Thursday, October 21, 2010
Interior design...warli ishtyle!
Making of the mund
...and one of our faculty mentioned.." If not anything, our students are capable of making a home for themselves"! So true:))
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Nostalgia!
It is exactly a month!...So many memories of leaving campus for our destination Ooty!...Mixed feelings of anxiety...peppered with happiness, filled our hearts. We didn't spare even those moments in the train and we were working round the clock. Not to forget, our theplas and khakras. Wish, we could get back those days!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Flowers and herbs,in the Nilgiris and used by the Todas
GLIMPSE OF SOME SPECIES THAT FLOWER AT DIFFERENT PERIODS:
The dry season ends in April with the ‘blossom’ showers called Aihhn Maw in TODA. The landscape slowly begins to awaken from its slumber under the hoar frosts. Flowers of a creeping wild rose Rosa leschenaultiana, are prominent all over the upper plateau.
IN THE SHOLAS (SHOLA TREES)
In the prominent shola thickets during the dry summer months is Ligustrum perottettii var neilgherrense ; its scented white flowers often cover the tree, giving it a striking appearance from afar.
Rhodomyrtus tomentosa that bloom at this time attract bees that give way for the collection of honey. The honey season is then followed by the wild fruit season. To help them gather honey, the TODAS not only know when different species flower, the kind of honey produced but also the insects and bees that pollinate them.
ETHNOBOTANICAL:
The two groups of flowering species- one representing the wet monsoon season and the other the dry winter phase. The former is represented by the wild Balsam, (called as “nawtty” in TODA) of the genus Impatiens and the latter is represented by the spectacular Rhododendron.
The divine Mother of Pondicherry described Balsam as the giver of profuse psychic generosity.
BOTANICAL INDICATORS- MONSOON, AGE, AND OTHER INTERESTNG USES:
1) Gentiana pedicellata (arkilpoof), a herb that grows on the grasslands and carpets it and makes it difficult to walk without treading on these delicate blooms. The TODA name (arkilpoof) literally means ‘the worry flower’ and the flower indicates the anxiety level of humans. It is believed that if a person with worries plucks this plant and holds it in hand without touching the flower, the flower closes. It is very sensitive and closes faster if the degree of anxiety is pronounced.
2) Calanthe triplicata (taihhne(r)sh), a terrestrial orchid which means ‘honey leaves’; people traditionally used its large perennial leaves to make a vessel to hold honey in emergencies.
3) Drosera peltata- This plant of the insectivorous is an indicator of early monsoon period with delicate white flowers.
4) By mid- July the monsoon is at its peak and the principal indicator species is the, Anemone rivularis (kwaadr kol poof) or literally ‘monsoon season flower’ grows in the grassland.
5) During the final phase of monsoon in August no plant is visible and attractive than the spectacular Nilgiri Lily (Lilium neilgherrense). The TODAs have named it ‘pehnapoof’.
6) By September the monsoon comes to an end and the sacred maw(r)sh trees (Michelia Nilagirica) had started flowering in masses in the sholas.
7) Satyrium nepalense (ezhtkwehhdr) is a terrestrial orchid whose powered bulbs are eaten as outstanding energizers- a sort of TODA ginseng. The TODA name means ‘bullock horns’ which is what these flowers resemble when plucked individually.
8) By early October, northwest monsoon begins; the weather is peculiar with fragmented rain giving way to clear sky meaning Kaashtk. An exquisite flower called Exacum bicolor (kaashtk) flowers in mass and according to TODAs a star with the same name is visible in the night sky.
9) Todas have 28 such star-weather-plant that represents different phases of the year and the genus of Impatiens.
10) Small herbs called Swertia are spread all over the grassland.
11) Crimson blooms of Rhododendron arboretum subsp, nilagiricum herald the onset of the dry winter months and brighten a landscape otherwise parched brown by the hoar frost.
12) The TODAs use them in different aspects of their lives including in some rituals like the pregnancy ceremony. A flower of the grassland that appears to withstand the frost is Micromeria biflora or the Nilgiri lemon thyme, used traditionally as a herb and in buffalo cross-fostering practices.
13) Strobilanthes species- The TODAs have a good knowledge of the flowering cycles and the medicinal qualities of the honey the species yield. This was also used to denote a man’s age and wisdom- a man knew that he was 36 years old if he had witnessed the flowering of the 18- year cyclic species twice.
14) Six o’ clock flower (Oenothera tetraptera) – This is a prominent example of the flower that blooms at exactly 6 o’clock in the evening whatever be the weather.
15) Litsea wightiana- The plant used routinely by the TODAs in their rituals are those of this species. The thin branches of these are dried and used to make fire by friction. Fire cannot be made by any other means at ceremonies.
16) Avulashky- literally means ‘puffed rice’. It belongs to the Oldenlandia species and indeed its buds resemble closely with the grains of puffed rice. This flower also helps in indicating the onset of south-west monsoon.
17) The most important use of wild flowers to the TODAs is to indicate the kind of home in their vicinity. They have identified certain pollinating bees that favour certain wild flowers and can hence predict the flavor, consistency and medicinal properties of the honey in the particular area.
18) Flowers also indicate when certain bulbs with medicinal effects can be consumed.
19) Flowering cycles of Strobilanthes, “katt” in TODA indicate a man’s age and wisdom.
The next question that might arise in all your minds is: What led to the evolution of this distinct species?
Answer: Long periods of isolation due to increasing drought conditions over the Indian sub-continent led to the evolution of distinct, endemic species, which survived in the montane forests and grassland refuges of the Western Ghats. Some of the Nilgiri endemic Impatiens species- such as I. munronii and I. jerdoniae- are directly related to African species and can be linked to a common ancestor from an unknown plant family in ancient Gondwanaland.
Sadly many of these remain undocumented since British Times.
Reasons for shrinkage of the species: As the surrounding areas are getting dry, the habitat of the endangered Impatiens has begun to shrink. Similarly, alteration of habitat from grassland to tea and exotic tree plantation has pushed many of these species to the brink.
Gayathri Swaminathan [Cherry cherry strawberry]
Monday, May 31, 2010
Falsafa- a poem by Hemlata
Sunate hain ek falsafa tumhe
Jo hain mitne ki kagar par.
Ludhakte, sambhalte aaye
Ek nayi sadi ke dwar par
Badalana chahte hain, par badlav nahi chahte
Hare ek manjar ke nishan nahi chahate
Kamjor ho jab khud ki deewar
To dosh kya dain baharwalo ko
Jab khud hi na chahein sambhalna
To kya kahain hajaron ko.
Hemlata Jaitawat
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Day 10 - 'Kancha' kids
Today is the last day of our trip. We haven’t realized how days have gone by. Today, it was different from our usual schedule. We divided ourselves into groups.
I, Suniti Ma’m, Hardik, Ria, Dharmesh, Ashish went for shopping for our exhibition and others went to meet a Punjabi Toda, Tarun Chabra. We went to ‘Green shop’ to buy things and then to the main market. We met Danesh (a Kota boy) there who had come to help us. We had lunch and parceled it for others too. Hardik led us to walk till the parking area with a whole lot of stuffs which we bought.
In the noon, we headed towards ‘Sholur’; a beautiful traditional Kota village. The way to Sholur was full of tea plantation and stunning green patches of grass on mountains. After almost 10 years I played ‘Kancha’ (a game played with glass balls usually called as 'gotti' in Maharashtra). With those kids I also became one...and realized that with time we forget ourselves. We also tried to learn the art of pottery making and no one from us can beat Hardik in this art.
In the excitement of visiting Sholur, some of us forgot to have lunch, so we had lunch between a beautiful forest at around 6:30 pm way back from Sholur.
Hemlata Jaitawat
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Day 10 - Believe it or not - a Punjabi [Toda]
All human beings are very sensitive about their religion. We have also seen many people being converted in to different religions by choice.
On day 10, at Ooty, we came across an interesting incident... a person, Dr. Tarun Chabbra by name and a dentist by profession, a Punjabi by caste who has now volunterily become a Toda!
He was so carried over by their culture, the Toda culture ,their closeness to nature... that he decided to become one amidst them. Secondly, he also saw a danger to this tribe in times to come. If he had to do something for their betterment, protection and ensure that they do not perish,he thought that this would not be possible unless he becomes a part of them. He wants to educate them and make them more aware to the changing world. He continues his mission silently in the serene environments at Ooty.
He believes that our Government is totally incensitive to the tribes. " One can't sit in Delhi and pass a law that is applicable to all tribes in India. It is just not done as every tribe has a different culture. But, our officials do not understand. How can a tribe that has been pastoral for hundreds of years become agriculture driven overnight? " he speaks with passion and concern for the Todas.
Every bit of his clinic speaks of his passion for this tribe...the television cover, the wall paintings, the curtains...the decor as a whole...everything is Toda driven!
Day 9 - Pots and dance at Sholur
It was a bright sunny afternoon and we left for another Kota village called Sholur. Few of us were back in Ooty managing the press report, reservation confirmation etc.
The women there taught us how to move the wheel and make the pots out of mud. 3 different types of 'mud' are pounded together with water to make this peculiar 'clay'. This is a sacred process and the women bathe before beginning it. They make beautiful pots with designs as they sing as the wheel moves.
We also danced along with them. Like the Todas, even this tribe has songs for all seasons, nature and their dieties.
Something went wrong and our video did not record the clips. It was unfortunate that we had to go all over again to get this wonderful footage. But, we all enjoyed even our second trip!
Day 8 - Stone age in the 21st cent.
We had been to New Kotagiri to see a Kota settlement. Hemlata had a big list of questions to be asked to the seniormost priest there.
The most amusing thing that we noticed besides the fact that they consider their land to be sacred and hence always walk barefoot is that, in the priest's home, the fire is lit with the help of the friction of stones or sticks or a lens and not by match sticks!!
We were amazed and amused by their closeness to nature.
Day 7 - A 'Tiger' amongst other tribes.
Yash was not keeping well. So, Hussain had taken over the camera. Lukily, he had grasped the technique of handling it very fast.
We had been to Reverant Phillip Mulley's residence.It is at Conoor and near YWCA where we had halted. Besides being a 'Father' in the church, he is also an anthropologist. He gave us a lot of information about the Todas and the Kotas.[over a steaming glass of delicious steaming soup which his wife served us!] He was in Ooty since many years and had the opportunity to interact with all tribes closely.
He sees these tribes as a small island, being engulfed by a huge ocean of currents.
"Who is bothered if these tribes are wiped off?" He questioned with concern in his eyes and tone.He also stated... "they do not have anything 'sensational'. So why would the Government be interested in them? The Todas and Kotas are exciting to an anthropologist. Not to the government."
He called the Todas a 'tiger' amongst other tribes.
Day 7 - challenge
It was our 7th day at Ooty. We all had been to Keystone . An Ngo that works primarily for the Kurumbas. Luckily, they had a workshop at Keystone where many Kota students had also come. We got a chance to interact with them.
Seen in this foto is a question being asked by a bright Kota girl to Gayathri," If our culture would not have been so rich, would you have taken the trouble of coming all over from Pune to study it?"
Throughout the day, we were spell-bound by the Kota girl's spontaniety.
Day 6- PO...this is the name of the toda temple
Seen in this foto are 2 toda men with their conventional vibrant toda shawls. Women are not allowed in the area where these temples are. All men too, must walk bare-foot in the viscinity.Sounds so wierd...but, it is interesting.
Day 5 -Truly in the 'lap' of nature
Most of our interview sessions, had this wonderful serene surrounding. Who would want to come back to the city?
Day 4- With the Toda women at Avalanche
when we all had been to the Emerald and Avalanche lake. We all learnt how to embroider a toda shawl...the way in which the stitch is different from the conventional cross-stitch, we learnt few toda songs ...and most importantly, we all danced with the toda women! What an experience!Toda Raas with Ujju & Embroidery!!
Isn’t it surprising?
And here is what we say ‘the warmth of serene nature’. Today we did so many new things such as learning how to embroider Toda Shawls, singing Toda songs and dancing with Toda women on a blue green hill where only thing one could see, hear, smell and feel is nature. Beauty of nature is beyond our imagination.
Another surprising thing was Ujju learning embroidery with unremitting attentiveness. Before we all could understand how to do it he finished and started teasing all girls. The fotos above are self explanatory of his dedication.
Do we need to say more…Kudos 'Uzzu uncle'.
Hemlata Jaitawat
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 2 - Perceptions.
Unexplainable Anomalies
- Hussain Tiewala
300 theplas and 3 hours of sleep after we boarded the train, finally we arrived at Coimbatore, exhausted but eager for a great day ahead.
We had a full schedule planned in the itinerary but unfortunately things started falling apart from the get go as the bus we had booked for the trip was a mere two and a half hours late.
Breakfast was light, as we knew we had a long winding bus journey ahead (my mom used to call these road trips on the ghats as ‘jalebi trips’) and the wait in the smoldering heat was no treat, but amidst all the chaos something brilliant happened.
A Tata photon broadband advertisement provided some shade for all 12 of us to come closer than we had ever come before and provided us with the opportunity to “connect” with each other on a brand new level. There were no longer the walls of discomfort between us all and those two and a half hours spent in the sun gave everyone a sense of belonging wherein we realized that we are all stuck in this rut together.
The flower show was crowded, crowded here being an understatement in every sense of the word, but according to Mr. Satyanarayan that was the objective of the visit, so I guess we accomplished our goal in realizing that, India is in fact a densely populated place.
Largely there has been no experience which has stood out amongst the rest, except the occasional unripe mango eating, or the boiled corn eating or even our dinner at the YWCA.
Hopefully tomorrow will bring us new hurdles and challenges which will create an exciting and adventurous atmosphere and perhaps even give us an epiphany or two about how different being a Toda is as compared to your average neighborhood urban brat. And more importantly hopefully we find some piece of relevant information about the Todas (what we have actually come here looking for) which we could actually use.
Until then ciao.
Day #1.5 – Life Is Waiting
- Yashwant Mundhra
You know that feeling when you don’t know where one day finishes and the other one begins? Me too.
That’s how today was. After successfully dropping off the bags I had to at Salem – a rather pathetic experience, as Salem arrived a mere 2 hours late. And I was up the entire time, with the Train Attendant (a rather nice fellow), barely managing to get any sleep. And before say “supercaliflagilisticexpialidocious” (however that’s spelt), Coimbatore arrived.
You know that other feeling where everything goes in the exact opposite direction of the plan? Me too.
Well, that’s what happened at Coimbatore. We waited nearly 3 hours – in the heat – for our bus to arrive, which was to take us to Ooty. And just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, I had a splitting headache and Ria had an alarmingly high fever.
You know that other feeling, when you’re down and out, and in an absolutely lousy mood, and in the middle of a place you don’t really want to be at, which incidentally is chocker box packed with people, and you have some kind of… life altering… epiphany?
Me neither.
Well, that pretty much sums up the visit to the Botanical Garden at Ooty. It could’ve been so much more had it not been a crowded Sunday.
You know that feeling where in spite of all the shit around you (pardon my language), you end up going to bed happy? You know, just plain simple happy?
Me too.
Thank god for everyone in the group, especially the guys, and their antics. Mindblastingly funny. Dhamu, thank you for the entertainment. And thank you Paul Collingwood’s English cricket team for beating Australia, smashing Shane Watson all over the place, and winning the World Twenty20. What a victory! Phenomenal.
And here’s hoping tomorrow brings us lots of joys. Seriously, we need them. And that we also manage to carry out some interesting research with the Todas we’re scheduled to meet.
May the force be with us.
Excitement in Stress
- Dharmesh Vora
The journey was uneasy as it was too long. The luggage was finally out of the train. The climate was too hot to handle. The journey to Ooty didn’t start that well as we had to wait 3 hours for the bus. The Bus finally arrived with the shock that there was no AC. Then we went to botanical garden where we saw all kinds of flowers. We then went to Coonor and after experiencing the superb weather, all stress disappeared. Fabulous weather.
The Photographer’s View
- Rutuja Mithari
Today we went to the 114th flower festival of The Botanical Garden in Ooty. Wonderful flowers with unseen natural colors and lakhs of people around us. The journey from Coimbatore to Ooty was outstanding. The waterfalls on the way were huge with ancient bridges on it. Everywhere on the way the banners which said “The Queen of Nilgiris, same as it was 50 years ago” motivated me a lot. Coonoor is one of the most marvelous places I have ever been. The scenic beauty is just breathtaking. I am in love with the Nilgiris.
Ab Bus
- Hemlata Jaitawat
Today we moved from the chaos of the train journey to the road journey. Gayathri showed her bargaining skills and settled the price for the coolie at Rs 300. The next step was to search for a bus to reach Coonoor. And again Serry- Cherry (Gayathri) bargained and settled the price at Rs 22000 for 10 days. We all had breakfast at a nearby restaurant. The bus was late by almost an hour and till then we took buddy pictures and discovered our victory slogan as ‘Ho Ho Baa’.
Finally we got into the bus and it moved towards the destination. Everybody was so tired that they slept as soon as the bus started moving. Around 2 o’clock, everybody woke up and decided that we will go directly to Ooty to see Flower Festival at the Botanical garden. Everyone picked something to eat.
At last we reached Ooty, it was crowded but, we somehow managed to see the Flower Festival. There were different varieties of beautiful flowers. After seeing the Flower Festival we met Mr. Satyanarayan and his son. We could see his enthusiasm and happiness to meet us. After a short meeting with Mr. Satyanarayan we decided to go back to Coonoor because Ria Baa was not well. Locating YWCA took some time but finally we reached there. YWCA is a peaceful and nice place. We went into our rooms and found out that boys’ room had a TV, and they were very happy to see that the girls’ dorm didn’t have it. We all had garma garam chai and then later ate dinner.
After dinner, we all were writing the blog entries, while thinking, ‘ab bus, aaj ke liye bahut ho gaya yar’.
Vanga Madam
- Gayathri Swaminathan
After having a slept peacefully on the train, I got up with a big smile on my face. We were 20 minutes away from the Coimbatore junction. As soon as we reached, travel agents came asking me “Vandi Venama Madam?” (Do you want a vehicle, madam?) and “Vangama madam” (Come this way, madam). I felt great bargaining in Tamil, and realized that I have some hard core bargaining skills. We headed to Ooty for the flower show. Lakhs of people from all over India came to watch this show, and it really was a treat to our eyes. By this time we were so tired that Ria was caught a high feaver. We finally reached YWCA. We freshened up, had food and finally went to bed.
Time out
- Hardik Sheth
We had a first time out as we reached Coimbatore station. We were all planning on how to set the innings after not playing a deliberate power play. After hours of waiting our bus finally arrived at Coimbatore station and we moved towards Coonoor. We decided to go directly to visit the Flower Show. We had a glimpse at various types of flowers which attracted us towards the nature and went to YWCA to follow the rules similar to Flame. The time out ended with the cricket finals and I’m looking forward at a steady play for the rest of the overs.
Beautiful Journey
- Ujjwal Kumar
Our hectic journey from Coimbatore to Ooty ended as soon as a fresh whip of air clubbed me in the beautiful valley of the Nilgiris. My tired body got rife with energy and I appreciated nature for its wonderful appearance. I was fascinated to see the hoardings stating Ooty is plastic free. The beauty of the valley forced me to envy the people staying here. Watching the flower festival did not appeal much to me as I was completely tired. But, I felt very satisfied that we could complete our work even in a very troubled state when our body was not supporting our mind. I wish the stunning valley will spur some interesting surprises in the coming days in the favor of our project work. I am eagerly looking forward to meeting the Todas for an enriching experience.
Ups and Downs
- Ami Balai
We reached the Coimbatore Junction at 8.30 am. Few of my friends were looking after the luggage. Some of us went for breakfast. After a warm welcome at the Coimbatore Junction with Rawa Dosa and a cup of coffee, we waited outside station for three and half hour for the bus.
Suddenly, some of my friends were screaming ‘Ho Ho Baa’. Dharmesh was lost in his own world. Soon he discovered that they all were singing for him.
After all tip and toss
Putting our ass off
We got into the bus
Our comfort world was lost
After an hour long journey, we got news that the flower festival at the Botanical Garden was shutting down two hours before the given time so we headed there. There were many varieties of flowers. Some of the flowers I was seeing for the first time. There was a tree which was trimmed to look like a rabbit.
Nature has given us everything, and I really appreciate all its beauties.
Boring Day
- Ashish Reddy
As soon as I got off the train we went to have breakfast. After this, we started our bus journey from Coimbatore to Ooty to go see the flower festival at the Botanical Garden. I saw many different kinds of flowers, and the trip down there was really worth it. We returned to YWCA, where we were scheduled to stay, and then went to sleep.
Blue Fever
- Ria Nandani
The sudden climate change took its toll on my health. I am extremely grateful to all my group members and my mentor Suniti Ma’am, who besides being very supportive, pampered me to death! What would have I done without you guys?
Ho Ho Baa!
- Suniti Vadalkar
“Come lets all say together Ho Ho Baa” and everyone laughed together. Dharmesh was looking elsewhere, bemused.
We were at the Coimbatore railway station. Around 8 am in the morning, we first ran to get some food. Gayathri was busy sorting out the deals with various transport agents.
Ria was feeling like vomiting and was not at all in her element. The guys were lazily strolling around. Hussein was engrossed in his novel, Above Average by Amitabha Baghchi.
After long hours of waiting, our mini bus, a 14 seater arrived. We all heaved a sigh of relief. We began our second stage of journey towards Conoor – the place where we were all going to stay.
We heard that the rose exhibition going on at Ooty would close at 4 pm and that today was the last day. On the spur of the moment, we changed our plan and drove straight to Ooty without even having lunch, as all of us thought that capturing moments of this exhibition was more important.
The usually silent city had become an ocean of crowed people. 3-4 lakhs of people had come from all over the south. No wonder the hotels were jam packed and we had a tough time getting accommodation. The exhibition was one of its kind.
Throughout our journey ‘Ho Ho Baa’ kept our spirits high. I did not bother to ask anyone what meant. Ever since I had left home, I wanted to have one ‘victory cry’ or ‘group voice’ which would turn to be our group’s identity. And unknowingly, as if reading my thoughts, my students had invented one. I loved to see their enthusiasm and their unity. Even more, I loved to see the manner in which my students had converted unpleasant moments under the scorching sun, all tired and fed up of waiting for three long hours for our bus, to pleasant moments of joy and fun. I truly hope, all of them keep up this spirit till the end of our journey J
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Day 1 - The Train Journey.
- - Suniti Vadalkar
“Garam chai.. Garam Masala chai..
Caapi.. Garam caapi!”
The continuous chants of these beverages woke me. The train was still. I woke up and looked out to see the Hotagi junction outside my window.
I looked around to see a dozen unknown faces, and memories of last night came flashing in my inward eye.
We were supposed to leave campus by 11.30 pm, but by the time we got the bags, gifts, camera, laptop bags it was 12. Everyone was in high spirits. We have Kavit and Bhagyashree to click our first photos. We reached Pune station. It then dawned on us that the 12 of us had 40 bags! We had to look out for a coolie.
“Rs 1200!” the first one said. Ujjwal our group leader took the initiative to bargain.
Yashwant and I started moving towards Platform #3, where our train where our train, the Coimbatore express was to come.
The station was stinking of Urine! Ashish joined us soon, followed by our baggage, for Rs 500 J The coolies had waited to transport the luggage onto the train, and they did so.
1013 was the train number. B2 the coach number. AC 3 Tier. Out of 12, there were only 9 seats confirmed, so 3 had to adjust.
All the boys ensured the 40 bags got on board and were arranged flawlessly. Eventually, some had to be placed in the luggage room.
I got a separate berth and seeing everyone settled, I perched up on my birth. Everyone was hungry. As the entire compartment slept, we at puris and sabzee and pickles and idlis and theplas. Thanks to all the mothers.
I fell asleep in a second.
The chaiwalla was followed by the pantry guy who came to note my order for breakfast. As I mentioned, upma, he looked at the seat number and attentively muttered “sixty three”, and briskly walked away.
I thought to myself, “Yes, in this journey with a mini world in this train on wheels, with unknown colleagues, aren’t all of us just numbers?”
I smiled to myself as the trees of Dudhani, Gangapur Road and Guntakal Junction ran by, and waited for the Ooty pines to arrive.
Vague Thoughts Visible
- - Dharmesh Vora
The Coimbatore train had finally arrived after waiting for such a long time. The 12 of us finally began our journey. The excitement was irresistible. We had a thepla party and it was loved by all. The best experience was sleeping in a berth shared by two people, and I had a fall twice during the course of the night. I will never forget this experience whenever I will travel by train again. We had many Kodak moments over the journey. Over all, it rocked. Thank you Suniti ma’am for making it the best trip ever! Cheers.
G-U-J-J-U!
- - Yashwant Mundhra
I couldn’t help but have the “G-U-J-J-U” song from Kal Ho Naa Ho play in my head when I was asked to write my thoughts on the journey so far. But more on that soon.
Discover India Project. Hmm. What have I discovered so far? A few things.
1. I discovered that Twelve people are capable of carrying Forty four bags. They are. Really.
2. I discovered the rich fragrance of the Pune station. It gave me this tingling feeling in my nose hairs.
3. I discovered that a train attendant can break the lock to steel door with his bare hands, but cannot break the glass of the little wooden box that holds a hammer inside it, because he has to report that. Laloo Prasad zindabad!
4. I discovered that if Twelve people try hard enough, they can fit into Nine berths. Interesting math there.
5. I discovered that I can actually read if I try hard enough.
But most importantly (Drum Roll)
6. I discovered that Gujaratis are the most dependable people when it comes to carrying food while travelling. Really! I never ever appreciate anything about you guys, but now, I salute you! Thank god for theplas and Baa ki aachaar. Hence, “G-U-J-J-U!”
Thus fur, D.I.P has been more about the Discover India Project, as opposed to Death In Progress.
Can’t wait till we get off at Coimbatore, and travel again, this time to Ooty. But before that, I must offload my luggage at Salem tonight at 2.50 am. Fingers crossed.
May the force be with us.
The Gujjus Retort
- - Ria Nandani
“Choi (Read Chai) Tea, Choi Tea, Choi Tea!!”
And thus began our day – with food.
On hearing the vendor’s heavily accented voice there was a sudden rustling of bed sheets, side glances, flared nostrils and Lo! The hungry, sleep deprived, fatigued students of FLAME broke into fits of laughter.
10.00 am
Suniti Vadalkar: I hope we are carrying something to munch on, while on the train.
Gujju: Ohh yes yes ma’am. I am carrying theplas, khakhras and too.
Neo-Gujju: Just by the way, we are talking ‘real’ food here…these Gujaratis I tell you, I hate them. The only companions they’ll ever have are those theplas and khakhras.
1.00 pm
Neo-Gujju: Umm… there’s nothing to eat…well I guess I will just have to eat one of those theplas!
Gujju: No, there are biscuits, chips and bhujiya too.
Neo-Gujju: That’s all?
Gujju: Well … that’s the only ‘real’ food we have.
Upside Down Cake
- - Hussain Tiewala
After the all the pre-research on the todas’ and pre-itineraries’ for the todas’ and pre-presentations of the todas’ and any other kind of “PRE-ANYTHING” that the DIP panel could possibly think of, the time had finally come to find out about what we were all breaking our heads about.
Our departure was late as usual which is now a customary tradition practiced by one and all at FLAME, but surprisingly after the initial glitch in the machine, things have been moving pretty much like poetry in motion. For a group of 12 people having 44 bags, it was always a disaster in the making, but thankfully we found aid in the form a freakishly strong angel who managed to break open a steel padlock with his bare hands and stuff our luggage into an unknown abyss.
Thereafter, it’s only been an hourly cycle of eating and sleeping with the occasional joke along the way.
We have probably successfully broken some kind of Guinness World record for the maximum number of theplas eaten in a train in 24 hrs.
Overall this trip has been an amazing experience just like any other trip accompanied by good friends and irritating neighbors.
We are scheduled to arrive at the station at 8:00 am but of course the IST and the Indian Railways run of very different times.
And anything more than 90% of the bags securely at the station will be considered a smashing success to a wonderful journey.
Dinner at 2.45
- - Gayathri Swaminathan
This was the first time I had my dinner at 2.45 am. Yes really, firstly putting the entire luggage (44 in number; can’t believe it; yet it is true) wherever we got place. Then having dinner at 2.45 in the morning after boarding the train, it was truly an amazing experience. Waking up the whole compartment by our laughter, and loud speaker voices, and people staring at us as if they are going to kill us. This was the first time I actually had so much fun.
Then sharing the bed with my friend and waking up with the sound of ‘Chai tea Chai tea’ every half an hour, besides the fact that we couldn’t sleep and an alarm that kept ringing every 15 minutes, was much more than annoying.
What can I say; the morning arrived just like that. Had breakfast during lunch time and slept for hours together.
Unforgetful experience on the first day of our train journey.
Adjustment – Mandatory!
- - Hemlata Jaitawat
At last we started from FLAME with an intention to know about Nilgiri tribes. First thing that I got to know was that the amount of luggage was three times the number of people in the group. I discovered how a bunch of hungry people attack food at 3 am. I discovered adjustment is integrated in our culture. We got into the train and discovered that all the tickets are not confirmed so we need to share berths, and we enjoyed it. Finally everybody slept at 4 o’clock. I woke up when I heard the voice ‘chai- kapi, chai- kapi’. After sometime we started eating and kept on eating till everybody woke up.
We discovered new names for Ria and Gayathri, “Ria Ba” and “Serry- Cherry” which suits them. On the first day of our train journey we discovered so many things and hope to discover more in Ooty.
Power Play
- - Hardik Sheth
An unfair one day break after the final exams against 5 sleepless nights and not a perfect start for the vacations as we had Todas waiting for us in one of the most blossoming areas of India – the Niligiris. I wasn’t really excited about the project as I didn’t get proper sleep and after looking at the number of bags, I was shocked.
We somehow managed to convince the coolie to carry our bags and drop it to our respective platform. After a long time, the train finally arrived. Then we had to manage our luggage and seating arrangement, as we were 12 in number against 9 confirmed tickets.
There was unity in our group – we all made noise, shared berths and screamed at each other in our respective mother tongues.
This morning, we started our day with food, slept and woke up. And then slept again.
A rather interesting start to the innings in the power play. We look forward to keep at it, and return to the pavilion, without being bowled over by the Todas.
Thepla Fest
- - Ashish Reddy
Finally the day has arrived to leave from FLAME to Coimbatore and it was late in the night around 12. And all my excitement was lost after carrying 44 bags.
We started our train journey around 2am. It was not my first train journey but was my first train journey with lots of friends. As soon as we got into train we started settling down and then ate dinner. It was a thepla fest. And then the mother of all problems – 12 of us and only 9 berths to sleep. Now I’m happy that I am reaching Coimbatore in few hours I am eager to discover the Nilgiris.
The Train Journey
- - Ujjwal Kumar
A train journey with excited and motivated buddies is always fun. My friends’excitement towards train journey, made me remember my first train journey. I was so thrilled. How people sleep in trains? Where do people bathe? What does the toilet look like? I an adrenaline rush after seeing the energy level of my friends. A train journey is not new to me, but this journey is very special as I saw the child in all of us. This is a memory which I will treasure throughout my life.
A learning experience
- - Ami Balai
The journey of theplas has begun. We had over 300 theplas as there was a fight for theplas, and everyone was trying to see which batch was better. Never before have I sat through a ‘thepla analyzing session’ where ingredients were being discussed in such depth. While walking around in the train, I saw a lady weaving threads of pink, blue and yellow, and making belts. She taught me how to make belts, and I thank her for it.
The Photographer’s View
- - Rutuja Mithari
Nikon, lenses & flash were the only things running through my head. Scenic beauty through the lens is one of the amazing experiences possible. I learnt how to use a new camera from Yash and tried everything possible. My level of excitement is increasing with every picture. I can't wait to capture the awesome Nilgiris. Itching with excitement.
