Surgani’s memories as enduring as mountains

Remembering my days in Surgani, a small town near Chamba in Himachal, always fills me with nostalgia. Surgani was known for the Baira Siul Hydel project, where my father was posted while working with the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation. I remember listening to this song in my childhood, “Chhoti Surgani bada dam banya”, a playful tribute to the project that shaped the town's identity.

Life there was simple yet unforgettable. Childhood mischief, laughter and friendships turned the quiet town into a vibrant playground. The entire settlement was small, yet to us it felt like a vast world of adventures. Evenings were special. Newspaper would arrive only at 8 pm carried by one of the two buses that connected Surgani with Chamba. In absence of TV, it was the only source of news.

The town's only Ambassador car was a source of pride for everyone, a symbol of modernity in the hills. We had a small club where games and gatherings kept us entertained.

But for us children, the whole town was our playground. The local Ramlila was the annual highlight, filled with music, drama and community spirit.

Bathing in the Seul rivulet was a joy in summers where we caught tiny fishes with our bare hands. These moments of innocence remain etched in my heart forever. Surgani was the canvas of my childhood. Its rhythms, people, and simple joys shaped who I am, and its memories are as enduring as mountains themselves.

Vinay Bhaskar, Chamba