Escaped Death in Nepal, but Kailash Dream Remains Alive: Uttarpara Retired Teacher Anjana Sanyal Returns Home

The 69-year-old retired schoolteacher narrowly escaped a flash flood in Nepal while on her way to Kailash-Mansarovar. Although the pilgrimage was cancelled, she remains determined to visit Kailash again, even if she has to travel by helicopter at the age of 70.

Uttarpara, Kolkata: She came face to face with death in Nepal, but returned home safely with her determination intact. Uttarpara resident and retired schoolteacher Anjana Sanyal, 69, narrowly escaped a devastating flash flood in Nepal while travelling towards Kailash-Mansarovar. This was supposed to be her last opportunity to undertake the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage. However, the sudden surge and flash flooding in the Bhote Koshi River disrupted the journey and brought the expedition to an abrupt halt.

Yet the terrifying experience has not diminished Anjana’s desire to visit Kailash. She says that she will make another attempt, even if she turns 70 by then. If necessary, she is prepared to travel by helicopter, but she wants to reach Mansarovar, collect its sacred water and place it on her head. Anjana believes that she has been given a new lease of life by the divine presence she associates with Kailash.

Narrow escape from the flash flood

Anjana was travelling to Nepal with a 17-member group organised by a Kolkata-based travel company. On the 26th, the group left Kathmandu by bus, heading towards the Chinese immigration point as part of their journey to Kailash-Mansarovar. During the journey, the bus stopped briefly so that the passengers could refresh themselves. Some members of the group got down to have tea. After around ten minutes, they were preparing to continue their journey. By then, however, the bus driver had received information that a flash flood had struck the Bhote Koshi River ahead. Realising the seriousness of the situation, the driver immediately turned the bus around and headed back towards Kathmandu. The decision proved crucial, as the group managed to avoid what could have been a major disaster.

A lifelong passion for travelling

Anjana Sanyal has been an enthusiastic traveller for many years. Even after retiring from her teaching career, she has continued to travel extensively, visiting different parts of India and abroad. She has travelled with three different travel agencies based in Kolkata and has explored numerous destinations over the years. But she describes her latest Nepal trip as an experience unlike any other terrifying, but also one that made her value life in a completely different way.

For Anjana, the journey to Kailash-Mansarovar may have been interrupted, but the dream has not ended. She remains determined to return to Kailash. “I will go again, even if I am 70. If necessary, I will go by helicopter. But I will bring back the water of Mansarovar,” she says.

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