parents can not afford some other arrangement home like caring grand parents or otherwise. Along with the car-seat a stroller helps a lot to take baby easily while moving around for shopping or other errands besides evening walk. When we had brought a perambulator/pram from New Delhi for our baby now a proud mother, it was something new to flaunt in the community. Seeing the one now used, in which the car-seat also fits in, that seems to be mere a prototype  yet quite functional enough to lull baby to sleep inside at night. Here some people take baby for a drive to make her sleep even at night. No need as we find our baby improved a lot in recent days. What more one could wish but pray the baby a smooth flow with passage of every moment of life to bring the best out for all of us so blessed!

Disclaimer: This is author’s personal account of memories updated to cherish and treasure often on a detour here and there en route to share the joy of the journey called life. Some names (*asterisk for those no more), quotes, places and events mentioned are just to connect with and no malice whatsoever intended. He can be reached at shrestars@gmail.com. His latest "The Newars World~Wide Connecting the Dots : Sikkim" is available at Rachna Books.