North Konkan Trip

Having given up the idea of going to Pachmarhi and Pench forest we zeroed onto Konkan trip.I looked up on the internet for accommodation reservation a few names propped up Suruchi hotel at Guhagar and also at Hedvi owned by Damle and Bhatkar respectively. Vijay booked them by online payment in each of their accounts.The reference to Hedvi was given by some north Indian traveler who had found the place very original .I emailed him and he gave me the cell number. The original plan was to go to Hedvi on 26^th Jan and then to Guhagar but this was rescheduled as there is a Utsav at Hedvi Ganesh Mandeer on 26^th and there would lots of rush hence the idea was to go to Guhagar on 26^th.

We started of leisurely at 9 am as the other party was to come from Nasik and we were to have a Randez vouz at Kshanbahar Vishranthi opposite karnala.Pevious day I had done a comprehensive servicing of my Baleno and now the vehicle was in condition. We took the driver so that at least one way I would be spared of driving.

It was 26^th Jan and as usual I gave a slip to Republic day flag hoisting in the Society. Not that I was invited .In fact no one is invited as it is naturally expected of members to attend. With Globalization in full swing any meaningful context of Indian Nation has been lost and very few city dwellers have maintained their patriotic inclination .Being a tolerant city dweller and paying taxes is itself indicative of graceful citizenship and any false prop of a formal display gets obnoxious .So unless you are officially required to participate everyone gives it a slip.

The roads were deserted as it was a public holiday and our driver well versed with Goa route .We topped up the fuel at Karnala and  reached the pre-decided spot at 10 .15 am very early as compared to the expected time. Waiting for the other party we relished raw carrots and methi parathas .After an hour the others arrived in their Tavera.Now one of them shifted in my Baleno.The issue was whether to take the driver or to leave him at Karnala.Then we decided to take Chandrakant.The drive was now long and tiresome especially that we had wasted an hour at Karnala .We decided to take lunch at around 3 pm and somewhere near Mahad and before Chiplun we found this Restaurant Open umbrella .This was a garden restaurant serving Daivadnya Thali and fish items with Sol kadhi.Daivadnay are basically goldsmith by caste .As I got down from Baleno I realized that the pain along my left leg was unbearable .I knew that it was due to slip disc but it has to be confirmed I thought to myself especially before I renew my Gym membership..A terrible slip on way to Bhimashankar in Monsoon and Shoulder press at the Gym were the culprit factors.

We settled for machi Thali with Surmai and Bangada.The fish was fresh and tasty.Well we had come on this tour for this very reason to savor fish .We fisnished the course leisurely and then again cruised towards Chiplun. I was witnessing Mahad after a long time and was happy for its rapid development but sad for loss of its native culture.A huge river swelled up by water flowed beautifully to the right .I think it was Savitri .Then came the Parshuram Ghat ,I missed the landmark of the Temple of Parshuram  flanked  by  the idols of Kaam and Kaal in black stone.I had written about my earlier visit to the shrine  Konkan in a letter to my sister for the sake of record but I have misplaced the file .The party in Tavera went into chiplun whereas we took the road to right through Farshi where we had Jalebis and Tea.The road is very good and this was due to the Enron Project. At a small suburb village before Guhagar ,I relieved the driver who was supposed to go back to Mumbai.Now I was at the wheel and my wife as usual kept giving me lessons in safe driving .We entered Guhagar and turned right and found ourselves just at the doorstep of Hotel suruchi.The restaurant was packed with very fair people mostly Chitpawans from Pune.I volunteered to hoist my own luggage as the bell boy was tardy. On second floor we were ushered into spacious and well kept self contained rooms .I took the room facing the sea  thought the view was completely blocked by Palm trees and Areca nut trees. We refreshed ourselves and later very soon was the call for party time .Doctor was magnanimous with his Glenfiddich 12 years old and we partied gregariously .At around 10 pm the ladies settled for the vegan restaurant while we went to Annapurna restaurant close by .The fish was fleshy and tangy. It was pomfret and prawns this time. Sol kadhi was there to water the stuff down .We then walked to our hotel rooms and retired in its cozy ambience..

Next Morning was very pleasant after ablutions we came down checked out and first went to Vyadeshwar mandir which is lord shiva .This sanctimonious place is the family deity of many Brahmins from Konkan .We prayed and offered gifts .I clicked pictures.Later  we  had sumptuous breakfast at hotel suruchi consisting Thalipeeth. We took a stroll by the sea and then I decided to make a social visit to my distant relatives  who had settled at Guhagar  relocating from Burumbad my native village.I enquired with shri Damle the owner of suruchi and pat came the reply and instructions .I was supposed to take a road uphill from Urfata Ganpati over the Court. I was hurriedly and came to a very humple clean house of Keshav .His young wife shruti was at home. We chatted for a while and then she gave me  Kevada perfume and Rajgira laddus.Keshav was away .He is a priest by profession .I gave gifts for their only daughter who had gone to school. I felt very inclusive with the visit which acted like soul curry.

Now we were on way to Hedvi  beach.It was a drive of around 40 minutes .The approach road was tortuous and untidy , a bit scary too. But we reached the beach side hotel Suruchi of Bhatkar at around 12 noon. The shacks were small and basic. We were in two minds for this seemed to be for honeymoon couples but then decided against it. We asked the table to be spread in open air and ordered for beer .Mr Bhatkar was cooperative .We had ordered food in advance and at around 3 pm food arrived. The spread was impressive we enjoyed it thoroughly and retired to the shacks 2 were bamboo and two wooden .At 4 pm there was a clear call from Vijay I was dozing .Then I got up and took my swim gear and walked to the beach .Vijay and Ravi were in waters playing with the waves. I was thrilled ,yes it had been a long while that I had got into the sea after Andaman’s and Harihareshwar where I had lost my gold chain 4 years back. I was  Diving  onto the roaring waves ad swimming parallel to the beach .In fact we had ventured quite far into the sea and being a swimmer was well aware of the hazards .Thanks wifey was not around or else she would have put a stiff resistance to our pranks. After 2 hours of swim on the sparse beach which was a private affair we got out of the clear sea water. This beach is safe and gradual and Vijay knew about it in advance .he had opted for Hedvi for this very reason.

We came back had a fresh water shower and then sipped hot tea .it was nearing 7 pm and again time for MacDowell premium. This we made it short.Mr Bhatkar joined us for a chat. He told how difficult it is to maintain this resort .There were dormitories for college students who came for bird watching.he had put a fortune to create embankment and a grove of casuarinas trees which were affected badly during the storm Fiyan which came in last year displacing huge stones used for the embankment. It was a property developed by his father and there was a move by some big tycoon to purchase it off but which he had resisted as it came in CRZ rules. At 10 pm we went up to sea side dining station and had dinner of Chicken and rice rotis.Then we retired.

Next morning we  got ready by 10 am settled the bill, had snacks and clicked pictures and went straight to Hedvi Ganesh mandeer  .Previous day  had been  a  special annual day festivities at the mandeer and we could see  the decorations. A Shehnai was being played on the megaphone .I identified the tune  as Raag lalit by Bismillah khan whose disc we had nearly 45 years ago.I offered fresh flowers plucked off  a ficus tree .Then we set off to Velneshwar not far off .This  shrine of Shiva  on the sea belongs to Koli fishermen who offer coconuts  to the sea god  here and then set out into the sea in the fishing season. We offered our respects and then there were lots of discussions about spending the 3^rd day.I opted for Dapoli ,Vijay for Kolthre.There were frantic phone calls. I suggested to get to Dapoli via dhopave ferry.Vijay was suggesting Khed.But I assured the party that we will cut of time and land at Kolthare before sundown. So we drove up and then down to Dhopave.This is ang on opposite side of Dabhol very close to enron .On way we saw huge scaffolding of power lines emanating from Enron as well as the Enron hospital which is run marginally. The road to the jetty is bad and we were there waiting for some time .We took tickets and got our vehicles on to the ferry.It was tricky because the road clearance of Baleno  is minimal and getting off the ferry  required skill and patience .There were too many guides to direct me while at the wheel but I managed to heed only to my experience and judgement and managed to get onto the road.We drove past the main Masjid standing on the port ,I remembered  Rupesh who had taken atop this abandoned heritage spot years back when I fell in love with Konkan.Then rapidly we were driving towards Kolthare and I was excited because I had seen Ladhghar,Murud Harnai ,Paaz and Karde but Kolthare was a novelty.

On way Dr Ramesh suggested Chandika Mandir but it would have got dark so we took the road to Kolthare to left after chandika Mandir .It was far off the road was bad and narrow we finally arrived at Kolthare and came to the recommended Resort We ordered for tea a smart lady treated us well but there was no accommodation and she was trying tell us on cell but there was no signal and hence the miscommunication. Now I was pitching for Dapolii as I knew 2 or three places where we would be able to halt without much problem. May be Aryavarta,or top in Town or LIC guest house of Hotel Pathik. We left Kolthare dejected but hopeful of Dapoli.On way we saw Beautiful Ladghar from top of the hill and Sagar Sawali of Mores where the accommodation is booked 3 months in advance.Dr Ramesh declared that this place is also called Tamas Tirth but I was not sure . We waited to clik pictures  then we came to the newly erected statue of Sage Parshuram and then onto Burondi and ultimately Dapoli through the Agriculture college Road that was Gimhavane and we turned left .My sister saw the Tavera turn left too but I was fast because I had to find accommodation  swiftly at Hotel Pathik.All cell phones were useless due to signal failure .I drove up to hotel Pathik quickly got down and requested Dr Ramesh to look for the rooms as I ran down to the road to prevent the Tavera from whizzing past us and getting lost.I stood on road for 10 long minutes yet there was no sign of Tavera.Now my tension mounted as I franticly fought back thought of losing the other party.

Meanwhile Dr Ramesh had dealt with the management, I was trying to connect  to someone in Tavera .Just then the Tavera came up as I waved and   pulled up besides me. Angry arguments followed .I assured them that we had seen them turn and were expecting them anytime while Ravi went on saying that if I had not stood on the road We would be lost to each other. Tempers were then calmed and we  checked in 4 rooms on 2^nd floor.Our room was the best .Pathik is on a hill and down we could see the fields and school boys playing cricket.It was getting dark and  tiny lights came up in houses in this town with serenity .We had a wash and then the party time arrived. It went on till 11 pm and then we were told of Hotel Surali towards Harnai .We sat in the vehicles in high spirits and drove to this prominently lighted  joint .The tables were occupied by trendy and classy crowds from Pune Mumbai .We felt elated that the ambience was set to our mood. It was chilly and we were ushered to the table in a shamiana.Then we ordered exclusive items specialized chicken probably Raada . The way the food arrived I could sense that it was managed by some well trained chefs from star hotels. We did full justice to the exacting order and left with gratitude.Back at Pathik we called it a day.

Next morning we hurriedly packed  after we witnessed beautiful sunrise  and with just tea we drove to Dapoli.I topped the fuel and then we set off onto Mandangad Road rather than Anjarlay as suggested by Vijay because although it would e a scenic drive we would really be delayed. W drove fast and really swift without respite till we arrived at Open umbrella .We settled for south Indian vegetarian brunch and then bade farewell to the other party as they would take another road at Wadkhal. At 4.30 roads in Mumbai on Sunday were clear and we reached home safely and surely.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

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!!

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’