Tana Bana- Bhagalpur's Hope
This write up is based on my visit to Bhagalpur, Bihar, India which falls under one of India's most improvised districts. Bhagalpur is famous for Silk Weaving and according to Government data, there are at least 50,000 weavers. Advent of powerlooms, cheap imports from China and lack of any investment from Goverment or the private sector has completely destroyed the weaving industry. At present a family cant even earn Rs1500 (approx $33) per month. Bhagalpur (April 15-April 17, 2009) I woke up at 6.30 in the morning and felt that something is wrong since we are not moving. Any one who has travelled through Indian Railways always dread for this moment. When the train suddenly stops and doesn’t move for more than 10 mins. It can be a faulty track, faulty engine, someone pulled a chain to get down, an accident ahead, a rail blockade by some nationalist fighting for free rail travel, ...all bad thoughts clouds your mind. The previous day I took the Vikramshila Express from New Delhi and...