Hooghly, 31 August (H.S.): Sixty-nine-year-old retired school teacher Anjana Sanyal of Uttarpara returned home safely after narrowly escaping a natural disaster in Nepal. Her dream of visiting Kailash Mansarovar was left unfulfilled this time after a sudden flash flood in a river disrupted the journey. However, despite the frightening experience, her determination to visit Kailash remains undiminished. Anjana says that if necessary, she will travel to Kailash by helicopter even at the age of 70.

Anjana had travelled to Nepal as part of a 17-member group organised by a Kolkata-based travel agency. On August 26, the group left Kathmandu by bus for the Chinese immigration office. The bus stopped briefly on the way for refreshments, and some members of the group had tea. Around ten minutes after the journey resumed, the driver received information that a sudden flash flood had hit the Bhote Koshi River. Sensing the danger, the driver immediately turned the bus around, and the entire group returned to Kathmandu.

Anjana said the group narrowly escaped being caught in the natural disaster during their journey towards Mansarovar and Kailash. She believes that the grace of Lord Kailash saved her and gave her a new lease of life. Although she is disappointed that the journey remained incomplete, she is determined to visit Kailash on another occasion.

A passionate traveller for many years, Anjana has visited various parts of India and abroad. She has undertaken several trips with three different travel agencies based in Kolkata. However, she described this Nepal trip as one of the most frightening experiences of her life. Despite the ordeal, her resolve to visit Kailash Mansarovar remains firm.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey