My Vande Bharat Experience

-- Johann Premjith, 12-A, ICSK- Senior

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Self Reliance leads to intellectual independence. Each man must think for himself, must train the mind to think, must habituate the soul to observe and analyse.

Thanks to the beautiful summer vacation last year and the journey I had from the states capital Trivandrum to Kottayam to attend a family function, which was an overwhelming experience and I got this chance to travel by the Vande Bharat Train, an initiative of the Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The boarding time was 5:30, a bit too early in the morning, but being curious to know what all the hype was about, my ticket was booked. And just as I walked in, on to the railway platform, at five, the train arrived too.

Stepping in, I carried my luggage in my hands and a bit of pride in my heart for being one of the first in my family to get the Vande Bharat experience.

And I was not disappointed. The friendly staff helped me find my way to my seat. The compartment was relatively empty at the time and photo being my motto, I found it quite convenient. Brushing aside thoughts like 'what would people think', I took help from my fellow passengers for a click. By the time the journey began, right on time, most seats got filled. And so did the rest of the seats, when the train reached Kollam, in about ten minutes.

It was amusing to see excited co-passengers all around taking selfies and pics of each other and I felt I needn't have been a tad embarrassed, earlier. This was the new normal.

The plush, new red velvety seats could be revolved. And there were frequent announcements telling us of the next station and giving instructions. A few minutes after the train pulled out of the station, each passenger in the executive class got a newspaper, in English or Malayalam according to choice. This was followed by a bottle of drinking water.

To my delight, next came a neatly dressed attendant handing out red roses from a tray. I wonder if this practice would be continued for long.

The TT, came along and before I could show my digital ticket, and prove I was in the right seat, he just nodded, saying '28' and moved past.

Breakfast was already paid for and as I sat wondering how I would balance it on my lap, another attendant came along with biscuits and tea. My apprehensions about a balancing act vanished when I saw others lifting the armrest and pulling out fold-down tray tables. Half an hour later, came breakfast. I had opted for vegetarian and so I got Idiyappams (spring hoppers), Peas curry, a sweet dish and a Vada. There was also a bottle of tender coconut water, a sachet each of ketchup and hand sanitizer.

Though I could have used the tissue, I chose to wash my hands, mostly out of curiosity to see the toilets. One thing I dreaded in the local trains, was the toilets that reeked. But now, I was impressed. It was neat. There was water when I turned the tap and the flush did work when I pressed a digital knob. I silently prayed that this condition would prevail for long.

A fidgety boy next to me wanted to revolve our attached seats and I obliged. Someone behind us, adjusted the levers and I found myself being turned and revolved in my seat to face the huge glass windows, through which I saw the rain washed, green paddy fields, swamps and little houses moving past.

At 7:25, it was announced that the train was moving in, to Kottayam station with a gentle reminder to collect our baggage and step out with care. It took just two hours, which was the shortest duration ever taken to travel from Trivandrum to Kottayam. And I rose, with baggage in hand,

I realized that the pride in my heart that I now carry, was for the Indian Railways and for myself reliant nation. We should realize that self respect comes with self reliance and that’s why our nation India is an epitome of respect around the globe.

JAI HIND

Johann Premjith, 12-A, ICSK-Senior