Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 Has anyone here ever traveled to India??? I was told by a travel agent that the VISA would be good for 6 months beginning at my time of entry. Being a good boy and trying to obey the rules I got my VISA 2 months ahead of schedule and am now shocked that it is good for 6-month "from the time of issue" I lost 2 months! I am extremely saddened and in agaony over this. I have already made plans to stay in Calcutta studying music with the Baul and Tabla with Anindo Chatterji. These people are heroes to me. Also, I was supposed to work on some things which would help me secure this grant I am applying for to obtain a future stay. I am crushed! 2 months may seem like nothing but when you are dedicating yourself to study and trying to obtain field recording every day means a whole lot! Does anyone here think there is anything I could do? I know if you overstay a VISA you can get in lots of trouble and I don't want to wreck the chances for a return visit. What if I get married??? haha It may sound funny, but it could happen! OK, more realistically do you think I could perhaps go to Nepal, or Sri Lanka or somplace, then stay a week and then get a new Indian VISA??? I really would be up for anything. I thought maybe somebody here would have experience with this sort of thing and it could help. I am sorry if it seems inappropriate to post this here. Honestly, It is my love for the Mother which has motivated me to come this far and she is why I am travelling to Calcutta. I would do anything for her. Thank you so much. Namaskar, William Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 Namastey, When in India,, u can apply for a extension and it will be done in no time ,,,, so dont break ur heart if u have let 2 mths slip by. But i am not sure if u get a extension in Calcutta ,,,but u do get it in New Delhi. If u need to ask more u can mail me,,, I am in Bombay, and will help u in any way u want ,,,, thanks geet lionserpent358 wrote:Has anyone here ever traveled to India??? I was told by a travel agent that the VISA would be good for 6 months beginning at my time of entry. Being a good boy and trying to obey the rules I got my VISA 2 months ahead of schedule and am now shocked that it is good for 6-month "from the time of issue" I lost 2 months! I am extremely saddened and in agaony over this. I have already made plans to stay in Calcutta studying music with the Baul and Tabla with Anindo Chatterji. These people are heroes to me. Also, I was supposed to work on some things which would help me secure this grant I am applying for to obtain a future stay. I am crushed! 2 months may seem like nothing but when you are dedicating yourself to study and trying to obtain field recording every day means a whole lot! Does anyone here think there is anything I could do? I know if you overstay a VISA you can get in lots of trouble and I don't want to wreck the chances for a return visit. What if I get married??? haha It may sound funny, but it could happen! OK, more realistically do you think I could perhaps go to Nepal, or Sri Lanka or somplace, then stay a week and then get a new Indian VISA??? I really would be up for anything. I thought maybe somebody here would have experience with this sort of thing and it could help. I am sorry if it seems inappropriate to post this here. Honestly, It is my love for the Mother which has motivated me to come this far and she is why I am travelling to Calcutta. I would do anything for her. Thank you so much. Namaskar, William shakti_sadhnaa HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 dear william, firstly - do not ever go by what the travel agent tells you regarding visa regulations... visa is always from the date of issue upto the date of expiration - this is true of all visas -regadless of american or indian!!! of course, if you overstay your american visa, they would let you go back as soon as possible as they do not want any illegal immigrants here in usa!!! but, if i were you i would go back to the indian embassy which issued you the visa and explain the situation and ask them if they can extend your vis at no additional cost to you - if not just pay the fee and get it over with!!! i will not wait till i get to india... in india, everything is time consuming- there are always ques everywhere and too much waiting and too much red tapism and bureacracy!! have you ever bben to an air india office? it is chaotic, to say the leaast!! but, please sort out all the issues before you get on that plane... william, i am so excited you are going to learn baul music... i like the bauls- they are true'tantriks' at heart!!! very colorful and free- spirited ! if you know bengali, it is doubly helful as you can sing these songs with 'feelings' - bauls are in love with love itself!! please take pictures!! do visit shantiniketan if possible- you will love it... tagore's poetry was influenced by bauls as well... in santhiniketan, you will be in real touch with bngali culture, music, arts , drama etc... maybe who knows!!! some 'romance' may also blossom!!! who knows!! the ways of the divine mother are strange!! she has a reason and purpose for everything!! love and best wishes.... call the embassy before you make the trip for reissueing the visa ... if i were you i will ask the travel agent to account for his professional lapses... btw, on another note, i would go and spend sometime in chennai if possible- december is music season - you will love it... the whole city will be brimming with cultural, social and religious activities.... ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2002 Report Share Posted November 6, 2002 In a message dated 11/7/2002 1:59:31 AM Eastern Standard Time, adi_shakthi16 writes: > but, please sort out all the issues before you get on that plane... > > william, i am so excited you are going to learn baul music... i like > the bauls- they are true'tantriks' at heart!!! very colorful and free- > spirited ! if you know bengali, it is doubly helful as you can sing > these songs with 'feelings' - bauls are in love with love itself!! > please take pictures!! > > Oh my Goddess! You my friend are a man after my own heart! Yes, Purna Das Baul has just started a music academy in Kolkata. Since I love the Bauls and the goddess Kali Ma I figured this would be a great time to learn with them and learn about Kali too-all in one shot! Also, I am studying Tabla with Anindo Chatterji, a master who will help my amateur playing greatly! This will be a great time for me and I have been saying many prayers to every Goddess and God I can think of just to keep my head straight! My ultimate goal is to make friends in the Baul communityand set up a future recording project. When I return I want to make a CD or more of their music and set up a Baul website. Any profits I make will go to them, not me! I want to give everything to what I believe and help others at the same time-this is my truest path of discovery and this is where Ma has so kindly guided me. It really is all her. About 4 years ago I wouldn't have know nanything about this stuff! What else could have brought this on but Kali who is the greatest love I have ever known! Jai Ma As for South India-I love Carnatic music and have also studied Mridangam! It's beautiful music and it cracks me up that there is a little North-South rivalry between these excellent musicans! Even enlightened people can be childish and silly! I would love to go for music season, but probably won't have time to do it this trip. Someday I really hope to. Does this festival somehow correspond with the Tyagaraja Aradhana! This to me is the greatest spiritual beauty-That what you love if it really connects you with yous soul-is purely spiritual devotion! Hinduism is great for this. When I saw the Bauls and heard their music it can stimulate so many emotions without me even knowing the words because it goes beyond that. If I can achieve gnosis through music, this for me is like perfection! It's like a part of me already is a Baul and I never knew it! Although I am sure getting initiated I will learn many more things and they do practice regular Sadhanas. I love all the Devi Bhaktas here and promise to keep you posted on my adventures and share the things I learn with you. Of course you will als get scans of any great pictures I take. I leave the 25th of November and with my anxiety riding high I probably won't post too much before than, but you'll get everything I learn while in Kolkata and West Bengal over the next 6 months. Jai Ma Kali William Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2002 Report Share Posted November 7, 2002 In a message dated 11/7/2002 8:24:56 AM Eastern Standard Time, adi_shakthi16 writes: > william, hope this helps.... since you are not in washington.dc... > please start the paperwork now as you plan to leave b4 > thanksgiving.... you know between holidays etc.... there is not > enough time... > > Thank you all so much for your help. This si my first trip ever and I don't want it to get messed up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2002 Report Share Posted November 7, 2002 hi william, i downloaded this information from the indian embassy web site... please read.... ********************************************************************** Attention: *** All visas start from the date of its issue.*** TOURIST VISA: Valid for 6 months to 10 years. However, the period of stay in India (for each visit) is limited to only six months. ********************************************************************** TRANSIT VISA: Valid for single/double entry for a maximum stay of 15 days for bonafide transit purposes only. ********************************************************************** STUDENT VISA: Valid up to the period of study with multiple entries for bonafide students to pursue regular studies at recognized institutions in India. (A letter confirming admission from such an institution along with evidence of financial arrangements for stay in India should accompany application). In case of admission in medical or paramedical courses in India, a letter of Approval or No objection certificate from Ministry of Health, Govt. of India, is also required. Likewise, for admission in graduate or post-graduate courses in engineering or technical institutions in India, a letter of approval or a No objection certificate from Ministry of Human Resources Development (Department of Education) is required. ********************************************************************** source: indolink.com ********************************************************************** william, hope this helps.... since you are not in washington.dc... please start the paperwork now as you plan to leave b4 thanksgiving.... you know between holidays etc.... there is not enough time... bon voyage! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2002 Report Share Posted November 8, 2002 *I leave the 25th of November and with my anxiety riding high I probably won't post too much before than, but you'll get everything I learn while in Kolkata and West Bengal over the next 6 months.* Bon voyage, my friend and have a wonderful and fruitful trip. Trust Devi and our sweet Amba will guide you to your destiny. With Love Shankaree Get a bigger mailbox -- choose a size that fits your needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2002 Report Share Posted November 13, 2002 Dear William, At some point if you intend to make multiple visits to India just apply for a ten year visa ( at least for U.S.citizens). It is essentially the same application form you just check a different box. I applied for mine at the CG in San Francisco at 10 in the morning and had my visa by 1 PM. The cost at least when I got mine was $110.00 vs $50.00 for the 3 month tourist. You can also get the visa transferred to a new passport if your passport expires in the interim. This is the simpliest and even the most economical way to go. Again you are limited to a 6 month stay for each entry but I think that many just go to Nepal or Sri Lanka for 30 days and then reenter. have a great trip. f , lionserpent358@a... wrote: > > > Thank you all so much for your help. This si my first trip ever and I don't > want it to get messed up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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