Yes this is a Joke. I really have to try hard to keep shut. I often feel that the life experiences I am going through are so unique to ‘me’ that though many would have written about it mine would be still ‘me’. This is what often reflects in what I write and what I think I will write but don’t write…………….
Anyway just like most of us in Pune at this time of the year are catching cold and cough due to ups and down in the weather!!!!, Naaaaaaaaaa! It’s the pollution and traffic. OK! I promise to be serious ahead
And then yesterday I finally lost my voice. For a duck it can be so difficult to let the day pass with out quacking. But the little of quack quack here and quack quack there is often I guess makes more sense then some of the most sensible write ups. Anyway enough of boasting.
My experiences, or rather responses of my colleagues as I went mute was.
God! How is she going to work?
Why not take a day off.
What will happen if she wants to barge into discussion as always?
How peaceful it would be today
Can we handle this silence?
But was in the store was much more hilarious than I thought. I was amazed at the kind of non verbal communication I could strike with most people around including the LPG deliver man.
Another amazing thing was that 3 out of 7 colleagues talked to me in the same murmur tone as I talked to them it was such an reflex. It seemed so funny to me as I noticed them speak in my ear. Most of them making fun of me.
Till I finally realised my throat really needs some res even if my mind does not. As our generation has been BLESSED by comps. I finally comfortably took to the key board and the rest was HISTORY…………… :-)
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
I never though I could feel so different – Strange
I never though I could feel so different – Strange
I can comfortable boast of been travelling all by myself for over 15 years now. Quite used to the way one has to make oneself sink into the environment of the place and just be there. The best way to experience a place. Some times doing it over and over again one gets quite over confident of oneself till something tells you not always! And such experiences are amazing.
As I try to sink into Orissa environment, on one of my trips, it sure gave me a stare.
It was all planned for me to land in Bhuvaneshwar, take the next train to Balsore or Baleshwar as it reads on the train ticket, well over confident, I still don’t know. Quite unprepared for the delay in the flight and for sure I missed the connecting train. In a way also glad or else would have missed this experience.
My local friend had asked me to reach the bus stop in case I miss the train. So I did dutifully till I realised that I was only dropped off on the periphery of the bus stop. With the first feeling of eeriness, I could not see another women for next 30 min. Standing close to a porch of a make shift eatery. The kind eatery owner invited me for a platter of rice and dal (looked to me like the local staple) he was really industrious to believe I will eat their. (No offences but rather too unclean) But it helped break ice with the place I was in. (thanks to him)
As I start to mingle with the bus agents I also make an effort to understand the local system and also find out that I should be venturing ‘into’ bus stop actually 5 minutes walk further. As I walk into the bus stop it looked like almost any other place. As soon as I get into bus stop the agents hover over me. Till I decide to call the agents number given to me by my friend.
He soon appears to the scene. (I guess not knowing the local language added to confusion, but in all my best linguistic efforts was trying best to understand what was going on). He is not able to say much before is fellow agents but cleverly suggest me to call back to my local friend as getting of place he says is not Balasor. Only then I start fetching into bag for the venue and realise I do not have one. ‘Good’ – or ‘Gooooooood’
Try calling this local friend and he is out of reach. Luckily enough I get through and he asks me to stick with the bus arrangement he has made. He quite insists strangely not sharing why.
After a talk with the agent I realise it’s still 2 hours before we start and plan to have food, now really hungry and tired, as we would be reach only by 8 or 9 in the evening. Next I find an auto and negotiate, and even the lower rate seems kind of high for me.
All this time I have been getting ‘look’ from people not able to quite decipher what it means. New to the culture and place and the language it really had started getting on my nerves. I had started getting restless but holding back. This is what was different this time around.
We travel on this long road he (auto) stops by a relatively descent hotel. As I walk in very unlikely of me – looking for some women’s’ attendance- in the place.
Anyway once there I decide to have food their. As I get more comfortable and tell myself that no one is looking at me I see more and more faces staring at me. One 7-8 year old cleaning boy looks at me and I ask for more dal and try my best to feel comfortable.
Only later when I am here (at the bus stop writing this blog) I realise when I heard ‘Didi’ form the bus attendant, that all those stares was not so much about eyeing but more about being surprised at a women all by herself in pants and a combination one would have seen most unlikely in this environment.
Back at Bus Stop I call the agent he indicates the bus will be soon in place and everything kinda starts following in place and the driver and the conductor make me feel comfortable. Finally there is an old lady in the bus now over 3 hours and to top it all, they play Hindi songs which look very unlikely of them. As most buses have oria music going on.
Finally I get a feeling of a friendly hand extended by the local environment :-) Happy me.
I can comfortable boast of been travelling all by myself for over 15 years now. Quite used to the way one has to make oneself sink into the environment of the place and just be there. The best way to experience a place. Some times doing it over and over again one gets quite over confident of oneself till something tells you not always! And such experiences are amazing.
As I try to sink into Orissa environment, on one of my trips, it sure gave me a stare.
It was all planned for me to land in Bhuvaneshwar, take the next train to Balsore or Baleshwar as it reads on the train ticket, well over confident, I still don’t know. Quite unprepared for the delay in the flight and for sure I missed the connecting train. In a way also glad or else would have missed this experience.
My local friend had asked me to reach the bus stop in case I miss the train. So I did dutifully till I realised that I was only dropped off on the periphery of the bus stop. With the first feeling of eeriness, I could not see another women for next 30 min. Standing close to a porch of a make shift eatery. The kind eatery owner invited me for a platter of rice and dal (looked to me like the local staple) he was really industrious to believe I will eat their. (No offences but rather too unclean) But it helped break ice with the place I was in. (thanks to him)
As I start to mingle with the bus agents I also make an effort to understand the local system and also find out that I should be venturing ‘into’ bus stop actually 5 minutes walk further. As I walk into the bus stop it looked like almost any other place. As soon as I get into bus stop the agents hover over me. Till I decide to call the agents number given to me by my friend.
He soon appears to the scene. (I guess not knowing the local language added to confusion, but in all my best linguistic efforts was trying best to understand what was going on). He is not able to say much before is fellow agents but cleverly suggest me to call back to my local friend as getting of place he says is not Balasor. Only then I start fetching into bag for the venue and realise I do not have one. ‘Good’ – or ‘Gooooooood’
Try calling this local friend and he is out of reach. Luckily enough I get through and he asks me to stick with the bus arrangement he has made. He quite insists strangely not sharing why.
After a talk with the agent I realise it’s still 2 hours before we start and plan to have food, now really hungry and tired, as we would be reach only by 8 or 9 in the evening. Next I find an auto and negotiate, and even the lower rate seems kind of high for me.
All this time I have been getting ‘look’ from people not able to quite decipher what it means. New to the culture and place and the language it really had started getting on my nerves. I had started getting restless but holding back. This is what was different this time around.
We travel on this long road he (auto) stops by a relatively descent hotel. As I walk in very unlikely of me – looking for some women’s’ attendance- in the place.
Anyway once there I decide to have food their. As I get more comfortable and tell myself that no one is looking at me I see more and more faces staring at me. One 7-8 year old cleaning boy looks at me and I ask for more dal and try my best to feel comfortable.
Only later when I am here (at the bus stop writing this blog) I realise when I heard ‘Didi’ form the bus attendant, that all those stares was not so much about eyeing but more about being surprised at a women all by herself in pants and a combination one would have seen most unlikely in this environment.
Back at Bus Stop I call the agent he indicates the bus will be soon in place and everything kinda starts following in place and the driver and the conductor make me feel comfortable. Finally there is an old lady in the bus now over 3 hours and to top it all, they play Hindi songs which look very unlikely of them. As most buses have oria music going on.
Finally I get a feeling of a friendly hand extended by the local environment :-) Happy me.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Why a thud, why a brush!!@#*
Why a thud, why a brush!!@#*
Something struck me today at ‘personal’ level beyond the analytical, logical, anger, politics of what is better known today as 26/11
I am engaged in Development sector or some one might debate it as Rights Sector. (Though I have always believed that rights and responsibilities go together and it has been a struggle for me to maintain it that way).
I ran a programme with young community people to bring about energy, spark in the work we are doing. As from outside how ever exciting it seems it often gets rather lethargic, mundane, political on inside and one often feels like brushing things up.
The point here I am making is of the words we use. This process I secretly called it as young guns may be inspired by Rang de Basanti (I can be very filmy at times) Days later as I was looking at my old n rough drafts and stumbled upon this file called ‘young guns’.
Today I take a lot of interest in the political, defense, etc. development some of us still following after 26/11.
The way I have been feeling since evening of 26-pained with violence. I have never liked violence; I would not even like the site of violence. Yes, I was not among those surfing channels during the 60 hours siege. Something inside me told me not to do it.
Only now I realise and am questioning myself. Yes no one likes violence but all of us are violent all the time. In our speech, in expression, in inclusion and exclusion. I have often felt the need of letting my steam off too.
But Hey! Can we find a new language? Find new expressions which are not violent, don’t hurt, don’t exclude (We – starts with me, This is my dream work today)
May be too romantic an idea, but I would love3 to believe in such a tomorrow. Explore the unexplored. Walk where no one dares with a hope and belief that there is a beautiful tomorrow out there to be brought out here.
Human Nature Imagine Lyrics:
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
(Imagine) Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do (so hard hard to do)
Nothing to kill or die for
No religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...(oh...Living in peace)
You may say I am a dreamer (I am a dreamer)
(But I am not the...) But I am
not the only one ( I am not
[ Find more Lyrics at www.mp3lyrics.org/4GQ ]
the only one)
I hope some day you'll join us
(Imagine all the people)
And the world will live as one
(Imagine if you can...)
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...(Sharing the world)
You may say I am a dreamer (I am a dreamer)
(But I am not the...) But I
am not the only one (I am not
the only one)
I hope some day you'll join us
(Imagine all the people)
And the world will live as one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will live as one
(Imagine all the people...)
(Living as one...)
Something struck me today at ‘personal’ level beyond the analytical, logical, anger, politics of what is better known today as 26/11
I am engaged in Development sector or some one might debate it as Rights Sector. (Though I have always believed that rights and responsibilities go together and it has been a struggle for me to maintain it that way).
I ran a programme with young community people to bring about energy, spark in the work we are doing. As from outside how ever exciting it seems it often gets rather lethargic, mundane, political on inside and one often feels like brushing things up.
The point here I am making is of the words we use. This process I secretly called it as young guns may be inspired by Rang de Basanti (I can be very filmy at times) Days later as I was looking at my old n rough drafts and stumbled upon this file called ‘young guns’.
Today I take a lot of interest in the political, defense, etc. development some of us still following after 26/11.
The way I have been feeling since evening of 26-pained with violence. I have never liked violence; I would not even like the site of violence. Yes, I was not among those surfing channels during the 60 hours siege. Something inside me told me not to do it.
Only now I realise and am questioning myself. Yes no one likes violence but all of us are violent all the time. In our speech, in expression, in inclusion and exclusion. I have often felt the need of letting my steam off too.
But Hey! Can we find a new language? Find new expressions which are not violent, don’t hurt, don’t exclude (We – starts with me, This is my dream work today)
May be too romantic an idea, but I would love3 to believe in such a tomorrow. Explore the unexplored. Walk where no one dares with a hope and belief that there is a beautiful tomorrow out there to be brought out here.
Human Nature Imagine Lyrics:
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
(Imagine) Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do (so hard hard to do)
Nothing to kill or die for
No religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...(oh...Living in peace)
You may say I am a dreamer (I am a dreamer)
(But I am not the...) But I am
not the only one ( I am not
[ Find more Lyrics at www.mp3lyrics.org/4GQ ]
the only one)
I hope some day you'll join us
(Imagine all the people)
And the world will live as one
(Imagine if you can...)
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...(Sharing the world)
You may say I am a dreamer (I am a dreamer)
(But I am not the...) But I
am not the only one (I am not
the only one)
I hope some day you'll join us
(Imagine all the people)
And the world will live as one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will live as one
(Imagine all the people...)
(Living as one...)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Floating
After a long time i felt like writing something today. Was holding back have a look at what is happening around me. Today i feel free and relived.
But what made me really write this blog that the questions i have always had in mind and the questions that i have been asking to myself and people around me, weather associated to me by work or otherwise seems to be reflecting form various other people and specially women.For a moment i also stop to think am i being container of what i see and hear form other co-travelers in life. I would like to make it clear on the onset that i am not any feminist of sort or i am not particularly a person who dislikes men.(If someone wants to believe i actually Love them) But when i get a feeling of being pushed down, being restricted i feel like... This creeps in a feeling of being unequal in me it makes me have walked back in my journey in life then walking ahead. It is difficult, it feels bad that people around you get hurt wen you decide to talk your mind, it often seems so irrelevant to many people why would someone really want to be so different, why is it so difficult for people like me to stick to the societal norms, i guess that is what actually drew many people closer initially which later start becoming a difficult reality and character in a person to cope.
After thinking long i felt that is not too much i can do to change the way people look at me, if you really ask i would rather like people to remember me if the want to remember me as a more thoughtful and meaningful person rather then stereotypical loving and caring.
I feel i have just one life like most of us and i want to be myself. It might give me bruises i know but just feel like doing a blind jump in the pool, i feel like floating, i just hope i do not kike anyone in the same waters as i float along.
Just though of speaking my mind or heart, i know not...
But what made me really write this blog that the questions i have always had in mind and the questions that i have been asking to myself and people around me, weather associated to me by work or otherwise seems to be reflecting form various other people and specially women.For a moment i also stop to think am i being container of what i see and hear form other co-travelers in life. I would like to make it clear on the onset that i am not any feminist of sort or i am not particularly a person who dislikes men.(If someone wants to believe i actually Love them) But when i get a feeling of being pushed down, being restricted i feel like... This creeps in a feeling of being unequal in me it makes me have walked back in my journey in life then walking ahead. It is difficult, it feels bad that people around you get hurt wen you decide to talk your mind, it often seems so irrelevant to many people why would someone really want to be so different, why is it so difficult for people like me to stick to the societal norms, i guess that is what actually drew many people closer initially which later start becoming a difficult reality and character in a person to cope.
After thinking long i felt that is not too much i can do to change the way people look at me, if you really ask i would rather like people to remember me if the want to remember me as a more thoughtful and meaningful person rather then stereotypical loving and caring.
I feel i have just one life like most of us and i want to be myself. It might give me bruises i know but just feel like doing a blind jump in the pool, i feel like floating, i just hope i do not kike anyone in the same waters as i float along.
Just though of speaking my mind or heart, i know not...
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Beauty of Exploration
I know we can not ignore what is not nice, but does that mean we can not talk of beauty.
As a woman I just woke up to the fact that many and as many as beyond 70% of the women do not explore what is that they want. The way we are socialized and the way we are conditioned we are expected not to think, not to wish. And if things can get any worse then this, we are also TOLD what is that we should expect and how is that we should behave.
In all these pressure of expectations and suggestions, are we really expected to be beings without brains. Should we not see the path of exploration? Its beautiful to explore, one who has always been close to nature and people both y interest and through work it sound so suffocating that one is not allowed to explore.
The incidents of women bearing children and still never talked to their HUSBANDS are still sited as examples of how an IDEAL woman should be. I just can not stop but question how does she not think that I am expected to bare a child of someone who is not even known to me as a person.
What kind of world we are into where at one end we want to know the smallest thing of a person. The evident paparazzi growing in our country, the need to know latest news and the goriest details are some of the examples. On other hand there is no need to get in touch with a person around you. Though it would be interesting to look that even this knowing other is how much out of love, and concern and not control or to satisfy paparazzi mind.
It seems we are quite developed the world is moving fast but then is it only a few like me who get nostalgic by the though that the milk-man was part of your extended family and used to know most family details, where we didn’t have to put name tag on the clot we sent for iron. Nor do we take and effort to know the name of the watchman who salutes me as I walk in and out of my campus.
I seem confused, saying tings which seem to take you nowhere…
But Hey! I am just wondering is there a mid way. Can we become people, human, but still not step on each others toe. Can we give and have spaces but still not be aloof.
Can we live in the 'NOW' rather than then and try and make best of where we are.
I often travel and have shared with others who travel too, that in the rush of getting to where we eventually will get we often forget the journey itself.
Looks like real vague thoughts, but I really feel beautiful that I do THINK and want to EXPLORE
As a woman I just woke up to the fact that many and as many as beyond 70% of the women do not explore what is that they want. The way we are socialized and the way we are conditioned we are expected not to think, not to wish. And if things can get any worse then this, we are also TOLD what is that we should expect and how is that we should behave.
In all these pressure of expectations and suggestions, are we really expected to be beings without brains. Should we not see the path of exploration? Its beautiful to explore, one who has always been close to nature and people both y interest and through work it sound so suffocating that one is not allowed to explore.
The incidents of women bearing children and still never talked to their HUSBANDS are still sited as examples of how an IDEAL woman should be. I just can not stop but question how does she not think that I am expected to bare a child of someone who is not even known to me as a person.
What kind of world we are into where at one end we want to know the smallest thing of a person. The evident paparazzi growing in our country, the need to know latest news and the goriest details are some of the examples. On other hand there is no need to get in touch with a person around you. Though it would be interesting to look that even this knowing other is how much out of love, and concern and not control or to satisfy paparazzi mind.
It seems we are quite developed the world is moving fast but then is it only a few like me who get nostalgic by the though that the milk-man was part of your extended family and used to know most family details, where we didn’t have to put name tag on the clot we sent for iron. Nor do we take and effort to know the name of the watchman who salutes me as I walk in and out of my campus.
I seem confused, saying tings which seem to take you nowhere…
But Hey! I am just wondering is there a mid way. Can we become people, human, but still not step on each others toe. Can we give and have spaces but still not be aloof.
Can we live in the 'NOW' rather than then and try and make best of where we are.
I often travel and have shared with others who travel too, that in the rush of getting to where we eventually will get we often forget the journey itself.
Looks like real vague thoughts, but I really feel beautiful that I do THINK and want to EXPLORE
Friday, August 8, 2008
8-8-8 from 8
Just wanted celebrate this date. I some times like numbers just like today. Its just about a 10 days i realised that we are closing to such an historical event. Guys! this date or a similar will only repeat now after 72 years.
I am a person born on 8th and therefore i kind of feeling a little special, unfortunately though not in the best of moods, but just though blogging something talking to no one like looking at the white noise on the TV screen. I am not a loner of sorts but to do something like this but now a days i find spaces very interesting and have always found them very interesting to think about.
Don't clearly remember the verses but Jagit in one of his gazals says keep a place for this and that kind of most things, right now i am kind of quite in sink in that thought.
So today is the opening of Beijing Olympics opening and may sound sadistic but i like Nadal and what him to win that is one medal i am following.
So all of you and specially people of 8 have a great time
Cheers!.....
I am a person born on 8th and therefore i kind of feeling a little special, unfortunately though not in the best of moods, but just though blogging something talking to no one like looking at the white noise on the TV screen. I am not a loner of sorts but to do something like this but now a days i find spaces very interesting and have always found them very interesting to think about.
Don't clearly remember the verses but Jagit in one of his gazals says keep a place for this and that kind of most things, right now i am kind of quite in sink in that thought.
So today is the opening of Beijing Olympics opening and may sound sadistic but i like Nadal and what him to win that is one medal i am following.
So all of you and specially people of 8 have a great time
Cheers!.....
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Verses and inclusion…
Life is coming at a full circle to me a person born and brought up with both parents associated with corporate environment, have also worked with them in their assignment so the exposure was beyond just having parents with corporate background.
Then I chose to explore development sector right after my masters. The passion and the harsh realities of the life struck me so hard in the face that if I can say at an ‘impressionable’ age, even some days compromising of food was not too big a thing. As I grew in this field, I took up a lot of work with some of the most mariginalised communities of our country. Like most around me I learn to talk a language of blame game initially and found that working, once you put things outside your system its others who are to deal with, which looked comfortable option to an extent that also started looking at what this comfort was all about.
Till one day I got exposed to Paulo Freire and opened my eyes to inclusive and exclusive approaches, processes. Started looking at things more objectively and with an approach of staying with it and working way through rather then getting over it. Analysing things and learning form communities and people I work with is now a way of life. This helped me initiate exploring alternatives in the immediate context and to look at the expressed verses as the situations beyond the fence. As Person working with Tribal communities for me co-existence is a big thing especially in today’s times and the ways to go about it is some thing I still am exploring with people I work and associate.
Its easy to give away what you have, but in last 10 years I have seen and more importantly experienced what is it to be deprived of the little groves one is holding on to being knocked of. The TWO digit growth is paining all of us in terms of our housing loan or rising oil prices but what can it be to those whom dream of educating one person from the family gets shattered. To me even as I write this I feel like pushed to the wall with my stomach touching my back. And I would still say that this is just a second hand experience.
Thus when people ask me why ‘you people’ have to be against things I would ask is it some thing you are trying to project on me, is it your discomfort with the ugly realities. But I would like to believe that I am a believer, a believer of who thinks that there is a future of co –existence, inclusion, equity, dignity and self respect for all I often find it amusing when people ask those who are aware to these realities not to be against, its well said but I just want to say its not easy. But it can become a reasonable alternative if those who have, decide not to take more those who have shut their eyes on these realities start looking at things.
Yes together I know it’s a beautiful world out there…
Then I chose to explore development sector right after my masters. The passion and the harsh realities of the life struck me so hard in the face that if I can say at an ‘impressionable’ age, even some days compromising of food was not too big a thing. As I grew in this field, I took up a lot of work with some of the most mariginalised communities of our country. Like most around me I learn to talk a language of blame game initially and found that working, once you put things outside your system its others who are to deal with, which looked comfortable option to an extent that also started looking at what this comfort was all about.
Till one day I got exposed to Paulo Freire and opened my eyes to inclusive and exclusive approaches, processes. Started looking at things more objectively and with an approach of staying with it and working way through rather then getting over it. Analysing things and learning form communities and people I work with is now a way of life. This helped me initiate exploring alternatives in the immediate context and to look at the expressed verses as the situations beyond the fence. As Person working with Tribal communities for me co-existence is a big thing especially in today’s times and the ways to go about it is some thing I still am exploring with people I work and associate.
Its easy to give away what you have, but in last 10 years I have seen and more importantly experienced what is it to be deprived of the little groves one is holding on to being knocked of. The TWO digit growth is paining all of us in terms of our housing loan or rising oil prices but what can it be to those whom dream of educating one person from the family gets shattered. To me even as I write this I feel like pushed to the wall with my stomach touching my back. And I would still say that this is just a second hand experience.
Thus when people ask me why ‘you people’ have to be against things I would ask is it some thing you are trying to project on me, is it your discomfort with the ugly realities. But I would like to believe that I am a believer, a believer of who thinks that there is a future of co –existence, inclusion, equity, dignity and self respect for all I often find it amusing when people ask those who are aware to these realities not to be against, its well said but I just want to say its not easy. But it can become a reasonable alternative if those who have, decide not to take more those who have shut their eyes on these realities start looking at things.
Yes together I know it’s a beautiful world out there…
Monday, August 4, 2008
Tents for shelter, tents for Fun ...
Tents for shelter , Tents for Fun… being treated second class in your own country
this is so amazing for me to see that Indian government is so concerned about hosting Guest and looking at putting new community into tourism industry point 'G' in a way a person associated with nomads this might be an emotional response but the government has not taken any efforts in recognising these communities, nor do they respect their traditional Nomadic livelihoods and thus creating similar infrastructure for them.
in fall this effort is for the revenue i guess all of us involved in any profession also skilled and unskilled workers contribute in various forms of tax, even the Nomadic communities for their livelihood could have been negotiated with and a consensus on the quantum of revenue could have been mate with it that was the main consideration.
thus at a economic policy level it look strange to me that we are not prepared to provide infrastructure for the skills and professions that exists but we are wanting to introduce infrastructure and build community skills around it again reference point G.
And at the end of the day even after knowing the capacity of the western lifestyle to generate garbage there is all provision on hygiene standards due to revenue consideration, but what about environmental consideration. Not a single point talks about it except saying we sill accept the garbage but mange in environmentally conscious manner.
Well come to the worlds largest democracy.
In reference to the following approval :
TRAVEL IMPACT NEWSWIRE -- Edition 56 (2008) - Friday, 18 July 2008
country is facing acute shortage of hotel accommodation all over the
country. The mismatch in demand & supply is pushing the hotel tariff
higher. This has led to
competitive International Market.
The issue of creating additional and new category accommodation units
has been under the consideration of the Ministry of Tourism. It has been
the endeavour of the Ministry of Tourism to take all steps to augment
the room availability in the country. Setting up of camp sites and
tented accommodation would enhance availability of rooms for the
tourists. Moreover setting up of
promoting and facilitating Eco, Adventure and Pilgrimage tourism.
The Ministry has approved two sets of Guidelines for Development of Camp
Sites and Guidelines for Approval and Classification of Tented
Accommodation. The Guidelines for Development of Camp Sites are advisory
in nature and designed to encourage the State Governments and Union
Territory Administrations to promote and facilitate the setting up of
camp sites. The classification will ensure quality and standards being
observed by these establishments.
SALIENT FEATURES OF THE GUIDELINES FOR SETTING UP OF
A. Categories & Class of
following five categories according to their geographical features-
Wildlife, Adventure (Land, Water & Air). Pilgrimage, New Destinations
and Destinations Linked to International Events. The camp sites can be
further classified under 2 categories according to the facilities
available - Deluxe and Standard.
B. Specifications: The camp site would have following specifications:
I. Minimum and maximum no. of units will be 6 and 50 respectively
depending on the location and type of camps.
II. The camps would have semi build structures and rooms, Ecosan
toilets, kitchen and storage.
III. A Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) may be constructed in a manner
which blends with nature and surroundings of the location and region.
The TRC should have appropriate facilities and infrastructure for the
tourists.
C. Safety, Hygiene, Responsible Standards, and Environmentally Friendly:
For camps to be models of eco-excellence, the aspect of hygiene, garbage
disposal, responsible use of plastic, promotion of eco friendly stuff,
use of alternate energy resources, installation of fire fighting
equipments and camp security should be taken care.
D. Support from the Local Administration: Support from the local
administration in respect of water supply, electricity and subsidies on
buying state of the art alternate energy resources such as solar & wind
based equipment could be provided E. Role Of The State Governments:
a) To identify land banks for the above mentioned campsites as per the
categories proposed.
b) To arrange single window clearance for all approvals
c) To facilitate/execute lease of land to private partners/entrepreneurs.
F. Land Requirement For Different Categories For Camps: Land requirement
for the camp site would be in the range of 1200 to 2000 square meters
depending on location and type of camp.
G. Participation of Local Community: All efforts should be made to
encourage participation of the local community in the tourism related
activities of the camp sites. Training and sensitization of the members
of the local communities should be undertaken for capacity building and
for creating awareness about economic benefits of tourism to the local
communities.
H. Carrying Capacity: Carrying capacity must be kept in mind for wild
life/adventure/ new destinations campsites. There should be a minimum
separation of 500 meters between camp sites and no more than two
campsites in an area of one square kilometer.
I. Promotion and Marketing: The State Government would undertake
initiatives and campaigns to promote the camping facilities located in
their states.
SILENT FEATURES OF THE DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR APPROVAL AND CLASSIFICATION
OF TENTED ACCOMMODATION
A) The Category: The classification of Tented Accommodation (Camping
sites) is proposed to be done based on the minimum of 6 tents and the
minimum size of 10x 10ft. with a height of 7 ft. in two categories as under:
(i) Deluxe
(ii) Standard.
B) Standards of facilities & services: On the suggestion of the
stakeholders the service and facilities to be provided in the tented
accommodation have been scaled down as compared to the hotels in view of
its location in far flung and difficult areas. However, basic
requirements like toilet, water, bed-sheets have been retained.
C) Permission/Document s required: Since land is a critical component of
the Camps, the ownership/lease etc. is to be established. The permission
of the District Magistrate/Collector of the District for tented
accommodation would be taken.
D) Safety & Security: The arrangements for the safety & security of the
tourists would be a critical factor in criteria for classification and
approval of the tented accommodation.
E) Participation of local community: Appropriate weight age in the
Guidelines has been provided for promotion of local resources such as
local folk dance and music, local arts and handicrafts and employment of
local youth.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
So much for the LOO!
Read through the following incidents they might sound completely familiar:
Somewhere in a village in Maharashtra, two old friends met after 20 years from now both are 25.
A asks B – ‘it might be great to wok in office right?’
B to A – yes it quite an experience being independent
A to B – I wish I could also work somewhere and be productive or at least read and right, you know we also had this Bal Siksha Abhyan Scheme when I was young.
B to A– so what went wrong people in the house could not put you to school
A to B – No, they were all very excited and were all ready but their was a big problem
B to A – What
A to B- You know we did not have LOO built in our house!
Somewhere in Maharashtra today, two ladies talking to each another A – is now more then 9 months pregnant
B to A – had you gone for Sonography again
A to B – yes but the child is still not ready
B to A – what do you mean its not still matured to be born
A to B – it Says it does not what to come out, as it might achieve nothing
B to A – Achieve nothing? Why? I know you and your family are vary excited for this child your family does not even have a issue with boy or girl child.
A to B – No the issue is We do not have a LOO built in the house!
Somewhere in Maharashtra today a seen in Joint family. 4 siblings – and a Mama (Maternal uncle)
Mama- why you are fighting among yourselves you are good grown up young pople each one of you have good experience in Agriculture, your father would have been so proud to see all 4 of you helping each other on your farms.
Sibling A – but that is the problem the farm is still not ours
Sibling B – Therefore we can not avail a scheme or do any investment in our farm.
Mama – why what happened, I remember your father used to own the farm
Sibling C – He still does its not transferred in our name as we do not have his death certificate.
Mama – why
Sibling D- Because we do not have a LOO built in our house.
Somewhere in Maharashtra, in a remote village where political representation is just moving in this village with the hope of issues of this village being represented. A young leader who wishes to stand for local elections with guidance and support of elders is taking to a group of villagers.
Leader – I am really agitated that after all this I will not qualify for the elections
Villager – what are you saying why, you are educated, the papers were clear, your St status is clear what is wrong
Leader – Because I do not have a LOO built in my house.
How ever bizarre it may sound but this is true. Today due to the ‘Baking’ of organisations like UN and World bank and the much talked about Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of which one is of Sanitation to all.
This has caused the Government to push it down on the field or on paper. I live in Maharashtra and do not know if you all have a similar situation. But in Maharashtra people have been devoid of many rights which many Community groups, social movements, etc have got after making a lot of efforts. Today unless you have a built LOO in your house you can not have Birth or Death registration certificate, you can not stand for an election, you can not avail for all the amazing ‘development’ schemes government talks about. I hope people can avail the LOO scheme at least.
I know that the water and Sanitation in all the places including the rural area is important and it deserves to be in MDG. But have we look at it holistically, are their more pressing issues for these rural communities, have we asked for their priorities, have we taken enough time to explain the need for the LOO and create an awareness around it, does the government scheme provide enough money for people to build it and even after all this is done do we have enough of water supply to all these house hold who will be screaming our of the news screens for DRINKING water to flush down the water in the LOO!
So are we really losing one battle for another, will all the education, agricultural, health schemes help if the basic rights can not be accesses. Should these not be our concerns instead of looking at LOOs as the priority? Why So much for the LOO?!!!
Somewhere in a village in Maharashtra, two old friends met after 20 years from now both are 25.
A asks B – ‘it might be great to wok in office right?’
B to A – yes it quite an experience being independent
A to B – I wish I could also work somewhere and be productive or at least read and right, you know we also had this Bal Siksha Abhyan Scheme when I was young.
B to A– so what went wrong people in the house could not put you to school
A to B – No, they were all very excited and were all ready but their was a big problem
B to A – What
A to B- You know we did not have LOO built in our house!
Somewhere in Maharashtra today, two ladies talking to each another A – is now more then 9 months pregnant
B to A – had you gone for Sonography again
A to B – yes but the child is still not ready
B to A – what do you mean its not still matured to be born
A to B – it Says it does not what to come out, as it might achieve nothing
B to A – Achieve nothing? Why? I know you and your family are vary excited for this child your family does not even have a issue with boy or girl child.
A to B – No the issue is We do not have a LOO built in the house!
Somewhere in Maharashtra today a seen in Joint family. 4 siblings – and a Mama (Maternal uncle)
Mama- why you are fighting among yourselves you are good grown up young pople each one of you have good experience in Agriculture, your father would have been so proud to see all 4 of you helping each other on your farms.
Sibling A – but that is the problem the farm is still not ours
Sibling B – Therefore we can not avail a scheme or do any investment in our farm.
Mama – why what happened, I remember your father used to own the farm
Sibling C – He still does its not transferred in our name as we do not have his death certificate.
Mama – why
Sibling D- Because we do not have a LOO built in our house.
Somewhere in Maharashtra, in a remote village where political representation is just moving in this village with the hope of issues of this village being represented. A young leader who wishes to stand for local elections with guidance and support of elders is taking to a group of villagers.
Leader – I am really agitated that after all this I will not qualify for the elections
Villager – what are you saying why, you are educated, the papers were clear, your St status is clear what is wrong
Leader – Because I do not have a LOO built in my house.
How ever bizarre it may sound but this is true. Today due to the ‘Baking’ of organisations like UN and World bank and the much talked about Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of which one is of Sanitation to all.
This has caused the Government to push it down on the field or on paper. I live in Maharashtra and do not know if you all have a similar situation. But in Maharashtra people have been devoid of many rights which many Community groups, social movements, etc have got after making a lot of efforts. Today unless you have a built LOO in your house you can not have Birth or Death registration certificate, you can not stand for an election, you can not avail for all the amazing ‘development’ schemes government talks about. I hope people can avail the LOO scheme at least.
I know that the water and Sanitation in all the places including the rural area is important and it deserves to be in MDG. But have we look at it holistically, are their more pressing issues for these rural communities, have we asked for their priorities, have we taken enough time to explain the need for the LOO and create an awareness around it, does the government scheme provide enough money for people to build it and even after all this is done do we have enough of water supply to all these house hold who will be screaming our of the news screens for DRINKING water to flush down the water in the LOO!
So are we really losing one battle for another, will all the education, agricultural, health schemes help if the basic rights can not be accesses. Should these not be our concerns instead of looking at LOOs as the priority? Why So much for the LOO?!!!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Effective use of Tribal Rights Act
Tribal Rights Act Implementation and other functional concerns where tribal communities are in minority
The Panchayats where there are mixed populations it is really going to be difficult and as always those who are more vocal will have access to resources.
The way we have looked at the act is that right form its inception it has been turned twisted and tilted in many of its draft in various camps. And we all know this. But what is persistent about all the legislations is that the Rules are never in tandem with the spirit of the Act which keeps being interpreted in most exploitative manner as per convince.
(Disgrace) If you read today’s (27th February 08) Indian express India gives away approx 1400 seeds to the Norway based international gene pool and also the way NGOs have been involved to feed into the national gene pool with out looking at the flaws of the Biodiversity Act specifically in context of IPR of the communities.
The Act only as per me will benefit and will be used in most just manner in the area where the tribal population is 90-100 % we are involved in quite a few of such areas where there have been Acquisitions done in past without following proper procedures. Leading to whole lot of confusion between the PESA and the Acquisition Act, there I feel we can use it interestingly.
But the kind of hurry they are showing for declaration of inviolate areas is something, to be well looked into.
Also there are many people working on right to food wanting to legitimise number of encroachments, where is that we are going to decide to stop. Are we looking forward for a world where there be no diversity are we all wanting to see every one cultivating without understanding the complexities of the various \Neo – farmers, the production and the knowledge issues faced by these people. .
And on top of everything tribes like Chenchus even if we do not like the terminology- the PTGs of India specifically some of them who are really docile have their own group of issues. Though the Act briefly talks about special protection of their rights the rules does not provide much help.
I do not want to sound Pessimistic but can we expect those who want to rush into 'innovative ' and 'my discovery' ideas to really examine them with the communities who will finally have to bare the implications of what we do.
All does not end here I would like to say more just some time constrain but this dialogue should be on to debate out the growing cob-webs in the mind.
The Panchayats where there are mixed populations it is really going to be difficult and as always those who are more vocal will have access to resources.
The way we have looked at the act is that right form its inception it has been turned twisted and tilted in many of its draft in various camps. And we all know this. But what is persistent about all the legislations is that the Rules are never in tandem with the spirit of the Act which keeps being interpreted in most exploitative manner as per convince.
(Disgrace) If you read today’s (27th February 08) Indian express India gives away approx 1400 seeds to the Norway based international gene pool and also the way NGOs have been involved to feed into the national gene pool with out looking at the flaws of the Biodiversity Act specifically in context of IPR of the communities.
The Act only as per me will benefit and will be used in most just manner in the area where the tribal population is 90-100 % we are involved in quite a few of such areas where there have been Acquisitions done in past without following proper procedures. Leading to whole lot of confusion between the PESA and the Acquisition Act, there I feel we can use it interestingly.
But the kind of hurry they are showing for declaration of inviolate areas is something, to be well looked into.
Also there are many people working on right to food wanting to legitimise number of encroachments, where is that we are going to decide to stop. Are we looking forward for a world where there be no diversity are we all wanting to see every one cultivating without understanding the complexities of the various \Neo – farmers, the production and the knowledge issues faced by these people. .
And on top of everything tribes like Chenchus even if we do not like the terminology- the PTGs of India specifically some of them who are really docile have their own group of issues. Though the Act briefly talks about special protection of their rights the rules does not provide much help.
I do not want to sound Pessimistic but can we expect those who want to rush into 'innovative ' and 'my discovery' ideas to really examine them with the communities who will finally have to bare the implications of what we do.
All does not end here I would like to say more just some time constrain but this dialogue should be on to debate out the growing cob-webs in the mind.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
The odd auto drive
The lazy Pune afternoon in a quite lane under the shadowing huge tree stood three autos waiting for their passengers, a rare moment as one has to otherwise look for or rather hunt for an auto at this hour of the day. I was armed with my objective of reaching to a place crossing half of the city to the bustling old town. Was talking to a friend and the phone abruptly cut. Was thinking of work planning for those critical next strategies and …
He then went on 'It was two when I reached form where you piked Me up', it was he the service provider ( i was now dealing with) the auto kind of did not exist and more it was part of extended identity of the driver. He went ahead he said 'I was think and thinking and thinking and never realised when all this time went away.'
Then he asks me ( I was wearing a pair of jeans and a T) 'are you a college girl' I said no I work. He did not seem to have heard me or may be did not ask a question for an answer. He said 'I have a daughter her mind does not work too well she cannot identify different dominations of currency, she does not identify colour.' May be she also had a hart problem, 'she can not any more drink water form our village. We leave in Phursungi. I am carrying this drum I will carry the water from city (treated) for her to drink, I also will have to carry money so that we can cook. I will .. I will..'
He goes on 'The life was just OK and did not realies when it went out of my hands. It is very difficult these days to make ends meet. I hope I will be able to earn enough.' We enter in the bustling city. Now he starts affecting me by saying 'My mind it already tired and messed up and then this traffic does the rest if anything is left. I do not know when this will stop.'
For a long time this goes on and on I was thinking to myself should I encourage him to talk to me or may be just ask him to shut up. Is he talking to me cause it is safe to talk to a stranger. Should I go out of my way and help him find some support. Can I ask him to wait for me so that he get another long distance fair. I just kept thinking may be just thinking too much. -
At a later point it made me think what is happening to me, to us and to the humanness in all of us.
May be I have a guilt of not acting, may be I want to write something nice and feel good about myself I don’t know why I am writing this. But I felt that life knocked my mind today, may be as if it wanted to say don't rush be alive to me.
He touch me with his life and now I am already looking forward to mine.
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