Torch bearers of Pandava dynasty
Colonel Sareen was posted at 22 Establishment in Chakrata. It was a non family station,
the
families were allowed to visit, only during vacations. Chakrata is a very beautiful hill station, situated at an altitude of 8000 ft. above the sea level. Due to its strategic importance as an army base camp, it can not be developed and projected as a tourist place, though it is more beautiful than Mussorie, the queen of hills. It is situated at a distance of 90 km, from Dehradun, the capital of Uttaranchal. The road leading to Chakrata is very narrow therefore one way traffic is allowed, which is controlled by four gates installed at Vikasnagar, Kalsi, Sahiya and Chakrata. It takes nearly four hours to reach there from Dehradun.
It is a common practice at non family stations, in army headquarters that during their brief stay, the families gel well and enjoy every moment of their stay. Col. Sareen’s wife Suman, a teacher by profession used to join him during vacations. Soon, they had endeared themselves with young and old alike. In the evening, they used to call on their neighboring, officer families. After that they used to go for long walks, sometimes their friends also accompanied them.
Chakrata abounds in natural beauty, the high mountains
covered with lush green vegetation, tall pine, sal, deodar and other trees lined up on both sides of the road and varied varieties of ferns, berries and wild flowers, make it more enchanting. Sometimes on a bright sunny day, snow clad mountain peaks can also be seen. They look so ravishing that it is a real treat for the eyes. Soon it is covered with endless layers of clouds. Chakrata retains its natural wealth and charm because no mindless beautification or development work has been carried out there.
The rain was just over, cool breeze was blowing, Suman and Col. Sareen started off for their walk. The mountains were soaked in rain water.