Lessons learnt when you almost see no hope to survive! https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/indian-army-rescues-447-tourists-stranded-due-

On a recent trip to Nathula Sikkim, was struck by an an unexpected heavy snowstorm which blocked all roads. We were stranded in our car which became an ice box for 3 hours. Watched cars skid in front of us, people falling on ice and breaking their legs and at one point sitting with no hope of survival. Kept staring out of the window and wondering is this a bad dream. The snow kept collecting on the windows and ice was forming around the cars. Watched army vehicles gather in front not realising they were preparing for our evacuation as the snow storm had turned really bad. Finally had an army officer knocking at our window and telling us to start evacuating. That’s when suddenly gathered all the courage, positivity as saw some hope of survival. Walked in deep snow for 2 km on an altitude and were barely breathing but kept mouth open to breathe and ate lot of snow too (which gave me a moment to laugh too in the middle of the ordeal). Then was a climb to an army truck and not sure how I managed to jump in it which was almost 5 feet high. But that’s the time when you gain all the mental and physical strength and can fight out anything. People around started crying in relief and I realised we are still fighting to survive. Helped people around with water, chocolates, chewing gum etc to get some energy. Hats off to the Indian army as they took amazing care of each and every person. Offered water, food, oxygen cylinders and all the smiles and positivity that we needed. Then the ride of 3 hours down the snow skidded roads.. We were to stay overnight in the army base camp but had to catch a flight so jumped off the Jonga and walked again on the ice covered and by now treacherous slippery slope to negotiate a ride with a local taxi. The negotiating power was my power bank as the taxi driver wanted to charge his phone and in the bargain asked for two seats.  Total swades style ride with 15 people in the cab during which we were literally hanging out and holding on to our dear lives. In the taxi had some moments of laughter as felt closer to survival. Reached Gangtok post a 10 hours ordeal battered, tired and shaken but Alive and thankful to our Indian army. The experience shas shaken me. Im numb and god knows how long will I take to recover.

But what I learnt clearly was to be positive and not to loose hope even if you can see things sink around you, keep fighting it out. Set your objective clearly and just go after it, Be kind to people around you, god knows how many people we met and exchanged the reassuring looks which must has given some strength to them.  Also found our humour in this ordeal and laughed about it the next day.,

Learnt that determination, kindness, resilience and positivity helps you in the toughest situations ! 

And Jai Hind to our Indian army who are the real hero’s in our life.