ISEC: A Path Breaking Ecologist.

This is an interview I had taken during my sojourn at Ladakh. The edited version of this interview was published in the departmental newsletter, Resonance. It can be accessed at www.resonancethenewsletter.blogspot.com

Rahul and Alex are the coordinators of International Society for Ecology and Culture’s (ISEC) Ladakh Project. Since its inception in 1975, ISEC has been providing Ladakhi leaders with information about the impact of conventional development in other parts of the world while exploring more sustainable patterns of development in Ladakh itself, based on the use of local resources and indigenous knowledge.

Can you tell me about ISEC and the basic philosophy behind it?

Rahul: ISEC is a non-profit organization founded by Helena Norberg-Hodge, a Swedish and head quartered at Berkeley USA. We are concerned with promoting locally based alternatives to the global consumer culture. We are working towards strengthening local markets, cultures, technology and communities.

So, ISEC’s activities includes…

Alex: Our activities include ‘Hands-on’ community initiatives, publishing books, reports and conducting conferences. We are also into making and screening films. We are effectively doing local, national and international networking and campaigning too.

Rahul: We also have ‘Local Food Programme’ through which we have helped to set up farmers’ markets in Europe, North America and Australia and established the very successful ‘Food Links’ programme at the Soil Association in the UK. One of the by-products of the social and ecological crises we face is a sense of personal powerlessness. The problems seem too vast, the individual’s ability to influence things too small. So, ISEC came forward to re-empower people by a programme called ‘Roots of Change’.

Can you elaborate ‘Roots of Change’?

Alex: ‘Roots of Change’ links participants up with other like-minded individuals in their own communities and provides a ‘root cause’ analysis of today’s problems, so as to promote strategic and effective local action. The programme is based on a curriculum of guided study, and shows the way towards action that can solve a whole range of problems simultaneously rather than treating individual symptoms in isolation.

Can you brief the mission of ‘Ladakh Project’?

Alex: For centuries, the Himalayan region of Ladakh remained almost untouched by western consumer culture. However, recent exposure to the global economy has threatened to undermine its ecological and social well being. Our programme in Ladakh dates back to 1975. Working with thousands of local people in more than a hundred villages, we have helped to strengthen and rebuild both self reliance and self respect.

What all are the activities comes under the ‘Ladakh Project’?

Rahul: It is an ambitious project and one of the largest appropriate technology programmes in the world. We had set up the Women’s Alliance of Ladakh (WAL) in 1994 and Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG) in 1978. The latter is now an entirely independent organization. There are also Handicrafts cooperatives and seed-saving programmes. We also conduct Reality tours which bring community leaders to the West in order to balance the over-glamorized image of modern life. We had set up an educational and training centre for Ladakhi amchis or traditional doctors. We are publishing schoolbooks, plays and cultural works in the Ladakhi language.

Alex: We also run programmes for foreign visitors, aimed at challenging conventional thinking about development. Our Farm Project gives people from other parts of the world the opportunity to live and work with a Ladakhi family.

So, is WAL a part of ISEC? I thought it is a different entity.

Alex: No. In 1994, ISEC helped to establish the WAL, with the twin goals of raising the status of rural women and strengthening local culture and agriculture. Since then, its membership has swelled to over 6,000 women from almost 100 different villages.

What all are the WAL’s works?

Rahul: We conduct annual festivals celebrating local knowledge and skills, including traditional spinning, weaving and dyeing, and the preparation of indigenous food. We have regular ‘clean-up’ campaigns aimed at encouraging community responsibility for the environment. You know in 1998, WAL succeeded in banning the use of plastic bags in Ladakh. We also organize programmes like ‘No TV’ weeks aimed at resisting the worst elements of non-Ladakhi culture.

Alex: We also helped WAL to set up the Local Food Café in 2006 at the Women’s Alliance Centre, Leh with the idea of promoting local agriculture and the culinary culture of Ladakh. In 2001 a Handicrafts shop was set with twin objectives: to empower women by providing them with an opportunity to earn a cash income through the sale of handicrafts thereby boosting the rural economy and arresting the migration to towns. The second objective is to preserve traditional handicraft skills which will otherwise be lost in the face of imported substitutes.

That’s great. So, how far you have achieved your objectives?

Rahul: Since its inception, ISEC has successfully made partnership with more than 12 countries both developed and developing. Its directors constitute the Editorial Board of The Ecologist magazine, the UK’s most respected environmental journal. We have published many groundbreaking books and made informative films and screened it worldwide. Its director Helena Norberg-Hodge shared the 1986 Right Livelihood Award, otherwise known as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize’. These all are the clear signs that our efforts are bearing fruit.

Thank you. You have given me such invaluable information and moreover, we really had a nice discussion.

Rahul: Thank you, Justin

Alex: Justin, you are welcome.

A Traveller’s Heart

A curious heart,

Sets out for new lands,

Scales the steepest peaks,

Sails through unknown seas.

A nomadic heart,

Wanders aimlessly,

Through wildest jungles,

Searching for an aim.

A brave heart,

Adventures are his shadows,

Challenges are his siblings,

Dangers are his imprints.

An exploratory heart,

Always open and alert,

Hunts for treasures of wisdom,

To seek the ultimate truth.

A lonely heart,

Never fears to be alone,

As he knows in all quests,

Death is his constant companion.

A wise heart,

Ultimately he will be,

With the knowledge reaped,

With the experience gained.

Scaena: A Manipulated Shitmug.

“Were you there during the forum inauguration ceremony?” Juby sir asked me while I was having dinner couple of days back. “Yes, I was there in a silent mode” I replied smiling. “Oh, I expected you on stage. What happened?” he enquired. “I didn’t want to be there” I said. He didn’t persist as if he understood something and left the mess hall telling bye to me.

Whatever I’m going to write is just to inform people like Juby sir and all my dear friends who keep on asking me why I’m not participating in any of these so called ‘forum activities’. Since I’m a citizen of a free, democratic country, I strongly believe that I have the right and freedom to express myself. I love and respect that freedom and also love to express my opinions and comments no matter who hears or reads. After reading it, if anyone gets hurt on legs, hands, head or especially heart, I don’t have the responsibility to give first-aid to them.

A Broken Friendship.

In June, I with a bunch of my good friends decided to take part in Polestar business journalism award function at Taj Connemara. The friends who came along with me were Arun, Kiran, Karam, Avinash and Swaminathan. We were all excited about the function and attended it with sheer enthusiasm. One of my friends and college mate, Shraddha was one among the event coordinators of the function. So, that was also a very good opportunity to meet one of my old friends. She was very happy and surprised in seeing me and we had a chit chat.

After the function, drinks were arranged at the counter. But that was only for the businessmen and journalists and not for students like us. But we decided to have a few drinks. “Who knows we are students?” we thought. I told my friends that we will just take few drinks, have dinner and push off. Everyone agreed and we started. That was a cheerful night. We exchanged jokes and it was really a fun. Everyone drunk except Arun.

While I was taking drinks and having a nice conversation with Swaminathan, Kiran and Arun, I didn’t notice two persons were taking drinks more than what their belly could bear. Karam and Avinash. I smelled the trouble when Karam went and talked to one of the prominent personalities of the function.

“We can go for dinner, Swami” I told Swaminathan. We pushed off to have dinner. While I could see Karam by my side, I couldn’t see Avinash, Kiran and Arun. I had the dinner faster. Suddenly I saw Avinash taking some unknown person to the counter, where we had drinks. I couldn’t make out anything until Arun came running up to me and told: “Justin, I couldn’t handle Avinash alone. You please have dinner soon and take care of him” I finished off the dinner and ran searching for Avinash.

Finally I found him near to the counter standing like a ghost in some Malayalam horror movies- their legs won’t touch the ground. “Macha, just two more drinks and I will wrap up” Avinash requested in broken English. “Avinash, the counter is closed and now we are pushing off” I told him very seriously. He pushed me and tried to enter the counter. But he fell down on floor and I took him up.

While taking him outside, he again fell down near to the help desk and all the receptionists and other people gathered all around us. One person was watching all these drunken drama from a nearby corridor. It was Shraddha. I saw her but she neither come near to me nor attempted to make a move.

After a bit struggle I bought him outside the hotel and started waiting for other friends come out after dinner. Avinash started calling Auto rickshaw drivers who were parked in front of the hotel gate. I gestured at the drivers that he is drunk. They smiled and left. “Stand steady, don’t make a scene” I told Avinash angrily. “Call Swami!” he shouted. “I will slap you, Avinash. Take my words, I will slap you!” I was getting to the edge of my patience. He tried to stand steady. But he couldn’t.

I don’t know what made him to do that. I don’t know what the motive is. After few moments, he spat on my face. I thought of hitting at his face at that very moment. But I controlled myself. It was really hard to do that especially for a person like me. Just for friendship sake, I put a tight grip on my ego and forgave him.

Arun entered the scene. “I need to piss and wash my face. You just take care of Avinash” I told Arun and went inside the hotel again. When I entered the hotel, a familiar face was standing near to the reception. It was Shraddha. “I didn’t expect you and your friends to have dinner from here” she expressed her anger on our ‘free-show’ there. “Our lecturer told the dinner is arranged here for students” I replied in deep humiliation. I knew very well what she meant: it was not dinner but alcoholic drinks that students were forbidden to take from there. Since alcohol was controlling my brain that night, I was not much embarrassed by her remarks. But when I think about it now, I feel so ashamed.

When I came back from the hotel, everyone was outside waiting for me and we decided to go to the bus stand. Swaminathan and I took Avinash to the bus stand. According to Swaminathan’s plan, we all should go to his brother’s house (I forgot the place’s name) and leave to our hostels next day morning. I Okayed the plan with a half heart. I was so uncomfortable with Avinash but I push myself and decided to go with them.

Unexpectedly, a share auto came along the way and stopped near to the bus stand. Arun and Kiran decided to go to the hostel in that share-auto. When they got in, I got some second thoughts in my mind and I asked Swaminathan whether he and Karam could manage Avinash. He said yes and I too got into the share-auto.

After few minutes Swaminathan, Karam and Avinash got into the same share-auto. “Macha, when you said that you are leaving to hostel, it really hurt me” Swaminathan said to me. “Why?” I asked “you told me that you and Karam can handle Avinash. Do you think, is there is any point this entire drunken bunch going to your brother’s house and making a mess around there?” “I promise there won’t be any mess. But, Justin, you are the class representative and you can’t shy away from responsibilities” Swaminathan commented.

That comment not only made me irritated but also angry. “Only reason I got into the auto that you said you and Karam can handle Avinash. If you needed any help, you could have asked me.” I told Swaminathan. “You are the class representative and I thought you have common sense to understand the situations. I didn’t expect this from you.” he replied depressingly. I stopped talking to Swaminathan as I knew there was no point in talking. That night, Swaminathan, Karam and Avinash got down in the half way.

As far as Avinash’s case is concerned, I had enough. I took him outside the hotel alone without any help by becoming a prey of ridicule in front of everyone on the way. I got humiliated by one of my good friends and my old classmate, Shraddha. He spat on my face, hurting my ego. I’m neither Jesus nor Mahatma Gandhi. I had nothing more to do and Swaminathan’s criticism doesn’t make any sense to me even today.

Next day, the first voice call hit my mobile was Avinash’s. He apologized for whatever happened last night. “Macha, I’m sorry for whatever happened yesterday. I want to meet you and I’m in Selaiyur Hall” he told over phone. I love to talk and get everything settled through talks. I rushed to Selaiyur Hall. While Avinash talked very friendly towards me, Swaminathan preferred to keep mum. I was waiting for him to talk, but he didn’t. I smiled at him, shook hands with him and told: “Let’s forget whatever happened”. He just gave me back a wry smile. I don’t think I have the responsibility to open the closed mouths which never wanted to open.

I was like him. But that time I was too small. Maybe 8 or 9 years old. I took everything to my heart and hold it as if I’m taking revenge against someone. I never talked to someone who hurt me or done petty things to me. Now, at the age of 23, I know very well to cope up with my emotions. No one can hurt me without my permission. That ‘taking straight to heart’ strategy neither helps anyone nor places anyone in the places they deserve.

What I did…

I joined the Communication course very late. But I got acquainted soon with all the classmates and all became good friends of mine within a short span of time. During early days, I really thought I’m getting back my lost college days which I had been missing for nearly one year owing to my arrears or backlog. I was really happy and got a feeling of belonging which too I was missing in myself. I became the class representative when Kamal, the previous class representative resigned. I didn’t have any intention to get into that post. I just took the initiative when no one came forward to take up that responsibility.

The biggest initiative from our batch was the departmental newsletter called Resonance (www.resonancethenewsletter.blogspot.com). The idea was Arun’s but I initiated it. With the help of all my classmates I brought out the first edition of our newsletter. Later we successfully published our second edition by the end of last academic year. All were enthusiastic and helpful.

More enthusiastic about newsletter was Remya Madam, the Head of the Department. I could, with the help of Remya madam; set up an ‘inauguration’ of Resonance and had easily positioned myself as the ‘Editor in Chief’. Instead of that I proposed to Remya Madam, an idea of changing the editorial team every month. So, everyone will get the benefit of getting their names published every month.

Honestly speaking, I love politics, manipulation, dominance and monopoly but to my mind, college is not an applicable arena for that. Street is the better place for that. College is just a place for friendship and fun. That is what I believe.

We had successfully organized the Christmas party last year. All were in high spirits those times. Those days were really very joyful. By the end of the last year we too organized well the farewell party for our seniors. That event too went well and everybody enjoyed and really had fun.

This year in the beginning, I have given idea to Sangeetha Madam to initiate a Discussion Club. Although, it didn’t work well because of my absence owing to the Great Tibetan Marathon and as soon as I came back everyone got busy with college auditions, PR campaign compounded with ‘forum activities’.

I didn’t propose for any post of Literary and Debate Secratery for the Discussion Club. Moderators will be changed every week thus giving chances for everyone to participate and develop their skills.

What they are doing…

The main problem with the Forum christened as Scaena is that nobody asked for it. There is no need for it either. Okay. If all the media departments-Journalism, Visual Communication and Mass Communication- joins hands, it would make some sense. For a department which contains only 65 students, what is the point in having a Forum? It is as if shooting a mosquito with an AK-47 machine-gun. I don’t think a forum is needed for organizing a Christmas party or a farewell party. I heard they are planning a bunch of events this year. The availability of time is also another question.

Last year when we had organized events, there was no Forum. We had only committees. These committees gave responsibilities not positions. While positions make students idle, responsibilities make them restlessly do what they assigned to do. Anyone can volunteer to do whatever they wanted to do. There was no compulsion. At the end, everyone was satisfied since everyone had done their parts.

The case with Scaena is entirely different. In reality, one day a bunch of people stood up and told that we need a Forum, took all the positions and settled comfortably. I wasn’t there during the initiation of it but heard a lot about the hues and cries happened in connection with it. It disrupted the unity among the classmates and also brought unwanted regionalism into our class.

When my name was suggested for the General Secretary post, Swaminathan publicly told, “I don’t think, Justin deserves the post”. Commenting on a person who is not in the scene is a bad habit. Anyway, I don’t have any problem with the comment he made. He told a truth indeed. I don’t deserve that post! I deserve something better, I deserve something good and I strongly believe that I deserve the best. Again my backlog of two theory papers was the only hindrance which made me ineligible for that position.

When I called Kiran from Tibet, he told about the initiation of a Forum in our department and I could get only an obscure image of what is going on in my class. He also added that since my name came up for the General Secretary post, there would be an election and the candidates would be Avinash and I. I said to him that let the election take place and face what happens. I was actually thrilled. But at the last moment, the forum became ‘official’ and owing to my backlog I couldn’t contest for the election. Eventually Avinash was elected unanimously.

I didn’t have any problem with that. When I came back after participating in the marathon, I was amazed to see that no one is in the class. Everyone was busy. At first I thought that all were planning to build an extra floor to the existing communication department building. Then I understood everyone was busy with the inauguration of Scaena and fresher’s party.

That’s good. I seriously doubt that the idea of creating a forum is evolved from the recent economic recession. Lot of jobless people are getting jobs nowadays because of it. I have also seen the forum letter pad which is the funniest letter pad I have ever seen in my life. Most of the space in the letter pad was given for the names and positions of the persons in the Forum and doesn’t have much space to put the content. That’s ridiculous.

Just few days before my departure to Tibet, we had a discussion for the plans and strategy for our Public Relations Campaign which will be kick started on August 12^th 2009. I didn’t see anyone of the ‘big shots’ of the forum actively participating or giving out any good ideas. Let me exclude this one instance. Where were they last year? I didn’t find anyone taking any initiatives or even taking part in any activities. From where they got the new ambitions and the power to take initiatives? Are they waiting for their close friend Pragadeeshwaran to join as a lecturer in our department?

When Avinash called me to request my help and support for the Scaena just few days back before the inauguration, I told him that you can expect any help from me other than for the forum because I know the real motive behind it. He didn’t ask me why because he knows it very well too. Moreover, I don’t want to waste my time and energy for any unwanted activities.

Forum is just a gimmick of an individual or a group of individuals who are seriously suffering from very low self esteem. I can see it only as a cheap attempt of some people to outsmart an individual or individuals whom they think smarter than them. That’s why I called Scaena, a manipulated shitmug.

I know very well what a shitmug is all about because all through my life I have seen and experienced lot of them. I had put my hands, legs and even head into some of them. I usually learn from my mistakes. So now, I have well determined that I won’t get into any shitmugs henceforth in my life. I will try my level best to avoid them too.

I’m a supporter of good initiatives comes from clear minds. Personally I don’t hold any grudges towards the persons whom I have mentioned in this write up. Anyone can be my friends-rich or poor, skilled or unskilled, weak or strong-but for enemies I put certain standards. My definition of an enemy is: “a person or group of persons who threatens my life or my loved ones’ lives”. As far as the persons whom I have mentioned don’t meet those requirements, they are none other than my friends.

Juley!

‘Juley’ means a lot in colloquial Ladakhi: ‘Hello!’, ‘Hi!’, ‘How are you?’ and much more. Everything from checking into a hotel room to going for a mountaineering expedition is as simple as ‘Juley’ there in Ladakh. It’s something more than a goodwill gesture. So, ‘Juley’ for you too!

The Voyage.

My journey towards Ladakh or ‘Little Tibet’ started on July 7^th evening. Since there was no direct train to Ladakh, I had to travel to New Delhi first. It was a 34 hour journey and I reached there on July 9^th morning. I stayed at my sister’s (my uncle’s daughter) house. That day I went for a sports wear shopping at Connaught place with my best friends, Jim and Rijo. I had to leave to Manali on the same day evening. So everything was in a fast pace. I rushed to the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) after having tea with my sister and her kids.

On July 10^th morning, when I opened my eyes from sleep, the landscapes, altitude and climate had totally changed. I could see only snow capped mountains all around me. The Himachal Road Transport Cooperation (HRTC) bus I was travelling in was taking a loop through a mountain. After few moments, I started showing the first symptom of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): dizziness. I braced myself to the seat and closed my eyes tightly. But I couldn’t escape from the vomiting sensation. Thankfully the bus operators were providing Air Sickness Bags (ASB) and I made a maximal use of them. One after another, I took the bags, puked into it and made a good collection of them under my seat. I’m proud in the fact that I was the person who used the maximum ASBs. I reached Manali on July 10^thnoon.

That was the end of my ‘pre-planned’ travel. There are three types of transport to reach Leh, the capital of Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir from Manali: Truck, Mini Bus, and Shared Jeep. Otherwise I need to opt for flight directly from New Delhi. Though my Ammachi (‘mom’ in Malayalam) recommended, travelling by air was not in my agenda since my objective was to see the places, people and enjoy the thrill of travelling. I had no idea about how to get there in Leh until I met Vijay, the owner of Hotel Shivalik where I stayed in Manali. He booked a minibus for me. Within minutes, the ticket to Leh was in my hands. As simple as ‘Juley’!

From all the information I gathered from internet, I learnt that Manali-Leh route is more scenic yet more rugged than the Srinagar-Leh route and it is the preferred choice of adventure travelers and photography enthusiasts. That is the main reason I chose the former route. The distance of the Manali-Leh route is approximately 490 kilometers which involves crossing five high altitude passes. Usually tourists take 1-3 days to cover this distance. While doing so they get more time to enjoy the scenic natural splendors and indulge in photography. Since I didn’t have much time to waste, I opted for the 19-21 hour journey in minibus which is popularly known as ‘cannon ball run’.

At 0230 hours on July 11^{th I started my journey to Leh in a minibus with some Koreans and Israelis in it. Except the driver, I was the only Indian traveler. Paved roads were only for few kilometers and after that the bus travelled through disarrayed roads consists of mud, rocks with lot of humps and dips. So, sleeping was literally a luxury in the bus and managed I did.}

When I got up from my sleep in the morning, the bus had already passed through the first high altitude pass, Rohtang La (13,050 ft and also known as heap of dead bodies!) and reached a place known as Kokhsar. I had tea and refreshments there and had a chit chat with the Israelis and Koreans. Koreans were teenage students and Israelis were professionals. I became more acquainted with Israelis than Koreans. The names of the Israelis were Jonan, Ronan and Konan. Were they siblings? No! “Are you guys born for same father?” I asked them jokingly and they all burst out into laughter. Two women were there with them and I forgot their names. One of the women was a journalist and when I said that I’m also specializing in journalism; we got more serious subjects into our chit chat. I also told them that I’m going to Ladakh just to participate in a marathon. All these information made both Israelis and Koreans interested in my talks.

Journey resumed. I passed through lot of beautiful places especially through scenic mountain valleys and river banks. I indulged mainly in photography. It was my past time activity during the travel. I was in high spirits and the world was new all around me. Everything was fine until I reached the second mountain pass, Baralacha La (16,500 ft) AMS started torturing me and I was slipped into the dizziness state again. I couldn’t talk and even smile. I started puking again. This time it was not in the ASBs but through the window of minibus. Koreans too started showing the AMS symptoms but Israelis were bit tough and went on with their talks and jokes.

Travelling with those both nationalities were like listening to a Hebrew radio on one side of my ear and a Korean radio on another. My poor Malayalam radio was helplessly searching for a frequency to broadcast. It was like a high altitude cultural exchange programme on wheels. I enjoyed it.

My condition became more severe after reaching Nakee La, (15,547 ft) I puked throughout that stretch and I became exhausted. That worst condition of mine urged me to ask Ronan to spare the front seat where he was sitting. He left his front seat for me with a smile and took the back seat where I was sitting. I’m really thankful to him for his kind help. I had my meals from the tents which were located on the way. Though I had been puking the food I was taking, I kept hydrating myself by having loads of water.

After crossing Lachulung La (16,616 ft) I had reached Pang. The road from Pang took me to the famous Moore Plains which is situated in a plateau. It’s hard to believe that this plain is situated at an altitude of 15,400 ft. The plain was really scenic too. The driver, who was a Ladakhi I guess, began to speed up the bus as the Moore Plains was flat and in good condition. But there were humps and also dips. However, he tackled it very smartly.

The journey through the Moore Plains reminded me of the Jeep Trekking me and Deepak, my college mate and best friend, did during our college days. He was a member of a Jeep Adventure club called Jeep Thrills and they have trekking events in the suburbs of Chennai during weekends. I was the usual companion of Deepak in most of his ‘Jeepy’ and ‘Biking’ adventures. I really cherished those memories and missed those joyful days.

After the fast paced journey through Moore Plains, I had reached the final mountain pass of our journey, Tanglang La (17582 ft). It is the second highest mountain pass in the world too. The bus stopped there for a while and I indulged in photography for some time. AMS started releasing its clutches from me. I was feeling really better. From that place the driver of the bus was replaced.

While descending from the Tanglang La, I was greeted with spectacular roads and natural sceneries. After descending I reached Upshi. The road from Upshi to Leh was good in condition. I was back in high spirits and started talking to the new driver in my broken Hindi. We really had a nice talk though I possess a very bad Hindi. The road leading to Leh reminded me of my homeland Kerala and I mentioned it to the driver too. I felt like as if I had finished an hours’ long roller-coaster ride. By 2030 hours on July 11^th I reached Leh.

I bid adieu to Israelis and Koreans after getting down the bus and taking my luggage. Lot of touts approached me with accommodation lists. I ignored them and checked into a hotel near to the bus stand. I knew that Leh is one of the safest places in India but I don’t want to invite any trouble since I was alone in an unknown land. I heard that lots of affordable guest houses were available in a place called Changspa and I thought of shifting to that place next day.

Sojourn at Little Tibet.

Next day, on July 12^th I shifted to Hotel Rockland located at Fort Road. The room I got was really spacious and so serene. I got a new friend called Mohammed Hussein, the hotel room boy. He was very friendly as most of the Ladakhis I found there. He used to bring my bed coffee in the morning and he also became my virtual guide.

First thing I did after getting settled in Hotel Rockland was to get a map of Leh town. I tried to get some newspapers but it was really hard to find them. Then I reported at Hotel Singge Palace where the Great Tibetan Marathon team was staying. For the first two days I didn’t venture much into any outdoor activities except for internet browsing and visiting the German Bakery. Internet browsing was really a luxury in this mountainous region. Net browsing charges were Rs. 90 per hour. I had read a lot about German Bakery before reaching Leh. I really liked the chocolate pan cake they make and it’s a peaceful place to unwind ourselves.

Most of the time I spent by reading The Warren Buffet Way by Robert.G. Hagstorm. There was no other past time activities I could find there. I didn’t take my Laptop, no network coverage for mobile phone and no other electronic equipments with me other than cameras. I enjoy reading that book. It was really informative and inspiring.

On the second day while having my favorite chocolate pan-cake at German bakery my eyes fell upon an advertisement glued to the wall. It was about a documentary screening happening in Women’s Alliance of Ladakh (WAL). I took down the address and went to WAL.

One of the most interesting features of Leh town is that we can simply walk to most of the places. There is no need for hiring a taxi or such. Bus services are only to nearby villages. I walked to the WAL and attended the documentary screening. The name of the documentary was ‘Economics of Happiness’ which describes the impact of globalization on local economy and trade. I also participated in the group discussion after the documentary screening. The discussion was really interactive and I had made my contributions to that discussion. It was a rare opportunity to talk to various nationals, express my opinions and ideas and also clarify my doubts regarding the globalization and development. All the people present there were very friendly and cheerful.

My visit to WAL, which was really set up by International Society for Ecology and Culture (ISEC) was a turning point. I got interested in their activities. Consequently I met Rahul a western educated Indian, one of the coordinators of ISEC’s Ladakh Project. I conveyed to him my interest in their activities and also requested him for an interview. He was ready for everything though his schedules were tight.

My intention was to get as much information from them about the all the ecology related issues as this year’s Public Relations (PR) campaign theme of our Communication batch is ecology related one. So, if I get the interview from him, I can publish it in our departmental newsletter too. Rahul agreed with me and introduced me to Alex, an American who is also a coordinator of ISEC. We had a really nice discussion and I took down notes from them.

Alex was very helpful like Rahul. He gave me lot of good documentaries on environmental issues and gave me an idea of doing a documentary screening during the PR Campaign. That was a great idea indeed. Then for few days I was like one of them, stayed in WAL from morning to evening, had food from WAL’s Local Food Café, browsed through the books in the library and interacted with most of the visitors of WAL.

Notable features of WAL were that they use only solar energy for all the energy needs, never uses plastic materials and also uses composting toilet to dispose human waste. It’s for the first time in my life I was coming across a composting toilet. I really admired their natural way of life. It also made me think how Western culture and Globalization have destructed lot of local economies and cultures.

From WAL’s Local Food Café, I had local foods such as Thukpa (vegetable soup), Mok-Mok and Chutagi. I got the real taste of Ladakh from there. Surprisingly most of the hotels I had visited didn’t have any Ladakhi menu. They serves you Israeli, German, Italian, Continental and Chinese foods but not Ladakhi. I went to Ladakh to taste Ladakhi and Tibetan food not German or Italian.

The unique characteristics I found in Ladakhis are that they are innocent and hardworking. They believe what they see or hear. They are not clever like most of us-urbanites. Don’t underestimate, they are very wise. They value their culture, traditions and relationships. When a Ladakhi starts talking, first he or she greets you with traditional ‘Juley’ and an innocent smile then only he or she starts talking. I really love smiling people.

But sadly, nowadays Westernization started creeping into their community. Badly hit are the Ladakhi youth. They are trying to emulate Westerners thinking that their local culture and lifestyle as inferior. Internet, TV, Mobile phones are all sabotaging that beautiful culture, economy and traditions. To my mind, if we are not content in our identity, culture, traditions and the place we took birth and making a living, there is no point in living at all. We are trying to become someone else. That’s a gradual death indeed. That’s ridiculous. In this juncture, the activities of ISEC and WAL in Ladakh are worth complimenting.

The places I had visited were Leh Palace, Tsemo Monastery, the Home for Helpless Donkeys, Ladakh Book Shop and Tibetan Refugee Market. Owing to my activities in WAL I didn’t get much time to roam around which I love most. I missed lot of important sites such as Shanti Stupa and rarely available ‘Chang’ the locally brewed barley beer.

Leh Palace is nothing other than a small palace ruined in most parts and it is under renovation now. I didn’t find any great crowd to see that architectural splendor which is built by just mud bricks! Most challenging part in visiting the Tsemo Monastery was that you need to climb up the small hill on which it is located. There is no stepping or loops to reach on top. So be careful when climbing. There is nothing to see other than some prayer halls and a Big Buddha statue. But after reaching on top you can get a great aerial view of Leh town and it’s a superb launch pad to shoot your camera. I climbed till top and got couple of great photos as a reward.

I found the Home for Helpless Donkeys after a walking struggle for 30 minutes. It’s a donkey sanctuary in real sense started by a South African called Joanne Lefson. I saw lot of ‘sweet’ donkeys there. I called them sweet because they are harmless and in turn we are doing harm to them. I talked to the care taker of the sanctuary, Sonam who was a retired soldier. “Why we Indians are not taking any initiatives like this? Most of the good and helpful enterprises here are started by foreigners. Are we sleeping?” I asked him in my broken Hindi. “Indians don’t have brains!” he commented. We, Indians have good brains but we are not using it. We are busy with trivial activities and don’t have time for innovation and initiatives. That’s my opinion. After taking some rest and making a small donation, I left the sanctuary bidding adieu to Sonam.

The only place which lured and got hold of me in Ladakh was the Ladakh Book Shop. I visited that Book Shop thrice. They have a wide range of books from Religion to Philosophy to Politics to Adventures. Endlessly I browsed through the books and on the third day of my visit I bought two books: Being Indian by Pavan K Varma and Jesus Lived in India by Hoger Kersten. I really admire that Book Shop.

You can find lot of Tibetan Refugee Markets in Leh. My advice is that if you are going to buy any gifts for your loved ones buy it from local markets. If you do so, the money will be circulated in the local economy and you are supporting the local people in real sense. If you buy, eat or stay in any expensive or ‘high class’ places the money will either go to New Delhi or other parts of the globe. This is the scenario I witnessed there in Ladakh.

I did most of my shopping in local markets. I bought a Tibetan bag for my brother and a wedding gift for Jim and Tina, my best friends whom are going to get married in coming October. I didn’t ‘buy’ anything for my Ammachi, the person whom I love most in this world. I ‘acquired’ something precious for her from my visit to Ladakh: the medal I got for the successful completion of the Great Tibetan Marathon. That is my gift to her.

Bidding Adieu.

After successfully completing the Great Tibetan Marathon on July 18^th, I took rest on 19^th. The minibus to Manali starts at 0200 hours on 20^th. I told good bye and hugged Mohammed Hussein and Firoz Bhaiya, the owner of Hotel Rockland. “Inshallah” Firoz Bhaiya told me. The real problem in being an atheist is that when someone gives “Inshallah”, “God Bless You” or any other ‘Godly’ wishes, you can’t give anything back to them other than a wry smile.

The return journey was not as eventful as the onward journey. I was bit tired after the adventure marathon. I got a fresh lease of life only after reaching New Delhi on 22^nd and meeting up with my sister and her kids Eviya and Appu. The same day afternoon me and Jim met and talked over couple of beers. It was such a joy to show to people who are close to me the GTM medal and certificate. Jim got inspired by my experiences too. I left to Chennai on 22^nd night.

To conclude, I need to give a simple advice to some of my friends who are very eager to visit foreign countries. I appreciate their ambitions but it will be good to keep in mind that our country, one of the greatest in the world has mind blowing places to visit, explore and learn. First tour, explore and learn from our mother country before embarking on an expensive foreign tour. I’m giving out this advice only because I’m really feeling ashamed, when I see some foreigners comes here and explores something right under our nose which we had never noticed nor even tried to explore. Isn’t that humiliating?

Running on Roof of the World!

Travelling alone for around 3200 kilometers through surface for running in one of the “World’s 10 most Extreme Marathons” sounds like some crazy idea for you? If it is, yes, I’m crazy to a certain extent!

I came to know about the Great Tibetan Marathon (GTM) through a newspaper article written by one Mr. Ashok Nath who had participated in GTM 2008. Inspired by his experience, I decided to take part in this once in a lifetime running event. When I contacted, Mr. Ashok Nath was generous enough to provide me with all the information regarding GTM 2009. Then I contacted Mountain Adventures India (www.mountainindia.com) which was organizing the event and I became the first person to register for the GTM 2009. Gowher Rah and Nazir Rah, the persons behind Mountain Adventures India were very helpful in providing me with up to date details regarding GTM 2009.

After registering for the run, I became cautious about my running regime. Increasing my stamina was the priority. For that, I increased the distance I ran previously (just three kilometers) to 12 kilometers daily. Later I reduced the frequency to four days a week owing to my studies. So the whole confidence lay on my 48 kilometers per week running practice. Since GTM is a High Altitude Marathon, high altitude training was a prerequisite. But, unfortunately either my home town or Chennai, the place where I study were not hilly regions. Time constraint was another challenge. However, I stuck with my running regime. After few months of practice, I could really feel the confidence level was rising inside me.

Only person in this world supported me with a smile when I embarked onto this adventure was my Ammachi (‘mom’ in Malayalam) Her words were the most powerful inspiration which helped me to overcame my fears and guided me till the completion of the marathon. She took care of all the expenses I incurred.

Running Experience

Acclimatization period started from July 12th the day I landed in Leh. First few days I felt some difficulty in breathing but gradually I got adjusted to the new climatic conditions of dry cold and less oxygen. Though I got involved in lot of activities in Leh, my mind was restlessly waiting for the D-Day: July 18th.

Actually there was an event called Breakfast Run on July 17thmorning. However, my mind was made to believe that the real marathon on July 19th and Breakfast Run on July 18th. My doubts were over when I entered Hotel Singge Palace on July 17th evening to enquire about the Breakfast Run, the event which was really got over on that same day morning.

The objective behind the Breakfast Run is that to set ourselves ready for the real challenge next day. There will also be briefing about the real event. Route maps will be distributed and precautionary measures will be explained. But I missed it! But Lars, a Swedish who was the event coordinator, understood my plight and allowed me to run in the main event. He handed over to me the chest number, T-shirt and wished me all the best. I thanked him and left the hotel.

That night was really long. I couldn’t sleep well and the thoughts were entirely on the marathon which will be happening just after few hours. Somehow I managed.

Next day morning at 0530 hours pick up vehicle took me near from the hotel where I stayed. The journey was towards the Hemis Monastery which was around 50 kilometers away from Leh town. We reached there at around 0645 hours.

Hemis Monastery was spectacular in all aspects. I was like Alice in Wonderland. At 0700 hours Buddhist monks, both young and old, started chanting and praying. Though I couldn’t understand what they were chanting, I listened to them by my eyes closed. I gave strong affirmations to my mind that I can complete the marathon successfully. That is my way of praying!

After 20 minutes, the prayers ended with the blowing of horns those I had seen only in some Chinese movies. Buddhist monks blessed each one of the participants by putting soft, white shawls which was decorated with some prominent Buddhist symbols. My mind was prepared for the challenge of a lifetime ahead.

“Eight, seven, six” Lars started the countdown at 0730 hours. All the participants’ spirits were at its peak. Everyone shouted and hooted in excitement. I could see only smiling faces all around. Though my body was chilling, my heart was radiating with heat of thrill and excitement. Yes, I was ready for the first full marathon in my life and also one of the toughest marathons in the world!

The Marathon route stretched from Hemis Monastery to the foot of Spituk Monastery. Water stops were set up at every 4 kilometers. My objective was simple: successful completion of the Marathon. My strategy was simple too: a slow, constant momentum until the end of the race.

The run was at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters Above Sea Level. For the first 6 kilometers there was a steep descend to approximately 3400 meters. That steep decline didn’t take much of my energy. I kept up my pace and also hydrated my body as well as possible.

With excitement I shouted ‘Jai Hind’ to the army men who were camping near to the Marathon route. They greeted back with a smile and thumbs up. Children who were passing by and also standing on the barley fields greeted me with traditional ‘Juley!’ I waved my hands at them in confidence. Their innocent smiles were really mind-blowing and encouraging. It all helped me to keeping up my momentum.

The route consists of paved roads which were washed out in some places. I passed through barley fields, pocket-sized streets, and riversides. I crossed 20 kilometer mark without much trouble in a slow steady pace. A foreigner who overtook me told “hey man, you got a good pace!” Those words were really an inspiration and I thanked him. Actually, that man got a great pace and within minutes he was out of the horizon!

Overtaking was not in my agenda. So, I enjoyed the run by cherishing the beautiful sceneries which welcomed me at every moment. On the way I saw a little boy who was sitting on a milestone and watching me running as if I’m an alien. I smiled at him and told ‘Juley!’ He didn’t respond. I stopped and gave him a banana which I kept for eating on the way. Then I greeted him ‘Juley!’ again. He smiled and greeted me back. That smile was really priceless!

At the 24 kilometer mark, an ambulance and a doctor was stationed. “Are you okay?” he asked me. “Absolutely!” I replied. “Let me check you…” he told me and clipped one of his medical gadgets on my finger and checked my pulse. “You are dead, man!” he told with a serious look. A lightning struck straight on my head and I stood wordless. He started laughing after seeing my perplexed and tensed look. “I’m just kidding. Your body is well saturated. Go ahead and all the best!” he said smiling. I thanked the doctor and got back on track.

When I made a general medical checkup in Chennai prior to the Marathon, the doctor whom I consulted warned me about my low Blood Pressure. I didn’t care about it. But that warning was always in the backyard of my mind during the run. That put me in tension when the marathon doctor made that funny comment.

I resumed running from the 24 kilometer mark refreshed. The face of the route changed to washed out roads in most parts. Till 37 kilometer mark, I managed but after that the ‘gateway to trouble’ opened up. ‘Gateway to trouble’ is my own terminology used to express the level which is out of my performance. Usually amateur runners like me meet with this ‘gateway’ during marathons. I don’t know how it is with professional runners.

It was hard to breath and my limbs were paining as well. I could really feel the dryness of the air passing through my nostrils. I changed my strategy: trekking through elevations and run through declining roads. That strategy worked only for around three kilometers. Two more kilometers to go. What to do? I couldn’t see anyone behind and ahead. The cruel sun is about to come out of the clouds. Till that time the climate was favorable for a good, tireless run. The sun was hiding behind the clouds as if he was shy seeing the enthusiasm of all the runners. I had no option other than trekking for remaining two kilometers.

I trekked through stones, grass, sand, dirt and wet areas. I crossed one wooden bridge over the Indus River on the way. When I reached the final one kilometer mark, Lars was standing there with his unique smile. “Welcome, Justin!” he told smiling. I greeted him back. “Take the loop and come back, I will see you in a while!” he told. I trekked faster to the loop. Loop is nothing other than a wooden bridge over the Indus River. It even misses planks at some places! So I needed to be very careful in crossing the bridge.

After crossing, I saw Gowher waiting for the runners. He handed over a wristband to me and told, “It will qualify you!” I thanked him and trekked back. While leaving I could hear him passing my chest number and name over his walky-talky. That was the final phase of my trekking. I saw Lars on the way back. “400 meters to go! See you at the finish line!” he told with a smile. I greeted him back with a smile. I didn’t spell out a word. Do you know why? I was conserving energy!

As I’m nearing the finish line, I could hear my name and chest number pouring through the speakers. A Ladakhi man came near to me, shook my hand and greeted me with a ‘Juley!’ I greeted him back with a smile. Then I saw some organizers waving at me and asking me to come to finish line soon because the time was running out. The allotted time was seven hours and I reached the finish line at six hours and 43 minutes. I ran and touched the finish line with a smile.

As soon as I finished, a Ladakhi woman came up and put a medal on my neck. I thanked her and gave thumbs up to Nazir Rah who was sitting there. He greeted me back with a smile. The organizers provided me with the lunch. All went fine. Only problem was that since my muscles were stiff, I couldn’t even sit! I did some muscle loosening workout but it didn’t work out! However after struggling for few minutes, I settled down and had lunch with a great feeling of achievement…

In the evening we had Ladakhi cultural show in Hotel Grand Dragon followed by Gala Dinner. Certificates were distributed in the function and after that the party hall became colorful with camera flashes and exchange of pleasantries. I made a bunch of good friends. After the party, I left the hotel bidding adieu to Gowher, Nazir and Lars. “See you in next year!” Lars told. “I’m not sure!” I replied with a smile.

That night I slept like a baby.

Lessons I learnt.

Running in a marathon is simply a mind game than a physical workout. If you think you can complete the 42 kilometer mark, you can and if you think you can’t, you will surely left behind the finish line. Make an efficient use of water stops they are like life-giving oases. Hydrate yourself (even though you feel no thirsty) well especially when you are into a High Altitude Marathon. Safety first and competition comes next. Just keep track on your momentum and don’t look on other person’s pace or stamina. Don’t keep on asking yourself the question: “Why I’m doing this?” during the running struggle. Concentrate on the run and set the mind only for the successful completion. After completion, other than asking, “Why I did that?” ask yourself “How I can do it better next time?” Happy running!

Downfall of a Business Tycoon…

Once upon a time, in Thrissur, Kerala, there lived a boy named Justin. He was innocent, energetic, and enthusiastic with lot of dreams in his mind and tonnes of smile on his face. He was such a hyper who never stayed in the same place for long time. He roamed around with a ‘catch me if you can’ attitude. He was like an open book. Anyone can read him easily, comprehend him and get out of him at any point of time. He love friendship and do anything for his friends.

In the midst of games and childhood fantasies, one thing troubles him always. That disturbing problem is common among both boys and girls of his age. That troublesome trouble is the availability of pocket money. How much money he got from his parents was not enough for him. He needed more. He hated smoking and drinking. He never spent a single penny for clubbing or such kind of ‘bad’ activities. Most of the money was spent on burgers, milk shakes and ice creams and the rest is ‘invested’ in video game and music CDs.

Justin was a video game addict and always loved a king size life. But, since he is a good boy with a high moral sense, one day he took a tough decision. “Why should I bother my dad and mom for the pocket money?” he asked Sangeeth, his childhood friend and conscience keeper. Sangeeth nodded his head. “Let’s start some business and make money. Will you be with me?” he asked Sangeeth.

Sangeeth never tells no to Justin. “We can do fish farming” Sangeeth put out his suggestion. “My uncle is successfully doing fish farming and making lot of money” he told, “I can get complete information from him and we can start, okay?” he asked Justin and he nodded with his usual smile.

They didn’t have time to waste. Everything happened in thunder speed. They bought around 30 fishes and put them in an abandoned tank behind Sangeeth’s house. Sangeeth even named the fish tank as Rajaputra Fish Farm and also erected a board over the tank with the name writtenon it.

Rajaputras are referred to as the most Valiant Warriors of Indian Subcontinent. The name was Sangeeth’s late father’s favorite name. He planned to put this name to the businesses those he planned to start in India. But, unfortunately he passed away soon after he reached India from Gulf.

The proud owners of Rajaputra Fish Farm fed the fishes regularly with great satisfaction. Their idea was to feed the fishes for three months and sell them in the market. If everything goes as planned, the profit will be fivefold!

Capital was allocated by Justin and Sangeeth did most of the feeding and maintenance works. Nearly two months passed away. One more month to go for the much waited ‘fish harvest’. But, neither Sangeeth nor Justin ever knew a distressing fact: fishes were missing from the farm.

Who did this heinous act? Who did this to Rajaputra farm house? Who did this to those innocent boys who started it for a good cause? By the end of the second month the numbers of fishes were shrunk to just twelve. Sangeeth noticed it first and informed Justin.

The hunt for the culprit had begun. After days of constant lookout the culprits were brought to book! They were Tony & Co: cats fed by a goldsmith staying near to sangeeth’s house. Those cats were worse than local burglars. They enter any house silently, steal the food especially fish then shit and piss wherever they like. Most of the households nearby were fed up with Tony & Co.

Tony & Co’s days were counted. Like George Bush launched War on Terror, Justin and Sangeeth ruthlessly waged war against Tony & Co. Armed with hot water, stones and sticks; they banished Tony & Co from that locality. But it has nothing much to do with the losses incurred by Justin and Sangeeth.

Bad news spreads all over. All the friends joined with Justin and Sangeeth to share the bad time together. By seeing the care and support of their friends, Justin and Sangeeth got overwhelmed with happiness. Though the hard work they brought into the enterprise went futile, they never wanted to make their friends gloomy over their plight.

Justin and Sangeeth were generous enough to give a lunch party to their friends at Sangeeth’s house. And they did. The main dish was fish-fry made out of the remaining fishes in the Rajaputra Fish Farm! Sadly, that party was the final closure party of Rajaputra Fish Farm.

****

After Secondary schooling, the day had come for Justin to join a school in town for his Higher Secondary education. It is for the first time in his life he is getting out of his village for educational purposes. New classroom, new friends and new tutors. He had thrown out to an unknown and inexperienced environment. His mind was racing with excitement.

After few days, he adapted to the new environs. He made new friends and built rapport with tutors too. Those days he noticed a girl simply smiling at him in the classroom. “Is she mad?” thought Justin. Always a front seat sitter, he noticed her smile towards him whenever he turned around.

One day during interval she introduced herself to Justin “Hi! I’m Remya…” “Hi! I’m Justin…” Justin greeted her back with his usual smile. That was the beginning of a good friendship. They shared lunch, wore clothes with same color combinations, had burgers and ice creams together.

Gradually Justin became ‘jus’ for her and Remya became ‘Chakkie’ for him. ‘Chakka’ means jackfruit in Malayalam. Since Remya is fat in appearance, Justin aptly nicknamed her Chakkie! She loved that name too. And that name was reserved only for Justin.

One day during their conversations Justin told the sad story of Rajaputra Fish Farm and his money making philosophy to Chakkie. “Jus, why can’t you start another business?” she asked him. “I’m penniless!” he replied. “Borrow! That’s the only way. I can help you with some money too…agreed?” she told. “Okay, let me find out what business I can do…” he told her.

Mary aunty, one of Justin’s aunts was good at making grape wine. He had heard of her wine making skills. He had tasted her home made grape wine once and still had that unique taste lingering on his taste buds. Whenever he thinks about a new business, her face pops up in his mind. “That’s it!” an idea took birth in his mind.

Jus dialed Chakkie. “Wine business? Are you crazy? It needs license and stuff, do you know that?” Chakkie got upset with Jus’ awkward idea. “Hey, I got some good ideas…okay? I’ll let you know clearly later okay?” Jus ended up the call and dialed Sangeeth.

Justin’s idea was simple. Get the grape wine recipe from aunt; buy the accessories like jars, raw materials such as grape, sugar and other ingredients, make wine and sell. After hearing Justin’s idea, Sangeeth got excited and extended all his support. That’s all were enough for Justin to embark on an unknown and unpredictable business.

Telling lies after lies, Justin secured the wine recipe from Mary aunty. With the borrowed money from Chakkie and other friends Justin bought all the accessories required for his ‘distillery’. Sangeeth helped him to procure grapes and other ingredients.

Wine making venture kicked off in full swing. Justin’s ‘distillery’ is located nowhere other than at his own room! It had 6 big jars. It takes three weeks for grape to ferment and transform to wine. He filled two jars in each week to bring continuity in production. The production capacity was around 22 to 24 bottles per week.

A day in the week was dedicated to ‘bottling’. It was done under the cover of night’s darkness so no one in his house will know about Justin’s ‘black’ business. Chakkie and Sangeeth helped him to sell the product. Gradually, his wine became popular among his customers. The great business days begun. He sold wine in the school bus, outside the schoogate and even in classroom! But, the wine source remained mystery for all except Sangeeth and Chakkie.

Weeks and months passed. Justin’s pocket filled with enough money for all his needs. He became a successful entrepreneur too. Sadly, he couldn’t increase the capacity of his distillery since it will be dangerous for its safe running.

But, he earned more than he needed. As usual, most of the profits were spent on food and for friends. He bought new clothes, tried new milk shakes, ice creams, bought new music and Video Game CDs and modified his bike with his own money. Those were the best, happiest and prideful days of his life.

Little did Justin know that those groovy days were going to end soon. The news of his ‘underground’ business got leaked from the bottle supplier. He used to take bottles from a nearby Bar where his Dad got contacts. “Hey Rajan, your son is taking empty bottles from here for the past 5 to 6 months. I came to know about it only few days back. I saw him in the backyard yesterday” the manager of the bar told his Dad. “He is into something, better keep an eye on him” he added.

Justin’s Dad rushed to the house and opened his room for a thorough checking. When he opened his room, fresh aroma of grape wine seep into his nose. It didn’t take much time for him to understand that a ‘distillery’ was running parallel with his house. His face reddened with anger.

Justin’s Dad took all the jars and kept it out of the house and waited in front of the house for his ‘mischievous’ son. After a while, Justin reached his house on his bike. He smiled

at his Dad and turned back to enter the house. What he saw at the corner of the main door made his spine frozen. His distillery was ‘disbanded’! He didn’t know what to do. His mind got blocked.

“What is that, Justin?” Dad asked Justin angrily. “Wine” replied Justin. “For whom you are making it?” asked Dad rapidly. “For friends, Dad” replied Justin. “For friends or for sale?” Dad started the interrogation. “Only for friends, Dad” Justin told. “Justin, if you are lying again, I will break all the jars i

n front of you!” his Dad knew him well. He lies! He knew his dad well too. He will do the things he tells. “Dad, it’s for selling” Justin told the truth.

“Why you are doing this?” Dad asked softly. “For pocket money” Justin replied innocently. “Don’t I give you money? Are you ashamed to do this? Don’t you know its repercussions if anyone came to know about this?” Dad showered him with questions. Justin stood clueless. “Stop it! Okay?” Dad waited for Justin’s response. Justin nodded with deep disappointment.

“Okay. Whatever happened is happened? What is the price of these 6 jars of wine?” Dad asked smilingly. “Eh!” that question shocked Justin. “I can’t tell, Dad” actually Justin didn’t know what to tell. “Okay. I’m buying these wine jars now and you can collect the money from shop. Promise me that you won’t do this business again.” Dad told Justin. “Promise! I won’t do it again” Justin gave the word to his Dad.

“If I find you doing this again I won’t be responding like this, got it?” Dad warned Justin. “If you are in need for money, feel free to ask me, understood?” Dad added. Justin nodded.

From that day on, Justin never fell short of money. His Dad didn’t want his son go into ‘wrong’ ways for money and satisfied all his needs. Though the money needs were met, the joy of entrepreneurship and business got vanished from his life. He started to concentrate more on his studies with great business dreams in his heart. He still lives with those dreams and it is that dreams which keeps him going on.

MJ, You Never Die…

I know it’s late to write and pay tribute to an exceptional musician like Michael Jackson who had passed away unexpectedly on June 25th. Anyway, better be late than never.

I’m a hardcore fan of Michael Jackson despite all the controversies besieged him. His enthusiasm, energy, unique vocal, dancing and music composing skills always blew my mind. During school days we all boys tried to emulate his dancing style and also during cultural programmes we always picked his songs for stage performances. ‘Dangerous’, ‘Bad’ and ‘Thriller’ were massive hits in school. And we boys too performed well without tarnishing his name.

But, my dad was a hardcore hater of Michael Jackson. In 1995 MJ’s History- Past, Present and Future album had released. During those days my hobby was collecting all his albums. From Off the Wall to Dangerous I collected most of his albums with the limited resources available to a 9 year old boy. My cousins and friends were actually jealous of those collections. Some called me freak!

When I conveyed my desire

to buy History album to my dad, he refused and told me that he don’t want to ‘waste’ money. He too doesn’t want me to listen to that ‘insane’ music which is according to him lacks ‘beauty’, ‘meaning’ and ‘messages’. But I stood tough on my decision. I needed it! I know my dad better than anyone else. He can’t keep his stand tough in a case in which I’m involved. He always bought things which my brother and I like despite the initial resistance.

One week passed by. On an auspicious day, dad Okayed to buy History album. I ran to the music shop near to my house, bought the album and walked in ‘slow motion’ back home with my head raised. That day night in real sense, I created a Michael Jackson concert atmosphere in my house by playing all the songs in the History album in full volume!

One day, I got a video album of MJ and I was watching it in the living room when my dad stepped in. He didn’t give much attention to the ‘insane’ man who was performing in the television. I put off the video player and intended to go out.

“Can you play that ‘drum’ song again that you just watched?” it was my dad! I just couldn’t believe it. I played ‘Drum’ song (TheyDon’t Really Care about Us) again. My dad watched it again and again. “This song is excellent!” he commented with a smile on his face. From that moment on, not only dad used to watch his videos but also showed the videos to his friends who visited my house.

From that experience I understood that no one can hate Michael Jackson. His music has the power to transform hatred to love. There is no surprise he had sold more than 750 million albums worldwide. It’s really sad that he said goodbye to this world at the juncture of making a comeback with 50 concerts at London.

MJ, you demise is really painful beyond expression. Though you have gone, your music will live forever and your talents and skills will be admired by all of us till the day death subdue us.

Run! Run! Run!

This poem is dedicated to all the runners worldwide and for those who enjoy running. Enjoy!

I stir up smiling,
In a lovely morning,
Stay on bed baffling,
As the timer screaming:
Run! Run! Run!

With shoes laced up,
I dashed the street,
By my legs hitting the road,
In a bouncy rhythm:
Run! Run! Run!

The pure fresh wind,
Gently blown on my hair,
Cleansing my mind and soul,
Yet whispering in my ears:
Run! Run! Run!

The joy of running,
Take my spirit higher,
To grab the clouds above,
With my heart pulsating:
Run! Run! Run!

Sunray showers mould,
My tender shoulders,
To bear the challenges ahead,
As the shining sun cheering:
Run! Run! Run!

Bathing in warm sweat,
I told the birds hovering above:
“You have wings to fly,
As I’m blessed with limbs to,
Run! Run! Run!”

Please, Don’ t Steal Dreams!

What a life without dreams, isn’t it? When I say, dreams, I never mean day dreaming. Anyone can do it and it is nothing more than a time killer. Real sensible dreams make a man out of us. It’s a real challenge too. Some achieve small dreams in a big way while others achieve big dreams in a small way. We should dream in accordance with our aptitudes, skills and more importantly our interest.

Recently during the days of Abhinav Bindra’s gold winning for shooting in Beijing Olympics the Chennai Rifle Club witnessed a huge rush of parents who want to admit their children for the rifle training. What a pathetic scenario-I thought. It was Bindra’s dream to become a shooter. He was confident that he possesses the skills to become a world class shooter. Not everyone have that aptitude. It’s neither anyone’s problem nor the idea I need to convey here.

The very idea is the robbery of dreams. If the same Bindra decided to follow his father’s dreams and became a business man, we would have missed an ace shooter who made our country proud. He just followed his heart and stick with his dreams. If he had stolen the ‘shooting’ dream from anyone, he couldn’t stick with it. It’s only because the dream belongs to someone else. He just has stolen it!

I have a very good friend called Sandeep (name changed) whose hobby is nothing other than stealing dreams. He doesn’t have any ambitions or dreams of his own. He just borrows them from others. One day if he sees someone joining some animation course, he too joins it and never completes the course. Another day if he sees someone going for some dancing classes, he too gives it a try and ends up lamenting that it is not his cup of tea or coffee. In his late 20’s now, he is still confused and don’t know where he belongs.

Whenever I think about him, an alarm bell rings in my head. What made him jobless when most of his friends carrying home a five digit salary? What made him always withdraw himself to the corner of his room with his laptop? I think it’s not his laziness, inactiveness or lack of confidence. Only thing in which he is an expert is in stealing dreams. He never dreams on his own. As a result he lacks conviction and motivation.

There is a great danger involved in dreaming other persons’ dreams. Sadly,most of the people never dares to dream of their own. They follow the crowd and end up in wrong places. They stuck like a square peg in a round hole. Everybody possesses certain unique talents and skills. Some finds and nurtures them while others fail to identify them. So the end results are: the person who born to become a poet turns into an accountant, an actor becomes a soldier, a singer turns into a judge and so on. Inferiority complex, job dissatisfaction, loss of enthusiasm et al will follow too.

What we have to do to dig out the real talents in ourselves? Only way I know is to do different things in life. Just give a break to fortune-tellers and astrologers. You never know where your fortune lies until you ventures into that area. Keep in mind that there is always a risk involved when you start following your heart. But, you will learn a lot in that journey indeed. On top of everything, don’t give up the things you love doing.

Look, who’s talking? – You may be thinking. See, I’m a small person with big dreams. But, hitherto I’m successfully failing in most of my endeavours. It doesn’t matter whether I win or fail, I will never give up trying. I’m also confident that all my dreams are my own. I stick with them since I haven’t borrowed them from anyone.

Decide today whether to dream a dream of your own or borrow it from anyone else. Just remember that no one can play your role in this world better than you do. Just be yourself.

Foods for the Soul.

From the time immemorial, dietary practices have been incorporated into religious practices of people around the world. Some religious sects abstain or forbid from consuming certain foods and drinks, restrict foods and drinks during their holy days. While, others associate dietary and food preparation practices with rituals of their faith. The early biblical writings outline the dietary practices for certain groups. For example, Christians and Jews. Many of these practices may still be found among these same groups today. Practices such as fasting are described as tenets of faith by numerous religions.

To understand the reasons for nutrition and dietary customs in any religion requires a brief orientation of the rationale of such practices and laws. Many religious customs and laws may also be traced to early concerns for health and safety in consuming foods or liquids. The lack of mechanisms to refrigerate or preserve food led to certain rituals while restricting on the eating of foods known to spoil easily such as eggs, diary products and meat were devised for safety reasons.

In the past, owing to the limited preservation techniques for food along with the ignorance of the scholars of the day on health promotion, disease prevention and illness lead to the development of rules about the consumption of foods and drinks. Gradually, religious practices, restrictions and laws evolved. Specific laws about what can be consumed remain in most religions today.

Attention to specific eating practices such as overeating, use of strong drink or oral stimulants and vegetarian diets were also incorporated into the doctrine of religious practice. In addition to laws, the practice of fasting became prevalent and still practiced by many religions today.

When we go through eating practices and rituals of different religions, we can find out plenty of contradictions and similarities among them. Jews regard grapes as a fruit of idolatry and therefore, forbid the use of wine or products made from grapes; Christian religions believe and consider wine as a sacramental product in communion services. Mormonism envisages the abstinence from tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea, illegal drugs and even chocolate but surprisingly, in Rastafarianism an addictive drug like marijuana is considered as weed of wisdom and is used extensively for religious and medicinal purposes. Christian religion sect usually allows water or non stimulant liquids during the fast but Islam on the other hand, abides by stringent fasting rules during their holy month even without taking any liquid even their saliva.

Both Hinduism and Buddhism believe in ‘Karma’ doctrine and avoid foods that may have caused pain to animals during manufacture. Certain sects in Hinduism shun meat especially beef. The Jewish term ‘Kosher’ means that a food is permitted or ‘clean’. In Islam the Arabic term ‘Halal’ holds the same meaning that of ‘Kosher’.

All these varying rituals or religious practices ultimately lead to two objectives: spiritual enhancement and promoting a health well being of the individual despite of which religion he or she follows. “Despite all disparities among religious diets and rituals, all of them lead to one God” says 72 year old P.M. Yuseph, a retired government employee. “I fast during Ramadan every year. It enriches my spiritual well being and also fortifies my faith in God”

Latest researchers point out that live foods are best suited for the human body. Live foods are those which are created through the natural interaction of the sun, air, soil, and water. Our nature is blessed with fruits and vegetables which are sufficient enough to satisfy the nutritional needs of our body. It is alive, vital and supremely healthy. Vegetarian diet is a diet that the nature intended. The most powerful animals on the planet, ranging from gorillas to elephants wear the badge of proud vegetarians. Non vegetarian diet is hard to digest and since our digestive system is one of the most energy consuming processes of our entire body, valuable energy resources are needlessly depleted by this food stuff. There are also ethical issues that involve the killing of animals for food and environmental issues regarding the raising of livestock and the safety of food supply. “Vegetarian diet is the best” claims P.Unnikrishnan, a gold smith who became a vegetarian 14 years ago. “Vegetarian foods energizes, revitalizes and refreshes us both mentally and physically” he added.