May Matters:Cue from A Partially Seen Movie,Before Sunset

Time was 7.30 pm. Sun had just set in but after a satisfying essential nap (owing to post-surgery Retina recuperation), Aakash realised that he was having,no doubt, only one functional eye, yet his mind ,for a change, was empty, unoccupied and bereft of any consuming frenzy.Given a boost,it could roam and float without any inhibition.The short movie set in Paris being screened over the Romedy Now became the catalyst or the facilitator.

Aakash could relate and identify with practically most of the scenes shot around still unpolluted Seine River in Paris. After all, God and Government had bestowed him with five opportunities to visit this heaven of history, culture, love, beauty, glamour and pristine heritage. Shots of Le Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Nortre Dame, Montmartre, Bastille, Sacre Coeur etc. took him comfortably down the memory lane. The whole engrossment was so absorbing that Dawn Tensy had to warm up a cup of delicious hot chocolate twice for him, before she decided to enjoy cool Summer Breeze at their Terrace 2 in clean and green area of the Lutyens Delhi.

Her hubby was 'incorrigible',yet was tolerable, compared to his ambitious relatives and colleagues.She was also left without a choice.One does not aspire to and possibly can not change spouse after 56 Springs and 27 years of marital bliss.

Two Young Souls of P.G.stage get to see each other in a University Class room (Where else ?).Begins the cute,quiet,stroll along an isolated street.Upon introductions and exchange of pleasantries,they decide to enter a Cafe.Even if it was late afternoon,time was not an issue with any of them.From the initial vibes,there was going to be ample scope to narrate,understand and amplify respective feelings.

As the setting was slightly stuffy inside,both decide to take off their over-coats.For a change,the lady offers help to the Man,but he,on feeling embarassed, lends his hand.Has a few seconds feel of some sensation through her body.They smile at each other as if nothing had happened.Both of them ask each other for orders,before the lady decides to have the common snack item.Only difference being his Capachune ,as opposed to her large Chilled Bear.

Prior to the bite,she takes the lead,begins talking about her fresh attempts to build her career,presumably after a few sour developments of life.She succeeds in developing an instant rapport.So she begins sharing and revealing without even realising that they may or may not meet again.An usual tinge of sparkle would emerge from her radiant tall frame, covered with a sleeve-less evening Green coloured gown..

He,on the contrary,was relatively short and shy, looked attractive, donning a white light printed shirt with a dog collar, over a black trouser. He would listen more for the reasons best known to him.When the conversation begins assuming the shape of a sort of Monologue,he is tempted to intervene,rather politely, like a typical French.He began in a low, yet, audible voice.Both,it appeared were looking for some clue,if not perspective or 'solution' from the "encounter" of the cool evening.When he too is inclined to share and she could spare time,she lights a fag.He offers her light as a matter of courtesy.She smiles,giggles and in a way, obliges by moving a bit closer to him.Whether hands were touched or held ,it could be guessed by the readers.

When Sun began setting a bit,they decide to leave the Cafe and slowly head towards the lanes leading to many beautiful bridges over Seine.In full gear again,the man suggests a land route to their somewhat common destination in South of Paris.She looks straight into his face,maintains silence for a moment and gives a counter-suggestion to take one of the large ferry boats/steamers,about to start.

Once inside partially occupied boat, she begins roaming on her own,without realising a bit that she had a partner or fellow talker for now close to two hours.Over the clean river front, she could remember and recollect what she had just divulged.He,on other hand, was struggling to locate his left behind bag in the University Library through his buddy by taking recourse to the Cell, saviour and the essential intruding evil of the present era.

Upon a practical no exchange of ideas for a half an hour stint,the scene moves to the now getting dark streets.They exchange some notes by opening a bit more about each others experiences.Distances reduce between them.Walking hand in hand in a partially -lit garden is the next corrollary,if not the natural one.Same is facilitated by light winter drizzle.They,together climb stairs at one time,thoroughly influenced by the mutual trust and understanding.

Soon it is his turn to take further lead.He picks up, of all things,the memory factor.To him, it was vital, it never goes, occasionally may take a deep 'breath", to re-emerge.Same lived, thronged and survived as long as soul gave company.He added that one can not be alive on his own strength,one's desire and enthusiasm were very much the contributing factors,apart from all powerful "Kismet" or the destiny. One had to be optimistic and jovial as well, while sailing through the turbulent waters of the life cycle. Human beings had to see and enjoy also the magic of life. Thus, he gave an impression about his 'Philosophy' stream.

The lady,on the contrary, could only partially show signs of agreement with his viewpoint, in view of her own experiences, if not setbacks and hastened to add-"No I am not depressed, I can not be, in view of her inner strength and strong family traditions.True to her style, she obliquely resorts to cover-up, smiles, giggles and bursts into laughter again, breaking the silence of early night.Her another statement is noteworthy-"When I am disturbed by my own doings and have weird feelings, I call my Mom.She would respond-My Child,are you O.K.?"

From nowhere, a large bench emerges in the dark and isolated surroundings.Instantly,he touches,catches and tries to 'pull her in'.For a few moments, puts her in his lap.She is still frank, candid and talkative but on feeling shy, she puts on a glowing face and withdraws.She sits next to him but by now overall distance between the two had got shortened.Gradually they inch towards each other. Unknowingly, he tries to catch her fragrance and 'dares' to feel her. Her sleeves, by now, had all the temptations.

By shooting an invisible arrow in the 'thin air', he requests her to sing a song in her native Argentine language. She replies-"Not now,maybe, after 6 months". She repeats-"May Be". It was not a loaded statement, but had some semblance to something distressful in her past.

Yet another small river surfaces. This time it is a quiet boat ride of 10 minutes. At the end, he gathers courage to ask-"So you loved that War Photographer?".Without nodding or affirming she answers-"Each person is special, unique, even abnormal or having different traits from each other/one another. Should not he be ?".

To shift the focus, he switches over to like and dislike factors. Since it was getting over her head, she simply retorts-"No, yes".

He-"Do we like or hate each other ?"

She-"Not, Really".

 When they come across the next river bank, she suddenly begins talking about love, sex, babies, profound need to look after them,ensure their upbringing etc. By now, she gets transformed into a compulsive speaker and gives,in a way, indication about more than one failed affair/marriage.

He,in turn does not reveal his bouts of romance or alignments.Rather,he only becomes a patient listener.To him,love and commitment are the two different entities and that one should always dream. Whenever he feels like, he intervenes,manages to take a stand and she meekly surrenders even while referring, out of context to 35 years of her Parents conjugal life or their fights and patch-ups. Without thinking extra, she is convinced that his life was well settled, now that he was an established author.She thanked him profusely for listening to her and made her feel better.

When her abode appears close by, she becomes sentimental. They feel each other,do not forget to hug and kiss each other.Same is spontaneous. She offers him drink and accomodation till it is bright.She desires sex too with her newly found 'idiot', without saying it openly.He too replies without uttering-"I do not mind.If you can, open up, do not oppress any longer".

"Che"(meaning Hey in her language),her kitten welcomes both of them under her brightly- lit small compound.An elderly lady,presumably her Mother, too comes,meets and rushes inside.

Once he freshens up and given a nicely prepared hot drink next to the huge family sofa (she settles for a plain glass of milk),he shows no signs of withdrawal.He gathers courage to request her to sing a favourite song of hers to give the evening a grand 'finale'.

No lady obliges so fast.She was no exception.She goes to her bath,puts on some make-up,changes into an attractive black frock,gets hold of her tiny Spanish Guitar and begins singing a Waltz sentimental song-

"Everytime I dream of life but you are gone soon.

 You are much more than you appear to me.

  I want another try.One more single night with you.

 JESSI.would not forget you,Not even tomorrow"

The song was in a slow and measured tone but left him spell-bound.He smiles,claps and claps again.

He desires-"One More".

She says-"No".

.

Symbolically,as a parting gesture, she proudly shows the portrait of her Grand Mother and she, as a chubby six year old, with a curly hair.

Climax or Anti-climax ?

The movie on Romedy Now abruptly ends.When Aakash walks mistakenly towards the Terrace 1 to remind Dawn Tensy for the Dinner,she yells at him from the Terrace 2,where by now Vimla,Kanha and Kaalu had joined her. 

Aakash tenders sincere apologies for having failed in giving her company for nearly 1.5 hours.But she is, as usual, very kind and considerate.Before Aakash has his first bite of Chapati,she dutifully puts on two evening drops into his operated eye.

In between Dinner,a peep over T.V.screen reveals that darkness was all pervading over the night sky of the vast city of Paris and supposedly Jessi, had by now, walked back home.At least, the musical score conveyed that kind of impression.Name of the Argentinian heroine was not revealed till end. It will always remain a dark,if not a strategic secret.

Baffling If Not Irritating Salman Khan Saga

               2002 to 2015 is a very long period for the normal dispensation

of justice.In India,same is heard and delivered by following an

elaborate & outdated British system of Jurisprudence as opposed

to quick and flexible Jury system of USA.

Perhaps three major Criminal Acts were also drafted very

carefully,meticulously and certainly with a tinge of bias by the

colonial masters vis-a-vis the offenders or in the instant

case,the road-users or the pedestrians.While they continue to be

the Central Acts enforced & extended even in the post-1947

period,many Central and State amendments have happened in view

of developments or needs of time.However,they donot take place

at regular intervals.Thus the apparent loop-holes go on to help

the opportunists,the moneyed and the mighty.The common man,in

contrast,has to always run from the pillar to post not only for

desiring justice but even for admitting a genuine

grievance-based petition.

6th May 2015 is not going to be only Red Letter Day,when a

development of poles apart seems to have taken place,thanks to

an extremely high voltage drama anchored rightly in public

interest by the electronic media.The Addl.Dist.& Sessions Judge

of Greater Mumbai at last had courage to deliver a judgement

which may have belied expectations not because it had ample

evidence from both the sides but also due to his shocking

decision to permit last minute deposition of Ashok Singh,the

so-called family driver of the only accused-Salman Khan.The

conduct of both of them may lead to suspicion,as it was,if one

may say so,a last minute device to salvage a "precarious"

situation.Due to it,if a statement could be made in all

humility,the Judge attempted to make a mockery of the whole

process when end seemed logical,if not fully conclusive.

At last judgement has been delivered,even if the quantum of

punishment is barely 5 years for one murder and grievous

life-long injuries to 4 others.In good old days,the date

fixed/designated for judgement would normally see everything in

one go,presumably to ward-off any underhand deals,unless in the

opinion of the Presiding Officer, pronouncements had to be

staggered over to a few days,based on the circumstances or the

complications involved.

In the instant case,for the reasons best known to the

Judge,every process was rolled into just 4 hours.Even the

so-called "Speaking Order"was pronounced much ahead of

schedule,thereby giving ample time to defence to work on

"manipulative"processes,both within the Court as also within the

precincts of the High Court.Mumbai Police too gave the

impression of being Casual Referees.Even when the high profile

person was convicted, he was not only seen behaving like a

Super-Star,he became a larger than life figure,all of a

sudden.Thanks to reported laxity by Police and the money power &

over-all reach of the convict,the sparkling white and latest SUV

of Mercdes Benz had free and easy access in all nooks and

corners.Needless to say,an accused or a suspect having a common

background would be deprived of such concessions and

privileges.Rather,Police would have a "field"day with him or

her.

The terrible haste in deciding the quantum of punishment and of

all the things,"sudden breakdown" of power between 12.50 and

13.25 hrs.may lead to genuine suspicion on the part of Court

authorities.One can not say for certain but there was implicit

pressure applied on the ADJ to reduce the maximum period of 10

years to 5 years. One should not also ignore the fact that while

delivering such a crucial judgement of public ramifications,one

does refer to similar cases decided in the past,when Justice was

supposedly given,leniently given or given with a reasonable

compensation to all the victims.

The Judge in question very well knew the relevant Section 389 of

Cr.P.C.that if conviction was to be for a period below 3 years

and if the accused had moved for Bail at the drop of hat,the

Judge was liable and duty bound to hear and dispose-off his plea

then and there.He,at the same time,could have also heard the

same plea with more application of mind,the following

day.Interestingly this did not happen due to award of 5 years

conviction.The matter,therefore was conveniently passed on  to

the High Court,which,with due regards to the Judge,had all the

time in the world to hear an advanced prepared bail petition of

a notorious man.As expected,same was disposed off within no

time.

If it comes to common man,he would need days and days,weeks and

weeks to file a petition of this nature before same is admitted

in a higher court.So the physical might as also money power

assume significance.For the reasons best known to Mumbai Police

and the Municipal authoroties,swift passage was ensured to the

glamourous brothers,sisters and a battery of lawyers between the

two far situated court complexes.

On top of it,no court will hear a plea of the common citizen

after say,4 or 5 pm on a routine day.In this case,the ADJ worked

2.5 hours extra to ensure that the all powerful convicted and

maligned criminal came out with flying colours between 7.10 and

7.15 pm.He was facilitated with an Interim Bail till Friday,the

8th of May,2015.Ironically,his widely reported serious Nerve

disease got "cured" all of a sudden.Late in the evening,it was

like a marriage celebration in the convenient company of "fake"

actors, who indulge into the intricacies of the dreamland at the

cost of the innocent emotions of the common man.

One has only talked about the processes,rightly or wrongly or

hurriedly followed by the courts,Prosecution,Defence or the

Police.What about the long sufferings or claims of the kith and

kin of one dead and the continued physical trauma of 4

others,who were reportedly "promised" adequate compensation

during the trial stage.The Judge,I am sorry to state,has simply

forgotten about it or has purposely done it or maybe,for

him,only punishment was the top priority item.Certainly with

todays turn of events,the victims may not have the courage and

resources to to file even a review or appeal petition,forget

about opposing what has been "awarded".It may be interesting to

note that in all high profile cases of hit and run by the

celebrities,compensation was certainly awarded,even if

punishment meted was far below the expectations.

Another issue which should not be ignored in this context is

that in the cases of JayJaylalitha and Raju Lingam,despite their

mammoth power,nuissance and reach,Interim Bail was not given

immediately or so easily.Same had taken a week or fortnight.So

one may have reason to believe that Mumbai ADJ has acted, as

also not acted or has come definitely under the undue pressure

of of the High Court at the behest of some "invisible hand".

This case is no longer of a Media trial type.But for the

media,people in general would not know the nuances of law,forget

about even thinking about exploring the ways and means to secure

justice,even if same appears to be delayed.

The preferential treatment given to the "enfant terrible" by the

High Court may not be malafide,but certainly hurting,unfortunate

and inhuman at this stage.

In the same way,ridiculing the woes of the common man(pavement

dwellers)by the Singer Avijit and the Choreographer-turned-Film

Director Farah Khan,was not only shocking, same added further

insult to injury.

In sum and substance,the stand of the poor victims or whoever

ignited their feelings,is certainly vindicated.Five victims in

question may not have got the justice they deserved or had

wished for.The door of High and Supreme Court still can be

knocked.If same also fails,Justice will be ultimately dispensed

with by the Almighty some day.Salman Khan may be inside jail on

8/5/15 for a short or long duration (5 years) like Sanjay

Dutt.But no sensible woman is likely to enter into a conjugal

relationship with him Even if same happens,either by crook or

hook,she is bound to get the same inhuman and rough treatment

earlier perpetrated to the likes of Aishwarya Rai,Katrina Kaif

and many other budding film actresses who would innocently

become his ready "prey" at the various stages of their

respective struggling careers.

The punishment prescribed by the Britishers for the Culpable

Homicide Not amounting to murder would continue to play havoc

with the innocent lots by assisting the filthy rich automobile

owners.The pedestrians and road-users may continue to lose their

life and limb unless drastic and human oriented amendments in

relevant Acts see light of the day.

The S.Khan case has given a fresh food for thought in public

domain in the backdrop of 3 recent high profile cases of Delhi

which would have been also suppressed  and delayed further,but

for the active media and some responsive and public spirited

Judges.

While at the upmarket Galaxy Apartments,majority of the film

stars would be celebrating the un-deserved and out of way

Interim Bail to the spoilt brat of the Indian Film Industry,the

widow of the slain victim and the 4 partially handicapped

persons may not have enough strength and courage to take their

dinner even.This is how life has to go on in a so-called

democratic country like ours.Nevertheless,it is said-"Bhagwan Ke

Ghar Me Der Hai,Par Andher Nahin"(There may be delay in God's

Court,but there will not be always darkness)

NEPAL - 7.9 On Richter Scale

NEPAL - 7.9 On Richter Scale

Earthquake (EQ) is a natural phenomenon that defies prediction. Instances of last moment sensing, nevertheless, by the birds and animals have been noticed time and again. It also goes without saying that EQ is facilitated and bolstered further by the unjustified greed of human beings to build unaesthetic dwelling units in the dangerous seismic Zones IV and V. Delhi is a blatant example and one and all are oblivious to it.

Vulnerability Of The Eastern Himalayas.

The Himalayas, a relatively young and fragile mountain system have been always susceptible to the catastrophe, such as, Avalanche, Landslides, Cloud-bursts and EQs, if the available data of last two centuries is to be assessed and reviewed. Of the two gigantic parts of the Himalayas, the Eastern one is more risk-prone and thus continues to cause perpetual tension. The region, apart from being one of the Bio-diversity Hot Spots of the World, abounds in a large number of gorgeous water bodies and snow-capped mountains having an average height of more than 20,000 feet.

One can not say for certain but the slow melting of Glacier systems and unchecked, rather, commercial mountain climbing activity by non-serious adventure lovers in the last two decades, also has added fat to the fire ignited during the British Era. Should not such climbing be banned both by the Indian and Nepalese Governments during the current natural calamity? Budding and experienced climbers are supposed to concentrate on 'peak' rather than on 'speak'.

Gradual Neglect of Sustainable Livelihood

The sustainable livelihoods of the mountain folk, together with endemic flora and fauna are being also harmed consistently, threatened and pushed aside, if not being lost altogether, also by massive construction of hydel projects,all in the name of 'clean' power.

Economically weaker sections are gradually shifting to the deceptive 'green' pastures down the valleys, thus leaving behind their spouses, young nutrition-deficient children and ageing parents. When a misery like EQ, Landslide, Cloudbursts or flood occurs, they have to fend for themselves in the absence of their earning members. The reported inefficient administrative set-up and the name-sake health and education backup,possibly caused by long political instability in Nepal adds to the crisis.

Core vis-a-vis Periphery

Even if relief and rescue(R&R) is taken up on a war footing,above hinted peripheries are last to be noticed. The attention of the World is initially focused on the Core, the capital of the country. This was exactly the depressing scenario witnessed in Pokhara Dist. villages and a remote village in Gorkha Dist, four days after the biggest tragedy in 81 years. The village in reference was at the epi- centre of 7.9 Richter Scale EQ. According to one source, of the 150 single unit weak houses, 140 of them were found reduced to rubble by the rescue team. Needless to say, a sizeable number of lives and cattle were lost by then.

Given the grim state of affairs,it may be worthwhile to take note of the following viable steps:

--One has to avoid any panic reaction upon hearing about a calamity.Any report received/transmitted/broadcast/telecast/e-mailed/faxed etc. has to be checked & verified prior to locating scene of occurrence,

--Communication,by and large, in the local lingua franca may have to be established with the affected lots,Punchayat and Administration at the cutting edge without losing time and sight..Why sight,because last six to seven major EQ's since 1988 in the region have happened in the late afternoon or at dusk(Sikkim had the misfortune of an Earthquake Anniversary as well,the difference being only 3 minutes between the gloomy dates of 18^th Sept.2011 and 18^th Sept 2012),

--When you rush Helicopters/Aircrafts from bigger places,either they cannot land immediately for want of clear signals or due to visibility constraints. On landing too,they are kept immobile during the first night. In the process,the Golden Hour is invariably lost.

--Personnel with prior Hill/Mountain experience should form the bulk of the Rescue teams. The teams should settle down swiftly and not appear to be adding to the crisis,The 'Routing through' process may have to be settled well in advance,by ignoring and setting aside 'Ego' factor.

--Day After is the most decisive day both from the point of view of planning & saving trapped lives but also for locating the injured,re-opening the clogged footpaths& roads,setting up cold & rain resistant tents, arranging make-shift toilets with 24x7 water back-up,restrengthening the health centres,reassuring the doctors & the para-medics etc.

--Enlisting the support of Social welfare trusts and organisations for organising drinking water,Generators and bare minimum food & medicine would be in the fitness of things,Good co-ordination with the local Bureaucracy with a clear channel of communication and regular sharing and dissemination of information is the corner-stone of an effective R&R Mechanism.Uncalled for statements through media send wrong signals,apart from wasting prime time.

--Proper storage as also onward supply of needed food packets,drinking water bottles,warm cloths,essential medicines,dis-infectants etc. has to be ensured on a war footing. Additional relief material from abroad will have to be sent for quick distribution on a day today basis,especially to the remote and far-flung villages(not connected by road).The Street tensions and bouts of snatchings thus can be minimised.

--A Core Group comprising of senior civil and police personnel, experienced Institutes,independent experts,relief workers with the knowledge of affected terrain,doctors,para-medics etc may have to be constituted at the earliest.Same may meet,review,confabulate and draw up strategy on an alternate day basis.

--Rumour-mongering of any sort through any medium has to be checked,rebutted and suppressed on the Day After as also the following day. Diversion of attention on this count may prove inhuman.

--Jams at the airports,helipads,railway stations,bus-stands and markets will have to be cleared in a regular way, TIA, Kathmandu was unnecessarily burdened by a bee-line of affected people who could have also taken the land route to Uttarakhand, UP and Bihar from day three. Cribbing never goes, whether victims are air or land lifted. Apart from facilitating rescue,it would prevent and check spread of many water and air born diseases.

– Immediate Counseling Sessions be organised for those(mainly women & children) who have survived and have the courage and strength to live in temporary dwelling units even in view of further suspected tremors.

--Rains will continue to take place, occasionally with hail storms, at the current phase of Monsoon. Rescuers, therefore, may have to get used to the prevailing circumstances. Life has to resume in full gear,gradually.

• Forces and funds will continue to flow in from the developed countries for the time being but what is important and significant in the ultimate analysis is the LOCAL CAPACITY BUILDING WITH AN ELEMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY.
• Whatever has been seen thus far,is THE TIP OF ICEBURG. The devastation of much more magnitude is bound to surface in the following week or fortnight when number of dead would exceed even 15,000.One has to prepare,therefore,with more care and precaution for the challenges emanating from the fresh discovery of dead bodies as also the epidemic that normally follows in such trying conditions.

All said and done,thanks to a very timely initiative by the advance thinking Prime.Minister. of India ,many precious lives of not only the Nepalese and Indians but also of 170 Nationals of 15 countries were saved at the nick of time. Same is close on the heels of similar dare devil rescue of the Nationals of 45 countries from Yemen by the MEA and IAF, barely a fortnight ago.

India is not only re-iterating its long standing and trusted human commitment,it has been also in a position to effectively display its robust Disaster Management acumen to the whole world in the backdrop of the multiplicity of tremors in Nepal resulting into the death of 6000 lives,11,000 injured and loss of over 20,000 houses, so far.

Perhaps we may have reasons to negate the famous statement of noted Economist Malthus. He had stated "When Man fails, Nature TAKES over".In the changing scenario, should not we say"The nature may have a propensity to take over but man, upon learning bitter lessons,does shift the focus from the Centuries-old Relief Method to a better equipped,trained and experienced Mitigation Regime.?"

Lives are still being lost but in lesser numbers and people being shifted in time far outnumbers the people earlier dying during what is called the crucial Golden Hour.

Tailpiece-

AN OLD WOMAN RESCUED AFTER 50 HOURS ,A TEENAGER AFTER 6 DAYS AND A FIVE MONTH OLD BABY AFTER 22 HOURS SPEAKS BOTH OF HUMAN ENDURANCE AND IMPACT OF RENEWED RELIEF INITIATIVES.

R&R NO LONGER HAS TO CATER TO POLITICAL MILEAGE NOR FOR T.R.P. IS IS DECISIVELY INCHING TOWARDS RE-INCULCATION OF THE SPIRIT OF HUMANITY>

SORROW OF NEPAL – FROM 1934 To 2015

SORROW OF NEPAL – FROM 1934 To 2015

Like any other gift of nature,Earthquake (EQ) is a mystifying phenomenon defying prediction. Instances of last moment sensing, nevertheless, by the birds and animals have been noticed time and again,more so, in the remote corners of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It also goes without saying that it has been facilitated and bolstered further by the unjustified greed of human beings to build unwanted and unaesthetic dwelling units in the confirmed “Risk Zones” in the hilly terrain,coupled with the dangerous seismic Zones IV and V along the plains. No one takes care. All that matters is to satisfy one's extreme materialistic desires to HAVE MORE & MORE. Delhi could be termed a blatant example. One and all are simply immune and oblivious. Thus the philosophy of Sustained Development is being systematically ignored,if not completely side-lined..

Vulnerability Of The Eastern Himalayas.

The Himalayas, a relatively young and fragile mountain system have been always susceptible to the catastrophe, such as, Avalanche, Landslides, Cloud-bursts and EQs, if the available data of last two centuries is to be assessed and reviewed. Of the two gigantic parts of the Himalayas, the Eastern one is more risk-prone and thus continues to cause perpetual tension. The region, apart from being one of the Bio-diversity Hot Spots of the World, abounds in a large number of gorgeous water bodies and exotic forest resources, apart from the snow-capped mountains having an average height of more than 20,000 feet.

One can not say for certain but the slow melting of Glacier systems and unchecked, rather, commercial mountain climbing activity by non-serious adventure lovers in the last two decades, also is adding fat to the fire ignited to suit certain vested interests during the British Era. Should not the ongoing climbing expeditions to the Mount Everest be banned (subsequent to confirmed deaths of 22 climbers and serious injuries to many)?. Both the Indian and Nepalese Governments should also take cognizance to the hard fact that the budding and experienced climbers are supposed to concentrate on 'peak' rather than 'speak' to the media for the sake of cheap publicity and TRP.

Gradual Neglect of Sustainable Livelihood

The sustainable livelihoods of the mountain folk, together with unimaginable & endemic flora and fauna are being also harmed consistently, threatened and pushed aside, if not being lost altogether, also by the unforeseen impact of remittances from abroad (which is nothing short of 'opium' to the left-over villagers). Damage caused by the massive construction of hydel projects( Underground,Low dam or Run of River types) ,all in the name of 'clean' power, should,by now, be a foregone conclusion.

In the changing scenario, the economically weaker and marginalised sections are gradually shifting to the deceptive 'green' pastures down the valleys, thus leaving behind their spouses, young nutrition-deficient children and ageing parents. When a natural disaster occurs, they have to fend for themselves in the absence of their earning members. The reported inefficient administrative set-up and the name-sake health and education backup,possibly caused by long political instability in Nepal adds to the crisis.

Core vis-a-vis Periphery

Even if relief and rescue(R&R) work is taken up with more vigour and vitality ,on a war footing,above hinted' peripheries' tend to be noticed only at the fag-end. The attention of the World,initially,gets focused on the 'Core', that is the capital of the country. This was exactly the depressing scenario witnessed in the ravaged and remote villages of Districts of Pokhara or for that matter,in the Barabisey village of Bhajpur(N0.6) in the Northern Nepal, four to five days after the biggest tragedy in the only Hindu country in 81 years. A village of Gorkha Dist. located at the epi- centre of 7.9 Richter Scale EQ should deserve all attention. According to one source, of the 150 single unit weak houses, 140 of them were found reduced to rubble by the rescue team. Needless to say, a sizeable number of lives and cattle were lost by then.

GIVEN THE GRIM STATE OF AFFAIRES ,it may be worthwhile to take note of the following VIABLE STEPS at this crucial juncture :

--One has to avoid any panic reaction upon hearing about a calamity. Any report received/transmitted/broadcast/telecast/e-mailed/faxed etc. has to be checked & verified prior to locating scene of occurrence. One should also have a quick peep into(time permitting) the recent success stories on the related front ,as well.

--Communication,by and large, in the local lingua franca may have to be established with the affected lots, area Punchayat and Administrative set-up at the cutting edge without losing time and sight..Why sight,because most of the major EQ's since July 1988 in the region have happened in the late afternoon or at dusk. My adopted and happening state of Sikkim had the misfortune of an Earthquake Anniversary as well,the difference being only 3 minutes(short of) between the gloomy dates of 18^th Sept.2011 and 18^th Sept 2012,

--When you rush Helicopters/Aircrafts from bigger places,either they cannot land immediately for want of clear signals or due to visibility constraints. On landing too, for the unknown reasons,they are kept immobile during the first night or the early next morning. In the process,the significant 'Golden Hour' is normally lost.

--Personnel with prior hill/mountain experience should,normally, form the bulk of the Rescue teams. The teams,in turn, should settle down swiftly and not appear to be adding to the already tense crisis.The 'Routing through' process may have to be settled well in advance,by ignoring and setting aside 'Ego' factor. EGO,RATHER, WILL HAVE TO GO.

--THE DAY AFTER is the most decisive day, both from the point of view of planning & saving trapped lives but also from the angle of locating the injured,re-opening the clogged footpaths& roads,setting up cold & rain resistant tents, arranging make-shift toilets with 24x7 water back-up,restrengthening the health centres,reassuring the doctors & the para-medics etc.

--Enlisting the support of Social welfare trusts, organisations and the Gram Punchayats for arranging drinking water,generators and bare minimum food & medicine would be in the fitness of things.

--GOOD & EFFECTIVE CO-ORDINATION WITH LOCAL BUREAUCRACY with a clear channel of communication and regular sharing and dissemination of information is the corner-stone of a R&R Mechanism that aims to leave a lasting impact. Uncalled for statements. at the same time, through the media send wrong signals,apart from wasting prime time.

--Proper storage as also onward supply of NEEDED food packets,drinking water bottles,warm cloths,essential medicines, dis-infectants etc. has to be ensured on a war footing. Additional relief material from abroad will have to be sent for quick distribution on a day today basis,especially to the remote and far-flung villages,still grappling with the cut-off roads & footpaths,sinking zones and above,all,fresh land-slides even in the hard-rock areas..The Street tensions and bouts of snatchings,seen day in and day out, thus can be minimised.

--A CORE GROUP comprising of senior civil and police personnel, experienced Institutes,independent experts,relief workers with the prior and current knowledge of affected terrain,doctors,para-medics etc may have to be constituted and set in motion, at the earliest. Same may meet,review,confabulate and draw up strategy on an alternate day basis. Faster the responsibility is handed over to the local Administration,is better.

--RUMOUR-MONGERING & MISLEADING STATEMENTS of any sort through any medium has to be checked,rebutted and suppressed on the Day After as also the following four to five days. Diversion of attention on this count may prove inhuman, in addition to inflicting unwanted injuries to the innocent populace, only looking for bare love and care.

--JAMS at the airports,helipads,railway stations,bus-stands and markets will have to be cleared in a regular way, TIA, Kathmandu was unnecessarily burdened by a bee-line of affected people who could have also taken the land route to Uttarakhand, UP and Bihar from day three. Cribbing never goes, whether victims are air or land lifted. Apart from facilitating rescue,it would prevent and check spread of many water and air born diseases.

• IMMEDIATE COUNSELLING SESSIONS be organised mainly for the women & children, who have survived and have the indomitable courage and strength to live in temporary dwelling units even in view of further suspected tremors. The delivery of a baby boy in a field hospital barely after 5 days of earthquake and subsequent performance of a low key wedding are the definite pointers of a strong resolve to survive.

--Rains will continue to take place, occasionally with hail storms, at the current phase of Monsoon. Rescuers, therefore, may have to get used to the prevailing circumstances. Life has to resume in full gear,gradually.

• Forces and funds will continue to flow in from the developed countries for the time being but what is important and significant in the ultimate analysis is the LOCAL CAPACITY BUILDING WITH AN ELEMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY.
• Whatever has been seen thus far,is THE TIP OF ICEBURG. The devastation of much more magnitude is bound to surface in the following week or fortnight when number of dead would exceed even 15,000.One has to prepare,therefore,with more care and precaution for the challenges emanating from the fresh discovery of dead bodies as also the epidemic that normally follows in such trying conditions.

All SAID AND DONE,thanks to a very timely initiative by the ADVANCE THINKING PRIME.MINISTER of India ,many precious lives of not only the Nepalese and Indians but also of 170 Nationals of 15 countries were saved at the nick of time. Same is close on the heels of similar dare devil rescue of the Nationals of 45 countries from Yemen by the MEA and IAF, barely a fortnight ago.

India is not only re-iterating its long standing and trusted international human commitments since the days of the World War I, it has been also in a position to effectively display its newly acquired and robust Disaster Management Acumen to the whole world in the backdrop of more than 20 tremors in Nepal resulting already into the death of 7,500 lives,12,000 injured and loss of over 30,000 houses, so far.

Perhaps we may have reasons to negate the famous statement of noted Economist Malthus. He had stated "When Man fails, Nature TAKES over".In the changing scenario, should not we say"The nature may have a propensity to take over but man, upon learning bitter lessons,does shift the focus from the Centuries-old Relief Method to a better equipped,trained and experienced Mitigation Regime.?"

Lives are still being lost but in lesser numbers and people being shifted in time far outnumbers the people earlier dying during what is called the crucial Golden Hour.

Tailpiece-

A 101 YEAR OLD MAN (A VETERAN OF 1934 EARTHQUAKE),RESCUED AFTER 168 HOURS,AN OLD WOMAN AFTER 50 HOURS ,A TEENAGER AFTER 6 DAYS OF BEING TRAPPED AND A FIVE MONTH OLD BABY AFTER 22 HOURS, SPEAK BOTH OF HUMAN ENDURANCE AND THE INDELIBLE IMPACT OF RENEWED RELIEF INITIATIVES LAUNCHED WITHOUT ANY BIAS BY THE DEDICATED & FOCUSSED AGENCIES,SUCH AS, NDRF OF INDIA.

R&R DOES NOT HAVE TO CATER TO POLITICAL MILEAGE ,NOR FOR THE T.R.P. IT IS SOLELY MEANT FOR” RE-INCULCATING “THE SPIRIT OF HUMANITY.

A Pair of Flowers

Chintan Bhawan, 2nd Week, March 15

Lee Kuan Yew: The Father of Singapore

 Lee Kuan Yew, the maker of Singapore and its longest serving PM for more than thirty years died at Singapore General Hospital at the age of 92 on 23^rd March 2015.  The world renowned founding PM is survived by two sons, including Lee Hsien Loong, the present P.M., a daughter, two daughter- in-laws, seven grand children and two siblings.  

His lasting legacy was a multi-racial nation, having a non-descript area of 716 Sq.kms which got fully developed merely within a decade of getting independence from the British in 1956. The city nation had nothing, no natural resource worth its name, but thanks to this visionary Statesman, managed to utilise the available man power to get basic raw materials from outside and convert or repackage those into value added export items for the overall benefit of the country. To name a few, crude oil, drinking water, mineral products, tapping of man-made tourism potential etc. figured prominently and gave requisite support in bolstering a struggling economy. In no time, its points of interest, namely, Sentosa Island, Universal Studios, Night Zoo, Singapore Flyer, Jurong Bird Park, Little India,  Universities, Hospitals, Conference Centres  etc. went on to leave an impact.

By his hard work and persistent efforts, Lee made a mark everywhere and became a source of inspiration to many leaders of the developing world. It was evident from the presence of a galaxy of them, when his last rites were performed.  P.M. Modi, who called him “a Lion among leaders” represented India. While the US President Obama declared him a visionary leader and a true giant, Ban Ki-Moon, the U.N. Secretary General adjudged him as a legendary figure of Asia.

Lee’s views and perspectives on economic management were respected by many all over the globe and the world leaders would often seek his guidance on governance and growth. He was also considered a great strategist of Asian affairs, according to the current US President. His understanding and grip of economic and political integration was marvellous, so much so that even the Indians born or settled in Singapore would normally not divulge their Indian connection to begin with and would call themselves Singaporean first.  Same has been personally experienced by this author during an official visit to Singapore in May-June 2006.

The practice of having an Indian as President and a Chinese as P.M. has continued for more than four decades. Similar is the unflinching loyalty of the Chinese and the Malaysians to this great island country of South East Asia. No wonder, its economy has thrived beyond imagination making it as one of the most prosperous countries. An average Singaporean continues to be candid, pragmatist and free from the usual menace of corruption or religious intolerance.

Somebody has rightly said – “When Lee became P.M. in 1959,Singapore was a newly independent nation with an uncertain future. By the time, he demitted office after 31 years the Island nation had been transformed. ”   

Singapore is probably Asia’s smallest country but having Institutions with extremely solid foundations.  What Lee achieved could be termed as an economic miracle which got transformed into a clean and green Oasis.  He was focused from the day one with a clear mind or intention resulting into the mammoth growth of per capita GDP from $ 14,000/- to $ 55,000/- at present.   

Even though the new country was eased out of the Malaysian Federation in 1965, it is due to Lee’s noble intensions, high degree of sincerity and dedicated approach that he could manage to get blessing and support of one and all, probably instrumental in ensuring his long life of 91 years.

Though its neighbours, such as, China, Indonesia, Philipines & Burma led by Mao-Tse-Tung, Suharto, Marcos and Ne Win respectively (who demitted office with hardly any capable successor) were apparently hostile, it began with caution and care and soon inculcated the art of exporting high- end goods to the advanced countries. So to say, emphasis was laid on encouraging both savings and investments in the formative years, keeping inflation under control while ensuring low taxes and the currency as stable as possible. Side by side, quality education, health care and basic social benefits to the diverse ethnic groups were not ignored or undermined.

Way back in 1959, by putting his heart and soul together, Lee is reported to have identified priorities or indomitable tasks, such as, housing the shattered citizens (Chinese, Malaysians and Indians), building minimum infrastructure, growth of English as a common link language, passion for planting trees and lifting an economy shaken by a tension generating recession. Common man was called upon to have a strong heart and not to fear anything while performing tasks/duties.  A new country was, therefore, built brick by brick out of mud flats in a terrain, which was once a swamp.  On the political side, Lee’s People’s Action Party unleashed a struggle for the self Government upon being thrust independence on 9^th August 1965. 

It could be stated that Lee could manage his country well, while not being affected by the Leftist ideology either of Mao or Russia or India kind and he maintained a safe distance from western style democracy, at the same time.  It is an irony, however, that a strong Chinese leader of post –Mao era, by the name of Deng-Xiao-Ping became an admirer of Lee. 

Though Lee accomplished a great deal in a relatively short period, according to some economic and political thinkers, creativity, free expression and political dissidence were not encouraged in Singapore.  Both Communists and Communalists are reported to have suffered a setback whenever they made an attempt to raise their voice.  In the recent years, especially ever since his son, Lee Hsien Loong has been at the helm of affairs, the total share of ruling party in popular votes has been recording a decline.  But a counter argument may be – such a trend could be witnessed in any country or political system, irrespective of size. 

All said and done, in the words of David Cameroon, the P.M. of U.K. “Singapore has been a great success story of modern world.  It is prosperous, secure and successful.”

 With the cremation of Lee on 29.3.15 at Mandai Crematorium, an important era has come to a sad end.  His impact was so much that thousands of people began rushing to his ancestral home in Guangzhou province in China to get an idea of his childhood days getting evolved into a grass root level individual, ultimately being instrumental in laying the strong foundations of institutions, having a potential to last for centuries. It is something which could be or needs to be replicated among the people who still believe in ”Where there is a will, there is a way”. The Singapore growth model, being sustainable, is worth emulating.     

Sunday, Cricket & Chill of Holi

          There is nothing like well earned Sunday and that too sunny Sunday. A Sunday, preceded by positive thought process, sound sleep, beginning with Rangoli and followed by an exciting Indian match in the World Cup Cricket adds fillip to an avid desire for mental relaxation. It becomes a sort of icing on the cake in a World otherwise full of challenges and bouts of tension.

        While the outcome of India-Pakistan match on 15^th February was virtually known from the word go, supposedly in India’s favour (almost all passengers at Bagdogra glued to TV sets were not inclined to board any flight), the one between India and South Africa on another Sunday (22^nd February) was loaded in favour of South Africa in view of its better track record against the former in W.C.C. But the way Indian bowlers performed, the mighty South Africa crumbled and finished ultimately like an ordinary team. Lately much criticized and less talked about, M.S.Dhoni(MSD) managed to swing back into the psyche of the spectators and millions of Indians alike, with his power-packed captaincy.

The third match on 28^th Feb. played between India and less fancied U.A.E went India’s way yet again and provided much needed batting and bowling practice to the Indian team. Those who had not played thus far, could get the required exposure and thereby, spruce up their acumen and skills for tough ‘battles’ ahead, with a vow to defend the title .

The fourth match once again on a Holiday(6^th March) and of all the days, the Holi day, gave tremendous entertainment and joy to those who, being away from the mainstream and tucked over a mountain, were looking for meaningful de-stressing opportunity and company to pad up the much awaited Holi revelry.

By the time it was noon, normal activity came to a standstill on the streets. Swift bath upon exchange of pleasantries and colour, dry or wet and early lunch followed, even when temperature had come down drastically in several parts of the country. The picturesque hill stations like Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Kargil, Shimla, Manali, Kufri, Kalpa (Kinnaur), Gangtok etc recorded temperatures, such as, 0.9, 9.7, -4.7, -11.8, 1.7, -1.8 , O, -8 , and 6 degrees respectively. Some of them were wrapped up in a blanket of snow, as revealed from the visuals on T.V. and snaps in newspapers.

 Places in plains, including Delhi recorded unseasonal and uncalled-for downpour also, compelling even a dignitary like Home Minister to give a statement on Law & Order situation, clad in woollens splattered with Holi colour. Was it not unusual for the month of March?. It, in addition, gave an impression that Global Warming, in a way, was taking the shape of Global Cooling.  

Back to Cricket, though India put adequate pressure on West Indies in the first 20 overs, restricting them to 79 for the loss of 6 or 7 wickets at one stage, later, the defiant tail enders displayed fantastic potential and prowess. Finally they were all out for a modest score of 182 in 44.2 overs. While much feared Gayle struggled, their Captain Jason Holder only offered some resistance with his highest ODI score of 57. The way India batted, defied all expectations of the viewers. It was not the same India which batted aggressively both against Pakistan and South Africa. Except for Virat Kohli to some extent and M.S.D. to a large extent, others threw away their wickets rather easily. Fears or apprehensions relating to match-fixing were also expressed for sometime during the course of the match.

 But, true to his style and reputation, M.S.D. finished the match in India’s  favour by scoring a crucial and unbeaten 45. He could, thus salvage his gradually being questioned position, apart from improving his batting average and overall strike rate. According to someone, it turned out to be a deadly combination of ‘Rang Barse’ and ‘Run Barse’ before darkness and cold conditions made a comeback.

This Sunday (8^th March) it is neither India’s Cricket match nor Holi. The Sun God is not only available but he is magnanimous enough in showering his blessings bereft of any premise or precondition. While basking in Sun, I, therefore, decide to dig the little patch of land in the front yard with the service spoon to plant a dozen flower & ornamental saplings. Thus, I pretend to supplement the sincere efforts involved in conserving the earth’s bio-diversity and environment which is fast losing its green cover in the name of development. 

Rain, Hailstorm & Snow,all,Together

12th February 2015 was like any other day.Intensity of cold was gradually waning and relatively clear days were emerging.The day,per se,was becoming longer.In post-lunch period,clouds began hovering.By 3 pm,not only visibility was a casualty,numbers too began dwindling in otherwise sidelined offices.Market places and tourist spots, however,were buzzing with usual festive spirit.Traffic personnel and two & four wheel vehicle drivers were having tough time in the narrow stretches,irrespective of signs relating to later change in weather.

This was one day when I had almost wound up my work by 4.20 pm (something unusual,if not intended) and was in the process of checking if any item for home had to be taken/purchased from Lal Bazar/M.G.Marg.I also wished to attend to any pending or planned telephone calls before logging out.All of a sudden,there was a feeble knock and in comes a tall PWD officer with an important official letter concerning 'state' of roads in the State.It was none other than Karma Sampten,elder son of former head of the State Bureaucracy.I had seen him growing nicely as a thin and shy school-goer during 1989-94 and later was made aware that he had enrolled as an Engineering student in Kerala ,while his younger brother entered the now lucrative hospitality sector.Last,one had heard about his inroad into the Govt. service and subsequent marriage to a Royal family damsel.Today, he broke the news that not only he had produced two sons but his elder offspring was now enjoying his 14th Spring.

Before I could make him comfortable and begin seeing the urgent letter,electricity went for a duck.After offering him a cup of black tea, attempts were made to browse through the contents of letter with the help of whatever little light filtering through the windows. As very little could be made out,I began giving patient hearing to what he had to explain. I had no difficulty, whatsoever, in following owing to my prior familiarity with the subject. A ray of hope emerged and the discourse became meaningful when electricity was restored after seven to eight minutes. My new Peon, in the meanwhile, attempted to get a candle from some other room or the Guard's cabin, but of no avail .

When it was blackout for the second time, I asked the Peon to go to the nearby shop to fetch a candle. He went but returned empty handed. Next, I asked the Driver to try his luck, as he was, supposedly smarter of the two.Before he also returned with a negative answer around 4.45 pm ,we had almost summed up the discussion and were making desperate attempts to decipher the maps and plans of a new six kms road alignment for the 9th Mile under the 'torchlight' of Cell phone. Alas, light came back to disappear again for the third or fourth time.

We were so much engrossed that we did not have a slight idea of the drastic fall in temperature outside, resulting into complete darkness of the night kind. It had started raining cats and dogs and very few people or vehicles were visible on the road. Further inquiries revealed that apart from heavy downpour, the capital city had witnessed hailstorms also for  half an hour.As a result,most of the officers and staff had called it a day much prior to the official shutting hour of 4 pm. After looking here and there and sensing no more improvement in weather, I bid Good Bye to Karma and thanked him profusely to have taken the trouble of meeting me beyond office hours. He thanked me too in return for having approved purchase of his official vehicle ten months ago.

After all, how could a field officer be effective without being mobile, I thought. 

At last I could gather courage to get past somewhat receding rain to ultimately get to the vehicle under a Chinese umbrella. The very start was adventurous . Vehicle could have skidded but for the timely control exercised by the new driver. After we negotiated the first steep turn to the left, opposite Church, the whole place looked completely deserted . Dwindling hailstorm and medium intensity rain was still to be faced. The drive, therefore, had to be slow and cautious. It was wet and white scenario everywhere. One or two vehicles were seen coming from behind but none from the top or front. The view of New Secretariat looked scary. Not a single soul was seen using footpaths.

 Up towards the  Zero Point it was almost dull and drab scenario. Movement of tyres was leaving a deep impression on the vacant road. Near the tri-junction of DHH , Raj Bhavan and Zero Point, It was heartening to see two sincere traffic constables, still on duty under a 'white' canopy. I waved at them to show my appreciation for their service even in such an odd hour. I was not sure if they noticed my hand. While picking up  a bit of speed on our approach towards TNA and Mintokgang , the driver kept underling his version that it was snow and rain together and that hails had disappeared some time ago. I, on the contrary, based on my past experience, felt that when it snows, rain simply goes off. So whatever was seen now, could not be snow. Anyway, the normal journey of five minutes to my Quarter from TNA took almost ten minutes as we had to take adequate precaution in tough up hill situation.            

Near the gates of Hotel Siniolchu and VIP Colony, the driver's apprehensions or feelings were likely to be confirmed. Rain almost had subsided and the white layer began becoming prominent all over the SX 4 car  and surrounding areas. When we entered our abode after a tough and rather long drive, it was almost snow kind of situation. I was, therefore, tempted to get down twice to capture this awesome scene into my tiny cell camera. Still no  other vehicle was spotted. The fellow colony residents were,presumably either away or watching this congenial bounty of nature from an indoor setting. I could make out that it was going to be a very cold evening and night during which normal electric heater or blower would be rendered ineffective, rather Mahesh, if he had decided to return for the day, had to make arrangements for Pakoras followed by a bonfire.

Ultimately, when I was indoors, a friend waiting for his  key joined me. I did utilise the brilliant photo opportunity both in front yard  and rear portion of our Duplex flats. The fall from "top" had almost stopped by 5.15 pm. The issue still under inquisitive confabulation was whether we really  had a snow fall .Subsequent to a bite of Upma and hot cup of leaf tea, prepared swiftly by Jaya, I checked the snaps taken .Later,say within an hour, I walked down the ' white' and isolated drive-way, carefully and cautiously. The very touch and lifting of a handful of white matter confirmed my positive doubts. Same was compared with similar God given stuff collected from the backyard around 6.00 p.m. and the remnants of same at 8.00 a.m., next morning. It was nothing but snow, though the layer was thin on roads within the colony and the Circuit House area. Whosoever was undertaking morning walk with two of us, exchanged positive notes upon fresh photography and felt a different kind of elation and smile. Those playing Badminton indoors, too ventured to peep out and relish the scenario which was both attractive and inviting. Our locality had become a land of renewed beauty and excitement,for a change.

Shall I say, home is where, heart is?

Wonderful Legacy of Past

Victoria Memorial, Kolkata,1-2-2015

Dakshineshwar Temple,on the banks of Ganga,Kolkata