The Adventures of Pranab

Long back in 1970, Pranab, one of my younger brothers, affectionately called Panubabu, and a few friends had an adventurous Cycle-trip from Sindri to Jammu.

They travelled through Bihar, UP, Punjab, on the Grand Trunk Road. Needless to say it was a historic trip that required courage, stamina, endurance, from the five young brave hearts. I do not know the details of what they ate, where they slept, but now I wonder about the cycles of those days! Did they behave well on the road, were they so sturdy?

Did the young men have enough money in their pockets for the road, emergencies? How was their health on this long trip to Jammu via Pathankot? It was no joke, such a long journey of more than 1800 kms!

Finally the group landed at our home: 420, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu City. This was my residential quarter during my posting at Jammu in 1966. I was transferred in 1969, and had requested my colleague living there then, Sri Jangida, to accommodate my brother’s adventure group when they reached there.

The return journey to Patna , I have not heard about nor remember, he should in fact have written the full account of his trip and released it for publication in some newspaper or journal.

Father knew nothing of this trip. He would never have permitted it, had he known!

Father was a little ill and lying down when I decided to tell Father and also felicitate our young Hero! We brothers had decided to present him with a small ‘Cup.’

As father lay down in “Pisimar Ghor” ( aunt’s room), Tinku, our youngest sister was deputed to read out a Citation of Appreciation, and then handed over the cup to father to present to Panu babu. We all clapped. On the cup was engraved, “From the enlightened citizens of Patna!”

Pranab, the adventurous Mukherji, perched precariously at the crest of the Dhai Din Ka Jhopda (Ajmer)