Inviting People Home

Inviting kith and kin home for a mealis an integral part of our social behavior. We invite people to come and have dinner or lunch for a variety of reasons. We invite people for religious functions, birthday celebrations, mourning, children’s naming ceremony, pregnancy announcement, promotions and success in life – all these events are shared over a meal with people who matter. Sometimes we meet for no reason at all – just to catch up and chitchat. Calling people home also serves other purposes – it establishes a bond, conveys a sense of camaraderie and demonstrates acceptance of the individual into your circle – it’s like a sort of club membership.

In all this, I find the casual invitation to meet for no specific reason the most intriguing. I have this acquaintance who makes it a point to invite me to his house every time we meet. He says, “Pabbi it’s been a long time since we met – why don’t you come over some time?” and I will invariably say, “Sure!” and walk out. This dialogue has been going on now for over six years and we are yet to visit. Some other forms of verbal invitation which are even more amusing – ‘We should meet some time, ok?’ – ‘Let us catch up’ – ‘Do visit us whenever you are in this area next time’ ‘I say, drop in ’and so on.

I for one feel that the invitation should be precise ‘Please come and have dinner with us on 16 Feb 2013 at 1930 at my place’. The intention should be made clear – period. This precise method always produces the desired results or in the worst cases ‘Regret unable’.

When you are inviting out of station friends, layout the program clearly. I invited a friend of mine from Bangalore to visit me in Kochi. May be, I was not specific and did not mention the part about – How Long? The blighter started liking the atmosphere very much and did not utter a word about departure. Days became a week and the beneficiary never looked in the direction of the railway station. My other friends took pity and advised me to buy a ticket back to Bangalore which fortunately was working out cheaper than his daily expenses.

It is always good to find out your guest’s dietary preferences. When I was posted in Port Harcourt Nigeria, Jai and I were invited to the governor’s house for an official dinner. Jai was served the most exotic ‘Bush Meat’ and she is a pure vegetarian. Imagine an ant eater staring at you. On the way back from Riga our ship berthed in Benghazi, Libya. On the table was a goat with another animal in its mouth and that one had something else and so on. Sashi Khera, Atutosh Anand and NL gave it a wide berth. The poor host brought eggs in lieu – the threesome said no to eggs and onions too. The bewildered host finally placed the fruit tray in front of them.

I also strongly feel that one should be invited to visit .I just like to be prepared and entertain royally when I do invite people over. I very rarely call up and say, ‘Are you people free tonight, we want to drop in and have a drink’. I am not comfortable even with this format. There are a lot of people whom I know, using this ‘announcement format’. There is also a slightly better SMS format ‘Wht r u doing dis evng, can v cum over?’The issue in all this is – give the host and the guest a chance to choose their time and day. In today’s fast paced life, time is precious and everyone wants to spend ‘Quality Time’ with each other. I may be tired or sick and in no mood to party or socialize – there are many such evenings when one wants to hide away from the world and be on one’s own. On such days, I do not wish to sit and talk about the ‘rising importance of Iran in Asia when juxtaposed with the decline of Afghanistan’ or ‘Advantages of watching Life of Pi in IMAX’ or even the mundane subject of ‘difficulty in finding trust worthy cooks’ and so on. Of course, the whole issue is debatable – I may be totally wrong. Some people just love an impromptu visit or an impulsive hopping across to say ‘hi’. A neighbor of mine has made this technique into an art form – whenever he feels like a drink he drops in.

On the lighter side – some people invite you for dinner and forget about it. It happened to me once. I landed up in my friends place for dinner and found the LOH totally unprepared for the event. I kept waiting to be served – they in turn, kept waiting for me to leave and it went on. On an invitation, six of us went to Kochi Port Trust chairman’s house for lunch – lo and behold – the table was set perfectly with crockery, cutlery, serviettes etc – but for one – chairman’s son had forgotten to inform the kitchen staff. Never extend an invitation after a few shots of courage. Neither you nor the other party is likely to remember the late night agreements. My B in L once planned a cocktail, dinner and dance party at home. According to him we were to expect thirty to forty guests – so the preparations were accordingly made. Time came for the birds to settle down and the bats to take flight, yet no sight of any guest. Finally a couple came and the male portion asked for a warm beer and the female part asked for hot cup of Bournvita. It appears nobody took the invite seriously. Weather it is formal or informal meal, it is good to a do a bit of homework.

When I was young and staying with my parents, I used to regularly watch hordes of people visiting our house unannounced and uninvited. In those days, I suppose protocol was not an issue and people went to each other’s houses whenever they felt the need or urge. My father’s friend Raghu Anna visited our house daily and tasted food, some relatives came every Monday to have ‘Palahara’ (a meal of fruits – which over time turned into a one dish meal), a relative from Kolar visited us every time he had some business in Bangalore, similarly, two uncles came home every Sunday to play cards and would stay on for lunch and a bit of Zzzzzz after that. The list was endless and to this day I wonder how my parents coped up with all the visitations. But its different today – when I invited my granddaughter of five for lunch she told me, “Tata, I am busy on Saturday and Sunday with ballet and golf!

Indian Market and Fear of Foreign Competition

Fear of India being invaded by foreigners looms large in the mind of all Indians. Darius from Persia came to India probably in 518 BC, since then we have been invaded by various countries, Greece, Scythia, Central Asia, Mongolia, Iran, Japan, British, China and hopefully no one else. In the last 65 years we have been content with a few wars with our neighbors. All this conquest, change of rulers and the constant fear of invasion has left an indelible mark on the Indian psyche. We do not trust foreigners and more importantly we do not trust foreigners bringing their goods and selling them in India. It is perfectly alright for us to go abroad and bring hordes of foreign goods and walk through the ‘Green Channel’.

India behaves abnormally whenever the government opens our market to foreigners – especially with food. Fear of foreigners taking away our jobs and livelihood looms large in the Indian psyche. Logic is thrown out and quickly replaced by high pitched emotions. Coca cola is one great example – all debates in and out of parliament around the seventies revolved around how to throw out Coca Cola – instead of one it became two four letter words – a symbol of tyranny by USA. People cried hoarse, coca cola is actually CIA in a bottle and so on. Years later, all the rhetoric one observed, looks foolish and outdated. Then came the flood of fast food chains in the late eighties – KFC, MacDonald’s, Pizza Hut. The whole nation once again went on an overdrive and cried wolf. What will happen to our eateries – the local samosa(fried pastry with a savory filling) will die – cried the North – South refusing to be sidelined said aiaiyyyoooo – what about our idly dosa. Bangalore too went ballistic and joined the fray and lamented about what would happen to ‘Vidyarthi Bhavan and MTR Dosa’ – Brahmin café Idly’ and so on. It’s now over twenty years and nothing has changed – all are co existing peacefully. I distinctly remember Mr Vithal Kamath the founder of ‘Kamath’ chain of hotels rubbishing the threat and saying, “What are you talking about fast food invasion – we are the original fast food people – you order a thali (A South Indian combo meal served in a plate) and it will be delivered to you in a jiffy with twelve items in it. Only the public have benefited with the variety available today.

Almost for forty years the ‘Bangalore Mysore ‘highway had only one food outlet – ‘Maddur Tiffany’. With the entry of KFC, MacDonald’s and our own ‘Café Coffee Day’ – the driving public have been spoilt for choice. Cleanliness and efficiency have improved due to competition. All the restaurants stand up and take notice of the customer. I am scared to recall the chaotic conditions that existed when Maddur Tiffany was the lone outlet. Today we have Two Kamaths, MTR, Adiga, Barista, Café Coffee Day, Mac, Pizza Hut and others. Somewhere in our psyche it has been etched that we are good people and the rest of the world is not. It is perfectly all right for Café Coffee Day to venture abroad. Cafe Coffee Day has started mare than 20 outlets in Karachi, Vienna, Dubai, Cairo and Prague.

Now it is our turn to cry all over again. This time it is about ‘Wal-Mart’. In 2004 my son joined ‘Fabmart” probably the first on line store in India – we ordered vegetables, provisions and everything else on line from Fabmart out of sheer loyalty to our dear son. This lasted for a few months and we were back to good old Venu Stores across the road. Venu stores include instant home delivery, payment at the end of the month, personalized service, free return policy and finally a bit of chit chat with Johnny, the delivery man. In the long run, Wal- Mart will survive alongside all the Kirana shops. Both will survive the competition as they service different clientele. In spite of Reliance Fresh, Namdhari, Hopcoms and the like, the local vegetable vendor who comes home every morning with his cart is still alive and kicking. Similarly there are a number of vendors who will continue to sell their wares at the door step. When we were kids, vegetables, fruits, the exchange of utensils, the sale of old news papers, old clothes and many more things were carried out at the door step. In Bangalore, even today this practice is still in vogue. So relax and take a deep breath – Wal – Mart will not upset your apple cart.

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>5<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Do not worry about melting

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>6<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – At your door step

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>7<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Fresh Vegetables

Goodbye 2012

2012 was a very sad year. We lost a very good friend KSK Prasad and my very dear brother Sudheer passed away. At school we lost Rajesh Gundu Rao, a beloved Trustee. These events once again remind all of us of the uncertainty of life. Loss of one’s near and dear ones is hard to explain and best left to the passage of time to heal. Life makes each one of us look inward and contemplate for a while and seek answers to many questions for which there are no ready answers. May their souls rest in peace.

At home, December always brings a load of activities, fun and frolic. This year was no exception – the twins, daughter dear and S in L landed up in Bangalore on 14 Dec. Ayaan had to wait till his school finished to come home for the holidays. Samara joined the clan from the very first day. Agastya and Aarin are in their terrible 2’s.Its the most difficult period for any mother to handle and for Akhila it’s ‘Double Trouble’. They are sweet, naughty, loving, cranky, cry babies all in one delightful package. They have learnt to walk and run. Watch and ward has to be extremely alert and in place all the time. It is a 24/7 job. They are very inquisitive and want to know everything about anything that is around them. The maid kept complaining that all was not well with the washing machine, only to find that Aarin regularly had a field day with the control buttons, whenever it was on. Agastya has to pull the flush himself every time or else the sky will fall on your head. The TV remotes disappear, very often into the toy box or down the sides of an innocent ‘Lazy Boy’. In the mean time, mother and GM are at their wits end – ‘Gray’s Anatomy’ or ‘Rafters’ is about to start. The whole household gets into a Search and Rescue mission (SAR). The remotes later surface inside the Fridge, Oven, Shoe rack, flower pots or such other newly found hiding places. Cell phones and car keys also have a knack of disappearing. There is never a dull moment in the house. Breakfast is yet another complicated ‘Seamanship’ evolution. What will you have – is it going to be Cheese dosa, idly, pan cakes, French toast, puris or corn flakes with milk? With four kids in the house, it’s a daunting task. Thereafter the ants and cats have to be fed – that’s a different ball game. Bath time and later dressing up just about depletes all your energy for the day. That is exactly when the twins from next door decide to join the jamboree. The scene is complete. The decibel levels reach a crescendo – it’s time for solid action. It’s really fascinating to watch the twins engaging each other. They are complete by themselves. They sit and talk endlessly between themselves. I heard one telling the other that he lives in Mumbai. They play together and require nobody else to amuse them. This is their ‘Prime Time’. Ayaan and Samara have grown up into a different phase of childhood. Ayaan has taken up Swimming, Football, and music, where as Samara has started Ballet and Golf.

Figure 1 – Samara striking a ballet pose

Figure 2 – Ayaan at the goal post

Tryst with Santa, Christmas, Barbeque and New Year add more revelry to the children’s holiday.

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>3<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Twins as Shepherds in nativity scene

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>4<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Santa handing over presents

Figure 5- Mamma handing over presents, morning after Santa’s visit

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>6<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Day out with grand father

2012 was eventful. Jayanti worked overtime to prepare for the introduction of RTE into the school. The school has grown in strength and has nearly a thousand students on its roll. In the mean time Anirban and his team at KWAN , one of the top talent agencies in India, worked hard to create a joint venture with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world’s leading entertainment and sports agency. http://www.caakwan.com. Akhila continues to be a super mum – managing three boys.She has tons of patience.It is simply amazing to see how she copes up with the never ending duties of motherhood.In between all this she finds time to help children schools develop their curriculum,lesson plans and so on. Vivek and Shubhra toiled through 2012 and now they are poised to take off. They operate from 16 cities in Indian and Japan. Vivek was one of the nine guest speakers at the first ever TED X – IIM B talks. His talk was very well received. http://www.chumbak.com.

Figure 7 – On her way back to Mumbai

I am about to complete two years of glorious golf.I have improved a lot and I play a decent game.In the mean time I have also become an addict and suffer from deep depression whenever I skip golf.I have also started going on golfing holidays – I went to Belgaum with Shyam and played at the Army and BGA course.With the addition of golf,life is looking better and certainly more interesting.

My blog continues to interest readers across the globe. Frequency of blogging however reduced during 2012 due to my pre occupation with the work involved as Secretary of Jalvayu Vihar. My tenure is ending in June 2013 and I plan to write more often. Until then, I and my family wish all the readers of ‘Samundarbaba’ a very happy 2013 – may god bless you and your family with good health and cheer.

Figure 8 – The Clan

Chitra’s Wedding,

Wedding Season. Come November, the weddings in India start in right earnest. The numbers increase in the month of December and finally taper off in January. One good thing about weddings during this period is the ‘Good Weather’. Breezy and bright afternoons followed by pleasant evenings make a perfect setting for weddings.

On 09 Nov 12, Chitra, daughter of my course mate and a very dear friend Rags and Meera got married to Bobby. It was an excellent wedding and more importantly all the important elements of a good wedding stood out – loudly proclaiming ‘Look guys, this is how one should get married’. Their wedding was solemnized by a pastor in a very dignified manner to be followed by rendition of ‘Vedic Hymns’ by the father of the bride.

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>1<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – I Do

It finally ended with the ‘Oonjal Ceremony’- One of the most beautiful rituals in the Tamil Wedding. It has multiple small rituals embedded into it. The couple is seated on a swing (Oonjal in Tamil). The swing is decorated with flowers and ornaments and is made to swing back and forth. Married women stand around the Oonjal and sing songs; the most popular of them is Laali Laali song. The ceremony epitomizes the ideal state of mind for the married couple, forever fixed with harmony throughout the ups and downs of life.

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>2<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Oonjal Ceremony

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>3<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Chitra looking absolutely gorgeous

The wedding was one big fun – the parents, the guest – young and old, and more importantly the newlyweds enjoyed the wedding to the hilt. The wedding followed by an evening reception on 10 Nov was full of mirth and merriment, filled with bonhomie. A large number of course mates and friends from the Army Navy and Air Force attended the marriage. A wonderful tradition which has developed over time, where in the course mates from far and near attends the children’s wedding without fail.

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>4<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – The Tri Service Element

The wedding was followed by a bit of ‘Elbow Bending’ with the near and dear ones. The mild afternoon sun, with whiff of constant breeze and the beautiful atmosphere of ‘Para Regimental Centre’ lawns – all joined hands to create an excellent ambiance for a bit of ‘Gin and Tonic’. Sufficiently fortified with the elixir we all departed to have delicious lunch. A very fine afternoon indeed.

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>5<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Proud and happy parents with Chits

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>6<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Great place

The next day evening was the reception. There was lot of dancing and good music. My niece Karin with her melodious voice and friend Jai Chako on the Clarinet set the mood and the evening was on. Every one enjoyed the party. The best part – all of us knew each other. It was a select crowd.

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>7<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Kari and Jai

Chitra’s dog ‘Bella’ was there all through the wedding. What a lovely sight.

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>8<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Pleeeeeese take me with you!!- Bella

The entire essence of the wedding has been captured in this, one single photograph. It says it all -wedding is undoubtedly a very sacred ceremony – at the same time, it is time to enjoy and seize the moment – it comes only once – let it remain so. Once again all the very best to Chits and Bobby.

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>9<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Bobby floating in the air.

Good show dear Rags and Meera, Bravo Zulu
All photographs – Courtesy George Seemon and studio Velveeta Photography

*****!!!!*****

Random Thoughts … Old age, Cooking, Mating of Cats and other things

Late Mrs Lalitha Shivaram Ubhayaker started a group called ‘Ashwasan’which means ‘assurance’, a voluntary organization established in 1993 to reach out to senior citizens, the aged and the lonely. “With nuclear families most elders find themselves marginalized, thin on resources and failing in health. It is left to people like us to help them get back their self worth and dignity. To bring them out of their shells of loneliness and revive their sense of belonging,” she had said earlier on.

Today, it has over 1000 senior citizen members in Bangalore. The JVV branch held their 18^thanniversary on 24^th November 2012 in the Air Force Navy School at Jal Vayu Vihar. The function was attended by more than twenty ‘80+’ residents of JVV. They had put up an entertainment program which was followed by lunch. The skits, songs and the games were very interesting and what stood out was the enthusiasm behind the whole program. Everyone made it a point to participate in the function wholeheartedly and for a brief moment, all their little aches and pains were forgotten. The school premises reverberated with sounds of laughter, constant banter and frequent clapping. The very senior citizens showed the way throughout and drove home the message –‘Age is no barrier, if one is determined’. A lady who is 90+ was insistent that she needed no help to move around, to serve herself food or to eat.It was an afternoon well spent in the company of JVV old timers. The credit also goes to the organizers, especially to Ms Yamini a twenty four year old volunteer, who has been associated with the organization for the last eight years. A lot to learn from them. One day all of us………

JVV has a good share of elderly gentry with the spirit of teenagers. Recently, I went and had a glass of beer with a 92 year old retired Sq Leader from the IAF. He told me that of late he has started having a glass of wine in the afternoon and quickly added, “It is cardiac supportive”. There are a number of officers from the air force and the navy who are into their eighties – fit and fine – with regular walks and visits to gym, golf, tennis etc. Whenever I see elderly people who are active and full of life, it gives me immense pleasure.

Cats in JVV have become a big nuisance. I had blogged about them in http://samundarbaba.blogspot.in/2012/09/winged-residents-of-jalvayu-vihar-birds.html. It is mating season now and the whole colony is agog with cats running around and making the weirdest of noises. Near my cluster there is one Molly cat and there are three suitors. Tom White, Tom Brown and Tom Stripe who are on the move impressing the lonely Queen. Cat communication includes a variety of vocalizations like meowing, purring, trilling, hissing, growling and grunting. Regardless of day and night the fight is on and one has to bear all the deafening cries, shrieks and cat calls. It is extremely frightening to be woken up in the middle of the night. Some of the Tom cats are very adamant and refuse to budge even under intimidation. So the problem of ‘who will bell the cat?’ persists.

Alternate medicines.During the last ten years or so, I have tried every kind of alternate therapy for diabetes but all in vain. All my efforts start very earnestly and go on for a few months before it is completely forgotten. Perhaps the results are not visible or the effort is not habit forming – whatever the reason – I have not been able to continue for more than a few months. I have tried having Fenugreek or Methi in many forms – powder, sprout and whole – fresh Aloe Vera juice; nothing is more disgusting than this gooey and tasteless liquid early in the morning on an empty stomach. Ladies fingers soaked in water over night- to be had the next morning. This terrible concoction competes with Aloe Vera in ‘Repulsive’ quotient. Next in line was cinnamon powder with honey – a drinkable combo. I have many ‘Insulin Plants’ (Costus Ingneus) in my garden. The green leaves are to be chewed early in the morning – it is tangy and tastes like raw mango. Amla and Jamun seed powder have also adorned my medicine cabinet. I even tried ‘Ginseng’ when I could ill afford it. A large number of e mails are sent in Google groups asking us to practice one therapy or the other. Nobody knows the veracity of such mails. In spite of all this, we continue to have many alternate medicines in good faith.

Who Cooks in the House? Ever since humans became ‘Homo Erectus’ the concept of work sharing has been in force. The man went out to hunt and the woman stayed behind with the children and gathered food around her habitat. She also cooked. This division of labor suited her role of reproduction and child care. Then, agriculture arrived, ending hunting to a large extent. Since then a variety of factors have come to play and has blurred the role of man and woman – the fine line dividing the two is slowly disappearing. Today we have a number of options – ready made food, ordering out, eating out, hiring of cooks and so on. To add to this list, we also have refrigerators, mixers and grinders, microwave ovens, induction heaters and so on – making cooking easier. More importantly, women have started working and bringing in the much needed ‘Moolah’.

In some houses, the man has entered the kitchen; whether it is by force or by choice, will remain a mystery. The other day we went to Sampath and Saroja’s house for our monthly get together. http://samundarbaba.blogspot.in/2010/09/coffee-decoction-friends.htmlSampath had prepared excellent biryani – the texture, taste and mix was simply wonderful. Men entering the kitchen are on the increase. My son cooks regularly and so do I.

Believe me, cooking is extremely therapeutic and is a great hobby too. Cooking is a stress buster and teaches you – patience, sense of proportion, is exhilarating but often results in deep disappointment when you burn the food or add excessive salt and so on. You are sure to earn some brownie points from your wife for all your efforts .The extra time spent on the golf course or elbow bending with mates is sure to be forgotten by the wife if she is served ‘fresh salad with basil, lime, olive oil and Parmesan cheese’with ‘cream of celery and onion soup’and hot homemade bread.

Ask my children and they are sure to say – “Dad is no longer the sole breadwinner. But he is the family’s only bread-maker”. Meaning, we have a bread maker and I have cracked the code and make excellent bread.

Look what I cooked for my wife in the ‘The hundred – rupee Uncle Scrooge date’ http://www.bangaloremirror.com/printarticle.aspx?page=comments&action=translate&sectid=74&contentid=2011112420111124200201545d3198d10&subsite=

Snippet

Especially after the World War II, men came home as trained cooks and took their skills to market. Masculine power lent credibility to the job and the role of a “chef” took on an elevated status, paving the way for restaurant culture.

We Went To Sakleshpur

Sakaleshpura is a hill station town and headquarter of Sakleshpur Taluk in Hassan District in Karnataka. The city is at an elevation of 3113 ft. The town lies in the Malnad region of the Western Ghats. Sakleshpur is listed as one of the 18 most diverse spots in the world in terms of flora and fauna. It has a temperate climate surrounded with lofty green hills full of Coffee, Cardamom, Pepper and Areca Plantations. These crops which contribute mainly to the economy of the Taluk are grown in the surrounding villages and entire taluk are brought to Sakleshpura city for sale. The town lies on National Highway 48 which connects port city of Mangalore with capital city Bangalore, of Karnataka state.

I have passed through Sakleshpur – also known as Munzerabad, many times on my way to Mangalore. I have always wanted to spend some time in this misty town which heralds the entry into the mighty Western Ghats. My brother passed away on 06 Oct 2012 and the event had taken a heavy toll on the family –especially on his wife Vishala and daughter Chitty. To provide a change of scene and for a bit of rest and recuperation I planned a trip to Munzerabad Club along with Jai Vishala and Chitty. The club is affiliated to WGC. A close friend of Chittu – Mithali, came along with us. We left Bangalore early at 0645AM and reached the club at 1030AM, with a halt in Kamath for breakfast.

Munzerabad Club is 118 years old having been established in 1894 by the British plantation owners for their families. The Brits had come to Sakleshpur to start Coffee Plantations in the area. The club takes you back in time – my childhood memories of visiting coffee plantations in Javali and Koppa in Chikkamagaluru District along with my grandparents, came back vividly. Huge bungalows guarded by ferocious dogs, incessant rains, mist, endless stretches of greenery – life ticking away at a slow pace – not to be dithered by the ordinary hum drum of life.

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>1<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Entrance to the club

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>2<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Munzerabad Club

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>3<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Claim to history

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>4<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Wet view from our rooms

We spent three lazy days relaxing in the club and enjoying the ambiance and the facilities the club offered. As it was raining in the evenings all of us made use of the gym extensively – it was a must after all the heavy eating one does during holidays. Breakfast was at hotel Surabhi conveniently located just outside the club. After a sumptuous BF, we used to head out into the open with packed picnic lunches and return by 3PM to catch a spot of ZZZzzzz. The drive on NH 48 is very exhilarating especially in the ghat section near Sakleshpur. Upto the city, the roads are in excellent state. We did not venture out further on NH48, but I am told the road is in a very bad state. We however went on a local road in search of the elusive ‘Bisle Reserve Forest’ – a stage reached when there were no roads or any sign of people. After a bit of misplaced adventure we gave up the pursuit and returned to the club. 18^th Nov, TOI reported an incident wherein a taxi driver who was walking along a track near this area in search of a petrol station was trampled by an elephant and killed. Thank the Lord.

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>5<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Dense forest enroute to Bisle

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>6<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Picnic Spot

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>7<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Photo op

The evenings were well spent in the club. The sun sets early and darkness descends on the hills like a blanket.The stony silence suddenly envelopes the entire club only to be broken by chirping of birds returning home.The club has a very well appointed bar named ’Cock and Bull’ what an excellent name .The bar is well stocked and well appointed. The bar man Mr Poojari is always ready with a smile to dish out your elixir.

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>8<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Only the Brits could have thought of a name like this – Cheers

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>9<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Inside of Cock and Bull

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>10<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – In the club verandah – a wild boar with its tooth

One day we went across to Muzerabad Fort – derelict remains of Tippu Sultan’s fort. The fort was used mainly as a look-out post because of the clear view from the hills around. The fort is in a state of neglect and the ‘Archeological Society of India’ has done little to protect the place – a sorry state indeed.

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>11<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – At the entrance

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>12<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – View from top

Figure <!–[if supportFields]> SEQ Figure \* ARABIC <![endif]–>13<!–[if supportFields]><![endif]–> – Looking refreshed

Figure 14- Equally refreshed

At the end of three days all were rested well and Sakleshpur had done its job. The stay gave an opportunity to all of us to relax and unwind. The food in the club was good and their akki roti (rice chapati) was excellent. Swamy the attendant looked after us well.We went to the local market and bought some spices – they are good. Sakleshpur offers a very good opportunity for a quick getaway from Bangalore. Take a break and travel away from your home and do exactly the same things that you would have done at home – it will still be very enjoyable and comforting. The very thought of going out, drive and the company will make the mood. There are many home stays in and around the Sakleshpur meeting the bill.

MV Sudheer in Memoriam, 1960 – 2012

In 1959 I was 10 years old. Three of us – Baba, Amma and self stayed in a house in Shankarpuram. My grandparents stayed close by in an adjacent locality – Gavipuram. Prior to shifting to Shankarpuram, my parents had stayed in Gavipuram for a long duration in a joint family. At one point of time, our family decided to move to an independent house and the three of us shifted to Shankarpuram in 1956.

One fine day in early 1960, my mother along with me shifted to Gavipuram. My father continued to stay at home. After some time I realized that my mother had shifted, to be close to her mother – she was pregnant.

While waiting for my mother to deliver, I had a ball in my grandparents’ place and elsewhere. The degree of supervision was generally low and the fort was not guarded well. As long as I did not attract the attention of my grandfather, all was well. Unknown to all the members of the family, I used to sneak out and learn swimming in a lake and a well. http://samundarbaba.blogspot.in/2010/06/bengaluru-days-1a-tribute-to-mr.html.

I was once lowered into a huge unused drain near the house by my GF, as I was pestering my mother to permit me to go to Nandi Hills with my elderly cousin and his friends.

While all this was happening, my mother was admitted to ‘Jai Hind Nursing Home’ in Vishveshpuram and she delivered a chubby boy under the supervision of Captain Dr. Sharada Devi INA 0n 03 apr 1960. Her husband was also a doctor and part of INA. Their only child Late Subash Chandra was my classmate in MSS. A few days later the boy was named ‘Sudheer’.

Why this gap of 11 years between me and my brother, I never understood, nor did it occur to ask my parents, as to why they waited so long, it may have been some unplanned event or a planned strategy – these were thoughts that crossed my mind as I grew older. Due to this rather large gap in age we grew up differently in almost all aspects of life. There was almost a generation gap between us .We had different friends, tastes, professions, likes and dislikes. Even to this day I have a touch of regret for not being sufficiently close to my brother – all due to disparity in age.

When Sudheer was seven years old, I left home to join the NDA. Thereafter I visited Bangalore once a year during annual leave. Under these circumstances I did not watch my brother grow up. My memories are restricted to very few events that happened during my stay in Bangalore. If I were to add all my memories about him in one bag – the recollections would be……

1970 – Sudheer at 11

Sudheer was a very healthy child and grew up to be a tall, strong boy. His physical attributes came from our maternal side. He played club cricket as a reasonably good ‘Medium Pace’ bowler. To maintain a good physique, he developed a more than ordinary interest in good food – which was in plenty and my mother ensured that all his cravings were met – she pampered him a lot – she also loved cooking and excelled in it. All this resulted in a number of gastronomical binges. Like my parents, he was a pure vegetarian. For some odd reason, he did not take up to curd – the food of the Gods – for all South Indian Brahmins. I remember concocting a story when his daughter ‘Chitty’ was four years old – I told her that when Sudheer was a baby he fell into a cauldron of curd – similar to ‘Obelix’. Our neighbor’s son ‘Ramu’ – though in the same age group, was very thin and looked pretty undernourished for his age. Once, their family doctor told Ramu’s mother to feed him exactly what was being given to Sudheer. Over the years he developed a penchant for good food and was very particular in what he ate, how it was prepared, ingredients and so on. He was fond of cooking too.

Sudheer 2nd from left with his childhood friends on a Guava tree – Shankarpuram – 1973

During his school and college days, he took active interest in the theatre. Under ‘Kappanna’s tutelage, he acted in plays such as ’Kakana Kote’ and ‘Tughlaq’. He travelled to many cities with the troupe. I vividly remember attending the shows and later on hosting a dinner for all his friends in Delhi and Mumbai.

Nandi Hills – 1978 with Father, Aunt and cousins

His friends’ circle was small, but it was a very tight knit circle. Even after all these years they remained close and met regularly. Like him, all his friends were also non smokers, teetotalers and vegetarians, to boot. All his friends became my friends too and would visit me where ever I was posted. Even to this day when I meet them, we slide down memory lane and vividly recall the wonderful times we have had. I remember asking Sudheer and Tatappa to be the ‘Barmen’ for a ‘Scavenger Hunt’ in Wellington, during my Staff College days. During the course of the party, Carol, wife of my colleague, Cdr Rick Pharoah Royal Navy, breaking out into terrible rashes. Later, it came to light, that Tatappa was diluting dark rum with ‘Sikkim White Rum’ thinking it to be plain Aqua and dishing it out to Carol.

Close friends in Srinagar – 1986

My course mate Vijay Shankar landed up in our house one fine morning in Shankarpuram from his ‘Ganga Yatra’ way back in 1971. Sudheer and our cousin Madhu, both, all of eleven, were alone at home. Not knowing which hospitality route to take, they closeted themselves in the dining room for some time and came out and offered him ‘Rum’ at 9.00 in the morning!

Soon after his final B’com results were declared in April 1980, our cousin’s husband Mr Hemmady asked Sudheer to help him out in their new restaurant ‘Shanti Sagar’ in the Majestic area. This was the first of the Sagars in Bangalore. Sudhi took up the job with great enthusiasm and plunged himself into the work. Soon thereafter, he joined ‘Tata Tea’ and remained with them till 1986.Later on he joined‘Titan Industries Limited’.

He was very caring, reserved and simple in his ways. Barring his culinary fetish, he very rarely demanded anything else. He found a partner in Vishala, who would share his style of life and be a source of company and strength to him. She complemented him in many ways and filled up the little gaps that he may have had. They were married on 19 Feb 1988 .The apple of their eyes, Nivedita, was born on 14 may 1990. He doted on her. ‘Chitty’ as she was nicknamed, in return lived up to all his expectations and more. He was a caring husband and a dear father. As a brother, he admired me for the kind of person I was and loved me unconditionally. Though we had little in common, the strong bond of brotherhood we shared would last till the very end.

During their honeymoon in Kodai – 1988

Chitti with her doll – 1992

His commitment to his work was total. As the saying goes ‘Work is Worship’ – he practiced this form of religion to the very end. He had no vices – no distractions and his entire focus and attention were directed towards his work. Even whilst standing outside the sphere of his work, I could feel the intense loyalty he had towards ‘TITAN’. At work, he was a Titan, a larger than life figure, who would go out of his way to fight other’s battles be it someone’s well deserved promotion or someone else’s troubles and whose voice would resound all over the office when he got upset about delays that cost the firm. Above all, his strongest quality was integrity, which I am very sure was singularly responsible for his rise in Titan He had a great future ahead of him in Titan.

With CMD TITAN Mr Bhaskar Bhat after receiving the award

He was extremely helpful to others. He went out of the way to help deserving people secure jobs, give advice, bailout people from difficult situations and so on. There are a number of people who have benefited from his benevolence. He brought in a very high standard of honesty in all his dealings in and out of his work place. He promoted fair play with zeal. In return he gained a very large measure of good will, which was amply evident when he was not well. A surge of volunteers to donate blood whenever it was needed, endless offers of help to the family, calls from places as far as China to find out his condition, constant support from the office, where some of the expressions of gratitude to him.

During his period of sickness and after his demise ‘Titan‘ has been a pillar of strength.The entire staff of Titan rallied around his family to provide support and solace.Sympathy and understanding shown by Titan has been exemplary.Titan is undoubtedly “A company with a soul”.

Happy family- At Balehonnur – Apr 2006

Somewhere along the way God had made other plans for him. The last one year was extremely critical and he went through a series of medical complications. He fought bravely and was very keen to get back to work. Destiny had its say and he passed away very peacefully at 1515h on 06 Oct 2012.

His entire adult life has been summed up in a memoriam written by Mr Harish Bhat , former COO of Titan.

M.V. Sudheer – In Memoriam

Sudheer’s tragic demise yesterday, at such a young age, is a very big loss for all of us. Titan ran in his blood, and was in his foremost thoughts at all times. As his daughter Nivedita tells us, he was thinking of Titan all the time, even when he was seriously ill during the past few months. Even his last evening alive was spent in a meeting with Lokesh, his deputy. No wonder we admired him, even though, I admit, we sometimes took his presence for granted.

Sudheer spared no efforts for the Company, and gave himself no quarter for slack, either. During the many years I have worked with him, I do not ever recall him saying “No” or “This is not possible”. He always said “Yes, Sir” or “I will make this happen”, and in virtually all cases, he delivered without fail. He put in significant personal effort in making things happen in the procurement & materials area that he led, directly taking up challenging matters of price and delivery with hundreds of vendors across the world.

His forceful negotiating skills – sometimes addressing vendors frankly on our cost challenges, at other times browbeating them into agreement – were complemented by his ability to reach out to them, and help build their businesses to viable and prosperous levels. He was fiercely engaged with them, and the several superb vendor meets he organized over the past few years, which I had the privilege of participating in, were tribute to these high levels of engagement. I am told that, throughout his long drives to Hosur and back, he was always on the phone, resolving one matter or another.

Not once during the years I worked with him did he ever represent to me a personal cause. Not once did he dwell on his promotion, or remuneration, or some facility that he was not entirely happy with. On the other hand, every conversation and discussion he had with me was about work, about addressing a specific issue, or expanding the vendor base, ideas for new sourcing or getting costs down. That is rare, and I salute him for his unconditional commitment to Titan.

Of course, when he did get promoted to General Manager two years ago, he was over the Moon in joy. HGR mentioned to me the next day that Sudheer received his promotion letter with tears in his eyes, and that his spontaneous reaction was – “Sir, I will do anything for Titan.” That was always his philosophy.

HGR, as the Head of ISCM in those days, had absolute trust and complete reliance on him. So did the heads of brands and businesses, who silently but surely relied on his capability to get things done. Despite the tsunami that struck Japan two years ago, disrupting completely the production of Honda and Toyota cars in India, Sudheer ensured that he got us critical Japanese components, including batteries and movements, with little or no disruption in supplies.

At Hosur, you could hear his loud, booming voice from a mile away; often shouting at some stubborn vendor who had incurred his wrath, sometimes calling his teammates into energetic action, at other times even singing a song or two with them. His love of life and food was well known, including getting tasty home-cooked fare for his colleagues. For our materials and procurement team, he was leader and friend, captain and colleague. For all of us, he was the Materials Department of the Watches business. We should be proud of all that he achieved, even as we mourn his untimely loss.

Our thoughts go out to his family – in particular, his wife and daughter – whom he doted on. We will remember him forever, as a totally committed professional, a man of impeccable integrity, a role model in his workplace, and a person whom all of us genuinely liked very much. We pray to God to give his family the strength to cope with this impossible loss. May His Soul rest in peace

Epitaph

“It’s Not How Long You Live; It’s How You Live” – Anon

Winged Residents of Jalvayu Vihar – "The birds in JVV sing Merrily"!!!

In my earlier blogs I had exalted the virtues of Jalvayu Vihar in (http://samundarbaba.blogspot.com/2010/06/bengaluru-days-jalvayu-vihar-in.html and http://samundarbaba.blogspot.com/2010/12/jal-vayu-vihar-turns-twenty.html .

I had written about the colony, how it is managed, its people, flora and fauna. I noted that, the essence of JVV is best captured in a poem written by poet and writer John McLeod, from a small fishing town near Edinburgh, Scotland which beautifully sums up what the it is all about; a colony where all of us live and spend our retirement in joy and happiness.

If home is where the heart is

Then may your home be blessed

A shelter from the storms of life

A place of rest,

And when each day is over

And toil put in its place

Your home’s dear warmth

Will bring its smile

To light the saddest face!

Merrily Tobin, visited Jalvayu Vihar for the first time in 1993. JVV was then just three years old. She recalls “There were hardly any birds out here. The trees were just about picking up and the campus had a dry, barren look about it”.

Figure 1 – 1989 – Barren Main Road and water tower

Over the next few years, JVV grew greener; the birds began to take notice and slowly moved in and so did Merrily Tobin along with her mother, who is a proud owner of an apartment here. Between her home and never ending demands at the work place, she still finds time to indulge in ‘Bird Watching’. Now a confirmed birder, she adds “My very first friends in the world were the birds and animals in our garden. I used to spend hours with the squirrels, the sparrows, the bulbuls, the magpie robins and the numerous other birds that shared our garden with us. Birding to me wasn’t just a hobby but my very existence. Wherever I go , wherever I am, the first things I notice are birds!”

JVV over a period of time has become lush and green with more than 700 trees in an area of 22 acres. Today we boast of variety of trees such as Neem, Ashoka, Gulmohar, Jacaranda, Honge, Pepal, Sampige, Silver Oak, Bamboo, Teak, Tabebuia ,Akash Mallige, Spathodea,Mango, Basavana Pada,Nagalingam,Parkar Palm,Tecoma,Gasa Bela, Eucalyptus,Pine, Coconut, Jack Fruit, Pomegranate, Badami, Tamarind, Berry, Butter Fruit, Papaya, Banana etc. A dedicated crew of 19 garden and conservancy staff ensure the trees are well looked after and nourished.

Today, JVV is lush, green and beautiful. It is no wonder that these tiny, noisy creatures we call “Birds” have found a home here.

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Armed with just a pair of binoculars, and a passionate desire to be one with nature she has diligently kept note of the “Winged Residents of JVV”

The number of birds that have made JVV their home is truly amazing. Some are residents while others visit us regularly and a few make guest appearances. She recently posted a documentation of the birds that can be seen in Jal Vayu Vihar on the colony group E mail. I found her work not only interesting but an eye opener to most of us. Today we live in cocoons, enclosed in our own little make believe worlds – rushing to and fro, meeting the never ending demands of work and home. We have no time to reflect and ponder about life and nature. A hobby such as ‘Birding’ or for that matter any hobby, can be very therapeutic, especially in this day and age of high speed internet, instant communication, fast cars ,fast food and faster pace of life. I strongly feel one should seriously inculcate some hobby and set aside some time to pursue it. Being a part of the nature around us will certainly help keeping one’s body and soul together.

With a view to making her work reach wider audience, I have reproduced her effort in my blog. Hope this will enable JVVians in particular and Bangaloreans in general to become aware of our surroundings and help preserve the green cover of our city. May be one day we will be truly the “Garden City” once again. When I requested her to give me permission to publish her work – with all humility and grace she e mailed – I went through this document… but would like to ask you to please tone down the “Merrily” bit… it’s fine if you say “The birds in JVV sing merrily”!!!

Extracts from her E mail in – jvvbangalore@googlegroups.com (Photographs are from net)

1. Barbets

Our Gulmohar and African Tulip trees have little nest holes, cut out by the“Barbets”.

2. The tiny “Tailor Bird”

They sew the leaves of the mango tree near the West Gate each year to create a tiny nest and manages to have quite a brood, a really noisy one at that; it also nests in the Ashoka.

3. Our other residents are the “Sunbirds”

The Loten’s Sunbird.Like the Tailor Bird, the Sunbirds flit in and out of trees noisily and even visit our potted flowering plants in search of nectar. They are usually in company with “The White Eye”,

Figure 5 Loten’s Sunbird

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4. White Eye

The sunbird is usually in company with the White Eye

5. The Spider Hunter

6. Thickbilled Flowerpecker

One of India’s tiniest birds, quaint in its ability to manipulate large berries in its tiny bill to extract pulp and juice.

7. The Brown Flycatcher

A bird too shy and gentle to make too much of an impression

8. The Grey Tit

9. The Warblers

Particularly the Ashy wren-warbler, a noisy creature but gone missing from

JVV. Cats?

With cooperation from the residents and organizations such as CUPA we have been able to run a ‘Stray Dog’ free colony for the last 18 months. It has taken a lot of effort on our part to prevent ingress through gates, drains, broken fence etc. We also have a tough job convincing residents not to feed the strays. Consequently the population of cats in the colony has increased considerably with its own fallouts. Rodents and cockroaches are on the decline. We have once again appealed to all the cat lovers not feed the stray cats. Humans cannot balance nature.

10. Koels

They are common sight

11. Spotted Doves

12. Barn Owls

The Barn Owls that cheer JVV through the night and help keep it rat free

13. Jungle Myna

14. Shikara

15. Pariah Kite

16. Brahminy Kite

17. King Crow

17 A Grey Drongo

The Sunbirds, Tailor birds, Tits, Flycatchers, and Spider Hunters can be seen at almost all hours during the day flitting in and out of our Singapore Cherry trees and our other flowering trees. The two spotted doves near the school coo and coo all morning and then go about their business the rest of the day. The others you can see and hear off and on.

18. Now for our visitors

The Rosy Pastors flock here in huge numbers and create quite a ruckus as they zoom in and out of our Silver Oak and Pepul trees in huge swarms every winter (incidentally, they come to visit us all the way from Eastern

Europe);

Rosy Pastors

19. Bulbuls

She notes the danger from cats and says, “ The majestic bulbuls would love to find a nesting place here and do come in regularly looking desperately for a roost, only to find grave danger in the form of the numerous cats that lurk around all our Singapore Cherry trees that attract these beauties. Their fluty calls are unmistakable and you know the bulbul has come a-calling the minute it enters our campus. Unless JVV is freed of its numerous cats, it is highly unlikely that these birds will take up residence here. They nest in shrubs and our shrubs are too close to the cats for their liking!”

20. Golden Oriel

The Golden Oriel comes in once in a while and like the Bulbul gives its unmistakable flute in water call… don’t know how to describe it but for those of you who would like to hear it, here’s a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s21FgJKZSrc

21. Crow Pheasant

The Crow Pheasant used to come in once or so in a month. It used to lurk around the bougainvillea creepers near the West gate and give its quaint call. I haven’t seen it in a while, especially after a fire ruined that canopy there. For those of you who would like to hear its call, here’s a link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep0VM8WEzBM

22. Rose ringed Parakeet

23. Alexandrine Parakeet

24. Tree Pie

25. House swifts

House Swifts and also Swallows may be seen in and around JVV. I have seen all these birds and many more in JVV, at some time or the other. Some stay on for a month or two and then disappear while others are content with giving us a weekly or an annual visit. Birds favour those trees that offer them food, nesting sites and roosting places.

26. Swallows

The trees in JVV that fit this equation are the Peepul, a hot favorite of all birds; the African Tulip Tree and the Gulmohar are magnets for Barbets and Parakeets as the soft trunk of these trees can be burrowed into easily; The Singapore Cherry, for its juicy fruit; The Silver Oak for its flowers full oftasty nectar and for its height that keeps these birds safe from the dangerous ground dwellers

On a serious note Merrily adds, “But birds love all trees and so do we. To see even one chopped down is heart breaking! The myriad other creatures that dwell in these trees are sustenance for these birds. The first step to the extinction of a species is the destruction of its habitat. The once immortal sparrow is long gone, the others are soon to follow suit. JVV has thus far helped these birds and animals fight a losing battle, must we now withdraw our support?”

In closing she has a little advice to makers of the city.Bangalore has lost what it was once known for; JVV is a semblance of that old Bangalore; let’s try to keep it that way. A more practical option would be to trim the very large trees so that they cease to be dangerous and yet continue to support this huge life system they harbor!”

In the end she says, “This poem, I guess, would help express the sentiments of those who love trees and birds and animals and who are constantly charmed by Nature and feel utterly helpless at the eventual fate that awaits us… dry barren landscapes, concrete jungles, extinct species of birds, animals and trees!

On Killing a Tree

~ Gieve Patel

It takes much time to kill a tree,

Not a simple jab of the knife

Will do it.

It has grown

Slowly consuming the earth,

Rising out if it, feeding

Upon its crust, absorbing

Years of sunlight, air, water,

And out of its leprous hide

Sprouting leaves.

So hack and chop

But this alone won’t do it.

Not so much pain will do it.

The bleeding bark will heal

And from close to the ground

Will rise curled green twigs,

Miniature boughs

Which if unchecked will expand again

To former size.

No,

The root is to be pulled out

Out of the anchoring earth;

It is to be roped, tied,

And pulled out-snapped out

Or pulled out entirely,

Out from the earth-cave,

And the strength of the tree exposed,

The source, white and wet,

The most sensitive, hidden

For years inside the earth.

Then the matter

Of scorching and choking

In sun and air,

Browning, hardening,

Twisting, withering,

And then it is done.

Epilogue

No matter where you live, you probably have birds of some kind, where you can go bird watching. It is probably the cheapest hobby one can develop. It requires no money or investment, just a desire to watch God’s creation enjoying the bounties of nature in its own habitat. On our part we can help by being respectful to nature and provide an environment which supports bird life.

We in Jalvayu Vihar are extremely lucky to have nature lovers like Ms Merrily Tobin who have devoted some of their precious time in cataloging all the birds in JVV and in turn educating us, raising our knowledge levels and helping us to develop an interest in birds.

I for one have been impressed by her work and have started spending some time looking up at the trees, trying to get a glimpse of the“ Winged Residents of JVV”.

All is fine, as long as “The birds in JVV sing Merrily”!!!

Living in the past – Beladingalu Oota (Moonlight Dinner) – "Beladinglix Ootax".

Bangalore was still Bengaluru, a clean and tidy city, with lots of trees and a salubrious climate to support a relaxed life style. Those were the days when there was very little vehicular traffic on the streets. People would be in bed by ten and the streets practically deserted by nine thirty. As an eight year old boy, my parents found it safe to let me walk up to school and back – from Gavipuram to Mahila Seva Samaj in Shankarpuram – a distance of 4 to 5 Kms. In the fifties Bengaluru was relatively small and the population lived in self contained developed localities such as the Cantonment, Malleshwaram, Shankarpuram, Gandhi Bazar, Ulsoor, Wilson Gardens and a few more. Beyond first block, there was no Jayanagar. Hebbal, Kengeri, Madivala, Hessargatta and other outlying areas were considered far and beyond city limits.

The essence of the Bengaluru of yesteryears was in its bungalows, unlike the high rise buildings and apartment complexes one sees today. The bungalows were spacious with a garden in front and a little house at the back called the ‘outhouse’, normally given on rent. As a rule, all the houses had a ‘Gachi’ (Terrace) on top. The Gachi served many purposes – drying clothes, airing beds, sun bathing, drying food preparations such as ‘sandige’, hapla or papad, stuffed salted chillies and so on. It was also a venue for ‘Beladingalu Oota’.

Come summer, all my out station cousins would come to Bengaluru to spend their holidays with the grandparents. Our GP’s house in Gavipuram, located on ‘Masti Venkatesha Iyengar’ Road, was fairly large with all the attributes of a bungalow, with a garden, out house et al. The summers were very mild with a touch of sun at midday. The nights were cool with a fresh summer breeze wafting all around. On the days when it did not rain, the skies were clear and filled with bright and shining stars. All of us waited anxiously for the ‘Hunnime’ (full moon) to arrive so that we could enjoy ‘Beladingalu Oota’ on the Gachi.

Moonlight is always associated with romance, adventure and a desire to come out in the open and enjoy the bounties of nature. It has a strange effect on people – it eases the mood, lightens one’s heart and fills the evening with endless possibilities – anything can happen on a moonlit night.

Moonlight Dinners were a common tradition in Bangalore. The entire family would gather on the Gachi and prepare for the dinner. Ground sheets would be spread and littered with mattresses, pillows and light woollen shawls. My eldest cousin Madhu had devised an ingenious method of transporting food from the kitchen to the terrace. The kitchen had an unused chimney and Madhu had installed a pulley and chain to hoist the utensils. The whole process of hoisting the food was a very interesting engineering feat and invariably attracted all of us. We later took turns to hoist the food.

The menu used to be drawn up especially for the occasion. Bisibele Hulli Anna (a masala rice and dal combo) with Sandige, Hapla and Upperi (Potato Chips) as accompaniments were a must. Curd Rice was another compulsory item on the menu. The dinner had to have a sweet dish; it was either Gulab Jamun or Carrot Halwa. I still remember walking across to VB Bakery in Vishweshpuram to buy ‘Khoya’ (reduced dry milk) for preparing Jamun – one of my mother’s signature dishes.

Another highlight of the evening would be ‘Kai Tuthu Oota’ meaning food served by hand. All of us toddlers would sit in a circle around one of the aunts who would give a mouthful of food to each one of us in turn. This feeding would always be accompanied by storytelling. Singing was also a part of the programme.

These social occasions provided the family with an opportunity to bond. ‘Beladingalu Oota’ was often extended to other relatives and friends. Pot Luck dinners added an element of surprise and increased the variety. In the absence of TV, picture halls, restaurants, clubs and such other outlets for entertainment – these simple gatherings provided the much needed opening for social interaction and bonhomie.

My grandfather was a homegrown astronomer. He had a star globe and would set it up for the night. After dinner, all of us would sit around listening to him and would gaze at the stars – that is when I first heard of Sapta Rishi, Ashvini, Dhruva,Kruttika and a few more wonders of the night sky.

As the night progressed each one of us would fall asleep peacefully under the gaze of a benevolent moon. An evening well spent. Times have changed and Bengaluru has become Bangalore. Bungalows are things of the past. People are busy and forever on a fast track and have hardly any time to look up at the moon, leave alone having ‘Beladingalu Oota’.

I invariably go down memory line, whenever I read ‘Asterix’. At the end of each adventure, the whole Gaulish village in the province of Armorica gathers around a camp fire and eats and drinks to its heart’s content under the glorious night sky. “Beladinglix Ootax”.

Summer Holidays – Sri Lanka Part IV– We visited Ahungala

05 to 07 May 2012 – Festival of Vesak

As we travelled from Yala to Ahungala, one could see the entire country engulfed in a festive spirit. ‘Thrice Blessed’anniversary of the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha – ‘Poya’ is celebrated all over the country with great passion. May 6 to 10 saw Sri Lanka rejoicing the 250th year anniversary of Buddha. Visak is essentially a festival of illumination. The city centers are decorated with colorful flags which brighten the day and lanterns which illuminate at night – with a strong belief that ‘The light of knowledge dispels darkness of ignorance’. ‘Poya’ though a religious festival takes on a carnival atmosphere, with people coming on the streets dancing and making merry

They also set up food counters on these days distributing sweets, aerated drinks, ice cream, noodles and variety of food – free to the public. The event is termed ‘Dansala’ meaning free offering of food and drinks. In the hotel they had organized a special entertainment program for “Vesak Poya’. Fire dance in the pool, mermaid display and live band entertained us into the wee hours.

We were very fortunate to have witnessed and participated in the festival.

Figure 1 – A boy distributing soft drinks

Figure 2 – Dancers wearing Hanuman – Monkey God costume

Figure 3 – Road side decoration

Figure 4 – Decoration in the city – Galle

Figure 5 – A decorated elephant

Figure 6 – Another decoration

Figure 7 – Traditional dancers at the hotel

Figure 8 – Lighted lanterns at the city center – Colombo

Figure 9 – Buddha lit up for the occasion – Colombo

Figure 10 – A round about decorated with lighted lotus – Colombo

Figure 11 – A lotus in the entrance of ‘Taj Samudra’ – Colombo

Figure 12 – ‘ Taj Samudra’ itself lit up for the occasion – Colombo

05 to 07 May 2012 – Stay in hotel ‘Heritance Ahungala’

The drive from Yala to Ahungala is along the coast line and the sea keeps you company all along. The entire belt is full of beach resorts, hotels and home stays, maximizing sun and sand tourism. Our next stop was at ‘Heritance Ahungala’. Built on an excellent location the hotel offers all the very best a tourist desires. A stretch of absolutely clean beach faces the property, inviting the residents to go on long walks or catch a dip in the sea. The hotel has a very nice pool which is quite popular with the residents.

Travel Advisory – Gorging

Another very interesting feature of any holiday or travel is ‘Gorging’. I do not know what exactly happens with the human body and mind when on a holiday – may be they also go on a holiday and allow unabated gluttony. Take my own case – I am overweight and diabetic – I control my diet very carefully and monitor my sugar levels and weight on a continuous basis. Normally my diet is what you may term ‘frugal’. I maintain my sugar levels under control by eating less and eating right. Limited quantity of South Indian breakfast or eggs, lunch made up of either rice or chapattis and finally lots of salad, soup and no carb at dinner. I complement this diet with golf three times a week and four Km walk every day.

Figure 13 -Effect of Gluttony post breakfast

All the determination and control comes to a full stop during holidays. The sight of the different types of food displayed on the table sends confusing signals to the brain, making it slowdown and eventually shutdown. A new nexus between the eye, hand and mouth is formed hastily and the tucking in commences. Fruits look very attractive and catches one’s immediate attention – a plate full of assorted fruits is the first to go in. Thereafter the gaze falls on the table with variety of bakery items, butter, cheese and jam. Equally inviting are the cold cuts, sausages and bacon – how can any breakfast be complete without a helping of baked beans and hash browns. Just then, in spite of a dead and decayed brain, one suddenly remembers the core of any breakfast ‘eggs to order’ – once this trivial matter is attended to – one can then proceed to one’s table and sit down peacefully and concentrate on the fare for the first time. Whilst you are busy enjoying the limited breakfast one hears praises from your own table or the adjoining one – extolling the virtues of ‘Banana Cake’, Appam and stew or a rare type of cheese – not to be out done, one is left with no option but to take these jabbering seriously and revisit the table. Jai and Navin are vegetarians – one thing good about non vegetarians is their ability to taste vegetarian food without much ado – one might as well taste a little bit of grass and greens – no harm done.

May be, we feel it is our right to wolf down whatever is there on the table, just because we have paid for it. The dinners at ‘Heritance Ahungala’ were simply excellent and the gluttony that followed was sheer greed and ravenousness.

To overcome a very powerful feeling of guilt, I had to visit the beach and the pool very often.

Travel Advisory – Companions

There are many aspects to an enjoyable holiday- the place one visits, finances, the weather and more importantly the company. During honeymoon the most important criteria is take your spouse and there can be no argument about it. As marriage stabilizes and children come along, we take them with us and the holiday takes on a different meaning. A time comes when the children take flight and establish their own nest in faraway places. With passage of time they beget their own off springs and we go on holidays with our children and their children – this outing is a very private affair.

Juxtaposed In between all this, are the holidays with friends, which are generally very enjoyable – provided one selects the right people. We have been very lucky to have likeminded friends and our holidays have been memorable. All of us had a whale of a time in China, Greece, Hampi, Conoor, Chikkamagaluru etc. This time too it was most enjoyable with my soul mate Kats and Naveen.

Reasons for travelling with a soul mate or mates are very elemental. At sharp 7PM, the minds should meet. It’s time for all likeminded and able bodied people to exchange subtle glances and congregate near the source to partake elixir –firm orders having already been placed with ‘room service’ for soda and ice. The entire process of opening the urn, pouring the right measure and adding S and I should be executed with utmost precision and without attracting undue attention from the fair sex. While you are busy doing the honors, with your back facing the girls and your hands executing the task as deftly as a surgeon – the mate should engage the girls with an exciting narrative, ensuring their gaze never falls on the healing and uplifting tonic. This intricate military operation can be achieved only by soul mates with decades of experience and practice in this direction. Recharging is almost an art form. This delicate maneuver fails if either of the mates were to withdraw, quoting – blasphemous words such as ‘time for dinner’, it’s enough for me’ etc. It is prudent and far sighted on part of the mates to hold early morning conclaves and decide in advance the POA (Plan of Action) – weather to G and T or give PLD (Pre Lunch Drinks) a go by, congregation place and time for sun downers, milimeterage, recharging frequency, glass down time etc.In this context,Kats is a wonderful soul mate – on a serious note Jai and Naveen are extremely accommodative.

Figure 14 – On way to Ahungala

Figure 15 – Sea Temple

Figure 16 – Close up

Figure 17 – Coastline

Figure 18 – The road runs parallel to the coast – shades of blue sea

Figure 19 – Dutch city of Galle from a distance. The city was very badly affected during the Tsunami

Figure 20 – Galle fort

Figure 21 – The first person I met at the hotel lobby

Figure 22 – Our room in ‘Heritance Ahungala’

Figure 23 – Posing

Figure 24 – View from the room

Figure 25 – A flautist brings in the day with his melody

Figure 26 – Sri Lankan bride celebrating her wedding at the hotel

Figure 27 – Digesting the meals

Figure 28 – View of our room

Figure 29 – Simply fascinating – Sun, shade, sand, sea, sky and finally the swimming pool.

Figure 30 – Another view

Figure 31 – Sun sets in Ahungala

Figure 32 – Rugged coastline

08 to 09 May 2012 – Colombo

We spent two days in Colombo and finally bid goodbye to Diminda and Sri Lanka, after having holidayed for 14 days – city to a hill station and then to a wild life sanctuary and finally to good old sea was a heady mixture. Every one of us had a relaxing and memorable stay in Sri Lanka – thoroughly enjoyed the beauty the country offers. Sri Lankan hospitality was singularly responsible for making our trip a success and in the end Mr Duminda clinched the deal.