Environment Day!

Its World Environment day! Its a happy-sad feeling: happy because never before in the history of the world have so many people come forward and tried to save the planet. Sad, that we could bring the planet to a situation where it needs to be rescued.

Check out the words of the NDTV Green Anthem...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etf7Uj7lgww

A Summer to Remember

Walking beneath a canopy of magnificent magenta bougainvillea, a child-like excitement in our eyes. The flowers and leaves, once ruffled by the breeze, rearranging themselves carelessly, so oblivious of their beauty.

Watching a frisky elephant calf shower itself with mud and hay and then run aimlessly around its mother.

Counting the hairpin curves as we drove up the hill to Ooty, my son gaping at the Blue mountains and suddenly realizing why they were called the "Nilgiris"!

Taking a train ride from Ooty to Coonoor, sticking our necks outside the window; my daughter shrieking with delight as the cool crisp air hit her face.

Bright blue flowers that stood upright and almost seemed to stare back at us.

The monkey that crossed our path, looked askance at us and strangely looked so familiar!

Vibrant red Gulmohur trees in full bloom that almost took our breath away.

Gorgeously laid out buffets that tempted us time and again.

My strict parents who suddenly changed hats and became the most obedient grandparents.

A reunion with friends after a decade, laughter and girlish chatter as if nothing had changed.

Sleeping in "my" room again and the silent relief that I still knew which exact switch turned the reading light on.

This sure has been a Summer to remember......

The Bull at Oachira

A family wedding brought me and the kids to the little town of Oachira in Kerala. While the bride dazzled down the aisle and went in for the third change of sari, I was whisked away by some aunts to the “Parabrahma” temple nearby.

It’s the first time I have ever been asked to worship a tree. No idols, no stone temple structure…just a huge tree with branches that look much like the horns of a Bull. The priest explains that the Bull is worshipped here and I see many well fed decorated ones walk around majestically as people bow to them and touch their forehead.

Reminded me of my school history lessons where we had to trace the progress of early man. “Early man prayed to forces of nature.” I had written. “He prayed to the trees and thunder and rain because he didn’t understand them.” said my teacher.

How wrong she was! He prayed to them because he understood them…so well. There is nothing more beautiful than a resplendent, verdant tree over 100 years old, its leaves whispering a secret you cannot understand. There is nothing more beautiful than old drums playing in the distance as a Bull walks by with his eyes fixed on you but with no trace of menace. A man nearby sits on one side of a giant weighing scale and prays with eyes closed as dozens of bananas are placed on the other side until the balance lifts in the air and steadies itself. Chants go up in the air as his promise to the God has been fulfilled.

The atmosphere is almost surreal. It is so far removed from the reality that I live in yet I cannot help but marvel at the simplicity of it all. I look ridiculously out of place in my sequined georgette sari, nevertheless I kneel down and pray. I prayed that the energy and beauty of this place would never tarnish, and I prayed that more people would find God in a tree.

EARTH HOUR 2009

Its Earth Hour this Saturday, 28th of March 2009.

One hour where we simply turn off our lights to VOTE EARTH, a simple way of showing we dont stand for Climate change, that we are concerned and will do our bit.

I am planing to gather my friends and their families: grandparents, parents, children - Even the family dog! The only thing we need to do before we get together is turn off the power in our houses, completely.. .just for an hour: 8.30 to 9.30 pm. We are bringing our own candles, torches, lanterns, guitars to make the Earth Hour party memorable.

I know, I know....turning the power off for an hour wont solve the crisis. Its only symbolic. But so is Independence day and Diwali...and every other thing we celebrate! And besides it will be a fun thing to do, singing, playing games in the dark! Go ahead and organise your own Earth Hour party...its the most fun way of showing the planet you care!

Watch the Earth Hour Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CRs-7lRlPo
Have Fun!