Inner strength - way of living

http://www.speakingtree.in/slideshow/10-ways-to-cultivate-inner-strength

Forests, Culture, Nation - the web

The recent debate on JNU and right to speak ignited a thought process on nation, nationality and nationalism. First let’s understand what nation and its symbols stand for:

Nation – a large body of people, associated with a particular territory, that is sufficiently conscious of its unity to seek or to possess a government peculiarly its own.

National symbols – As per Wikipedia: “A national symbol is a symbol of any entity considering itself and manifesting itself to the world as a national community: the sovereign states but also nations and countries in a state of colonial or other dependence, (con)federal integration, or even an ethno cultural community considered a 'nationality' despite having no political autonomy.

National symbols intend to unite people by creating visual, verbal, or iconic representations of the national people, values, goals, or history.

These symbols are often rallied around as part of celebrations of patriotism or aspiring nationalism (such as independence, autonomy or separation movements) and are designed to be inclusive and representative of all the people of the national community.” (Part in bold is subject of my thoughts)

National symbols as described in government of India’s website: https://india.gov.in/india-glance/national-symbols : “This section introduces you to the National Identity Elements of India. These symbols are intrinsic to the Indian identity and heritage. Indians of all demographics backgrounds across the world are proud of these National Symbols as they infuse a sense of pride and patriotism in every Indian's heart.”

As per above website national symbols of India include our national: flag – the tricolour, anthem – Jana Gana Mana, song – Vande Matram, emblem – Sarnath lions, bird – Peacock, animal – Tiger and flower – Lotus amongst others. Off these 3 are living symbols – Peacock, Tiger and Lotus.

I have been thinking of the kind of debate that has arisen in last few days, everybody from top to bottom, media and people are talking about how a few students (they are not sure if they were students or outsiders) raised slogans against our mother land and even went down to say they will fight till they break us. How and why? From where did they get the guts to even say something like this for our mother land? Is it that we Indians have not raised our children to love our country? Is it that we no longer think of our country first but only about ourselves? Is it that for us now our country is not our mother land but just a chunk of land? Is it that we are a total failure, a land of corrupt people and what Sir Winston Churchill said was right?

It seems it all zeroes on our system. Today we have become more money conscious, we just want to be economically sound and don’t care where our nation and our culture is going. We from a nation which respected our country as mother land, lived sustainably, revered nature and forests have become ‘pro development’ even if it is harmful for us and our coming generations in the long run. Recently I read about a decision passed at the Supreme Court of India, it was about Tigers and its habitat. Yes, it was only about an animal not our national animal, the symbol of free and united India, the symbol of patriotism and valour. I have not yet read the whole order but as per media reports it said: The Supreme Court on Wednesday said conservation of tigers was important but could not be at the cost of movement of human beings from one place to another and general economic development of the country. (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/developmental-issues/Real-danger-to-tigers-not-from-road-traffic-but-poachers-SC/articleshow/50662141.cms). Although it also said that “……. go before the HC and inform it about the measures that needed to be taken for conservation of tigers.”

But, the harm was done. The message went out very clearly – economic development projects and we humans are important and not Tiger our national animal, our symbol of independent India. When we don’t care about our living symbol of nation where will our national flag and anthem stand with time? The message which goes by above order in no way helps us in increasing love for our nation or its representing symbols but says economic development at cost of symbol of our independence, even our coming generations health and security is more important. When any nation doesn’t care about its symbol of nationality of which we should be proud of where is the nation heading? Where is that sense of pride and patriotism?

In October 2002, a judgement was passed by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in a PIL filled against opencast strip mining operations in Kudremukh national park which said: “By destroying nature, environment, man is committing matricide, having in a way killed Mother Earth. Technological excellence, growth of industries, economical gains have led to depletion of natural resources irreversibly. Indifference to the grave consequences, lack of concern and foresight have contributed in large measures to the alarming position. In the case at hand, the alleged victim is the flora and fauna in and around Kudremukh National Park, a part of the Western Ghats. The forests in the area are among 18 internationally recognised ‘hotspots’ for biodiversity conservation in the world”. Central and state governments were ordered to look into implementation of eco-restoration plan at the cost of KIOCL and to evict all KIOCL equipment, building, machinery, etc., to clear the area for reclaiming by nature.

What has happened in these less than 14 years? What has caused this turn of mind? When even our Supreme Court thinks that Tiger is just an animal and human rights come above everything how can we expect our citizens to have that love for our nation our mother land and our national symbols. Where is patriotism?

Our Indian philosophy says that every living being be it a small ant or a big elephant, trees or even humans have equal importance as all have ‘Atman’ in them which changes its body – the outer shell time to time. It says Tiger is vehicle of mother goddess. Tiger – which is revered by our tribal community as their elders or Bagh deo. When we finish all our free roaming tigers and its habitat what will we say to our reverend mother goddess – Oh mother sorry we have finished all your vehicles, but, don’t worry, I will give an extra dakshina of 50/- just take a taxi when I need you, but do come to save me??????? In a country where it was right of living for all, where we revered our forests and our rivers, today we have left all this back and are only living for our own self and that also with so short sightedness that we don’t care what will happen to our coming generations when all forests are cleared, rivers are dead and air full of pollutants.

What happened at JNU, where a few people were hooting our mother land, shouting slogans against our nation and no one objected says it all. We have taken a wrong path and need to turn right now before it is too late. Just do not boast about our culture and religion, follow it with pure and true heart, respect what it says, love life.

Trip to Bandhavgarh National Park to see Tigers in India

Trip to Bandhavgarh National Park to see Tigers in India: Tigers are the beautiful creatures on earth. India is one of very few breeding grounds that produce this magnificent wild cat. In India Bandhavgarh ranks first where you have maximum possibility to meet the ferocious yet beautiful tigers. We organize jungle book show for you to see Indian tigers in natural abode. Get ready to see tigers with us that require only 1-3 days, stay near national park in a character accommodation, enjoy Indian delicacies and jeep, elephant safaris.

Little Rann of Kutch - Wildlifers Paradise

Little Rann Of Kutch, also known as Chota Rann of Gujarat is one of the best places for wildlife and nature lovers. Known to have more than 300 bird species and one of the best place to see Indian Wild Ass - Khur / Gudkhur. Recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere reserve it is the last refuge for the Indian Wild Ass. Declared a wild ass sanctuary spanning almost 5000 Sq Km, it is traditionally used for Salt panning and now for shrimp farming.

I got a chance to visit this beautiful land when I was invited by Rotary Club of Wadhwan City for giving a presentation on Indian wildlife. Here is a glimpse of what you can expect at Little Rann:

Cranes at Little Rann of Kutch

Flamingos - come in thousands at Rann

Flamingos in Flight

One of the best places to study and photograph Flamingos - Little Rann

Flamingo at Little Rann of Kutch

Indian Wild Ass - Khur

Pelicans can be observed at Little Rann with ease

Little Rann of Kutch - the last refuge for Indian Wild Ass

Indian Wild Ass at Wild Ass Sanctuary, Gujarat

Flamingo searching for food in Little Rann of Kutch

I would like to Thank Mr Chetan Bhai and all members of Rotary Club of Wadhwan City because of whom this trip could materialise. And last but not the least my Dear friend Vikrant Patel, My Pleasure Holidays, Ahmedabad who accompanied me for the trip.

Land of King Kubera - Sri Lanka

Land of King Kubera – Lord of Wealth, known to have been created by the divine sculptor and architect ‘Vishwakarma’ – Sri Lanka. With history of more than 1,25,000 years or may be much more it is an island nation well known for its bio diversity and natural wonders. Once inhabited by the Vedda Tribal of which only around 2500 are known to be still there it is also known to be abode of King Ravana and it is said that Lord Rama fought for her concert Mata Sita here.

Tourism map of Sri Lanka

One of the top 25 biodiversity hotspot of the world Sri Lanka is well known for its Big 5 – Leopard, Sloth Bear, Elephant, Sperm whale and Blue whale. 27% of its 3210 flowering plants and 22% of 113 mammal species found here are endemic to this beautiful island nation. Although it has lost a big part of its forests to growing population and modernisation in last few decades still its natural beauty and wildlife is second to none. Government of Sri Lanka has preserved its existing natural heritage under 24 national parks situated in different part of the country. With 1585 Km of sea coast, 103 rivers, 45 estuaries, 40 lagoons and 7000 hectares of mangroves it is also a birding paradise with 433 known species of birds of which around 240 are residents and rest migratory.

Leopard are easy to spot in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers who can visit reserved forests spread over the island with some famous ones being Yala national park, Minneriya national park, Kaudalla National Parks, Uda Walawe National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Wasgamuwa National Park, Kumana National Park, Bundala National Park and Gal Oya National Park. Mirissa, Trincomalee and Kalpitiya are the best places to spot both Blue whales (the largest mammal on earth) and Sperm whales.

Blue Whales can be spotted in Sea around Sri Lanka

The spotted predator – Leopard is king of Sri Lankan jungles and best seen at Yala national park with elephant congregation at Minneriya national park famous for spotting even up to 300 of these largest land mammal at a time in summers. Mirissa is well known for spotting blue whales and Kalpitiya for spotting Sperm whales along with its bigger cousin. Gal Oya is often visited by bird watchers as being one of the top birding site in the nation.

Visiting Sri Lanka is not limited to wildlife but this island nation has history spread over the whole place. Archaeological excavations have shown that the land was inhabited for thousands of years and it is said that the remnants of Ramayana age can still be seen. Sri Lankan culture is very rich and one of the oldest Buddhist settlements can also be seen here.

Vedda Tribal Community has inhabited Sri Lanka for Thousands of years

So, if you want to enjoy wildlife, nature, culture and history at a place just do not think just plan a trip just visit – Sri Lanka.