DHABHA to IOWA 80

Like civilization which has evolved overtime along the banks of great rivers, the DHABAS have mushroomed along the highway buzzing with traffic activity. The last occasion I drove was on the old Mumbai – Pune highway, there existed “Toni Da Dhaba” located just before entering Lonawala region. The typical ‘Dhaba’ is one where the eating area is open on all sides, covered over head (temporarily). The high light of the meal turned out to be JALEBIS AND RABADI, prepared in Pure deshi ghee. This delicacy is available at several Dhabas en route to Delhi from Jaipur on NH-8- particularly after crossing BEHROR. While driving on National Express Highway to Pune, I was bit dismayed to note this time that Dhabas have given way to structured restaurant, catering to fast food concepts.

Dhabas were traditionally characterized by mud structures and cots to sit upon (Chaarpai) one first needed to squat on the cot and have food. It was essentially for serving lorry drivers with water and local cuisine inexpensive and homemade feel to it. Since most drivers are of Punjabi descent, and Punjabi food specially heavily – spiced and DAL fried with pure ghee and  lassi (Thick Butter Milk) this Punjabi fare was preferred by all motorist and truck driver, driving on the Highway. It is often remarked that wherever a Punjabi goes to settle his food follows. Traditionally the majority Punjabis took to the wheel of the truck and ventured into transportation trade, there followed the need to feed and provide shelter to these drivers plying trucks; large chunks of land were leveled by the farmers who recognized the commercial worth of their properties; one of the Dhaba I visited a couple of years ago located on Jodpur – Bikaner highway Rajwada ka Dhaba were I relished having MAWA KA KACHORI is a sweet made of mawa stuffed in Kachori. It is a dish originated from Jodhpur by Rawat family now having a large chain of sweets meat outlets known as Rawat Mistan Bhandar they have another variety of snacks known PYAJ KI KACHORI. Today you will notice a diverse range of Dhabas with a touch of local flavor dot the map of India from Kashmir to Chennai. Around middle of 20^th century when United States created under Marshal Plan interstate highway system when they made possible to drive from east coast to the west coast road side restaurant came up much like Dabha, affluence reached the sidelines of those highways through improvised eateries – entrepreneurs like IOWA – 80 launched into a programme to create tourism node along the roads they are now equipped with rooms and all amenities for night stop offering safe parking, good food, plenty of entertainment including medical and dental care. The West to East coast  road travel by the duo and vice versa solo journey undertaken in less than five days by Aswin- Mirdula and later by Vaidya-Archana covering almost 7000 Km and recently by Susan - Ramani the adventure was hassle free and enjoyable. I think IOWA-80 will be the next destination of INDIAN DHABA - 1940’s.

“Indomitable CVG” my Uncle

I, like many of you, cannot believe that my father’s younger brother Gopalakrishnan is no more. As I continue to brood over it, I remain sunk in thoughts about the world he has gone to which everyone is eventually bound perhaps till then it will remain for the rest of us “an undiscovered destination from which no traveler returns” My father Veeraghavan “CVV” and his two younger brothers “CVG” and “CVS” all towered over 6 feet so also my aunts were taller than me with stunning looks and those who met them first could never take their eyes off them for quite a while. CVG was witness to great, unfolding history as a former special correspondent of “THE HINDU” in New Delhi in 1964 and stayed on till 2002 when he was 75. It was a very long duration which a management like “THE – HINDU” of Kasturi believed “Ripeness is all and the best is yet to be”. Similarly my father served “THE – HINDU” for 20 years a second stint after retiring from state government services at 58 so also CVS the youngest as a off-shore oil and natural gas special correspondent “The Hindu became a part of their existence”. CVG was a daring journalist, he was given valuable assignment in almost every country in the world including UNO and the then Soviet Union. I remember two significant incidents one being the Janta coalition that gained power at the centre following emergency and parliament members like Madhu Limaye, Krishankant and Geoge Fernades pulled out of Janta party forcing Morarji Deasi to resign from office and retire from politics on the issue of Dual membership (Specifically those members of the Janta party who had been members of the Jan Sangh and continued to be members of Rashtirya  Swayamsevak  Sangh). Madhu Limaye a follower of Ram Manohar Lohiya a socialist was a powerful politician along with Charan Singh and fellow traveler George Fernades was responsible for the collapse of Morarji Deasi government. CVG confronted Madhu Limaye at the central hall of the parliament and openly rebuked him for bringing down the government which was instrumental in securing second independence after emergency was imposed by the congress government. The another incident was of Maharani Gayatridevi the London born queen of Jaipur perhaps one of the most elegant person in the world who in her palace lived a charmed life in lily pool among her daisies and horses was jailed and slogged for 19 months during emergency, CVG had the courage to call on her at the height of emergency and during the meeting time assignment by prison authorities asked the maharani lodged at women wing of Tihar Jail Delhi, what she wants him to do, she smiled and told CVG all she needs is a clean towel and a soap. CVG wrote subsequently that Gayatridevi dignity never failed  during her captivity. A voracious reader and reviewer of fresh literary publications, at ease with both economic and political coverage. He was very apprehensive and critical about massive investment in public sector undertaking by Govt of India His dispatches were prompt- events of parliament and press conferences during that era used to appear in the morning papers when the accredited correspondents used to reach the nearest post offices for getting their coverage transmitted through teleprinter. He used to relish Tiffin at The Hindu office canteen particularly ‘ Pakoras’ and ones drew the attention of Moynihan the US Ambassador in New Delhi during a reception at embassy  premises that he finds no difference in taste of Fish Pokora and the canteen Pokora of The  Hindu since he has mistakenly consumed the other one. Once during a recess at UNO, a gardener approached him for a tip, CVG for a moment looked around and handed him a few dollars and told him that our Government is currently negotiating for a grant at your IMF section of the building with a bowl, pray for our nation to get something worthwhile today. He is also sorely missed in the current national’s financial and political turmoil

CVG lived a life as rich as it was long and has left us to cherish the ever - lasting memories which TIME cannot rob. 

" DRAVIDIAN'S OF FAR EAST"

Which way,option, straight or to the left- I thanked and said left he pressed the signal post indicator button, a White Palm Symbol flashed; right of way electronically given for the pedestrians to cross the busy junction. You are now in West Desmoines ,well, where do you live! though surprised as not yet formally introduced I looked up and mumbled giving a very precise location "North- West", you have come a long way for your evening stroll extending a friendly gesture for a conversation.I am on annual sojourn from Mumbai -India; he responded authoritatively ' I Siva a Tamilian' my ancestors migrated somewhere from the present South India region 650 years ago but I have never been to India; brought up near the boarders of Thailand and Malaysia- educated in Australia ,here on a assignment for almost 7 years. We speak Tamil at home, my children in college and wife a teacher also a prolific Tamil writer. We are looking forward to visit India later this winter. Awesome introduction. I too wanted to be bit Ancient and thus continued ,I am a Tamil  Brahman  my ancestors hailed from " Kalpati " bordering Tamilnadu and Kerala state ( the only remote region I could authentically extend), brought up in Thar desert of Rajasthan state , settled in Mumbai and our two children happily married to gentle South Indian  Brahman family now settled in America. My wife is the only person in our family who practiced Carnatic music and likes devotional songs can read and write Tamil.We met a few times and conversed in Tamil, he observed that my Tamil is slightly flawed and remarked that it looks as if you have picked up the language later probably from your wife.However I was positively intrigued and keen to explore the cause of migration  800 to 1200 years ago from South India.
Historically India was inhabited by the Dravidian's the first original settlers were highlanders who some 3500 BC migrated from North West Iran into India- Subcontinent and played a leading role of Indus Valley ethnographic composition, before they were driven into Deccan beyond Narmada river into the Southern region by the Aryans who were infact semi-nomads invaded India through Khyber Pass at around 1500 BC. Dravidian's urbanized culture,caste was non existent,matriarchal tradition being the special feature and they had a huge respect for women particularly 'Mother' this is the reason folks in rural area of South India worship 'AMMAN" ( Mother ).Also in ancient India three religious traditions rose to prominence namely Saivism, Brahmanism and Jainism of which saivism was the most ancient also from saivism derived the temple traditions of Hinduism enriching in process Hindu mythology.There was considerable tamil diaspora in malaysia, indonesia and far east around early 18th century and the tamil population in malaysia alone was 25 lacs; the migration basically was to work in rubber plantation- a tamil school is on record as early as 1875 ( Tamilians were all over in thailand,manila,vietnam cambodia and even reached reached australia ). The tamil community mainly chettiar under Chola kingdom possessing  rich cultural heritage traveled  foreign countries by foot, road and set up business, took up small errand or jobs they were known as 'Nagarathans' now estimated to live in 52 countries abroad including west. I am certain that only a person like 'Siva Chinniah' having traits of a true Nagarathan can extend a warm response despite holding a high corporate status of Vice -President of Technology Development had no qualms in meeting me several times during my short stay at Desmoines. I thank him and look forward for his maiden visit to India the country of his ancestors.

" MATADOR IN MAKING "

Exactly the same day about a month ago I and Hema boarded Southwest flight from  LosAngeles destination the 'SinCity'  Vegas and our nephew  from the adjacent terminus for Spain, we both were escorted to the airport by our sister-in-law, grim faced, worried and tense as her young son was going to participate in " PAMPLONA" festival which is held in Spain every year in July when Bulls weighing 500-550 Kgs charge and chase people through the streets of the city into the Bull fighting arena.It is hazardous sport,but for Spaniards a traditional spectacle.We all were eager to learn from our daring nephew how well he is prepared  to take on the Bull, whether he is aware bulls are color blind and the fighting bull charges instantly, provoked  easily and cannot  be conveniently  distracted.I have viewed National Geography documentary where 'Pride Lions' of Africa being chased and even hounded by wild Bulls and these selected Bulls for the 'CORRIDA' unlike the other domestic are creatures of special breeding and are spared for the event. Nephew smiled nonchalantly answered 'Do not worry athimbar' -enjoy at Vegas; I am prepared; were you coached at your Kansas medical college facility asked her mom! No - but I have seen numerous video of  PAMPLONA and fully assured myself that with marginal tact and maneuvers a Matador is able to outwit a charging Bull- firmly grounded without moving much a Matador initiates series of  movement with a large cape for which the crowd in the arena applaud for his proximity to the horns of the bull. Hema wanted him to watch the show as a spectator or keep a safe distance from the charging bull after all there is no reward attached to the event.May be for the people of Spain it is a ritual carried on from Roman times and possibilities of life threatening injuries does not deter them. I understand that the Spaniards view this to be as a struggle between bull fighter and bulls but as a contest between fighter and themselves as to how close the bull fighter let the horns come and how far the matador go to please the crowd.We wished safe and secured return to campus for the the medical study also did remind him of having heard of one 'Belmonte' who was probably the only American to have performed in Spain, Peru and Mexico as a Matador and now gives lessons some where in Texas.

• The amusement of Ancient South Indians, provided contest by professional entertainers with the Bull which did not resemble to the Spanish bull fight ,where the scales are heavily weighted against the bull, but here the bull appears to have the advantage the actor enters the arena unarmed and 'Embraces the Bull' in an attempt to master it rather like the cowpunchers of American Rodeo-There is no attempt to harm or injure the animal. The game of taming the bull was looked on as an ordeal to test the manhood of young men; since it is stated that the girls who watched the performance would choose their life partner from among the top tamer of the beast as a sort of 'Tamil Sayamvara'. The stars were favorable to both of us in our different ventures,we did not incur any loss at Vegas and our dashing adventurous nephew reported at his campus on the 24th of July- exactly the same day by sheer coincidence we took our return flight at 11.30 am for Mumbai via Paris. I have a feeling that my nephew  the most eligible bachelor will not decline if I invite him for the Indian Bull show next August at Selem in South India

    

" NO BRAIN"

    

      Educating children is very complex and labour intensified field.It is now generally agreed that children can perform with greater degree of understanding if specific instruction on reading or writing is held up until they have reached the mental age of  Six, Prereading  instructions nowadays are by chart reading ,chart stories,printed symbols, simple conveying of thoughts  ' what does it mean under the picture'. Some 25 to 30 years ago kids were in school by the age between 3 to 4 years- parents targeted 14 or 15 years for Matric ( 10th standard ), pre-university by 16 and graduation maximum by 19. Kindergarten program was not prescribed nor rigidly set. This subject cropped up when I saw my grandchild keyaa attempt to add new usable words to her speaking vocabulary with correct pronunciation and motivation learning perhaps from age suited film ( Disney ) strips , charts and of course teachers. Kids of our time were on school for long duration just one or two charts were shown repeatedly it was more of Day Care and were en mass promoted to learning class within 2 years , where they recited nursery rhymes in regional language/ English and numerical tables up to at least 10 all at a furious pace. I had memory issues on numerical tables particularly of table 7 and 9 ( both later in my life were lucky numbers including at Vegas recently) though it was bit easy if not interrupted the tables of 2,4,10 and even 11 my favorite it used to be then like a Nursery Rhyme :- Ten One Za.....10 . Ten Two Za ..20 bit confusing when at Ten Ten ZA. Sir Julian my class teacher one morning picked me with intent; what is Nine Six Za . no clue look down he said  vaidi ( my school name,) what is Six 9 Za - I thought of something to please my teacher and loudly spurted out " HUNDRED" - immediate response of julian sir " ISS CHOKARAI MAI THO DIMAG HI NAHI HAI "( this kid has no Brains).The teacher wriggled out is if he had touched a live wire and never once during the entire year did he pick me up for question/answer session , I felt of  having performed a great service to the teacher very happy that my answer pleased him and praised the teacher to my parents started liking the school and Julian sir in particular( he later became my mentor for all outdoor games ). I accepted this pronouncement (having less grey matter) till grade 9th when finally I bade adieu to maths and science course.The curiosity to explore the mysteries of Brain persisted and first read in the library about Human Brain the  knowledge impressed me about  all "Humans " are born with nearly all Brain Cells, some of these cells die as we age but even had to live to be a Hundred you will never come close to using all cells in your brain .This was in fact very comforting and it further stated that all BRAINS ARE WRINKLED AS A WALNUT adult Brain weigh about 1.5 Kg . The Brain reaches its full size by the time a person is 6 years of age ;(I realized my Julian teacher judgement was perfect, I definitely had less grey matter at the age Four to grasp 9x6 or 6x9 ).The brain as I read does need plenty of nourishment and uses 20 % of body supply of oxygen while makes up only 2% of the body weight. Scientist have estimated hundred billion nerve cells in the brain in every human being; my stress level reduced pursued the courses diligently as brains do not tire and aspired to be successful like Umesh Bhatnagar our D-643 gandhi nagar neighbor in jaipur.

OUR ELDER GRANDCHILD

Athreya a few months old is our younger grandchild..As grandparents during our two months stay at my son's place in Desmoines - Iowa  we had an abundance of indulgence ,wish we had the energy that of our 5 year old Grandchild  Keyaa as they have the knack to bring out the best in us.Grandparents need their children and more the grandchild as well.Grandchildren of this generation have an acute sense of creativity are gifted to understand and control remotely,intricate fun and playful gadgets that it is absolutely mystifying technology for people of our time that I received a first hand coaching probably the only of its kind in my life.

On this occasion unlike the previous one in 2010 Keyaa then barely 18 months old would gleefully be with me without any qualms as I would create her interest in colourful objects which she would keenly observe and also I will not miss drawing her attention to different sizes of vehicle passing down the street, that others in the house appreciated my tact more than probably intelligence ; I am rehearsing the same with Athreya my daughter's new born of 5 months. Keyaa now as I see possess an array of specialized tools such as Ipod / Tablet computer and she instantly at will brings out fairy figures of Cinderella, Snow-White,Dora or Bella and various dream princes exhibiting different costumes,cosmetics, nail polish,footwear,braids,necklaces, earrings which she swiftly matches and in no time a complete portrait of her liking emerges. I was her fan cum learner constantly engaged and entertained and my IQ was repeatedly  tested and instead of telling Grandpa stories I become her pupil taking periodic lessons on dress and jewelry selection , use of cosmetics and hair setting with a dryer- I suggested hair oil as routinely applied during our time she just stared, the solitary suggestion sternly rejected; lesson learnt not to interrupt without knowledge. A day prior to our return journey she came to my room looked up and directed me to take a practical test, topic perform a demo HAIR DO or STYLE on her with a mirror to reflect the proceedings- duration of  the exam just 10 minutes as she has to go for swimming classes. Result announced "PASSED". This incident can be adequately collaborated by my daughter in law she has captured the sequence in her smart phone device. Besides this she also advised me to be POSITIVE and stop being RIDICULOUS with irrelevant suggestions, all in presence of  my son anand. Where in this world will I hope to find so much of sincere  love, affection and genuine  play we are indeed blessed.

There exist a relevant grudge with my children that I could not narrate to them bedtime stories during their childhood the truth there were stalwart  stories tellers in our extended family that my presence was hardly noticed in midst of great grand mother, grand parents, brother and sister in laws and few permanent guests like uncle and aunt in our lively Mumbai tenement; I want to assure them that matters have not altered " LET THEM BE ASSURED THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL  EVEN NOW AS A GRANDPA STORY NARRATOR INSTEAD I HAVE SUCCUMB AND BECOME A PUPIL"  a rare privilege.

Grandparents world over are known to pass life lessons, family history and positive values I will certainly look forward to do this to my lovely affectionate adoring gifted grandchildren on the next visit. 

"THE INCREDIBLE PUMP"

We had to draw water to the surface from 600 ft depth and a electric Submersible Pump of 7.5 HP was installed at our company's land site in a remote bereft area just 60 Km from Mumbai.This magnificent pump efficiently discharged 2.5 inch density flow of water to irrigate the parched land having features of more water output with minimum power bill.The cooling of the pump was remarkable even after continuous operation for long duration;it also had a ideal weight of 132 lbs and was perfectly designed for a longer life.The signs of malfunctioning was first noticed during the 3rd year and gradually it became weak and finally collapsed on the 20th of June 2012.All efforts were futile to restore the incredible pump which became a precious source of living to the folks who tended the land and generating additional income.The causes diagnosed for its abrupt demise was basically :- a) Abrasives in water resulting in excessive wear. b)Intake screen on the pump got blocked by the mud.c) Fluctuation and Incorrect voltage supplies by the local power station.

The Greek physicians of Alexandria school first discovered that our heart functioned as a Natural Pump that blood entering the heart like a Submersible Pump thrust blood from the veins into the arteries. The heart is a living ENGINE of "HOPE ", it pumps about 32 lacs liter of blood a year,travelling about a foot a second and courses down the atrial tree losing its velocity as it goes; throught life from womb until death the final silence the THROB of heart is always there.Many character are drawn from PURE HEART,KIND HEART,HALE AND HEARTY or BLEEDING HEART and even BOTTOM OF THE HEART epitomizing sincerity.
The hardening of arteries and deposit of debris ( Atherosclerosis  Plaques ) eventually closes an artery.It has been an epidemic since early 1900 coronary heart disease claims million of life around the world each year, people are disabled,high economic cost involving medical expenses ,salaries and work day loss runs into billions.The heart of an inactive person has a poor pumping capacity limiting his ability to work or exercise for prolong periods,however, exercise improves the elasticity of arteries and also STIMULATE THE GROWTH OF ADDED BLOOD VESSEL TO THE HEART THESE COLLATERAL VESSELS PROVIDE ANOTHER ROUTE FOR BLOOD SHOULD THE CORONARY ARTERIES BECOME CLOGGED.Studies have revealed that even when some risk factors like gender,age,strong family history of heart disease can be altered and reduced by maintaining proper levels of cholesterol and other blood fats.
One should get into any form of exercise or play with great caution, the aim of any workout program is designed to improve the cardiovascular system is to attain 70 to 85 percent of maximum rate and sustain it for 15 to 25 minutes,the indicator is measured by doctors by Stress Test ,the optimum level a heart can beat and still supply adequate oxygen to working muscles.It may take weeks or months to work up to this level depending on one's physical condition, " NEVER BE COMPETITIVE OR OVER EXERCISE OR PLAY A RIGOROUS CHALLENGING GAME ALL OF A SUDDEN OR AFTER A LAY OFF". I could not tend the Submersible Pump but at least a Living Pump has the right to be looked after and kept away from being another" A BLEEDING HEART"