Lesson-7

Glimpses of India

 (1) A Baker from Goa

   By Lucio Rodrigues

Glimpses of India – A Baker from Goa Introduction

'A Baker from Goa' is about the importance of bakers in Goan culture, which dates back to when the Portuguese ruled over the city of Goa. The Portuguese may have left, but the bread-makers' status remains unassailable. The author recalls his childhood days and their excitement at seeing the baker in this storey. They were so excited that they would rush to him as soon as they awoke, without even brushing their teeth.

Glimpses of India – A Baker from Goa Summary

The lesson begins with the narrator's elders frequently recalling the time when Goa was under Portuguese rule. They discuss how the importance of bakers has persisted in their villages even after the Portuguese left. In Goa, they are referred to as 'Paders.' The mixers, moulders, and time-tested furnaces continue to provide Goans with their famous bread loaves. It is possible that the originals no longer exist, but their profession is carried on by their sons. In some parts of the village, the thud of their bamboo stick can still be heard. During their childhood, the same jingling thud would wake the narrator and his friends, who would rush to him without brushing or washing their teeth properly. The loaves were collected by the maid-servant of the house, while the children sorted the bread bangles for themselves. Goa's culture and traditions place a high value on bakery products. Bol, or sweet bread, is given as a wedding gift, cakes and Bolinhas, or coconut cookies, are eaten at every festival, and the lady of the house makes sandwiches for her daughter's wedding. Previously, bakers wore a unique knee-length frock known as 'kabai,' but during the narrator's childhood, they wore a shirt and trousers that were slightly shorter in length than usual. They usually paid their bills at the end of each month. Bakery has remained a profitable profession, allowing them to keep their families happy and prosperous.

Glimpses of India – A Baker from Goa Lesson Explanation

OUR elders are often heard reminiscing nostalgically about those good old Portuguese days, the Portuguese and their famous loaves of bread. Those eaters of loaves might have vanished but the makers are still there. We still have amongst us the mixers, the moulders and those who bake the loaves. Those age-old, time-tested furnaces still exist. The fire in the furnaces has not yet been extinguished. The thud and jingle of the traditional baker’s bamboo, heralding his arrival in the morning, can still be heard in some places. Maybe the father is not alive but the son still carries on the family profession. These bakers are, even today, known as pader in Goa.

• Reminiscing nostalgically- thinking fondly of the past
• Loaves- (plural form of loaf) bread that is shaped and baked in a single piece and can be sliced for eating
• Vanished- disappear suddenly and completely
• Moulders- a person who moulds dough into a shape
• Furnaces- an enclosed structure in which materials can be heated to very high temperatures
• Extinguished- cause a fire to cease to burn
• Heralding- announcing
• Pader- word for baker in Portuguese language

The storey transports us to a time when the Portuguese ruled Goa. They were well-known for their breads. The narrator frequently encounters his elders reminiscing about "those good old days," and tells them that the famous breads date back to the time when Goa was ruled by the Portuguese. They reflect on the past and inform them that, while the Portuguese have left Goa, the bakers of bread continue to exist, albeit not in the original locations, and that their legacy is being carried on by their sons. Paders are still used to refer to bakers. Everything about baking hasn't changed, from the people who shape the bread loaves to the furnaces that have withstood the test of time. The sound of their arrival, as well as the thud of their bamboo stick, can still be heard, just as it was in the past.

During our childhood in Goa, the baker used to be our friend, companion and guide. He used to come at least twice a day. Once, when he set out in the morning on his selling round, and then again, when he returned after emptying his huge basket. The jingling thud of his bamboo woke us up from sleep and we ran to meet and greet him. Why was it so? Was it for the love of the loaf? Not at all. The loaves were bought by some Paskine or Bastine, the maid-servant of the house! What we longed for were those bread-bangles which we chose carefully. Sometimes it was sweet bread of special make.

• Companion- a person with whom one spends a lot of time
• Jingling- make or cause to make a light metallic ringing sound

The baker was their friend and companion during their childhood days in Goa, according to the narrator. The baker used to come twice a day, once while he was on his way to sell his loaves and once when he returned with an empty basket, having sold all the loaves. The children were awakened by the sound of his bamboo stick. The kids were overjoyed to meet him and select from the bread bangles and Kankon he had made especially for them. While bangles were for children, loaves were for adults and were usually collected by the household maid-servant.

The baker made his musical entry on the scene with the ‘jhang, jhang’ sound of his specially made bamboo staff. One hand supported the basket on his head and the other banged the bamboo on the ground. He would greet the lady of the house with “Good morning” and then place his basket on the vertical bamboo. We kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke and the loaves would be delivered to the servant. But we would not give up. We would climb a bench or the parapet and peep into the basket, somehow. I can still recall the typical fragrance of those loaves. Loaves for the elders and the bangles for the children. Then we did not even care to brush our teeth or wash our mouths properly. And why should we? Who would take the trouble of plucking the mango-leaf for the toothbrush? And why was it necessary at all? The tiger never brushed his teeth. Hot tea could wash and clean up everything so nicely, after all!

• staff – stick
• Rebuke- an expression of disapproval; a scolding
• Fragrance- a pleasant, sweet smell
• Parapet- railing, a low protective wall
• bangles- here, refers to the bread in the shape of a bangle called ‘Kankon’

With his bamboo stick, the baker frequently made a musical entrance. His one hand held the basket above his head, while the other smacked the bamboo on the ground. He would go from house to house, greeting the ladies before handing them the loaves. The children would be scolded and made to stand aside by their parents. But, no matter how eager they were, they would climb a bench or a wall to peer into the basket. They didn't even bother brushing their teeth before eating those bread bangles because it seemed like a waste of time to pluck mango leaves from the branches and use them to brush their teeth. They thought brushing was unnecessary because hot tea could easily clean their mouths, and they believed that animals like the tiger never brushed their teeth.

Marriage gifts are meaningless without the sweet bread known as the bol, just as a party or a feast loses its charm without bread. Not enough can be said to show how important a baker can be for a village. The lady of the house must prepare sandwiches on the occasion of her daughter’s engagement. Cakes and bolinhas are a must for Christmas as well as other festivals. Thus, the presence of the baker’s furnace in the village is absolutely essential.

• Feast- a large meal, typically a celebratory one
• bolinhas – another name for coconut cookies

Bread is an important part of Goan culture, as evidenced by its presence at all important occasions. Sweet breads at weddings, sandwiches at engagement parties, and cakes and coconut cookies at Christmas, among other occasions, necessitate the presence of a baker in every village.

The baker or bread-seller of those days had a peculiar dress known as the kabai. It was a singlepiece long frock reaching down to the knees. In our childhood we saw bakers wearing a shirt and trousers which were shorter than full-length ones and longer than half pants. Even today, anyone who wears a half pant which reaches just below the knees invites the comment that he is dressed like a pader!

Bakers were known to wear unique knee-length frock dresses known as 'kabai.' During his childhood, the narrator observed them wearing shirts and pants that were shorter in length than usual. It was so much a part of their identity that even if someone wears that trouser length today, he is said to have dressed like a baker, or 'pader' as it was called in the olden days.

The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. Monthly accounts used to be recorded on some wall in pencil. Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days. The baker and his family never starved. He, his family and his servants always looked happy and prosperous. Their plump physique was an open testimony to this. Even today any person with a jackfruit-like physical appearance is easily compared to a baker.

• Plump physique- pleasantly fat body
• Open testimony- public statement about a character or quality

The baker used a pencil to make a monthly record of bills on a wall and then collected the money at the end of the month. Baking has always been a lucrative business. The baker's family and employees have always been cheerful and joyful. The baker was usually fat, which indicated that he had a lot to eat and thus was wealthy. Even today, a well-built body is compared to that of a baker.

About the Author

Lucio Rodrigues (1916-73) was an outstanding Konkani essayist. He contributed articles in both English and Konkani to a variety of periodicals and magazines. He was a visiting professor of folklore at many universities, as well as an English professor in Mumbai and Goa. His essays were published posthumously under the titles 'Of Soil and Soul' and 'Konkani Folk Tales.' His writings are distinguished by subtle humour and informal narration.

 

(2) Coorg

By Lokesh Abrol

“Coorg is a coffee country, famous for its rainforests and spices”

Glimpses of India – Coorg Introduction

The lesson provides us with a fascinating look at Karnataka's smallest district and its people. The weather is beautiful all year, with plenty of rain during the monsoon season. The Coorg people are known to be among the bravest. The main crop grown in this region is coffee. A wide range of animals can be found here, and the area is surrounded by stunning Brahmagiri hills, islands, and Tibetan settlements.

Glimpses of India – Coorg Summary

The author describes the hill station of Coorg, which is located in the western ghats of Karnataka. It is located in the middle of the state of Karnataka, halfway between Bengalore and Mangalore. Coorg is best visited between September and March. The region is well-known for its coffee plantations and spices. There are many rainforests, which cover 30% of the land. The Coorgi men are brave warriors who, due to their trustworthiness, are allowed to keep firearms without a licence. The women of Coorg are stunning. Coorg is also known as Kodavu, and the Kodavus are Hindus by religion, but their customs are distinct from those of mainstream Hindus.

They marry within the confines of their community. Kodavus are thought to be of Greek or Arabic ancestry. There were some soldiers from Alexander's army who settled there. Furthermore, because the Kodavus' ethnic dress, Kuppia, is similar to the Arab garment Kuffia, it is speculated that their ancestors were either Arabs or Kurds. Coorg is the source of the Kaveri River. The Mahaseer fish can be found in the river. Along the river, many animals and birds can be seen, including kingfishers, langurs, squirrels, and elephants.

Tourists can unwind in the tranquil atmosphere while also participating in adventure sports such as river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, mountain biking, rock climbing, and trekking. Animals such as Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs, and slender loris can be spotted on the nature trails. The main tourist attractions are the Brahmagiri hills, Nisargdham island, and the Tibetan settlements of Bylakuppe. Coorg provides visitors with a taste of India's diverse cultures.

Glimpses of India – Coorg Lesson Explanation

MIDWAY between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore sits a piece of heaven that must have drifted from the kingdom of god. This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures.

• Drifted from- been carried along gently by hair
• Martial- having to do with war

Coorg, a place so beautiful that it appears to be a piece of heaven that has strayed from God's kingdom and landed on Earth. It is located halfway between Mysore and Mangalore. It is a region with low hills of varying heights. Coorg men are brave warriors, and Coorg women are beautiful. There are also a variety of wild animals in the area.

Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty percent of this district. During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September and continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree canopies in prime corners.

• Canopies- roof-like coverings made of trees that form a shelter
• Prime- here, best
• Invigorating- strong (here)

It is one of Karnataka's smallest districts, also known as Kodagu. Evergreen rainforests cover 30% of Coorg's land area, and the region receives rain for the majority of the year, especially during the monsoon season. The months of September through March are ideal for visiting Coorg. The weather is pleasant, and there is some rain, so it is worthwhile to go. Because of the abundance of coffee plantations, the air is filled with the strong aroma of coffee.

The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. As one story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here when return became impractical. These people married amongst the locals and their culture is apparent in the martial traditions, marriage and religious rites, which are distinct from the Hindu mainstream. The theory of Arab origin draws support from the long, black coat with an embroidered waist-belt worn by the Kodavus. Known as kuppia, it resembles the kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds.

• Mainstream- a tradition which most people follow
• Tales of Valour- stories of courage and bravery, usually in a war
• Descent- origin

The Coorg people are thought to be of Greek or Arabic origin and are generally ferocious. This theory arose as a result of their clothing style. They are typically dressed in a long, black coat with an embroidered waist belt known as a Kuppia. Kuppia is a type of kuffia worn by Arabs and Kurds. It is also said that some of Alexander's army members were unable to return to their homeland and thus settled here while returning from the south. Coorg people marry each other, and their cultures and rituals differ greatly from those practised by Hindus.

Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality, and they are more than willing to recount numerous tales of valour related to their sons and fathers. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian Army, and the first Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even now, Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to carry firearms without a licence.

• Most decorated- having received the maximum number of awards for bravery in a war

In general, the people are very welcoming and warm. They are always willing to entertain with stories about their forefathers. They are known to be independent, ferocious, and brave, as evidenced by the fact that the Coorg regiment in the Indian army has received the most bravery awards. General Cariappa, the first chief of the Indian Army, was from Coorg. Furthermore, unlike others who require a licence, these are the only people who are permitted to carry firearms freely. This demonstrates that the Coorgis are also trustworthy.

The river, Kaveri, obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg. Mahaseer — a large freshwater fish — abound in these waters. Kingfishers dive for their catch, while squirrels and langurs drop partially eaten fruit for the mischief of enjoying the splash and the ripple effect in the clear water. Elephants enjoy being bathed and scrubbed in the river by their mahouts.

• Mischief- playful behaviour
• Ripple effect- a small wave or series of waves on the surface of water, especially as caused by a slight breeze or an object dropping into it
• Mahouts- a person who works with, rides, and tends an elephant

Coorg's evergreen forests and hills supply water to the Kaveri River, a major river in South India. The birds are looking for a large freshwater fish called Mahaseer, which is found in these waters. Squirrels and langurs enjoy bathing in these waters while throwing half-eaten fruits into them.

The most laidback individuals become converts to the life of high-energy adventure with river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing and mountain biking. Numerous walking trails in this region are a favourite with trekkers.

• Laidback-relaxed, not in a hurry
• Rafting- travelling in a river in a raft (a floating platform made by tying planks together)
• Canoeing- travelling in a river in a canoe (a large, narrow boat)
• Rappelling- going down a cliff by sliding down a rope
• Trails- paths created by walking

Tourists who visit Coorg to relax in the natural beauty of the area are also drawn to the various adventure sports activities available, such as river rafting, canoeing, rappelling, rock climbing, and mountain climbing. The paths in the hills are formed by the footsteps of walkers who trek there.

Birds, bees and butterflies are there to give you company. Macaques, Malabar squirrels, langurs and slender loris keep a watchful eye from the tree canopy. I do, however, prefer to step aside for wild elephants.

A variety of animals may be encountered while walking in their area. Birds, bees, and butterflies buzz around you, while squirrels and langurs watch from the trees. Coorg is also home to wild elephants.

The climb to the Brahmagiri hills brings you into a panoramic view of the entire misty landscape of Coorg. A walk across the rope bridge leads to the sixty-four-acre island of Nisargadhama. Running into Buddhist monks from India’s largest Tibetan settlement, at nearby Bylakuppe, is a bonus. The monks, in red, ochre and yellow robes, are amongst the many surprises that wait to be discovered by visitors searching for the heart and soul of India, right here in Coorg.

• Panoramic view- a view of a wide area of land

Climb up to the Brahmagiri hills for a panoramic view of the beautiful city of Coorg. Coorg is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, such as the island of Nisargadhama and Bylakuppe, India's largest Tibetan settlement. Monks dressed in red, orange, and yellow garments can also be found in the Coorg district, where their way of life is a fascinating sight for visitors. A diverse mix of cultures can be seen here, representing the heart and soul of India.

About the Author

Lokesh Abrol is a well-known physician. In Gurgaon, he established the first private multispecialty hospital. He also works as a social worker. In Gurgaon, he founded the first stray cow shelter. Lokesh Abrol is also a well-known author. The current essay on 'Coorg' highlights his keen observation and ability to paint a vivid picture of the wonderful land known as Coorg.

(3) Tea from Assam

By Arup Kumar Dutta

“Pranjol, a youngster from Assam, is Rajvir’s classmate at school in Delhi. Pranjol’s father is

the manager of a tea-garden in Upper Assam and Pranjol has invited Rajvir to visit his home

during the summer vacation”

Glimpses of India – Tea from Assam Introduction

The lesson is about two friends, Pranjol and Rajvir, who are spending the summer in Pranjol's hometown of Assam. Assam is known as the "Tea Kingdom." It has the world's highest concentration of plantations. Throughout their journey, they talk about the various 'legends' who are said to have discovered tea. The storey describes the popularity of tea as a beverage.

Glimpses of India – Tea from Assam Summary

The plot revolves around the infamous beverage 'tea,' explaining its history and discovery. It begins with two friends, Pranjol and Rajvir, preparing to travel to Assam, Pranjol's hometown, when a tea vendor approaches them and asks if they would like some freshly made tea. They purchase two cups and join nearly every other person in their compartment. From there, the journey begins, and Pranjol begins reading his detective book, while Rajvir chooses to take in the scenery. Soft green paddy fields were followed by tea bushes.

Rajvir is ecstatic to see such vast tea plantations, but Pranjol is unable to match his enthusiasm because he was born and raised in Assam, also known as "Tea Country." When Rajvir first went there, he did a lot of research on how tea was discovered and discovered that it dates back to 2700 B.C. According to what he read, it was first consumed in China and then made its way to Europe in the 16th century, where it was primarily popular for its medicinal properties. There are several stories about how it was discovered, one involving a Chinese Emperor and another involving a Buddhist monk.

The former enjoyed the taste of it, while the latter used it to induce sleep. While they were having this conversation, they arrived at their destination, where Pranjol's parents were waiting to greet them and take them to their tea garden. They passed through a cattle bridge and gave way to a truck loaded with tea leaves, which alerted them to the fact that it was the second sprouting season. Rajvir had done a lot of research before coming, which impressed Pranjol's father, and he intended to learn a lot more.

Glimpses of India – Tea from Assam Lesson Explanation

“CHAI-GARAM… garam-chai,” a vendor called out in a high-pitched voice. He came up to their window and asked,”Chai, sa’ab?” “Give us two cups,” Pranjol said. They sipped the steaming hot liquid. Almost everyone in their compartment was drinking tea too. “Do you know that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk every day throughout the world?” Rajvir said. “Whew!” exclaimed Pranjol. “Tea really is very popular.”

• Chai– Tea
• Garam– hot
• Sa’ab- Sahab or Sir
• Steaming- extremely hot
• Exclaimed- cry out suddenly in surprise

A tea vendor approaches two friends at a train station and asks if they want to buy some freshly-made hot tea. They decide to share two cups of tea with the rest of the passengers in their compartment. Pranjol uses this to highlight the fact that "almost eighty crore cups of tea are consumed every day throughout the world," while Rajvir is taken aback. Tea is, indeed, a popular beverage all over the world.

The train pulled out of the station. Pranjol buried his nose in his detective book again. Rajvir too was an ardent fan of detective stories, but at the moment he was keener on looking at the beautiful scenery. It was green, green everywhere. Rajvir had never seen so much greenery before. Then the soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes. It was a magnificent view. Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills a sea of tea bushes stretched as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade-trees and amidst the orderly rows of bushes busily moved doll-like figures.

• Paddy fields- a field where rice is grown
• Backdrop- lie behind or beyond; serve as a background to
• As far as eye could see- for a long distance until something is so far away and small it cannot be seen anymore
• Dwarfing- cause to seem small or insignificant in comparison
• Sturdy- strong
• Amidst- in the middle of

Pranjol began reading his detective book as soon as the train began moving. Both of their friends were huge fans of detective novels, but Rajvir chose to focus on the scenery at the time. There was a lot of greenery around, which Rajvir had never seen before. Tea plantations followed the green paddy fields. Only tea bushes were visible as far as he could see, so much so that the narrator compared it to a "sea" of tea bushes. There were hills with dense forests in the background. There were orderly rows of tall and strong trees moving in the wind between the tea plantations. It was a breathtaking view.

In the distance was an ugly building with smoke billowing out of tall chimneys. “Hey, a tea garden!” Rajvir cried excitedly. Pranjol, who had been born and brought up on a plantation, didn’t share Rajvir’s excitement. “Oh, this is tea country now,” he said. “Assam has the largest concentration of plantations in the world. You will see enough gardens to last you a lifetime!”

• Billowing- moving or flowing outwards
• Concentration- cluster

While the train was moving, Rajvir noticed an unsightly building with smoke billowing from it. It was a tea plantation! Rajvir became enthralled, but Pranjol, who had witnessed it all as a child, couldn't match his friend's enthusiasm. Pranjol informs him that they have arrived in Assam, also known as "tea country." The state is home to the most tea plantations in the world.

“I have been reading as much as I could about tea,” Rajvir said. “No one really knows who discovered tea but there are many legends.” “What legends?” “Well, there’s the one about the Chinese emperor who always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water giving it a delicious flavour. It is said they were tea leaves.”

Rajvir had done a lot of research on tea and how it came to be discovered before visiting Tea Country. There were several theories, one of which was about a Chinese Emperor who drank boiled water. When he was boiling the water, a few leaves fell into it and it tasted delicious. Those leaves were said to be tea leaves.

“Tell me another!” scoffed Pranjol. “We have an Indian legend too. Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep. “Tea was first drunk in China,” Rajvir added, “as far back as 2700 B.C.! In fact words such as tea, ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are from Chinese. Tea came to Europe only in the sixteenth century and was drunk more as medicine than as beverage.”

• Ascetic- characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.
• Banished- get rid of

When Pranjol inquired, Rajvir related another storey about an Indian legend known as Bodhidharma. He was a Buddhist monk who had shaved his eyelids because meditating made him sleepy. Tea plants eventually grew out of his eyelids, and when consumed after boiling with water, they helped him sleep. Rajvir also mentioned a few facts, such as the fact that tea dates back to 2700 B.C. and was first consumed in China. All of these words, including 'chai' and 'chini,' are derived from the Chinese language. Tea was introduced to Europe relatively late—in the sixteenth century—and was thought to have medicinal properties.

The train clattered into Mariani junction. The boys collected their luggage and pushed their way to the crowded platform. Pranjol’s parents were waiting for them. Soon they were driving towards Dhekiabari, the tea-garden managed by Pranjol’s father . An hour later the car veered sharply off the main road. They crossed a cattle-bridge and entered Dhekiabari Tea Estate.

• Clattered- (loud noise made by the train brakes)
• Veered- change direction

The train had come to a halt, and the boys had arrived at their destination, where they gathered their belongings and de-boarded the train, only to find a crowded platform. Pranjol's parents had arrived to greet them. After taking a turn and crossing a cattle-bridge, they arrived at Dhekiabari, Pranjol's tea garden, after nearly an hour.

On both sides of the gravel-road were acre upon acre of tea bushes, all neatly pruned to the same height. Groups of tea-pluckers, with bamboo baskets on their backs, wearing plastic aprons, were plucking the newly sprouted leaves.

• Gravel- small, rounded stones often mixed with sand
• Pruned- cut away from a tree

Their tea garden covered a large plot of land. All of the bushes had been cut to the same height and cared for. Tea pluckers were seen in the fields wearing an apron and carrying bamboo baskets to pluck the newly sprouted leaves.

Pranjol’s father slowed down to allow a tractor, pulling a trailer-load of tea leaves, to pass. “This is the second-flush or sprouting period, isn’t it, Mr Barua?” Rajvir asked. “It lasts from May to July and yields the best tea.” “You seem to have done your homework before coming,” Pranjol’s father said in surprise. “Yes, Mr Barua,” Rajvir admitted. “But I hope to learn much more while I’m here.”

• Sprouting period- when a plant sends out new growth (second harvest of tea leaves in a season)

Pranjol's father yielded to a tractor loaded with tea leaves on their way to the fields. When Rajvir notices this, he shows off his knowledge by mentioning that this is the second sprouting period of the year, which lasts from May to July and produces an excellent yield. Pranjol's father, who appears impressed, responds that he appears to have done extensive research before coming. Pranjol, who was eager to learn more about the amazing beverage, expressed his desire to do so.

About the Author

Amp Kumar Datta was born in the Assam town of Jorhat in 1946. He attended cAanacar and Delhi University for his education. For many years, he was an English professor at JB College in Jorhat. His published works, including 'The Adventure Stories' (1978) and Brahmaputra (2001), have been translated into numerous foreign languages