The Tiger Trail

It was in Ranthambore National Park that I saw a Tiger for the first time in the wild. Many held their veiws and said I was indeed lucky to see the Tiger. I have seen Tigers many times before, White Tigers and many other Tigers,all in the zoos. I saw the White Tiger for the first time at Vand Vihar in Bhopal, M.P.Its been so many years by now. Ranthambore National Park is abundant with wild life. We started our trail early in the morning to get the 100% Gaurantee of meeting the Tiger. When, I saw it face to face, it was very majestic. Really, reminds me of the poem "Tiger" by William Blake (Tiger Tiger. burning bright,In the forests of the night;What immortal hand or eye. Could frame thy fearful symmetry?.It was a long trail about an hour or two going from one place to another trying to trace its path. There were so many water holes where they frequently visit. The Tiger was not afraid or wary of the human crowd. It stare at us and made its way towards the hills upwards. Apart from Tigers, Rathambore abounds with Wildlife like Nilgai, Chinkara, Snakes, crocodiles, many monkeys. We halted for sometime during the trail as we happen to see some pugmarks. It turned out to be that of a Bear after much speculations. Everyplace was full of animals,the forests being decidous, nothing could do much to mar the view of the Wildlife. The Drive was both rough and tough, as it has rained some days back. So, the topography of the forests was fresh. There's a Fortress inside the park and many lakes where there were so many marsh crocodiles. We stopped at Jogi Mahal which also served as the Resting place after a hard day tracking the Tiger. Padam Lake also is full of Crocodlies and Peafowls can be seen everywhere near the famous ancient Banyan tree near Jogi Mahal. Indeed, it was good to make a trip to Ranthambore and it was worth it.

The International Polar Year Celebration.(March 2007-March 2009)

The International Polar Year focused on the Arctic and the Antarctic putting the importance of polar regions and its influence on our day to day lives.

The polar regions face significant challenges caused by social and environmental changes as direct impact of human activities. It is essential to assimilate the scientific finding & reduce anthropogenic pressures, create awareness on receding ice and impacts on people & culture.

WWF-India and National Council for Antarctica and Ocean Research (NCAOR) Goa celebrated it. A number of guest lectures and student’s activities were organised across the country round the year to generate awareness and stimulate a sense of urgency, discovery and our role to reduce the impacts of climate change and save the poles.
An exhibition of the models, posters, slogans, projects submitted by various schools across the country was displayed in in WWF- Delhi.

Streax..Savvy Cover Girl Contest

 Pictures from the recently held Savvy Cover Girl Contest at the Grand , vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Miss  Sanaya Tuli emerged as The Coveted Winner amongst much Fanfare and Glamour Packed Contest.     

Seashells and products.

This are some of the stalls which were selling Sea Shell

and its many Products in many different beaches in Goa.

WWF-Worldwide Fund For Nature

This is the WWF-office(Secretariat), Delhi. I work here. This picture depicts my office with the mosaic picture of the Tiger pasted on the office building, an effort to save the Indian Tiger from extinction.

website:www.wwfindia.org

A Book Release..5thNov.07

                                                                         
  

                                                                                                                                                                                     

A Book Release : Sustainability Reporting.

The Business Case 2007.

Mr . Arun Shourie, M.P Rajya Sabha was the Chief Guest at the Function.

Held on 5th Nov.2007. I attended it at Mantosh Sondhi Centre, CII Central Office, Lodi Road, New Delhi .

                                                                                                                                                                  

Dona Poula Beach

Goa, the name itself is very much synonymous with Beaches.There are so many beaches in Goa. I visited some of them.Just the day after I reached Goa,we headed to Dona Poula from Panjim (Panaji, Taxis/Cabs are easy to get from there and quite reasonable for tourists as well.Before, we head out for the beaches, we got a brief idea of the Panjim market and nearby places as we walk down the nearby places and take some pictures as well. We visited a lifestyle store, check out on places where we can get the very famous Goan Fenni, wines, Cashew etc. Dona Poula is the first beach we visited after we reached Goa, as it was nearby about 7 Km from Panjim. Dona Poula is distinctive by itself as it is not only the meeting point of two famous rivers of Goa in Arabian Sea but it had its mystical significance with the story and myths of Dona Poula where the place has been named so. The beach is famous as shooting locales for many Films (Ek duje keliye was picturised over here)and for its mysterious past. The story of Dona Poula attracts many tourists here with its romantic mysticism as it is believed that the spirit of Dona Paula de Menzes, daughter of a viceroy (in colonial India) haunts the beach It is said that she threw herself off the cliff when she was refused permission to marry a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias. Locals say that she is sometimes seen emerging from the waves on a moon lit night. One can as well try out many of the watersports such as diving, skiing, surfing, sailing, etc here at the Dona Paula beach.Floating, light swimming and sun bathing on the shores are also done by some people. We tried biking the water scooters. It was fun and everyone has a ball of a time doing that. Many small shacks , restuarants, small shops were there which sold shells, colourful dresses, hats (which was good). Of all, the sweet corns (Typical of Maharashtra) and Indian snacks and savouries (Bhel puri, Gol kapas)were total and full Thumbs Up.We have to break our promise of not eating as we did a heavy lunch. We were reminding,as where will we get such a right time to catch up eating all these stuffs, better to eat typical of the place was all we do. We ended up eating everything from cakes, wafers, Murukus, sweets and what not. Tea rounds were so good at that time just observing the scenic beauty from atop. By the time , one of our friend joined us,it was almost like the sun was about to set. So, sharing with her again a cup of tea,my cousin and I did the rounds of watching the people fishing there as they catch many small fishes while my sister was having a good time with the friend who has just arrived. Crabs can also be seen. No doubt, Dona Poula is a popular tourists spot with all the cool breeze, palm trees and everything that can enthrall any romantic and adventurous person.

My Holidays in Goa (September 2007)

My Goa trip was not an awaited holiday. But it was made so suddenly and Goa was the destined place for sure. It was perfectly the right time and so research began about the places, which will be worth visiting and seeing. Most significantly of all, the cuisines- pure and typical Goan was not to be miss out. So, was raving up and seeing forward to the trip. It was only 4hrs, or so by Go air and well halted for an hour at Mumbai where many people joined us for their home town, or a visit to the Sand and Sun Paradise. We were too happy. It was like when the plane starts moving towards Goa,leaving the Mumbai shores as can be seen from the plane's window, it began in itself with the Goan journey-jovial and full of Cheers.It was a land for everyone. So, When the plane hit Dambolim Airport, my younger sister sitting just next to me has already started describing about how splendid and beautiful Goa is and keep telling me to have a Bird's eye view and love it. She has been to Goa before. For me it was my maiden visit. Ultimately, and obviously loving all of the journey. I can see whole of waters everywhere and greenery. It reminded me of my native place, Manipur as it is full of greenery. It was a very pleasant sight. The airport was not a big one in Goa with loads of Taxis to hire. On our way to our Residency, we listened to Radio Mirchi. Marathi and Konkani were used, learned a word or two from the Programmes going on. It was Aamchi Mumbai Style but very different from the Dilliwallas. Goans smile a lot from the heart. We also did exactly that. My sister, a friend and I were all engrossed in the journey which passes through coconut lined roads, beautiful Architectural designed houses, churches, rivers and soaking in the warm sun and the cool waters of the Arabian Sea. Our lovely journey of fun has already started and proud to say we, all ladies made it to Goa Trip. But we were also awaiting for the arrival of a cousin from Pune. She arrived a day later and thus began our sojourn and Adventure.

EARTH on CANVAS.

It was wildlife week. (1st-7th Oct),On the occasion, WWF came together with many programmes which were so many and exciting. Art Exhibition was one of them
So, it was art with a cause, named Earth on canvas(Art Campaigns for conservation). It features the Environmental perceptions of 84 artists. (30th Sept.2007- 7th Oct.2007). It was Contemporary art– India and WWF,India‘s joint venture to spread the message of Conservation. Displayed at WWF India- Secretariat, New Delhi and Inaugurated by Smt Gursharan Kaur,wife of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh. The exhibition showcases an interpretation of life on our planet and environmental concerns facing contemporary civilization, using art as a medium though creations both visual and physical, the artists’ creativity manifests some of the concerns of our present day Lives, provoking and inspiring enough to conserve the World.

A quiz programme in Delhi Zoo, on wildlife Week (1st - 7th Oct , 2007)

It was World Wildlife Week from 1st October to 7th October. So many Students from 20 Schools (2 from each School) very enthusiastically reached the Delhi Zoo (The Delhi Zoological Park). School children were quite excited about the Programme as it's part of School life to win some prizes on such occasions. Everyone wants and so much desire that.Getting something of a Prize or being the Winner was like 'A manna from Heaven'. The Children were accompanied by their respective Teachers who later were gifted some small token of love as gifts from WWF,Delhi. It was organised by TRAFFIC, Education Division (WWF) and Delhi Zoo. The venue was so cool and very green and Pleasant. Amidst all that, I could see some Tiny Tots from nearby Creche enjoying in the battery run Vehicles with their caretakers and Teachers. It must be their very early encounter, of the tiny beautiful faces, touring the insides of Delhi Zoo. It was all smiles. It was such a sweet and lovely sight. But, I was engaged with my work in the Quiz Programme. I can only gaze them back with a smile. It was a few seconds of unasked joy, momentary yet simple. Spring Dales, Daula Kuan(Delhi) emerged the Winners with a tough Competition from Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vasant Vihar(Delhi. It ended hopefully, being everyone the Winner because everyone present there was aware of the importance of the Animals and Wildlife. Can we ask for more?

A Love Story of Two elephants .

I Know Elephants are one of the most Lovely, Loving creatures on Earth. Working, reading on Animals, I very honestly and can proudly confess that I love animals like never before. Life without them must have been unimaginable. I was in awe of the Elephants that they can talk in their ultrasonic sounds. It is not possible for humans to hear all this. They have a Matriarchal Society where a mother Elephant leads and they have feelings as much as Humans for they mourn when they lost their loved ones and even a Programme on Animal shows Elephants coming all together at one of the burial sites of their fellow Elephant. It's so sweet and surprising. ( these information I got from my Dad as he once saw a programme on Elephant). Very amazing and astounding is they exactly came at the exact site exactly one year after the dead burial as if to show love, remembrance and concerns as we humans do. And some days back, I was quite excited, baffled, bemused as well as I read in the 'Times of India' that "Two Elephants eloped". It makes for an interesting read to all. The male Elephant was two years younger, a wild Elephant and the female Elephant a circus trained or, so urban bred, to be precise. The circus elephant was supposed to perform along with her 3 other companions. But, the show got cancelled and in the lull one of the eloped companion 's best pal, her companion was so sad, it grieved and it didn't even touch its food and was seen remorse in her sweet friend's absence. Since, its mating time for Elephants during these period of the year, the two Elephants have found their place- solitary space somewhere near water areas. These incident was reported from West Bengal. The circus Manager said that the Elephant was worth Rs 4 lakhs. For a while the Elephants are in Whirlwind Romance, but for how long will it remain so remains quite unsure, vague and doubtful. But, it was comical, amusing perhaps hysterical and side splitting reading it. It will really be a Mammoth Task separating the Elephants in Love, totally Out of Control.

A word of Thanks

Yesterday, When it was just about Tea Time, there was an invite for a high Tea. Everyone hurriedly reached for the Party and was having rounds of coffee, Tea and hot Snacks. It felt good that WWF have solely invited everyone so that the lower employees like the gardeners, security guards, Drivers etc can be shown a heartfelt "Thanksgiving" which they truly deserved. These are many people who work most of the times even at odd hours and it was good to learn that their work didn't remain unpraised and unnoticed. Indeed, It was a very cheerful and jovial moment for everyone .

The Silken Threads . The Bond of Love and Protection . - Rakhi / Rakshabandhan .

A celebration of Brother- Sister Love. That's Rakhi for all. Its an everlasting promise that of a brother to a sister for the loving sister's protected life. Whenever the hindi song crooned, like "Bhaiyya mere, raakhi ke bandhan ko nibhana..bhaiyya mere, choti behan ko na bhulana.. dekho ye nata nibhana, nibhana bhaiyaa mere... " . No one can remain oblivious but ponder and become sentimental. It often happened to be Rakhi when these songs were heard from Radio and FM's channels in far away places in North India. Many times, it turned out to be Rakhi, even if remained unaware of the festival. Its a festival celebrated globally. Even though, I came across in life about friends who remain a bit pensive as they don't have real brothers. They thought if they had real brothers they would get all the love and gifts as all the real sisters got. Even if a stranger boy is tied a Rakhi by a girl, both of them consider each other as brother and sister, remained closer as pure relationship than other blood relations. Even though the love bonding and significance between brother sister has been the same. Something has changed drastically over the years. That's to do with exciting expensive gifts galore comprising from e-gadgets, mobile handsets, laptops, ipods, Jewellery, Spa treatments, holiday packages, makeover packages, Kitchen sets, Microwaves, movie tickets.. U name it and its there as one of the Rakhi gifts. The silk thread (Resham Dagha) has been renovated time and again. Now, Rakhi bands like Gizmo Rakhis ( displayed tricks), cartoons Designs, Harry Potter, Spiderman, Hanuman, Power Ranger, Mr Bean ,Jadu(of Koyi mil Gaya Fame, Krish, Plastic Cell phone rakhi, Feng shui fills the markets stores. So, sisters are also not lagging behind, trying out with every innovative ideas to impress and please their beloved brothers, or exclusively to have an edge of the love they cater for their brothers. So , putting together ideas or using lucky bands, based on Feng shui with return gifts comes naturally to sisters in this happy auspicious occassion. There are also sisters who don't care about gifts and prayed for the Brothers happiness and well being or just want to have her brother at the beck and call on the day of Rakhi, if not possible the whole year. That, I feel is the essence and beauty of Raksha Bandhan. Being there, whenever a sister needs a brother, as love pervades all, I called that Rakhi - The thread of Love and Protection. So, Rakhi brings to everyone joy, its a joy of celebration which has its significance from vedic times. Its consumer seller 's satisfaction, consumer with the Goodies, booty and retailer, the prized money they make. For business is really good during Raksha Bandhan .Makeshift shops also mushrooms up for Rakhi . Eventually, Rakhi comes everyyear with a whole package of love entertwined with gifts, sweets and a new renewed doubled up Love/ bonding of every Brotherly - sisterly affection. Its Win - Win situation for all. The Cadbury's Chocolate ad depicts Rakhi in a very meticulous loving way/ style- The little sister tying the knots carelessly and putting the tikka and sitting with a long face. And her face lits up with a smile and hugs him when she saw the specially designed and packed chocolate giftpack in his hands.

Rakhi this year falls on 28th August (2007)

Can Children make a difference in the field of Environment ?

Some students from Delhi assembled in WWF, India for the 'All India Launch of Educational workshops on climate change' - Young Climate savers. It was good that it was a joint venture of WWF, India and Tetra Pak. Rounds of introductions and presentations followed by the Distinquished Guests as well as by Directors and CEO. But as the programme was wholly meant for the Young School Goers and how they should be made aware of the Drastic Climate change and Global Warming. Many kids from Sanskriti, Vasant Valley and other Schools in Delhi turned up for the occassion. Enthusiastic kids gave their view points and question sessions followed and continued for quite a long time. The children got their gifts for showing interest, asking questions, Presentations and their talks. These were one of the many endevours to encourage the School Students who are the future citizens to help bring about a change and make a difference to People's life in the field of Environment and Climate change as well as Wildlife. I think the Programme was a grand Sucess observing , noticing the Children's curiosity and rapt attention. It can just prove to be a very holistic aproach towards a Better Environment and a Living Planet.

Funny Mistakes

Funny things do happen to me sometimes.It so happen today, one of my Orkut frens sent me an invite for the Shelfari- for the book lovers. As I was busily working and simultaneously wanted to check out on what d guy had sent me. I just in the process invited everyone including my two Bosses. I just could n't find my fren online n I was asking everyone possible,How to do it undone? That's was impossible. The Dictum of Napolean, "Nothing is impossible " comes to of little use. I came to know about that when I checked my Yahoomail. Finally, When I was in a one to one meeting, I ask one of my Bosses (Junior one ) if by mistake he got a mail from me. He can't help laughing. I told him its OK with U. Problem is I 've sent it to D Senior Boss also. So, When D Senior Boss called to discuss something on my work. I just put it through and shoot - Sir, Did U get a mail from me by error. Please delete it and Smile. He told me OK. And I was free of that struggle to remove, thrash my account. I came back home laughing and having a Good time.

A Recent Cinematic Experience

The most recent movie I saw was Chakde! India. Actually, I was suppose to see the movie just a day after it was released but ended up seeing it a day later. As I was late and my ticket happened to be a complimentary one ( supposed to reach atleast half an hour before ). So, I was left high and dry with the tickets in my hands . My younger sister and I 'm so positive about life. We finally concluded, we should n't feel sorry ( she was blaming me.. m so used to IST! I can't help.) So, the new Satyam, I bet it has the best cinematic experience . Nowadays, I 've stop watching movies in other Multiplexes .. at Saket and Priya (Sorry PVR Groups, Ur Loss). Luckily, I have seen and read in Hindu Newspaper about people thronging in Oh! Calcutta so many times. Those people happen to be no doubts Bengalis like Riya Sen, Palash Sen and all . We ended up having whole loads of Good food there and we forgot that we already miss out a movie which was very preplanned. So, My sister can't help about Oh! Calcutta. I was a bit astonished as it came from someone who doesn't even praise 5 star hotels around Delhi. I was pleased. After all it was my idea of having the weekend Dinner at that particular place. No Pun intended! She can't help raving about all those handsome guys in Oh! Calcutta (I have to put an end to that by expressing the Manager at the Restuarant wasn't bad either , he was Handsome ). Enough of girlish talks. Lets come to the movie part. Ya, It was Chakde! India . It left me spellbound from the start to the end. As I stated, I was late the other day. We were well before time munching Popcorns and waiting eagerly when it will start and when we can have the fun on the D-day . Honestly, I don't like Shahrukh's movies. Only movie I like among his movies is DDLJ. I saw that when I was still in School. My friends and we went and we were quite excited and I was all the very more excited as I didn't take permission from my parents. Forbidden fruit is always Sweet. (I saw it without telling my parents, but on the way My younger sister noticed me from her friend's house and she spilt the beans before I reached home. That was about it. ) Chakde! India was the 2nd Film I like from King khan's Films. The theatre was jammed-packed and with the happening crowd, laughing, crying and having all that a good movie provides. It depicts Patriotism and Sportsmen spirit vividly. It entertained us and I like ShahRukh's acting for the first time. He did justice in his part of a Hockey Coach. Sportmen spirit shown did justice as I happened to see at my hometown about an all Ladies Hockey final with my Younger Brother,Dad and his friends. I was in School then. So, the weekend I spend was a truly satisfying one, a pick of one of my best Weekends so far.

Freedom and Independent India in 2007

Its been 60 years now since our Independence. Its very much a boon to be borned in a Free India, where we can say very easily," Mera Bharat Mahan ". But, Can we forget all those sacrifices made by our Freedom fighters as well as by the masses? The Bloodsheds, the chaos of a divided India -"Azad Bharat"into Pakistan and India.The pains of Separation, the Destruction, the Hindu Muslim riots, enmity, uncertainties of those Days. The thoughts that run on the minds of the Hindus who shifted to India - Will we ever see our India? And where People are free from the shackles and Shadows of the dominating Britishers looms large. But then, People traveled all the way to a free India with pining Hopes. Material Goods, they left behind and in the new hope of the Better Prosperous India, they clutches, only holds tightly to their few bare necessities and belongings and for their Dear life. It was a Mass sorrow, Struggle and Problem. Problems that were of the Country and that gave those People the much needed courage and overcome all the perils and dangers. I think in Today's India, 60 years later we are fulfilling those dreams, the dreams our Great leaders and our many unnamed fighters and masses once dreamt, without which it was a very unattainable, impossible fight and without a solution , an answer. Indeed ,we've somewhat fulfilled some of their dreams of a shining India, Prosperous and ever Dynamic, where there are no vagueness and insecurities, where the refugees shifted from Pakistan to Delhi and elsewhere can remember with a pride that they have come a long way and they have made, An India-A Dream come true. But I can never deny their tears whenever they enlightened me of those stories of partitions, their escape in the midst of mass killings with hurried desire and longings to reach India, losings many People's life, staying hungry, awake waiting for the much awaited dawn of security. The time has really come now with the 60 yrs of Freedom and Independent India. None of their sacrifices, valour, matrydom had gone waste. Because we, the Present youth and the whole of India believe in the Best of India and it will be a fulfilled Dream for all .. Vande Mataram .. Jai Hind.