silhouette

30/01/2010...the morning newspaper told me that the night is going to witness the brightest full moon. I am addicted to moon and his light. Well, I prefer the masculine-version of moon God! I attended my neighbour's wedding party and rushed home watching the moon stay calm in th esky..he was unsually big...15%extra they say. I love to watch him for long. Think about all that fantasy I love...The night, so calm and peaceful. You know, a night may not always be calm and peaceful....even silence kills at times... I was forced to get lost in the thought of nature and her magical powers....Beauty at its best, only she can portray it.
Once there was an innocent girl living in a village. Being the only child for her parents, did not excempt her from experiencing the toughness of life. She was pampered only by her grandparents. She had the wonderful and rare opportunity of assisting her grandpa in agricultural activities that were carried out by him as an ancestral lifestyle. He was a medical officer byt profession and farmer who loved nature. The little girl wore suspended burmuda and walked like a boy. She lingered around him throughout the day and was fed with love and care by her grandma. She liked to listen to her grandparents rather than her dad and mom who had a relaxed parenting time!
Well...the little girl had to grow up as a young female. She had her own opinion in everything-right from her Birthday dresses to the career she chose. But unlike other children, she was not particular about food! She ate what her mpm cooked. She dwells upon strange combo [like dosa and curd, poori and pickle..etc!]. She is, till this point of time a strict veggie. And she is so happy to type all these details and post in the internet. This female-with her own decisions and fantasies, a strict veggie, nature lover and the only kid for her parents, is none other than me!
My childhood memories are so precious for me. Now when I stand in a world that calls itself civilised, I am forced to compare the life as a kid and woman. My 22yr old eyes show various and alarming changes.
I used to swim in the river near my home. I learnd swimming at the age of 10 and still love to swim in fresh water. But now I do it in the pond owned by my friend who lives in another village kilometres away from mine. I have to beware of mobile cameras, those uncultured male crowd and the dirt in my place if I choose to swim in my water-way...unfortunate.
I used to travel the Ghat roads that took me to my grandmother's place, Wynad. The journey offered me adventure and pleasure at its peak. Only the Kerala State Road Transportation Corporation buses travelled that way along with other private vehicles [jeep and ambassodor cars and lorries] as the roads were narrow and not worth taking chance! But I am destined to live in an era where the beurocracy is so thirsty for money, least bothered about the environment that is being polluted by the developmental activities and negligant towards the human interaction that causes pollution! The roads are wide, mountain growing thin. Landslides frequent the path and construction is an unending process benefitting the contractors. Even rickshas travel the ghat roads at leisure!!! I have'nt yet seen bycycles move up [but that would be nice, no greenhouse gas emission!]. The tourists drop the plastic wrappers on way. Athorities turn duff and dumb when someone turns a key on... Sustainable development is something I should just read in my MBA text books, it's not for practise!!?
I wonder, rather I am worried about the number of days the world is going to remain all green! I plough my land, kiss the flowers that brush my face with their soft petals, feel the rain drops on my skin and walk bare foot to feel the earth. My love for this world, the nature that created you and me. I wish, each one of you- learned, practical, sensible and efficient people take some steps. Something that can really change the sad situations.
My hope is still green and healthy. I am sure that the clock is not going to tick back and take me to those olden days. All I can do is try to do my part in preserving the precious gift given by my ancestors, safe. I pause…to take a look at the full moon- the brightest moon of the year…

Home

My voice is no distinguished. It’s filled with pain, anxiety and disappointment. I speak for the living world, you, them and me. Well, please be liberal- I speak about the animal and plant kingdom too! Are we not gaining that kind of a mental state which is least bothered about the green world around us?! We keep hearing about Munnar, Ooty…and lot more… It’s ok for us to hear them and not listen them! U and I relax at hill stations, sanctuaries and pilgrim centers. Enjoy and appreciate the place. Some even praise the Almighty for creating such wonders! But how many of us take care that we don’t steal that blessing from the life of future generation? Did any of us think of our heinous deeds that ill-treat the nature? Why there are no voices that protect the nature that protects us? Wake up youngsters… it’s time…no it’s already late. Open your eyes and see what u can do. I would suggest the following tips:
a) Do not put plastic waste any where other than the specified places.
b) Take the little trouble of using paper and biodegradable materials to pack food.
c) Purchase nature friendly clothes, cotton is not just nature friendly but also body friendly.
d) Do not discourage people who turn environment friendly, if not you let others practice.
I practice the above, believe it or not. It made me more happy and nature loving. It’s much more than a treasure box… “Girls…wooden and jute accessories make you look prettier. Boys, gift you girlfriend couple of eco-friendly, usable stuff. Parents…do not encourage your child dispose sweet wrappers at some place. Imagine if you would do the same at home… earth is the home for many others too-not just you and I”!