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Showing posts from April, 2024

More than a tourist!

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Amidst uncertainty about my future, I came to Yanam, which is a small urban settlement on the coast of Godavari, close to Eastern Andhra District, near the ancient port city of Kakinada. I received a warm welcome at the airport as I joined as commissioner of the of the municipality, the second person responsible for the area. It was a short stint when I was looking between my preparation for the UPSC interview for my next attempt, the demands of the people from a young officer, and the field visits I got to explore the town, which is not more than 30 square km. While knowing (though with uncertainty) that I would be here for a short time, I got to explore this serene setting with a tourist heart. The town is breathtaking on its own, as are the surroundings, the roads lined with coconut trees, the calming atmosphere, and the sound of the river. Even just an official visit can rejuvenate one's connection to nature. During one such visit, I passed through mangroves and observed the en