Reaching the ticket counter at sharp 07.30am as decided made me realize its high time that I should practice the mantra of paper IX - the mantra of being updated. With patient expectations the early birds hoped to see a good number of history sophomores to turn up by 08.30am. The (approximate) one hour wait was spent strolling around the magnificent archway [the Gate Way of India] jinxed by the unobtrusive weeds with the inscription, “Erected to commemorate the landing in India of their Imperial Majesties King George …” (Bla…). The sound of pigeons flapping their wings in the air with the ‘hullabaloo’ of motor created an aura of ‘just another day’ for all. But for us it was a special one, since many of us were visiting Gharapuri [the Elephanta Caves] for the first time. The attendance reflected our enthuse for the ‘educational excursion’ cum ‘bonding’ – where we would spend the day with busy pigeons in the city wilderness and the repellent monkeys of Gharapuri; away from the serene Central Lawn, the colorful Canteen and the informative Information Centre (for a change).
