Review of Kangchenjunga Diary by Madabhushi Madan Gopal

Review of Kangchenjunga Diary by Madabhushi Madan Gopal

Though ‘Kangchenjunga Diary’ in the initial instance, appears to have been intended to niche group of hard core trekkers undertaking the Nepal route to Kangchenjunga, the book pulls through amazingly well even in the hands of the uninitiated.

After the opening inertia, the later part takes momentum to keep one engaged & interested. The author describes his start into trekking, progress along the years and his love for Himalayas, more specifically Kangchenjunga. The adventurous streak, some would say dare devilry in not only taking the Nepalese route, covering both North-South base camps, but accomplishing them with his spouse.

Although, it’s in diary format taking the reader through his sojourn chronologically, the author is successful enough in conveying the habits, traditions, culture, socio-economic situation, governance of the place; he is bowled over by the sincerity and abundant goodness of the Sherpas. The book has many minute observations including the poster quotes, which would have slipped the mind of the lay.

Amidst the description of his trek, he subtly sprinkles his spiritual association, philosophical take on interactions and situations; the riddle he faces & explains the spiritual reasons in conflict situations. The emotional descriptions are varied, at places, romantic, familial & spiritual experiences. He has no qualms of describing his fondness and attention towards a well-dressed pretty lady. His heart speaks aloud!

 

Elsewhere, while his spouse has to negotiate a life risking path, he surrenders ‘Ek Dujhe ke liye’ style, offering his life to the steep valley as a gratitude to the creator.

The book is lucid in style, with quality print and photographs. Conspicuously for a maiden effort, there is no Printer’s devil. His all-inclusive free spirit personality manifests in spontaneity, expressiveness, myriad emotions and frankness all through the book.        

The author could have considered a brief representative schematic route every few pages/chapters as it’s a diary. That would keep a naïve trekker/reader more involved.

The author should consider a sequel that could also have trekker guidebook like content so that the readership reach would be wider.

Along the course of the book, the reader too gets evoked and experiences the spiritual halo. At the end I felt light, refreshed and enthused richly. It speaks all!

Sharad M. Tanga