First They Came!

"First they came…" is a poem attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) about the inactivity of German intellectuals following the Nazi rise to power and the purging of their chosen targets, group after group.

Read this in the context of the killings in Orissa, and the post-Godhra Gujarath.

വിവാഹിതരേ, നിങ്ങള്‍ കേട്ടതൊക്കെ നുണയായിരുന്നു!

എനിക്ക് കിട്ടിയ ഒരു പുതിയ അറിവിനെ കുറിച്ചാണ്: അതായത് ഞാന്‍ രാത്രി ഒരു 10.45-നു കോഴിക്കോട് ബൈപ്പാസ്സിലൂടെ വണ്ടിയോടിച്ചു വന്നുകൊണ്ടിരിക്കുകയാണ്. എഫെമ്മില്‍ റേഡിയോ മാംഗോ തകര്‍ക്കുന്നു. ഏതോ ഒരു 'സജു' തൊണ്ടയുടെ ബാസ്സൊക്കെ കൂട്ടി പ്രേമത്തിന്റെ ഫിലോസഫി വിളമ്പുകയാണ്. കുറച്ചു കഴിഞ്ഞപ്പോ മക്കളേ.., അതാ വരണാ വെളിപാട്: സാധാരണ പ്രേമിച്ചു കല്യാണം കഴിച്ചവര്‍ കുറച്ചു കാലം നല്ല സ്നേഹത്തോടെ കഴിയുമെങ്കിലും പോകപോകെ പ്രശ്നങ്ങളായി, ഉടക്കായി, അടിയായി തമ്മില്‍ പിരിയുമത്രേ!!
          സമ്മതിച്ചു, പ്രേമിക്കുമ്പോള്‍ ഉള്ള രസമൊന്നും കല്യാണം കഴിഞ്ഞാല്‍ കാണില്ല, സജു പറഞ്ഞ പോലെ എല്ലാ പ്രേമ വിവാഹക്കാരും രണ്ടു കൊല്ലം കഴിയുമ്പോള്‍ അടിച്ചുപിരിയും എന്നും സമ്മതിക്കാം (ഹ മാഷേ വിട്ടേക്കെന്നേ, പയ്യന്റെ ഒരു ആഗ്രഹമല്ലേ!) എന്നാല്‍ അടുത്ത പ്രഖ്യാപനമാണ് രസം: പുതിയ ഒരു പരിപാടിയെ പറ്റി കേട്ടിട്ടില്ല? Living-in Relationship! എന്നുവച്ചാല്‍, പ്രായപൂര്‍ത്തിയായ ഒരു ആണും പെണ്ണും ഒരുമിച്ചു താമസിക്കുക; കുട്ടികളെ ഉല്പാദിപ്പിക്കുക എന്നതൊഴിച്ചുള്ള എല്ലാ ഭാര്യാ-ഭര്‍തൃ പ്രവര്‍ത്തനങ്ങളും (അയ്യേ, എനിക്ക് നാണമാ!) നടത്തുക! ഒരു പ്രശ്നവുമില്ല, ഒരു commitment ഉം വേണ്ട, എപ്പോ വേണമെങ്കിലും പിരിയാം (ഊരിപ്പോരാം). പക്ഷെ, ഇങ്ങനെയുള്ള ബന്ധങ്ങളില്‍ പൊതുവെ യാതൊരു പ്രശ്നങ്ങളും ഉണ്ടാവാറില്ല എന്നാണു സജുവിന്റെ കണ്ടെത്തല്‍.
           മലയാളി കേള്‍ക്കാത്ത ഒരു പുതിയ സംഗതിയൊന്നുമല്ല ഈ Living-In Relationship. 'അമേരിക്കയിലൊക്കെ അങ്ങനെയാന്നേ..' എന്ന് നമ്മള്‍ പലവട്ടം പല അച്ചായന്മാരും പറഞ്ഞു കേട്ടിട്ടുമുണ്ട്. പിന്നെ, ഇപ്പൊ പെട്ടെന്ന് എന്തേ റേഡിയോ മാംഗോയ്ക്കിങ്ങനെ  തോന്നാന്‍?! മനോരമ എന്താണുദ്ദേശിക്കുന്നത്? മലയാളിയെ പുതിയ സംസ്കാരം പഠിപ്പിക്കാന്‍ ആരാണ് കരാറെടുത്തത്??
              കേരളത്തെ മധുര മനോഹര മനോജ്ഞ അമേരിക്കയാക്കി മാറ്റാന്‍ ആരാണ് ടെണ്ടര്‍ വിളിച്ചത്?! 
                 ഇതേ സജുവിനെ പിന്നീട് കണ്ടത് പത്രത്തില്‍ ഒരു വാര്ത്തയിലാണ് - സ്വന്തമായി ഒരു ഭാര്യയുള്ള ഇദ്ദേഹം, ഒരു കേള്വിക്കാരിയെ സ്ഥിരമായി വിളിച്ച് പാട്ടിലാക്കി തട്ടിക്കൊണ്ടുപോയി കല്യാണം രെജിസ്ടര്‍ ചെയ്തുവത്രേ! ആരും ടെണ്ടര്‍ എടുക്കാനില്ലെങ്കില്‍ സ്വയം പണി തുടങ്ങുക തന്നെ!!  Living-ഇന്‍ Relationship ആണ് കക്ഷി ഉദ്ദേശിച്ചത്, പക്ഷേ പെണ്ണ് വിട്ടില്ല!!

ഞാന്‍ ബ്ലോഗുന്നതെന്തിന്?

നമ്മളെല്ലാം ഈ ബ്ലോഗ്ഗുന്നതെന്തിനു വേണ്ടിയാണ്? ഭാഷയെ നന്നാക്കിക്കളയാം എന്ന് കരുതിയാണോ?! അതോ, ഞാനും ജീവിച്ചിരിപ്പുണ്ട് എന്ന് ലോകത്തെ അറിയിക്കാനോ? ഞാന്‍ ഭയങ്കരമാന ആദ്മി, എന്റെ എഴുത്തൊക്കെ ഇനി വായിക്കണമെങ്കില്‍ കാശ് കൊടുത്തു പുസ്തകം വാങ്ങേണ്ടി വരും, ഇപ്പോ വേണേല്‍ ഫ്രീയായിട്ട് വായിച്ചോ എന്നാണോ?! അതല്ലാ, തിരസ്കാരങ്ങളുടെ വീര്‍പ്പുമുട്ടല്‍ സഹിക്കാന്‍ വയ്യാഞ്ഞിട്ട് സ്വന്തമായി വെളിച്ചം കാണിച്ചു കളയാം എന്ന ലൈനാണോ?
              ഏതായാലും ശരി, എന്റെ അഭിപ്രായത്തില്‍ ഗൂഗിള്‍ ചെയ്തത് വലിയ തെറ്റ് തന്നെ. ഈ Malayalam Transliteration എന്ന സംഗതിയേ പറ്റിയാണ്. ഇംഗ്ലീഷില്‍ എഴുതുന്ന മല്ലൂസിനെ നോക്കൂ, ഒരു പ്രശ്നവുമില്ല, സര്‍വ്വം ശാന്തം! ബൂലോകത്തെക്കൊന്നു കണ്ണോടിക്കൂ... അടി, ഇടി, കുത്ത്, ചവിട്ട്, മാന്ത്, പിച്ച്... എന്നിങ്ങനെ കരിങ്കൊടി മുതല്‍ ഹര്‍ത്താല്‍ വരെ. എല്ലാത്തിനും പശ്ചാത്തല സംഗീതം പോലെ നല്ല ഭരണിപ്പാട്ടും! കേരളത്തിന്റെ, കൈരളിയുടെ ഒരു യദാര്‍ഥ പരിഛേദം! ഹൊ, മലയാളീസിനെ സമ്മതിക്കണം, ബുഷിന്റെ ഇന്റര്‍നെറ്റില്‍ സ്വന്തമായി ഒരു കേരളം തുടങ്ങികളഞ്ഞില്ലേ?!
               ബ്ലോഗ് എന്ന ആശയം എന്നെ സംബന്ധിച്ചിടത്തോളം (എന്റെ പരിമിതമായ അറിവുവെച്ച്) വളരെ വിശാലമായ, സ്വതന്ത്രമായ ഒന്നാണ്. അതിനെ ചില ചട്ടക്കൂടുകളില്‍ ഒതുക്കാന്‍ ശ്രമിക്കുമ്പോള്‍ ബ്ലോഗിന്റെ വ്യക്തിത്വം, സാധുത നഷ്ടപ്പെടുന്നു. ബ്ലോഗില്‍ എന്തും നിങ്ങള്‍ക്കെഴുതാം, ആരും വായിക്കണം എന്ന് യാതൊരു നിര്‍ബന്ധവുമില്ല. വൃത്തികേട്‌ വല്ലതും എഴുതിയാല്‍ അതിന്റെ ഭവിഷ്യത്തുകൂടി  അനുഭവിക്കേണ്ടി (വായിക്കേണ്ടി) വരും എന്ന് മാത്രം. ഞാന്‍ blogger ആയത് ആരും എന്നെ 'എങ്ങനെ ബ്ലോഗ് ചെയ്യാം' എന്ന് പഠിപ്പിച്ചിട്ടല്ല. ഒരുപക്ഷെ എല്ലാവരും അങ്ങനെയൊക്കെത്തന്നെ!
              ബ്ലോഗ്ഗര്‍മാര്‍ക്കും വേണോ ഒരു സംഘടന അഥവാ കൂട്ടായ്മ? നമ്മളെ ആരെങ്കിലും തല്ലാന്‍ വരുന്നുണ്ടോ? നമ്മള്‍ക്ക് വല്ല അവകാശങ്ങളും നേടിയെടുക്കാനുണ്ടോ? പുതിയ ബ്ലോഗ്ഗര്‍മാരെ നമ്മള്‍ പഠിപ്പിച്ചിട്ടു വേണോ? അവരോട് 'ഇങ്ങനെയേ എഴുതാന്‍ പാടുള്ളൂ' എന്ന് പറയണോ? ഈ  ബൂലോക കൂട്ടായ്മയില്‍ അംഗത്വമുള്ളവര്‍ക്കേ ഇനി മുതല്‍ ബ്ലോഗ് ചെയ്യാന്‍ പാടുള്ളൂ എന്ന് നിയമം വരുമോ? അല്ലാ, അങ്ങനെയൊക്കെ പറയാന്‍ എനിക്ക് അഥവാ നമുക്ക് എന്താണധികാരം? കേരളത്തെ നശിപ്പിച്ച യൂണിയന്‍ സംസ്കാരം ഇവിടെയും വേണോ?!
             പത്രങ്ങളില്‍ ബ്ലോഗ് എന്ന ആശയം വാര്‍ത്ത്തയാകുന്നതിനു വളരെ മുമ്പ് തന്നെ മലയാളം ബൂലോഗം ഒരു യാദാര്‍ഥ്യമായിരുന്നു എന്നാണു എന്റെ അറിവ്. അന്ന് എന്തുമാത്രം ശാന്തമായിരുന്നു ഈ വിര്‍ച്ച്വല്‍ വേള്‍ഡ്‌! മാവേലിമന്നന്റെ കേരളം ഓര്‍മ  വരുന്നു. ഉം.... അന്തകാലം!


Better keep the Virtual virtual!


N.B.: ഞാന്‍ കുറച്ചുകാലമായി ഇവിടെയൊക്കെ തന്നെയുണ്ട് (ആര്‍ക്കും അറിയില്ല എന്നേ ഉള്ളൂ, ഹി..ഹി). എങ്കിലെന്താ, എനിക്കും പരാതിയില്ല മറ്റുള്ളവര്‍ക്കും പരാതിയില്ല. അത്താണ് ബൂലോകം!

എന്തുകൊണ്ട് കേരളം സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യം പ്രഖ്യാപിക്കുന്നില്ല?!

എന്റെ ചോദ്യമാണ് സഖാക്കളെ, എനിക്കൊരു ഉത്തരം തരൂ! ആണവ കരാര്‍ പ്രശ്നത്തില്‍ കേന്ദ്രം വിശ്വാസ വോട്ടു തേടിയപ്പോള്‍ കേരളത്തില്‍ നിന്നുള്ള ഒന്നൊഴികെ മുഴുവന്‍ എംപീമാരും (വേറൊരാള്‍ക്ക് വോട്ടില്ല) എതിര്താണ്‌ വോട്ട് ചെയ്തത്. അനുകൂലമായി ചെയ്ത ആ ഒരാളും ഗതികെടുകൊണ്ടാണ് അങ്ങനെ ചെയ്തത്! അതിനര്‍ത്ഥം കേരളം ഒഴികെയുള്ള ഇന്ത്യ കേരളത്തിനെതിരായി ചിന്തിക്കുന്നു എന്നല്ലേ?! എന്തുകൊണ്ട് കേരളം ഇന്ത്യയില്‍ നിന്നും സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യം പ്രഖ്യാപിക്കുന്നില്ലാ? എനിക്ക് വയ്യാ, അമേരിക്കയുടെ അടിമയായ ഇന്ത്യയില്‍ ജീവിക്കുവാന്‍ .., ഞാന്‍ ക്യൂബയില്‍ പോട്ടെ. അല്ലെങ്കില്‍ വേണ്ടാ, വെനിസ്വെലയില്‍ പോകാം, അവിടെയാകുമ്പോള്‍ പെട്രോളിന് രണ്ടു രൂപ മതി. ആരെങ്കിലും പോരുന്നോ?! 

വന്‍ ചിരികള്‍

മന്‍മോഹന്‍ ചിരിക്കുകയാണ്, ബുഷും! ചിരിക്കട്ടെ, പണം മുടക്കിയത് മന്‍മോഹന്‍ അല്ലല്ലോ. അദ്വാനിയുടെയോ ബിജെപിയുടെയോ കയ്യില്‍ അത്രയും പൈസാ കാണില്ലാന്ന് നമുക്കെല്ലാം അറിയാം. എന്നാപ്പിന്നെ അമര്‍ സിംഗ് കൊടുത്തതുതന്നെ! 'രണ്ടും സിംഗ് തന്നെയല്ലേ' എന്ന് നിങ്ങള്‍ വിചാരിക്കും. എന്നാലേ, ഇതു സിംഗ് വേറെയാ മോനേ ദിനേശാ, കോടീശ്വരന്മാരുമായിട്ടാ കമ്പനി! അതവിടെ നിക്കട്ടെ, നമുക്കു കാര്യത്തിലേക്ക് കടക്കാം:
           എന്നാലും ഈ മദാമ്മ എന്ത് കണ്ടിട്ടാ ഈ ട്രെയിനിനു തലവെച്ചതെന്നാ എനിക്ക് പിടികിട്ടാത്തത് (അതുതന്നെയാ പ്രകാശേട്ടനും പറഞ്ഞത്)?! എന്തായാലും അടുത്തൊന്നും ഈ നശിച്ച കരാര്‍ പാസ്സാകുന്ന ലക്ഷണമില്ല.. ഇന്ത്യയില്‍ നടന്നാലും അമേരിക്കയില്‍ നടക്കും എന്ന് തോന്നുന്നുമില്ല. ഇനിയിപ്പോ കരാര്‍ പാസ്സായീന്ന് തന്നെ ഇരിക്കട്ടെ, ഓസ്ട്രേലിയ ഇന്ത്യക്ക് യുറേനിയം തരുമോ? അതുമില്ല! ഓസ്ട്രേലിയ പറയുന്നത് N.P.T. യില്‍ ഒപ്പിട്ടാലേ ആണവ ഇന്ധനം തരൂ എന്നാണ്. പിന്നെന്ത് ആണവകരാര്‍!
               ഇത്രയും കാലം കഴുതയെപ്പോലെ മൂടുതാങ്ങിയ ഇടതുപക്ഷത്തെ പിണക്കിയത് മിച്ചം. ശ്രീമതി ഗാന്ധി എന്താ കരുതിയത്, എന്ത് ചെയ്താലും 'വര്‍ഗീയത, ബിജെപി' എന്നൊക്കെ പറഞ്ഞ് അധികാരത്തില്‍ കെട്ടിപ്പിടിച്ചിരിക്കമെന്നോ?!
             ആണവകരാര്‍ കൊണ്ട് ആര്‍ക്ക്, എന്താണ് നേട്ടം? ഇന്ത്യ രണ്ടു തവണ ആണവവിസ്ഫോടനം നടത്തിയത് അമേരിക്ക സഹായിച്ചിട്ടാണോ? അമേരിക്കന്‍ ഉപരോധം കൊണ്ട് ഇന്ത്യക്കെന്തെന്കിലും സംഭവിച്ചോ? ഇന്ത്യ ബഹിരാകാശ രംഗത്ത് വന്ശക്തിയായത് ഏതെങ്കിലും വികസിത രാജ്യങ്ങളുടെ സഹായത്തോടെയാണോ? ആണവോര്‍ജ്ജം കൊണ്ടു വാഹനമോടിക്കാന്‍ കഴിയുമോ? ഇന്നിപ്പോള്‍ ഇന്ത്യയുടെ നാണ്യപ്പെരുപ്പ നിരക്കും രൂപയുടെ മൂല്യവും നിര്‍ണയിക്കുന്ന പെട്രോളിയത്ത്തിനു പകരമാകാന്‍ യുറേനിയത്തിനു കഴിയുമോ? ആണവോര്‍ജ്ജം എത്രത്തോളം സുരക്ഷിതമാണ്? ഈ കരാര്‍ ഇന്ത്യയെ ആണവശക്തിയായി മറ്റു രാജ്യങ്ങള്‍ അംഗീകരിക്കാന്‍ കാരണമാകുമോ? എല്ലാ ചോദ്യങ്ങള്‍ക്കും ഉത്തരം 'ഇല്ല' അല്ലെങ്കില്‍ 'അല്ല' എന്ന് മാത്രം.
              എന്തുകൊണ്ട് ഇന്ത്യ തോറിയം ഇന്ധനമാക്കി ആണവ പദ്ധതി മുന്നോട്ടു കൊണ്ടുപോകുന്നില്ല? എന്തുകൊണ്ട് ഇറാന്‍ -പാകിസ്താന്‍ വാതക പൈപ്പ് ലൈന്‍ കരാര്‍ ഇന്ത്യ ഒപ്പിടുന്നില്ല? ചൈന പോലും താത്പര്യം കാണിച്ച ഈ പദ്ധതി എന്തുകൊണ്ട് യാഥാര്ത്യമാകുന്നില്ല? ഒരു പക്ഷെ, ചൈനയും പാകിസ്ഥാനുമായുള്ള ഇന്ത്യയുടെ പ്രശ്നങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് ഒരു പരിധി വരെ തടയിടാന്‍ വന്മുതല്മുടക്കുള്ള, നാല് രാജ്യങ്ങള്‍ക്കും ഒരുപോലെ താല്പര്യമുള്ള ഈയൊരു പൈപ്പ് ലൈനിനാകുമായിരുന്നു!
             അപ്പോള്‍ ഉദ്ദേശം ഊര്‍ജ്ജമല്ല എന്ന് സ്പഷ്ടം! ലോകത്തെവിടെയും അമേരിക്കയ്ക്ക് താല്‍പ്പര്യം ഒന്നേയുള്ളൂ: ലാഭം, മേല്‍ക്കോയ്മ, അധികാരം.
             ഇന്ത്യ ആണവ സാങ്കേതികത ആര്‍ജിച്ചു എന്ന് കേട്ടപ്പോള്‍, സ്വന്തമായി ഉപഗ്രഹം വിക്ഷേപിച്ചു എന്ന് കേട്ടപ്പോള്‍, സ്വന്തമായി തോറിയം സാങ്കേതികവിദ്യ വികസിപ്പിച്ചു എന്നറിഞ്ഞപ്പോള്‍.. അങ്ങനെയങ്ങനെ അനേകം തവണ അഭിമാനപൂര്‍വ്വം ഉയര്‍ന്ന തലയാണ് ഇന്നു ഞാന്‍ താഴ്ത്തുന്നത്; എന്റെ കൂടെ എത്ര തലകള്‍?!!


തുടരും..

Which BIRD are you?!

Date of birth

Bird Characteristics

21 Jan - 17 Feb: Robin

A cool exterior disguises a fiery temper and is very opinionated - although those opinions are not always shared by everyone. They are proud and particularly home-loving , although have a tendency to be quarrelsome.

18 Feb - 17 March: Goldfinch

Goldfinch people are colorful characters who are sensitive and always alert. They are gregarious by nature and love being in groups of people , which offers them security. They need to find an outlet for their imaginative abilities or they are sometimes be in danger of becoming nervous and irritable.

18 March - 14 April: Hawk

A powerful individual which displays courage and a sometimes ruthless determination. Avoids problematical obstacles with skill , although must be fully targeted so as not to waste energy in fruitless chases for the impossible.

15 April - 12 May: Albatross

Has a tendency to have a mind that wanders , but when in search of a particular goal , will travel great lengths to achieve it. Occasionally , the albatross may become caught up in things it shouldn't when not seeing clearly enough.

13 May - 9 June: Dove

Peace-loving by nature , doves will bill and coo about things close to their heart. They enjoy a fulfilling love-life and rarely fail to satisfy. They are also patient , adaptable and personable. Their lack of aggression sometimes makes them the victim of more predatory characters.

10 June- 7 July: Eagle

A well-respected figure which has excellent visionary qualities. Eagles will truck no nonsense and will fix opponents with a powerful stare. They have the power to rise above the trivial aspects of humanity , and are highly tal e nted.

8 July- 4 August: Nightingale

More often heard before being seen , nightingales always have something to say for themselves. They are however very much in tune with their partners. Their unimpressive exterior hides a personality that is just waiting to burst out.

5 August - 1 Sept: Kingfisher

Another flamboyant and colorful character that is always exciting to encounter. They rush around at great speed and have a close spiritual affinity with water. They have a sharp and perceptive head on them , but can make them impetuous enough to dive in where others would fear to go.

2 Sept - 29 Sept: Swan

The swan is a complex character. While appearing on the surface as a calm and relaxed individual , underneath they are working hard to keep up with the pace of modern life. If provoked their natural graceful demeanor can give way to a violent temper which puts them in a flap. They are definitely someone to have on your side.

30 Sept - 27 Oct: Woodpecker

A tough , hard-working character with plenty of stamina. Has no problem drumming up support for their ideas , no matter how wacky they seem. With a lateral-thinking mind they are skilled at dissecting problems and seeing the wood for the trees. However , with their noisy and exuberant lifestyle , you might not want to have one as a neighbor.

28 Oct - 24 Nov: Kestrel

A sharp brain helps kestrel people hover from one subject to another without losing concentration. They focus on their life's goal with a single-minded focus , not flustered by what is going on around them. A confidence in their own ability helps them to soar to heights others may only dream of.

25 Nov - 23 Dec: Raven

Always impressive , raven people are a tower of strength. They are more intelligent than their peers and are adept problem-solvers. They enjoy challenges are stimulated by wild and exposed places.

24 Dec - 20 Jan: Heron

Heron people are deceptive. Although they may be solitary individuals for much of the time , they nevertheless have a need to settle in busy communities where they know everyone else. They may get bogged down as they wade the course of life , but have broad enough shoulders to cope with weighty issues. But their insecure nature often leads them to fish for compliments.

Join the EARTH HOUR CAMPAIGN Today!

Employment: JRF / Birds / Sahyadri Hills / Maharashtra / Envirosearch / Pune

Project Title:
A Study on Distribution and Status of Birds and Assessment of Threats to their Survival in Sahyadri Hills, Maharashtra.

Duration:
6 months of field work plus few more months in report writing.

Details:
The study will examine the distribution of residents, migrants and endemic bird species in the PAs and surrounding forests of Western Ghats of Maharashtra also known as the Sahyadri Hills. The aim of the study is to obtain baseline information on bird species status and distribution in the area and assess the threats to their survival in the area. The study will cover all PAs and RF of Sahyadri Hills.

Qualification:
Master's degree in science with a keen interest in bird study and liking for working in the forests. The work requires extensive traveling and working on foot in tough terrain of Sahyadri. The person must be prepared for working in this terrain. Remuneration will be Rs 8500 per month as a JRF scale of UGC. The lodging and traveling cost will be borne by the organization at actuals.
If desired, Envirosearch can help the researcher to develop the proposal for pursuing a long-term study for his future work.


Interested person should contact immediately.

Contact:
Dr. Prachi Mehta
Envirosearch, Pune
Tel: 020-65222903/25871310/ 65619257
Email: main@envirosearch.in

KATHA PARAYUMBOL: Balan Katha Aarodum Paranjillaa..

Learn the art of emoting from the master: Mammootty! And learn the art of story-telling from another!!

There is only one instance in my recent memory which could stand up to the performance of Mammootty in the climax of കഥ പറയുമ്പോള്‍, more precisely when he talks about his childhood to the school audience. In കറുത്ത പക്ഷികള്‍, the scene in which the character Murukan narrates the events leading to the death of his wife to Meena's character, Mammootty excels with just his face and voice. In both scenes, there are no elaborate body movements, no vigorous sentiments, no emotional build-up, but Mammootty leaves each and every one of us in tears. Even though it was only a cameo appearance, Mammootty as Ashok Raj steals the show and leaves all of us spellbound by his performance. He is so natural, so effortless and the scene stresses the fact that emoting does not require facial gyrations. These are the moments when I feel like announcing aloud that ill-kept secret: that I am a great admirer of Mammootty, the Actor! Another thing I noticed was the better lip sync shown by Mammootty in song sequences.

Who else can show you how a very simple plot can be developed and presented in such heart-warming and entertaining manner?! Sreenivasan is a master of the art, no doubt, and the film also reminds you that he is a master of subtle acting. May be because of the omni-present blankness on his face, the emotions are not well reflected. But it does not mar the overall experience even a bit and it also does not steal the credit from Mr. Sreenivasan. He has done a fantastic job as the Script writer.

Ok, the place മേലുകാവ് is the 'Somalia' or 'Uganda' of Kerala and the people are so down-to-earth. However, the star worship depicted in the story is a little on the higher side for present day Kerala society. But after watching the movie, you don't feel like asking all these silly questions! Instead, you want to know what was the reaction of the villagers to Super Star Ashok Raj's speech. What did they think of Balan the Barber?! What happened to Balan and his family?!!

There were, and still there are directors in Malayalam who can recreate the rural milieu with all its entirety; the simplicities and the complexities. Bharathan, Satyan Anthikkad, Lal Jose...for instance. Director M. Mohanan has tried well and succeeds in a way, in his attempt to reach the list. The characters mark their presence with whatever footage they have got. The comedy track which the director/ writer tried to weave-in became an irritant at times, like Kottayam Nazeer's 'ഈച്ചപ്പന്‍' usage. There were minor lapses in attention, but these can be pardoned in the case of a new comer.

The whole cast has backed the director well. They have not much to do: be sincere, and portray the characters naturally. And thats what they all have done; Meena, Innocent, Salim Kumar, Mamukoya, Nazeer, Mukesh, Jagadish, Lalitha, Augustine and all of them! The girl who played Balan's daughter Sona did quite well even though her dialogues sounded artificial. Amrutha TV വനിതാരത്നം fame Reena Machan seems under-utilised. The photography was commendable (kudos to Mr. P. Sukumar), songs not much so. The song "വ്യത്യസ്തനാമൊരു ബാര്‍ബറാം ബാലനേ..." has become a hit with the masses.

The Lumiere Film Company holds promise for Malayalam cinema, hat's off to Mukesh and Sreeni!

Radha Picture Palace in Kozhikode is a large theatre indeed, but I am convinced Malayali does not want second and third class tickets any more. The balcony was full for today's first show and the first class was also almost full. Alas, most of the front row seats remained vacant barring a few unfortunate souls who didn't get tickets for the balcony or first class. They were not mallu, perhaps!

Friend, if you are going to watch the movie, call me! I want to watch the climax again.

Chinnar Diary

Here I am reproducing some discontinuous scribbles from my diary in its original form and essence about trips to my favourite hide-out, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Please bear with me!

04.12.03 Chinnar
To the field again! After a gap of more than a month, I am in Chinnar again. It feels so nice. Nowadays the forest looks greener, neat and clean. It shows the effect of the North-east rains (Monsoon) even though Forester Mr. Madhavan was telling me, barring two occasions of heavy downpour, this year's monsoon was pretty bad. May be! He ought to know better than me about Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and its rains!

The trip up from Udumalpet was also inspiring. I had called up DFO James Zacharias'* office from Udumalai but he was out in the field. Left off from there at 3.30 pm and was winding up through the narrow, tarred grey road to Chinnar with lush greenery all around. That greenery had the neatness and cleanliness which only a much awaited rain can bring. Last time when I was in Chinnar, it was the last week of October, the forests around had a tired brownish look with most of the lesser vegetation turning dry under the scorching sun. It is not such a soothing scenario to withhold. But Chinnar is always beautiful because of the presence of the two ever-flowing rivers, the main one being River Chinnar. It separates the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and also marks the boundary between the Indira Gandhi National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary; a natural, god-made barrier between the rain-starved Tamil Nadu and the 'prodigal' Kerala. It quenches the thirst of both the people, although I am not sure whether the thirst of Keralites could ever be quenched!

Almost at the start of the trip itself, after the check post of IGNP*, I saw a Wild Boar standing frozen about ten meters away from the road on the left side. He was not moving a bit, might have been terrified by the sound of the bus. What to talk of him, I was also getting mad by the noise generated by the stereo and put out through the tweeters just above my head. I had to tell the driver to reduce the volume a little. I will bet he was not too pleased with me, for he turned off the tweeter above me instead of reducing the volume. And then the accusing look and question: "Enough?!" I didn't care much about that and gave him a blank smile. Ok, the Boar we were talking about was not large but of a medium size, rather he looked very lean for a wild boar. What he was through, god and himself only know!

Now, as the headache manufacturing machine was not annoying me, and I could concentrate more on the scenery in front and around me. Before going far, we saw three Peafowls right on the middle of the road .......

Chinnar 31.12.03
Coming to Chinnar is never boring. It has lot many faces to show you. If you are bored with one, it will show you another. I had expected some more obstacles in my path as I was preparing to leave SACON*. Anything can happen, she (Senior Finance Officer) may not come, or will ask for some correction or other and so on. But thankfully, nothing of the sort. It was almost going the same route when she said: "Director will come tomorrow and he will sign the utilization certificate!" But I somehow managed to convince her that her hand will do. Got it, moved on! It had to be posted though, and I went in search of a speed post counter to City Tower in Gandhipuram. Ok.. done, and off to Ukkadam I go!

Had lunch from Hotel Sindhuri. It was okeyish. Then I saw that signboard: 'Old book Stalls.' It could be book stalls which are very old or book stalls which sell old books. Only Kovai corporation fellows know what they meant. But anyways, it was fine with me. Went there and asked for Wildlife Biology books. Most of them looked at me like hearing the word "Wildlife" for the first time in their lives. They knew only two words: "Computer" and "Management", and these two were enough for them to sell their wares.

Udumalai bus left Ukkadam exactly at 2 pm and reached the destination at 3.40. Spotted a Munnar bus but it was leaving only at 4.30 pm. Had a tea, bought Outlook magazine and then ...the pick of the day! One middle-aged fellow suddenly called me and asked in free-flowing Victorian English: "You are the son of Tata Tea manager, isn't it?!" He was clad in rags, to say literally, and except for his smiling face was never impressive. He started a conversation on his own, and started telling me his story. I understood him inside out then and there, but I had no escape route. When he came to the actual point, money or just before he was on the verge of asking financial help, I told him that I was in a hurry and had to make a phone call. But he was not to leave me, and I had to show him my black, ugly face to get rid of him.

I had called up Balu* and Joya* en-route. Balu was enjoying the Goan beaches. Joya was also enjoying life, but with her younger cousins, at her home. She told me very casually that she had just finished reading my story and there is a reply on air! What a girl!!

Reached Chinnar at 5.30. Jijo* was there and the Forester had changed. The new fellow, Mr. Venugopal looked a better guy. Jijo told me that they had a New Year party arranged, with non-veg and booze. Ok, let it be! I will have കപ്പ പുഴുക്ക് (boiled tapioca) and enjoy it which was what exactly I did. Jijo was participating in the proceedings whole-heartedly, having peg after peg. Later, some of them went to Karimutty. I came back to my room and was reading till 12.00 when Jijo knocked at the door and wished me Happy New Year 2004.

James Zacharias: The then Wildlife Warden of Chinnar WLS.
SACON: Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History, Anaikatty, Coimbatore.
IGNP: Indira Gandhi National Park.
Balu: Balakrishnan Peroth, from തുവ്വൂര്‍ (കരുവാരകുണ്ടിനടുത്ത്ത്) in Malappuram, Kerala is researcher at SACON.
Joya: Joya Thapa, from Kurseong, Darjeeling is researcher at CWS-Bangalore.
Jijo: Jijo Mathew Plappallil, Independent bird watcher living near Thattekkeadu Bird Sanctuary, then Nature Education Assistant at Chinnar WLS.

To be continued.

01.01.04
I did not feel like getting up early as I was exhausted and was feeling the tiredness of the last day. Anyways, Vijayan* was not going to come with me. Then Jijo told me there is a place called Thirumurtimalai where there is a reservoir and where we might get to watch a lot of wetland birds. He hadn't been there before, has just heard about the area. Hmm.. so, off to the place. Got a letter from the forester introducing us and left for Udumalaipet to meet the Range Officer who is in charge of Thirumurti. He was not there at the office or his house, instead met his family. They called him up on his mobile, and he said "Ok". We then went to an Internet browsing centre near the Bus stand and checked mails for about an hour. There were mails from a few fellows, mostly new year wishes. But Joya's reply was also there. She was like an expert acrobat. Let's not discuss all those things here.

Went to Thirumurti Dam, reached there at 3.30 pm. There was not much wetland birds. We saw lot of Yellow wagtails, some Paddy field Pipits, Marsh and Green Sandpipers, Large pied Wagtail, Red-wattled Lapwing, River Tern, Ringed Plover, Little Cormorant, Indian Shag, Little and Median Egrets, Pond Heron and a pair of unidentified ducks. Stork-billed Kingfisher (കാക്കമീന്കൊത്ത്തി) was also seen. While coming back, walked over the dam for almost two kilometres and enjoyed the scenery. Its really a nice place for relaxing and enjoying nature, but the rush is too much. While returning, we had to get a lift from a biker as buses were quite infrequent and fully loaded. Those buses which came by didn't stop as it was already packed to the roof. Mr. Dinesh, as the biker introduced himself, was actually from Palakkad but was now working at Udumalai. He dropped us at Pallapalayam from where we could get a bus to Chinnar.

We had tea and bought some snacks, and I was charging my mobile phone at the bakery when one bus went past. It was 7.30. The next bus was only at 8.15. I had just called up home, and there was nothing more to do than wait. And a long wait that was! At last, the old guy (the coughing and sneezing reminds me of an old fellow who is eager to die) came and we got in. Only a few passengers were there. I was watching the road eagerly when I noticed a Sambar (Cervus unicolor മ്ലാവ്) doe and her fawn moving away from the road side towards my right. The sight was fascinating. Indeed, watching any wild inhabitant is fascinating and refreshing to the mind. After this, sometime later, we saw a small rodent, probably a field mouse (Mus booduga) sitting on the right edge of the road feeding on something. It was sitting like in prayer, and somehow resembled a Gerbil. Later, two field mice crossed the road, one first towards right and another to the left. Small, insignificant might they look, they are so cute and lively who remind us of the vast treasure of life which lies beyond those dark edges of the road. Just keep your eyes and ears open: LIFE IS CALLING YOU!!

*Vijayan: One of the many tribal guides I have employed during my research at Chinnar. Vijayan is adept at finding animals before they find us. He belongs to the Hill Pulaya group and stays at Chambakkad tribal settlement inside Chinnar WLS.

To be continued.

02.01.04
Got up at 6.00 and told Jijo to close the door after me. Walked to Chambakkadu and on the way, saw a lot of birds. Vijayan was at home. We started off along the road. When we reached the place where we had seen langurs the last day, we heard 'boom' calls and looking down, saw some langurs sitting on top of trees on the southern bank of Pambar. Started downwards to Pambar riverside. Upon reaching there, we could see a very good number of langurs there. Since we were on the opposite bank, they were not afraid of us. There were about 30 in all. They were a bit shy but not afraid. Infants were engaged in play, some even on the ground. I could not attempt group scan since only three or four were visible at a time. Around 9.30 am, all of them came to the open area near the river bank. We could see some altercation among the adults. Some adult males were attacking other adults, probably females. Females carrying infants on their backs soon started retaliating as a group. It went on for 2 or 3 minutes only. Three or four females with infants came near the water's edge and started doing all sorts of things which monkeys are prone to do: resting, playing, feeding, grooming etc. They did not care my presence.

All of them moved to a large rocky area near the south bank after some time. I crossed the river and settled on a rock near water. Suddenly, a large Sambar stag with medium sized horns appeared in front of me from the bushes. It was oblivious of my presence and came nearer and nearer, almost five metres from me. And then, still unaware of my presence, it went on along the bank and disappeared from view. It was a real beauty, a very good start for my day!

Later at about 10.40 am, I heard some sounds nearby and noticed some bushes shaking vigorously. Then, the backside of the animal came to view. It was not a Sambar, cannot be a Gaur (കാട്ടുപോത്ത്) either since the back was broader. I didn't even suspect an elephant since I thought, no, I was sure that the small bush could never hide an elephant. Soon the doubt was cleared and I was proved wrong! Not one, but three elephants came out in to the open in front of me, only some twenty metres away. I won't call all of them elephants as only one female was a bit large enough to be called an elephant. Others were one young female calf of about four years and a boy of about two. The adult was also quite young to be a mother. Vijayan had not seen them till now, and he backed off calling out aloud when he saw. When the adult saw me inching forward towards them to take photographs, she came charging. But she was not sure of herself, I think, and she withdrew after the mock charge. They actually wanted to have a drink and obviously, I was blocking their path. So, after some five or ten minutes, they went away.

All the while, the langurs were around us. But now they were farther away at the foot of the hill. I observed them and took notes for some more time, but soon they disappeared. We went up the hill following the monkeys, and left them at around 2.30 pm. Our food was a major concern as we didn't have any breakfast or lunch other than two three pieces of bread.
We reached back at Chinnar at about 4 pm by which time Jijo had already left for home. As his business was over, he didn't find staying back longer a good option. But I didn't know he was going back today. I went up to the room and had a good nap till 7.30 pm. After dinner, had a walk up to the watch tower road and returned. On the way, saw one Wild Boar leaping out and running away from the bushes in front of the Inspection Bungalow.

...to be continued.


03.01.04
Started off to Champakkad at 6.20 by the KSRTC* bus. Vijayan was on his way to the bus stop. We met near the teashop, (or whatever you chose to call the rock where that guy sells tea) and we started our walk along the south bank of Pambar. This tea shop arrangement is for wayfarers who are coming from far away tribal settlements and going shopping to Marayur or Udumalpettai. Earlier there was one hotel selling break-fast also; all were open air affairs. The breakfast arrangement was recently closed down due to some problems with the people of Champakkad.

We reached the place where we saw langurs the last day. There.. some four or five langurs on the other side. Soon we found out that there were some langurs on our side of the river also. They were not so near, some 100 metres away from the bank atop some trees. After some time, we heard some boom calls from that part. We crossed the river and settled down near Nallamangathura thinking that the river between us and the langurs would provide them a kind of courage to them as was observed yesterday. However, the langurs on the southern side were not seen or heard again. Hence, at last, we decided to look for the monkeys on the northern part. Climbing up, I looked for them all around. Seeing me so curious about their whereabouts, they fled downstream through the trees.

Meanwhile, I noticed a Grizzled Giant Squirrel (ചാമ്പലന്നാന്‍) very close by. He was feeding on some tiny fruits and hadn't noticed me. I could go as near as three or four metres and photograph. But what use was the Yashica FX 3 kit lens (32-70mm)?! He looked more creamish rather than ashy grey as described. The little man soon took flight observing my huge presence. They have a habit of freezing (staying absolutely still) when pursued, but when they become sure that they are spotted, they will flee in a flash.

After some hide-and-seek with our langurs, we lost them completely. We could not trace them out even after a thorough search. Hmm, let's look for those on the other side! Where are all those langurs we saw yesterday?! Surely, it was a large troop. Climbed up the hill halfway and then came down. No trace! At that moment, as if to erase our despair, god gifted us the wonderful sight of two Lorikeets or Vernal hanging Parrots near their nest hole on a large tree inside the riparian forest patch. They were a fantastic sight indeed! It was my first look at a Lorikeet in the wild. I watched their movements for about ten minutes.

Since we couldn't find the langurs anywhere, we returned early and reached Chinnar by 1 pm. I was really tired, and after lunch, just went to room and while reading dozed off. I had seen langurs in front of the IB (Inspection Bungalow), and actually wanted to observe them for some time after the lunch.

At 2.30 or 3 pm, some body knocked on the door and I woke up. When I opened the door, a handsome young man was standing in front of me. He introduced himself as Mr. Kishen Das. I didn't get him at first. He looked friendly and behaved like an old friend but...?! Then it suddenly flashed in my mind: "oh, the natural history mail group fellow, butterfly wallah!" I had thought that Kishen Das was an old fellow. But this guy turned out to be a smart, young, energetic nature lover who was working as a Software Engineer in Global Exchange Systems of GE (General Electric) in Bangalore. He is from Mysore and had a friend with him, one Mr. Mohan Kumar, a young diploma holder in Electronics and currently Nature Education Co-ordinator of Mysore Amateur Naturalists (MAN), an NGO. Both were basically from Mysore. Mohan told me that he had met Mohan Nilambur* last week for the bird survey at KMTR*. Kishen is an active member of BNHS* and is presently on vacation, surveying butterfly migration routes. He wants to do a Ph.D. on Butterflies. He asked me about Ajith* Sir's M.Sc. course. Apparently, some body from CES* has given him false notions about that course. They wanted him to do a Ph.D. straight away at IISc (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore). After a bit friendly talk, we went for a trek up to Koottar. Palanisamy came with us. Actually, they had met James Zacharias at Munnar but he asked them to bring permission letter from Chief Wildlife Warden. Perhaps, James didn't like Kishen Das' authoritative attitude. As it was, Kishen is a bit egoistic and thinks since he is connected with BNHS and all, nobody can stop him from entering forests in India or doing whatever he wants. He had a taste of what happens when two egos bombard. We talked a lot about nature and stuff.

On our trek to Koottar, we saw a new species of Cuckoo, the Grey bellied cuckoo. We also saw six Gaur on a hill slope. Reaching Koottar, we noticed one Mugger Crocodile basking on a rock. On hearing foot steps, he dived under water. While returning, one Black-naped Hare ran on the road in front of us for some distance.

They left Chinnar at 8 pm by bus to Udumalai. They had to return to Mysore today itself. Meanwhile, I met a forest guard at the Tamil Nadu side, who claimed that he had worked with Dr. Ajith during his Ph.D field work at Varagaliar, Valparai. He had heard me talking about Ajith to Kishen at the tea shop while we were waiting for the bus. Shanmugham couldn't stop talking about Ajith. Later on when I met Paulose,* he asked me not to take any body for trekking without prior sanction from the RO (Range officer) as he may not like it.

KSRTC: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.
KMTR: Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu.
Mohan Nilambur: Then Photographer of Tourism India Magazine, Thiruvananthapuram. Now runs PUPA (Wildlife Photography, fim making, advertising, etc.) at Nilambur.
Ajith: Dr. Ajith Kumar, Principal Scientist in SACON at the time, currently Course Director,
M.Sc. Wildlife Biology & Conservation, Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bangalore.
BNHS: Bombay Natural History Society.
CES: Centre for Ecological Studies, IISc, Bangalore.
Paulose: Paulose C. Thomas was Forest guard at Chinnar, now at Periyar Tiger Reserve.