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Metropolitis







Metropolitis


Popular sociology is that branch of Sociology studied by any average citizen with commonsense who does not have any actual qualification in Academic sociology( own definition)


Metropolitis is a disorder seen in city dwelling people characertised by the following Symptoms Signs & comorbidities.1) Extreme Self-centerdness 2) Lack of Sensitivity 3) Self obsession 4) Morbid insecurity 5) High level of consumerism 6) Distancing from Reality 7) Lack of Faith 8) High Dependence on Gadgets(Cars,Mobile phones,TVs etc) 9) Sociopathic &/or Psychopathic Behaviour 10) Self destructive Competitiveness 11) Tendency to Hoard Resources 12) Indulgence 13) Morbid  Objectivity 14) Manupulativeness masquerading as manageabilty 15) Power Mongerism 16) Lifestyle Sicknessess 17) Environmental Maladjustment 18) Cricketomania 19) Academic syndrome


 


We are all suffering from this condition knowingly or unknowngly.


 


 


Posted in Popular Sociology.

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By Dilip Vishnu Maydeo – March 30, 2009


Sudhagad Trek


Sudhagad Trek


This time I and Sanjay stuck to our guns.We must go to a fort which we have never visited .We voiced our opinion vociferously and turned tables on Raju who was insisting on Rajgad. We convinced Vilas and others since it was an easy trek. There was another surprise waiting for others .I had decided to travel by public transport for a change against private car .So when the date was decided I asked Ravi to call up ST offices at Thane and Mumbai Central to find the timing and departure.


We had planned it on Sunday and Monday so that we don’t have to face crowds at the top and get accommodation easily at the DharmaShala or at the  Temple.I realsied that there was another advantage : I get adequate time  for preparations on Saturday. So on previous Saturday I packed my haversack and was ready to go next morning. I had called my driver so he picked me up and we went to Kurla ST terminus.It was a Sunday and Public Holiday so practically all buses were delayed .We waited at the depot and as I told Chandrakant to fetch me a Navakaal, the bus for Pali entered the depot in a jiffy.I lifted my sack and boarded the bus.The seat was comfortable meant  for journalists as indicated on the window.It was seat no 12 reserved for VIP.I was lucky ,maybe it was because Ravi had booked it for me and he is a smooth talker.


Just then Chandrakant came in and delivered the newspaper.I was reading Nava Kaal after ages.Well it was engrossing  .The bus reached Panvel and made a detour around the huge ST Complex and I saw the Bunglow ‘Shree” which I had visited with Devendra and had enjoyed food with the ‘Mishals’ 30 years back when we had purchased our first home from this  engineer  with MSEB .A simple man who was made to pay the atrocious transfer fees of 20,000 ,30 years back.It was criminal and left bad taste in our mouth.We never returned to that mentally deranged and deprived colony who were oblivious of rules and regulations.The bus got back on the main route and I dozed off,as I had got up in the wee hours and tiptoed to get ready lest my wife and son get up on a Sunday.


I was woken up by my cell ring tone.Raju was on the other side.” Where are you boss?’ he enquired.Well er …. I glanced out and said Karnala .He hungup OK . Then I looked around as the bus sped across on the broadened road.Well this does not look like  Goa Road,I thought hard. I wondered trying to dig into my memory of visuals.Just then the bus entered Khopoli  and turned right and I saw Madhuvan where during my quick trips to Pune we had enjoyed beer with a friend who had turned hostile for he lost patience due to timidity.Damm it this is Khopoli Pali Road .I was happy, I was to travel through a region called Maval .The road was good for a few miles then it became tough.The first town was Parali .It was buzzing with activity.I would click when the bus came to every halt.This Parali is different from Parali Vaijnath .The bus moved on the next was Jambhulpada it too was cute but bursting at seams.Entire populace was on roads on the Sunday.The third was Padeli a similar town .Now I was travelling for nearly 3 hours.At Padeli cute school children got on to the bus.They were travelling to their school in Pali.I guess these towns were self sufficient and the kids happy .


Pali arrived and I got off the Bus .I had steaming hot Misal Pav at the canteen and a paan at the stall and I got talking with the owner.He gave me a commentary on the Fort and the facilities on the sudhagad.Bang opposite was  a huge and steep mountain which was another fort.It was around 2000 feet .The top is only 2-3 acres and nowhere to stay so very few people visit it. I was told.I waited for Sanjay and Anjali to arrive and also for the Bus to Thakarwadi which was delayed.Just then the Bus to Donse arrived and we hopped in. Vilas called up, they were travelling in two cars. “ Come to Donse I told him.Thakar wadi bus is stranded as the driver has not arrived.”  After 30 minutes we got off at Donse. The village was small.We spread our plastic spreadsheet and relaxed till the other party arrived.


There was no signal on the cells and time was running out.We were  now in a fix.Sanjay then declared that if they don’t come in next 10 minutes ,we just start off the trek.Just then two cars arrived.There was a family of Vinay and nandu who arrived on his mobike. But the real sensation was Chad a white  man of 37 who was from Canada.Chad was athletic and wore long hair like the hippies.We got introduced and then hired the services of Santosh from the village who would be our guide to the fort.He insisted that we have tea and keep vehicles at a secure place to which we agreed.So after hot tea and some arguments  we started off with Santosh at the head with his nameless dog and we in toe.At first we walked along a stream then a gradual ascent through the forest. Every one was in high spirits except me as I was apprehensive of the entire   trail. I was walking at the helm to keep pace in case I loose ground over time.Then suddenly the ordeal started.The way was full of boulders and rocks and stones and the ascent moderately steep and  worst part continuous. This seemed a bit odd for on many treks there are natural landings and at times a road downhill for a while.


I was huffing and puffing but somehow managing with others.Gauri was youngest in the group but with all her skinniness  she was doing well for her age .Half an hour and we sat at one clearing having candies and chatting.A few snaps were clicked.Someone commented on my silence. I had no answer for my own tonguetie,perhaps the anger of having lost lot of time at the base.Then as we commenced the ordeal ,I realized that  none of the stone presented a friendly face .All were sharp ,jagged and  queer ,not surely like those of the mountain streams which are smoothed out due to years of travel by villagers and by falling waters sliding on them in monsoon.Now my heel was aching and my breath going at breakneck speed.Raju who was a smoker also did not light up as he was severly dyspneic.


We had started off at 4 pm and now we were here climbing for 3 hours straight and the worst thing happened.We had exhausted all our waterbottles and it was growing dark.I cursed my self for inadequate preps.Yes ,I had forgotten to take my torch or headlight.We how passed tall gates of the fort which were like those of Aurangabad fort but could not click as the light was poor. I Raju and anjali were trailing.I was now nearly crawling due to fatigue ,fear and insufficiency . On seeing my state Sanjay volunteered to take my haversack which I gave him reluctantly.But inspite of becoming light it hardly made a difference. Now it was pitch dark and I was groping for every foot hold and at times  falling  and  picking myself up cutting a sorry figure.Just then vilas arrived with his torch and holding my hand we climbed ahead atlast reaching the top .Everyone was seemingly seated on the landing of the temple.All were very quiet and recovering from the treacherous climb.


I again cursed myself for not carrying a torch.I hauled myself on the temple floor  but was in no state to find more about the temple or paying my respects to the deity .It was a no moon day and the sky was studded with stars. ‘Yes “ I told my slf “This is for what we come here for ,hazarding our limb and life to admire mere beauty of  the world like deprived  thirsty children we try to drink forth from the cup of life” shrikant was in gret mood as he was doing a trek after the failed trek of Pindari in a gusto and really doing well.  “ The star towards our right is the Great Shukra or Saturn” he said admiringly and the constellation is the archer and the deer.i tended to agree but felt that Saturn in never so low on the horizon.  His enthusiasm was brimming and then he called his friend who and expert. “ It is likely to be venus  said the voice on the other side after he got oriented to our positions”  A party had gone ahead into the dark night to fetch water as we had exhausted all  of it. I saluted their courage for it was really risky to get to any water front for presence of wild animals if any.It was now 20 minutes and none had returned.Then Shrikant took a torch and ventured out to find them.These guys are just heroic.I wondered. Then he to vanished into the darkness.  We sat there catching our breath. Sanjay put his  cell on .He is a Marathi music buff and loves to hear bhaav geets at such junctures. Then after 10 minutes I got nervy.Well if they are looking for the right direction back towards us ,we should help them .I held a lighted match to indicate our  location. Just then they arrived out of the bushes.


We all relocated to a Dharmashala or tourist enclave which was roofed and with a elevated and enclosed landing all aroud  open to sky in the centre. This is just cozy I thought as it was warm too.We settled inside naturally.A team got to cooking while we struggled with light and torches.Then out came the rum and the glasses and the cola drinks and the party zoomed off. Cigarettes were lighted and voices raised .The topics flirted from politics to cinema to sports and Raju was at his best.But this time another lady outsmarted him.It was Madhuri who having hard stuff after ages.It was her first trek and she had done very well .She was a diabetic too.


At around 1 am we called it a day and I got into my sleeping bag.But it did little to help me get over the decibles snorted into my ear by Vinay.So I relocated and tried to catch some sleep while her husband snored away to glory,Madhuri was having terrible hallucinations and and Mhatre who was with us for the first time and who was leading all the way during ascent was the good samaritan to help her with water and tablets and verbal assurances and at times taunts as well.He was fully justified being a teetotaller .Insomnia due to all this rukus affected me badly.At 6 am I got up hesitantly .


Tea was being prepared as we lazed off and the the natures call came in very clearly .I got out confidently and went across the old delapidated house which was locked on the right side were the great bushes and I could see the hills and valleys as morning breeze made it an exclusive experience.Then there was a call to go for a swim ,I was thrilled by the idea but the cold discouraged me.Then there was noodles and omlettes  for breakfast.


At around 11 am we packed off and clicked snaps .Chad was a merry man.He was dabbling with katthak a dance form .His hindi was acceptible and so was his ponytail .he surely  was very well dressed for the occasion that is the Trek .We started the climb downwards throught the same array of stones  and rocks and I cursed as every step down twisted my knee and ankle .It was terrible and I just managed not to skid or slip and thud. For 1 hour we climbed down and gradually I trailed as usual till we came to the rockfront and stone carved caricature of a soldier with sword .It was the Diety of Khsetrapal  like that of Vetoba ot Bhairoba also called Veer .We rested for a while beaneath the rock was a water spring which yeilded clear pure sweet  real mineral water.I drank like a fish to tide my body and soul with this nectar of the mountain. A jack fruit tree stood witness as Nandu climbed onto it like an ape and plucked out a raw jackfruit .And  Chad and Shrikant heriocally went up the rockfront  while we clicked.Later I told Raju that this was unusual road and robably some one had changed the direction of the waterfall recently and this had denuded the upper soil bearing rocks and stones and boulders which presented hostile face.


It is here that we digressed onto another beautiful jungle road unwittingly due to misplaced  arrow signs.Actually ot was the road going to Thakarwadi.I declared this to the group when there were arguments .Even then we persisted .Now having gone on the edge of the mountain laterally at one point we realised that we were on  a wrong track especially since two vehicles stood down at Donse and we had to get down at Donse.I Sanjay and anjali were cool as we would get a Bus from Thakarwadi as well.It is here that we were a bit nervous. A group led by vilas went ahead  and after a while we lost contact with them.Tempers flew.We send Nandu to trace them and after sustaining for 20 minutes Nandu came back with Vilas.Sanjay then said that we are going back but Vilas the leader had spotted 2 Adivasi who showed them the way down. Now there was this catch .Just then nandu called up santosh the guide who was actually supposed to come to take us down today.He had ditched us.santosh then gave instruction to get down to a plateau much visible .He was coming there to fetch us.Then we all joined Vilas and lo in 30 minutes sharp we were at the decided place.Santosh then took us down near the river where some people were mining sand from the river bed. On way nandu spotted a moulted snake skin of a cobra.There were small bushes  with leaves that smelled of Ajwain ,but Madhuri said it was Akkal Kadha .I plucked and inhaled the medicinal aroma that pepped me up.


Twenty minutes and we were into the village.Ordering tea at the watering hole ,I Sanjay and Anajli gulped hot tea with biscuits.It was 4 pm and we ran for the bus.I took us to Pali.An old villager requested me to take his ticket as he sat next to me I obliged .We alighted at Pali.Then after an hour got the Bus for Thane.At 10 pm I was travelling in rickshaw heading for home.Very clod breeze did affect me next day.But I was at home for dinner.Next day was business as usual.

Posted in Blogs, Hiking, Trekking, Wild-life.

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By Dilip Vishnu Maydeo – January 25, 2012


Emu Breeding -II


Emu Breeding -2                                                                                                                                               11-1-12


TOI carried a feature on 9 Jan 2012 by KA Shaji on page 13 in Times Nation titled “Birds of Business”. It sensitizes the reader on Emu Breeding and its nuisances .Many enterprises have sprung up in Tamil Nadu. At Peunthurai in Erode district is hub of Emu breeding.28 companies are distributing Emu chicks free of cost plus 100 Rs for feeding them and the feed too. There is insurance cover and a free vets visit too. The company buys back the Emu pair after 2 years .Cost of 2 year old emu is 21,000 which is to be slaughtered for it can yield 50-65 kg of meat at the rate of 450 a kilo.


Asian Emu Farms at Kovaipudur will also construct the shed free of cost .The breeder has to just feed the Emus morning and evening. Coimbatore has also has half a dozen farms .Rearing the birds is easy as they are sturdy and can feed on plants and insects. Ready to serve feed is available too which I was shown at Nagpur by my cousin. At Satyamangalam home place of notorious sandalwood smuggler Veerappan a 100 acre project is coming up to process meat and others parts of Emu for manufacturing oil and bags and medicines  as Emu oil is good for arthritis as claimed due to its contents of oleic  acid.


An emu is a non flight bird of Australian origin and Emu meat is in demand in Australia a sure export market. Emu can run at a speed of 50 km/hr .It has  a life span of  40 years .It grows to a height of 5-6 feet and lays eggs after 18 months. Each bird requires around 6 to 10 liters of water daily.


Although all this sounds hunky dory and alluring to those who want to make a fast buck C.Nalla of Tamil Nadu Farmers Association advises to exercise caution as due to increasing production the cost of meat is coming down .Eggs previously priced at 2200 now fetch 1100 .This is due to arrival of many players companies may close shop any moment and leave you in lurch. K kantha swami agrees that prices have come down but claims that even then it is profitable as it is less labor intensive only one person needed to for around 40 birds. Monthly spend on every bird is only Rs 200 h claims. With power looms business on the ebb due to power failures and lack of proper orders Erode Coimbatore is likely to enter Emu breeding and write another    story of success.

Posted in Business, Education.

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By Dilip Vishnu Maydeo – January 11, 2012


1630 India

1630 India


Two articles appeared on Sunday side by side. One was on History and Historians and other on Archives of British India. First one was by Sanjay Sonavani who has systematically elaborated the abilities and responsibilities of Historians .Dwelling on the issue he argues that history has propensity to get hijacked by politicians and that  facts tend to get distorted if there is a bias in the mind of the Historian towards specific  personalities and cult.


He works out a case in  the Maratha History about the dispute as to  who was Shivajis Guru or tutor?  The plain truth is that he might have had none.For actually Shivaji was a self made man and then there were no schools or colleges at the time although there was Guru Shishya Parampara but due the instability in the life of child Shivaji  any formal education was  impossible and unheard of. Also  Shivaji  indigenously  developed the art and science of Guerilla warfare which was a method adopted by him by default and not with any particular design  or prior policy being innocent about the theory of  a  administered  battle philosophy or war game. It was just similar down to earth confrontation tactic like that adopted by David when his adversary was Goliath and the sling was a perfect weapon.


Interestingly   both these  stories  were in  our school syllabus ;that  of David versus Goliath and the Childhood Training of Shivaji by Dodoji Kondev.Dadoji was  Jagirdar of Deccan under Bijapur Sultans .He was an able general   who probably  trained Shahajis son informally in basic skills as swordmanship and horse riding  due to mere  proximity of the child and  having  necessary resources at his disposal to award him  few lessons .Again, whether Dadoji had any vested interest to potentiate Shivaji would be another area of research like that of Chanakya who trained and tutored Chandragupta against Dhanannand


There is another school of thought which was doing the rounds : that Sant or Swami Ramdas was another Guru of Shivaji.There is no evidence to support this .The swami was a staunch ascetic and nationalist and devotee of Lord Ram .He had composed practical philosophical verse named Dasbodh .This philosophy was coincidently congruent to the movement led by Shivaji against Mughals  and Portuguese. It is easy for armchair historians to connect cultural happenings and backdrop to individual’s achievements and convince readers of great wisdom and knowledge about the era to conclude the much accepted cause affect relationship in a social process or mechanism.


Another misconception is that History has to teach lessons for posterity   as it tends to repeats itself too often. The latter is true but the argument that History must have a lesson although attractive is too naïve. Actually History does not teach, History Indicates and helps the initiated to conclude a hypothesis. An astute historian if fearless and unbiased , argues based on documents and other evidences  with  his specialized  training to decipher  facts and arrive at a most plausible hypothesis which gets accepted by consensus .A professional historian therefore should be flexible and not dogmatic as newer evidences may prop up time to time which may assist him to change or review his theories  forcing him on occasion to  discard an earlier held  premise .A historian is therefore like a clinician who develops a total picture by putting a jigsaw puzzle in place in real life and time.


Is all this important is the key question.Yes  It is, for it is the right of every stable society to know as many facts about its roots and ideologies for academic purposes and for cultural reasons. It adds dimensions to the very fabric of a sect or clan and its stream through passage of time for decisions making for the current generations putting relevant issues in perspective. It is imminently necessary not to lose sight of this perspective so that society stands on robust foundations of  meritocracy and sustenance.


It is said that in year 1630 there was a terrible mother of famines in central India .Entire villages and towns got wiped out and men turned into beast by forced cannibalism and necrophilia.The details of which have been documented by a Dutch  Trader Van Twist .Saint Tukaram another jewel in the crown of  Marathi  soil has written with great compassion about this devastation in his universal verse .Infact  I suspect  that Maharashtra turned into a land  of saints in medieval india due to war and famines.Dadoji was instrumental in rehabilitating people back which were under his survey a state duty which he performed with finesse as it is claimed


It is at this point we shall digress. In the adjacent article on Archives written by Mukund Kule who talks of need and necessity of preserving state documents in form of archives for historians and scholars who are incidentally and tragically few  .Kule again refers to the year 1630 the earliest document available in the Archives  .It is in this year that East India company started its operation in Surat by building a huge Fort and Garrison and ware house .The same Surat which was Venice of East where all wealth seemed to get concentrated and which Shivaji  plundered  on two occasions to fund his military campaigns.


The question now to an ordinary reader of history is: How remotely or closely are these two aspects connected? The great Famine with Setting up shop by the British at Surat in west when they were established in Calcutta.


History tends to dwell on personalities which sways emotions and  tends to aggrandize  persona .True history is history of setbacks and failures, it  is history  of destruction and devastation and disasters and famines .It is history of  compulsions and deceit, it is a record of  alienation and victimization. With the ongoing suicides on epidemic scales in Maharashtra, it is time that we tell our people about this great famine of 1630 and its larger effects on trade and governance and eventual British Supremacy in India .Famines are considered inevitable due to draughts and bad economic policies. Was The famine of 1630 a combination effects of the farmers being taxed by the Marathas, Portuguese,The Adil Shah of Bijapur and the British and of course the extortion by local money lenders. Was Daodoji Kondev equally to be blamed for this turmoil? More and more students of commerce and science and arts ought to join stream of history and decode unanswered questions or else swarms of westerners will descend on the archives which are to be relocated to affluent  Bandra Kurla Complex with multinationals  and purchased off by rich and powerful to distort history and  bend it to suit them  including patent law . The University of Mumbai  at Kalina Campus would be the right place for the archives to be available for reference work.


 


 

Posted in Community Concerns, Culture, Journalism, Politics.

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By Dilip Vishnu Maydeo – January 7, 2012


Vitthal Umap


Vitthal Umap


Music has no class, caste or creed. It is universal and secular just like mathematics, science and sport. It does not even have a language, but since its vocal aspect is embossed in some dialect it assumes a communicative dimension .From young days we were taught to appreciate music in form of classical vocal ,classical instrumental or light classical : songs rendered on  the stage in form of ‘Natyasangeet ‘or Hindi and Marathi Movie numbers .I was enjoying the Beatles and Cliff Richards too. And then there were African Zulu songs which were taught to us during scouting in school.


One form of music was close to my heart, the Folk music be it in any language. Folk has its origin in tribal arts and culture and the instruments and rhythms are basic, endearing and elevating. Folk has therapeutic effects on Depression where sometimes drug therapy can be disastrous.


In Maharashtra the traditions of folk Music are old and ingrained in its culture in forms like Bharud,Lavani,Tamasha or Povadas and Bhajans  the latter being  renditions in Bhakti Sangeet.Last year we lost a very protean exponent of Marathi Folk Theatre Art and Music .His forte was the  robust or Rangada Povada .Povadas are a sort  of Samar Geets or War Songs which became a medium of motivations from Maratha Period and  during Samyukta Maharashtra  movement and as late  during recent conflicts between the Chinese and Pakis.This great exponent was Shahir vitthal Umap.A backward man from Vidharbha who got trained by his father and who used to sing ‘Bhedic” a very  passionate song sung in heavy baritone  loud volume so as to rise to the heavens asking almighty to decipher the philosophy of Man-Woman,Earth Heaven and Life and Death ,this style required very high intensity of training and perseverance .Umap made  waves during  the freedom struggle as well as leftist movements under comrde Dange and lately the Dalit movement.Shahir Umap had the ability to sing  folk songs to the tune of Dholaks and Cymbals and such was the magnificent effect  of his  Buland Voice that would challenge the almighty in the sky (Bhedic as specified above).Such was the power in the voices of the shahirs    attained by constant exercise and study of folk music and its applications like that of the wrestlers.


Living in Parel and BDD Chawls at Naigon  near Trikoni Maidan I was witness to lots of sociopolitical activities in those days when I would attend meetings at Kamgar maidan or Nare Park where Communists leaders or Trade union leaders would address the working classes. As a preamble  Shahairs used to sing povadas of Marathas or Shivaji and their just rule. They would charge the audiences with ambitions and pride to be the masters of their destiny .Umap stayed in one of those BDD chawls.Even Dada Kondke the great entertainer and Shahir Sable stayed nearby. His first public appearance was possible because of one Kamble Master= Teacher who I suppose was our Marathi Sir in school .He was also the head of Scouting in our school.A very humble but honest man  Sir Kamble  even stood for an MLA election and won.Umap had a very insecure life due to his father being an avid  alcoholic so Umap was averse to it and became a teetotaler. He was a Dalit with immense talent and the elite did not recognize his form of music which was played only in small ghettos of lowly workers and  it found stage  at some gatherings of working classes at Damodar Hall at Parel.It never did find a place at Shivaji Mandeer where only Classical Music or Semi classical musicals of the middle class found a forum.


Umap was dark with a heavy rural accent when he spoke Marathi and that made him look uncivilized to the Saraswats and Chitpawans who ruled the roost in Culture and Theatre.It is claimed by Shri Salve that the elite class did not give him a break at HMV to cut a disc for 6 years than a Marathi   Christian gave him a break and his songs were cut into records to be played on loudspeakers. Although from Vidharbha  he stayed at Naigaum and in Shetye Market there were Fisher Folk of Maharashtra selling their merchandise I have experienced the sights and sounds of a fish market in those days  with the women wearing see through kashta ,a short saree and their buttocks  moving rhythmically as they walked.Umap visited these sites and quickly picked up the ethos . He then composed the great kokani song “Ye dada Avar  ye”  a mesmerizing tune played during poojas by workers staying at Gondhali Wadi or Mahadevachi Wadi. I was enthralled by this song and wondered who this artist is and why it was being played in humble gatherings and not at our Ganapati festivities.


Umap was a  follower of shahir Amar Shaikh and Annabhau sathe in his  philosophy and when Communists  split into two ,Umap joined Sathes group but his involvement was peripheral. The other group was that of Amar Shaikh but both these stalwarts   were extremely respectful to  Comrade Dange.Umap  had to  appear for  an examination to be selected as a radio singer and did many programs  all over Maharashtra  later he even did programmes abroad when invited  in Folk Music  expositions. He appeared as an expert in the popular music reality show ‘Sa re ga ma pa” and sang his greatrest number Maharashtra cha powada  a  number that catches imagination of every proud Maharashtrian. Umap never joined the communist Movement although he  sympathesised  with downtrodden and marginalized .He remained a sacrosanct balladeer  entertaining the working classes making their life  easier and lighter assisting them to escape from their toils and tribulations  and  here he  was  very  similar to the great poet Narayan  Surve although Surve was never a Dalit .


I was very lucky to witness his Musical Dance Drama ‘Jambhul Akhyan” a vibrant folk art  composition where entire repertoire of Umap and his troupe  unfolded  as  the audiences  exquisitely   experienced  Marathi culture and its versatility .Umap and the great Shahirs Like Honaji Bala,Patthe Bapurao, Amar sheikh,Pundalik Farande , ,Dada kondke ,Shahir Sable and many more stood tall in their art and who consistently served the music and people  causing convergence  .This is the rich heritage which reflects a solid aspect of Marathi Bana  or Arrowhead and not some shallow commercial  cheap entertainment by  very mediocre imposters where  quantity tries to masquerade as quality. For Maratha History is not replete with instances of mockery but episodes of valor and up righteousness  like that of Tanaji,Chimaji  and Baji and Prataprao Gujar and Tatya Tope recently like those of Babu Genu or Lokmanya Tilak. And the names can be unending .Umap classically stood for this Maratha Bana or Arrow Head as his voice reverberated through the masses and challenged the classes  piercing  through the skies like that of Conch and Ranbheri   played before warriors go to battlefield .Umap  will remain an icon  of Folk Music of Maharashtra and its eternal struggle.

Posted in Culture, Music, Theatre.

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By Dilip Vishnu Maydeo – December 17, 2011


Dev Anand


Dev Anand –Looks, Lyrics and Love


He was said to resemble Gregory Peck which I never agreed because Peck was robust and handsome whereas Dev was dainty and handsome. You never ever saw him bare chested and he always wore full sleeves. But he was a darling with a grand fan following due to his lovable mannerisms and dialogue delivery.Dev Saab is no more at grand young age of 88 for he was the icon of youth and working horsepower. He just never gave up till time stood still on him. That day we were in Dapoli driving towards Karde beach when all FM stations were talking about him. A certain fear gripped me but I did not spell it out for being disrespectful .Then on one of the channels the RJ announced it and the world seemed to come to a standstill.


For an entire generations nurtured on media and movies when money was sparse and imaginations rich he stood as a beacon of good times and lightheartedness. He made our lives feather weight when we were weighed down by burden of uncertainties, mysteries and apprehensions. He exuded optimism with grace and verve.Dev was a full blooded yet gentle and he signaled immense righteousness out of mundane evil of everyday life.


I had seen his posters and still photographs in our studio  Pamart engaged in  publicity for his movies like Kaala Pani and Guide and his clean shaven face was a treat to watch. I was introduced to this word Guide for the first time and wondered it meant. But my sister and her friend Vijaya had been to this movie .When they were discussing finer aspects, I asked them was there as combat in the movie? Not at all came the reply and I systematically relegated this movie into a corner of my mind labeling it as unseeable.When the Dateys took us to Pune in their Ambassador, their two children were singing a duet form Guide and I felt out of place and scornful  ”Aaj fir jeene ki tammana hai,Aaj fir marne ka irada hai” .But I was immature and foolish for later when I saw the movie I cried like a woman. It had all the elements of an epic movie .An epic movie is one which exhibits as many human values and follies possible with frames as well as story gliding from  unimaginable  to  very possible. Guide was a magnum opus and it set a standard for other producers and directors. It in fact, defined Bollywood as an Industry with serious social and financial objectives.


I remember to also have seen another one where he was cast opposite a new comer Zahira .And his number “Phoolo ke rang se, dil ki kalam se “ was a perfect depictment of a romantically inclined innate poetry set to  mind boggling  tune and  rhythm creating  tidal waves on human mind scape.


Then I remember a small booklet of songs and lyrics lying on our Godrej Almirah(Mirrored Steel Cupboard) which I would approach climbing up an adjacent window and read and try to sing songs of ‘Sharaabi”   “ Kabhi na Kabhi ,koi na koi kahi na kahi se Ayega”  and other awesome passionate songs that took me to a higher world of imagination and dreams without  spirits.


Hare Rama Hare Krishna was as crazy as Woodstock  and our own college days. I had worn a saffron khadi guru shirt as if it was a undeclared dress code for the audience. The sheer madness of the tunes was thrilling and inspiring .it was a cult movie making every young boy feel as free as a hippie on Goan Beach with drugs and carefree girls making strong statements of   liberty and equality .Here it meant freedom from autocracy of parents and their miserly manners. Little did we know that the movie robbed us of time and some dough? But who cares at that age. The entire groups of junkies were smoking like chimneys burning holes in pockets and probably lungs too. It was mind over matter experience and Zeenat caught imagination of every young macho compulsory single male.


But larger than life song was from Hum Dono  “ Mai jindagi ka saath…….”  . It was sheer spelling out of a great philosophy of survival for the young to be Bindaas  and tension free taking every adversity in stride and surging ahead without vengeance or guilt.Dev Saab looks like an ultimate soldier, officer and gentleman lover all rolled into one. Seeing this one I decided that I will join the army and freak out of city life full of treachery and harassed competition. I used to wear a Khaki shirt with shoulder stripes and jeans and walk the walk of Dev Saab. Alas that was not to be…


And it is at this time I miss my father a lot for if he was alive he would have shared stories of Devsaab and his romances and dedication..Farewell  friend for I met you on the  screen and admired your ways and principles  and I concur with millions …..There can only be One Dev Saab !!


( This is a spontaneous obit written in response to Dev Saabs  demise .But he deserves a longer one after recapitulating  other reminiscences)

Posted in Arts, Movies, Music, Poetry, Work, Writing.

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By Dilip Vishnu Maydeo – December 7, 2011


Fire in The Blood


Fire in the Blood


As the HIV epidemic in the early eighties spread across the world the fears of AIDS and death gripped the entire literate populace .This fear was terrible for there was no cure for this ghastly venereal scourge. It was like plague since it was expected to wipe out populations especially the promiscuous and the drug users.


The first victim is debatable and some think that it was basically a simian virus that mutated as we eventually discovered that it was a virion that infects the index case. The sex workers formed a pool of contagion and due to rapid centralization of populations into cities by migration the disease became a pandemic. The African continent was worst affected due to poverty illiteracy and alienation from developed and developing worlds.


It is at this time Antiretroviral drugs were rapidly discovered one after another due to some  elite companies already dealing with viral diseases, Amantadine being a prototype. As the molecular structure of the virus infecting the lymphocytes was deciphered different groups of antiviral were synthesized and ART became available between 1990 to 2000 even in developing nations, as patent laws were not applicable in these countries especially India.


India has been a hub of Chemical industry with Bengal a forerunner .Chemistry was a very popular subject amongst the Bhadralok  and there were many stalwarts who were synthesizing fine chemicals like Bengal Chemicals and East India Pharmaceutical as Tropical School Of Hygiene had a great tradition of drug innovations. Subsequent establishments like the UDCT, IITs CSIR, NCL churned  high quality professionals but during preindependance days it was a Bombay based company called Chemical,Industrial and Pharmaceutical Laboratories set up by Dr K.Hamied which was a leader in Mumbai which manufactured drugs for the British Army for supply in Second World war. Another was GIPLA but CIPLA became a champion for drug manufacture and naturally Bombay became capital for pharmaceuticals, Baroda coming next.


Having done some stint at this company, I was aware of its great heritage with Mahatma Gandhi visiting this facility and appreciating it. The company had cutting edge drug development history and knowhow, and Dr Yusuf a qualified and trained Pharmaceutical chemist heading this organization proved to be a great boon. But marketing was weak .In 1980s this department was strengthened and then there was no looking back. With new technology coming in quickly and money pouring in due to their  strength in Respiratory drug segment ,the company started daring into new ventures. A respiratory clinical research centre and its foray into agriculture with Dr Bammi to develop plant based products with facilities for drug research in Bangalore was feather in cap. Ciplas basket was one of the widest and with help of M.K.Hamied and deceased Shri Amar Lulla a finance wizard CIPLA became a household name with their stocks touching all time high in pharma industry. Modern management putting systems and controls in place was done with pioneering effort of Dr Punshi.Cipla then forayed into foreign markets bringing much needed foreign exchange. They became strong exporters to almost 200 countries of the world.


With all this, one strength was almost an essence of the company: social cause and responsibility.Cipla discovered this long before the word Corporate Social Responsibility came into existence. They had started a hospice for the terminal sick at Pune and donated freely for any social cause without reservations and many took advantage of this magnanimity. With a solid presence in various segments Cipla  then entered the generic market to satisfy a need of bringing in drugs cheaply to the lower segments and economically weak. They were now competing with locals and multinationals and soon Cipla became an International company and a household name in every nook and corner of the world.


With this image and love and respect gained from doctors and consumers alike, CIPLA went into antiretrovirals sensing the need and appreciating their own abilities. Meanwhile a sinister picture was emerging on the HIV and AIDS front in Africa whereas the drug costs were coming down in India they refused to come down in US and Africa .This had two reasons one was Indian governmental policy with patent laws and second was capitalization of health care industry by US governments and WTO .Millions of dollars were being pumped into US government to fund elections and to keep economic hegemony ongoing. This strongly prevented entry of cheaper drugs into Africa and European drug cartels prevented any technology transfer for drug manufacture into Africa.


At this time a South African white Judge who was a victim to HIV, a Journalist who was dying due to non availability of drugs, a Clinician dealing with HIV disease and AIDS and an AIDS drug activist who refused to take drugs even though he was likely to succumb to AIDS till affordable drugs were available to the poorest emerged as a strong alliance to lead  social movements in major cities of Africa protesting against Multinationals and Governments to  embargo drugs entering Africa leading to painful death to millions. Doctors beyond Frontiers were their ally too and so was Dr Yusuf Hamied chairman of CIPLA . For Dr Hamied knew one thing, that to remain in drug industry one has to innovate and innovation need not be only scientific, it can be socioeconomic too.


Dr Hamied was approached by concerned people who had patronage from Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela and Ex President Clinton .Dr Hamied studied the case and offered monthly drug for Dollar 300 a month against  1500 to 200 a month. He approached the European Union who disregarded this idea but the players were firm and finally after battling the embargo for 4 years the US senate gave its go ahead loosening their policy and giving its green signal for import of technology for African governments to manufacture AIDS drugs saving thousands of life and stopping cascading forward transmissions.


Fire in Blood is a 2 hour Documentary film by Brian Dylan made by inputs from Ex Pfizer and other Pharma honchos. It pictures the profiles of victim and their lifestyles due to the ravages of the disease not only in Africa but India too. The film is a tribute to Dr Y.K.Hamied who deserves the highest honors in Medicine and Health not because of drug discovery but because of Social Innovation for it is his exemplary decisions which will be realized as a greatest step to bring the Pandemic of HIV AIDS in control across boundaries of nations and their political limitations. It is this humanitarian cause which made the world sit-up and take notice of egalitarian initiative adopted by CiPLA ad Dr Hamied rather than working into a very clichéd concept of Social Responsibility through current fabricated entities termed as NGOs


 

Posted in Community Concerns, Medicines, Politics, health.

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By Dilip Vishnu Maydeo – December 6, 2011


Emu Breeding


Emu Breeding


Three years back I was in Nagpur for some work ,I don’t recollect but I was staying with my cousin who is an Oil Technologist and a trader in Rice Bran Oil since last 15 years .And slowly and steadily the business has caught up as people have recognized this oil as an excellent PUFA medium for cooking. I is rich in thiamine too plus certain other anti-oxidants. I was supposed to go and see another new enterprise of Emu breeding of another maternal cousin but for some reason it was thwarted.


Today I could complete this commitment made 3 years back and I am wise man.Satish was at my Executive Inn hotel yesterday .Vilas who was on the way to Pench Tiger reserve to assist Prachi in collecting Tiger Poo for genetic studies in Project Tiger asked a pointed question .Emu farming has been a failure and those who undertook this business are about to sue those who sold the Emus and the Government?


“ You are right it is true that certain farmers in Nasik,Pune and Gujarat were duped by a certain person who promised Rs 3000 per Emu Egg “ “ Now they filed the project based on this level of profitability and met with dead end as they could not service the loans based on the speculative figures”


When asked about the excess of suicides in Vidharba he retorted that illiterate farmers are using traditional methods, taking loans for agricultural purpose from money lenders and using it for festivals or marrying of their daughters which is bad investment leading to financial catastrophy.Backwardness ,illiteracy and misplaced social concepts are adding fuel to fire as they stand swindled by local Politicians and Goons and Traders .It is total failure of the government who has done nothing to uplift the semi tribal and farm workers.


What about NREGA ? Its on paper. There is very little actual work being done. This is a business of signature and distribution of money for election. They get a fraction of it a major part being pocketed by Babus and their agents and as a result they go and work on farms which gives them 125 rupees a day. Much above Montek Singhs figure of Rs 35.But he may be right as there are vast numbers inaccessible people impossible to be enrolled far from   any form of development to come under the ambit of UID code number statistics.


“well we go tomorrow to see my farm, Good night”


Satish a commerce graduate worked with Videocon for some time. Being a shy person he did not do well as a sales person. He then went into insurance selling but lacked the aggressiveness and was looking for a business to earn respect and sustainability. For two generations none of his ancestors ever had done any farming. But taking a cue from my niece he   purchased around 8 acres of agricultural land around 30 kms from Nagpur in the village of Mangli on Umred road.”Well, you are not a farmer then how come you could do it? By law one has to be a farmer.”   “Ha! He scorned off! Those draconian rules are for creating nuisance  for celebrities and big tycoons, not for a ordinary citizen like me , I am farming since 2003 and don’t have to prove it .Damn it I am toiling and producing wealth and no one can stop me. It is asking a live person to get a certificate to the effect that he is not dead, a common practice in Banks”! The Law is an Ass on the Whole” We were chatting while on way to Umred farm.


At Champa we turned left .He showed me Quarrying on hills.30 units are busy 24 hours crushing stones for infrastructure in and around Nagpur a locally available raw material source bringing down construction cost a benefit doubtfully   passed to the consumer. He told me of a river water resort closeby at the confluence of 5 tributaries of Vainganga River. Gosekhurd is also nearby.Yes I have been reading about it.What is that? It’s a river water project. The dam is being constructed since  last 25 years .It was to be build for  around 50 crores but now the cost stands at about 1500 crores due to added costs of relocation of affected and their rehabilitation.Satish was an local mobile  encyclopedia. We came across Champa  forest office and two natural lakes .The roads were very good due to Pradhaan Mantri Sadak Yojana  . I was surprised , that government was interested in roads rather than education and social upliftment.What is the use when oil prices are hitting 70 rupees a liter, I thought ,who has money to buy vehicles and also run it in villages. Actually it is to bring goods into every small village and make every one into consumer than a citizen with a decent life!  It is a reward for local contractors and their Hench men to boast of the roads during election days.


With roads getting progressively smaller we came on to the lowest denomination a dirt tract with weeds and grasses. We parked the Maruti and walked for 1o minutes arriving at the farm. I took pictures He showed off his crop  of  Chana termed Harbara (Harabhara) and tur dal trees with the legume pods I plucked a few dark ones. They taste great even if raw. I told him that I have eaten it when a child during a farm visits. He showed me at rice planted and come to harvesting phase an aroma emanated from It. ^ gunnies of Chana, 2 gunnies of Tur ,3 gunnies of Rice  would be the yield. No artificial manure. Organic manure from around 50 goats and Emu droppings and Cow dung from 2 oxen that were off to grazing. Then I came to the Emu enclosure. He has eighteen pairs cordoned off into fenced dual enclosures with metal wire. They chuckled and came after us ad pecked our fingers when we inserted thru the mesh .It surely hurt by the margins as the force was strong but no injury.emu are tall birds originally from Australia but they are highly adaptable .They come in pairs by natural selection and loyal to each others. The male takes part in hatching for 45 days during which it consumes very less and utilizes its fats stores. The eggs are large and around 10 inches by 7 inches purple in colour and becomes pale if calcium is deficient.


Emu meat is considered red meat and very sparsely available as minimal Emus are slaughtered for food as enough business is generated by breeding and selling pairs.Satish showed me the pellets that are fed to the Emus which comes as a readymade product. Each emu eats food worth Rs 10 everyday. The life span is around 15 years and they seldom fall sick and die unlike the goats. Then he showed me the well around 10 feet diameter  with the pump. We struck water at 30 feet at a site suggested by Geological department who come with a water divining electrical equipment which shows deflection at the point with two superficial probe sensors held apart. Then he showed be the Ambadi plant with red flowers the petals of which are used for herbal tea making and the seeds to make powder like Besan ,The leaves can be eaten as leafy vegetables.


Emu  is  currently in the breeding stage and major business comes from selling them to hatcheries located in Andhra Nagpur area where they are put in incubators and then bred and sold in pairs.Satish bought them in 2006 primarily as a complimentary business but now with expertise it has become his core cash crop activity .We were now walking towards the farm house which was a brick wall house with tiled roof divided into two enclosures one as a mini store room and other as a residential quarter of a caretaker farmer who spends whole day and then returns at night to Nagpur.He showed me solar lamps ,there were 5 eggs kept in a bucket which he delicately wrapped in specially designed containers to carry back home. Outside stood a  mohwa  Tree and nearby Goat Farm with around 40 females and 3 males and 6 lambs. I was delighted and happy for them for the goats are suckled entirely by the lambs and no milk is consumed by the breeders. However mortality is high. They eat off the pale white Mhowa flowers which fall off in the morning. Two dogs lazed nearby but there was no bark or pampering they were farm dogs and supposed to do their job silently guarding the fields and livestock through the night.


Time was running out as I had to take a flight back to Mumbai so we wound up the educative tour with a cup of ginger tea and a Korean clove flavored cigarette. It was a farmer’s way of fellowship as I had ruled out lunch.Then in full speed he dropped me to the airport making my day. A ton of Thanks Satish and your lovely farm and immense knowledge which you can never get on TV full of soap and crap.True Value addition of ground realities and son of soil info.

Posted in Business, Community Concerns, Education, Politics, Travel, Work.

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By Dilip Vishnu Maydeo – November 22, 2011


Irani Restaurants


Irani Restaurants


They happen to be there today as well but much subdued and low key as compared to those heydays when they formed a distinct places of refreshments .Entire Bombay was studded with these golden sites and sounds of speakeasies called the Irani Restaurants and indeed they were the cultural  landmarks  of cosmopolitan Mumbai.


Irani restaurant were a phenomena like the Udipis . And they had their style statement of their own. Located predominantly on corners of buildings on main roads or even on smaller streets they had those peculiar teak chairs with rounded bottom resters with black polish and I have never seen any broken ever even when they used to be manhandled. The Marble tables were round and thick mounted on Victorian base made of teakwood and black polish. Another feature was the counters one for the owner and cashiers who was the unmistakable fair stout robust irani seated with a hunch and who would watch the entire place with his Hawkeye precision discerning every abnormality of material and service. He roared like lion and newer cowed by mavalis or goondas coming inside as there was no taboo to caste and creed sometimes displayed clearly by a signboard.


They sold Bharat Blades and Boric Powder .They sold Cavenders and Passing Show and Charminar and Peela hatthi.They sold Polson Maska in small rolls or Polson coffee and kolynos toothpaste.They sold Cadbury Drinking chocolate and Ovaltine sometimes as a beverage.They sold  Brasso  and Cheery Blossom shoe polish and Wimco matches.They sold Brylcream and Loma and Forhans.All kept in glass showcases around the Counter.There were tall cupboards with glass which kept Buns and  loaves of bread and others which had Cakes and Pastries for sale.


Iranis used to be frequented by boys and men but hardly ladies.Standard orders were Tea which was ‘Paani cum” a concept started by them where tea was made from milk rather than boiling water.Then there was Bun Maska and Omlette or Kheema which was their speciality.Some sold hot Puddings and pattices which were non veg and Kharis or toasts.Those on townside had Biryani and Payas and other exotic dishes including Dhanshaks.Business was mainly from vending tea and coffee which was filter and later instant where the cashier would add a small tinge to the stuff.Huge portraits of king of Iran and Queen of Iran decorated the walls of these hotels.They were the places from where you could make aphone call at a cost as there were very few public call booths and mobile phones were impossibles.A peep inside the restaurants kitchen was as smoothening .The waiters were peculiar people from Muslim community who would get free breakfast or periodic dose of hot tea and Kheema at lunch time with fresh bread .Smoking was allowed infact many smoked as they sipped tea and chatted in loud voices,although occupying the tables for more time was discouraged unless you ordered for another tea .There were sighboards telling not to sit without work and not to comb hair infront of the mirror hung above washbasins.


My earliest experience was one opposite Sena Bhavan at Shivaji Park.I forget the name but the memories are engraved on my mind. This one sold excellent Patties and Patti Smaosas  and Cakes. The Patti Samosas were small oil laden with masala and ingredients blended perfectly to be eaten with sauce or Tomato ketchup. When I  went to my  father’s Studio Pamart accompanying him or otherwise , I was usually  treated to these delicacies as tea was a taboo for kids. Also later on return from swimming sessions during holidays at MGMO swim pool I would relish double omelets especially when the appetite was insatiable or there was some extra cash around. It was a great feeling to walk up this place during vacations and enjoy Sosyo  at this place or at one situated on Caddell road or on the circle where there was the Building Udayam.Coco  Cola had a different taste which was inimitable at the time before Thums a up or Coke.Infact Coke was the short of Cocoa Cola  and later it became a brand just like Charms which was short for Char Minar a cigarette with strong flavor which was my father’s brand .He was an artist and artists were supposed to have minor vices to bring out their creative energies. Years later this place opposite sena bhavan was sold off and now a restaurant Chandragupt runs here instead of the much missed Irani joint.


Another remarkable one was at Parel TT .This was too was an  unforgettable place because of its specialty Pudding and Cakes which were served in a Glass bowl as assortments and you were supposed to be pick only the ones which tempted you k.My father took us to Firdausi on special occasions and he used to foot the bill when everyone was done . Just outside Firdausi was a small library of Comic books and this was our recluse during vacations as we devoured one after other on binge reading .When we stood out side at the Library rich flavours emanating from the bakery at Firdausi would greet us.During Christmas time this was a treat by itself.We would then wonder when we would grow up become employed so that we would have them all at one go due to our affordability. Firdausi beckoned us during college days when we were broke and I would walk with Shekhar around parel TT with few coins in our pocket we would purchase Chana or peanuts eyeing the temptation called Firdausi. But alas the time never came as our likes and desires migrated to other realms like beer and I remember during my college days occasionally I would hop into Firdausi to down one or two beers which was either LP or the staple golden eagle.Firdausi is now extinct and its place has been taken by a wretched department stores . Firdausi thus saw the evolution of my childhood into Collegean and then into a salaried young man treating his friends but the place itself evolved changing the merchandise .Another delicacy  at Firdausi was Falooda with rose milk and sabja  .This dammed thing was always costlier at Firdausi but then we enjoyed this at roadside joint on corner of Sheyte market at Naigaum  sold as doodh cold drink and in summer it was a nectar of life supplying volume and antioxidants and proteins.


Mashaallah was situated next to a post office in Naigaum next to police quarters where Bapat satyed a colleague at college. This was a joint where we chilled out during high school days. It was may be a chiliya place.But this was special as we had here a Juke box where we played Rajesh Khanna songs .It was actually a gramophone box where choice of the song was buttoned in after a fall of a coin in a slot and we could see the  Lac record being lifted and played .It was ultimate ecstasy to hear this sipping tea and occasional having double omlette which was a common highlight of my bachelor days during Diwali Vacations  .I remember telling one of my rich neighbors to gift me a  Irani restaurant like Mashaallah so that I would sit at the counter gathering money and enjoying the ambience of the rendezvous with rich flavors and music .A crazy dream !


Modern Times was next to Hindmata Talkies. It still exists at a vantage spot. We collegians would meet at this place boisterously cracking jokes and making plans to see matinee shows or talking of courtships with fervor. There was one on opposite road too where I remember to hear a bollywood song on it Juke Box one in which Asha Parekh sang it on the large screen with her sinuous body movements  “parde Mein Rehene Do”  an enchanting and insinuating number which caught fancy of youth.


Lucky Restaurant was bang opposite Chitra cinema .It was a place where we would have tea and Britannia or Parle biscuits on our evening or late evening strolls  outside boys hostel.This place has been converted to Lucky furniture shop


One next to Aurora theatre was coolest spot especially when we had cold drinks during intervals of Western Action movies or movies of Dean Martin. Another one was at Dadar TT where Milan Shop stood for years .It was a large restaurant catering to officers and Parsi gentry from Colony .We would settle for Soda plus Lemon of dukes which was a fizzy drink of repute as refreshing as ever.Sarvi was in Byculla where we enjoyed Paya soup exactly as prescribed by Asif my friend .One opposite VJTI was a craze too spending fun time with friends after strolling at Love Gardens would give us a high which was unsurpassed delight of youthful days. Occasionally we relished Joy Ice-cream with Vanila flavor which was irreplaceable taste and feel on tongue. But the ultimate place was one next to MGMO swim pool besides the sea shore with open air and cool sea breeze and meeting here after stroll on the sands was something worth cherishing all our lives. Some iranis at town side were places like they showed in Hollywood movies with Glass top tables and a menu which suited our pockets during Christmas and New year times when we would try to go to jam Sessions at Colaba a dream world like Saturday night fever .the instances when we went were when we went to British Council Library or Asiatic library.


Those were the days of dreams and romance of the Iranis added  to our fantasies .Due to their décor and western culture they endeared us to make our youth colourfull and rich. This is a tribute to those Irani restaurants which added spice and hope and tang to otherwise insecure life of distant days!!


 

Posted in City Of Mumbai, Culture, Music, Writing.

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By Dilip Vishnu Maydeo – November 6, 2011


Tantra IV


Tantra  IV


Etymology is a science of origin of words .This science may be modern as one tends to derive the origin from phonetics or other means .But words themselves are ancient and so is Tantra.Thantra is the natural logic of concepts and effects as well.Tantra is basically Technology and all Tantrics are technologists


What is their specialty .It is the discovery of science itself in its most primordial form. It is the technology of the Sky Stars and the Planets and their effects on the earth and its resident’s .It is the Technology of Winds and Rains and Storms and Hurricanes. It is the Technology of Seas, waves waterbodies.It is the Technology of Monsoons and Rains and water flow in rivers.


It is the Technology of Mountains and Valleys and Ravines and Earthquakes. It is the Technology of Forests and Animals and Plants and Fishes and birds.


Tantra is a Technology of the Flute and Strings. It is the Technology of Pottery and Fire and Hunting and Cooking. It is Technology of the Bow and Arrows, Spears and Axe. It is the Technology of Leather and Wood and Wax and Fats. It is the Technology of Caves and Darkness and Habitats. It is the Technology of Rising and setting Sun and rising and Setting Moon. It is the Technology of Fruits and Grain and Meat and Herbs. It is Technology of Fear and Fright. Flight or Fight. It is about the migration of Birds and breeding. It is about Fishing and Canoeing. It is about Running and Balancing. It is about Eating and Digesting and urinating and Defeceating.It is about Sex and Intercourse. It is about Child bearing and Birth. It is about Sleeping and Drinking and Dreaming .It is about Breathing and yawning and sneezing and coughing. It is about Running and jumping and swimming. It is about combat and killing .It is about tree climbing and mountaineering  and rowing. It is about cattle breeding and alcohol making .it is about Agriculture and Artisans. It is about Talking and Commanding. It is about Crying and laughing.


Tantra is the Technology of feeding and motherhood. It is about parenting and language and singing and painting. It is about flexibility and coordination. It is about strength, flexibility, position and posture. It is about Soil and watering. It is about salt making and storing. It is about seducing and kissing .it is about manure and fertilization. It is about aphrodisiacs and purgatives. It is about catharsis and kilns. It is about implements and weapons. It is about energies, spirits and occult. It is about Yoga and Pranayam.It is about horse riding and the constellations. It is about animals and their behavior. It about fire and flintstones, It is about minerals and gems. It is about gold, copper and Iron. It is about archery and pole vaulting. It is about brewing and honey. It is about rivers and streams and snakes and serpents. It is about slaughter and blood about bones and intestines. It is about dexterity and swordsmanship. It is about love, hate, anger, valour,faith and acctualisation.It is about lust and self control  .It is about health and sickness.It is about growth and ageing . It is about living and dying


Technology existed since brain existed. It has been there before its formal discovery as a subject.Tantra comes naturally to animals and humans alike in their process to live and breed. It is based on logic and convenience. It is based on economy and observation. It is rationalization of resources and the art of studying all that is in nature and vicinity of humans and animals alike.


Technology is the act of a crow to put pebbles inside a narrow utensil to let the water level rise till its beak it is about carnivores ingesting herbs when they are sick. It is about the sudden turn of the deer when the predator is pursuing it as a food. It is about the Tiger putting marks on trees to demarcate its territory. It is about the kite gliding and the rattle snake making noise. It is about honey bees making hives and birds weaving nests. It is about camouflage and cow judging speed of a vehicle to just avoiding by moving to the correct side.


Tantra is the very essence of innovation to change as per the day and night, as per season and year. It is to change during phases of life from childhood to youth and old age. It is to change as per the relationship and situation. It is to adjust to the phases of the moon and the motion of sun .it is about responding to light and darkness. It is about responding to hunger and desire. It is about stamina and endurance and coping. It is about harmony and synchrony. It is about realization and introspection. It is about knowledge and application. It is about experience and understanding. It is about ecology and intelligence .It is about grief and happiness. It is about sustenance and subsistence.Tantra is ultimate that decides the result good or bad. Right or wrong. Positive or negative without remorse. It is the science it its natural form and freedom. It is the sublime nectar of the mightiest god ‘Shiva’

Posted in Culture, Indology, Writing.

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By Dilip Vishnu Maydeo – October 21, 2011


Dhanraj Vanjari


Dhanraj Vanjari –The Policeman & Poet


A few years back I was called for the release of a collection of poems by Dhanraj Vanjari .It was titled Kalasya Karanam. I made it a point to attend this ceremony for the releaser was the unmistakable poet Narayan Surve.I had tremendous respect for this stalwart poet who had set a benchmark in Poetry of Working Class and who was a vidrohi poet more than a conventional poet.I loved the speech made by Dhanraj and Surveji.I acquired the collection and congratulated Dhanraj personally before leaving.


Later I did read a few poems and liked some for the concepts and meter. But I did not understand the technical aspect of the poetry and could not offer a detailed critique. I remember that it had a tinge of counter establishment hue and I admired this very shade of his poetry.


As I sat in the department teaching my students from practical cases, KCM walked in and sat in front of me.He apprised me of the occasion .Dhanraj is visiting the college to make a presentation on “ New Economic World Order” . Now that was a tall order for a poet policeman who had no formal education in economics and finance and me for it was a last moment decision with my busy schedule and appointments. But I relented and gathered in the main lecture theatre hoping to leave as per need and situation keeping my cell on silent mode. The crowd gathered gently most were faculty members and staff and other students.I was reintroduced when Dhanraj was ushered in. I sat at a vantage spot with my colleagues.


Dhanraj was introduced by the Dean and the upright officer walked to the podium with the walk of a confident orator. Then for next hour he held his audience in awe .I shall put point wise what appealed me most and the salient points he made to explain the new order post world trade centre catastrophy.


1)      He did not use power point, sign of a orator and public speaker than a mere commercial sales person.


2)      He was at no point selling himself to the audience but only putting effort and logic to convince the gathering by his rational approach.


3)      He did not use body language to sound frivolous or act like a jester to make audience laugh. He was not an entertainer but a thinker who stimulated his subjects to ponder.


4)      He was not repetitive. He had constant eye contact with the audience


5)      He was loud audible hard hitting and transparent.


Now I shall recall the actual matter point wise


Dhanraj was analyzing the new world power hierarchy which he equated with economic order and he did this with the precision of a police investigator who looks at the entire issue in a perspective. He cajoled his subjects to think and read in between lines the political turmoil in 3rd world and the economics of terrorism as a successful business model and imposed onto the commoner who under compulsion has to bear the loss of draining of finances causing great harm to his quality of life. He called certain countries as garrison states who keep the world in a state of flux and insecurity.


He said that Saud was a family from Europe who ventured into Arabia eventually integrating into the fabric of the country to command the natural resources just like Lawrence of Arabia. The new economic order is to perpetrate a war on each and every individual and sap him of his freedom leaving choices which are equally worst relegating him to a mechanistic existence forcing him to work like clones .This analogy he drew from the social structure of ants and their colonies where the queen and soldier ants control others worker ants to toil for the entire lifetime. This genetic superiority of select few make them get into such leveraging positions that makes them powerful like the corporate honchos who have at their disposal immense resources and information controlling huge fleet of employees perform with singular coordination to gain more mileage on all fronts  concentrating tremendous power into their hands .


The new value system is not necessarily based on meritocracy but on opportunity and manipulative capabilities. He cajoled the audiences to remain aware of the harsh realities and aware of the role of power in the new order of things to come. The war on the individual is on his privacy and freedom. It is a war which will get him in a compromising situation which will dictate the locus of his actions and limitations reducing him to intellectual donkey working ceaselessly for benefit of select few who are at the top of the hierarchy. Dhanraj at this point even mentioned a certain very rich business man industrialist who was one of the power mongers. I quickly thought that he is unlikely to mention names unless he has definite proof. Then I was suddenly worried of this public person who is spreading a thought of suspicion and where the needle is pointing. Then I sat back and told myself. Well he is a poet and poets are fearless more fearless than policemen.


Dhanraj took the entire gathering through a tour of energy crisis and petroleum and energy cartels where we are forced to cough out huge sums for a decent living on fringe. Today we spend miniscule on food but more on electricity and transport, a fallacy of developmental politics termed as infrastructure and progress. Dhanraj was a professor of chemistry and later joined police force. His scientific analysis is commendable. A multidimensional personality of his type ought to be heard by youth of the country who have bold choices to make in future to shape the life of fellow countrymen.Dhanraj is no politician who mingles words .He is a public servant disposing his duties as a concerned officer and a preventer of terrorism and allied activities .His forensic analysis of many accidents and crimes may be equally educative. The talk was delivered with precision of an astute clinician and I am tempted to address him as Doctor if not his highness or milord or ‘Saheb”.Keep going  sir for we need more specialists like you than all those clowns in Media .


 

Posted in Community Concerns, Education, Politics.

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By Dilip Vishnu Maydeo – October 13, 2011