vote for PNILT

Once a 13 acre pristine lake, the Puttenahalli Lake in J.P. Nagar, Bangalore shrunk and became a marshy garbage dump due to exploitation and neglect.  Starting in 2008, nearby residents campaigned to save the lake. It took them a while but they finally got the municipality (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike - BBMP) to restore the lake in 2010-11. Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust (PNLIT) was formed in June 2010 with Usha Rajagopalan (a writer), Arathi Manay (a market researcher), Prasanna K. Vynatheya (a software architect) and O.P. Ramaswamy (a chartered engineer) as the first trustees. In May 2011, PNLIT was formally given charge by the BBMP to maintain Puttenahalli Lake. This is the first instance of a citizens' Trust being given a lake for nurturing. The nurturing project is for a period of 3 years (May 2011-2014).

Please visit this url to vote 

http://www.sparktherise.com/projectdetail.php?pid=5087

24x7 activism is diminishing the idea of India

It’s good that pressure groups are there. It’s amazing that free media is present. It’s also interesting that debates are happening. But the demand of minute by minute coverage is taking its toll. 24x7 activism is becoming unhelpful and counterproductive. You cannot pressurise the government or the parliament on a daily basis. Unfortunately the posturing and choice of words is making positions of interest groups rigid. Also lost in the melee is the cause to contain corruption. A powerful lokpal is in nobody’s interest. The need of the hour is an effective ombudsman that complements and strengthens the function of other institutions. It’s unfortunate that instead of discussing the intricacies of the issue in a positive and constructive manner, it is reduced to warring groups; it’s become a fight of egos and protecting one’s turf. It is finally the sound bite/image for the moment that seem to matter.

It's winter time

I was reading about temperature dipping in north India, particularly in places like Mt Abu, the weather forecasters too were confirming that winter has set in. Even migrating birds were seen flocking the southern peninsula, but me was a skeptic I needed much firm indicators ….and then Amartya Sen landed. Geeeez it really is winter. What will us billion mortals be without these winter visits by saviors!!! Thank you sirji  

Adieu to enchanting world of Mario Miranda...

Why this policy kolaveri?

A politician is necessarily a communicator. At this critical phase in our society’s development it is getting amply clear that our top policy makers seriously lack the skill of communication. At every step they seem to falter. Politician has to be honest in persuasion. They need to be humble. The present leaders in Congress seem to be lacking in significant ways. Economist as a PM doesn’t seem to be working, add to the fact that he is coming out as amazingly insensitive. If Congress is the main governing party in the coalition then they should take the responsibility.  If Rahul Gandhi is the reason for Congress’s performance in last general election then he should stand up and take control. This backdoor thing is going horribly wrong. Rahul Gandhi needs to take the responsibility of the government; we would like him to show his caliber in responsible position rather than some ‘side show’ (if they are serious about UP, then he should have stayed there for a year or so. It seems they don’t want to expose him too much but still they want to use him). One wonders these sacrifices are for what? Manmohan Singh maybe a nice man but surely is a disastrous politician. The policy paralysis can be traced to lack of skills that is required from an astute politician. He needs to go at the earliest. Get in new people kick start policy making with honest persuasive younger leaders (one was under impression that age may not be a factor but last year or two it has become clear that generation gap is getting rather acute, nor are elder leaders carrying any nuanced truth). It’s unfortunate but people have become quite skeptic of this drama that is unfolding on daily basis. Don’t know whether Congress Party realizes this: Rahul Gandhi is losing his freshness (and hope) at an alarming rate. It’s slipping away.

DOW CHEMICALS HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH BHOPAL TRAGEDY. DOW CHEMICALS CANNOT TAKE ASSETS OF UNION CARBIDE AND NO LIABILITY. NOR CAN A COMPANY VANISH INTO THIN AIR. DOW CHEMICAL IS RESPONSIBLE. VERY MUCH RESPONSIBLE. SHAME ON OLYMPIC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE. SHAME ON UNITED KINGDOM.   

I liked Dev Anand

What a guy!! This is not passing of an era but eras. His movies were quite a treat. I thought he was really a superstar, and I personally was enamored by his choice of caps. The swagger and rather exaggerated (one may call it trademark) style was fun to watch. Wholesome entertainment indeed, how much I love these. 

I recall reading some sarcastic comments by RK Narayan in his essays, though I liked his charming fiction work, I frankly thought his views on issues were regrettable and suffered from what I will call ‘Ram’s clan arrogance’ . Indeed ‘Guide’ is one of the better movies and it’s a tribute to greatness of Dev Anand. 

Popular movies are part of collective memory, and define our society in many ways. These are important reference points. And when actors like say Amir Khan or Naseerudin Shah are ready to work without even reading the script or just be part of it, speaks of nuances and fabric that defines our society, that maybe ridiculed by west (or those who are trying to copy them…I am told it’s a new wave happening!) . This blogger thinks there is ample space for movies that doesn’t need any script!! 

On a personal note: few years back I was in Kolkata, a regrettable hotel room with pathetic toilet. I had just landed in the city and raring to go out and walk around the lanes and explore the place (walking around without any specific purpose is the greatest fun, new place makes it exhilarating). It started to drizzle and I sat in the room quite upset with creeping exhaustion. While flipping TV I came across Dev Anand movie…boy wasn’t I happy. 

Ban Dow Chemicals from Olympics

Its height of irresponsibility that smacks of blatant disregard for human lives in poorer societies that Dow Chemicals is being tolerated like this. This blogger finds this hypocrisy not only obnoxious but beyond comprehension. Dow Chemicals attempts to gain credibility through mega events like Olympics despite horrific 27 years for the victims is a ludicrous attempt and the bluff should be called at the earliest. International Olympic President Jacques Rogge needs to answer. British government should decide whether the London Olympics should be marred by this issue. Sport and sportsperson shouldn’t suffer for the greed of the organisers.

Dow Chemicals is a blacklisted company and shouldn’t have anything to do with sports, or for that matter  with civilized world unless it takes the responsibility of Bhopal Tragedy, pay adequate compensation and clean up the place...

Shame on Dow Chemical. Shame on London Olympic organizers.

at a crucial cross road in Durban...

Deja vu at Tahrir Square

powerful entrenched elite try to scuttle the voice of people. Must say Egyptians are amazing people...  

Condolence: Bhupen Hazarika was a colossal figure, an institution into himself. Probably one of the very few people from North east who had a pan Indian appeal.

Blistering barnacles….Tintin is here!!

What a wonderful movie this one could be. I surely will be seeing this one. I recall we used to fight for tintin in the library. Wait for someone to return the book; conspire to get, hide under rack so as to read it again. Tintin is a visual treat (same holds with Astreix). Now that they have made it into a movie the expectations are high. I gather there is no Prof. Calculus in the animated version…geez what a letdown. Wonder how they will create that inimical change of expressions on Captain…as he comes out of the stupor. Then we have Snowy getting drunk, not to forget Thompson cousins. This is really quite exciting!!!

We are very glad to hear from you Mr. Markandey Katju

“...all this is largely ignored by our media which turns a Nelson’s eye to the harsh economic realities facing upto 80 per cent of our people, and instead concentrates on some Potempkin villages where all is glamour and show biz. Our media is largely like Queen Marie Autoinette, who when told that the people have no bread, said that they could eat cake”

This just one of the paragraph from Justice Katju Chairman, Press Council of India.

Aren’t we so very glad to hear from him? What makes it much charming is that he holds an important position. Though this blogger wouldn’t go for generalization but yes (and that is a resounding yes) Indian media is overwhelmingly mediocre. And one Delhi based media group (HT i guess) had the temerity to pass it on to “vernacular” media. Maybe she should spend some time to watch Malayalam media, the discussion herein are far better and nuanced that probably her market blinkered eyes ever noticed.  Anyway Delhi based demagogues (moon walking as celebrities) are known to have national (in most case international) aspiration. They have a strange affliction of ‘representing India’, it’s intellectual version of trade fair in pragathi maidan.

It goes without saying that Indian media in most cases (with very rare exception…and its getting rarer) is blatantly crass and self serving. They lack understanding or contexts of serious issues, its fly by night operation…I don’t want waste my time explaining but yes this blogger fully agree to what Mr. Katju has said. It’s high time these neo-brahmins are put in place. There is very urgent need for laws on privacy, slander or manufactured news.  Indeed popular people themselves are fair game and news are created by small timers (likes of Crude Woman & her fixers – though high on freedom of expression, I am aware their ilk expertise in creating fake news to be in the news at others expense, its called competition. in reality these are manipulations of crony capitalism), particular in this case is Bachchan family. While on the sideline a coterie pretends as protector of culture (some amazingly mediocre people), the fact is these self appointed guardians are worst offenders and given a chance they can do severe damage, they are hanging in the sidelines for big lick, that’s all. Values are ruse.

The problem here seems to be that the Indian society’s framework of morality is rather weak. This is because the  so called Brahmins were on the helm for more than 5000years and they created amazingly crude system defined by self serving logic. Morals and values were subservient to their selfishness. You will note that theoretically they had answers to almost anything and everything. Their world views were generally grand (and in some case rather valuable, I do admire some aspects of it). This grandness hid the immediate poverty of conscience and compassion (Buddhism sought to mitigate this gap). This is the framework of morality/ethics they created and perpetuated, and so the latter claimants to power/elite section tried to emulate/follow this regression (some even audacious to call it sanskritisation, it’s unfortunate …Sanskrit is a beautiful word that is misused by boys with fancy ideas on world). There are umpteen examples of kings and nobles trying to see themselves as closer to god thus gain acceptance and so on. This manipulative behavior became the reference point for social mobility. 

This thousands of year old framework is what we inherited, so its very much expected that the neo-brahmanism finds its expression in modern India. Media -the new center of power (indeed many in the top of this field are actual inheritors, so no pretensions!!) is an excellent instance. The fact that they propose to consider themselves beyond any criticism or law, and as is the tradition, gang around to curse anyone who questions. They have positioned themselves as our benevolent guardian; it’s our fault to criticize them. Indeed we are told to be grateful. We are sinning against values of freedom and liberty if we question neo brahmins. It’s another of the old brahmin spin we have inherited.

Add to this the crass world of market. Where every action and inaction is justified with money. We have  ready made script  for Indian media. Since India has more population –meaning more lick -this becomes rather severe.

Justice Katju has a view on “introspection by media”, this blogger differs rather significantly. Whether this bunch does some introspect or not, we are not particularly bothered, but yes there should be strict laws against any transgression of people’s right and should be severely dealt. Get this straight in market driven world nobody is doing any savior’s work, these grand positioning cannot be substitute for laws that punish the guilty and those who are criminally negligent, that definitely includes media. Neo-brahmanical ploy will not work.                                   

G20 Meet and a fairytale…

There was once upon a time happy rich family who kept slaves. The slaves were told every day about how fortunate they are with so much freedom and stability in their life. The slaves could go out to see and watch. They saw the glamour and glitter, and felt blessed being in such presence. They were also given vision of fairytale future. They also learned to aspire. The slaves believed they were part of masters’ life, the more masters acquired more they felt they are developing and that their life holds much meaning. Though they worked more and created more the masters gained from their enterprise. In the meantime the masters lived an avaricious life, they partied and passed new thoughts and judgments on freedom and liberty. They also lived much beyond their means, as their lifestyle demanded such minor transgressions. So a day came when they were in serious debt. Since the slaves lives were dependent on masters’ fortune they were asked to tighten up, the slaves were to lose their salary and savings as the masters went in for austerity cut. That wasn’t enough for the masters, since their debt was too large, he called the slaves one evening after dinner and told them that they should save them. If you don’t save us you will suffer, said the masters wiping leftover food from their mouth. They asked slaves to sell their belongings so that they, the masters, can survive. Since if masters cannot survive what will happen to the slaves....

Someone may please complete the story. You could take hints and leads from speeches that will be made in Cannes!! 

Yes to OWS

There are billions of people around the world, like this blogger, who may not be coming out to protest against the way things are run but our heart and soul are with the protestors. We are joined against a skewed system that is self sustaining for few at the expense of hardworking and honest billions. Against people who subvert democracy and manipulate people’s voice. It's a protest against greed and irresponsible conduct of few that is bleeding the earth and people. Occupy Wall Street is a remarkable effort and this blogger is exceedingly glad that this is happening and spreading. More power to such protests.

World’s shame is now India’s

It’s another of decadent western way of life (I don’t have the intention nor inclination to find out but these must have most likely originated in US of A) that was introduced to the world and now finds its way into India. They have already classified it as a sport. This disgusting event has no place in civilized society. A wasteful event that leaves a significant carbon footprint, those who enjoy these must be referred to asylum. I have seen ‘amazing videos’ wherein Americans go for events like these-one in case is where huge vehicles crush other vehicles- as part of family outing. These are crucial family value moments. Irresponsible behavior also is good for consumerism, which in turn runs the economy. Please let there be recession god!!

Car racing are big carbon conglomerate sponsored events. It’s about money. It’s blood money. It’s the money from the oil for which they are fighting and killing people. The fuel for which environment is severely threatened. It runs on the fuel that most people try hard to save every day. By organizing these events they are laughing on people. Big money has also seen to it that these ugly events are seen as respectable. Some even give it a spin of making India proud. It is also to be noticed that market sponsored ‘sports’ are moving away from common people - they are sought to be reduced as spectators. Spectators who are consumers, spectators who can never ever dream to even come anywhere near these, forget competing –the babalog are back as sportsmen! It’s not a sport it’s a joke. Its joke on sanity.

Of course Indian market media has gone in a stampede to promote this nonsense. Blatant degradation will now have to be balanced with sober words on corruption and yes ever present threat on secularism and freedom of expression, brownie point scoring issues for halo of concern. The fact is all these are connected. Ethics is not contextual and money doesn’t change it. For instance (I was reading) if Hindu right wing is protesting against Ramanajum’s Ramayana it is because it serves their purpose. It is their brownie point. As much as promoting degrading events serve the life style expectations of many in cities, the market right wing. What is sickening is that Buddha’s name is used, it’s worst than ‘Buddha is smiling’ that nuclear Brahmins invoked.

Tailpiece: a Minister who uses filthy language against a senior politician has no right to continue in the post. He should be removed at the earliest. This is a new low in Kerala politics. Very sad indeed.

The dying lakes of Bangalore…

This blogger was part of a workshop “Urban Lakes and Bird Life” conducted by Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC) under the able guidance of Dr. Subramanya Sastry (popularly Subbu). We went to five lakes in the city, each a case study, exploring different aspects of threat and challenge that lake in Bangalore faces (indeed it is true and applicable for any burgeoning urban settlements across the world). Before I get into the trip -the learnings and observations, let me quote Justice Mr. N. K. Patil who headed the committee constituted by Karnataka High Court to examine the ground realities and prepare an Action Plan for preservation of lakes in the city of Bangalore…

“Bangalore is on a course of rapid expansion, transforming itself from a metro to a Mega city. During this process, the worst hit (sector) is the lakes of the region, which are put to misuse, threatening the water security, ecology and environment of the region. The estimated population of Bangalore by the year 2020 would be around 120 lakhs (12 million) and it demands a very proactive regulation, planning and execution system in place, to face the challenges of water scarcity and to keep the City habitable”

We were thirty odd people packed in two mini buses skirting around the length and breadth of the city, what began at 6.30 in the morning ended at 6pm. Must say it was an eye opener in many ways. Our first stop was Kasavanahalli Lake that is on the southern outskirt of the city. Almost a jungle but not for long as one see frantic construction around the lake. We treaded the bushy embankment (omg! it’s the same old lantanas!) keeping an eye for diversity of species, try spotting skills and gain some standing within the motley crowd, while the uninitiated (fortunate ones, I would say) utilized the occasion trying to know one another and exchange admiration for fancy cameras many brandish. I must point here to one Deepa Mohan, an active lady who was terrific with butterflies and moths. Subbu is a treasure trove, knowledge immense and passion infectious. The intention to visit this lake was to point out pre urban intervention state of lakes. Though the lake looks pristine, the bird population has come down drastically in recent times. There are signs of sewage, invading species changing the ecology of the lake. First signs are shown by foreshore plantation. The situation is acute at Bellandur Lake; the ‘lake’ is sludge of industrial waste and frothing with effluent. It stinks, covered by weeds and devoid of any life. A saddening sight indeed. When lakes are contaminated there are two major consequences
• It increases the BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), that is, amount of dissolved oxygen, and thus kills the species within the lake
• The lake turns from seasonal to perennial which brings about cataclysmic changes. It’s a death knell for resident and dependent species as their life cycle is broken

One of the biggest lakes in Bangalore is a case study of callousness on the part of policy makers. It also is a pointer to what could happen to lakes in urban areas. Kasavanahalli Lake will very soon be like Bellandur Lake is a horrible reality. There is an urgent need for policy action. Every industrial unit must have sewage treatment unit, and each housing colonies proper sewage disposal system. No one has any right to treat lakes or rivers as dumping yard. The situation is catastrophic and the repercussions are already being felt, if stringent steps are not taken against polluters then this is the end. If Thames River could be resurrected then all is not lost, we still can hope. GDP can grow but once toxic enter the water table, when diversity is lost, no more GDP will help.
Subbu mentioned BOD of Bellandur Lake is more than 500, while what is needed for water to hold life is less than 5!!. The policy makers, we are told, are looking for lakes as possible of potable water source, Subbu says “Why not they start with Bellandur?!!” Good suggestion.

Kaikondanahalli Lake was our next stop, another pristine lake that has substantial bird population, but this lake too is showing signs of sewage seepage (presence of hyacinth is one indication). There are constructions happening around the lake. This will have impact at two levels
• The catchment areas for the lake gets depleted, directly affecting the water table of the lake

• The houses that are constructed in these catchment areas will have flooding during rains, a common features these days as more and more catchment areas are converted into real estate

We were told that authorities tried to ‘develop’ Kaikondanahalli Lake, there were grand plans for boating and Children Park. Thankfully after much protest these were shelved. What is to be noted here is that Acacias (commonly Babool. By the way the word 'khaki' comes from Acacia!!... Please read Pradip Krishen’s seminal work Trees of Delhi for these interesting nuggets) are abundant across the lake and give salubrious green cover, but looks can be deceptive and therein lies another story of insensitivity. Acacia nilotica –the sturdy shrubby Indian specie, is preferred by nesting herons and storks while Acacia auriculiformis –Australian specie that grow tall and don’t support these nests. The acacias planted around the lake are Acacia auriculiformis if it were Acacia nilotica there would have been a heronry here. What a waste. Though, I must add, there is a hidden danger here too. As Acacia wood have high commercial value and could be targeted as has happened, so very blatantly, in Tirunelveli recently.

These are lessons on why local species are much suited to region’s biodiversity and should be encouraged. There is a symbiotic relation that exist between different species in nature and when exotic varieties are introduced these are undermined. Atleast opinions of experts must be taken when planting trees and so on. Thankfully they have shown preference towards arjuna trees (Arjuna terminalia), that hold well under slushy conditions, unlike eucalypts (ridiculous, I say).

After lunch we had a long ride to Hebbal Lake, time to relapse. Delonix Regia (gulmohar) is in full bloom and in abundance, strange that these Madagascarian trees are now threatened species in that island. Though one may encourage local specie (and that is how it should be) I cannot help thinking what many Indian cities will look without these amazing trees. Of course Delonix like Eucalypt does monopolies water and nutrient of the vicinity. Another tree throwing its own private riot in Bangalore is African tulip, these trees though host barbets –soft wood- are nightmare for two wheeler riders, the flowers are slippery and dangerous to maneuver over. My vote for flowering tree in Bangalore will definitely go to Tree jasmine (Millingtonia Hortensis), the flowers from the canopy cascade into showers. What an enchanting sight. Haven’t really seen these beautiful trees in other cities, Bangalore is truly blessed.

Hebbal Lake presents another aspect of development related ecological concern. The lake apparently is well maintained with a garden alongside that is popular with people. Easy for the eyes it maybe but privatization of lakes is a serious threat and Hebbal presents a case for it. The fishing rights are held by private parties and that has seriously affected the avian population (the exception being Pelicans). So it is reduced to a well maintained fish farm (of economically valuable fishes, it has replaced small variety of fishes that used to feed on mosquito larvae) than a lake that supports diverse species. Further the mound in the center of lake doesn’t support bird species due to choice of trees. Plans from luxury hotel chain to develop water games were successfully resisted. Their zealousness to keep the lake clean has seen to it that all weeds are removed. The issue here is not all weeds are a threat and not all water plants are weeds, and some amounts of weeds do support species.

Puttanhalli Lake in the northern part of the city was our last stop, probably one of the smallest lakes (11acre area) but has largest concentration of avian species (I roughly estimated about 30 white ibis in a folk!!). “This is how Bangalore used to be during my childhood” Subbu reminisces. What has saved this lake and its biodiversity is that it has least human intervention and is zealously guarded. Though last few years the sewage is dumped from adjoining areas, particularly from adjacent CRPF camp -they even threaten anyone who protests against their misdeeds with dire consequences. Is this how a central force expected to behave? Indeed they should be guardians of these lakes.

Though Puttanhalli Lake too is in a precarious condition the visit taught a valuable lesson. It is possible to create lake and attract diverse species. Responsible corporate (and there are many who are concerned about degrading diversity) could make it part of CSR. Buy few acres of land, and work it out with ecologists and other experts (there some really talented people). It is possible. With that hope and on a high note we ended a wonderful day.

Barbaric end to a brutal dictator

Of course he was a dictator, a megalomaniac, but the way he was dealt was barbaric. Wonder what is the difference between the fighting forces here? Who is fighting for just society? Both sides are barbaric. This doesn’t augur well at all. This looks like a long road for Libyans. Replacing one brutal force with another may seem to be beneficial for oil thirsty neo-colonial powers but it is destabilizing the region and with it the world.

The events in region are a warning in many ways. Firstly, dictators better watch out. Give way to democracy -basic rights and dignity to people. And yes if people catch you on the street unarmed they are unlikely to hug you. Saleh, Assad….and all others better watch out. These are not normal times. These are times of technology driven connectedness and transparency. Hitching on patriarchal traditions and feudal norms will not work. Secondly, the event also brings in a dangerous precedence of NATO intervention. NATO –military alliance of West, has no mandate and shouldn’t be allowed to work as machinery of UN (at least that is what is being positioned, surely this is far from the truth). NATO’s actions are illegal. The mandate of the international community is for UNPKF and not NATO. Any repeat of NATO taking over UN mandate should be thwarted.

Spooky: the above pic does have an uncanny resemblance to the picture in the blog below!!