kasmenon

MONSOON, KUDALIKA AND ME The Monsoon propelled me out of literary laziness. It , as always, did alter my mood for the better.  This year the rain gods laid it out in all splendor. Asking me to smell the rain, feel the wind.    Alluring me to kiss it and letting me feel the rain drops on my head. Sing a lullaby . The lush green outdoors, the swirling rivers and the majestic waterfalls beckoned me. Promising to dance with me as the rains fall.  Who am I , a  creation of this very element, to say no.  Yes, I was like a child wanting to rush to his mothers arms.  So with a little persuasion , a little nudge from me  and some research ,  few friends packed our bags and set out. Albeit on a short trip. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. We were never the ones to allow it to be nothing.  Our first stop was the rain soaked Lonavala.  It is a small town about 15 sq miles  in area and at a moderate elevation...

ARTICLE 14 AND THE ANIMAL KINGDOM A canopy of trees spread out deep into this tropical ever green forest, situated hundreds of kilometres from one of ancient Indian River systems.   The Syzygium (Jambul) and Mahogany with an occasional Banyan tree dominated the area,    amidst thick flora. This was once a complete ecosystem, with a large variety of wild animals and bird life. This was the kingdom of the animals and birds, the four legged and the winged variety and had been so, for well over millions of years. The last few centuries saw humans make inroads and, over time, dominate the once lush thick forest. The animals were the ones who kept withdrawing.    Nature has a way to get back at those who exploit and dominate.  It had to happen. One day. Deep inside this forest. Circa 2025. It was just like another twilight. The Sun had disappeared, lost among the thick foliage. But light, in brilliant hues, seeped throug...

Social media and politics  We all have seen an enormous number of content exchanged via the social media  Facebook, Instagram , WA etc. These have content that are authentic, plain forwards, personnel opinion, propaganda, lies, half truth, rumors , humorous , highly inflammatory, defaming, insulting, praising, worshiping and a variety of reactions and responses, reflecting ones sate of mind, values, ideology, commitment or plain stupidity.  Is it serving a purpose? If so whose?  Most likely it does help spread information, knowledge and awareness. It even may serve as an outlet for ones anger, frustration or plain boredom. Probably all of these in various combinations and to a limited extend.  However, there also is an expected fallout. One that is a heavy price to pay. Something ,which could destroy the social fabric.  One would have noticed that as we indulge in this frenzy we come across angry , upset and distraught friends, relatives...

PMOJI AND ME It was a lazy Sunday morning, the first of the New Year, with the Sun, unusually, managing to bathe the landscape and the structures in splendid sunlight, resulting in a peak winter time temperature of 26 degrees.   I was also lazing around, thinking of such unusual weather, climate change , odd even and such earthy and vital concerns of the human race. Surely, it was a lazy Sunday and would have remained so had that call not come, disturbing my half stupor and half contemplative mood.   The ringtone on my cell is one that is practical but pleasant.  The one that disturbed my Sunday sounded impatient and serious. As i glanced across the screen, the true caller I’d the call to be originating from Delhi. An unknown number. Normally, I do not answer a call from an unknown number on a Sunday, particularly when I was worrying about saving the world. This call somehow seemed different. A part of me told that it is an important call, one which m...

ROMAN HOLIDAY PART 2 Rome wasn't built in a day is an adage meant to mean that it takes time to create great things and here I was soon going to see the great city soon. Our tactics of using the metro and Hop on hop off bus continued.  The guide on the tour whose voice was taped, spoke in English, in the way Englishmen spoke. So we could understand what was said.  Rome is an old lady with some wrinkles on her face but still charming and attractive. We realized at the end that this old lady will forever remain attractive in spite of being a witness to turbulent as well as great times. The   history of the Roman Empire  covers 500 years of the history of   Ancient Rome  ,   from the beginning of 27 BC o r so. Names like Julius Caesar   , Pompey  , Mark Antony , Augustus and Nero all come to mind as you travel towards Italy. One recalls Caesar  who was murdered ,  Antony and his lady love Cleopatra of Egypt, whic...

ROMAN HOLIDAY   PART 1 Rome and Romans of yesteryear always beckoned me. To witness in person. Here was that happening! We had taken a late evening flight from London to Venice, our next destination. The time in the aircraft was spent on refreshing my memory of history with some help from the very slow wifi connection available. We were staying in Mestre.  It’s located a little away from the main city of Venice. It a nice quite little place with cute people and is a good option compared to staying in Venice. Apart from this being economical ( with  good hotels) it’s not more than 20 minutes’ drive into Venice. We left early morning, though the temperature was somewhere in the single digit.  Venice is a city in north eastern   Italy   situated on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. Having realised that the city has to be soaked in only through foot and party helped by the boats and , if possible , the Go...

A TRYST WITH LONDON PART 3  Get down at The Tower Bridge station on the tube and a few blocks away , as you walk, the first tower of the Tower Bridge comes into view. Soon you see part of the river Thames on both sides. Get across to your right ( if you have not crossed the road ) and the full bridge comes into view. While you walk towards the bridge , you will notice on your right , a large castle , which was once made of white stone but now is  less white. It dominates the whole area and is  very imposing,   looks very mysterious and sinister. Before you go to the Tower you can walk down the steps and get close to the castle called the White Tower . This place witnessed a history of kings who occupied the place. It also served as a prison and a extraordinary place for executions. Over six Queens have been executed in its courtyard and so have many prisoners. The place does, architecture wise, look like a prison. The King's chamber is said to be impressive. The W...