Rishikesh, Rajesh Pandey
“I was traveling with my mother from Rishikesh to our village Majyur, located in the Thalisain area of Pauri Garhwal. Near Boutha village, our bus broke down. It was evening, and there was no hope of finding another vehicle. We wondered where we could go. After asking around, a shopkeeper suggested we cross the river to Sanji village, where we could stay at any house.”
Sharing this travel anecdote, Neelam Joshi, a Sanskrit lecturer at Sribharat Mandir Inter College in Rishikesh, recalls: “My mother and I crossed the river and reached Sanji village. We explained to a family there that our bus had broken down, and we needed a place to stay until morning. The family welcomed us warmly into their home. That evening, we had delightful conversations and even helped them cook. As you know, guests are highly respected in mountain villages. During our chats, we learned that they knew some of our relatives. That’s the essence of Garhwal and its villages.”
“When we left the village the next morning, not only the host family but also other villagers accompanied us to Boutha. They didn’t even let us carry our belongings. Moreover, they packed small bundles of grains grown in the village for us. The love and care we received were overwhelming. The memories of Sanji village still hold a special place in my heart.”
Fond Memories of Majyur Village
Currently residing in the Ganganagar area of Rishikesh, Neelam Joshi often reminisces about her native village, Majyur. “It’s where I studied up to high school. We still visit the village often. Whenever I reach the village, the first thing I want to see is my school, which required a three-kilometer uphill trek to reach.”
Musical Inspirations from Nature and Family
Neelam’s love for music stems from her childhood. She shares: “I used to listen to my mother and grandmother hum melodies. I remember my grandmother grinding grains on the traditional stone mill (jhandra). I would rest my head in her lap and listen to the rhythmic grinding sound. Even today, that sound feels like music to me. The chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves in the jungle, and the sound of the river near our village—these are all forms of nature’s music.”
Neelam began singing in school programs, receiving appreciation that fueled her passion. “I wanted to become a singer, and today, I am one. As a teacher, I aim to nurture singing and songwriting skills in others. I teach Sanskrit verses and shlokas in rhythmic patterns, making them easier for children to understand. My songs are an integral part of the school’s prayer assemblies.”
Educational and Musical Journey
Neelam Joshi completed her intermediate education at the same school where she now teaches. She pursued her BA and MA in Sanskrit from Pt. Lalit Mohan Sharma Government Postgraduate College, Rishikesh, followed by a B.Ed. from Dayanand Women’s Training College, Dehradun.
Neelam also excels in playing musical instruments like the harmonium, tabla, and guitar. Her compositions span themes such as nature, women, education, and patriotism. She believes music creates a positive atmosphere in the family, calling it a source of inspiration and energy.
“Even when I teach, students tell me that my voice feels like I’m singing. Music has significantly supported me in my teaching career,” she says with a smile.
