The Pink Sweater

“Hi Ruchira. How are you doing?”

The message popped up on my Facebook Chat window from – wait was I seeing things? NOPE! It was her alright! Kajal Sinha – a school friend of mine from a very long time ago.

I was at Suryajal VidyaPeeth (SVP) for around seven years. But they were the most important ones, being the formative years of my life and all.

Actually, it was there that I had started my schooling – kindergarten to grade 5. Normally, a child does not remember much from those early years, as newer memories are formed. But somehow, SVP was very special to me and I seem to have quite a rare collection of memories from those days. But the conversation with Kajal from SVP, kind of left me gagging. It went like this:

KS: Hi Ruchira, how you doing?

R: Heyyyy!!! I’m doing good thanks, you?

KS: Ok…not too well today

R: Err..oh dear. Why? Whats wrong?

KS: Have been running a slight fever…so I’m a bit low on energy

I’m confused. The woman messages me after nearly 18+ years and what I expect are updates on stuff she’s been up to in that time. But the first thing she says after ‘hello’, is that she’s feeling unwell – I feel a little zoned out. I don’t know what to say. I stick with the conventional words of empathy and support that one offers a friend stricken with the flu.

R: Awwwwwwwwww

KS: Yeah…it’s been a few days now…

R: (severely searching for words now) Awwwwwww

KS: (Silence)

R: (Trying to sound less foolish) Don’t worry you’ll be fine in a few days. Make sure you take your   medicines on time.

KS: Thanks. The fever made me think of you actually. That’s why I messaged you.

Errrrrrr. What? Now I’m thoroughly flummoxed. People get sick and think of me? That is not a good sign, Ruchi, I tell myself.

R: U thought of me? How come?

KS: When we were in school, I remember a day when I was running a very high fever

R: Oh is it? (waits for more info)

KS: Yes, I remember because you gave me your sweater to wear that day

R: Really? Wow I have no recollection of that

KS: I remember clearly. It was a pink sweater. And it meant a lot to me that day, because I was really cold

R: (Embarassed) LOL You have such a vivid memory – I don’t remember any of this!

KS: That was very sweet of you. I haven’t forgotten it. Thanks a lot.

So, here was a woman thanking me for a simple gesture I made 18+ years ago. I had nothing to give her back, as far as memories go. I felt stupid.

R: Aww gee. Please yaar! No thanks and all! Happened so long ago. J

KS: I was burning up – don’t you remember? Don’t you remember your pink sweater?

R: uh..no…you have a freakishly good memory. Though I’m sure it was pink! I love pink!

KS: Haha..yeah me too…

R: (tries to get back in the game) Oh wait wait! I remember something too!

KS: Yeah? What?

R: You were very fair complexioned as a young girl and you had the chubbiest cheeks I had ever seen on any one. (She guffaws.) I mean, I used to look at you and think…wow! Would be cool to have cheeks like that! I also remember you used to have your hair in pigtails and red ribbons – it was quite the fashion then – hehe.

KS: He he yes yes, but I liked your hair more

R: You remember my hairstyle?

KS: Yep. Shoulder length hair, fairly straight – you used to keep your hair shorter than the rest.

R: You remember my hairstyle??

KS: Yes I do! It used to really suit you! Very few people could pull off a hairstyle like that with confidence and poise. Hm.

R: Erm….

KS: Hehehehe… Also, you used to do charity work with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, no?

R: Ok Kajal – this is freaky! Is there anything you don’t remember?

KS: (smiles) I do remember that you were very kind, helpful and generous as a child. It was a pleasure knowing u so early on in life.

We chatted for about five minutes after that, but the sweater conversation left me with a warm fuzzy feeling inside. One act of helpfulness by a child, had made an indelible impression on another. Because of it, in some small way, we were both better people. Something like that influences a life – even as one progresses from childhood to adulthood, possibly even old age.

The pink color of my sweater was etched in Kajal’s mind, because as a child, I chose to give it to her when she needed it.

Thank you Kajal - your graciousness and grateful warmth (not easily seen in an adult) won’t let me forget the sweater either. After 18+ years, we’ve come full circle.

~Shreyasi Majumdar

Magnum Hiddlopus

Punched the wrong numbers on my time machine

It was set to naboo had to meet with wan obi

But I landed up instead in a world of golden dreams

Asgard is the name and its where I met Loki

But he didn't look like a very mighty god

He seemed unhappy, he was pretty much distraught

Face flushed with anger, yet sad and forlorn

He just sat there scowling and polishing his horns

So I asked him “Dude what in Midgard is wrong?

You’re supposed to be rather mighty and strong

He said “Puny earthling, I wanted much more

But that blasted dad Odin gave it all to Thor

So now I’ve gone evil collected my cards

I'm gonna be the downfall of beloved Asgard

With an evil muhaha he disappeared

To establish a reign ofchaos and fear

So I went around in search of his bro

The thunder god Thor Loki’s greatest foe

His Thorness and I went to gatekeeper Heimdall

to prepare for a battle and to answer the call

He Said alls not lost and at whatever the cost

I'll keep the bifrost open till you guys have crossed

Once through the wormhole,we saw in the dark

In a suit of iron "It's Tony stark!"

Then out of nowhere I'd have never believed

With his wand in his hand it was the boy who lived

I was shocked I shouted "Voldemorts here too?

As if we didn't have enough to do"

But Harry said, “Nah! I Got bored of Tom Riddle

For a change, I’d like to meet with this awesome Tom Hiddle

Had enough of Horcruxes and Patronus charms

I want to now fight Loki, he doesn't seem very warm!"

Oh Hallelujah and yippee hurrah!

Its Captains Planet and A merica!

Professor X follows with wolverine

But they're followed by Orks and the Lord of the Ring

And that’s not all, check out who they’re with

It’s the asthmatic Vader – lord of the Sith

But the bad guys are here just to watch the show

They’re rooting for Loki, themselves lying low

Oh and look to the left with his pirate pack

It’s the pirate of pirates it’s Captain Jack 

Lady sif and the Warriors Tthree converge

In time to witness the Enterprise emerge

Captain Jean luc Picard so wise and so sage

Shows Loki the finger and shouts out “Engage”

As they all match Loki in an epic struggle

Black Widow and Spidey appear – theyre a couple!

Green lantern exclaims, "Hey don’t leave me out

I’ll show you what the power of will’s all about!"

The matchless Loki face to face with Thor

Characteristically says “Ah! The brother I abhor!

I thought I was a genuine Odinson

You’ll had me convinced that I’m the chosen one."

With Mjolnir in hand, Thor turned to his brother

“The only sibling I Have, coz I have no other

I know that I’m arrogant and vain and I'm proud

But I'm still Top God + I'm better endowed!”

“Oh Really! Your’re kidding! You don’t really say!

Well, I ain’t Odinson, I’m the son of Laufey

And a day will come when what’s mine will be mine

I will rule over Asgard or Jotunheim

If neither work out, I won’t play the fool

Ill rule the earth people they were meant to be ruled 

But for now I’ll melt you with my signature blue eyes

And Ill trick u into thinking that we’ve broken the ice 

I know that you’re stupid you’ll give me a chance 

And my fans will swoon over this delicious Bromance."

"Now I’ve got to go back and smash the rainbow bridge

Or else Thor will do it, Man! Life’s such a bitch!

But I’m God of Mischief and I will have to attack

Joss is planning some sequels, so I will have to be back

Till then enjoy me as best as you can

I’m Tom and I’m Loki, I’m Hiddles – The Man!"

~ Shreyasi Hiddledudette

All Hail King Hiddleston the First (and Only)

All Hail King Hiddleston the First

Monarch beloved, splendid, supreme

Shining glory of mighty Hiddleland

With grandiose army and harem of queens

He demolishes enemies with ocean blue eyes

His smile is enough to permanently maim

He who hears his voice, inevitably dies

Or is injured so bad that he never is the same

All hail King Hiddleston may Hiddleland keep growing

May TOMatoes always grace our green vibrant soil

May rivers of Loki soup relentlessly keep flowing

Away from Jotun influence or Asgardian turmoil

Long Live King Hiddleston may you live and reign for ever

May you always hold our hearts in the palm of your hand

May success line your every path and every big endeavour

All hail King Hiddleston, Long live Hiddleland!

HiddleShreyasi

Hiddlestoned! And loving it.

It began when Thor was released and by the looks of, it seems like it's going to last a lifetime. Let me explain.

As a person, I'm not really fan material. This may be hard to believe, but I've never really adored a celebrity enough to become a fan. The closest I came to being a fan was with Johnny Depp - an actor I truly deeply admire, for his blatant love of eccentricity. But that's just admiration and deep respect for a fellow eccentric and brilliant actor - it's nowhere near fandom. So when Hiddlemania hit me, it took me by serious surprise. If I thought I could be immune to the blue-eyed charms of a tall, gentlemanly, talented British actor, I was mistaken. It hit me hard and like all other Tom Hiddleston fans, I fell. Head over heels. Lock stock and absolute barrel. With buckled knees and twisted heart. It's like any other addiction - you just keep wanting more. The only difference is that unlike cocaine or glue sniffing, this one addiction may not be bad at all. It may even bring out some dormant poetry inside of me. It may inspire me enough to write more and find more beauty in life (trying not to get too dramatic). Who knows? Hm.

So I asked myself, "What is it about this man that's got you into such a fuddled state of mind, Shreyasi?" Well, it would be really simple, if there was just one thing. But the man is a walking talking enigma. How does one quantify an enigma? I'll try anyway.

He's gorgeous. At a towering six feet two inches, he's what they call...well tall. He's really tall and lean and lithe, thanks to all the running he does. A lot of people don't find him conventionally handsome. That's fine by me. To me, he's one of the handsomest men in Tinseltown. And the rest of the world for that matter. 

His smile is a killer. It's the widest, most open-toothed, honest, from-the-heart smile I've ever seen anybody wear. There's nothing fake about it. And that's a difficult trait to find in people today.

However, it was not his smile that first took my breath away. It was his big baby blue, super expressive eyes. I think I swooned when I first saw him look at Odin and scream out " TELL ME !!!" and in the next moment switch to a soft "Why? because I'm the monster that people tell their children about at night?" oh my my. I could reach into the movie screen and hug him tight.

Hugging. That's another thing. He wears his heart on his sleeve and expression is second nature to him. He loves hugging people and that's justifiably got him another nickname- huddleston or simply huddles. I know of fans who are roaming the planet as we speak, thirsting for a huddle. I wish them all the luck, because I may very well be joining them soon.

Moving on, he is as suave and polished as one can get. His perfect British words in the perfect British accent, are measured and well delivered, not just on screen, but on red carpets, at interviews, whenever. That, coupled with his smooth-as-silk voice, is enough to make you think you've died and gone to heaven, until the harsh reality of life breaks in on you again. I mean have you guys heard the audiobook "The Red Necklace" read by Tom recently? Pffffffttt...I hesitate to buy the blasted thing, because if listen to him speak, I may just collapse in sheer bliss and never wake up again. Sigh. Such is life.

I've heard people say, "Well, he had it made from the beginning. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and there's nothing great about what he achieved. Well, I think they're wrong (and I tell them just as much). It's one thing to be born into a rich family and live off familial glory. It's a whole other ball game, to plod on, irrespective of the circumstances of your birth, to live in utter humility, work hard and earn a name for yourself. Tom did just that. And at a ridiculously young age too. You don't get into Eton with the flick of Daddy's magic wand. You don't earn a double first at Cambridge just coz your dads rich. You don't get to study at RADA and come out like a shining star, just coz your family has a lot of extra cash lying around. You don't get lead roles in blockbuster movies coz you look cute. You don't get nominated and awarded for your patent leather jackets and stylish shoes. You don't have a humongous fan following worldwide, because you're pretty. Tom just proved to the world that he deserves every accolade that is due to him.

He runs. He acts. He's a gentleman. The kind that would inevitably open doors and pull chairs out for a lady. Gentlemanly chivalry shows in every nuance and effervescent humility leaks out from every Hiddle pore. He laughs like his life depended on it. He talks with his sky blue eyes and he can lull someone to sleep with his soft velvety voice. He is a brilliant actor and he has proven it on more than one occasion. He's versatile, stylish, positive, confident, content with who he is and most importantly, he seems to be happy within. He's got the world talking about him and he doesn't let that kind of fame get to his head. He respects people of all races and he adores his fans. What more can I say?

I recently had a fangirl moment. I came to know that Tom's sister Sarah is a reporter, currently living in Chennai, India. At this juncture, I'd like to announce that I'm Indian and when I came to know that Tom had already visited his sister four times in India (effectively making Chennai a much hotter place than it already is), I went 'whopppeeeeee!!!!' my heart did a triple flip, I sighed really loud, five times (I remember because my dog gave me some rather surreptitious glances) and I almost felt dizzy wondering how it would be, when I would go to Chennai all dolled up and just 'happen' to bump into him. Yes yes, I know there are a billion Indians worldwide and I'm just a speck in that ocean. Yet, the heart likes to hope.

I have seen his movies and acquired a few of them as well, for my collection. I've seen all his interviews. I have a ton of his pictures and I've got a whole slideshow thing going on my office desktop, so that I can work and gawk at him at the same time. I've seen videos of him compiled by fans, with awesome background scores. I read his Twitter updates and I'm a part of a Facebook fan page. And recently a group of kind hearted fans, who aptly call themselves the Hiddlestoners, agreed to let me into their fold as well. I am now officially a Hiddlestoner myself. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

My friends and colleagues laugh at my obsession with Loki coz he's the bad guy and the natural thing to do, would be to go woozy about the man with the hammer. My parents worry about my fuzzy brain. My husband accepts my craziness and when I go into one of my insane Hiddlemaniac modes, he ignores me as best as he can. 

But I have finally found an answer to the long-asked question,"If you were alone on an island and could have just one person with you, who would it be?"

Am I just another Hiddle-crazed fan? Hell yeah!
Am I ashamed to be one? Hell no!

Onward Tom! I'm Hiddlestoned! And loving it!


Shreyasi (The Hiddleswooner)

The Trumpet - Newsletter Second Quarter - Editorial - From the Horse's Mouth

Boarding or Hoarding? Know the Difference

Animal cruelty takes on various forms – from slaughter to pet abandonment, abuse to circus animals to vivisection. In a bid to protect animals from such hideous forms of consciously inflicted torture, subtler forms of animal abuse and neglect (stemming from misplaced kindness) often take a backseat.

Animal hoarding is one such instance.

According to a 1999 study by Dr. Patronek, a leading expert on the worldwide phenomenon, defined animal hoarders as:

“People who accumulate a large number of animals; fail to provide minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation and veterinary care; and fail to act on the deteriorating condition of the animals, the environment, and their own health. Hoarders justify their behavior with the view that the animals are surrogate children and that no one else can care for them. They harbor a fear that if they seek help, the animals will be euthanized.” (www.animalhoarding.com)

Although, the above mentioned fears may be real, it is the animal (or in such cases, animals) that get the raw end of the deal. This kind of compulsive hoarding is often characterized as a mental disorder and neglect and cruelty meted out to the unfortunate animals, is usually not deliberate, being veiled by an overwhelming sense of attachment to the animals and a deep sense of responsibility for their ‘welfare’. In such instances, what the owner perceives as welfare, blatantly appears to the rest of the world to be neglect. Therefore, although such cruelty is not vicious or deliberate, it is cruelty all the same.

One has to also take into consideration, that it is not only the animals affected by short-term and lasting consequences. Humans too (the owners themselves as well as people living in the surrounding areas), often fall victims to this aberrant behavior, in terms of sanitation and otherwise. Self-neglect and elder/child abuse are very often consequences of unnatural animal hoarding. The former happens when (in most cases) the owners lifestyle and sanitary conditions begin to mirror those of his/her animals. The latter occurs when the animal hoarder has elderly dependents or children living with them and cannot afford to provide them with proper, healthy, hygienic, normal and sanitary living conditions on account of the excessive numbers of animals.

The issue has gained such importance in the recent years that the ASPCA actually has a “Hoarding Prevention Team” to work with hoarders and help them manage a ‘healthier’ number of pets. Given the emotional attachment to the pets that hoarders normally possess, it can be an extremely difficult job, both for the hoarder and the case worker.

Interestingly, these cases are not limited to the U.S.A. and Europe. It is documented elsewhere too. Whether it’s a lady living in a really tiny room with many cats and dogs in cages, most of them had been electrocuted to death on account of a short circuit, a fate from which they would have survived if they were free to run away. Or an NGO office bearer – who had animals tied inside her deserted home for months on end, and perfectly healthy animals insider her shelter, in cages and kennels. Or a family with more than 50 animals and 15 children all living in a space too small to accommodate even half the numbers – in deplorable conditions. What is of utmost concern here that this is being done by those who claim to be an integral part of the welfare community. They cannot understand the extent of abuse the animals go through and criticize efforts of rehabilitation.

Once again, it all comes down to the level of ignorance in any society. And of course, it also boils down to legitimate laws and their implementation. Unfortunately, laws against animal hoarding, are few and far between and weak to say the least. In the U.S.A, many states do not legally define animal hoarding as an offense and most people are surprisingly ignorant about the severity of neglect in animal hoarding cases. Also, when animals are rescued from hoarders, the costs involved in maintaining, treating and rehabilitating them are often too high and serve to demotivate people from taking action against hoarders.

As such, it is necessary for us, as conscientious citizens and animals lovers, to keep a lookout for such ‘under-the-cover’ cruelty. If you know a hoarder or come across one be bold enough to inform the right authorities and legitimate animal welfare groups – and don’t stop until some action is taken, in favor of the animals.

Remember, boarding does not always equate to kindness and hoarding almost always equates to malnourishment, disease, pain and very often death. Kindness is good, but misplaced kindness can kill.

Best regards,

Shreyasi Majumdar

Jogwa-The Awakening (2009)

Rating: *****

Winner of five national film awards, “Jogwa-The awakening” has to be by far one of the best contemporary Marathi movies, in terms of theme, structure, music and acting. At once enlightening and disturbing, Jogwa addresses the issues of latent hypocrisy in Indian society and the human price it demands.

Theme: The movie, directed by Rajiv Patil, produced by Sanjay Krishnaji Patil and based on three novels by Dr Rajan Gavas, is set in a small Karnataka village, steeped in the religious traditions of the goddess ‘Yellama.’ Historically speaking, ‘Yellama’ is another name for ‘Renuka’ – consort of the great sage Jamadagni and mother of Parshuram (an avatar of Vishnu). She is widely revered in Maharashtra and southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. There are many temples devoted to her worship and following in a tradition originating aeons ago, there are still many devadasis forced into devoted service to these temples. It is a life of frustration, bondage and sadness and that is in essence what this movie is about. It is also sprinkled with a controversial notion of what defines moral, religious and spiritual boundaries within societies, the hypocrisies which take root in blind, illogical faith and the evil that is inevitably born of it.

Story: Central to the story are two characters – rebellious young man Tayappa is played by Upendra Limaye, while Mukta Barve plays a strong-willed girl called Suli. Both Tayappa and Suli are forced by their families into becoming a Jogta and Jogtin (male and female devotees respectively) to the goddess. Although both initially accept their fates (Tayappa grudgingly and Suli in silent resignation), their inherent free natures soon begin to revolt against the custom and they become increasingly aware of their frustrating lives and need for freedom. In the process, an unwitting, unexpected and seemingly incredulous romance blossoms between the two and this very romance becomes central to the underlying themes of misuse of power, individual rights, religious fanaticism and the real meaning of spirituality.

Limaye has already made his mark as an actor, not only in the Marathi movie genre, but across stage, screen and television spanning Hindi cinema, television serials as well as various south Indian movies. Having worked with notable stage and film directors such as Madhur Bhandarkar, Anant Mahadevan, Vinay Apte, Ram Gopal Verma and Amol Palekar, he has imbibed, experienced and learnt from the very best in the industry and the cumulative effects show in his portrayal of the angry, brooding, sari-clad, bindi-wearing eunuch Tayappa. Barve on the other hand, is a newer entrant into the industry, but has fast-emerged as a promising actress. Although she debuted with the Marathi film Chakwa in 2004, it was Jogwa that put her on the map of the Indian movie world. She apparently spent a lot of time preparing for this role, by studying actual jogtins in rural India and understanding the day-to-day lives of Indian villagers. Her efforts culminate into a delightfully chilling personification of the result of humanity lost in darkness. Priya Berde, Vinay Apte and Kishor Kadam in supporting roles give the movie that extra touch of reality and grimness, so often warranted by a dark creation of this sort.

Music: The music score is average, except for two songs which stand out from the rest. “Jeev Rangala” – a melancholy tune emboldened with poignant words is a combination of pathos and lucid hope which lingers on long after the movie is over. Regionalism does not seem to deter singers in today’s music/film industry. Hariharan and Shreya Ghoshal (both non-Maharashtrians) picked up the Best Male and Female Playback Singer awards at the National Film Festival in 2008, for this very song.  The other song worth mentioning is “Lallati Bhandaar” – a traditional Gondhal song. Picturized in rich colours, the song mainly narrates the history of Yellama in a vibrant and endearingly rustic manner.

Overall, Jogwa is a visceral story about the contradictions within society as well as the turbulent turmoils of human nature. It is about the struggle of one man and woman to break the chains of discrimination, sexual slavery and forced servitude, in a bid to find the happiness that has evaded them for so long. The movie sends a message and if you appreciate the candour of a dark movie detailing a grim reality of life, then Jogwa is definitely worth a watch.

-----Shreyasi Majumdar

Viva La Tomatina?

I recently watched Zindagi Na Mile Dobara. Nice theme. Open air. Freedom. Sense of achievement. The film seemed to have it all and I did like watching it. Its just that when ‘Ik Junoon’ started playing and the entire screen became one large blood red tomato, with a shirtless Hrithik cozying up to Katrina in the midst of it all, I kind of lost my appetite. Seriously.

The movie was attempting to portray a ‘break-the-shackles’ theme via the La Tomatina festival in Spain and all I could do was stare at the screen and think to myself, “How many friggin tomatoes did they waste on this one song?”

I just found out. Over SIXTEEN TONNES of tomatoes were imported for the song. I mean, I had felt queasy earlier on during the movie, but today I feel downright nauseous. Of course, when the Indian version of the ‘La Tomatina’ was announced, my nausea was magnified, alongwith an aching feverishness and a dull headache to go with it. If I knew my country well and if I was well versed with the boisterous/free spirited nature of my countrymen (which I think I am), I was certain that if it was permitted, a ghastly amount of tomatoes would end in SPLAT, just for the heck of it.

Inwardly however, I was also well versed with the logical/practical and humane rationale of the common Indian masses and I was thrilled to note the immensely negative responses that this particular ‘festival’ incurred. People from all over the country blogged, wrote, twittered and emailed about the idiocy of our country following in another’s wasteful footsteps, when we ourselves had so many millions of mouths to feed…Most Indians just could not ‘stomach’ the fact that in a country where 5.6 million children die of malnutrition every year, there were some excitable souls actually enthusiastic about whacking each other with tonnes and tonnes of tomatoes, just because someone else does it.

I read one particular blog where this guy was urging people to attend the festival and buy the tickets from him. He was exceptionally excited about it because he believed that the ‘festival’ would rake in big money by way of tourism and related activities. Huh? The project was still in the pipeline, still to happen, and this guy had already christened it a ‘festival.’ How on earth does something become a national festival before it has even happened? Just because it’s a festival in Spain? Defies logic, if you ask me. Secondly, I did not understand (forgive my ignorance) exactly how boosting tourism a bit justifies wasting lakhs and lakhs of tomatoes in a couple of hours or days?

As it happens in India, the common Indian’s voice is what holds the country together and gives it direction. After hundreds of petitioners urged Bengaluru CM Deve Gowda, online and in person to stop this insaneness (in short), he actually took a stand and directed police officials to intimate the sponsors and organizers  that the ‘festival’ will not be allowed this weekend as planned in Mysore and Bengaluru.  I also heard that the Delhi police banned the ‘festival’ last month after a series of fervent protests. Apparently the basis for all these protests was that the tomato is a nutritious food item and it is an unjustifiable act to waste it on vulgar entertainment and revelry that would last only a few hours. Given the fact that India has 25% of the world’s hungry poor (World Food Programme), I would say this basis itself stands on solid ground. No point of contention. Apparently, the other basis for the protest was that wasting food in such a way is against Indian ethos. Hats off to that sentiment as well. I can go so far as to say that such mind boggling wastage and the mere attitude behind it, is against the basic moral fibre of HUMANITY. So there. 

This is one of the few times, when an Indian politician has done me proud. I can be candid in saying that D Gowda’s stand makes me extremely happy.  As for those youngsters and other individuals who believe that happiness can be found in smashing tomatoes into each other’s faces while DJ’s rock the floor with whoopee music, I sincerely hope that the next malnutritioned child or nursing mother you come across, makes you see the world for what it is and not for the bubble you wish to live in.

As for film makers, I hope this makes you realize just how important a role you play in influencing the mind of a nation. Take responsibility for it, I will say no more.

Viva la Tomatina? No way! Viva Le Aam Indian Junta!!!

------------Shreyasi Majumdar

Unfettered in Shackles

The mind rambles on,

In crystal clarity & jumbled incoherency

Assaulted by a wave of possibilities

Free within-ever expanding

Caged without

Restrained and limited, the mind whirls

A merciless juggernaut

Demolishing impossibilities

Conceiving sensations, begetting dreams,

Spawning ideas, birthing fresh hopes

Witness to its true identity

The Adam of creation, the Manu of ALL,

The mind struggles, strains to express,

Lodged in a web delusion

Encumbered by responsibility, weighed down by habit,

Handicapped by cannots and shrouded in shouldnots

Cuffed and chained in panoramic wisdom

The mind perceives, the mind exists

Unfettered in shackles, the mind persists.


-----Shreyasi Majumdar

We Walked Lonely Roads, You & I

We walked lonely roads, you and I

Trudging along, striding strong, through hopeful dawn and evensong

On lonely roads, that stretched for miles,

We treaded through tears, celebrated smiles

Painted by the GREAT COMPELLOR

Every turn, a different colour

Splashed with solitude piquant, two lone souls in a grand courante

We walked lonely roads, you and I

When mist descended in foggy haze, His brilliance set our souls ablaze

With fiery faith in trepid hearts, we stood alone so far apart

As trepidity turned to indignation

HIS love became our sole consolation

The fog lifted, we welcomed the sun

Our paths converged, we emerged as one

We had walked lonely roads, you and I

But now we walk a single path, free from sorrow, free from wrath

Flowers bloom under our feet as testament to our completeness

The outside world is irrelevant,

So we turn within to the eternal sextant

Strong winds may buffet my tender heart, joy as we know it may depart

But bliss bubbles through, in timeless dance

On this winding road in this vast expanse

We walk together, you and I

We walk hand in hand, on this road- a rampart

bridging eternity. O Flame of my heart,

It will end someday. New roads will be charted

To be trod on again, alone, once we’ve parted.

And so it goes, with these well-travelled roads

Time belongs to no one, it is merely borrowed

But whenever I walk on a lone road again,

I will watch the horizon for my ‘forever friend’

Keep a weather eye on the horizon for me

and I will emerge from the womb of eternity

Toward each other, we’ll be drawn as before

by a love that ignites us and pulls us ashore

We will walk yet another road together, alone no more, you and I.



-----------Shreyasi Majumdar

Thane S.P.C.A. Quarterly Newsletter (April-July 2011)

Editorial – From the Horse's Mouth

BLACK MAGIC – DARK TIMES FOR ANIMALS



Photo Credit: TRAFFIC INDIA



These are dark times indeed. 'Civilization' continues to progress at a breakneck speed and the human brain performs to hitherto unimaginable capacities. Unfortunately, many human hearts and minds are still enslaved by desires – born out of greed, vanity or revenge. When conventional methods fail to achieve these ends, man turns to unexplainable, yet apparently effective means. And Black Magic happens. More often than not, even in an increasingly modernized society such as India, black magic pervades the common man's life and yes, in the process, animals are hurt.

In July, Thane S.P.C.A. had an unlikely visitor – a gravely injured Olive Ridley turtle. The species is a sparkling representative of all that is awe-inspiring in India's marine wildlife. This particular animal was found lying injured on a village coast – 20 km off Daman beach. Three of its limbs were reduced to stubs – an obvious result of human action. Initially, this was attributed to propellers of fishing trawlers, but later, more sinister facts surfaced, which changed opinions. 'Oliver', as he came to be known, was brought all the way to Thane S.P.C.A's hospital, where he was provided the necessary medication, environment and nutrition. Within a few days of care and shelter, Oliver was much better, but with so many injuries sustained to his limbs and carapace, it was evident that he would never be able to live in the sea again.

Soon after, another Olive Ridley – this time a female who was named Olivia, was found stranded on Juhu Beach and was brought to Thane S.P.C.A. with similar injuries. She was released into the sea soon after, since she was in a fairly stable condition. However, she surfaced a few days later with much more serious injuries – a partial break in the plastron and her left flipper severed (undoubtedly by human action) at the humerus. That is when suspicions were aroused and it came to light that Olive Ridley turtles, among other species of these amphibians, are reportedly, widely used in black magic rituals, not only in Mumbai and surrounding areas, but country-wide.

The flipper doesn't stop there. Other species, such as snakes, chickens and owls, often fall prey to blind superstitions and the dark arts.

It is common belief that being in possession of a sand boa is good for business. Some people also go to the extent of saying that if a sand boa is kept next to a mirror, it is bound to crack and be the harbringer of good news. Obviously not for the snake. In January 2011, TOI reported that the Ulhasnagar crime branch had arrested three people for smuggling a sand boa in an attempt to sell it to three tantriks for Rs 10 lakhs. In October 2009, the TOI reported that the Pune rural police had rescued a sand boa and a turtle from two people who were allegedly attempting to sell them to black magic practitioners. Seven other middlemen and six prospective customers were also arrested. Then Superintendent of police, was quoted to have said that the suspects were planning to sell the sand boa for Rs 50 lakhs and the turtle for Rs 20 lakhs! Evidently, the trade is a lucrative one and also, one that obviously needs immediate looking into by the authorities.

Owls also have always been a source of much fascination in magical folklore and one would think that Harry Potter's owl Hedwig, would have boosted right thinking among movie buffs and HP fans alike. However, in common Indian society, owls continue to be exploited for their apparent importance in black magic.

Tantriks regularly use owls and their body parts in 'sacred' ceremonies. Important owl body parts attributed to effective black magic, include skull, bones, claws, blood, eyes, beak, liver, kidney, meat and eggshells. Some owl species with extra tufts of feathers near their ears are supposed to be more magical than others and therefore in greater demand.

The worst time in the life of an Indian owl, is mid-October to mid-November. This auspicious period of Diwali and Lakshmi puja, spells doom for these nocturnal creatures, who are known to be associated with Lakshmi-the goddess of wealth and prosperity. As such, they are sacrificed during this time in the false belief that sacrificing an owl brings wealth, good luck and prosperity.

They are often caught with bamboo poles, nets and other such traps and during this time, wealth does come to bird catchers who receive anywhere between Rs 10,000-20,000 for every bird caught.

Late last year, Shri Jairam Ramesh, Hon. Minister of Environment and Forests, India, launched TRAFFIC India's report titled 'Imperilled Custodians of the Night: A Study on Illegal Trade, Trapping and Use of Owls in India', authored by Abrar Ahmed, as per reports. According to the reports, owls are used in the live bird trade for many other purposes as well. They are used in street performances, slaughtered for their meat and taxidermy, their body parts used in folk medicines and their feathers/claws in headgear. Often live owls are used as bait/decoys, to acquire other bird species.

According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, exploiting Indian owl populations via hunting and trading is strictly prohibited, but the trade process continues nevertheless, unabated. Of the 30 owl species recorded in India, 15 are allegedly used in the domestic live bird trade spread across the country. In fact, black magic has pushed many of these 15 species to the brink of extinction.

So the next time you witness/participate in or hear of a black magic ritual involving the use of animals, STOP IT. As an Indian citizen, you have every right to bring these barbaric ceremonies to light. And as a sentient human being, it is your duty to do so.

Stay alert and spread the word. Walk the walk and talk the talk. Do your bit to bring light and spread a message of deep spirituality, not religious blindness, so that the darkness of black magic can be dispelled and our animals can breathe freely again.

Best,

Shreyasi Majumdar

(Editor)

A Child of Two Nations – a Child of the World

Yesterday, Singapore celebrated its 46th birthday. It was as usual a big hoopla and rightfully so – the nation has come a long way. In fact, it has moved in leaps and bounds and now stands as a shining testament to a lifetime of hard work and discipline enforced by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and his contemporaries. The small island, invisible on the physical atlas, glaringly stands out in terms of law enforcement, wildlife conservation, human rights, economic growth and architectural grandeur, among other things.

I watched the National Day Parade and the grand celebrations and fireworks on television last night. I saw the majestic fireworks as millions of lit up Singaporean faces, proved the point: the average Singaporean is proud of his country and is proud to call himself Singaporean. And then the entire gathering stood up to sing the country’s national anthem. I was fascinated by the words and I was astonished that I never before took notice of the composition. The words go:

Mari kita rakyat Singapura

Sama-sama menuju bahagia


Cita-cita kita yang mulia


Berjaya Singapura


Marilah kita bersatu


Dengan semangat yang baru


Semua kita berseru


Majulah Singapura


Majulah Singapura


Marilah kita bersatu


Dengan semangat yang baru


Semua kita berseru


Majulah Singapura


Majulah Singapura

This is of course the anthem in Malay, the only official language in which it may be sung by law. However, translations do exist in the three other official languages – English, Mandarin and Tamil. Here is the English transliteration:

Come, fellow Singaporeans


Let us progress towards happiness together


May our noble aspiration bring


Singapore success


Come, let us unite


In a new spirit


Let our voices soar as one


Onward Singapore


Onward Singapore


Come, let us unite


In a new spirit


Let our voices soar as one

Onward Singapore

Onward Singapore

There it was – simple and sweet – Onward Singapore. To think that the leaders of this nation have taken these words so literally and lived by them, taking the country forward and forward, with each passing year, never looking back with anything but pride in its rich multicultural history and unity in diversity.

The Singapore National Pledge is an oath of allegiance to the nation and when the pledge moment arrived, it gave me goose bumps. Just the fact that one nation – a veritable melting pot of global cultures, could unite in one voice and say the words: “We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society based on justice and equality so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation,” was enough to bring a tear to my eye.

The sheer simplicity and intensity of the pledge made me feel the power of the human race once more.

I am as emotional as the average person and as an Indian by birth, I love my country passionately. Its diversity of cultures (not seen anywhere else in the world), the unity in this diversity, its brilliant flora and fauna, rich spiritual legacies, intelligent minds and kind hearts, have always made me love India with a passion that is often witnessed in conjunction with shared histories and memories and sense of belonging. I love India. And now I have come to love Singapore. India gave me life and Singapore gave me peace. India gave me family and Singapore gave me second chances. India taught me values and Singapore taught me to stand on my own two feet. India taught me tolerance and Singapore taught me to be proud of who I am. In my initial years in Singapore, I often lashed out at it, to give vent to separation anxieties born out of leaving the country of my birth and childhood. But Singapore only smiled at me and welcomed me with no grudge whatsoever. As India has been my mother, so is Singapore now. I am now a child of two nations and proud of it. With two mothers, I could not be luckier.

As nature has it, there is divinity to be found everywhere, if one but looks for it. Corruption and law-breaking is rife in India. Singapore is materialistic. Yet, I have loved God in both places, hence, they both are special to me. And sometimes, when I close my eyes and go inward, I see a world without borders, I hear one world anthem and one global pledge arising from the hearts of millions of God’s children who are striving day and night to preserve the beauty of this planet – God’s unique gift to us. At such times, I join in the pledge of allegiance to this world, where there are no races, no creeds, no castes, no religions, no languages – nothing but LOVE. At such times I melt into that ONE ocean and become a child of the world.

--------------Shreyasi Majumdar

I’m Afraid

For a while, I have been feeling a strange, disconcerting fear within. I have not been able to put my finger on it, but I knew up until now, that it has to do with a sense of insecurity-about the future mainly. It’s like how you feel in the pit of your stomach when you have an exam coming up in a week and you have absolutely no idea how it’s going to turn out for you.  I try to look ahead into the belly of the future and I see – darkness. Oblivion. I believe now that it has mainly to do with what I hear TODAY, in the noon of NOW.

Let me be succinct – both to myself and to you. There is no need for complex intrigue, when lucidity is a perfectly viable option. I fear for myself in the future world which seems to be hovering in some kind of bizarre, deepening hopelessness, with us cutting away at its heart and stripping it of its resources.  Our ancestors have seen many wars including two on a global level. I do not worry that there will be a third. I doubt there can be another world war, when countries will be struggling to survive, thanks to the emptiness of the mother’s exhausted abundance.

I just read that a study conducted in November, 2006, came to the conclusion that we will, in all probability, be bereft of seafood by 2048. Hm. According to the average life expectancies of my generation, I should be 65 years old. Thankfully, I am a vegetarian and I do not need seafood to sustain myself. But what of the sea itself? What of the ecology of the oceans that depend on the various invertebrate and vertebrate marine species for survival. Then of course, there’s global warming and thousands of species being pushed into extinction every year. Yes, I will be 65 years old and if I live till 80, I will witness the slow murder of the planet I call home – even as I see it happening steadily today.

Yes, I am afraid and I have reason to be.

And then I wonder, what the world be like in 2100 A.D. or in 3000 A.D. Will it be as advanced as science fiction writers envision a futuristic society to be? Will mankind finally see common sense and begin to live in moderation and let the world breathe again? Will mankind finally understand the HUMONGOUS responsibility on its shoulders to protect and preserve? Will mankind finally shed the power hungry idea of a universe in which he alone resides to plunder, pillage and exploit everything else? Or will the world finally be reduced to ashes in a fiery wave - an apocalyptic climax, finally pushing man to extinction?

I don’t know. All I do know is what I see today. I’m afraid.

-----Shreyasi M

The Trumpet - Thane S.P.C.A. Quarterly Newsletter (January-March 2011)

Editorial - From the Horse's Mouth

The Other Demon

“The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty.  The activist is the man who cleans up the river.” ~Ross Perot

Maybe it’s time to really hear what Perot is trying to say. He is a businessman and usually people like that are normally concerned with the ‘other’ kind of green stuff. But Ross is spot on.

We talk about animal welfare and lobby against animal cruelty – a noble task indeed in a world ravaged by corruption, greed and political power games. We are however, so engulfed by actual acts of cruelty that we often overlook the other demon that threatens the lives of so many animals and humans directly and indirectly – pollution. It’s everywhere. You look around and there is always something polluting your field of vision. Thin plastic bags are the worst culprits, but there are others with equal polluting potency. For example, do we think about the thicker plastic bags which we bring home from malls regularly? What about tetra packs, polypet storage containers, cosmetic containers and aluminium/plastic foils – all of which have become an inseparable part of urban living?

There comes a time in all our lives, when we have to think for ourselves and not just follow the crowds blindly. Choices must be made and the kind of choices we make, determine not only who we are as individuals, but also what we are contributing to the earth of the future. Sure, we won’t be around forever, but think about it this way – someone will.

Keep your car’s PUC updated and use unleaded petrol to do your bit in the reduction of air pollution – something that affects not just humans in cities, but also urban animals. Sound pollution also is far more sinister than is publicized – especially for animals and birds. Their hearing sensitivities are far finer tuned than ours are, so the next time you want to buy loud firecrackers for Diwali or an India-Pakistan cricket match –DON’T.

In fact, the next time you want to buy anything, make the right choice. 

Choose companies which are eco-friendly and animal friendly, before you buy anything – and don’t worry there are plenty of such firms to choose from. Take The Body Shop for instance. It provides its customers with biodegradable bags which become one with soil within a year’s time. The company is also endorsed by animal protection groups worldwide, because of its humane approach to cosmetics.

That’s right! The company does not test on animals and by purchasing a product from them, you become a part of the crusade as well-it’s that simple! Amway and Star Bazaar are other examples of companies that believe in, practice and advocate sustainable living.

Make an informed decision, buy products with degradable bags and containers and ensure that an animal won’t choke to death on account of your purchase. When you’re travelling by train or car, refrain from dumping garbage and plastic bags into rivers and creeks and in your own way, become a hero for the life thriving in these water bodies. Carry your own bags to the marketplace and refuse plastic bags whenever you can. Keep your neighborhood clean and don’t wait for the garbage to pile up. Try composting at home and if you can, try community composting - it works!

Ruminate over what Perot says. Don’t just talk about the dirty river – clean it up! Be an animal welfare crusader and environmental activist in your own right. Make some differences and bring about changes – after all it begins with you!

Thank you!!!

For Thane S.P.C.A

Shreyasi Majumdar

(Editor)