Unique Tree Unique Place (ThursdayTreeLove)

 As 26th January is our Republic Day, I have a tree from a special unique place. 

Its a Keekar (Acacia variety) that has its home at Longewala. 

Longewala is a place near Jaisalmer in India's Rajasthan state . It is close to the international border and was witness to a fierce battle in 1971. 

There is a memorial at the spot that displays captured enemy weapons, tanks etc. There is also a short film that recreates the events of December 1971 and it is shown in an actual bunker. The entire ambience gives one goosebumps and one can only salute the brave.

You can read more about it here and here. 

Here is the tree. 

The Keekar seems to have a twin trunk or a low first branch. That low branch has grown almost horizontally and curves for quite some distance. In fact, it has been propped up with some supports. 

                                    

Support for the branch

This image gives an idea of the horizontal curving branch. I tried to get an image without people but that was next to impossible considering the queue to see the film. 

Leaves

Visiting such places serve as a reminder of sacrifices made by our soldiers to safeguard our freedom. Here are some images from Longewala.

Republic Day Greetings to all my friends!! 

I am joining Parul in her ThursdayTreeLove blog hop. Do head over to see some fantastic trees from around the world. Better still, join in!

Tree With Story

Ever so often, on ThursdayTreeLove, we hear the words, if only this tree could tell its story... Especially when its an old stalwart holding its own. 

Today is 26th January, celebrated in India as the Republic Day. An important landmark in my country's freedom.

It seems a good day to write about this particular Peepal tree or Ficus religiosa of the Moraceae family. 

Since our bloghop is about trees, I will very briefly touch upon the history (not doing it the justice it deserves) and the story the tree has to tell. I have added some links for anyone interested to read more. Google will also help!! 

I saw this massive old Peepal at the Mamledar Kacheri in Pune which is a government office related to land records. Everyone coming there keen on finishing their work and rushing off, possibly only looking at this tree as a spot to shelter from the Sun. 

Umaji Naik was a revolutionary who fought against rule of the British from around 1826-1832 inflicting great damage . To cut a long story very short, the British captured him and he was imprisoned, tried. On 3 Feb 1832, Umaji Naik was hanged at the above mentioned premises from the Peepal tree. Thereafter, he was left there for three days in order  to deter people from more revolts. 

This tree is indeed a witness and participant in our freedom struggle. It stands to remind us of how our fore fathers fought so that we are free and independent today.

You can read more about Umaji Naik in this Wikipedia article and about his life here. 

The Peepal grows in one corner of the premises. Offering cooling shade to visitors

People end up sitting under the tree little realising its part in our freedom struggle.

There is a small sign post on the tree which states that Umaji Naik was hung from this tree

Surprise (ThursdayTreeLove)

For some inexplicable reason, I was under the impression that only trees in the Ficus genus and Sheflera bore aerial roots. When I saw this tree with profuse roots growing from its branches, I was completely taken aback. 
It is obviously a fully grown tree and I saw it in San Francisco. 

This is a tree called Metrosideros excelsa belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Commonly called the New Zealand Christmas Tree. The species is endemic to New Zealand.

The tree is said to have brilliant flowers however it was not in bloom when during my visit. Instead, I have an image of its leaves.

Surprises never cease and this plant reminded me that there is something new to be learnt all the time.

Ever since my course in Field Botany, my travels are all the more interesting as I spend time trying to identify trees around me. Many a times, I end up just enjoying the tree as no ID seems to match. 

This quote sums it up
"Time spent in Nature is time realising you don't know it all, that you never will.  The earth is meant to be enjoyed by its inhabitants" - AbdulRauf Hashmi

I am joining Parul in her ThursdayTreeLove bloghop. Do head over to see some fantastic trees from around the world. Better still, join in.

Tree Frame (ThursdayTreeLove)

This was the view that greeted me as I paused to catch my breath when climbing this hill. The trees seemed a perfect frame for the river Moshi which is one of the tributaries of Pune's Mutha River. It has a dam at Varasgaon and this is the backwater area. 

We walked up at the start of June, when the city was facing a severe water crisis. The south westerlies seemed to be bringing in hoards of clouds which filled the entire sky. 

For a change, the view kept me away from trying to identify the trees... Also they were on the slope and I was not keen on going too close to them. They are likely to be Jamun or Ain, two species which were common in that area.

I am joining Parul in her bimonthly ThursdayTreeLove blog hop. Do head over to see lovely trees from around the world. Better still, join in!

Tamhan (Wordless Wednesday)

1st May is celebrated as Maharashtra Day. Though its a day late, I present the state flower of Maharashtra Lagerstromia reginae also known as Tamhan .

Shortcut Sauce

This is my first attempt at a food post... As I have openly stated, I am a reluctant cook and I have jumped into the bloghop mainly for the food memories! And there are so many, and surprisingly the ones that stand out are the disasters

:-(

However, today I would like to share one of our projects.. one that was we had no choice but to execute and do it well.. The ladies of our unit had to put up a food stall with two items- Bhel and Pizza. For two whole days. A huge crowd was expected. Pizza delicacy was in those days.. way back in 1993... especially in the remote base in the NE where we were posted. 

The local bakery would make the base but during the trials, we faced the most unexpected difficulties. Rings of capsicum dried out and the sulfurous odour of the onions was  quite unbearable. Spending two days in its company was quite unthinkable. Plus with limited space, we could not accommodate many containers. None of us were keen to freshly chop the veggies on a need-based basis. 

Our plan was the do the entire preparation at home and just grill the pizza when ordered. 

Necessity is the mother of invention - it is said and that is what happened to us.

Blue (Wordless Wednesday)

Sunlight glitters on the waters of the PangongTso

W is for War Memorial

Surprisingly I had choices of two 'W' gardens in Pune in this April AtoZ blogging challenge but its no surprise that I have opted for the War Memorial. Located in the Pune Cantonment, The National War Memorial is a citizen-led initiative to honour and remember the contributions of men in uniform in times of war and national calamity. Their names are inscribed on marble panels installed on one side of the park. 

T is for Tathavade Udyan

My first visit to this part was as part of a tree walk and the striking feature here was its plethora of Brownea coccinea trees. Trees were the sole focus of that visit and, I came away knowing a lot about the species growing there there but totally ignored the story of Late Major Tathavade Kirti Chakra who made the highest sacrifice in Poonch area in the year 2000. I regretted my ignorance and made another visit just to read about this brave soldier in whose memory the park has been named. There is a statue of the Late Major Tathavade at the entrance and I paused for a while there to pay my respects to his valour. 

Spread over 3 acres, the park has one more nationalistic attraction which is a Pakistani tank from the 1971 India-Pakistan war. 

Obviously this park should be a huge silent inspiration for youngsters and should remind that peace comes at a cost and we should not take contributions of our soldiers for granted. 

R is for MahaRana Pratap Udyan

This garden is officially called the MahaRana Pratap Udyan and is tucked away on an important arterial North-South Road of the city. The neighbourhood is mostly residential and borders a very busy commercial area. I realised it was extremely popular with families when I visited as many relaxed on the lawns, played games and enjoyed  the greenery in the very heart of Pune. 

A bust of MahaRana Pratap is located almost immediately after the gate. He was a King of Mewar in what is now India's Rajasthan state. He was among the few rulers who stood up to the Mughals. An inspiring and fearless King whose deeds are still recounted with fervour. 

This garden also has a memorial to Shaheed Captain Sushant Godbole who laid down his life fighting terrorists in Jammu. We are safe in our cities only because of him and all our armed forces personnel who are unquestioningly  guarding our borders for the safety of their fellow countrymen. 

Installations in this garden should be an inspiration to young minds. Besides these, there are the by now ubiquitous manicured lawns, tiled walkways around the perimeter, trees and a few flower beds.

Air Force Day

08 October is celebrated as Air Force Day each year. Now as civilians we look upon with pride our tenure in service, never for a moment regretting our life therein or complaining about hardships we had to face   (alright, we did crib occasionally) but remembering only the wonderful people who we were fortunate and privileged to have been with.

We lived without many so-called "city comforts", learnt to innovate with what we had, found 'new' uses for the same old things (fashionably called 'thinking out of the box' but a 'box' a.k.a trunk, was our treasured possession vital to transport our wordly belongings in our normadic existance), adopted a "live-and-let -live policy" with flying frogs, snakes, scorpions, monkeys and so on (our homes had a common habitat with theirs) and hopefully instilled the same never-say-die spirit in our children as well.

What we did have around us were strong, eternally optimistic, fearless soldiers who put their country and mission before their lives, who saw the lighter side of life in every situation and made a sure fire impression on every person they interacted with! We met wonderful people and developed friendships that survived several postings and learnt to stoically accept when Fate took away anyone from what was our extended family.
Life must go on, Impermanence is the very essence of Life...

Here is a recap from a couple of my older posts... 

Shaken...

After a long time, I read this article that really disturbed me. The Dec 26, 2011- Jan 09, 2012 issue of the Outlook magazine has several articles that describe 'food trails' in different regions. I have read several such 'food' travel articles online and in magazines but none was as stark as this one.

The article is entitled 'Sweat of Shiva's Back' by Amita Bhaviskar and describes the food and life of Bhilala adivasis. Perish any thought of a romantic account of life in the jungles. Far from it. Having said that, at no point does the article deteriorate into a 'sob story' of their difficulties. In a simple stark manner, the author describes their food habits that are totally dictated by the lives they lead.

Initially the botanist in me was struck by their use of the Mahua flowers and its oil and liquor made from it. Then as the words sank in, the magnitude of their situation hit me.

Ganesha in our lives

2011 Ganesheshotsav in Pune was marked by heavy rains and a river in spate for over 3 days in a row. That is not something fresh in our memories. Inflation, security issues, poor roads not withstanding people celebrated with gusto either by bringing home the Ganesh idol or in a community celebration in their neighbourhood.

While the Mutha River is a trickle for the best part of the year, environmental activists cry themselves hoarse about pollution and disregard for whatever water does flow there. This reaches a cresendo in this festival as tradition requires the idol to be immersed. The debate begins right from the type of idol rather the material from which it is made- idols made from 'shadu chi mati' (a type of river mud) are said to be the appropriate ones and they are supposed to dissolve easily when immersed. The other popular material is Plaster of Paris and idols made of this may not dissolve. This not only creates a religious issue of semi dissolved and water soaked idols that have to disposed off later but the water is said to get polluted. The 'nirmalya' or floral offerings have to disposed off as well.

Most people have accepted the idea of recycling and do give the nirmalya at special collection boxes kept for the purpose. But idols is another story. We noticed an interesting phenomenon at one visarjan ghat today:

The approach to the river was lined on both sides with placard bearing activists: those on my right urged people to immerse idols in the specially built 'howd' (water tanks) and those on the left urged immersion in the river. Personnel from the Fire Brigade were at hand to actually immerse the idols in water.

While official figures will be known later, for the half hour that we spent, most people chose to opt for the River. The two photos below speak for themselves.

Most immersions ther were of small idols (usually of individuals or families) or slightly bigger ones (probably a community celebration) and probably the situation may have been different later, we were there quite early at around 3PM.

I know of families who immerse the idol at home itself (the ones made of shadu chi mati). They claim it dissolves in a couple of hours and they use the water in their plants and for neighbourhood trees. The nirmalya is recycled at home itself.

Ganesha is the Sukhkarta, Dukhaharta,Vighnaharta .

After 11 days, we miss him at home.

Ganapati Bappa Moraya, Pudhachya varshi lavkar ya!

Corruption in our daily lives...

Any newspaper, TV channel that we currently turn to is in an reporting -overdrive about Anna Hazare's fast and the youth 'involvement' that is sweeping the country. I am not qualified to comment about the Jan Lokpal or its government version. However as an ordinary citizen I have faced situations that demanded 'Laxmi darshan' or similar to expedite any work I may have.

Let me elaborate.

The commonest one that each one of us probably is guilty of is 'making deals with God' when our wish is fulfilled. This may mean a visit to the particular place of worship, offerings (in the form of cash in the hundi/coconut etc), lighting candles/offering a 'chadar', some people walk (for several kilometers) to the temple and so on. The offerings vary subject to the 'size' of the wish granted and deep pockets of the recipient!

We had offered a pooja at small temple (the residing deity was claimed to fulfill devotees wishes) outside our base in Assam when we finally received our luggage after two months. The truck was delayed and its owner simply could not trace it. It had all our earthy possessions and their loss would have set us back by a princely sum. Besides spending huge amounts on STD (this was way before the current telecom revolution) we really could not do anything. More about that another time..

Coming back to my point, what are we to consider such offerings as? Or is this to be excused as its not made to a living person?

We often pay a few hundred rupees at government offices to 'hasten' our work. Pay a couple of hundred to avoid the 'test' prior to a learning (driving) license, add a few blue/green/ red notes to the designated amount to 'facilitate' easy registration of property, avoid paying a fine when driving through a red signal and so on... We justify these as saying that the agent makes some money and we are actually helping provide a livelihood to someone. Sounds a bit far fetched but yes, I have heard these arguments.

Come election day (either for state or central or local level) many people (this includes those other than in the 'youth' category) take off for a weekend break or holiday and do not vote. 'What difference does it make?', 'Will my vote make any difference?' are some reasons to justify this flight from exercising their duty. Some claim that we need electoral reforms. When a particular doctor's treatment fails to provide relief to our complaints, we change the doctor. Politically, voting is one way to make a change.

Anna's fast has driven India's youth and middle class away from their AC offices/ homes furnished with newly gained affluence onto the street to raise a voice against the corruption menace. I hope it forces them to think and think hard about corruption. I would like to see this 'josh' sustained into the future, much after the current matter is resolved.

The new law (in whatever form) will work on larger issues but what about our daily lives. Are we ready to make sacrifices, face hardships just so we don't pay anything under the table? Are we ready to pay the fine for our vehicle not having a valid PUC certificate? Are we ready to stand in queues for a domicile certificate and ready for it being rejected?

My apprehensions about corruption were totally unjustified when we re-entered civil life after our stint in the Services. We could get whatever licenses, agreements we needed without greasing any palms. Of course it meant repeated trips, standing in queues but we received our documents before our Patience snapped. That experience only restored my faith in the system.

Those following global developments will agree that foreign and western 'rich' nations face corruption as well (it may take different forms). While many readily point accusatory fingers at India and our systems, its for us, to repair any faults. If we don't do so, who will?

Its when each one of us (ok let me not be ambitious- lets keep that most of us) vows not to grease palms, not to use money to expedite our work that Anna's agitation will have long lasting meaning and make a fundamental change in our though processes.

Does this sound too simplistic? Probably yes. But small wins will add up to huge gains. Else it will be like having beautiful house thats being eaten up from inside by white ants. Or a lovely attractive physical body being eaten up by diabetes and heart disease.

Before I end, this is a good time to recap the inspiring timeless ad by Times of India:

Tum Chalo Toh Hindustan Chale. Watch it here (at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?)v=pFs5vWxW-vc

Jai Hind!

And the Sun will shine...

Difficult as it is to say this, one has to accept that the present governance situation in India seems to have reached its nadir. What with one scam after another, soaring prices (to name just a few problems) the only people who seem to be doing well are politicians irrespective of which cap they don.

Yes, the media may go overboard about some issues but can they be blamed for the price rise? (read this: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Pawar-blames-media-says-no-proposal-on-milk-price-rise/570153/). Some ministers have reportedly said the government lacks tools to control price rises (read this: http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-govt-cannot-control-food-prices-accepts-finmin-adviser/20110106.htm).

Corruption, legal violation cases by big wigs languish in our courts.

So where does the common man go? Is this the pits? Do we as honest tax payers deserve this? Should we pay taxes at all? Do we really have democratic processes that represent 'majority' opinion or are some influential voters' blocks taking the rest for a ride? The central government, and every state, municipal corporation and gram panchayat government represent not more than 35% of votes polled. So are our electoral systems truly giving the majority opinion the right to govern? We need to introspect and rethink.

Being the eternal optimist I would like to point to the 2010 Bihar elections. Bihar, the first among the so called BIMARU states, yet its people made a dramatic choice in their 2010. Fed up with corruption, absence of law and order they voted for progress. (read this: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/development-has-won-in-bihar-nitish-kumar/135747-37-64.html

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/bihar-election-results-nitish-kumar-leads-saffron.../715237/).

Surely if some people in India can use the ballot to make an emphatic verdict about their preferences, the rest of us can follow? Agreed that there is still a while for elections but we must be sure to make an informed choice based on past performance and not promised results when we vote. We must sort wheat from chaff and learn to take 'claims' of so called administrative successes with tons of salt.

This is what people power and power of the ballot is all about.

Don't despair people. Raise your voice. Think. Act.

And the Sun will shine...

The Son Rise

While political analysts may have felt slightly deprived at the speed with which our new government was formed- they had a field day in speculating and counter speculating strategies, names and potential situations if the Congress 'allies' had decided to support the government from outside.

The dust has finally settled. With the second round of  swearing in India can now get back to business. 

While the exclusion of Rahul Gandhi in the cabinet did raise some questions, the Cabinet is well sprinkled with scions of political families. Sons, daughters and all manner of relatives that were political heirs have come into their own and landed ministerial appointments. 

In a country with a huge youth population, there are high hopes from the young ministers. They need to set the bar high and work towards it despite political, social or other pressures. This article talks of performance being the criteria. 

Many have questioned if we are a dynastic society. Does a constituency vote blindly for the progeny of the previous popular leader? Is pedigree all that matters? What about performance by the next gen?

Results across India would suggest as much which will explain why every such politician makes an extra effort to 'nurse' that region towards more growth. 

A sociologist would give us a better perspective on this. In the meantime,

the son has risen

there is hope on the horizon

a new day

a new beginning

time to start afresh...

Jai Hind!

Three cheers for the Indian voter

A vast majority who had geared for a long suspense about our new government were pleasantly stunned. By us of course, the Indian voters! 

Experienced analysts and politicians could not gauge the mood of the people or even predict what was in store for them. Could it be that the voter finally will not be swayed by political gimmicks? Not fall prey to promises that he knows may never be fulfilled under the name of coalition politics? Developed the capacity to think independently? 

At least some of these must be true. That alone explains the clear mandate (opposed to the fractured one expected by a vast majority) and clipped wings of regional satraps. 

The voter does not always have to argue, protest, fight verbally. This is his power to tell the politicians that like all other jobs, delivery matters. Performance matters.  They would be evaluated continuously over five years. Instead of an annual report there is only one report at the end of five years. Illiterate and poor our masses may be, they are not dumb. 

The Election Commission of India did an excellent job of holding peaceful elections (barring a few incidents)- besides sheer numbers, extreme heat and security threats were issues they dealt with in a most satisfactory manner. Technology came to their aid in the form of EVMs. Obviously many would complain about the voter registration process, names going missing etc. 

There is a lot that needs to be done- infrastructure (roads, electricity, clean drinking water and food for starters) and employment come to my mind first. Womens issues still need to be looked into- female infanticide, dowry. Obviously every one has a wish list.

Those who missed out on casting their ballot this time, visit the offices of the Election Commission in your city this week itself. Start the enrollment process. 

Jai Hind!

Republic Day

This 26 January was marked by many of the highest peace time gallantry awards being awarded posthumously to Armed Forces or Police personnel. Their sole aim to defend the nation even at the cost of their lives. 

Their wives carried themselves with tremendous calm as the citations were read out. It spoke volumes about their personalities and strength as they adjust to this difficult change.

Every lady who marries into the armed forces or police or other defence forces is aware of and accepts the risks her husband faces. Far from stopping him, she is the source of his strength. It is her unquestioned taking charge of all domestic  management and issues that lets the soldier go forth with full concentration on the task on hand. That is how it should be.

Our salute to those who laid down their lives to keep us safe and the ladies who stand by them!

Jai Hind!

Heros

There have been several bravehearts in the operation to end last week's attack and siege in Mumbai. 

Here are articles about some of them that are available on cyberspace.

Sub Inspector  Tukaram Omble was instrumental in the arrest of the sole terrorist who could be apprehended alive. Click here to read an account of that encounter. 

VD Zende an announcer at CST's suburban hall, helped reduce casualty number at the railway station. His presence of mind in the suddenly evolving crisis speaks volumes for dedication to duty. Read about it here.

The fire brigade too chipped in. Read about it here.

It goes to show that before waiting for the authorities to arrive, its for the people who are actually caught in the situation to show courage and presence of mind.

Are you updated with first aid proceedures?

Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher?

Do you have the local police numbers stored for easy access?

Do you have the local hospital/ambulance number stored for easy access?

If your answer  to all above questions is not 'Yes' then you know what is the first item on your must-do list...

Take care all!

Touch the Sky with Glory

8th October
Air Force Day
An important period for us a few years back as it meant weeks of hectic activities and preparations for this week that usually had several events.
The big one usually was the Officers Mess function. Ladies were kept busy preparing an entertainment program, decorations, food etc. All our postings were in far flung regions so outsourcing food to some hotel was never an option.
Its our cooks who did the honours and always came out shining. Ladies too put in their bit with special recipes or decor.
An important effort during the party was to look after 'veterans' who were invited to this annual do.

Today we are on the other side of the fence....
From my experience last year, this party is still carried out with the same zest as before only I looked at it from a different lens.
We had lived in dilapidated 'bashas', read freshly delivered 2-day old newspapers, stayed connected via trunk calls then STD PCOs, accepted snakes, leeches and scorpions....

We lived in clean fresh air, our kids had plenty of space to play... The friends we made are for life. The lessons we learnt still stand by us. The skills we gained come in handy even today in the urban jungle that is now our home.

All the very best to the Indian Air Force.
Happy Landings to all the men in blue.