Pagoda Diaries – A Journey to Recreate & Reflect | Mumbai MH
Namaskar Local Guides Mitrano,
It was truly a heartfelt experience to host the meetup at the serene Global Vipassana Pagoda after eight years, Thank you to everyone who joined in-person and supported virtually.
The day began at home as I waited for everyone to gather . - Physical attendees included Tushar Suradkar from Pune @TusharSuradkar, Nikhil Dubey from Thane Mumbai @NikhilDubey46, Jitendra Kumar Prasad from Ghatkopar Mumbai @jitendrakumarprasad, Amit Nerkar from Pune @NERKARAMIT, Deepak Modgekar from Panvel @𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐍𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐝, Merlin Thomas from Pune @MerlinThomas, and Nithin Thomas from Pune @NithinThomas, which are distant places.
We started the day with tea, snacks, and coffee near the meetup entry gate.
Unfortunately, Connect Moderator Isha from Mumbai Thane @Globe_trotter_Ish and some of her Local Guides friends could not join us physically, then she joined virtual section later, They were stuck in traffic for two hours due to a road accident, so we decided to start without them.
After a stomach full with petpuja, we purchased the ferry tickets and headed to the Pagoda. As the Pagoda drew nearer, it looked even more enchanting. Although I have visited the Pagoda many times before, it always feels new to me, its serene and golden form truly captivating. After getting off the ferry and walking through the crowd, we reached near the gates of Essel World and Water Kingdom, familiar childhood landmarks where we took a few group photos.
We then had a pleasant 15-minute walk to the Pagoda along open and peaceful paths, finally reaching the site. There, we took one group photos and cleared the security checks to start exploring the beautiful Pagoda. While enjoying the experience, we captured photos and checked the accessibility features around. Unfortunately, Amit, Nitin, and Merlin had to leave early to catch their return train to Pune. Since they were new to Mumbai, Deepak Dada from Panvel helped them reach the station.
Although we was eager to do a meditation session at the Pagoda, the slots were unavailable & waiting for next slot unfortunately we have short time meetup because all attendees are from far away & they have to catch return journey soon, so we could not do it fully. Then it was time for the virtual meeting. But at ferry travel time Just at that moment, my phone’s display suddenly stopped working, so I decided to join the virtual meetup from other attendees’ phones, and they were very supportive. Even though I had already sent the Calendar invite, I could not log in at the exact time, causing a small issue. But my fellow Mumbai Local Guides who didn’t attend physically because of some of personal reasons they’re quickly stepped in to help and hosted the meeting seamlessly.
A heartfelt thank you to my un- announce co-hosts Mumbaikar Sagar @Sagarkanherkar , Rosy @RosyKohli for their dedicated support during this challenging moment. Nilesh for always background support & sayali for providing virtual attendance details for recap,
Such teamwork and unspoken commitment from Local Guides truly shone through, ensuring that, although this was my meetup, even this post Photo created by Attendees
Mumbaikar Puneker & all over India everyone made it successful together.
Jitendra @JitendraKumarprasa then took all the virtual attendees on a live tour around the Pagoda, showing them the serene beauty. After the virtual session ended, we went to the video room, where a film about the history and creation of the Pagoda was shown. Later, we visited the canteen, where discussions continued over tea. Moderator Tushar Dada’s self made printed stickers & behalf of Pune Local Guides Amit and Ajit Dada’s stickers distributed along with the event’s Pagoda special sticker.
Finally, we began our return journey.
The Pagoda premises had Fully accessibility features. Ramps were present at every place where needed. The ticket counter for the ferry boat was accessible. Unfortunately, the washrooms at the Pagoda did not have fully accessibility features.
(Thankyou so much @TusharSuradkar for all explaining about 
)
Attendees virtual presence
Anil Singh from Chandigarh
@Anil6969
Ajit Thite from Pune
@Ajitthite
Isha Badalchikar From Thane
@globe_trotter_ish
Mohita S. Siddharth from New Delhi
@shreyamusings
Sagar Kanherkar from Mumbai kalyan
@Sagarkanherkar
Rosy Kohli from Mumbai
@Rosykohli
Maddy from Aligarh
@MadhurG
Saylli Walve from Thane
@saylliwalve1,
Nilesh Nag from Mumbai
@NileshNag
Kuldip Patil from Pune
@Kuldip_patil
Sumedh Kakatkar from Pune
@framesbysumedh
Rupali Gupta from Jalna
@Ru_pali4
@TravellerG from Bangalore
Kuldip Patil Local Guide Pune
@kuldip_patil
Vipin Kumar Gupta Delhi NCR
@Gvipin
Devi Dimatra from Indonesia
@Ddimitra
I am grateful to each of you for making this meetup memorable. Your support, presence, and positive spirit made this event feel special. Together, we recreated those early memories and reflected on how much we have grown as a community.
Let us continue to share this joy of exploration, accessibility, and local stories with the world. Thank you once again for being part of this journey.
Global Vipassana Pagoda Photo’s
The spirit of #WomenatLocalGuides, connection, and community alive always exploring and sharing with care..
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