VIPWA 'दीपोत्सव 2020'

From President‘s Desk Dear Friends: We are happy to share first issue of VIPWA Diwali Magazine with all of you. I am sure that in future also, we will bring out it every year to celebrate Diwali. In 2008, 43 vets came together to form Vets in Private, an association of vets working in private sector and staying in Pune. Dr. Subhash Vaidya happily accepted to be first President of the association. When Dr. Vasudev Sidhaye became second President in 2011, he took pains to register the association as VIP Vets Welfare Association. Captain Kiran Konher took over as third President in 2014 and we organized a series of technical seminars during his tenure. In 2017, versatile Dr. Sikka became President and we organized number of family get together and technical seminars. WE celebrated world veterinary day every year by felicitating senior vets and also children. Executive committee was always a mix of young and experienced vets and we used to meet at Dr. Vaidya's office for regular meetings. VIPWA’s objective of providing single platform for vets and their family was very well served during last 12 years. Finally, on during online AGM on 4 July 2020, I took over responsibility of fifth President and requested Dr. Shaveta Sood to be General Secretary. We have very active Executive Committee now. We did first thing to add 90 new members to our group of 150 vets during last four months. Due to Covid19, it was not possible to organize physical meetings. So we organized a series of technical webinars and cultural evenings on alternate weekends. We had galaxy of speakers till now and we also enjoyed cultural performances by vets and their family members. It will continue in future also. Thanks to Drs. Mankar and Ripil for sending electronic version of Newsletters every fortnight. Thanks to Col Virendra Kumar for conducting first webinar for RVC aspirants. We are guiding young vets about SSB interview through three whatsapp groups. Thanks to Shivaji, Pratibha and Subham Mehatre for bringing out such a beautiful Diwali Special issue. I thank all contributors for this issue. Pl read and send your feedback to contributors and they will be happy to receive it. I can't name each and every one who contributed in cementing our association since its inception. So thanks to all of you. Pl help us to make VIPWA more active, vibrant and useful to all of us. All VIPWA EC members and my family joins me in wishing you and your family happy and healthy Diwali. Stay home, stay safe! Regards, Dr. Dinesh Bhosale President, VIPWA (2020-2023)

Editorial Dear Friends, We are really proud to present the first edition of VIPWA e-magazine. The first edition is based on Diwali, auspicious festival of light titled as ‘VIPWA दीपोत्सव’. The magazine is made by our very own VIPWA family members. It is indeed a virtuous attempt to give an opportunity to present the talents and creativity of all the VIPWA family members as well as of our little champs. The magazine has wide range of articles, poems, story, drama, recipes, drawings, paintings, rangoli, jokes etc. It also includes poems and drawings by our little artists. This will give a boost to their budding talents. Everyone who have contributed in this magazine have given their best to make this magazine successful. In today’s world, negativity is spread all around us due to Covid19, but Diwali brings a light of hope and positivity among all. Like every year, people will come together to celebrate Diwali, this year it’s something different. This year, through this magazine, we have tried to come close to each other by sharing our thoughts and ideas. However, in all this positivity there is one negative side to Diwali. This negative side is the massive amount of pollution which we generates. The primary cause of this harmful pollution is certainly the use of firecrackers. Firecrackers not only cause tremendous amount of air pollution, but also cause sound and soil pollution. This is a major harm to environment. We should strictly avoid burning firecrackers and enjoy a safe Diwali and taking care of our mother Earth. We are very thankful to our VIPWA president Dr. Dinesh Bhosale, for trusting us and giving us the opportunity, time to time suggestion, valuable guidance and contribution of articles. We are also thankful to our all EC members specially Dr. Santosh Deshpande for their support and guidance. Thanks to Dr. Wangikar family for support and help in preparing cover page for this issue. We would also like to thank Drs. Gavkare sir, Kolhe sir , Bhandari, Kinge, Mangesh, Swapnil, Vaibhav and Namdeo for their support. We are thankful to our invited authors - Mr. Bhanu Kale, Rashid Ali, Mrs. Nilima Sharma, Dr. Ankush Kolhe, Dr. Vishnukant Ghonsikar, Dr. Priyanka Ghonsikar . We are also thankful to Col. Virendra Kumar and Col. Vasant Ballewar, Col Borse for their contribution, support and guidance. We thank each and everyone who have contributed in making this e-magazine. Hope we will see many further editions of the magazine to provide an excellent platform for our talents. Pl don’t forget to give feedback on 9421037700 or email: [email protected] Wishing you a healthy and prosperous Diwali! Regards, Pratibha and Shivaji Mehatre

VIPWA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (2020-2023) Dr. Dinesh Bhosale (President – VIPWA) BVSc from Bombay Veterinary College (1991), MVSc and PhD in animal Nutrition from IVRI, working for last 23 years in private sector, presently working as Regional Sales Director of AB VIsta South Asia since September 2007. Hobbies are reading and bird watching. Stays with Manisha (wife), Kshitija (daughter) and Shalini (mother). Email – [email protected] ; Mobile – 98603 15558 Dr. Shaveta Sood (Hon’Secretary) B.V.Sc. & M.V.Sc. in Animal Nutrition from College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Palampur, H.P. Pursuing Senior Management Programme (SMP- 16) from IIMC Kolkata. Worked in Animal Husbandry Dept. for 2 years and working in the Private sector for the last 10+ years. Currently working in Vetina Healthcare LLP from 2017 as Group Marketing Manager. Stays with Sarvesh (Husband) and Aryaman (Son). Hobbies are reading, cooking, listening music. Email: [email protected] ; Mobile: 7020396946 Dr. Ripil Kharbanda BVSc and M.V.Sc (Microbiology) in 2009 from Ludhiana and MBA from IFHE, Hyderabad. Industry experience of 10 years with leading animal health companies like Zydus, Merial and presently working as BU Manager of Ceva. Stays with Dr. Neha (wife and Opthalamogist), Natalia and Temira (children). Hobbies are reading current affairs. Email – [email protected] ; Mobile - 9910105893 Dr. Mahesh Brahmankar B.VSc & AH, M.V.Sc (Vet Pathology), Founder and CEO, Vedh Laboratory, Pune. Worked as Toxicologic Pathologist in CROs & Pharma Companies for 12 years. Have National and International Research Publications. Currently doing Pet Practice and running Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Undri, Pune. Hobbies are sharing knowledge and Social work. Stays with Pallavi (wife), Vedant and Vaidehi (children). Email – [email protected] ; Mobile – 80077 77302 Dr. Santosh Deshpande BVSc from Parbhani, M.V.Sc. from Mumbai, MBA from Pune University. Industry experience of 26 years in poultry vaccine manufacturing. Working as General Manager at Ventri Biologicals, and looking after Hinjewadi site operations. Stays with Shruti (wife), Shweta and Shivam (children). Hobbies are reading and listening music. Email – [email protected] ; Mobile – 82082 79957

Dr. Sanjay Kale BVSc in 1990. After working with VHPL and Pranav Agro Industries, started own business in 2003. Medicare pharma to manufacture and trade poultry and dairy products. Started selling products for humans like immunity development products, energy booster, panchedriya oil, turmeric lozenges and turmeric tea bags. Stays with Vasundhara (wife), Devyani and Devashish (children). Hobbies are cricket and writing. Email - [email protected] ; Mobile – 9766548501 Col. Virendra Kumar BVSc and MVSc (Surgery) Pantnagar, Executive General Management Programme (one year) from IIM Banglore, PGDIB( IB) from SIMS, Pune. After working in RVC from 1982 to 2008, worked in Venkys and MSD Animal Health for eight years. Presently working as corporate trainer, motivator, speaker and executive coach. Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Certified Coach and an Accredited Emotional Intelligence practitioner. Stays with Shashi, wife. He was national badminton player. Hobbies are reading and sports. Email – [email protected] ; Mobile - 98906 23265 Lt Col Sanjay Borse MVSc from Mumbai, After serving for 23 years in Remount and Veterinary Corps, worked with VaccSyn Biotech, Uttara Feeds and Haffkine. Presently self-employed and helping son in his Venture of Beekeeping. Stays with Jayashree (wife), Purva and Akshay (Children). Hobbies are painting and music. Email – [email protected] ; Mobile – 95614 93561 Dr. Krishna Mankar BVSc from Parbhani (1980 ). Started Khadkeshwara Hatchery. Worked for last 35 years with various companies in the Poultry Industry in Middle east and India. Presently working as freelance consultant. Hobbies are reading and social work. Stays with Urmila (wife) and two daughters- Mrunmai and Chinmayee in USA Email – [email protected] ; Mobile - 95119 03629 Special Invitees Dr Subhash Vaidya Founder President, VIPWA (2008-11). BVSc Nagpur (1969), MVSc. Jabalpur (1971), Ph.D. IVRI in Poultry Science (1974), worked as Assistant Professor at PKV Akola. Worked with Poona Pearls, Laxmi feeds, Hindustan Lever and Pranav Agro. Started own company - Noble Vet Science ( Noble group). Consultant to Feed and poultry integrators. Chairman CLFMA of India (1999-2000). Stays with Supriya, wife. Email – [email protected] ; Mobile – 9822088650 Dr. Vasudeo Sidhaye Past President, VIPWA (2011-14). BVSc from Mumbai, PG from IVRI, Sr. Dip from Denmark and England in Dairy Reproduction and Management, served in Govt. of Maharashtra for short period, then BAIF, worked as part time consultant in American Soybean Association for 10 years, now freelance consultancy in cow/Buffalo reproduction, Past Editor of Shwetkranti magazine. Stays with Vasanti (wife). Email – [email protected] ; Mobile– 93701 45760

Captain Kiran Konher Past President, VIPWA (2014-2017). BVSc and MVSc from Nagpur. Worked with RVC, NDDB, organized dairy farms at Sri Lanka and Middle East. Presently working as freelance dairy consultant. Stays with Kalyani (wife) and Chaitanya (son). Email – [email protected] ; Mobile - 8007881957 Dr. Ramesh Sikka Past President, VIPWA (2017-2020) BVSc &AH Ranch (1977). Worked with Animal Health segment since last 42 years. Now runs his own company - drsikka&associates. Stays with Madhu, wife at Delhi. Email – [email protected]; Mobile – 98909 63144 Dr. Sushil Chandra MVSc in poultry nutrition in 1975 from Jabalpur. Worked with Venkateswara hatchery, Tata oil Mill, Laxmi feeds, Ani chem, IB group and Rainbow feeds till 2007. Now CEO of Chandra Associates and gives consultancy to feed compnies in India, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. Stays with Chandra (wife). Email - [email protected] ; Mobile – 98902 19307 Dr. Shivaji N Mehatre BVSc from Parbhani and M. V. Sc. (Veterinary Pathology) from Akola. After working in Animal Husbandry Department for 1.5 years, he joined Ventri Biolocials. Presently he is Senior Assistant General Manager. Stays with wife - Pratibha and two sons - Shubham and Shreyash. Hobbies are listening music and nature photography. Email [email protected] ; Mobile - 9421037700 Dr. Sujit Kulkarni BVSc. from Parbhani; MBA from Pune University and LLB from Bharti University, Pune. Pursuing Executive Programme in Business Finance from IIM, Ahmedabad. He is working in private sector including poultry, dairy and aqua for Pfizer, Kemin and Biomin duerimg last 19 years. Currently working in Trouw Nutrition as a Director- Feed Additives for South and Central Asia. Stays with Nivedita (wife), Ishaan (son), Ira (daughter) and Sarala (Mother). Hobbies are sports, music and travelling. Email: [email protected] ; Mobile: 9765091000.

INDEX RANGOLI 1. Veena Bhandari – 1,2,4 2. Pratibha Mehatre - 1 3. Sunita Nalbalwar- 3 4. Rutuja Bhandari – 5 5. Patjkta Patil - 6 ARTICLES 1. Indoor Plantation for Healthy Air Manisha Bhosale - 9 2. The Navapatrika Story Nilima Sharma - 13 3. Panipat and the ‘If…’ Sushrut Kinge - 24 4. Urmila’s Melancholy Sushrut Kinge - 27 5. Snakes……Our Friends, Not Foes Rashid Ali - 29 6. Vachak Pratisadachi sanjeevani Bhanu Kale – 36 7. JRD cha sahavasat: ek avismarniya anandyog Bhanu Kale - 39

POEMS BY LITTLE MASTERS 1. A Fight with Covid-19 Anuj Bulbule - 47 2. Clinging Gauri Undegaonkar - 48 3. Hide and sick Gauri Undegaonkar -49 4. Iss bheed mein kahin ek mai hu Gauri Undegaonkar - 50 POEMS BY MASTERS 1. Pahilya Priteephulas Pratibha Mehatre - 52 2. Jindagi Sujit Kulkarni - 53 3. You Be My Master Once Again Vasant Ballewar - 54 4. Guest At The Gate : Bruno Vasant Ballewar -55 5. Prem Vikas patil - 56 6. Khwaishe Mangesh Shirke -57 7. ..and he Put Me To Sleep Vasant Ballewar - 58 8. Abhi Abhi Mangesh Shirke -59

9. Simran Mangesh Shirke -60 10. Itra Ki Bottle Vasant Ballewar - 61 11. Haa Divyang Hun Mai Vasant Ballewar -62 12. Kadwa Neem Vasant Ballewar – 63 13. Andhe, Par Man Se Vasant Ballewar - 64 14. Sachmuch Tu Ek Virangana Hai Vasant Ballewar - 67 15. Jhoot Ki Ahamiyat Vasant Ballewar - 68 STORY & DRAMA 1. My Encounter With An Insurgent Virendra Kumar - 71 2. Sapne Apne Apne Pratibha Mehatre - 73

HEALTH 1. Health and Exercise Swapnil Kubal & Anjali Kubal - 78 2. Coronavirus And Me By Ankush Kolhe -81 3. Eye Care Tips Vishnukant Ghonsikar - 83 4. Dental Care Priyanka Ghonsikar - 85 RECIPES 1. Oil-free Multigrain Tomato Chakali Sunita Nalbalwar - 90 2. Shankarpali Vaishali Khandagale -91 3. Balushahi Pratibha Mehatre - 92 4. Butter garlic naan Prajkta Patil - 93 5. Gharge Prajkta Patil - 94 6. Chicken 65 Prajkta Patil - 95

DRAWINGS BY LITTLE CHAMPS 1. Vidhi Lade – 97 2. Sanavi Deshmukh – 98 3. Anaya Sarswat – 101 4. Neev Ladani – 101 5. Arav Bulbule - 103 6. Anuj Bulbule - 103 7. Anvi Lumpatki - 106 8. Tanvi Lumpatki – 107 9. Shreyash Mehatre – 107 10. Shreya More – 108 11. Mitras Gumble – 109 12. Sidhant Lade – 109 13. Pruthviraj Pawar – 110 14. Veera Karale – 111 15. Shreyash Mehatre – 112 16. Laxmi Ghotekar – 115 17. Om Gosawi – 116 18. Ketakee Gosawi - 118 19. Parth Chhikara – 120 20. Vani Chhikara – 121 PAINTINGS 1. Anshumala Kinge – 128 2. Sushrut Kinge - 129 3. Sanjay Borse - 133 4. Rutuja Bhandari - 135

RANGOLI

1 VEENA BHANDARI PRATIBHA MEHATRE

2 VEENA BHANDARI

3 SUNITA NALBALWAR

4 VEENA BHANDARI

5 RUTUJA BHANDARI

6 PRAJKTA PATIL

7 JOKES COMPILED BY SHREYASH MEHATRE Tito :Doctor, are you sure I will be able to play the guitar after the operation? Doctor :Hundred per cent sure . Tito :That's simply great ! Doctor :Why great ? Tito :I never could play it before . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Teacher: You have 20 sweets and your friend takes 8 from you. What will you have ? Rahul : A fight ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First Footballer :I have more fans than you ! Second Footballer : No big deal ! My house has an AC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Teacher : If it takes 15 men 12 hours to build a wall, how long will it 5 men ? Raju : No time at all. The 15 have already built it.

8 ARTICLES

9 Indoor Plantation for Healthy Air Manisha Dinesh Bhosale We grow up with the nature around us, but we don’t pay much attention at the beautiful creation of the nature. The world of trees, birds, animals around us is full of wonders. Only one thing we need to enjoy this interesting world is a sensitive mind.Tree brings so much beauty, colors, joy and meaning to our lives. We all should spend some time with it. If it is not possible for you to go out, you can have this beauty inside your home and you can get connected to nature. Houseplants can perform the role of forests inside the home by filtering toxins, pollutants and producing oxygen, moisture as well as stress-free, clean, healthy and beautiful living space. All these plants are commonly found around us. 1. Aloe Vera: It is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal purpose. Useful to achieve great complexion. It has antioxidants and antibacterial properties. Aloe vera is also very useful in treating burns and sunburns. It also helps in keeping indoor air clean. It clears formaldehyde and benzene, which can be a byproduct of chemical-based cleaners, paints and other toxins. 2. Areca Palm: The plant is useful in filtering xylene and toluene from the air. It also works effectively as an effective humidifier. The areca palm is also used as an interior landscaping species. This plant helps in absorbing indoor air pollutants like acetone, xylene, toluene and formaldehyde which emits from petroleum products, paints and wooden furnitures. 3. Aglaonema: This plant is counted among the most durable houseplants you can ever grow. They tolerate poor light, dry air and drought very well. Plant : Aloe Vera Plant : Areca Plant : Aglaonema Palm 4. Anthurium: One of the best houseplants that purify indoor air. Their large, dark leaves suck up ammonia, formaldehyde, toluene and xylene. Therefore suggested for a workplace around copiers, printers or adhesives. 5. Calathea: The attractive leaves of this pleasant plant add beauty of your living space. It does not require lots of water. 6. Caladium: Colorful foliage of this plant adds life to your house. This is fast

10 growing plant grow from tubers. You can grow them in hanging basket. 7. English Ivy: This is evergreen perennial plant. This plant absorbs air-born toxins such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, trichloroethylene, benzene and airborne fecal-matter particles. Plant : Anthurium Plant : Calathea Plant : Caladium Plant : English Ivy Plant : Fiddly Fig Plant : Fern 8. Fiddly Fig: This plant is very sturdy and provides natural fresh air by absorbing all the toxic chemicals present indoors and thus aids in better sleeping. 9. Ferns: Ferns are used as an ornamental plant. It adds humidity to the indoor environment and removes chemical pollutants from the atmosphere like formaldehydes and heavy metals like arsenic from the soil. 10. Fittonia: This plant also called as nerve plant because of striking contrasting veins running through the leaves. It is native to rainforests, so it is used to warm and moist environments. It helps to reduce carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, benzene level in the air.

11 Plant : Fittonia Plant : Monstera Plant : Money Plant 11. Monstera: This is fast growing houseplant with good all round air cleaning properties and particularly effective in humidifying air conditioned interiors. Useful on arthritis, snake, insets and spider bites. Leaves, fruits and roots are useful 12. Money Plant: This plant requires very less care. It efficiently removes indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. They are excellent in purifying the air in your home and office space. Money plant is also known as pothos. This plant can survive in soil as well as in water. 13. Peace Lily: This is best option as an indoor flowering plant. It is easy to grow and maintain. The beauty of piece lily is to bring calmness by reducing stress in the mind and body. Peace lily also helps to reduce indoor air pollution by removing acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde from the air. Plant :Peace Lily Plant :Petunias Plant : Rubber Plant 14. Petunias: Petunias are one of the most reliable companion plants due to the wide range of pests they repel. Their scent also attracts bees, butterflies and moths to your vegetable garden which are all beneficial to your plants as they help with pollination. 15. Rubber Plant: Their large leaves can absorb airborne chemicals and break them down, rendering them harmless. 16. Snake Plant: this plant is native of India, Indonesia and Africa. The plant requires very less water. This plant is very efficient air purifier as it absorbs xylene, toluene, formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.

12 Plant : Snake Plant Plant : Spider Plant Plants : Succulents Plant : Syngonium Table : All Images are taken from Google Images 17. Spider Plant: This african plant purifies benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene. Spider plants prefer bright light. The plant is also completely safe for pets. 18. Succulents or cactus: Derived from the latin word sucus, meaning sap or juice. Succulents are a group of plants that store water in their thick, fleshy leaves. This allows them to be drought resistant – thriving in dry, hot climates. Their nature allows them to be tolerant to neglect, so they make for excellent indoor plants. The issues with any succulents is over-watering, so be sure to let the soil dry out completely before water again. They do well in unglazed clay pot, which allows the water to evaporate. 19. Syngonium: This plant is known for its beautiful arrowhead shaped foliage. This gives lush green look to the indoor environment. This plant also helps to reduce benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene. They also reduce airborne microbes and increase humidity.

13 The Navapatrika Story This story is of the traditional plant worship that is performed during the Navaratri puja that culminates in Dussera. It starts with the introduction to the pre-Vedic Pastoral Goddesses and the leaves that were associated with them. It also briefly covers the medicinal values of each leaf type. Next it introduces the herbs, colours, and flowers that are associated with Durga Puja. Lastly it tells how most of these plants are seen growing in Rakshak Society. Nilima Sharma 78,Rakshak Society

14 Navapatrikas of the Navaratri Goddesses Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Sharadotsav, is a popular festival celebrated among the Bengali community, mainly celebrated across eastern India. The festival culminates on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Durga Puja coincides with Navratri, which is celebrated in the central and western parts of the country. On the early hours of Saptami, Goddess Durga is invoked in a group of nine plants bunched together, called Navapatrika, and tied to the twigs of white Aparajita plant with a yellow thread. These nine plants represent the nine manifestations of Goddess. Navapatrika was actually a popular ritual performed by the peasant folks for prosperous harvest. As idol worship was not common then, people worshipped Mother nature. It was during the autumn, the time for reaping crops, peasants worshipped Goddess Navapatrika for good harvest. Later when Durga Puja became a popular festival of \"Sharat\", all the nine holy rituals of the Nabapatrika, were added to the ceremonies of Durga Puja. In fact Nabapatrika represented the primitive form of Durga Puja. This primitive form of worship is still prevalent in some places. The nine plant goddesses of the holy Nabapatrika are: 1. Ashoka tree represents Shokarahita. 2. Pomegranate tree represents Raktadantika. 3. Jayanti tree represents Kaumari. 4. Colocasia plant represents Kaalika. 5. Turmeric plant represents Durga 6. Arum plant represents Chamunda. 7. Bael tree represents Maheswari. 8. Rice plants represents Lakshmi. 9. Banana plant represents Brahmani

15 The nine Pre-Vedic Pastoral Goddesses

16 The Navapatrikas Asoka leaves Pomegranate Jayanti leaves Goddess Shokarahita. leaves Goddess Kaumari. Goddess Raktadantika Black Arbi leaves Turmeric Leaves Elephant ear Taro Goddess Kalika leaves Goddess Durga Goddess Chamunda Bael leaves Rice paddy Banana Leaves Goddess Maheshwari Goddess Lakshmi Goddess Brahmani

17 Medicinal values of the Navapatrikas 1.Ashoka (Saraca asoca) Ashoka tree Barks or leaves, when consumed, help to remove worms from the stomach and thus provide relief from pain and swelling. The bark of the ashoka tree also has anti-fungal, anti- bacterial and pain relieving properties. Ashoka has various medicinal properties, especially its bark and leaves. Ashoka helps to manage various gynecological and menstrual problems in women such as heavy, irregular and painful periods. Taking Ashoka bark juice or kwath can also promote healthy skin due to its blood purifying property 2. Pomegranate leaves: Anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties present in pomegranate leaves help in eliminating bacteria present in the mouth. You can use the juice made from pomegranate leaves to treat ulcers in the mouth Insomnia sleeplessness: Wash, clean and crush leaves of Pomegranate (3 gm). Now add these in water (200 ml) and cook till volume reduces to one fourth. Drink before going to bed. Jaundice, the liver problem, vomiting, digestive problem: Collect its leaves, clean them. Dry in shade. Grind to make powder. Take 3 gm twice a day. Eczema: Apply Pomegranate Leaves juice on the affected area. Mouth ulcer, Sores: Wash and clean leaves (20-25 gm) of anar. Crush, add these in water (400 ml) and cook till volume reduces to one fourth. Filter and gargle. Ear pain, ear problems: Wash and clean leaves (10-15 gm) of anar. Now crush and extract juice in mortar and pestle. Cook in sesame oil (equal quantity to juice). Put few drops in ear. Wrinkles, loose skin: Extract leaves juice (1 liter) and cook in half liter Til oil. Cook on low flame till all water evaporates. Use this oil for massaging regularly. Another miracle ingredient that works wonders for the heart and overall health is the bark of pomegranate tree contains an alkaloid called punicine, which has anthelmintic properties that help in getting rid of intestinal worms. Boil the bark in water, remove from flame and then let it rest overnight. Strain the water and drink it on an empty stomach early in the morning. Drinking fresh pomegranate juice can also help keep your system working efficiently. 3. Jayanti leaves Health benefits of Jayanti leaves Lower Your Blood Pressure and Help Keep Arteries Flexible. Including vitamin C rich food in your normal diet plays a strong role in heart health. Supports Normal Foetal Development. Beneficial for skin and Boosts Immunity. Prevents Alzheimer's disease and helps in migraine and weakness. 4. Black stemmed arbi leaves Health benefits of the black stemmed arbi leaf (Colocasia leaves) Taro leaves are excellent source of vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant. Effective in reducing breast cancer cells and can lower colon cancer rate. Rich in vitamin A, the leaves help in keeping eyes healthy, maintaining good vision and preventing age-related macular degeneration. Lowers high blood pressure due to the presence of saponins, tannins, carbohydrate and flavonoids. Boosts the immune system. Prevents Diabetes. Helps digestion. Reduces inflammation. Protects the nervous system and prevents anaemia. 5. Turmeric leaves Incredible benefits of Turmeric leaves Cooking. Run out of turmeric? The extract of dried turmeric leaves soaked in water can serve the

18 same purpose Boosts Digestion. Crushed turmeric or haldi leaves can help boost digestion and reduce problems of gas and bloating. Strong Anti-inflammatory Properties. Due to the strong anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, turmeric leaves could prove to be a boon for those suffering osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Beauty Benefits. Turmeric leaves can be crushed into a paste and applied to the skin. The paste will help keep your skin soft, smooth and glowing. It will also help keep the dark spots or blemishes away. It also has antiseptic properties. 6. Man kachu leaf/giant taro ( Alocasia indica) It is staple food in various cuisines. While consuming cooked taro leaves may offer some health benefits, it's important to note that the raw leaves are poisonous before cooking. Young taro leaves and stems can be eaten after boiling twice to remove the acrid flavor. The leaves are a good source of vitamins A and C and contain more protein than the corms. In its raw form, the plant is toxic due to the presence of calcium oxalate, and the presence of needle- shaped raphides in the plant cells. 7. Bilva leaves (Aege marmelos) The roots, skin, leaves, fruit, everything of the tree is used to cure various ailments. The sacred tree can cure problems like bleeding gums, dysentery, asthma, jaundice, anaemia etc. Hence, Belpatra is extremely important in Hinduism. Can cure diarrhoea, cholera, haemorrhoids, vertigo. The presence of tannin in the bael fruit helps in curing diseases like diarrhoea and cholera. Bael has certain phenolic compounds containing anti-oxidants that help in fighting gastric ulcers. This type of ulcer is caused due to the imbalance in the acidic level in the stomach. The extract of bael leaf can be used to control the cholesterol level in blood which makes the bael leaves highly therapeutic too. Inflammation can be quickly cured when the extract of bael is applied on the inflamed region. 8. Rice paddy Health benefits of rice include providing fast and instant energy, good bowel movement, stabilizing blood sugar levels and providing essential source of vitamin B1 to human body. Other benefits include skin care, resistance to high blood pressure, dysentery and heart diseases. 9. Banana leaves Traditionally known as kadali phalam, banana plant has large, flexible, waterproof leaves that are also used for cooking, wrapping and serving food. What started as a tradition down in South India thousands of years ago is now also proving to be a healthy trend. Eating on banana leaves isn’t only flavourful, eco-friendly, hygienic and practical but also chemical free. Eating on banana leaves is healthy in every way. It is packed with polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants that is also found in green tea. These polyphenols battle all the free radicals in the body and prevent diseases. Banana leaf is also rich in polyphenol oxidase which is an enzyme to treat Parkinson’s disease. Banana leaves also have peculiar anti-bacterial properties that can kill germs in the food and aids proper digestion. Banana leaves also have a wax coating that gives it a glossy finish that adds on a subtle flavour to the hot food that is served on it.

19 All these leaves are seen growing in Rakshak Society. In the individual plots or along the internal roads. The banana in seen in many houses, the Mankar garden has the Sita Ashoka at the entrance. Bilva in the children’s playground, Manorama Sundd’s entrance and Dr Mishra’s entrance. Jayanti/ Agasti used to bloom in front of the Allahabad Bank. Aruna Marva has it growing in her farm. Turmeric grows in many homes. So does the Dalimb, alu with the black stem and Elephant ear called man kachu. 9 herbs of the Navaratri Goddess Day of Goddess Colour and flower Herb Navaratri Pratipada Shaliputri Orange / marigold Harda Dwitiya Brahmacharini White / White lotus Brahmi grass Tritiya Chandragantah Red / Red Lotus Chandrika/ Aliv Chaturthi Kushmanda Blue / Blue Water lilly Kushmanda/ white pumkin Panchami Skandamata Yellow / Yellow lotus Linseed/ Alsi/ Javas Sashti Katyayani Green / Green Champa Machika / Berge Jhau / Pharva (Tamarix gattlca) Saptami Kalarati Silver grey / Damanaka Nagadaur (Artemisa leaves (Artemisia dracunculus) Ashthami Mahagauri Indica) Navami Siddhidharti Purple / Pink Lotus Tulsi Peacock green / krishna Satawari Dashami Durga kamal Red and pink / Lotus / All the nine herbs Jasvandi/ Red Rose

20 9 herbs of the Navaratri Goddess Harda Harda seeds Brahmi grass Aliv/ garden cress Chandrika/Aliv Kushmand/ Petha pumpkin Alsi/Javas/ Machika/Berge Machika/Berge Jhav/ Pharva Jhav/ Pharva Nagadaun Tulsi Satavari These herbs are called Durga kavach that protect us from ill health. 1. Harda: in the powder form is called haritaki, is used in triphala. Rich in vitamin C, it has anti-oxidant and anti- inflammatory effects. Promotes in healing of sore throat and allergies to constipation and indigestion.

21 2. Brahmi grass: Brahmi is a therapeutic herb commonly used as a memory enhancer. Brahmi has antioxidants that are essential for living a healthy life. Brahmi regulates the blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes 3. Chandrica, commonly called Aliv: Aliv seeds help to clear the digestive tract effectively, thus providing relief from constipation and indigestion. Helps in weight loss. Aliv seeds contain antioxidants that prevent cancer groth. It helps boost the immune system. When grown as garden cress, it is an excellent source of protein, folic acid, calcium, iron, fiber and vitamins A and E. 4. Kushmand / white petha pumpkin:It is rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and zinc. It is light om the stomach and easy to digest. 5. Alsi / Javas / Flax seed:Flax seeds are very high in fibre (this helps promote weight loss). Omega 3 fatty acids good for the heart. Very rich in vitamins, reduces the bad cholesterol (LDL) and lowers the high BP (30 gms- 3 tablespoon of javas). There is no end to the benefits of Javas. In Maharastra it is made into a dry chutney powder. 6. Machika / Barge jhav:Its flower, seed oil and leaves are used as Ayurveda medicine. Its bark is used as a tooth powder. The powder is made into paste with water or honey. It is best given by Ayurveda doctor. 7. Nagdaun: It is said that merely planting Nagadaun herb in the garden is enough to do away with many troubles. Said to stop abnormal bleeding from any part of the body such as piles, periods and ulcerative colitis. Tender leaves with black pepper to be chewed. Heat the crushed leaves with oil and apply to boils. Duddhi juice with leaf juice can be taken with water. Leaf juice with honey is good for urinary ailments. 8. Tulsi: Tulsi wards off the most common ailments, strengthening immunity, fighting bacterial and viral infections and treating hair and skin disorders. The kadha of tulsi leaves with ginger and crushed peppercorn in hot water helps in building the immune system and helps in recovery from Dengue. 9. Satavari: Satavari promotes fertility and has a range of health benefits, particularly for the female reproductive system. It helps to regulate the body’s systems and improves resistance to stress. It can be taken orally as a tablet, powder or liquid essence. Except for Machika (6), most of the herbs are part of our daily food.

22 9 Colours and flowers of Navaratri Orange Marigold White Lotus Red Lotus Blue Water Lilly Yellow Water Green Champa Lilly Silver grey Purple/ Pink Peacock green Damanaka leaves kamal Krishna kamal Red Jasvandi Red Rose Red lotus

23 All the Lotuses and water Lillis are Group Captain Ajay Soman’s collection. The red rose grows in Ruticha’s garden. The Krishna kamal grows in many Rakshak houses. The red hibiscus or jasvandi blooms along the various roads of Rakshak. The green champa is a creeper that common in many houses. The damanaka leaves are used in garlands also grows in some houses. In the Jagannath temple there is a festival called Damanaka puja to the Goddess Durga. As you can see Rakshak Society is sacred grove of trees, flowers and herbs that are used for various pujas. All of us are familiar with the plants, herbs and flowers as they form part of our culture, tradition and our collective consciousness. This is an attempt to refresh the ‘already know’ of the base knowledge.

24 Panipat and the ‘If…’ Sushrut Kinge “The effects of a 5-year tenure of governance are absolutely quotidian if equated to a nation’s lifetime. Policies implemented and incidences occurred during the phase rarely have a permanent effect,” said the guest speaker while I was attending a lecture at Jnana Prabodhini, “...time progresses and mankind evolves.” Thus, ending the speech amidst loud applause from the audience. But I was left in a state of nonconformism. Because, if seen through a prism of pragmatism, the long history of Bharatvarsha gives ample examples of instances where minor unexpected occurrences have totally changed the course of the times to follow. Over a period of time, I’ve pondered upon many such instances - the constant desecration of the Somnath temple, refusal of chieftains to side with Prithviraj Chauhan, destruction of the Nalanda University, etc. But none of them have had an effect as much as two distinct and shocking happenings in our history. I believe each of us has certain idiosyncrasies within ourselves and as we grow old, observe and analyze things these oddities start seeking their answers. Two such eerie happenings have affected our history profoundly. The incidences being; the death of Samrat Hemchandra Vikramaditya in 1556 and the death of Vishwasrao Peshwa in 1761. The striking similarity in both the cases being – a stray arrow. Yes, a ‘stray arrow’ that triggered a butterfly effect which costed Bharat mind-boggling amounts of losses and negative altercations in the socio-economic context. The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘Butterfly Effect’ as ‘a phenomenon whereby a minute localized change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere.’ And indeed, this butterfly effect ended up causing downfalls for huge empires and what followed was pillage and utter chaos. Hemchandra Vikramaditya (also known as Hemu) was a man with humble beginnings who rose in court meteorically and soon gained power and prestige. Adopting the tactics of reserve and thrust he dealt heavy blows to the tyrannical Akbar and almost ensured the decimation of Mughals. An astute statesman and tactician, Hemu won 22 battles without a single defeat and finally ensured a rapturous moment in history – Defeat of Mughals and after a lapse longing centuries, a son of the soil was crowned as the Emperor. But alas! This was short-lived. A belligerent Akbar charged with his large army against Hemu’s forces resulting in the Second battle of Panipat. The battle commenced and shortly the Mughal Army was in complete disarray. Akbar and his general Bairam Khan considering withdrawing. All this until a stray arrow hit Hemu in his eye rendering him unconscious. A wounded Hemu was then taken off the field by his Mahout. The army of Hemu without a commander failed to press upon the advantage and panicked. Eventually, the army disintegrated and the battle was lost giving way for a despotic Mughal regime thereafter. A regime during which along with economic prosperity, a large

25 chunk of religious freedom was snatched. Considerable losses for the Bhartiyas followed, materialistic as well as symbolic. This was until the rise of the powerful Maratha empire under the Peshwas. Circa 1761. The formidable Maratha empire stretched from Tamil Nadu in the south to Peshawar in the north and Assam in the east. The reign was prosperous and without any inflictions on the subjects. All this was stable until a Mleccha, Ahmad Shah Abdali decided to plunder the richness. A contingent was sent by the Peshwa to check the march of Abdali’s army. It was led by Sadashivrao Bhau Peshwa– the commander in chief and Vishwasrao Peshwa – the Peshwa heir. The resulting battle known as the third battle of Panipat saw both the armies fiercely clash. When both the armies were levelled up on the fateful day of 14th January 1761 a stray arrow hit Vishwasrao who was valiantly fighting on the front lines. Seeing Vishwasrao dead, a spirited Sadashivrao charged into the enemy ranks and soon perished. Rudyard Kipling aptly describes this in his poem ‘With Scindia to Delhi’ – “I saw it fall in smoke and fire, the banner of Bhau, I heard a voice across… one who called in vain… the Bhau… the Bhau is slain!” This had serious consequences later on which resulted in infighting, mutiny and subsequently marked descent of the Maratha empire and the emergence of British in 1818. The stark similarity of these incidences is indeed startling. The amount of obliteration caused due to the stray arrow is immense. If not for the stray arrow, the deviation of history would’ve been different. If not for the stray arrow, numerous lives would’ve been saved. If not for the stray arrow, the contemporary conditions would’ve been different. If not for the stray arrow, the British would’ve never pillaged us. If not for the stray arrow, the glorious indigenous empires would’ve survived. If not for the stray arrow, the depredation of Indians wouldn’t have occurred. If not for the stray arrow, the economic, as well as social prosperity and unity, would’ve been enhanced by now. If not for the stray arrow, numerous sacred places of worship wouldn’t have been desecrated. If not for the stray arrow, many positive divergent interpretations of our history would’ve been possible. A considerably minor and random thing resulted in catastrophic changes that can’t be compensated now. A report by historians S. Broadberry and B. Gupta shows devastating changes in the per capita estimates after the two incidents. The estimated productivity shows a sharp decline and after the arrival of British, the scene is rather well known – loss worth trillions of dollars. No reparations till date! Call it the hegemony of western historians or the dimwittedness of Leftists,

26 these narratives have been largely untold to the masses. Hence, I say that this butterfly effect is a metaphor for the existence of a seemingly harsh and raucous socio-political environment at present. A butterfly effect that altered history, shaped a billion destinies and caused a powerful confederacy to slide down like a toboggan. All you and I can do is, contemplate – Only if the stray arrows didn’t hit Samrat Hemchandra Vikramaditya and Vishwasrao Peshwa… Only IF!

27 Urmila’s Melancholy Sushrut Kinge “The pride of Raghu Vansh, Ram, Sita & Lakshman are leaving Ayodhya. Let us give them a befitting farewell….” the gatekeeper announced and there was absolute chaos outside the palace. The drums rolled, flowers were showered and conch shells were blown as a sniveling Ayodhya bid adieu to its beloved King and Queen. Amidst this pandemonium two individuals were going through an altogether different agony - an anguish due to immense brotherly love and endearing sentiments. F. Scott Key Fitzgerald says, ‘You don’t write because you have to say something, you write because you have something to say.” And I have something to say about a narrative that has flagrantly gone unnoticed – the desolation of Lakshman’s wife Urmila. Since childhood, I heard the Ramayan through stories & anecdotes from my grandmother and I couldn’t stop admiring the courage of Urmila. And over the years as I understood the intricacies and emotions of the modern world my veneration towards Urmila has increased profoundly. The values that our epics imbibe in us are earnest and unmatched. Being brought up in a royal family and wed to the charming prince Lakshman, Urmila already had the stage set up for enjoying pompous life. But fate chose something else and Urmila went through the pain of separation as Lakshman decided not to take her along with him for the 14 years exile citing ‘distraction from duty’ as the reason. Instead, he chose to stand like a shield for his brother Ram. These two individuals were the epitome of sacrifice and selflessness. During the exile, one night Lakshman was guarding Ram and Sita with a firm determination of avoiding sleep. Suddenly the goddess of sleep- Nidra Devi manifested with her transcending beauty and incantations. She told him that his act of solemnizing not to sleep for 14 years is defiance against natural laws. On insisting that he needed to carry out his ‘dharma’ towards his brother, Nidra Devi put forward a condition that someone else will need to bare the sleep on Lakshman’s behalf for his desire to get fulfilled. On Lakshman’s insistence, the Goddess approached Urmila. Urmila accepted and asked the goddess to bestow her with deep sleep on behalf of her husband – only so that Lakshman could serve undisturbed for next fourteen years. Thus, an unprecedented and unparalleled sacrifice began which would later be known as the ‘Urmila Nidra’ in Valmiki Ramayan. Not only did she give up the royal life but also denounced all of her titles for the next fourteen years and lived a reclusive life. A woman who was born and brought up in luxuries, averse to hardships, bejeweled with the finest creations of gold and diamonds since childhood chose this hermit way of living. This might seem impractical and quixotic but honour and love were all that meant to

28 her! I get unnerved seeing the stark dissimilarities between that time and the present. Our culture is indeed endowed with a divine favour and such values are accessible to us for inculcating. Though love is intangible, the love story of these two is greater in magnitude and emotions than any other so-called worldly stories that we get familiar with these days. And in this era where being a ‘feminist’ is largely perceived as being self-obsessed and egocentric, I think Urmila’s act of abnegation is a perfect eye-opener for those on the wrong track of feminism. The qualities of renunciation and abdication are certainly strenuous as compared to choosing something that is elementary and self- centred. But this solid example continues to remind that the bondage and love shared becomes even more vehement when the actions are based on morals, ethics and righteousness because feminism isn’t about making women bolder. Women are already bold and strong. It’s more about changing the way the world perceives that strength. And the characters of Lakshman and Urmila are an exemplar – to both men and women alike. After the perilous and turmoil-filled journey of fourteen years, Lakshman and Urmila finally came together. At last Urmila’s yearning desire and a wistful longing was over. When Sita came to know of all this, she said “Sister! Even a thousand Sitas cannot equal one Urmila’s glory!” Indeed Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman were the salient heroes of Ramayan but I feel the sacrifice of Urmila is grossly discriminated and unknown. Urmila stood up to the values, morals and ethics which were timeless. I opine that – if seen through a prism of pragmatism through the imagery and metaphors, we have the most beautiful love story and a selfless character that silently went unnoticed!

29 SNAKES……OUR FRIENDS, NOT FOES Rashid Ali On my regular walks around the society, I am often stopped by other residents, and many a time the conversation gravitates towards snakes. These creatures, which are an integral part of our beautiful society, instill considerable fear as well as a genuine interest in folks to find out more Ideally I would like to have a face to face interactive presentation, though we all appreciate that this may not be possible for a while. So, in this article, I will attempt to throw some light on common misconceptions, present some pictures with facts about them, how to stay safe, and first aid regarding our fellow serpentine residents. SOME MISCONCEPTIONS All snakes are dangerous The answer is a resounding NO. In all of India we have an amazing 275 species of snakes of which only about 50 are venomous. This proportion reflects in Rakshak as well as only 3 of the 13 species found here are venomous. Cobra’s dance to the music of the madari’s beene This is untrue as all snakes are deaf to airborne sounds. The madari would tap a cobra in his basket, which would then take on a defensive stance with hood spread out. He would then play his beene with a shiny object tied onto it, which would catch the snakes’ attention and would sway with the madari’s movements. This gives us the illusion that he is dancing. Snakes however, are well able to detect ground vibrations. Snakes drink milk This is a human belief which is disastrous for the snakes. Just before Nagapanchami, a large number of snakes are captured and confined without food or water. This makes them extremely thirsty and they will drink any liquid offered to them. Two points to note: Their stomachs are not designed to digest milk and they get very sick, often resulting in death. In nature, how would a snake possibly access milk. Snakes take revenge against the killer of their mate This is untrue, though there is a scientific fact which reflects the origins of this fable. When a snake (or any animal) goes through a physically traumatic experience like being hit with a stick, most often some bodily fluids would involuntarily be released. One of those fluids happens to be a pheromone, a chemical signal used by them to find mates in nature. So, a

30 mate picks up the scent and follows it to find a potential mate…NOT TO TAKE REVENGE. SNAKES FOUND IN RAKSHAK OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS Brahminy Worm Snake NON VENOMOUS Marathi name - Vala This is one of the smallest snakes in India, with an average length of 12.5 cm and growing to a maximum length of 23 cm. though most sightings are of much smaller snakes. Their thin cylindrical body often gets them mistaken for earthworms or vice versa. They live in soft soil under the leaf litter or stones. Feeds on ants, termites and insect eggs. Buff-striped Keelback NON VENOMOUS Marathi name - Naneti This is a shy and harmless snake which lives near water bodies in marshy areas and paddy fields. It is seen more frequently during the monsoons. Eats frogs, toads, and lizards.

31 Common Indian Trinket Snake NON VENOMOUS Marathi name – Tusker This is a very peaceful snake, though it is capable of showing some impressive aggressive displays to scare off potential predators. It gets its name from its markings which resemble a trinket worn by ladies. The average length is about 70 cm and grows to a maximum 168 cm. Eats mice, rats, lizards, small birds and their eggs Banded(or Common) Kukri Snake NON VENOMOUS Marathi name – Kukri sarp This is a shy, small (adult about 2 ft.) snake which doesn’t bite. It gets its name from its sharp, flattened, curved teeth specialized for cutting open other reptiles eggs which are part of its diet.

32 Bronzeback Tree Snake NON VENOMOUS Banded Racer NON VENOMOUS Marathi name – Ruka Sarp Marathi name – Patteri Dhool Nagin I have seen both of these snakes just once here in the society during the last 15 years. Checkered Keelback Water Snake NON VENOMOUS Marathi name – Divad This is an aggressive aquatic snake which has wandered into our society on numerous occasions. It has sharp inward curved teeth designed to hold onto slippery prey (fish, frogs,tadpoles), and can inflict a painful bite. Josh and I once rescued 70 babies from Ashok Kamte’s washbasin drain!! Common Wolf Snake NON VENOMOUS Green Keelback NON VENOMOUS Marathi name – Kavdya Sarp Marathi name - Gavtya

33 Indian Rat Snake NON VENOMOUS Marathi name - Dhaman We are indeed lucky to have this snake co residing with us. It is by far the most common, and the largest snake in Rakshak. It is about 40 cm when born, and grows to a whopping maximum length of 350 cm. It varies a lot in color from pale yellow, olive, brown to grey. Body lightly or strongly marked with black markings usually more distinct on tail. It has vertical black lines on its lips which, with a bit of imagination, look like stitches. Feeds mainly on rats and mice (thus the name) but also feeds on frogs, toads, lizards, birds, bats , sometimes even on other snakes. Usually quick to escape if given the space, though if cornered, it will inflate its throat and fore body, emit a moan or growl, and strike vigorously. Large rat snakes can inflict a slightly painful (though harmless) bite. Rat snakes can be mistaken for Cobras, though cobras lack the black marking on the body and the vertical lines on the lips. Spectacled Cobra VENOMOUS Marathi name – Nag

34 This is one of India’s commonest snakes. It is active by day and night. It is a good swimmer, and is seen in a variety of habitats like streams, rock piles, trees, rat holes and termite mounds. They are often seen close to human habitation looking for rodents, frogs, toads, birds and occasionally other snakes. Generally shy, though if alarmed it will raise 1/3rd to ½ its body length vertically, spread its hood. If further disturbed it will hiss and strike forcefully. Unlike other snakes, cobras have binocular vision due to the pointed head. Common Indian Krait VENOMOUS Marathi name – Manyaar This snake has the most toxic venom of all land snakes in Asia. It is very active at night, and it can be found resting in rock or rubble piles, termite mounds or rodent burrows. Main diet is other snakes including its own kind! Russell’s Viper VENOMOUS Marathi name – Ghonas This snake, along with the Cobra, is responsible for about 70% of snakebite deaths in India. Usually nocturnal, it is found in grasslands, scrub jungle, rocky mounds and dense thorny hedgerows. When disturbed, it hisses loudly sounding like a pressure cooker, though only bites as a last resort. Being heavy bodied ambush hunters, and blending well with their

35 surroundings, they are more likely to stand their ground than try to escape. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SEE A SNAKE • NOTHING!! If you let them be, they will reciprocate. • DO NOT PANIC • Try to identify it from a safe distance, or, if you can’t, make a note of the color, size, markings etc. • If it is identified as a non venomous snake you may consider letting it be. • Appoint somebody responsible to keep a watch on location and movement FROM A SAFE DISTANCE (8 – 10 feet) until a Sarpamitra arrives • Call a Sarpamitra FIRST AID • REASSURE THE VICTIM only 1/5th of snake species in India are venomous, and they often give dry bites ie without injecting venom. When given the right treatment in time, recovery rates are very high. • Clean the wound with running water • IMMOBILIZE the patient as much as possible; ideally horizontal with affected limb below heart level. • The ESSENCE if first aid is SPEED. Do not waste time in getting the patient to a medical facility equipped to deal with snake bite. Use any available means of transport. • Apply ice on and around the bite site to constrict the blood vessels and slow the spread of venom. • DO NOT apply a tourniquet or pressure bandage • DO NOT make an incision on the bite site. • DO NOT try to suck out the venom. • Call the hospital to inform them of the snakebite case so they are ready when you arrive. • DO make a note of symptoms to help the attending doctor. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES • Fill up burrows, holes, crevices and cracks in gardens and homes. • Keep gardens clear and free from wild grass and waste heaps. Piles of rocks and rubble are ideal serpentine hang out locations • Keep creepers and tree branches away from windows • Ensure that rats don’t have a reason to inhabit your territory. Compost pits are very attractive for them. • Always use a torch when in the garden at night. Illuminate pathways. • Learn to identify snakes. For snakebites, the most experienced hospital in Pune is the Sassoon General Hospital. Tel: +91 20 26128000 For snake rescue, contact: Katraj Snake Park 020 24370747

36 वाचक प्रतिसादाची संजीवनी भानू काळे एक मराठी वाचक म्हणून जवे ्हा मी मागे वळून बघतो तेव्हा मी पचं ववशीत असतानाचे, म्हणजे साधारण चाळीसएक वर्ांपा वू ीचे ददवस माझ्या डोळयापं ढु े स्पष्ट उभे राहतात. त्या काळात आपल्या आवडत्या लखे काचे नवे पसु ्तक के व्हा प्रससद्ध होत आहे याची माझ्यासारखे अनके वाचक अगदी उत्सकु तेने वाट पाहत असत. ते पसु ्तक आपल्यासाठी राखनू ठे वावे यासाठी ग्रथं ालयामध्ये आगाऊ मागणी नोंदवली जाई. पसु ्तकाची आवतृ ्ती ककमान हजार प्रतींची असे आणण ती साधारण वर्भष रात सपं त अस.े ददवाळीच्या वेळी ववक्रे त्यापं ुढे आपले आवडते अंक खरेदी करण्यासाठी वाचकाचं ी झुबं ड उडत असे. अनके ग्रथं ालये खास ददवाळी अकं ांसाठी म्हणून सुरू होत व ततथेही आपल्या आवडत्या अकं ासाठी ‘क्लमे ’ लावला जाई. सादहत्याला एकू णच आपल्या समाजजीवनात मानाचे स्थान होत.े साहजजकच त्या काळात जीवनाच्या ववववध क्षते ्ातं ील अनेक बदु ्धधमान आणण प्रततभासंपन्न तरुण अहमहसमके ने लेखन करत असत. आपण लेखक म्हणनू पुढे यावे अशी आस असणारे अनेक जण माझ्या अवतीभवती होत.े आज मात् ती पररजस्थती पणू ष पालटली आहे. वाचनाची जी पारंपररक प्रयोजने साधं गतली जातात त्यापं कै ी मनोरंजन हे एक मोठे प्रयोजन आता टीव्हीमळु े तसे कालबाह्य ठरत आहे व मादहती पुरवणे हे सादहत्याचे दसु रे एक मोठे प्रयोजन इंटरनेट अधधक प्रभावीरीत्या पार पाडत आहे. आज सवदष रू पसरलेल्या मोबाइलमुळे तर हे सारे आता अधधकच सलु भ झाले आहे. अशा पररजस्थतीत लखे क म्हणनू आपण पढु े याव,े त्यासाठी भरपरू मेहनत करावी, व्यासगं करावा असे वाटणारयाचं ी संख्या खूपच कमी झाली आहे. म्हणजे प्रससद्धी तशी समळाली तर सवांना ाच हवी आहे, पण त्यासाठी आवश्यक ती साधना करायची मात् फारच कमी जणाचं ी तयारी असत.े या व अशा इतरही अनेक कारणांमुळे कसदार लखे नाचा प्रवाह ददवसंदे दवस अधधकाधधक आक्रसत चालला आहे. त्या सवष कारणाचं ा ऊहापोह करणे या लखे ाच्या आवाक्यात बसणे अवघड आहे. पण वाचकाचं ी अनास्था हे चागं ल्या सादहत्याच्या अभावामागचे एक मोठे कारण आहे व त्याबद्दल इथे काही सलहावसे े वाटते. ह्या अनास्थचे े एक उदाहरण इथे वानगीदाखल देतो. अंतनाषद ह्या मी १९९५ ते २०१८ या कालावधीत मी सपं ाददत करत असलेल्या माससकाच्या सदं भाषतले हे उदाहरण आहे. आमच्या एका दहतधचतं काने एक उपक्रम आमच्यासाठी राबवला. ववदभष आणण मराठवाडा ह्या वाचनससं ्कृ तीसाठी फारशा प्रख्यात नसलले ्या भागातील शंभर महाववद्यालयांची २०११ ह्या एका वर्ाषसाठीची प्रत्येकी रुपये ४५० अशी वगणष ी त्यांनी भरली. एकू ण रुपये ४५,०००. सोबत प्राचायाांसाठी एक पत्ही पाठवले गले .े अकं ाबाबतची प्रततकक्रया वर्भष रात के व्हाही एकदा ववद्यार्थयाांनी कळवावी असे आवाहन त्या पत्ात होते. उत्कृ ष्ट प्रततकक्रयेसाठी रुपये १०,०००, ७,००० व ५,००० अशी पदहली तीन बक्षक्षसे व त्यासशवाय प्रत्येकी रुपये १,००० याप्रमाणे आठ उत्तेजनाथष बक्षक्षसहे ी ठे वली. आठ-दहा वर्ांपा ूवीचे हे आकडे आहेत; आजच्या काळात त्याचे मलू ्य अधधकच भरेल. कॉलजे यवु कानं ा वाचनाकडे आकृ ष्ट करणे हाच एकमेव उद्देश त्यामागे होता. ददु ैवाने समळालेला प्रततसाद अगदी तनराशाजनक होता. एकाही ववद्यार्थयानष े प्रततकक्रया कळवली नाही! आणण त्याहूनही वाईट म्हणजे पदहल्या अकं ासोबतच्या सहपत्ाची तर सोडाच, पण नंतर वर्भष र दरमहा अंक समळत

37 राहूनही एकाही कॉलेजकडू न साधी पोचदेखील आम्हाला समळाली नाही. सादहत्यक्षते ्ातील उदासीनतचे े हे एक दारूण प्रत्यंतर होते. हे के वळ एक उदाहरण झाले. अशी मला स्वतःला आणण इतरही अनेक सपं ादक-प्रकाशकांना आलले ी अनेक उदाहरणे देता येतील. आता एक लेखक म्हणून ह्या वातावरणाकडे बतघतले तर काय वाटत?े जी कथा ककं वा लखे सलहायला कमीत कमी दोन-तीन ददवस लागतात, बरेच वाचन-धचतं न करावे लागत,े त्या लखे नाचे मानधन म्हणनू जेमतमे हजार रुपये सामान्यतः (काही अपवाद वगळून) लखे काला समळत असतात. खूपदा तहे ी समळत नाहीत. एकू ण सादहत्यववश्वाची आधथकष जस्थतीच आज इतकी के ववलवाणी आहे. आज एखाद्या प्लंबरच्या ककं वा सुताराच्या कामाचे मूल्यही समाज अधधक करतो. बरे, सलहून समाजात प्रससद्धी ककं वा प्रततष्ठा समळेल अशीही जस्थती नाही. टीव्हीवरच्या एखाद्या मासलके त काम करणारया समु ार नटालाही अधधक प्रससद्धी ककं वा प्रततष्ठा समळते. मग समाजातील प्रततभासंपन्न तरुण आज लखे नाकडे कशासाठी वळतील? या सारयावर तोडगा काढणे हा एक मोठाच ववर्य आहे, पण एक अगदी साधी गोष्ट एक वाचक म्हणनू आपण करू शकतो व ती तरी आपण आवजूनष करावी. ती म्हणजे आपली प्रततकक्रया लखे काला कळवणे. ह्या साध्या कृ तीचहे ी महत्त्व बरेच आहे. ऑथरष हेली ह्या प्रख्यात इंग्रजी लेखकाचा एक अनुभव या सदं भातष सांगण्यासारखा आहे. तो त्याच्या आयषु ्याला कलाटणी देणारा ठरला. ‘Flight into danger’ हे नाटक म्हणजे त्याचे पदहले लेखन. नाटकाचे कथानक अगदी साधे. ववमानप्रवासात प्रवाशानं ा ददलले ्या जवे णातल्या माशातं ून पायलटसह सवाांनाच ववर्बाधा होत.े आता ववमान सुरक्षक्षत उतरवणार कसे? योगायोगाने ज्याने ती डडश खाल्लले ी नसत,े असा एक म्हातारा पायलट प्रवाशातं असतो. तो पढु े होतो व ववमानतळावरील कमचष ारयाचं ्या (ग्राऊं ड स्टाफच्या) सहकायानष े ववमान सुरक्षक्षत उतरवतो. कॅ नेडीअन टेलजे व्हजनवरून हे नाटक प्रक्षवे पत झाल.े बरयाच वर्ाांनंतर हेलीने सलदहले आहे, “ते नाटक संपल्यानतं र लगेचच मला असभनंदनाचे फोन यायला सरु ुवात झाल.े नाटक ककती भावले हे प्रत्येक जण सागं त होता. पढु चे चार ददवस माझा फोन सतत घणघणत होता! मी त्यावेळी एक ववक्रे ता म्हणून नोकरी करत होतो. पण हा प्रततसाद इतका भारावनू टाकणारा होता, की नोकरी सोडू न पूणवष ळे लखे नच करायची प्ररे णा मला त्यामुळे समळाली.” त्यानंतर हेलीने Wheels, Airport, Hotel, Final Diagnosis, In High Places, The Strong Mediciine, The Evening News यांसारख्या एकापेक्षा एक सरस व लोकवप्रयतेचे उच्चांक गाठणारया अनके कादंबरया सलदहल्या. त्यातल्या प्रत्येकीवर धचत्पटही तनघाले, तेही खूप गाजले आणण जगातील अनेक प्रमुख भार्ांमध्ये ह्या कादंबरयाचं े अनवु ाददेखील प्रकासशत झाले. लखे क म्हणनू हेलीने समळवलेल्या अफाट यशामागे नक्कीच इतरही अनके कारणे असणार, पण त्या लखे नामागची पदहली प्ररे णा ही पाठीवरच्या त्या कौतुकाच्या पदहल्या थापेने ददली होती. तो प्रततसाद वळे च्या वेळी समळाला नसता, तर कदाधचत हेली याने आपले आयुष्य लेखनासाठी वाहून घेतले नसते आणण त्याच्या उत्तम कादंबरया जगभरच्या वाचकांना वाचायला समळाल्याही नसत्या. ह्याच्या अगदी उलटा अनभु व आपल्याकडे अनके लखे कांना आला आहे. ‘हल्ली वाचतो कोण?’, ‘कशासाठी सलहायचं?’ असे प्रश्न अनेक जुने-जाणते लखे क आजकाल ववचारतात. प्रततसादाच्या अभावी कोमजे नू गेलले े अनके प्रततभेचे अकं ु र अवतीभवती ददसतील. कसदार लखे नाच्या अभावामागचे हेही एक महत्त्वाचे कारण आहे. वाचकांचा प्रततसाद व त्यातनू साधला जाणारा वाचक-लखे क संवाद हा तनकोप सादहत्यसंस्कृ ती जोपासण्यासाठीदेखील आवश्यक आहे. वाचकप्रततसाद नसले , तर सवष लेखनव्यवहार हा के वळ एकददशा वाहतुकीसारखा ठरेल. लखे क-वाचक सवं ादातूनच सादहत्यचचाष सुरू

38 होत.े त्या चचेतनू होणारे ववचारमथं न दरू धचत्वाणी व मोबाइलवरच्या रंगीबरे ंगी भलू भलु यै ात हरवनू गेलले ्या आणण जादा-सोच-मत ही भसू मका स्वीकारणारया आजच्या समाजात अत्यावश्यक आहे. वाचनाचे प्रमाण कमी होते आहे असे अनेकदा बोलले जाते आणण बरयाच प्रमाणात ते खरेही आहे; पण अमरे रके चे माजी राष्राध्यक्ष बराक ओबामा याचं ्यापासनू भारतातील एखाद्या प्राथसमक सशक्षकापयतंा काही जण तरी आजही सलदहत असतात. लखे नातून पैसा ककं वा प्रससद्धी फारशी समळाली नाही तरीही ते लखे नासाठी वेळ काढतात; आपली इतर असखं ्य कामे बाजलू ा सारून लखे न करतात. ते का सलदहतात? याची उत्तरे अनके असू शकतील पण ह्याचे एक समपकष उत्तर जा ल क्लणे झओ (Jean Le Clezio) ह्या २००८ सालच्या नोबले परु स्कारववजते ्या फ्रंे च लखे काने ददले आहे. तो म्हणतो, “We write to be read, we write to have responses.” (“वाचले जावे म्हणून आम्ही सलदहतो, प्रततसाद समळावा म्हणून आम्ही सलदहतो.”) नवोददत वा प्रस्थावपत कु ठलाही लेखक असला, आणण के वळ ‘स्वान्तसुखाय’ लेखनाचा कोणी ककतीही दावा के ला, तरी प्रत्येक लखे काच्या मनाचा एक कोपरातरी वाचकाचं ्या प्रततसादाचा तनजश्चतपणे कानोसा घेत असतो. तसे नसते, तर सलहून झालेले सादहत्य कोणी प्रकासशतच के ले नसते! रससकाची दाद समळाल्यासशवाय तनसमतष ीला पूणतष ्व लाभत नाही असे म्हणतात. म्हणूनच वाचकाने आपली प्रततकक्रया लखे काला कळवणे हे सादहत्यससं ्कृ ती जोपासण्यासाठी त्याने ददलेले एक सहजशक्य पण महत्त्वाचे असे योगदान आहे. लेखनाची खोटी स्तुती करावी असे अथातष च कोणीही म्हणणार नाही; पण एखादे लखे न आपल्याला खरेच आवडले असले तर तसे त्या लेखकाला आवजूनष कळवावे. त्याबाबतीत आळस करू नये, सकं ोच बाळगू नये, अनास्था दाखवू नये. त्या लेखकाचे आत्मबळ वाढवण्यासाठी आपली प्रततकक्रया उपयकु ्त ठरू शकत.े स्वतः लखे कानं ीही एकमेकांना आपली प्रामाणणक प्रततकक्रया आवजूनष कळवायला हवी. यात कोणीच कसलाही कमीपणा मानायचे कारण नाही. कारण लखे क हा स्वतःदेखील एक वाचक असतोच. सशवाय लखे कानं ीही असा प्रततसाद देणारया वाचकाची मनापासनू कदर करायला हवी; खोट्या अहंकाराच्या आहारी जाऊन त्याच्याकडे दलु कष ्ष तर कधीही करू नये. इथे माझा एक अनभु व सागं ावासा वाटतो. सातारा येथील सपु ्रससध्द लखे क व ववचारवतं डॉक्टर दत्तप्रसाद दाभोळकर यांचा फोन आला होता. ते सांगत होते, “आजचा ददवस माझ्या आयुष्यातील सवाषधधक आनंदाचा ददवस आहे. माझ्यासमोर एक शते करी बसले आहेत. आज भल्या सकाळी ते बारामतीहून बसने तनघाले व इथे सातारयाला माझ्या घरी आले. बरोबर ‘रंग याचा वगे ळा...’ ह्या माझ्या नव्या पुस्तकाच्या सहा प्रती घेऊन. त्यांना ते पुस्तक अततशय आवडले व म्हणनू त्यांनी त्याच्या सहा प्रती ववकत घते ल्या. समत्ानं ा भेट देण्यासाठी. त्यांना ह्या प्रतींवर माझ्या सह्या हव्या आहेत! एखादा अपररधचत वाचक इतक्या लाबं नू असा आपणहून भेटायला येणं याहून मोठा आनंद लेखकाला कु ठला असू शकतो?” वाचकप्रततसादातून असा आनदं योग कु ठल्याही लेखकाच्या जीवनात येऊ शकतो आणण अनके लेखकांच्या बाबतीत हा आनदं योग म्हणजे जणू संजीवनीच असते. भानू काळे (९८५०८ १००९१ / [email protected]) (पनु रमदु्रिि)