By Shreyash Nair
Class XI, Army Public School, Shillong
Starting from the narrow stretch of land known as the Chicken’s Neck and extending to the easternmost part of Arunachal Pradesh, lies a hidden gem in India—the enchanting North East (NE). With its lush green forests, breathtaking valleys, and majestic mountains, it is a slice of paradise that is always ready to cast a spell on you.
Although born in Guwahati, I remained blissfully unaware of the enthralling culture and landscapes of the NE until I was 10. My father, a central government employee, has a transferable job. We learnt that we would be moving to Manipur’s capital city Imphal and that was when my NE-trotting began. Previously, he was posted in Digaru, Assam, where I was born, but I was too young to recall much. Initially, the move to Manipur seemed mundane, but I was soon proven wrong.
As we flew into Manipur, the breathtaking bird-eye view of the Loktak Lake, with its floating islands, or ‘phumdis’ greeted us. The moment our plane touched down, the cool, serene air was a delightful contrast to the heat of mainland India. During the drive from the airport to our new home, I was in awe. It was the first time I saw ducks, playing in green waters, the endless rice fields, and mountains on the horizon.
At home, I was welcomed by a lively group of chickens, and a pair of ducks who became my inseparable companions. We named the large duck Donald, who stood out as the leader, constantly engaging in playful feuds and fighting the chickens for rice like gladiators. A year later, a trio of turkeys arrived, much to the shock of both Donald and company. The turkeys, quick to assert dominance, devoured food faster and responded to my cycle bell with a strange trumpet-like sound. Their antics, from knocking over pots to refusing to sleep in the coop, were chaotic. In time, the turkeys were relocated, restoring peace for Donald, who reclaimed his reign.
Another revelation was the Manipuri food. At a feast, I eagerly tried what I thought was chutney, only to discover it was ‘eromba’ , a local delicacy. As I bit into it, I found a tiny fish head, a surprise that left me wide-eyed but soon accustomed. Over time, I grew to appreciate the unique flavours of Manipuri cuisine.
Music and sports are deeply ingrained in North East culture, and my parents saw this as an opportunity for me to learn the guitar. Although I was initially hesitant, strumming my father’s old guitar has now become a six-year-long passion. I also took up badminton, a sport that quickly became an obsession for me and my friends. Rain or shine, we were on the court every evening, and on rainy days, we’d splash around in the mud, playing football. I would hastily finish my lunch by 2 pm, grab my cycle and be out for the day till 7 or 8 in the evening.
After just three years in Manipur, it was time to move again—this time to Shillong. Initially, I spent time reading, but soon, we began exploring the incredible tourist spots like Sohra and Dawki. These destinations offered spectacular views of towering peaks, deep valleys, and clouds that seemed to kiss the earth. A more serene yet equally unforgettable destination was the Laitlum Canyon, where clouds seemed to greet us as we arrived, and the views of the valleys and mountains were nothing short of magical. No wonder they call Meghalaya the Abode of Clouds and the Scotland of the East.
One of the highlights was a school trip to Mawphlang sacred grove, where taking anything out is strictly forbidden. The adventure took an unexpected turn when, while hurrying to join a group photo, I slipped in the mud, covering my blazer and white shirt in a layer of brown muck.
In contrast, the heart of Shillong, Khyndailad is always bustling with vendors and buyers everywhere the eyes go. With nooks and corners full of surprises, you can find everything in this market.
While in Shillong, I devoted time to table tennis and joined a coaching academy in the Laban Sports Club. This led to a trip to Tura via Assam, for a state championship. I was travelling without my parents for the first time. The journey was an adventure, with an overcrowded bus, a breakdown in the middle of nowhere, and a meal at a roadside dhaba in Assam that wasn’t exactly heartwarming but memorable nonetheless.
Our travels didn’t stop there. We visited Nagaland during the Hornbill Festival, mesmerised by the vibrant colours, delicious food, and warm hospitality. A visit to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary gave us the thrill of riding an elephant named Migoras and spotting majestic one-horned rhinos up close.
Now that my board exams are behind me, I have finally found the time to reflect on my experiences. Born and raised in the North East, I’ve been fortunate to immerse myself in its diverse cultures, warm people, and breathtaking landscapes. If you ever find yourself in this part of the world, be prepared to be enchanted by the spell of this magical region.