Travellers make easy victims. Everyone knows that. The most vulnerable target for an unprincipled taxi driver or hotel owner is the person who is from out of town. “Be safe” we always add when a relative is leaving for business or on holiday. But travelling safe is not just a wish. It is a priority. We should not just be willing to pay for safety; we should grow a mindset where safety is more important than economizing on expenses. Some young Naga entrepreneurs have set up guest houses in Delhi at central locations like Safdarjung Enclave, and Krishna Nagar which offer a clean room for the night and the reassurance of being met at the airport by a taxi driver who operates for the guest house. Personally, it takes all the stress out of travelling to a city, and arriving on late flights by night especially if travelling alone. The guest houses have a very reasonable rate of 2500 rupees per night in a comfortable room with attached bathroom. Meals of wholesome Naga food are made available at very nominal rates. Meals can even be ordered before the journey is undertaken so that you arrive to find a hot meal waiting! The guest houses are homely and well maintained. They are air-conditioned with clean linen and sufficient privacy. It is such a welcome change from a strange room in a hotel. One feels at home because that is the kind of welcome that they provide. The smell of Naga food cooking, and the easy politeness that is so much a part of Naga culture makes the guests relax and feel they have found a home away from home, in the best use of the cliché. The first time I heard someone talk about the Naga guesthouses I was already impressed. He extolled their praises, and he was right. These are not luxury hotels by any yardstick. Many of them are found in crowded middle class neighbourhoods which only taxi drivers who know their address can locate. However, they provide a very essential service which any of us can deeply appreciate. They make the traveller feel safe and taken care of. That primarily is the ordeal of travelling to new places – the stress of finding a good place to stay at, and reliable transport to get you there. The winter months are travelling months for many Nagas, both scholars, working people and traders. A good number of Nagas trade with Delhi retail outlets bringing back goods for sale during the high season before Christmas and New Year. All the more reason to encourage the existence of such guest houses and contribute toward their upkeep ourselves. It is a win-win situation. Would you pay 2500 rupees for safety? I happily would. (Keep in mind the price will go up a bit more than that in years to come) I think this is such a great idea that it should be spread to other metropolises and towns where Nagas travel in large numbers. One of the bonuses is that it is an employment opportunity for many young and adventurous Nagas. One of the guest house owners told me that they also cater to rooms for people who visit the capital for medical reasons. Such cases receive a discounted price. As the number of our travellers increase every year, the need for these facilities will steadily be on the increase. Be safe, put your money where you will be taken care of. I understand there a quite a reliable number of such guesthouses run by Nagas in Delhi. Below are some of addresses, and phone numbers. I could not get the others before this article went to the press, but I am sure they are easily available via student union groups or social media. If they are not, then here is a good suggestion to include them when providing information on travelling to Delhi. Let’s spread the word about these blessings far from home. 1. Bethany Home, New Delhi 196, Arjun Nagar, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi 1100029, Mobile: 9910667961/9871658178. Email:angelthori@gmail.com. 2. Neiba’s Guest house: House 9A, flat no 102 Krishna Nagar, B4 Block Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi 110029. Mobile: 9953529049. 3. Balie Guest House. House no 166. Satya Niketan, near Gurudwara, Moti Bagh Naga guest house. Owners Sano and Balie, phone: 9990410792. 4. Naga Guest house no D 191 Arjun Naga, Safdarjung enclave, New Delhi 110029. VineisaSorunuo: 0091999710886/919891721294 5. KhiezoZuyie Guest house, South Extension Part I, C-36, New Delhi 110049.
