Sunday, September 17, 2023

Dr Soumyan Dey

  Awesome. With utmost admiration to you and the team of specialists at Kokilabhen Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Navi Mumbai for your remarkable efforts in treating cancer through advanced technology and personalised care.Having witnessed the fight against cancer personally, I understand the immense importance of comprehensive care at all stages of manifestation. It is truly heartening to see that your hospital's vision, as highlighted in the print media coverage, includes a commitment to a multi-disciplinary treatment approach, patient care, and an emphasis on state-of-the-art technology.

This innovative approach gives hope to everyone for early diagnosis and effective treatment. Your dedication and hard work in providing patients with the best possible care will not go unnoticed. The level of commitment and expertise displayed by you and your team is truly spectacular.

I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to you and the entire team at Kokilabhen Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Navi Mumbai. Your efforts will be a significant contribution in the lives of countless individuals, and I am grateful for the dedication and passion you bring to your work. Best wishes for continued success in your endeavors to serve people giving them hope and aspirations . 



Wednesday, February 15, 2023

DAK BUNGALOW OF NIBAHERA

 

DAK BUNGALOW OF NIMBAHERA

About 53 years ago during the early 1970's I used to reach remote mofussil towns of Rajasthan to explore avenues in promoting lighting and ceiling fans the products of Crompton Greaves - I was then sales representative of the company based at Jaipur. At times returning to district headquarters during the beat from remote areas was not possible and had to find shelter for overnight stay at Dak Bungalow or at local Dharamsala. Dak Bungalows which the British regime created during their governance; a guest house facility for government officials short stay to carry out their duties of administration. It was a cold dreary evening when I reached NIMBAHERA Dak Bungalow the place gave an instant look  of being totally unoccupied the watchman cum caretaker " BEHRO " was the only person in the premises and had no qualm in providing overnight accommodation normally the preference is for government servants. The bungalow a single storey having three rooms on the ground floor and two on the first. I opted for room no 3 ground floor far end from the hallway adjacent to a well maintained garden, the narrow pathway leading to the outhouse a living quarter of the caretaker cum watchman.I observed Behro immensely satisfied probably due to quick room selection this did not exert him of showing other vacant rooms. The Dak Bungalows mostly a small cottage type home away from town in a secluded area usually a partial storey dwelling typically featuring sloped roofs,large front windows and broad porch  surrounded by a veranda and a stone built cabin for the caretaker intended to house a single family quite effective for retaining heat in the winter as well keeping cool in summer; it is a repository of british government exhibiting the confluence of indo - british architecture. It was believed that few of the dak bungalow of Indian hilly regions were said to be haunted by ghosts of shahib long dead and gone. Also those were the times where village idle locals temple priests would regale tales of bandits, evil spirits and would remarkably set up the stage with narration and sound effect choosing a moonlit night my father's official orderly Arjun Singh  in Jaipur was a master story teller. A dwelling not frequented particularly after sunset . I entered the details in the visitor book along with local reference of Daulat Electricals - Nimbahera. The room had two sturdy wooden chairs, a large bed - striped cotton bed sheets spread over a thick cotton mattress - pillows and a knitted woollen blanket along with a peculiar three leg round wooden table. The room had attached large  bathroom cum indian toilet, one aluminium mug and a bucket placed under a looming sturdy heavy duty bronze water tap. Significantly there was an exit from the bathroom opening to the small garden and the view of the pathway to the outhouse of the caretaker, the bathroom had a facility of double bolt both inside and outside . I settled in my room it was around 8.30 pm pitch dark outside only exception of a twin 4 ft size hanging street light fixed to the silver and black cast iron post at the far end corner of the bungalow. I stuffed couple of parathas and wheat halwa in my travelling steel tiffin box while leaving  chittorgarh.  I had the packed tiffin for dinner and finally settled with two editions of Rajasthan Patrika a prominent daily hindi newspaper of Rajasthan. Around mid-night I woke up to a sound from the bathroom the tap was leaking and the droplet from the tap fully filled the bucket which was placed under the tap. Emptied the bucket and placed the bucket under the water tap, a gate valve / cut off valve above the water tap pipe it's closure shuts off  the water flow having ensured that leakage has been plugged - I was able to sleep immediately. Nothing wakes up a youth particularly a travelling salesman, I woke up second time to a sound PLINK, PLINK ,PLOMP it was the noise of water droplets falling one after another and collecting in the bucket " Emptied " a while ago and the water pipe line GATE VALVE SHUT OFF. I was still in the bed hearing the flow of the droplets constantly increasing expected the water from the bucket to overflow. Got up quietly went in the direction of the switch and turned on the bedroom light and in one quick reflex bolted the bathroom from outside, I was scared and realised that bathroom is one of the few places which is equipped with a bolt. Instantly felt relatively secure from the horrors that might be lurking inside the attached bathroom. There was no sleep now, lay motionless thinking of the main gate pipe valve, tap and the bucket. A feeble sound plink plink emanated, fear crept in, the sound of PLINK, PLINK, PLOMP increased droplets were  filling the bucket rapidly and soon as expected  an additional sound of water overflowing and draining, terribly scared and defenceless from an unknown torture. I felt an urge to check the bathroom  though instincts did not approve ( bathroom is not a place anyone will remain longer than necessary ) sudden uneasiness and hiccups made me weak and feeble, dreaded that the noisy hiccups should not annoy the spirits inside.I was in a state of double jeopardy and by chance remembered my grandfather at his multistory building in Tambaram  a town near Chennai  boldly faced a lurking demon at midnight around the house WATER -  WELL and chased it away with a stick. Regained better senses gathered courage and stood near the bathroom door the sound of PLINK suddenly stopped, dead silence hiccup ceased. Felt I should not annoy the spirits if any  inside, quietly retrieved to bed. The commotion resumed this time with PLOMP, PLOMP, PLOMP along with the clamour of draining water from the bucket. While in bed I was inventing thoughts of long gone british shahibs the tales of village temple priests and hindi movies like " Bin Badal Barasat" when I left the theatre before intermission dreaded to watch the movie scene where the heroine every night alone in a dilapidated  seashore villa confronted helplessly the horrors of satanic clatters and movement of drapes curtains and portrait. It was sheer stupidity  to be in the 18th century secluded structure like the defenceless  actress  Waheeda of the horror movie.  I  visualised my grandfather heroics and  waited for Behro and the Dawn. Restless scared got up to the window a glance at the hallway a figure looked like a dangling silhouette, diverted attention to the gate the fluorescent light was bright and the shadow of the peepal tree was extending on the western side of the bungalow. Tired and hopeless  went to bed stuffing my head underneath the pillow lay motionless till I heard some movement leapt to the window and saw BEHRO standing near the gate ; it was one of the most comforting and gratifying sight. Flung opened the door yelled BEHROO , he turned around and came briskly " KYA BAAT HAI SHAHIB " Sir what is the matter - I put my arms around him took him to my room and pointed my finger to the bolted bathroom. He called me to the bathroom and said someone has switched off the main line valve and the water should flow once the knob is switched on, shall I open !   told him of the night ordeal and the commotion of leaking tap subsequent plugging the tap and the main valve .The bucket was emptied BONE DRY - I was in the bathroom around midnight for at least ten minutes located the main line valve to be relieved from the droplets sound of PLINK PLINK PLOMP . The water is as you observe is not flowing now then how BEHRO the bucket is full and the bathroom is wet showing proof of  excess water drainage. Behro quietly stood then meekly once again asked whether he should open the mainline valve, NO, No. I will manage with the bucket water but told him not to move from the verandah till I pack my belongings. I was ready soon to fill the three small sections of the visitors book, time and date of check out, next destination and payment with remarks. The room payment rupees seven and fifty paise - remark :- " BEHRO dependable attendant" however one more person is required for the night " explained the remarks to Behro with a tip of princely rupees five; Behro was delighted and asked me when will I visit again. I did not bother to answer and concluded that Dak Bungalows was anchor for wandering officials and travellers during british rule to the most inhospitable corners of the country. A person with a sensitive hide has no right to be here especially overnight stays. Instead I asked who is the plumber here, myself said Behro , I fix water leakage as well electric fuses. When was the room 3 last occupied fetch the visitor- register , noted it was on 19th August 1969 almost 7 months ago by Ramanlal Meena Jr Engineer of state government posted in Ajmer. Behro dropped me in his bicycle at the bus depot a distance of more than a kilometre. BEHRO touched my feet and slowly cycled his way to the Dak Bungalow , my eyes moistened and I will remember him at all times.
A primary school teacher boarded from Nimbahera seated next to me in the bus during the conversation said that there is another guest house near his school and the Dak Bunglow where I stayed will be demolished a  proposal is in place to erect a  dispensary.
Rajasthan is popular for its ancient historical location ,Forts of "Bangarh" near Sariska Tiger Sanctuary in Alwar. The entire Fort believed is to be possessed by Female Demon another is in "Kuldhana" near the border city of Jaisalmer the village remains abandoned for nearly 400 years the natives affirm about devils dance forming group carrying torches made of several sticks bundled together and fastened to the animal bone at night for 3 days starting from the first day of amavasya. "Sudhabay" a sleepy settlement close to the holy town Puskar near Ajmer where the "Ghost Fair" is held every year the place is located in a scenic green valley near the flowing natural lake - here people come every year to get rid of the spirit they believe possess them. Only flowers of ROHEDA which grows on Marwar Teak in Thar desert are offered in copper plate to the Demon Deity. A strict dress code has to be followed of Black or dark Violet gown liquor and currency are essential oblations offered by worshippers. Ramlal Meena an official posted in Ajmer who was the last occupant of the Dak Bungalow Room  - 3 , before my overnight stay almost seven months later; he would have not missed
SUDHABAY FAIR.....
........

Sunday, June 6, 2021

THE GLORY OF DARK SKIN

 It is not clear when things changed and Fair Skin came to be preferred in India, it is surprisingly true that traditional indian aesthetic was very different from how we see it now - it is evidently revealing by study of the paiting in the Ajanta and Ellora caves near mumbai, these caves were constructed during the rule of the " Vakatakas " allies of Gupta Empire one of the striking aspect is that most of the people in the paiting are very dark skinned. It certainly looks like ancient indians had a clear preference for the Dark Skin.There are several other evidence to support for example Krishna is considered to be the most handsome male in Hindu tradition and his name means " the Dark One " though later on he became Blue Skinned reason medieval artist depicted him Blue. Similarly Drupadi in Mahabharata is described as being very dark. Males significantly pampered themselves in india, they are following salon phenomenon with the singular object besides hair trimming to do facial, manicure, pedicure and waxing all to make the skin glow " Fair " the fairness cream of L ' Oreal , Nivea and host of such companies have added in their supplies dark spot reduction, skin brightening further manufacturers have added raw coffee wash ( Mcaffeine ) , Lakme and many more have boosted their image and made them look fair and attractive though temporarily. The fairness and bleach cream market in india is currently estimated to be worth nearly Rs 6500 crores. Fair and Lovely now named Glow and Lovely is one of the best selling personal care products in south asia. During our time some 50 years ago we had " Afgan Snow " a valuable dressing table possession.

 Gupta's Empire 1700 years ago gives us a vivid picture of what life was like for rich and idle. A lot of importance was given to personal grooming - a man routinely prefered to have an oil massage, bathe, shave, apply perfumes and get ready for the evening to head for saloon to trim his hair and add steam treatment particularly on face and hands to get a glowing skin. This was carried on and in nineteenth century profoundly in lucknow and bengal. Zamidars of early twentieth - century kolkata were quite similar to the Page 3 socialites now in cities like mumbai and delhi who like to enjoy a fabulous life style! 

Dark skin in medieval india was a preference; according to Marco Polo commenting about indian males  said the " Darkest Man" was most highly esteemed person and was considered better than others who were not so Dark "  Even God's and their Idols were 







Black" while interestingly Devils were shown as White as Snow.. "The Idol of Lord Jagannath in Puri  confirms what Polo meant "


Friday, May 28, 2021

ARCHU



 

RAJ MATA GAYATRI DEVI OF JAIPUR

 One of the most beautiful personality of history


Born as Princess Gayatri Devi of Cooch Behar on 23 May 1919 to Maharaja Jitendra Narayan of Cooch Behar and Maharani Indira Raje (Maratha Princess of Baroda). She had two brothers Jagat Deependra Narayan and Indrajitentra Narayan and two sisters Ila and Menaka. She studied at Glen dower preparatory school in London,


Shantiniketan in West Bengal and later in Lausanne, Switzerland. She later studied secretarial skills at the London School of Secretaries.

Her father passed away when she was still a child. Her elder brother was appointed King and her mother acted as regent. She was quite the tomboy in her teenagers and enjoyed shooting and hunting. She shot a tiger when she was just 12 years old. She was an avid equestrienne and enjoyed playing polo. She met her future husband when she was just 12 years of age. Sawai Mansingh of Jaipur, fondly called ‘Jai ‘by family and friends, had come to Calcutta for a Polo match.Many years later she eventually became his wife. They married in a traditional Hindu ceremony in Cooch Behar. Life in Jaipur was completely different from what the young Princess was used to in Cooch Behar. It was quite orthodox and women strictly observed ‘purdah’ (not appearing in front of outsiders without a veil). She was a ‘different’ Maharani, who had bobbed hair, she wore slacks, rode horses and played badminton and polo on the palace grounds. She was a trailblazer in many ways and her husband completely supported her. Apart from the fact that she was very beautiful, she once featured in ‘Vogue’ magazine’s 10 most beautiful women list. She also actively worked and participated in modernizing education for girls. She established the most prominent School for Girls in Jaipur.

She had a son, Jagat Singh. She also ran for parliament in 1962 and won by a record margin for which she held a Guinness World Record. When emergency was declared in 1971 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, she was arrested and served a jail term for violating tax laws (which many claimed were politically motivated). After being released from jail, she retired from politics. She led a quiet life, working for the people of Jaipur and passed away on 29 July 2009 in Jaipur at the age of 90 after a prolonged illness.

MY PARENTS


 While going through the following historical note : "Before independence the constituent assembly of India whose deliberation began in December 1946; when Sardar Vallabhai Patel wrote to the Dewans (administrators ) of the princely states urging them to ask their rulers to come to terms with the party which would now rule India. One of the first princes to come over to Patel's side was the Maharaja of Bikaner, his  Dewan was K. M . Pannikar a widely respected historian and administrator. After Bikaner success a dozen more states  accede to India many of them from Rajasthan ( several of the states were on the suzerainty of British Crown while others direct under British rule ). My father witnessed the ceremony  ( C.V.V. Raghavan ) a honours graduate from Christian College Madras got an interview call from the State of Bikaner in 1945 and was selected by Pannikar to join the State of Bikaner administrative services".

Sunday, May 23, 2021

PEET COFFEE


 Memorable breakfast experience in downtown Berkeley courtesy Surendra SIRJI cannot be outdone - serving delicious Pancake cooked from coconut milk with fruit syrup along with customized Omelette bursting with flavors combining local products from the bay area with green vegetables it was simply sumptuous ; right across vine street corner “ Peet Coffee” reported having 200 outlets in west coast alone founded by Alfred Peet native of Berkeley in 1966( just two years before our SIRJI reached here to do his Masters at Berkeley ) the Peet specialty is its darker roasted Arabica coffee in various blends.