Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity - The Indian Dream

26 January 1950. What does this date mean to you? Sadly, to many Indians it's just another day off from work, a day to sleep in late or one of the numerous Indian holidays celebrated every year because that's what the old timers did.

On the other hand, many people are actually aware of its historical significance and its impact on India today; It's the day the constitution came into effect. The day that India granted her citizens fundamental rights and enforced the values by which the government (and leaders) would serve the public. Now we could sit here and write a thesis discussing the flaws of this document (which also happens to be the world's longest constitution) but I don't want to focus on that as it takes away from what the constitution is trying to achieve. The preamble mentions the rights secured to all of India's citizens:

• Justice;
• Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
• Equality of status and opportunity; and
• Fraternity (unity) of the country.

Many of my friends and family continuously question why I feel so strongly about India - when I have never lived there, when I was born in and brought up in NZ and let's not forget the thousands of problems/flaws of India that they have waiting in their back pocket to use against me. They are quick to call me "foolish" and  "ignorant" for thinking positively about this place that I call "home". It's hard to explain myself to them. I completely agree with the negative points they raise, but in my opinion* it's these four sentiments listed in the constitution that define the values of India and what she is striving to achieve.

My only real concern at the moment is that our current Rashtrapati (President) and Pradhan Mantri (Prime Minister) are not doing their part to keep India on the right path by enforcing and protecting these values. It is all too easy to think about current threats to each of the four points:

• Lack of punishment for REAL criminals.
• People not being allowed to criticise religious/political figures without being punished and not being able to practice their religion in peace.
• The stronghold of the archaic caste system and oppression of minorities.
• Politicians looking to divide India based on differences when it is those differences that unite us.

At the moment I cannot offer any solutions, but giving up on the Indian dream is most definitely not a solution. Writing it off as a third-world country "that will never change" is not the way forward. My uncle would always say "Don't be a part of the problem. Be a part of the solution!". By no means is India perfect, nor will I ever think so, but that won't stop me trying to make it one.

Happy Republic Day!

*DISCLAIMER: While I have only read a few different sections of the constitution, I am in no way claiming to be an expert in the subject.

Above: Got an up and close tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan  (The President's house)

Above: The National Emblem of India shining in the shadows of Rashtrapati Bhavan

Above: Tirang (Tricolour) on Rajpath being prepared for Republic Day celebrations. Photo taken by Chandan Khanna

My first Indian festival... Happy Lohri!

Last night was my first celebration of an indian festival in India. Lohri, traditionally a punjabi festival,  involves burning a bon fire and throwing popped corn and nuts on it to celebrate the harvest season (this is my understanding based on the numerous explanations I have heard). While it was mainly people of the Sikh faith that organised the bon fires around the neighbourhood that I was in, it was an amazing feeling to see it being celebrated by people of all religions: Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Jains and Christians spending hours together around the fire chatting, learning about the festival and appreciating each others company. Despite having a majority Hindu population in Delhi and India, the same thing happens on Eid and Christmas.

Our differences are what unite us. This is what it means to be secular. This is what it means to be Indian.

The Goan Essentials: Tandoori Pomfret and Fish Curry

Goa (formerly a Portuguese colony) is generally known for partying, beaches, the sunburn music festival and amazing Goan style seafood. While I went for the latter two, it's pretty hard to avoid the others.

Sunburn is one of Asia's biggest music festivals featuring multiple stages for the world's best DJs. I was blown away by what I experienced! You don't need to a fan of electronic and dance music to have fun. It was crazy.

But my real passion in exploring new lands, as always, is the local food. Goan preparations combine traditional Indian spices with Portuguese flavours which give a memorable taste.

There may be many special restaurants in Goa, but one must experience the beach shack culture of the Goan beaches. They offer a diverse range of food including local preparations; Tandoori Pomfret and Goan Fish curry are my favourites.

Tandoori Pomfret:

Pomfret is a small sized fish that has a single bone running through the body. It has flesh on both sides and is heavily marinated in local spices which are very famous throughout India. Sometimes the fish will be stuffed with masala paste before it is flame grilled to perfection. Garnished with lemon, mint/coriander chutney and salad, this dish gives an explosion of flavour and leaves you wanting more (as the fish is not very large). If you are someone who prefers bland food or the "subtly of flavours" then this dish (and most other Indian food) is not for you. 

Goan Fish Curry:

While goan fish curry is unique in its flavour, it can be made in different ways with many types of seafood. Fleshy pieces of fish or prawn are cooked in a thick, spicy and tangy coconut curry. It's should be eaten with plain rice or naan. I usually usually prefer dry (fried /tandoor) fish over curries but the Goan fish curry has opened my eyes. 

The shacks may not be the 5 star beach resorts that people would hope for, but they have a diverse menu that caters to most tastes and a relaxing experience that every beach lover will enjoy.

Above: Sunburn in Goa, Asia's biggest music festival

Below: Goan spices sold in a local market

Above: Tandoori Pomfret served with salad and chutney

Below: Panorama from one of the Beach Shacks on Baga Beach

Roll House: "The best momos and rolls in Gangtok"

If you're  in Gangtok, you're probably there to enjoy the peace and beauty that Sikkim's capital (also a hillstation) has to offer. But if you're like me, then the first thing you Google when in a new city is "places to eat in....".

Sikkim's culture has a strong Tibetan influence and therefore their food consists of Tibet style dishes which have been adjusted to Indian tastes. Sticking to the basics, I decided to try the Roll House's Vege Momos and kathi style roll which were highly rated on TripAdvisor.

Vege Momo
Momos are the Indo-Chinese version of dunplings and are usually served with some chutney or or other spicy sauce; unlike your usual Asian dumplings that are served with soy sauce or chili oil.

These mixed vege and paneer momos were steamed perfectly - steaming hot on the inside but soft and warm on the outside so you are able to hold them while taking small bites without burning your fingers. The chutney packed a major punch so have water or lassi on standby. These momos make a tasty snack for any occasion. I highly recommend visitors in Gangtok to try these.

Roll House's Special Vege Roll
This roll was a large parantha or pouri  (depending on your definition) wrapping up mixed stir-fried veges such as onion, paneer  (Indian cottage cheese), capsicum, chillies and some cabbage. While this roll had a lot of flavour and really hit the spot on a cold Sikkim winter night, I didn't find anything too special about this roll. But, if you're like my friends then you might like this roll more than the momos. Either way, you really can't go wrong.

Gangtok is a beautiful and incredibly clean hill station in South Sikkim and there are many breath-taking views to enjoy (be sure to ride the Ropeway cable car), but if you don't have true Tibetan food while you're there then you have wasted your time. Indo-Chinese cuisine is a unique category of "Indian" food and must be enjoyed in its most authentic form.

Above: this low key joint is found hidden in an alley off the bustling market on Mahatma Gandhi Road 

Above: the special roll

Below: the best momos that I have ever eaten

Above: view of Gangtok from the hotel

Below: a Buddhist monastery near Gangtok