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S. Srinivas

05 February, 2019

Issue No. 209 I January 2019


EDITORIAL
 
The Nature walk to the Aravalli Bio Diversity Park deferred from last month happened on 5th January 2019. The magical transformation that occurs as you leave the city precincts and enter the forest is beyond belief. The tranquility, the fresh air and musical sound of birds chirping are all indicators of what we miss in our daily city grind. Unfortunately, a truant bug had laid low many Yamuna regulars which reduced the number of people undertaking the walk. The numbers further dwindled because for some others Saturday is a working day. Nevertheless, for those who ventured out, it left pleasant memories. The orchid plants which are not native to Delhi was grown in a sylvan valley with a pond and deciduous trees providing the required shade and humidity, so necessary for the orchid’s  survival. The grove with medicinal plants and trees and the butterfly park were all lessons in plant diversity, their usefulness to human beings and animals. The walk was rounded off by a movie screening about the Aravalli Bio-diversity park, a reclamation project from disused mines and pock marked land mass. Probably nobody realises the role the Aravallis play in bringing rain to Delhi during the monsoon and it’s immense contribution as a heat and pollution sink. Without the Aravallis, living in Delhi may have been well nigh impossible. I collected two saplings which grow into trees and are vital for butterflies larvae to feed on. These have been planted in the park. Maybe in a few years we would get to see some butterflies in our park.

The legacy of entrepreneurship in this country is embellished with political patronage and is well lubricated with the grease of corruption. In the current dispensation these connections are coming under the lens and the noose in many cases is tightening. However, the legal system in this country is known for its torpor and venality that even if all the evidences are available none are likely to see the inside of a prison cell in their lifetime. Besides, the likes of Nirav Modi, Choksi, Vijay Mallya have  fled the country. They use all the money power at their disposal to hire the best lawyers and stall all extradition processes.

PM Modi's belligerent stance against Pakistan on TV is in stark contrast of the image he wants to project on the International stage where he comes across as an avuncular  dove. This is in line with his desire to be viewed as a matured statesman.  It has served India well as his stock amongst International leaders is gaining ground. Unfortunately his stock in the Indian firmament has lost its sheen with the loss of elections in three states and his silence on matters relating to right wing shenanigans. Yet, by far he remains the only leader in India’s current political scenario who can take the country forward in a troubled world. The task for 2019 elections is cut out. They say whosoever wins UP gets to rule Delhi. It won’t be easy as this time  SP and BSP are presenting a united bulwark against the juggernaut Modi.

Most sportsmen who are approaching records say they are not after numbers. But this is porky pies. This is why they get nervous when they approach landmarks and thus struggle to get over the hump. Of course the media and the public build expectations which gets into the psyche of the player. Thus some succumb to this enormous pressure. Even the cool customer Dhoni retired from Test cricket a tad short of 5000 Test runs and likewise for dismissals and  remained fourth and could not break into the top three wicket-keeper batsmen of all time. Even in one dayers, the World Cup may be his swansong although he still remains one of the fittest Indian cricketers. He still runs like a hare between the wickets. He however remains a batsman who either bats in first gear or fourth gear. There is nothing in between. Therein lies the dilemma. Young Turks like Rishab Pant with their belligerent batting skills and an attitude to match are making a case for their inclusion.

Soon after the winter solstice, Europeans head to the beaches in tropical countries which includes our own Goa, for some much required sun tan. On the contrary we, who are blessed with so much sun, shun the therapeutic qualities of solar rays by walking around  clothed from head to toe. No wonder, over 70% of Indians have Vitamin D deficiency. Nobody is happy with the colour of their skin. The Caucasians prefer darker skin and the Indians lighter skin. This time, the Europeans are landing up in Prayagraj to take a dip in the Ganges during the Kumbh Mela. Luxury tents priced over Rs. 35,000 a night is no deterrent for the goras who find the sight of hundreds of naked sadhus fascinating. Would you believe it that there is big market for slum tourism also. Thus, hordes of tourists are bussed to Dharavi slums in Mumbai and likewise in other cities where they go trigger happy with their cameras busily clicking naked kids frolicking and pigs wallowing in filth. Certainly, I have come to the belief that it takes all kinds to make this world. For Madhavi Samson who works with slum kids, it may seem all in a day’s work but I cringe at the thought of traversing these byzantine lanes trying to avoid muck lying around.

Heritage walk to Sundar Nursery took place on a bright and sunny day. The name is very misleading. I sincerely feel they should change the name of the place to reflect the rich historical heritage tastefully restored by the Aga Khan Trust. While the place still has a running nursery but off late the Mughal monuments and gardens have become the centre of attraction. The tombs with frescos and stucco work look very pleasing to the eye. Part of the vast area has been tastefully landscaped with stone and burnt brick masonry pathways, water bodies, chevrons and flowering gardens. The rest of the area has been left to grow as nature would deem fit. Thus you could follow the tracks to the woods and stumble upon water streams and brooks. There is a thriving bird life. It is a must see before it catches the imagination of all and sundry and gets crowded like Lodi gardens.  I posted the pictures taken at the site on a Yamuna group and promptly came a reply from Deepak Varma from Mumbai with the words, “Fantastic !! This is why Yamuna is so special !! A similar walk in Bombay would have meant hiring a professional !!” Dr. Ramji Narayanan who was the raconteur during the trip made the visit so much more enlightening with his extensive knowledge of Islamic architecture, history, mores, beliefs and culture. Over the years we have covered many heritage sites with him. Without his depth of scholarship, visits to these places would not have evoked the same interest and  curiosity. Thanks Ramji.

There is a general feeling in the colony that the plumber and electrician do not respond to complaints. While the Society has suggested additional plumbers and electricians who could be called in case of complaints, it is pertinent to mention that the Society is in a position to monitor only those complaints which are entered in the Apna Complex portal. The complaints lodged in the portal are monitored by the Society but if the resident calls the plumber and electrician on the phone and does not enter the complaint on the portal, the Society is unaware of the complaint. Actually, the arrival of the mobile phones has led to this problem. In former times when mobile phones were not available with the staff, the resident had to per force enter the cards placed in the office to register the complaint and the Society could monitor whether the complaint was attended to or not. This ensured speedy redressal of complaints. If you want the same level of service, please enter your complaints in the portal. Besides, residents are advised to close the complaint in the portal when the job is done with their remarks about the quality of work for which a template is available on the portal. As an aide memoir, I am repeating the contact numbers of addditional electrician and plumber if Pappu or Manoj are not responsive, in case of electric complaints and Vikram in case of plumbing complaints. You may contact Naresh at 9811908245 for electric complaints and Dayaram at 9810517156 for plumbing complaints. Needless to mention all the electricians and plumbers should be paid for their services if it relates to a problem in your flat. Only for complaints in the common area the responsibility is that of the Society.

It was refreshing to see Soumya Srikant chipping in to monitor some of the activities of the staff and get the needful done. Thus some part of the load of the Managing Committee is being addressed. If more such volunteers come into the picture, the Society will become more responsive to the residents concerns. Three cheers to Soumya.

Politics makes strange bed-fellows. Arch rivals Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav have cobbled a coalition to fight the BJP. This has left the Congress in the lurch thus putting the prospects of a Mahagatbhandan to take on the might of the BJP in jeopardy. Congress has been left with no other alternative but to throw in their trump card, Priyanka Gandhi in the ring. I happened to hear a video where both Mayawati and Akhilesh are going hammer and tongs at each other. Now the same arch rivals have got together to fight a common adversary. Any alchemy of polarised personalities or with diverse political ideology can only lead to a dysfunctional government that will come apart at the seams sooner or later. In my view, for the Central Government, only national parties should fight the polls. A fragmented polity with a coalition or twenty or thirty parties will only veer the dialogue in their respective states favour and will not consider any national imperative since their support base is only limited to their respective states and their performance will be measured on what they can do for their state.

The pot-luck lunch originally proposed for the Republic Day was deferred due to doubts of weather staying dry. Since the on-the-spot painting competition is scheduled for the 3rd of February, 2019, it was felt that the pot-luck lunch be deferred to that date. Hence, the painting competition will start at 10 am in the main lawn and conclude by 12 noon whereafter the pot-luck lunch could commence. Last year both the painting competition and the pot-luck lunch were big hits. We had a number of adults participating in the painting competition, besides the kids. There is no better venue for hob-nobbing over shared lunch whilst basking in the winter sun. Please co-ordinate with all your friends to see who is bringing what for the lunch so that we do not have too much of the same thing. Those who are going to participate in the painting competition should bring their own crayons, brushes, paints, palletes and supporting board. The Society will provide the paper.

India Art Fair, the largest art fair in Delhi which brings a lot of artists from around the world and India and features old and contemporary art, is being held between 31st January and 3rd February, 2019 at the India Art Fair, NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla Industrial Estate. Apart from displays of paintings and sculptures by famous artists there are also curated shows and food stalls. It is a very enjoyable way to spend your weekend. From Yamuna the group will leave at 10 am on Saturday, 2nd February, 2019. Those wishing to go there may assemble at A Block gate at 10 am. It is advisable to take Uber or Ola or the metro due to parking constraints. Shyam Nagar, Okhla Industrial Area metro station is located at the entrance to the venue..


OBITUARY


We regret to inform you of the sad demise of Mrs. Pratibha Nath of F-004 after a short illness at the age of 81 years on 28th January, 2019. Yamuna residents convey their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

SNIPPETS

Anuja Upadhyay of H-307 has moved to her hometown in Nepal. Anuja has been a long time fitness concious resident. She could be seen regularly walking on the perimeter road. She felt the need to connect with her roots and has moved back to Nepal. We will miss her. Consequent upon that she has put her house on rent.

Mr. Arjit Bansal, working with Hindustan Lever Ltd has moved into H-307 with his wife Alifya Loharchalwala. Both are from Mumbai which should enrich the colony with south-western civility. Arjit plays the guitar to Bollywood music. Should be handy for our entertainment programmes. He also loves travelling. Alifya works with an International Grant making agency called Empower. She loves, reading, doing yoga and trekking. Arjit can be reached on 9769333805 and Alifya on 9820828261. We welcome them both to Yamuna and hope they become part of the Yamuna social milieu.

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Dr. Sushmita Bairagi A-004, an Anaesthetist in Safdarjung Hospital has moved into A-004 from Kirti Nagar with her brother Baidyanath Chatterjee. Baidyanath is a Financial Analyst with HDFC Bank. Apart from her busy schedule whenever she gets time off she likes to travel whereas Baidyanath has a cricketing bug like most Indians. Sushmita can be reached on 9953060597 and Baidyanath on 8587068891.

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In a move that is not going to require the help of packers, Mr. S. K. Topno and family are shifting from G-202 to E-204.

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Dr. Abhilash Pillai of A-204 can easily earn the sobriquet of peripatetic businessman, doctor and entertainer. I have not known anybody who can carry off the most outre garments with style like him.Unfortunately, he is moving out to spend more time with his family who live in Kerala. Kerala’s gain will be Yamuna’s loss. He will be missed.



CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY, 2018

DATE
TIME
ITEM
VENUE
2.2.19
10 AM
VISIT TO INDIA ART FAIR
FROM A BLOCK GATE




3.2.19
10.00 AM
PAINTING COMPETITION IN THE LAWN FOLLOWED BY POT LUCK LUNCH
 MAIN LAWN

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