Kalam Aur Kala...

Kalam Aur Kala ….The Rakshak Magazine Sunday, 25th October 2020 Dashahara Special

. P R E F A C E………. It gives us immense pleasure to display the talent of the members of the Rakshak Society in this RAKSHAK DIWALI e MAGAZINE, “ Kalam Aur Kala”. This is a compilation of written and pictorial work for your reading pleasure. In fact it is a repository,a preserve of the thoughts and skill of our members and their families. Rakshak Society has a unique weave,with elderly members from the forces, some others from various fields,the gen next who are equally or more enthusiastic and are savvy with the ever nouveau digital world. In addition we have the tiny tots too with their super active brains. The idea of having an e- Magazine sprung from the Covid 19 situation,which prevents us from holding the usual RASIC Get Togethers. “Kalam Aur Kala” will create a ‘Coming Together’ with a difference. These pages ensure an interesting read of articles.Some of them depict the fauji life, while some are general stories.There are humorous stories/Covid 19 humour or Achievements of members.Poems and Informative and researched articles are included too.Pics of old Rakshak, Paintings made by our own members,Recipes from expert cooks of our society, and above all our pets,snakes,flowers,trees and birds too have their own deserving niche here. Photographs of programs have been added according to their availability. The magazine team thanks each and every one of you who have contributed to the Magazine’s Success. We also extend our gratitude to all the readers who will relish the contents of this Magazine. The magazine is a first time issue .Kindly bear with us if we have wronged anywhere. HAPPY DUSHERA AND HAPPY DIWALI to ALL STAY HOME, STAY SAFE AND HAPPY READING TO ALL PRESENTING “KALAM AUR KALA” A Big THANK YOU to all those who have helped to bring the Magazine to its fruition: Mrs Sumati Apte, Mrs Tuli Roy, Mrs Madhuri Godbole, Mrs Sandhya Kathavate and Mrs Anuya Deo… …with the able guidance from Mr Anand Halbe , Dr Anil Godbole, and support from the RCHS Managing Committee. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 1

. CONTENTS ARTICLES ON RAKSHAK/LEKH RAKSHAK KE(4) 1.A Happy Haven -- Laila Banerjee……………………………………………………….……………………….Page 5 2.A Walk in Rakshak – Brig Ravi Palsokar. …………………………………………………..……………….Page 6 3.My childhood at Rakshak – Mrs Aditi (Deo) Athavale……………………………………………….Page 8 4.The Walkers’ Club of Rakshak – AVM PL Purohit VM (Retd ) …………………………………….Page 10 5.The early days of Rakshak – Col Sudhir Barge(Retd) …………………….………………………….Page 11 6.Once upon a Rakshak-Photos –Mrs Vinita Bhatia……………………………………….…………….Page 17 7.Snakes …Our Friends not Foes—Mr Rashid Ali………………………………..……………………….Page 18 EXPERIENCES/KUCHH ANUBHAV(27) 1.Dev Taari Tyaala – Maj M.D.Apte(Retd) …………………………………………………….…………….Page 28 2.Kaalyaa Petyaa- Ek Anubhav – Mrs Madhuri Mane………………….……………………………….Page 30 3.The Address Book – Maj Gen S. Pitre (Retd ) ……………………………………..…………………….Page 31 4.Those Fifteen Days – Mrs Sumati Apte……………………………………………………….…………….Page 34 CREATIVE WRITING/RACHNAATMAK(37) 1. Into the Woods—Jai Satpute……………………………………………………………………………….Page 38 2. Mii Aani Tho – Mrs Sandhya Kathavate……………………………………….……………………….Page 39 3. Sriniwas Panse Ka Aangan –Mrs Shubha Chaubal……………….……………………………….Page 40 4. Surrender Swiftly –Mrs Sulabha Gupte……………………….…………….………………………….Page 41 5. Joy of Giving –Avantika Kher…………………………………….…………….………………..………….Page 42 ART WORK/KALAKRITI(43) 1.Paintings- Water Colours,4 – Mrs Gauri Khamboj…………………………………….……….…….Page 44 2.Paintings-Water Colours-3- Dr (Gp Capt )Suchitra Mankar(Retd ) ……..……..…………….Page 46 3.Paintings-Water Colours- 3- Mrs Varsha Pitre………………………………….………..…………….Page 48 4.Cross Stitch -2- Mrs Vinita Bhatia…………………………………………………….…..…….…………….Page 49 5.Painting- 1- Col V. R. Patil…………………………………………………………….…..……………..……….Page 50 6.Charcoal Sketch – 1- Mrs Madhuri Mane…………………………………….……....………………….Page 50 7.Painting -1- Myra Kathavate…………………………………………………….…..………………………….Page 50 8.Mandala Art -2- Miss Anubha Javadekar…………………………..…….…..………………………….Page 51 K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 2

. PEOPLE OF RAKSHAK/HUM LOG(52) 1.In remembrance of Late Dr Mrs Mangala Vijay Painoli – Mrs Sujata Hasbnis ………….Page 53 2.Kili Conquered –Advait Madhur Rao………………………………………………………..……………….Page 54 3.Rakshak Paraglider – Mr Shreesh Kathavate………………………………….………………………….Page 56 4.Rakshak Society at the core of my Cycling Journey—Divya Tate……………………………….Page 57 5.Kumudini’s Passion for Pets – Dr Minakshi Thorat………………………………………..………….Page 61 6.Kenya Safari - Mr Anand Halbe……………………………………………………………………..………….Page 63 7.The Day When Olive Came Home – Neeva Godbole…………..…………………………………….Page 66 8.Dogs and their Owners – Mr Pinakin Khamboj………………………………………………………….Page 68 FOR YOUR TASTE BUDS/ZAIKA(70) 1.Divine Cooking and 6 recipes – Jyotsna(Lohana) Dwivedi………………………………………….Page 71 2.Vegetarian Snack Recipes –2 —Vilol Palsokar………………………………………….……………….Page 76 3.Khana Khazana-2 recipes --Alyona (Lohana) Kapoor……………………………..………………….Page 77 4.Nautical Flavours –2 Recipes -- Mrs Anjali Deshpande ………………………….………………….Page 79 5 Lata’s tasty secrets- 4 recipes--Lata Lohana …………………………………………………………….Page 82 HUMOUR/HASI MAZAAK(84) 1.The Rakshak Kachra Party – Mrs Devika (Kurane)Paranjpe……………….…………………….Page 85 2.Lost in Transition—Mrs Anuya Deo………………………………………………………………….…….Page 88 3.Corona –Mrs Sandhya Kathavate……………………………………………………………………..…….Page 89 4.Lockdown Unlocked – Dr Mrs (Gp Capt )Suchitra Mankar ……………………….…………….Page 90 5.Shaadi Yaa Barbadi – Col Swamy…………………………………………………………………………….Page 91 6.Life is a Journey – Mrs Madhuri Godbole…………………………………..…………………………….Page 92 7.HA HA! Jokes – Mrs Ranjna Kowley……………………………………………..………………………….Page 95 INFORMATIVE/KUCHH JAANKARI(96) 1.Knock out Indoor Pollution – Dr Mrs Manisha Bhosale…………………………………………….Page 97 2.Navapatrikas(Story of Navratri Goddesses)—Mrs Nileema Halbe……………..…………….Page 100 3.The First Postage in The World – Mr Dileep Halbe………………………………………….……….Page 111 4.Milk- Facts and Fallacies – Dr Dinesh Bhosale………………………………………………………….Page 112 5.Simple Home Remedies – Mrs Bharti Lele……………………………………………………………….Page 116 PHOTOS/CHAYA CHITRA(117) 1.Memories of Rakshak – Compilation – Mr Snehasis Bose……………………………….)…….Page 119 2.Birds and Flowers of Rakshak—Mrs Anuya Deo…………………………………………….……….Page 125 3. Nature at Rakshak – Pinakin Khamboj………………………………………………………….……….Page 127 K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 3

. Articles on Rakshak/ Lekh rakshak ke K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 4

. A HAPPY HAVEN By Laila Banerjee (Grand-daughter of Khannas‘) Rakshak society has always been like a small cosy family to me. Rakshak is where my maternal grandparents live. My sister and I visited my grandparents every summer. Although my visits to Rakshak have reduced, It‘s still as close to my heart as it was when I was 5. Rakshak felt like a warm and happy haven every time I visited my grandparents, in fact that feeling is still there. Rakshak was where I made my first friends who I feel equally excited to me even now and made unforgettable memories with them. I remember getting onto our cycles in the evening and picking everyone up from their houses. Sometimes it was my sister and me collecting everyone and the rest of the time everyone else. We used to race to the our park which is now the open air gym. Sometimes we would just swing or play around the monkey bar. Other times we would play hide and seek. I remember how angry Lakshman bhaiya used to get if we climbed the roof of the club house so we had to do it quietly. A lot of the times we even played games like catch-catch and ice and water. I remember visiting each other‘s houses every once in a while to drink cold juice or catch up on a small snack after playing for a good one or two hours. One of my best memories is also celebrating my birthdays in Rakshak. They were the most wonderful birthdays. My favourite part of the birthday in the whole day used to be in the evening. All my friends would come over. We would play musical chairs, blindfolded games and my favourite of all, treasure hunt. There was always one cake that came for my birthday. It was a chocolate cake and had flowers on. Although it came for my birthday from when I was probably three to when I was ten, I loved it and so did all my friends! The two months I spent in Pune were the most wholesome months of the year. I would not want to trade those memories for anything else. I look forward to visiting Pune even now and meeting everyone in Rakshak. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 5

. A WALK IN RAKSHAK By Ravi We all know that our Society is very special. What makes it so? The people of course, but the greenery we have, the birdlife and occasional wildlife, all add to its charm. Come let us take a walk together and savour its attractions. Start at the main gate. Once you are past the barrier, you see a whole line of Shankhasur trees on the right, stretching all the way, presently in full bloom and at its best. On the left are the bungalows, each decorated by the greenery planted by its residents. Notice the honeysuckle covering the wall and a little further ahead, among the ficus trees, a special hibiscus which changes the colour of its flowers from white in the morning to pink or red in the evening. This is ‗hibiscus mutabilis‘. Walk ahead and you are met by a row of various trees, hibiscuses and spathodeas (tulip trees), till you come to the club premises. Here a gulmohar (sadly without its flowers at present) and the lone peepul claim your attention. Don‘t stop now and carry on along the riot of colour on your right, there is a line of variety of trees but surely the pride of place must belong to Rita‘s `fried egg tree‘ (oncoba spinosa) which is one of the only two in the whole of Pune. Further ahead you will notice a welcome patch of lush green lawn along the road and look right, there are a few sticks of sugarcane, hibiscus, balsam and in season, hollyhocks. Continue to the end and come to the most delightful cul-de-sac with thick greenery across the wall, interspersed with seasonal cosmos flowers in full bloom. Did you notice the various araucarias (Christmas trees) inside the houses or was your attention drawn by the occasional moorhen or the raucous call of the peacocks with their hens across the wall? They have invaded us only recently. Now you notice the birds, besides the common mynahs, crows, parrots and turtle doves, you will see almost every type of bird. Bulbuls, both red vented (common) and crested (white cheeked), fantail flycatchers, crow pheasants (Bhardwaj), sunbirds, munias, the occasional hornbills, the call of the iora and the magpie robins. We also have golden orioles and just occasionally thrushes and just once, little minivets. Some houses have baya nests with their distinctive architecture which hold attention. Notice also the yellow oleanders (bittyas) – these are poisonous but the birds use them as a pharmacy and then there are the all- pervading chafa (champak) in colours, white, pink and red, the ubiquitous neem and in some places the parijatak. Turn the corner and walk towards the gate now, again you see the bungalows on either side hidden by trees and shrubbery and brightly coloured bougainvillea, all lovingly tended by their owners. Come further ahead and walk along the wall and you may hear the partridges, both common and painted but difficult to spot. But when in bloom, the laburnum (bahawa) will catch your eye. Drumsticks, coconut and tamarind trees also cover the open space. Go along the last lane and come to the barred gate and turn to the left. You now encounter what I call Lalita‘s garden with the recently planted papaya trees, some in flower and some fruiting. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 6

. And don‘t miss Dilip‘s drip irrigated greenery to your left. It is a wonderful bit of stretch till the path narrows and returns to the main gate. Our lanes in the morning and evenings are full of walkers, mostly regular, cyclists young and old, recreational and some serious ones. As also the joggers of both sexes, again earnest or recreational. The talent that Rakshakites have must be unparalleled. Singers – classical and popular, dance exponents, artists, authors and experts on every subject. You want to know about trees and plants, ask Meera or Neelima; birds are Doron‘s speciality; want a snake caught, Rashid and Nitin will answer every call. Of volunteers we have no dearth as the recent lockdowns or the online tombola and entertainment on Rakshak day showed. Whilst the residents of all ages are as much to thank for this happy state, don‘t forget the office staff and workers who have soldiered through the difficult lockdown days and continue to do so. End at the Club House and the expanse of lawn which is the work of the late Maya Kapoor. Also let us not forget our newest residents – I will pick only the youngest three – Gargi who has just started walking, Yuvan who is yet to do so and little Tara, who has still to step out. May their dawns be as joyful as ours and may God bless us all, each and every one of us and continue to keep Rakshak the oasis that it is. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 7

. My childhood at Rakshak.. by Mrs Aditi (Deo) Athavale Pitter patter..pitter patter…hear the raindrops….Splish splash splish splash!!Jumping in the puddle…There goes a hare! Did you see the fish in the storm drains??? Oh yes,I even caught a few!! And suddenly out comes the sun and we see a beautiful rainbow in the sky… This is what my childhood was at 95 Rakshak. We came to Rakshak in 1987. Vast open expanse of land, a handful of bungalows and a solitary hillock in the background. Add to all this a wonderful group of retired officers and ladies whom we happily called Aunty and Uncle.. This is what Rakshak was 33 plus years ago…. A lot many anecdotes I have but will restrict myself and will share a few with you. My alma mater was situated quite a distance away. A three ton would ferry me to and fro. My time schedule for leaving from home for school coincided with the morning walk of a few of the uncles and aunties. Halbe Uncle (late Col.M N Halbe) was one of them. He was always curious as to what the contents of my tiffin box were. And me being a six year old was mortally scared that he would eat it all up. Another time I was so engrossed in paying on the swings after school that I missed this Three ton. Imagine the panic that it caused my mother when she saw the Three ton sans daughter dearest. It was then that the gracious Mrs. Maya Kapoor consoled my mother and accompanied her in an auto rickshaw to look for me. Both the ladies couldn‘t contain their relief and laughter seeing me comfortably perched in the dining room of Sr. Mark(the principal of my school) enjoying sandwiches and milk. Evenings were lovely at Rakshak. No pollution...no vehicular movement, mind you there wasn‘t even a compound wall!! The metal road toward the village too wasn‘t there….what existed was a kaccha rasta….the pucca one came much later…. We used to cycle down to the village, go right upto the river and be back all in an hours‘ time. The river mind you was a clean one back then and just across the river were lush sugarcane fields. Not to forget the village potter who turned out some excellent pottery. How can I not mention the graceful ladies or aunties of Rakshak…mind you I was of a very impressionable age!!! Chaubal aunty and Apte Aunty in their pretty sarees… impeccably dressed for school….or the graceful Halbe Aunty always a scented jasmine in her hair…..Naik aunty in her white as snow attire with her very fashionable black goggles…Rita aunty in her dainty chiffons for the new year parties…….and all the other aunties perfectly dressed even for their evening walks….Oh what sights a child‘s mind can hold onto…. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 8

. I guess I could go on forever…. Memories are endless and priceless and my love for Rakshak and its people is truly boundless…… K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 9

. The Walkers‟ Club of RCHS By Uttam Purohit Our Society has a unique institution:‖ The Walkers‘ Club!‖ No one knows when or who started it. But it is growing from strength to strength. Its membership is open to all those residing within the Society bounds, irrespective of whether an individual is Member, Tenant or Helper. The Club has two sessions: Morning session starts at around 5:30AM while the evening session commences at about 5:30 PM. There is no age bar; we have chirping members from under eight years of age to, to giggling teenagers, to serious thinkers past eighty. One mandatory rule to be followed by all members (except the little ones and the ‗teenagers) is to exchange salutations with every ‗on-coming‘ Member. It could be merely a ―hi...‖ to ―good evening/morning‖ etc. One may also get into a long chat with someone, met after a long absence. Although the registered name of the club is ―Walkers‖ club Members can attend sessions using Bicycles. However, there is a speed restriction for Bicycles: they are not allowed to peddle at less than 60km per hour. Startling a Walker, by suddenly whizzing past him/her, is mandatory! Cars and M Bikes are strictly not allowed. Members may also bring their pets for any session. But they are only allowed to use the grassy shoulders of paths for their ‗poo‘ (I mean the pets!)Sub grouping of members is allowed. But entry into a sub group is strictly controlled by their existing members. Once you understand and follow the basics the walks are really enjoyable! Beautifully colored bungalows with their enchanting gardens allow you to forget the day‘s tussles. During season the path ways are lined up by colorful trees; like Laburnum, goldmohors, Jacarandas and pink or white Champaks. Interestingly, there is one unique tree named Pink Cassia, which flowers just towards the end of summer and sprinkles the road underneath with cute little starry pink flowers. Then there are fruit trees: mangos almost everywhere. Jack fruits in a few houses and tall coconut trees, bent backwards, with their ‗out-of-reach‘ fruits. During your walks, you may also hear the clarion call of a peacock or, if you are lucky (?) enough, an odd reptile might wriggle its way hurriedly across your path! The Walkers Club has done a great service to its Members: Not only has it kept them safe and sound from the Corona Virus, but also it has brought all members closer together than before! K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 10

. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 11

. Barge- Photo from banahatti's terrace K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 12

Rakshak Picni.c Photographs K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 13

Rakshak Pic.nic Photographs K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 14

Old Rakshak. photographs L to R-Tamane, Chaubal, Taskar, Swamy, Phadnavis, Bhatia (red sloping roof),Wadhwa (blue roof ) - taken from harry kapoor's terrace. Kowley, Halbe, Rege- taken from hasabnis's terrace K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 15

Old Raksh.ak photographs L to R-Hingorani, Taskar, Khanna, Wadhwa- taken from barge's terrace L to R- Deshmukh, Garg, Joshi, Chaubal, Tamhane, Phadnavis taken from Barges Terrace K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 16

Old Rakshak ph.otographs By Mrs Vinita Bhatia Halbe‘s house under construction Overlooking Gen Pitre‘s house K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 17

. SNAKES……OUR FRIENDS, NOT FOES By Mr 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. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 18

. 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 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. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 19

. 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. 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 K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 20

. 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. 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. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 21

. 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 K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 22

. 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. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 23

. Spectacled Cobra VENOMOUS Marathi name – Nag 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 K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 24

. 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 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 K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 25

. 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: Rashid Ali +91 9923289848 Nitin Khanna +91 9422505491 Katraj Snake Park 020 24370747 K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 26

. Experiences/Kuchh Anubhav K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 27

. dova tarI %yaalaa ……… mau.id.AapTo kahI vaYaa-MpUvaI- rmaoSa AaiNa saImaa dova hyaaMcaa inataMt sauMdr AaiNa laaokip`ya Asaa \"sauvaaisanaI\" ha ica~pT Aazvatao Æ vaayausaonaotIla tao AiQakarI jaao yauwamaQyao hrvalaolaa ikMvaa maR%yaU pavalaolaa Asao sarkarnao jaahIr kolaolaa AsaUna jaKmaI Avasqaot GarI prt yaotao Asao %yaat daKvalao haoto. pNa maI tumhalaa p`%yaxa jaIvanaat Asao GaDlaolao Aaho¸ Asao saaMigatlao tr Æ haoya² kna-la EaIkaMt hsabanaIsa ³inavaR%t´ ho 1962 cyaa caIna¹Baart yauwat laDaKmaQyao kaya-rt AsataMnaa yauwkOdI JaalyaamauLo caInacyaa kÐpmaQyao 20 Aa^@Taobar to 10 mao pya-Mt raihlao haoto. hsabanaIsaaMcyaa puNyaacyaa GarI BaartsarkarkDUna ―missing belived dead‖ ASaI tarhI AalaI haotI. \"saaba¸ hmao [sa trh bakrI ko jaOsao [na BaoDaoMko baIcaaobaIca @yaaoM rKa hOMÆ\" ha p`Sna haota 5 jaaT baTailayanacyaa eka hvaaladaracaa kna-lasaahobaaMnaa ² Acaanak AadoSa yao}na kMpnaI kmaaMDr hsabanaIsa va %yaaMcyaa 60 javaanaaMnaa pMjaabamaQaUna laDaKmaQaIla 18000 fuTaMvarIla caInacyaa h_IjavaLIla caaOkIvar ivamaanaanao naoNyaat Aalao. %yaavaoLI toqaIla vaatavarNa sava-saamaanya haoto. prMtu spYT idsat haoto ik ektr AfaT icanaI saOnya A%yaaQauinak¸ svayaMcailat Sas~aMsah saMpUNa- tyaarIinaSaI h_Ilagana AaËmaNaacyaa tyaarIt haoto. %yaaMcao rajakIya va laYkrI naoto 3000 maOlaaMva$na p`%yaxa yao}na saOnyaalaa saUcanaa dot¸ Anaok dRYTInao yauwacaI tyaarI krt haoto AaiNa BaartacaI kaya pirisqatI haotI Æ t%kalaIna rajakIya nao%yaaMnaa yauwacaI tyaarI ikMvaa saImaovarIla pirisqatIcao p`aqaimak &anahI navhto ² ]cca laYkrI AiQakaáyaaMnaI kahI saavaQaigarIcyaa saUcanaa kolyaa tr %yaaMcaI taoMDo baMd kolaI jaayacaI ² Aamacyaa javaanaaMjavaL jaunaI puraNaI AaiNa ApurI Sas~as~o haotI. [t@yaa ]McaIvar rhataMnaa AavaSyak ASaI pad~aNao¸ garma kpDo [. sauwa purivalaolao navhto. mhNaUna %yaa hvaaladaracaa ha p`Sna ² ASaa pirisqatIt 20 Aa^@Taobar cyaa ra~I icanyaaMnaI da$gaaoLa va baMdukaMcaa vaapr k$na Baartacyaa 24 caaO@yaa naostnaabaUd k$na Taklyaa ² kna-la hsabanaIsa va %yaaMcyaa sahkaáyaaMnaa jaaga yao}na to kahI tyaarI krNyaapUvaI-ca icanaI saOinak sarL tMbaUmaQyao GausaUna fayarIMga k$ laagalao ² %yaat %yaaMcao tIsa javaana maR%yau pavalao va 18 jaNa jaKmaI Jaalao. p`itkar krNyaacaa p`Snaca navhta.karNa icanaI saOinakaMcao laaoMZocyaa laaoMZo kÐpmaQyao Gausat haoto ² icanyaaMnaI maojarsaahobaaMnaa AaiNa caaOGaaMnaa samaaorcyaa kaorDyaa naalyaat basavalao AaiNa va$na %yaaMcao saOinak pahat haoto. Sas~o KalaI TaklaI pNa taz maanaonao kOdI banaUna icanyaaMcyaa maagao gaolao. AaScayaa-caI gaaoYT mhNajao kOdI mhNaUna icanyaaMnaI %yaaMcaa SaarIirk CL kolaa naahI. prMtu duBaaYyaamaaf- t satt p`Sna ivacaa$na maanaisak CL kolaa. prMtu to BaartIya saOnyaaba_la kahIca maaihtI ivacaaronaat. karNa kna-la mhNaalao %yaaMnaaca Aamacyaapoxaa Aamacyaa saOnyaacaI jaast maaihtI haotI. daona¹tIna vaYaa-MpUvaI- AaËmaNa k$na itbaoT igaLMÌt k$na toqao %yaaMnaI kmyauinasT rajavaT AaNalaI haotI. laaokSaahIpoxaa kmyauinasT rajavaTIt saamaanya maaNasaalaa inadana daona vaoLcao jaovaNa trI imaLto¸ Asaa icanyaaMcaa davaa haota. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 28

. mhNaUna Baartavar AaËmaNa k$na Asaaca ik<aa igarivaNyaasaazI %yaaMnaI ho AaËmaNa kolyaacao icanyaaMnaI kna- lasaahobaaMnaa saaMigatlao. %yaaMnaa BaartIya laaokaMba_la Sa~u%va navhto pNa Baart sarkarba_la caID haotI. maI kna-lanaa ivacaarlaM ik tumacaa kOdot AsataMnaa vaoL ksaa jaayacaaÆ to mhNaalao ik kahI krayacaM naahI¸ hIca tr iSaxaa haotI. kna-la kmaalaIcao dovaBa@t¸ saccao pMZrIcao vaarkrI. SaovaTI %yaaMnaI Aaplyaa kaoTacaI maaozI naaDI kaZUna %yaalaa 108 gaazI maa$na %yaacaI japmaaL banavalaI² icanyaaMcyaa dovaaQamaa-ba_la p`SnaaMnaa SaaMtpNao gaItotIla Slaaok saaMgaUna samap-k ]dahrNao do}na ]%tro idlaI. marNaao<ar prmavaIr caË imaLivalaolaa QanaisaMga qaapa %yaaMcaa $ma¹paT-nar ³tMbaU¹paT-nar´ haota. KaNyaaipNyaacao p`caMD hala Jaalao. %yaa kalaavaQaIt kna-lasaahobaaMcao 30 paOMD vajana kmaI Jaalao. prMtu kovaL naSaIba qaaor AaiNa dovaavarIla gaaZ, Eawa hyaaMcyaamauLoca to sauK$p GarI prt Aalao. prMtu AajahI %yaa AazvaNaI saaMgatanaa %yaaMnaa haoNaaáyaa maanaisak vaodnaa %yaaMcyaa caoháyaavar spYT idsaUna yaotat……… 1970 maQyao janarla maaiNakSaa hyaaMcyaa hsto kna-la saahobaaMnaa ivaiSaYz saovaa pdk bahala krNyaat Aalao. 1971cyaa baaMgalaa doSa yauwat kna-la saahobaaMnaI Aaplyaa baTailayana saiht Baaga Gaotlaa haota. tovhahI %yaaMcaa sa%kar krNyaat Aalaa. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 29

. \"kaLyaa poTyaa\"…… ek AnauBava saaO.maaQaurI maanao vaacataca xaNaI vaacaNyaasa basaavao Asao ho SaIYa-k naahI. prMtu ]%saukta vaaZlaI Asaola. baáyaaca vaoLa kaLa rMga ha ASauBa maanalaa jaatao¸ ikMvaa kaoNaalaa AavaDthI naahI. prMtu \"kaLyaa poTyaa\" ho faOjaIcyaa AayauYyaatIla pNa ek pUNa- sa%ya Aaho. p`%yaok faOjaI maga tao javaana Asaao ikMvaa AiQakarI Asaao¸ tao ekda faOja maQyao BatI- Jaalaa ik¸ %yaacyaabaraobar 1¹2 kaLyaa poTyaa AaiNa ek haolDr ³baoD,Iga´ vagaOro saMsaar maagao laagaayacaa tao SaovaTpya-Mt AgadI inavaR%t hao[-pya-Mt. puZo kaLyaa poTyaaMcao SaopUT vaaZt jaato. jaovaNaamaQyao itKT¹imazaiSavaaya cava yaot naahI %yaacap`maaNao faOjaIcyaa saMsaaralaa kaLyaa poTyaaMiSavaaya rMgatca yaot naahI. maOi~NaIcaa AnauBava 1. \"AamhI kaoNa%yaahI badlaIcyaa jaagaI gaolaao kI poTyaa zovaayacyaa kuzo Æ ha p`Sna² Kasak$na baOzkIcaI KaolaI saapDayacaI. caar caar poTyaaMcyaa AaQaaravar AamhI basat AsaU idvaaNa samajaUna ² %yaaMnaa navyaa caadrI vagaOro GaalaUna Gar sajja. %yaathI AamacaI caZaAaoZ \"M maorI saaDI torI saaDIsao safod @yaaoM Æ\" %yaa poTyaaMvar naavao Taka AakDyaaMcaI ËmavaarI¸ %yaaMcaI naaoMd vahI jaIvaapaD japa. AgadI naakI na} yaayacao. kahI ivacaa$ naka.\" malaa vaOyai@tk vaaTayacao kI¸ poTyaa Aamacyaaca pacavaIlaa ka pujalyaa Asaavyaat. AnauBava 2. \" iSavaajaI maharajaaMnaI Aaga`yaahUna AaplaI saTu ka poTaáyaat lapUna basaUna k$na GaotlaI. tovhapasaUna poTI ha Sabd vaacanaat AalyaapasaUna faOjaIcyaa GaratIla poTyaa %yaahI kaLyaa kaLyaa poTyaa baGaUna ekp`karcao kutuhla inamaa-Na Jaalao. prMtu to iSavaajaI maharaja haoto. svarajyaasaazI laZlao. Aamacao javaana¹ AiQakarIhI gainamaI kavyaanao laZtat. saonaadla¹hvaa[-dla¹AaiNa naaOdla \"Aamha baayakaMnaa %yaacaa AiBamaana Aaho.\" \"laok inaGaalaI saasarlaa\" badlaIcyaa izkaNaI jaayacao tovha %yaa poTyaa kaLyaa rMgaanao naTayacyaa. naava¹ËmaaMk vagaOro saubakta AsaayacaI. %yaavar iptLI kulaup laavaUna %yaaMnaa baMd krayacao. maOi~NaIlaa tr hI ipvaLI kulaup saaonyaacaI Dula ikMvaa kNa-fulaca vaaTayacaI. maI AjaUnahI mhNato idvasa badlaot prMtu %yaaca kaLyaa poTyaa faOjaIcyaa saMsaaracyaa saaxaIdar Aahot. inavaR%t hao}na barIca vaYao- JaalaI trI AazvaNaI KatIr 2¹4 poTyaa zovalyaat jaNaU %yaa ivamaanaat Asalaolyaa bla^k baa^@sa p`maaNao. sava- AazvaNaI Aahot¸ AnauBava Aahot. \" jaya ihMd \" K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 30

. THE ADDRESS BOOK by Maj Gen S. Pitre (Retd ) It was a normal sultry day in Kolkata then known as Calcutta, the fifth of October of 1965 and if I remember correctly, a Saturday. The 1965 War with Pakistan had ended in the third week of September. Our newly raised Infantry Division was moved on the Eastern Border during May/ June of 65. We had waited with bated breath and with great expectations for the war to start any time. Twice during September, the D day was communicated. The War started in the West in August and was over by the third week of September. Nothing happened on the Eastern Border. We only cooled our heels, literally. And then, as if to get over the fatigue of doing nothing, the Hoteliers Association decided to host a gala dinner for the Army at the Grand Hotel to ‗express their gratitude for the sacrifices made‘, so they said. Lieutenant General (later Field Marshal) Sam Maneckshaw, the then Eastern Army Commander, was invited as the Chief Guest. Eight of us from our regiment were detailed to attend the dinner. Packed tightly in two Willey Jeeps, we left after early lunch from the border town of Bangaon and drove to the famous Five Star Hotel in our battle fatigues. Warmly received, we were soon seated together at the earmarked table. The Hoteliers Association had gone all out to make it an enjoyable jamboree. The evening was packed with floor shows. Uninterrupted rounds of Scotch and delicious snacks were served. We had to restrict ourselves for two reasons: one, we had to drive back after the party all the way to the border and had to take the wheel in turn and two, the Commanding Officer and the Second-in- Command who had come in a separate vehicle, were seated on a table not very far from us!! There was merriment and festivity all around. The star performer was a famous belly dancer of yester years, the one and only Laila Latiff. Many civilians from those attending the gala functions were moving about the hall greeting the officers in uniform. We were all impressed by this gracious gesture on their part. One of them came to our table and gave each one of us a present. It was a dainty and elegant address book with a cushioned maroon leather cover. In the right hand bottom corner were letters embossed in gold, ―To You Soldier, the Sentinel of the Borders. Mr DV Poddar‖. He just shook our hands and moved on to the next table. We were deeply touched by his warm hearted benignity. It was apparent that he had got these specially printed for the occasion. When we asked one of the Stewards who he was, we were told that he was one of the leading industrialists in the town. When I saw the address book lying on the table in my tent next morning, I had no idea of what use I could put it to. As a young bachelor, I corresponded with very few people and I knew their addresses by heart. My gut reaction was to use it for compiling a personal compendium of Army Orders and Army Instructions in alphabetical order, which all young officers were asked to assemble and put up for the perusal by the 2IC by the end of the month. But on second thought, I dropped the idea. It had occurred to me that if the compilation became too attractive, it could well be confiscated by some senior officer as a K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 31

. present to him. So I sat down and wrote a few addresses in my neat hand, knowing well that I would never really have to look at them again. That remained my only serious contribution towards this project. The book found its place somewhere in one of my trunks and was consigned to the archives which are only handled during the packing and unpacking at the time of posting. The book was ostensibly discovered by my better-half after the marriage. She indeed made it worthy of its existence and the pages soon started coming to life with addresses of relations, regimental and other officers in every station and scores of acquaintances we came across, with names of their wives and updated from time to time with names of their children as they made their appearance. The onerous responsibility of family correspondence and many other ponderous solvencies which I successfully ducked were handled ably by her. As a matter of fact, it was owing to her efficient and meticulous management that I remained ever oblivious to these vital familial and marital mandates! It was only after my retirement at the time of ‗final unpacking‘ that I chanced on the Address Book after thirty three long years. The soft cushion of the maroon cover was still intact. I moved my fingers softly over it. The sultry September evening in the Grand Hotel suddenly came alive. Flipping through its pages, I was blown. What a treasure it had turned out to be! There was a detailed record of our forty odd dwellings- tented, temporary, semi- permanent and permanent- we occupied during thirty one years of my ‗married service‘. Each brought vivid memories of those lost abodes. My elder son had rehearsed his lessons of A for Apple and B for Bat on the respective pages. He had meant to prove the point with accompanying sketches in red and blue chalk pencils. I could well visualise the frustration of his mother when she would have discovered it. She had to overwrite the addresses on top of her son‘s art work. Not to be outdone, his younger sibling had drawn pictures of the Sun and the Moon on a page he found regardless of their alphabetical order. Then I discovered addresses penned by the children under the instructions of their mother as they grew. I could differentiate their handwriting from one another and could discern the approximate year of their inscription. Then their contribution had dried, probably when they were no more under her command for running such errands. The responsibility had reverted to the mother. And then, I was pleasantly amused to see odd unintelligible words scribbled by my grand- daughter, probably from a nursery rhyme, on the pages of letters O, X and Z. She must have found them blank, a clear proof that ‗gen next‘ is more intelligent than its former edition. Some of the other addresses were for people I had only hazy memories of. Who could this Mr Pawase be? And it suddenly flashed. He was the Insurance Agent who booked my first LIC policy when I was only a seven-day-old commissioned officer. A young and dapper fellow, he meticulously kept in touch with me to remind me in advance to pay the policy instalment and ran odd errands for me in Pune while I was away. Such insurance agents are not produced any more! It was a few years later that his reminders had ceased. I learnt of his untimely demise when I came to Pune on leave. As I glanced through the pages, each address personified relationships – some fragile, many others long lasting. It reminded of adoring bonds which we had nursed through the years with all the tenderness we could muster. It K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 32

. brought back travails of three wars, haunting memories of comrades and seniors martyred. What a fine intermediary it was to embark on a nostalgic journey down the memory lane. All that I had in gratitude for Mr Poddar was a lump in the throat. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 33

. Those Fifteen Days…. By -Mrs. Sumati Mukund Apte “We are at war with India”- those words of the then Pakistani President Gen Ayub Khan are as clearly imprinted in my memory today as they were when I first heard them echo through the All India radio on the 2nd of September 1965. I got married to then Capt. MD Apte in July of 1964 at the age of 20. Having lived all my life in the suburbs of Mumbai I was just getting my first taste of defence life when we moved to Ferozpur for his first posting after marriage. Having previously had absolutely no experience of life in the armed forces it was all extremely new and unfamiliar for me. Slowly though as time passed both of us settled in perfectly in our new surroundings and life seemed full of colour and happiness. Unbeknownst to me though, trouble was brewing and I had no idea of the impact that it was going to have on all our lives. One night in September 1965 I was suddenly awoken in the middle of the night by a loud and mysterious noise. Frightened and bewildered, I sat up and tried to make sense of it. I was all alone in the big military-style bungalow at Ferozpur only a couple of kilometres away from the Indo-Pak border. For a little while the noise of firing and the banshee of aero engines filled the night sky and then died down almost as quickly as it had begun. After everything went silent I closed my eyes and recited on loop all the mantras and shlokas I had learnt as a child and prayed that I make it through the night. The next morning when I stepped out into the courtyard I was greeted by the most unusual site I have ever witnessed. There was a huge crater in my compound, bang in the middle of my kitchen garden. Thoroughly confused and frightened I ran inside the house and switched on the radio, which was when I heard those words. Reality struck me as I descended into a nearby chair- India and Pakistan were at war and I, the 5-month pregnant wife of an army officer had no idea what to do next. I gathered my wits after a while and went to our neighbour, Mrs.Sathe‘s house to check on her and her daughters. When I found them they too were huddled in their house, scared and clueless as her husband too was at a forward post. She told me that her maid had described to her that there was fighting going on at the Indo-Pak border and many wounded soldiers were being brought in the droves to the military hospital. I went back to the house and contacted the on-duty officer at the regiment HQ, Capt. Sharma and told him to purchase two tickets of any class on the first train that was scheduled to leave Ferozpur for Mumbai. About 2 hours later Capt Sharma came to my house with two tickets and informed me that Pakistani air force had bombarded Ferozpur cantonment the previous night. I simply showed him the crater in my backyard. I had managed to find some strength and resolve by this time that even I didn‘t know I had! K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 34

. I informed Mrs. Sathe that we were to leave Ferozpur by the Punjab mail at 9pm the same day. As I was packing my trunks I reflected on the happenings of the previous 5-6 days and it all started making sense. My husband had left just 3 days back telling me that the regiment was leaving for training near the international border and would return back only after about a fortnight. I had a funny feeling of trepidation at that time but did not express it. Before he left his jeep driver Patil had come in to see me and told me to not worry as he would accompany Capt Apte throughout. I hadn‘t given much thought to Patil‘s words at the time, but it all made sense now. My packing exercise on that day was the fastest one I have ever done in my life- just grabbed a few essentials and clothes and jewellery and threw them into two big army trunks. Then in the evening when it was time to leave our orderly managed to bring a cycle rickshaw after much effort. Owing to the black-out it was all pitch dark and we were having to load ourselves and our trunks onto the cycle rickshaw in the light of a lamp. Mrs Sathe‘s troubles were exacerbated by the presence of her two infant daughters who needed constant attention in the tense atmosphere. Upon reaching the railway station we were greeted to utter confusion and disorientation. The massive crowd was trampling upon one another in the darkness seemingly wanting to get on the same train. A porter helped us carry our bags to the train as we scrambled to find a seat in spite of our reservation. We reached Delhi without as much as a second of shut-eye, with the mind constantly wandering to the indo-Pak border at Ferozpur. You can imagine how dazed we were as it took us 2 whole days of travelling to realize that we had actually forgotten our trunks on that dark platform in Ferozpur! In Mumbai where I was staying at my parents‘ house the only thing that was on everyone‘s mind was of course the ongoing battle. Everyone including myself spent the days with ears glued to the radio for a trace of news about the welfare of the soldiers. Twelve days passed without any information and the mental strain was just getting out of control for me and my parents but the light at end of the tunnel was just beginning to come into sight. On 20th Sept 1965, almost exactly 15 days after I left Ferozpur there was a knock on the door at 10pm in the night with a cry of ―Postman‖. Someone raced to the door and received the telegram. The tension in the room had reached boiling point. My father opened the telegram and it read – ‗wire welfare sumati‘. Everyone breathed the biggest sigh of relief you have ever seen and I burst into tears. My husband was safe and he was the one actually worried about me and had sent this telegram. It took 15 days to arrive but better late than never as they say! It was the most satisfying letter I have ever read in my life. Finally, on 23rd Sept, a ceasefire was declared and the war came to an end. A hat tip here to the diligence of the Indian army logistics and Capt. Sharma of Ferozpur as they went foraging into Ferozpur station to locate the trunks which Mrs. Sathe and I had forgotten and made sure they were returned to us in under two weeks in pristine condition without even a single item being misplaced. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 35

. Those 15 days are like an ink blot on my memory that will never be washed away by anything. Although it was a terrible experience, it taught me a lot of valuable lessons in life and they have helped me throughout. In 1971, Maj Apte went to Bangladesh from CME, Pune for our second war, but the bundles of experience I had with me from that war in 1965 enabled me to stay perfectly calm and keep my faith in him, the army and the country. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 36

. Creative Writing / Rachanatmak K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 37

. Into the Woods By Jai Satpute Age 13 I had walked this path before, many times. The Enchanted forest beckoned me to it‘s heart, how could I resist lending my senses to this lush garden of Mahogany? When the day is growing old and the Sun sinks over the canopy, the forest calls out like a familiar friend, a stubborn friend, who never seemed to take no for an answer. Hence, I found myself walking the same earthy path, veiled with trees of yesteryear, the victims of Harsh storms long forgotten and Wild mushrooms that took any opportunity to sprout from the ground. The forest reeked of age. Its woody incense was from centuries of snapping branches crashing to the forest‘s floor and rotting silently. The composting, organic smell rose up in waves like a miasma. My special place, as I liked to call it, was nestled deep in the heart of the woods. A clearing with a lake that glimmered in the callow light of dusk. Anybody who attempted my route would be lucky to make it halfway back to my home, a modest log cabin on the outskirts of the wood. However my mind and body seemed to be on autopilot. Navigating through the brambles and nettles that barred the route to my hideaway with ease. Like nature‘s amphitheatre the crickets chirped away, adding to the harmonious swinging tune of nature‘s symphony. Coils of vapour hung low through the air giving the forest a tropical feeling. The forest seemed alive tonight, birds chirped in the trees, squirrels and hares scampered through the forest floor littered with leaves of variety and boars rummaged through the bristles of wispy moss cracking twigs and dry leaves under their trotters. I never wore shoes through my walks in the forest, I was well aware of the insects and sharp objects lurking on the forest floor planning an ambush but my connection with nature seemed to always get the better of me. I took my spot in the damp grass lying down on my back gazing at the sky which settled in midnight blue with fragments of the evening orange that had once been drawn across the ever mutating sky. Stars decorated the night sky like snowflakes and the dominating moon scattered it‘s brilliant beams of white light across the sky. Suddenly, a sound rattled the forest sending birds nested in the trees haywire. A gunshot, it grabbed the attention of everything in the clearing. In an instant I sat up and starred in the direction of the sound. There, it came again another gunshot, as loud and scary as the first. I had been warned about poachers in this area but never had I experienced something as heart- racing as this. At the third gunshot I took off, not looking back I kept running. The magical forest I once knew had now been transformed into a state of a horrible prison. The autopilot that had effortlessly moved me through the forest now seemed to leave me alone to navigate through this hellish blur. The nettles scarred and scratched at me but the pain subsided much unlike the fear that lingered for many minutes that seemed like many years. One second I was a young boy racing home away from the horror that lurked behind, the next I was an eighty pound torpedo colliding head first with the damp dirt. My right leg should have extended to catch my weight instead it got caught in a tree root sending me plummeting downwards. The world rushes by in a blur and I know the pain is coming. It goes by fast, yet slow, almost suspended. Skin which was once smooth had now been torn by the fall, leaking blood. Beads of tears and sweat rolled down my face. I was too injured to move and too scared to scream. So I lay quietly like a dead dog on the highway. Suddenly, the world became a blur and everything dimmed, the little light that penetrated the thick canopy was disappearing and the world eclipsed, and it was all black. K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 38

. maI AaiNa tao maI jaovha \"maI\" Asatao tovha iktI caaMgalaa Asatao kaoNaalaa hsat naahI¸ duKvat tr mauLIca naahI malaa maaJaM¸ sagaL pTtM¸ Ana to sagaLyaaMnaa pTtM¸ Asaih vaaTt ² maI kolaolaI inaMda pNa malaa saaqa- vaaTto maa~ lahanaSaI gaaoYT pNa ijavharI laagato vaad ivavaad Jaalao trI maI maa~ SaaMt Asatao karNa bahutok vaoLa maIca tr baraobar Asatao ² pNa \"maI\" jaovha \"tao\" haotao¸ tovha kahItrI vaogaLaca vaagatao maI AaiNa tao saarKoca vaagalaao trI tao malaa KaoTa vaaTtao ² maI AsatanaacaM maaJaM toca vaagaNaM¸ tao Jaalyaavar [tkM ka badlatM Æ SarIr hubaohuba toca AsalaM trI mana [tkM vaogaL ka vaagatM Æ maI AaiNa tao ekmaokat samarsa Jaalaao tr jagaNyaalaa Aqa- laaBaola AayauYyaacaa itZa imaTola AaiNa %yaalaa va malaahI ksa sauTMsauT vaaTola ² saMQyaa kaqavaTo K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 39

. EaIinavaasa panasaoka AaÐgana Mrs. Shubha Chaubal maMOnao saoMT ivhnsaoMT ha[skUla maoM pccaIsa saala pZ,ayaa hOM È [sa daOrana mauJao ivaivaQa p`karko ivaVaqaI- imalaoÈ yah AnauBava maoro jaIvanakI Anamaaola dona hOM È hma saalamaoM hr kxaamaoM Ca~aoMsao Anaok inabaMQa ilaKato qao È laoikna eosao hI inabaMQaaomaoM ek inabaMQa kI khanaI ABaItk maOM BaUlaI nahIM hUÐ È ek kxaamaoM ek iSaixakanao ek inabaMQa baccaaoM kao ilaKnaoko ilae idyaa qaa È ]sa inabaMQa ka ivaYaya qaa \"maora AaÐgana\" È saaro baccaaoMnao Apnao AaÐgana ko baaromaoM Alaga Alaga baatoM ilaKI qaI È fUlaaoMsao Baro bagaIcao hr trhko poDaoMsao¸ fulaaoMsao Baro ilaKo qao È ]nako AaÐganamaoM camaolaI¸ maaogara¸ sadabahar¸ gaulaaba¸ caMpk¸ ÌYNakmala¸ gaoMda AaOr na jaanao iktnao poD, AaOr gamalao qao È pMiCyaaoMko Gaaosalao¸ ]nakI cahcahaT hmaoSaa saunaa[- dotI qaI È magar ek laD,ko ka inabaMQa sabasao Alaga qaa È Apnao AaÐganamaoM vah Apnao maataipta ko saaqa Apnaa AiQak sao AiQak samaya ibatata qaa È ]saka naama qaa EaIinavaasa panasao È ]sanao ek idna AaÐganamaoM jaao baarISa hu[-¸ ]saka vaNa-na ikyaa qaa È ]sanao ilaKa¸ hlkI hlkI baUÐdaMosao Sau$ hu[- baarISanao jaaor pkD,a qaa È maaOsamako ]sa phlao baairSa nao ]saka AaÐgana qaaoDIhI dormaoM Bar idyaa È ]samaoM vah majaa laonao lagaa È Kolanao lagaa È saaqa maoM iptajaI BaI Aayao AaOr daonaao iptapu~ baairSa ka pUra AanaMd AaOr majaa laonao lagao È panaIo maoM naacanaa¸ kUdnaa¸ ek dUsaro pr panaI iCD,knaa¸ hÐsanaa¸ naacanaa saba jaarI qaa È ]sako iptajaI kuC hÐsaI ¹ majaak AaOr svaCMdI svaBaavako qao È AaOr maaÐ qaaoD,I SaaMt¸ hmaoSaa ]na daonaaoM kI icaMta krnaovaalaI¸ sadOva kamamaoM vyast rhnaovaalaI¸ saIQaIsaadI gaRihNaI qaI È baairSamaoM BaIgakr khI yao daonaao ibamaar hao jaaeÐgao¸ yah icanta ]sao haonao lagaI È [sailae qaaoDI DaÐT lagaakr ]sanao daonaaoMkao GarmaoM baulaayaa È baDo Pyaarsao maaÐnao baoTokao Ta^vaolasao paoCkr sauKayaa È iSaixaka kao yah inabaMQa baD,a psaMd Aayaa È ]sanao kxaamaoM saba baccaaoMkao inabaMQa pZ,kr saunaayaa È [sako baad dao ¹ caar idna EaIinavaasa pazSaalaa maoM Anau]pisqat rha È lagaatar pMd`ah idna EaIinavaasa na Aanao sao karNa iSaixaka ]saka halacaala pUCnao gayaI È tba ]sanao jaao jaanaa¸ ]sasao vah hOrana hao gayaI È ]sao pta calaa ik EaIinavaasa ek Anaaqa laD,ka qaa È ]saka na kao[- Gar qaa¸ naa kao[- AaÐgana yaa maataipta È vah ek Anaaqaalaya maoM rhta qaa È Gar kOsaa haota hOM¸ maataipta kOsao haoto hOM yao ]sao pta hI nahI qaa È ]sanao Apnao kalpinak Gar ka vaNa-na Apnao inabaMQa maoM ikyaa qaa È ]sako inabaMQa kao AcCo gauNa tao imalao¸ laoikna ]saka yah AaÐgana Aist%va maoM hI nahI qaa È ]sanao Apnao mana kI AQaurI [cCa Apnao inabaMQa maoM ilaKI qaI È ]sao pUrI krnaokI kaoiSaSa kI qaI È AadSa- pirvaar ka kalpinak ica~ roKaMikt ikyaa qaa È maataipta ka snaoh AaOr Pyaar ilaKkr kovala klpnaa maoM ]sao panao kI kaoiSaSa kI qaI È iSaixaka ka idla ]saka AsalaI jaIvana doKkr d`ivat huAa È ]sakI AaÐKo Bar AayaI È K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 40

. Surrender Swiftly However firmly you stand in the wet sand, With each returning wave The sand under your feet Is sure to get swept away from under your feet! With the next wave You will be drawn in deeper And deeper and deeper with each subsequent wave To the middle of ocean. Fear not, for That's the law of Nature. Waves after waves Will keep coming, May be roaring! A monstrous wave will approach. Do not fear, have courage, prepare yourself; To surrender coolly,calmly To HIM, THE ALMIGHTY, HE is bound to lift you and take smoothly, To the bottom of the ocean peacefully. Surrender. Written By Mrs Sulabha Gupte K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 41

. Joy of giving I am the king of giving and I love the choice of giving Little boys, little girls sitting on the road they deserve a better home We should give them blankets and coats we are their one and only hope. Going to orphanage giving gift is our only gift Now what you have to do is go and give the needy food Don‘t be selfish, don‘t be rude You should give them happiness and truth. - Avantika Kher Age 10 K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 42

. Artwork/Kalakriti K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 43

Watercolour paintings by G. auri (Gadkari) Khamboj K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 44

Watercolour paintings by G. auri (Gadkari) Khamboj K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 45

Watercolour paintings by Dr. .(Gp Capt)Suchitra Mankar K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 46

Watercolour paintings by Dr. (G. p Capt)Suchitra Mankar K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 47

Watercolour paintings .by Mrs Varsha Pitre K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 48

Cross stitch by Mrs Vin. ita Bhatia K a l a m a u r k a l a – T h e R a k s h a k M a g a z i n e Page 49