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Kerala Inspired Sweet potato Mash ( green chilles, coconut oil, lemon juice and fine chopped onions)
Baba Ginosh goes White ( roasted aubergine with yoghurt adn olive oil with roasted cumin powder)
Homous sans Chickpeas ( chana daal boiled and sesame seeds paste with dash of olive oil and a whiff of oreganno)
Peanut and tomato stew ( fry curry patta and rye seeds with tomato puree, add peanut mash and steamed veggies in the end)
Mulled wine experimental ( diced apples are added in the end to wine which ahs been heated with cinnamon and star aniseed, and a splash of orange juice if mixed in there)
Amber mor rice

That Woman

by tishani doshi

that woman is here again
she's found her way out
from under the stairs
for centuries she's been weeping a song
about lost men,
the disappearance of beauty.

now she's back in the world
down by the traffic lights
n the shade of trees
hurryin to the parlour
to fix the crack in her face

don't become that woman
my mother said,
by which sje meant,
don't become that woman
who doesn't marry
or bear children

that woman who spreads her legs
who is beaten, who cannot hold,
her grief or her drink,

don't become that woman,

but that woman and I,
have been moving together for years,
like a pair of birds,
skimming the surface of water,
always close to the soft madness,
of coming undone.

the dark undersides of our bodies
indistinguishable
from our reflections.

history of the dead

I have been exploring how to keep the memories of my sister, Harry, alive, especially in the week of my cousin sister's wedding which synchronicitily fell on harry's death anniversary, 17th november. I am aware that in the joint family that I exist in, the general decorum is that of meting ignorance towards any eccentricity that might wear it's head up, higher or lower than the agreed benchmark. Upon my return to the family home after an obsolence of three years, the same being the time interval between harry's passing, i was quite surprised to encounter the resistance of the entire family in talking about the one who has gone before us. This resistance transpired into an absence of her photograph from the altar in the living room , where my dad's picture hung with my paternal grandmother's(who incidentally passed away three years after harry..so in order of precedence...her portrait should have followed harry's), leaving the obvious vacuum in the hall as there was the missing portrait of the one in question, to my fresh foreign returned, eyes.

After having a healthy discussion with my aunt and my mother over this dilema that continues to haunt me, i came upon an epiphany..which i haven't written about earlier.but when i read this essay,"Silence and Invisibility" by Giti Thadani in a collection of  lesbian writing,"facing the mirror", it brought home the realisation, what is not talked about, is forgotten. "Ignorance.When something is ignored, it will gradually lose any vitality it once had, first becoming invisible and then finally disappearing altogether. If memory is not passed on in some coherent way, that which is not remembered no longer exists, and it can then be said that it never existed."

Whilst thinking about those who have gone before us, there are many tribes, who practice this ritual of not naming the dead. They believe that the souls get perturbed in their abodes and if they are not named, these souls would continue to exist in another dimension and not be invited into ours. William Mcdonough in his book, Cradle to Cradle, talks about the ultimate recycling practiced by a north indian tribe of bengal or orissa, where the ashes of the dead are cooked with a ceremonial dinner, which is eaten by all.
I feel the stark absence of harry's picture and even her name from daily conversations in the family, and when i bring up a happier memory in a bid to celebrate her life and acknowledge her presence in this family house for twenty five years of her life, it is greeted by an awkward pause or requests to leave the negative energy of her be and not invite it back into this house. This brings me to realise how harry's suicide and passing over has been swept under the 'great big indian carpet'.
John Berger, says this in "Ways of Seeing",  "When we see a landscape, we situate ourselves in it. If we 'saw' the art of the past, we would situate ourselves in history. When we are prevented from seeing it, we are being deprived of the history which belongs to us. Who benefits from this deprivation? In the end, the art of the past is being mystified because a privileged  minority is striving to invent a history which can retrospectively justify the role of the ruling classes, and such a justification can no longer make sense in modern times. And so, inevitably it mystifies."

nazar

voh teri nazar..
voh meri nazar..
humnazar...
magar.
.na voh ho sakaa...

tuney chaahaa toh thaa ..
bahuton ko magar...
tujhey mehsoos..
kaunsa kar sakaa...

hum miley toh they kissi raah par..
humdagar...
magar....
..na voh ban sakaa...

tuney uthaya toh thaa..
ik kalam sa ..
humkhabar..
magar...
naa voh kagaz ho sakaa....

(penned 19 october 2010)

cycles of Life

Some reflections from the few days spent in god's own country.
the first indecisive pedals to the now finality of things.
from the corners being the observer, there is now a sense of being observed.
broken and soldered, indeed, like all the cycle parts, but never sound.
the soldering is essentially bringing together of two parts of the same element with the help of some other, previously unnecessary, but in the immediacy of things, elevating it's status to a V.I.T. (very important thing) element.
Flowing in the fresh water rivers, perched utop watery bridges, slipping off, sliding into, falling face down, the water cleanses each time...the sweat mixes, becoming one. Where one ends, the other begins.
Did the river know when it would meet the sweat and did the sweat know it would mix so well..in the river..
and when the sweat meets the river..will the sweat loose itself in the river..or will the river be river because of the sweat mixed in it..?
(penned on 1 November 2010)

time

So i say goodbye to you my friend...
from the names i gave you..
some misnomers..some cross wires..
to the many reflections i mirrored..
from the many loops.. to the peruvian hoops..

from the rides anew,
Tvs atop to Atlas springs,
the seeds within..
to the seeds without.

pebbles come and pebbles go,
the rides in the same river of time,
we together again might never row.

you my love, will remain,
somewhere
someday
someway
we might sight,
a new light.

the chorus will be sung,
same ladder, only with a newer rung.
and then the you in you,
will know,
what the me in me,
 i sought.

touch,
gaze,
explore,
surrender.

life seldom pleases to pause.

jungle,
ocean,
sea
and rock,
knew later,
when much time had past.

what they did when they met,
and whether there love would last.

(penned 20 October 2010)

So Much Happiness

by Naomi Shihab Nye 

It is difficult to know what to do with so much happiness.
With sadness there is something to rub against,
A wound to tend with lotion and cloth.
When the world falls in around you, you have pieces to pick up,
Something to hold in your hands, like ticket stubs or change. 
But happiness floats.
It doesn't need you to hold it down.
It doesn't need anything.
Happiness lands on the roof of the next house, singing,
And disappears when it wants to. 
You are happy either way.
Even the fact that you once lived in a peaceful tree house
And now live over a quarry of noise and dust
Cannot make you unhappy.
Everything has a life of its own,
It too could wake up filled with possibilities
Of coffee cake and ripe peaches, 
And love even the floor which needs to be swept,
The soiled linens and scratched records….
Since there is no place large enough 
To contain so much happiness,
You shrug, you raise your hands, and it flows out of you 
Into everything you touch. You are not responsible.
You take no credit, as the night sky takes no credit
For the moon, but continues to hold it, and to share it,
And in that way, be known.

Tall Ships Race 2 La Coruna - Antwerp : 8th Aug 2006 - 17th Aug

Voyage Crew Blogs

PW 351 Tall Ships Race 2 La Coruna - Antwerp

DAY ONE  Tuesday 8th August

The whole team arrived in La Coruna on the same flight from Heathrow, and were met by their watch leaders and the rest of the crew. We were picked up by coach and driven to the port where we got our first glance at our home for the next thirteen nights.

After being given our numbers and put into watches we joined the Crew parade round La Coruna with flags and pan lids to make as much noise as possible. My feet hurt from standing so long as the parade took forever! At the end of the parade we arrived in the town square and saw the prize giving from the previous leg of the journey.

Back at the ship we were given a talk by the Captain about Health and Safety.

Then it was on to the crew party at the indoor stadium in La Coruna so we all walked along for something to eat and drink. I had to leave at 9.30pm because I had watch at 10!

Emily Ryan White Watch

Whilst Emily was on watch the rest of us finished off at the beach: Avril, Lisa, Oisin and Andy. After wandering along the beach we headed back to the ship and ended up completely lost in the back alleys amongst all the night life. Since we felt sorry for Emily stuck on watch we went to get her a present and ended up back at the ship at 11.30pm with sweets and a bucket and spade for Emily.

Ryan Jiskoot White Watch

Today we took the plane from Heathrow to La Coruna at 11.45am. We arrived in Spain at 2.30pm local time and were met by a coach that took us to the port and the Prince William.

After unpacking our belongings we were given a welcoming talk by the Captain and introduced to the permanent and volunteer crew. We were then assigned to watches; Avril and Tim in Blue watch and Olivia in Red watch.  Following a brief safety talk, we were signed onto the ship and given a guided tour.

At 5pm all the crew from all of the ships in port met in the streets of La Coruna and paraded towards a central square, where a presentation of awards for the winners of the previous leg took place.

Food and drink were laid on in the local sports centre and the evening was free for doing what we wished. Curfew 11.30pm.

Tim Oliver and Avril Leonard, Blue Watch; Olivia Cauley, Red Watch

DAY TWO   Wednesday 9th August

Tim was woken at 4am for an hour’s watch and then again at 6am for mess duty, and therefore spent most of the day washing dishes and serving food.

The rest of the day was spent training and listening to safety talks.

During lunch, while Tim was busy dishing up, Avril and Olivia and the rest of the crew took it in turns to have a talk on helming, learn about the ropes and go “up and over”; climbing the standing rigging up to the course yard and then down the opposite side.

Red Watch then set one of the sails as practise, but as the wind picked up, the crew then had to hand it.

Shore leave in the evening was from 7.30pm until midnight and at 11.30pm there was a fireworks display from one of the jettys.

Tim Oliver and Avril Leonard, Blue Watch; Olivia Cauley, Red Watch.

DAY THREE  Thursday 10th August

After waking up and eating our last breakfast in La Coruna we prepared ourselves for the second leg of the Tall Ships Race. With the start of the race looming we were given a seamanship lecture on handing the sails before helping the ship berthed next us, Alexander VH take on last minute provisions.

At 10.45 local time, waving goodbye to the spectators at the port, we hauled in the gangway and set off for the holding area with White Watch on the bridge; Rebecca at the helm, Ciaran at port lookout and Charlie at starboard lookout.

Throughout the morning  we practised our bracing stations, had Happy hour (much to the dismay of many ABBA was played repeatedly for an entire hour over the tannoy) and some of us practised our slippery clove hitches.

We started racing at 17.00 by which time many crew members and even the Youth Mentors and Watch Leaders were hit by sea-sickness, which for most of us lasted the entire day due to the choppy sea and very high winds.

However, overall it was a successful first day’s sailing and we managed to put Prince William in a good racing position. White Watch have had an enjoyable day (bar the sea-sickness) getting to know each other. Now that we’ve finished our watch we are off to bed to catch up on sleep before another busy day tomorrow.

  

DAY FOUR   Friday 11th August

One very seasick crew – no diary entry for today!!

 DAY 5    Saturday 12th  August

The day started with an abrupt wake up call at 12am, only to stand on the open bridge on the Biscay’s high seas, guarding the glamorous Princess Williamina (as renamed by the White Watch girlies) from the deadly PipSqueaks (aka Pirates).

The thought of bracing stations having slaved for four hours in the midst of the night was all but horrendous. To top it all off, we were rudely awoken by the Red Watch know-it-alls who – surprise, surprise – got it all wrong and realised in fact that it should have been Blue Watch that was woken.

A short hop and a skip later, another four hours of slavery loomed – that is, sitting eating biscuits whilst waking up the Captain with our renditions of sailor songs and naughty jokes.

More excitement bounced our way when Spudniks – mushroom/jellyfish – were spotted some way off the Invisible Rock of Biscay. On completion of yet another watch.

To entertain us, an expert violinist delighted us with a sparking rendition of a song, and then the same song, played again at different tempos throughout the course of the evening – marvellous stuff. White watch enjoyed a bit of a jig to this rather interesting music, and then retired to our cots to catch a much appreciated forty winks.

The whole of White Watch

DAY 6   Sunday 13th August

We reluctantly dragged ourselves out of bed, consuming as much sugar as humanely possible to get us through the night watch. We danced, we sang, and pulled on some very lovely ropes (we love our ropes!) – and made far too much noise for the Captain!

By 2am the sugar had converted to boundless amounts of energy; this combined with overtiredness resulted in the watch comparing the accents of the world – crikey! Aussi, le mer est tout le monde – revelation of the day!

Watch over 4am Sunday morning and definitely bedtime – again! This was short lived when we were woken up ay 6am for bracing stations that didn’t exist.

On our 6pm-8pm watch, after our most excellent Sunday roast dinner, Captain Liam displayed his disgust at our wonderful singing by clutching a baseball bat and clapping it in his hands (with a big grin) – we didn’t think we were that bad!

The whole of White Watch

Sleep deprivation masked the start of the daily routine.

Being woken by fellow watch members in the middle of deep sleep meant, as much as one would like to take out their frustration on the presiding waking authority, seeing that we were all in the same boat meant that one would simply hold back in venting one’s misplaced wrath.

Anyhow vested with the trust and faith of 57 crew members, the Red watch totters along to the bridge for our 4 o’clockwatch. With such immense responsibility resting on our shoulders the lookouts are posted at port and starboard sides and the helmsman takes over.

The cloud cover meant that the moonlight would evade us for the rest of the four hour watch although the presence of Prince William’s Chief Officer Stuart ended up being one of our Beacons of Hope in our relentless struggle to stay awake through the night.

Manjot Doad,  Red Watch

DAY SEVEN   Monday 14th August

Today on Prince William we have a goal in mind – to reach the way point.

Having had Blue watch set the standard last night with skilful helming, Red watch proceeded to let the crew down by driving the ship backwards.

Now with all the sails (well, nearly all) we are heading a course of 050 degrees and doing the magnificent speed of nearly 2 knots.

Due to the lack of wind we are devising new forms of entertainment. Currently, comparing bums in harnesses is the favourite. Andy is the winner, due to extreme clenching.

A levels results day is fast looming – all those concerned are trying to forget it but the worry is there at the back of our minds.

First Aid purser Crispin gave a fascinating talk on old school surgery; coverings subjects such as amputations and the treatment of infectious diseases commonly contracted by 18th century sailors…which had some crew members looking concerned. In relation to this the Captain reminded certain members of the crew what the definition of appropriate behaviour actually was (we know who they are!).

An ode to Prince William:-

                                                Ahoy Avast Arr

                                                There be Prince William

                                                The white brig proud

                                                With sails set high

                                                Watched by a crowd

                                                Unfortunately the wind is lacking

                                                Therefore all the sails are backing

                                                But thanks to Blue watches excellent steering

                                                The words “land ahoy” we will soon be hearing

Later…..

We have now become completely becalmed…

Various strategies, including harnessing dolphins and seagulls have now been put forward (and rejected!).

During the break between watches we decorated our boat with Haribo wrappers.

Following this we prepared for the unusual creature activity by dressing Andy up in women’s clothing (which he seemed to like), and using a harness and backpack to strap Rachel to his front in the fashion of a kangaroo (which she also seemed to quite like).

We had a talk on the rights of way of various vessels. It seems that the general rule is don’t take on anything bigger than yourself.

The whole of Blue Watch

DAY EIGHT   Tuesday 15th August

I cannot stop singing. The music on board appears for one hour a day and consequently I am musically deprived. The songs we do get cater for the more “mature taste” (i.e. permanent crew) – ABBA features quite heavily, we’ve even had a rendition of White Christmas.

We are having a murder mystery on board which I am finding very, very exciting.

I woke up afraid that I was going to be killed, but then I remembered that I also have the power, so a formed a plan….a very cunning plan…..

My victim – Ben the Bosun/Pirate. My weapon – a Hawaiian shirt. The crime scene – the bowsprit. It was tricky, but I managed to kill Ben. I lured him to the bowsprit with the innocent claim that I didn’t know how to get on it, and needed him to show me.

Then, when he was least expecting it, I whipped out the shirt and he fell to the floor – dead as a dead dodo! Ben tried to claim that the shirt was not authentically Hawaiian, but I think we all know the truth.

As for my next victim, only time will tell…..

The end of the race was called today at 7.00am due to lack of wind, but I don’t know yet where we finished. So next stopAntwerp, where we are going to have a party!

I am now sitting in the mess watching Dumb and Dumber which has a very good soundtrack. I am also eating chocolate icing..

I’ve made some lovely friends on this ship and we have a giggle. In Red watch we are like the Spice Girls in every way, even the boys! We have Scary – Manjot, Ginger – Emily, Sporty – Sarah, Posh – Olivia and baby – me, Lucy. Richard, our watch leader is the Manager. The boys are our backing dancers – they sing and dance on the platform behind the bridge – it’s wicked.

I’m turning into a proper Geordie with all the Geordies I’m surrounded by. In my head its all “Wye eye man” – I love it.

Lucy Angier   Red Watch

DAY NINE   Wednesday 16th August

The day started on its usual note, with the Captain’s daily “poo” chat, on unreported whistlers and the correct way to deal with them.

Today was a very educational day, with Ian’s (3rd officer) giving a lecture on buoyage. (Much of what was said in the remainder of this paragraph has unfortunately had to be edited, but suffice to say that several young ladies of the crew found this lecture particularly entertaining).

Many of the crew stowed the headsails and found themselves in the midst of storm at the bow of the “Princess Willamena” with no waterproofs to protect them from Mother Nature…

We also learned how to splice ropes – not quite sure why – but we’re sure this new found skill will come in handy sometime, or maybe they were just trying to keep us out of trouble. Just in case the permanent crew DO read this …White watch of course feel that this has been a thoroughly rewarding, pleasurable and exhilarating day (too much sugar White watch !!!!), and we have learned a great deal.

We ended the day with our presentation on those rare and beautiful creatures, Red Zip-Breasted Mumblegots (aka Ryan and Jimmy in immersion suits, complete with full make up and handbags). Our intrepid explorer, Ciaran McIntyre, explained their key characteristics to a fascinated audience, in particular their ear fondling mating ritual, the details of which are better left to your imagination.

The sunset provided a wonderful opportunity for pictures and the red sky was very calming for these anxious voyagers awaiting their A-level results the following morning…

The whole of White watch.

DAY TEN   Thursday 17th August

It’s the 17th August and the long awaited AS/A – level results day today.
There are lots of anxious people on board. At present our helmsman is trying hard not to crash into any of the numerous large container ships overtaking us, as Blue watch are in charge of the bridge during the morning meeting
We’d probably be swimming now if it wasn’t for Blue watch – leaving “pink” (white + red) watch in charge could well be fatal……
Acknowledging our superiority a squadron of dolphins performed a 12 flip salute as we took the bridge returning the vessel to the correct course. It will be tough, but we will try and get to Antwerp on time.
Currently we are under motor and heading through the traffic lanes of the English channel. With the race now over a relaxed feel has come over the Prince William and all are just looking to enjoy the last few days at sea before we get to port and the party begins. However, this is not the case for all of our merry band of sailors, as it is results day, and a few anxious faces were visible round the breakfast table.

Inter-watch competitions are in full flow – at least for us – pink watch are trailing miles behind with Blue watch practically unassailable (Really? Watch this space – YM).

Later…
We have spent the remainder of the day running up and down masts, putting sails up and taking them down again. We were all sleeping peacefully in our bunks when our fearless leaders decided that a man overboard drill was in order. Unfortunately, by the time the dummy was recovered, it had lost all vital signs…..oh dear..

We finally had curry for tea, which is everyone’s favourite. Chris (BWL) managed to eat pretty much an entire bottle of mango chutney to the dismay (but not surprise) of everyone else at the table.

This evening we had another boat race. We were obviously cheated out of a deserved victory by crooked youth tormentors – perhaps they thought that flagging pink watch needed some help and a boost to morale. (Note: all results were fair and even handed. We are sorry that Blue watch are poor losers – YM’s)

At the moment Chris (BWL) is trying to pump yet more boaty information into the watch. I think he is trying to convert us into his own personal navy so he can conquer France or somewhere. Chris is also wearing a pirate hat whilst doing this, and looks really quite disturbing…

Also, a very tense game of cards is going on between Louis, Andy and Lisa, whilst Rachel tries to explain her disturbing foot fetish….alas it cannot be justified.

The whole of Blue Watch

Moonstar

Moonstar
Originally uploaded by Evil Genius Society: Share the world...

Na Ghar ke na Ghaat ke

Dedicated to the hundreds of Dhobhis (washermen/women) across India, facing the latest battle of development versus livelihood. In Chandigarh, the Administration decided to implement modernity by raising all Dhobhi Ghats (areas where clothes are handwashed) and launch swanky washing machines and tumble dryers. The change was implemented without a feasibility study, let alone a consultation process with the stake-holders themselves. The result was clear from the pilot project at Sector 15 Dhobhi Ghat - residents weren't happy with the quality of the washing (how could machines imitate the scrubbing and meticulous cleaning practice of hand wash, that is traditional to India) and in most cases there clothes were ruined because of colours running and exposure to high heat in the dryers. The dhobhis very livelihood is at stake with the customers refusing to pay the escalated costs of washing and ironing their clothes. After all, as one Dhobhi put it,"The electricity doesn't belong to my father!"

the light chronicles.m4v

upside down,inside out, it's difficult to sum up a life,however short,in a page,or a photo,but give me a video any day!! This short film charts the course of a life full of extremes,the speedbreakers came but only made me enjoy teh scenery ever more.Dedicated to my late sister;whose thrill for life,surpassed many,Harry,beyond teh stars we will meet again..

Hibiscus Sherbet

a young friend from udaipur ,rajasthan,who is visiting chandigarh as part of his swaraj journey,volunteered to teach me how to make hibiscus sherbet,only there weren't any hibiscus around to make any sherbet of. so a community participation plan was hatched, which i feel is an extension of activism and real life politics. so, out came a green bag from his pocket with the earnest words,we'ill simply circle the neighbourhood and any plants we see with flowers on,we can talk to the owners,this way even their curiosity would be aroused and we will have more of a community participation,albeit arbitrarily.so off we went merrily along the path on an evening walk,and wow,the houses we discovered,quaint single storied,ground floor houses,with beautiful,unkempt gardens.some grape vines here,some fairy fences and yellow gates and coloured stone walls there..wow it was such an enchanting neighbourhood,i hardly knew.in the end,we had more than 70 flowers in the green bag and then it was down to some lemon juice (1 kg) and the flower petals(remove the green and inner bits) are soaked overnight.In the morning we juiced out the petals through a muslin cloth and mixed 1/2 kg powdered sugar,and the hibiscus sherbet concentrate is ready.
it tastes lemony and very summery!

a peace-full life

a dear friend Peter Adams, who practices wood sculpture work,engraved a carved bench of his , with the quote "tongues in trees, sermons in stones, books in brooks".

social satire : Chandigarh turn'd Corrupt-garh

work has begun on a social satirical piece.It's a fiction piece,docudrama,where people are re-enacting not having enough clean clothes and having to wear dirty clothes instead.
Besides highlighting the DOOR-DAsha (because none of the media are running the exploited dhobhi's  story ) , this satire serves as a silent protesting against 'cleanly dressed politicians'  , who make decisions ,sitting in fancy hotels,air-conditioned cars, in expensive and dry cleaned clothes, and implement them without a so much as a second thought to the feasibility of their policies and changes on ground.Are they really conscious of the effects of their policies?  how would they ? have they ever stepped out of their air conditioned cars onto the heat of the tar road? my guess is as good as yours...

The analogy is to discover and re-question where all the clean-ness (pun intended /metaphorically speaking ) of this city disappear, 

"There was a time, when clean- streets and clean clothes , existed"

The subtext is of course the impending decision of Chandigarh Administration to replace all traditional and age-old dhobhi-ghats (washer women's & men's clothes cleaning and drying spaces) with Laundromats.The actual people who have to bear the brunt of the Administrations' decision,were never consulted or involved in this decision.It was a decision taken to save these Dhobhi's from their poor and deplorable condition.

The assumption here,that the Dhobhi's need to be saved and the solution proposed to their hardship,is feasible ,lacks any form of social responsibility on part of the Chandigarh Adminstration.The pilot project in Sector 15,failed,proving the inefficiency of washing machines in indian context.Here in India,hand wash is the oldest tradition in every practical job and washing is the most important of them.

What Sector 15 Laundromat,which replaced the traditional dhobhi ghat,witnessed was that ,people refused to pay the expensive cost of the washing.This came to pass,after dhobhi's had to factor in cost of electricity,owing to the usage of washing machines and Tumble dryer's.Further the greatest of bone of contention being ,clothes ,which are the central kirdaar(character), in this entire drama,were being left dirty,and hence there were in the end,dissatisfied  and angry people.One would then assume,or logically (I.M. Copi) conclude,the cost of the pilot project's failure,would have at least paved the way for safe keeping of  future generations of dhobhi ghaats and dhobhi's profession would not be in any jeopardy,having had proved their resourcefulness,so brilliantly ,in face of such threatening and annihilating circumstances,almost ,ironically.Alas,the Chandigarh Adminstration,far from learning from falling,are racing with fresh follow up plans,of replacing all Dhobhi Ghat's from the city of Chandigarh,under the facade of necessary modernity and Development.
the Dhobhi, can now rightly say, na Ghar key ,na Ghaat key...

From the Right to know
and the duty to enquire
flows the obligation to Act.
Sandra Steingraber

merryily gold

On a recent evening with a friend,as i crossed my front garden,a broken marigold lay in my path.In a habit to pick these offerings by nature,i tucked the flower behind my right ear.

My friend (actually an aunt) was visibly disturbed and requested that i remove it immediately.I felt that a bit odd but then people usually like to follow the norms and when you are with them,it's understandable if they want you to oblidge. I resisted a bit and tried to probe her reasons behind the disturbance,whether they were indeed informed by social quo.She offered the north indian traditional  equivalent of a marigold in articulated language would be a single lonely suffering woman.Notice how single is automatically equated to lonely and that in turn is again implicated as a suffering.

I did remove that flower,but held on to it ,in my bag.I came home and put it on my desk.I noticed how my neighbour ,a wise woman who lived a busy life and coped brilliantly in spite of being widowed at a very young age,with two young children in tow. Her front garden was brimming with the marigolds planted 3 months ago.None but one of the marigolds i planted around my vegetable garden (to take care of the white flies attacking the tomatoes),flowered. I wonder whether this is a sign,am not going to suffer just yet.

Cycles Abound all Around

A social experiment begins with an inspiration, ,an inspiration from a stimulus,and so many will do ... just fine

a cycle run's through it...

one's Pride and another's Prejudice..

a healthy wealthy one

     Will one day come, when parking lots for cycles will outnumber automobile parking lots ?

    One for the child...

    and one for the road.

The New TADA

              COUNTERING BRAI 2009: (Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill )

1.By-Passing Supreme Court Jurisdiction-The establishment of a completely new jurisdiction authority; “Biotechnology Regulatory Appellate Tribunal” for an area like “food”which concerns 100 % of the population as it deals with most primary need,is grossly irresponsible and underhanded manipulation of the right of the people to a fair and just judiciary.

BRAI । Chapter 15 । Biotechnology Regulatory Appellate Tribunal । Section 42-43 ।

42. (/) Any person aggrieved by a decision or order or directions of the Authority under this Act, may, within a period of thirty days from the date on which the decision or order or direction is communicated to him, file an appeal to the Biotechnology Regulatory Appellate Tribunal. (2)Every such appeal shall be preferred in such form and manner along with such fees and contain such particulars as may be prescribed. 43.The Central Government shall, by notification, establish with effect rom such date as may be specified therein, an Appellate Tribunal to be known as the Biotechnology Regulatory Appellate Tribunal to exercise the jurisdiction, powers and authority conferred on such Tribunal by or under this Act.

2. Over-riding authority of Centre over State - Chapter 1 ; Section 2 & Chapter 15 ; Section 81 - These sections propose the introduction of an over-riding authority by the Union (Central) Government over all State governments in India over matters of Agriculture & Pest Control.This is in direct violation of the Provisions of the State having the right to govern matters pertaining to Agriculture & Pesticides,as listed in the Constitution in Article 246.

The Constitution Of India 1949 । Article 246 ।

Subject matter of laws made by Parliament and by the Legislatures of States (1) Notwithstanding anything in clauses ( 2 ) and ( 3 ), Parliament has exclusive power to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List I in the Seventh Schedule (in this Constitution referred to as the Union List) (2) Notwithstanding anything in clause ( 3 ), Parliament, and, subject to clause ( 1 ), the Legislature of any State also, have power to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List III in the Seventh Schedule (in this Constitution referred to as the Concurrent List) (4) Parliament has power to make laws with respect to any matter for any part of the territory of India not included (in a State) notwithstanding that such matter is a matter enumerated in the State List

BRAI । Chapter 1 । Preliminary । Section 2 । It is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that the control by Union. Union should take under its control the regulation of organisms, products and processes of modern biotechnology industry.

BRAI । Chapter 15 । Miscellaneous । Section 81 । Save as otherwise provided, the provisions of this Act shall have effect, notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other law for the time being in force or in any instrument having effect by virtue of any law other than this Act.

3. Violation of Freedom of Speech - Chapter 13 ; Section 63, is in direct Violation of Provision for Freedom of Speech & Expression for all citizens as listed in the Article 19 of the Constitution.

The Constitution Of India 1949 । Article 19 ।

I.All citizens shall have the right - 

A. to freedom of speech and expression;

B. to assemble peaceably and without arms; 

C. to form associations or unions;

BRAI । Offenses & Penalties । Chapter 13 । Section 63 । Whoever, without any evidence or scientific record misleads the public about the safety of the organisms and products specified in Part I or Part II or Part III of the Schedule I, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but

which may extend to one year and with fine which may extend to two lakh rupees or with both.

4. Draconian Law - Chapter 13 ; Section 63,as above, list’s a draconian sentence of imprisonment where the language used for penalty “imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months” can only be compared with the Laws like TADA (Terrorist & Disruptive Activities ‘Prevention’ Act,1987 ). It poses serious and fundamental questions for a democratic country as ours where regular Laws have clause for Offense & Penalty as, “imprisonment for a term which shall up to six months”.

5. No  Offense for Concealment - Chapter 13 ; Sec 61 lists No Offense for Concealment or Omission of Information (pertaining to adverse effects of GM technology ) This is indeed a very serious cause for concern and another reason why the BRAI should be considered unlawful in its scope.

BRAI । Offenses & Penalties । Chapter 13 । Section 61 । If a person, in connection with a requirement or direction under this Punishment for false Act, provides any

information or produces any document that the person knows is false or misleading, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months and also with fine which may extend to five lakh rupees.

6. No Penal Provision for Risk - Incase of contamination from leakage whilst conducting Clinical/Field Trials no penal provision is given under Chapter 13 ; Sec 62. Further,even the definition of “clinical trial” only includes ‘humans’,hence the provision for offenses under this Section do not account for the clinical or field trials on animals or plants.Hence as history is a witness,the Case of BT Cotton,where Agricultural Fields were infiltrated with BT- Cotton seeds ,even before the approval of BT-Cotton,any future events of this kind would not be punishable if this Bill becomes law.

BRAI । Offenses & Penalties । Chapter 13 । Section 62 । (/) Whoever, himself or by any other person on his behalf, conducts clinical trials with organisms or products specified in Part II of Schedule 1, in contravention of section 33 shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may

extend to ten years and with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees or with both.

BRAI । Clinical Trial or Field Trial । Chapter 7 । Section 33 । No person shall conduct, clinical trials in respect of any organisms or products specified in Part II of

Schedule I, or, field trials in respect of any organisms or products specified in Part I and Part III of Schedule 1: Provided that the Authority may having regard to the health care needs or development of agriculture sector, permit clinical trial of organisms and products specified in Part II of Schedule I, or field trials in respect to any organism or products specified in Part I and Part III of Schedule I with such safeguards as it may consider necessary and which may be specified by the regulations.

BRAI । Chapter 1 । Preliminary । Section 3 । (g) "clinical trial" means systematic study of any new organism or product specified in Schedule I in human for the purpose of generating data for discovering or verifying its clinical, pharmacological (including pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic) biological,

or, adverse effects with the objective of determining safety, efficacy or tolerance of that organism or product

7. Proposed amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940,shockingly leave the GM food or Organism out of it’s ambit .

SCHEDULE II PART I

AMENDMENTS TO THE DRUGS AND COSMETICS ACT, 1940 2. After section 37, the following section shall be inserted, namely:— "37A. Nothing contained in this section shall apply to the genetically modified or engineered organisms or any matter or thing connected with it to which are covered under the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2009.".

Critique of Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill 2009, Alliance for GM Free & Safe Foods, Chandigarh

8. Proposed amendments to the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006,shockingly leave the GM food or Organism out of it’s ambit .

SCHEDULE II

   PART II

AMENDMENTS TO THE FOOD SAFETY AND STANDARDS ACT, 2006 3, After section 98, the following section shall be inserted, namely:— "98A. Nothing contained in this section shall apply to the genetically modified or engineered organisms or any matter or thing connected with it to which are covered under the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2009.".

9. Conflict of Interest - Proposed Bill,BRAI has been developed by the Department of Biotechnology,under the Ministry of Science and Technology ,the very Objective of whom is to Promote Biotechnology,this obvious Conflict of Interest has serious ramifications and such vested interests are questionable.

10. Beyond the Scope of RTI Act 2005 - Chapter 1 ; Sec 3(g) is over-riding the provisions of RTI (Right to Information) Act 2005.Under RTI Act ,2005 ; Sec 8 states exemption from disclosure of information if the information sought is perceived to be a “Trade Secret”.Under BRAI,an attempt is being made to deny accessibility to information under RTI Act to the citizens,by defining “Confidential Information”as either a “Trade Secret” or “Any Other Information”.BRAI further defines “Such Other Information” as pertaining to all Genetically Modified or Engineered Organisms and Food (and Food Products).This implies a total denial & blockage of Right to Information on any and all matters relating to testing,production,usage, of GM organisms/food,as other information will cover everything else that doesn’t come under trade secret,leaving absolutely no provision for public accountability or responsibility.

BRAI । Chapter 1 । Preliminary । Section 3 । (h) "confidential commercial information" means,—

(/) a trade secret or any other information which has a commercial or other value which would be, or could reasonably be expected to be, destroyed or diminished if such information was disclosed; or (if) such other information which relates to lawful commercial or financial affairs of a person, organization or undertaking dealing with organisms or products specified under Part I or Part II or Part III of Schedule I which, if disclosed, could adversely affect such person, organization or undertaking;

SCHEDULE I

P ART I

  1. Organisms and products mentioned under sub-paragraph (a) to (c) of this Part which shall be regulated by the Authority. (a) Any genetically engineered plant, animal, micro-organism, virus or other animate organism that may have application in agriculture, fisheries (including aquaculture), forestry or food production; (b) Any genetically engineered plant, animal, micro-organism, virus or other animate organism used as food; (c)Any animal clones that may have application in agriculture, fisheries or food production.

PART II

 2. Organisms and products mentioned under (a) to (i) of this Part which shall be regulated by the Authority. (a) DNA vaccines intended to induce or increase an antigen specific immune response for prophylactic or therapeutic immunization, regardless of the composition or method of manufacture; (b) Vaccines for use in humans or animals that contain living genetically engineered organisms; (c) Cellular products, including products composed of human, bacterial or animal cells (such as pancreatic islet cells for transplantation), or rom physical parts of those cells (such as whole cells, cell fragments, or other components intended for use as preventative or therapeutic vaccines); 

(d) Recombinant gene therapy products including nucleic acids, viruses, or genetically engineered micro-organisms that mediate their effect by transcription and/or translation of the transferred genetic material, and/or by integrating into the host genome. Cells may be modified in these ways ex vivo for subsequent administration to the recipient, or altered in vivo by gene therapy products administered directly to the recipient. (e) Transgenic blood or plasma derived products. (/) Stem cell based products. (g) RNA interference (RNAi) based products. (h) Products of synthetic biology for human or animal use. (i)Any products that include as a component a product rom categories (a) to (h) above.

PART III 

3. Organisms and products mentioned under this Part which shall be regulated by the Authority. Any genetically engineered plant, animal, micro-organism, virus or other animate organism that may be released into the environment, excluding the provisions of Parts I and II of this Schedule, or have application in industrial production or manufacturing processes.

11. Lack of Serious Restriction on Board Members re-employment - The restriction of Employment on members and Chairman of the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India,after cessation of office,is very irresponsible as it is merely for a period of two years,whereas matters relating to GM,on an average easily cover ten years.This leaves plenty of loopholes for manipulation upon re-employment after the said restriction of two years.

BRAI । Chapter 2 । Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India । Section10 । (7)The Chairperson/Member, ceasing to hold office

(a) for a period of two years from the date on which they cease to hold office, accept any employment in, or connected with the management or administration of, any person which has been associated with or granted authorization for research, transport or import of organisms or products or manufacture or use of organisms and products under this Act:

Critique of Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill 2009, Alliance for GM Free & Safe Foods, Chandigarh

Provided that nothing contained in this section shall apply to any employment under the Central Government or a State Government or local authority or in any statutory authority or any corporation established by or under any Central, State or Provincial Act or a Government company as defined in section 617 of the Companies Act, 1956; or (b) act, for or on behalf of any person or organization in connection with any specific proceeding or transaction or negotiation or a case to which the Authority is a party and with respect to which the Chairperson or such Member before cessation of his office had acted for, or provided advice to, the Authority; or

(c) give advice to any person (including his client, business associate or employer) using information which was obtained in his capacity as the Chairperson or a Member and being not available or cannot be made available to the public; or (d) for a period of two years from his last day in office, enter into a contract of service with, accept an appointment to a board of directors of, or accept an offer of employment with, an entity with which he had direct and significant official dealings during his term of office as such without the due approval of the Central Government.

12. Attempt to limit participation of Advisory Council-By the very mention of no provisionof“T&D(Travel& Allowance)” for attendance of Meetings by members of the Advisory council,this proposed BRAI bill attempts to limit the participation by Advisory council members in any democratic discussion process.This is a clearly in stark contrast with usual provision of T & D for government meetings practiced throughout India as a norm.

BRAI । Chapter 3 । Inter-Ministerial Advisory Board and Biotechnology Advisory Council । 15 । (7) The expenses for attending the meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Advisory Board (including travel expenses or any other allowances) shall be borne by the

respective Ministries, Departments, Councils, office. Directorate and Authorities, whom they represent under clauses (a) to (q) of sub-section(2)-

13. Glaring Contradictions within BRAI - An attempt to mislead the public is made as on one hand the BRAI under Section 86 clearly states no interference in jurisdiction of Drug and Cosmetics Act,1940 and Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. While on the other hand,amendments made under BRAI ,sec.37(a) for Drug and Cosmetics Act,1940 and sec.98(a) Food Safety and Standards Act 2006,provide for the over-riding authority of BRAI over both these acts and completely obliterates the scope of independent jurisdiction of these acts over GM organism and food ( or/and food products).

BRAI । Chapter 15 । Miscellaneous । Section 86 । The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Food

Safety and Standards Act, and, nothing in this Act shall affect any jurisdiction, powers and functions required to be exercised or performed by the Authority in relation to any area falling within the jurisdiction of the Authority under this Act.