Thursday 21 August 2008

Mystic monsoon

We have a special connection with the Indian rains, especially with flooded roads that make headlines. Of course there's a reason why I named my daughter Mehuli (Naga for 'the rains').

That apart, a tropical country like ours take on a different beauty during the monsoons, with a lush green complexion. So on the wetest day of the year - August 10, 2008 - we took to the roads. It was actually Rion's crazy idea to drive over to Panchghani, but it did work out pretty well! Here are a few frames that we could capture on the way.

THROUGH THE WINDSCREEN, I CAN SEE...



FOUNTAIN OF JOY



HOW GREEN IS MY VALLEY...



ROCK ON!



So inspired were we by its success that we headed to Goa the next weekend and yes, by road. This time, our experience wasn't as smooth: we had to deal with 3 punctures (thanks to the absence of roads along Karnataka state highway), a car battery that ran out of charge and hence, spending a night in the car in the midst of a dense forest with the rain pouring on us in sheets! The next morning Rion had to hitch-hike his way on overloaded lorries and milk vans with two car tyres and a battery, to the nearest village that was 10 kms away and get them repaired. But surprisingly, the people around us helped us in ways unexpected. Whether it is the dingy looking but extremely clean tea-shop in Jalkaeti (Karnataka) or the lorry driver who refused to accept any money for giving Rion a lift in the dead of night.

Phew! That was some experience, more so as we were travelling with our two-year-old! But that did not stop us - rather Rion - from making it to Goa, even though we were running 20 hours behind schedule.

This time we visited some of the roads less travelled in Goa and here's what we saw:

RAIN SHADES THAT 'MUSHROOM' IN THE MOIST WEATHER







CAN YOU SEE THE DEWS ON THE GRASS?



SEA FROM A DIFFERENT LEVEL

Friday 1 August 2008

'I'm okay' - a Tribute to Sam

Famous last words.

Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw's last words - a testament to a man who lived his life believing he could succeed, against all odds.

Manekshaw was almost pronounced dead when brought to Rangoon hospital (in 1942) with nine bullets in the lung, liver and kidneys. The military surgeon was reluctant to operate seeing the hopeless condition even though Manekshaw was barely conscious. The surgeon asked what had happened to him. Sam replied: "I was kicked by a donkey." The surgeon decided that if a soldier could have such a sense of humour at that critical hour, he must operate to save him.

This was the legacy of a man who confounded Indian politicians and service protocol alike - they didn't have a 'procedure or policy' to honour a Field Marshall, a post which Manekshaw was only the second to have held, after K. M. Cariappa. The manual only defined rules to a certain rank...

Hypocritical?

You bet.

Mera Bharat Mahaan - sometimes, I feel so low, so kicked-in-the-gut that I just have to say something.

The 1971 war with Pakistan, the aftermath of the Partition of 1947, Manekshaw displayed a resoluteness and courage which was a beacon for all those around around him to rally to him, to the natioi..

And this is how we honour those who serve Bharat.

Its sad, no, indeed disappointing that India did not know how to 'deal' with his passing. No customary roll-call of politicians, no service chiefs in attendance - no wonder that his family and colleagues who served under him expressed profound dismay and indignation.

Sam would've disapproved of such charades - maybe its best that he was laid to rest in the presence of loved ones and close family - without the pomp and splendour best reserved for those who crave it the most - for he was one of the people, a true leader and a human being who believed in sacrifice and commitment.

If we can't honour our war-heroes, who have given so much to the nation - whilst we remain distracted in confidence votes - rather confidence tricks, where a government clings on to power on the basis of a few MP's who have chosen to switch allegiances, then all that I can say is God save India. 'Its the economy stupid', and the economy was a siginificant distraction, indeed, but a distraction so profound that it took our attention away from someone who helped shape and build modern India?

Sam was a man to be revered, respected and looked up to - a role model in the true sense of the word.

Here's to. We remember you, soldier.

R.I.P

oRiOn 2008