Chimmanda

Precious Lives, Precious People

2011-10-29T03:10:00.000-07:00

My first acquaintance with Saleem had all the foreboding of an unpleasant experience. I was on a mission to collect huge quantities of water plants from a filthy desilted lake and transport it some 25 kms through untarred stretches of road on my 2 wheeler, with a pillion rider for company - all for some birds that I heard were being 'rescued'. I had no idea of what that meant except that it sounded like a good thing to do. But now I wondered what had made me agree to this insane undertaking.

and then I was glad I did. Nothing in my adult years till then had prepared me to experience the unconditional sense of humanity I was to see at the wildlife rehabilitation centre that Saleem had breathed life into.

Saleem is one of those rare gifted individuals that one can only look up in awe at. And if lucky, one gets to work with him and see some miracles happen with human hands! In the many years that I have been associated with Saleem, I have many many experiences that kept telling me to keep hope, be positive and cherish those magical moments when one sees the earth coming back to life, when colors refill the sky and when nature comes together in ways that re-build faith in the good deed.

To believe that a large tract of dry, rocky land can be greened, to mobilize an army of volunteers to spare their time week on week, hours at stretch, to study and carefully plan a variety of trees meant to replicate the local ecosystem, to water, to plant, to dig up a pond, to lay trenches, and to carefully nurture the rejuvenation of this ecosystem, requires conviction, an infectious passion, and a never-say-die attitude. Saleem showed us all that it is possible. As volunteers at the centre, we became converts filled with a sense of pride about every sapling we planted that grew into a tree, every corner of a trench we dug to channel water into spaces that needed it, every 'pathi' we designed and every patch that we de-weeded to make all this happen. We now believed that we can do this again and do more!

There were birds that came writhing in pain, that instantly calmed in his hands; snakes in pain thought dangerous to handle, that he cared for with the greatest patience and sympathy; snakes eggs that he incubated in a makeshift incubator for a couple of months, to successfully release the young into the wild; 2 day old chicks that were fed hourly for weeks on end before they grew into their adult plummage and flew out into the world; baby squirrels that scampered around the place as they feasted off the natural habitat that was built for them; foxes with mutilated limbs (caught in animal traps), birds of prey (road hits), injured monkeys in for long term treatment, confiscated quails, circus bears, tortoises, turtles and other reptiles that were casualties of the city's unbridled construction activities. And this list doesn't come close to the variety and numbers of cases that he gave his attention to.

This would have been an enviable range of work for any qualified veterinary surgeon in the country. So what further amazes is Saleem's self-taught knowledge and skills in this field. To define him as a wildlife rehabber or enthusiast or photographer or naturalist or animal lover or illustrator any such, will be to do gross injustice to him because while he is all this, he is much more. He is what we need more of (may his tribe increase) to ensure the world is a better place to live, to learn to appreciate the beauty around us, to believe in the power of one...

Smita

Back home from school

2011-07-05T02:39:00.000-07:00

Back from school. M got a new bag , so his old bag became the new bag for K. She insists carrying it, even when we both drop M in the morning.

And a Stream pic!

Mitra Ver 3.7

2011-03-16T02:43:00.000-07:00

Off we go to the Sunday vegetable market at the park - Walking by self.

Program NO TV.

2010-11-18T22:14:00.000-08:00

Mitra , 3.5 yrs , was all ready to go to school. We were aware of the 'Talent's Day' at his school over the weekend. so casually , when asked , what 'Program' is scheduled for him this weekend at School , he replied - NO program at School ma' , No TV at school you see!.

Off we go Mandalpatti

2010-04-21T04:52:00.000-07:00

We set out to Mandalpatti Via Madikeri. Pitstop at Mysore to pickup Mitra -> Nagarahole -> Madikeri and Jeep Safari to Mandal patti. Khushi being the youngest amongst all of us .

Vineet's first outing with all of us. A happy guy with a super Camera and Mac to play around all through the journey.

off we go to the park

2010-03-03T23:46:00.000-08:00

MYZ-CNZ-KA12 - Salute Chetan

2010-02-24T00:29:00.000-08:00

Carlton Towers a Business center Airport road was engulfed in fire and there were several people trapped inside , amidst all panic and fear many helped in every possible way , Chetan and his friends were amongst them . Fighting through the monster flames these guys went in undeterred and did everything possible to pull off the victims and helped the cops and the fire dept to put the fire at rest . We have seen firsthand display of courage and camaraderie.

Chetan Muckatira has a certificate in ER. He put the theory to good use. Brave and quick thinking is the not word , here , especially , when one sees a lady fall down the building to death just 5 feet away. He went up all the way up to 6th floor and helped the victims reach the stair case.

A salute to Chetan from CNZ. And am very sure, so many of MYZ s' will be happy to know that Chetan will keep the KA 12 flag high .
PS: MYZ / CNZ / KA 12 are Coorg vehicle registrations. I belong to CNZ-KA12 and my seniors are from MYZ era.

Good Bye Girl Puthari

2009-10-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

Puthari [2002 - 2009]

Goodbye, Pulti , my fav girl
You gave me love and helped me find the sun.
And every time that I was down
you would always come around
and get my feet back on the ground.

Goodbye, Pulti, it's hard to die
when all the birds are singing in the sky,
Now that the spring is in the air.
With the flowers ev'rywhere.
I wish that we could both be there.

We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun.
But the stars we could reach
were just starfishs on the beach.
Seasons in the sun - TerryJacks.

Khushi to our lives

2009-09-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

Khushi enters the lives of *MSN*.

Mitra Smita Naveen

Cycle Dance

2009-07-23T02:33:00.000-07:00

Here is the New Cycle. It takes 45 minutes to get to the park. While we sing 'I like to Move it Move it' from Madagascar , I have to be 'Physically fit Physically, Physically fit' to ensure that my back lasts the 45 min journey to the park.

We are learning the new moves and want to show case it on the Aug 15th Independence Day. Let us know if you folks want to join in. The Hoedown and Throwdown is available at laughingwaters.pbworks.com/hoedown

Shift+Refresh

2009-07-14T03:53:00.000-07:00

Manganna

2009-07-09T23:55:00.000-07:00

Mitra,Tobu and I set out driving to Mysore->Bandipur->ooty->Wellington. Lunch stop at Mysore with Ramani and Thavare.

Gundulpet area is known for Sunflower cultivation - all around and through the drive -'Pushpa Pushpa' .

Next year - Trek around Masanagudi.

Mamma Darling - Dadda Darling .

"erva aatu" by Ka-e-du Avaiahs

With Ajita /Arnav/ Kanchan at the Stables [Wellington].

First sight of a Horse so close..

One Day will fly a MIG.

Finally wild elephants...

Ctrl Esc Weekend!

2009-02-25T22:17:00.000-08:00

Mitra ensured a topsy turvey Weekend to the G Parents with a non stop , round the clock tensiontainment at Mysore. Everything went haywire- the breakfast, TV watching, Sleep , the Walk in the morning and the garden shower. The outdoor shower ended up with Mitra angry with G' Pa and refusing to talk to him. It took D'omma and few toys to get both of them across the table . Our Man is back happy muttering 'guuddi' Guuddi'

26.01.1976 - Permanent Change

2009-01-20T23:28:00.000-08:00

I got to know of Thaatha being in Mysore - but without Basket full of Guavas', there wasn’t any Banana load or oranges. I was 4 when Jaaja left all of us. I could not understand then - but over time I realized that he would not be present to greet me at the road, no more outings in the fields, no more fetching dropped mangoes, no more checking the Hen hut when we heard the Fox cry, I can go on . My first exposure to Permanent Change.

My Mom's biggest strength had left her. A man who emphasized education to his half a dozen girl children was no more.

Naliyanda K Medappa 12-06-1912 - 26-01-1976

X'Mas Baby and State representation

2009-01-05T01:41:00.000-08:00

X'Mas Baby! - yes - Gowri becomes a GrandMa. Cute Baby girl,healthy. Parents feel that coorg has better facilities in terms of doctors and equipment. So the baby is currently in Kodagu.
State Level Basket ball player - Under 14 category - Moulya Cariappa!. She is out of Vadodara playing for the Gujurat state. Way to go , Way to go. :)
Our own Player, cant be left behind, he is training to be a basket ball player. The Dish Washer lid is the stand / the basket is the dish holder and shoots down everything within the Basket ! Way to go buddy!.

Mitra's First

2008-12-29T22:29:00.000-08:00

"Baa illi" - these are the first for Mitra. He has been using this to call everyone - mom,pulti,laika and patta. The last week , we were at Mysore for few days - Grand Pa 'N' Ma will soon report jaw pain. They have been laughing at his antics non stop for 2 days !

Thithhra thee avaiaa!

2008-12-16T21:11:00.000-08:00

Pulti enjoyed the most. Running through the coffee plants,trying to catch up with birds and cats. The home , like tobu says "thithhra thee".

Yet another family get together!

Mysore Family get-together

2008-10-31T04:09:00.000-07:00

Mysore Home get together was lovely. It really has been several years since our home saw so many people/kids . The previous evening was special,our neighbours helping with so many stuff around our home. I was simply dumb struck with so many little kids running around. Gappu Annaiah's several grand children made up the stock. Mitra , seemed to be happy to see a big open hall, he simply kept walking around the area tirelessly.
Thavare Mitra and Self.

My visit to Katakeri was even special. Home constructed upto the lintel. Roofing should happen in about a months time. This time of the year Kodagu is lovely , green , fresh water from the valley and lots of acitivty. I could not resist but take the 2 snaps.

The path towards the field is slippery, I had to go down to the 'thod' to put my feet :). Fresh water from the valley is the water source for all the homes at Katakeri. I am more than keen to go down the valley to really see the water source, perhaps in my next visit.

I am hoping mitra will start to enjoy all this in about a years time :) .

Back after a Long time

2008-10-23T01:18:00.001-07:00

It has been a long time. I have been active at Fort Mysore and Laughing Waters.

1. Chimmanda family have started re construction of 'Balya Mane' at Katakeri- Madikeri. Currently it is work in progress and expected to complete by December.

2. Last month our family got together to wish Gowri on her last working day. [ she retired after putting in 35 years of Service]. We also proposed to create a trust in the Name of MuthuMedappa[ my GrandMa and Pa] , where all siblings and in-laws are members, who contribute some funds to the trust. We intend to use the funds for annual get together ,'meedi' etc.

3. I love Rain - reminds me of Madikeri , Mitra accompanies me when it rains , Pulti, Patta and Laika love the rain too. We enjoy the greenery . :)

Pulti,Self,Mitra,Patta enjoying the Rain/Greenery at L waters. :)

Sad Day

2007-07-30T01:45:00.000-07:00

It has been a sad day for me . Sunti has not come back home - it has been 2 nights. This has been longest that she has been away from home. I just hope she is ok. We are so attached to her , we resuced her and brought her home 2 years back.

We Miss you Sunti .

Feed The Squirrel

2007-07-19T03:57:00.000-07:00

Smita fed the little fellow. every 2 hours he needs to be fed. A mix of baby/squirrel feed is fed through a tube. After the feed , she uses a small Cotton ball , dips into warm water and rubs the bottom of this fellow. This sends a 'Nursing' signal to his brain and he immediately passes his urine. Simulate the mother licking the bottom - this helps the digestion is what I am told.

:) :)

Coorgification of our lane

2007-07-19T03:12:00.000-07:00

Stop by this lane. Serine and beautifully surrounded by Trees allround. The trees ensure that Air is clean. Raja Waters the plants and Shrubs. Our everyday visitor 'Uncle robin' gets a bath!.

Ferocious

2007-07-19T03:09:00.000-07:00

I am FEROCIOUS. don't even dare to step into my Master's home - is what Friendly Genie has to say. A Lovely and a happy fellow !. He ensures that Shubha and girish take care of him!.

Spud's Deep Thought

2007-03-06T06:27:00.000-08:00

My Mom does not want to put off her drivers. Last week someone shot a "Hare" - I feel for the my fellow friends. Wonder what all my human neighbours are up to.

Daddy is yet to get back home, wonder why he has to work so hard all day . Sigh...It has been a wait !.

Buddy Gentleman

2007-01-25T03:56:00.000-08:00

Here is Buddy - dont know what Cress is feeding him. Smita is convinced that he is on steroids. He has grown like his master.

He Growls at Aunty , sleeps with his Moms Photo and manages the restaurant each day. Eshwari is his best 'Buddy'.

Nelgi shoulder

2007-01-24T23:12:00.000-08:00

Nelgi , she is 7 months , was too excited when we told her about our holiday drive. She does not know that she weighs 30 Kgs.

Sunti and Pups

2006-07-04T03:41:00.000-07:00

Sunti has been insisting that she takes care of our pups. We always see her sleeping with the nine puppies , sometimes nursing them. It appears that she is delighted to finally having found mates who are of her own size. I have kept 'mum', I dont want to disappoint her by telling that her mates are Great Danes!.

Sunti has had a surgery , she is recovering . Puthari is getting back to shape. LIKA - as always , jumping around the house.

Puthari and her Magnificient Nine

2006-06-16T02:32:00.000-07:00

Puthari delivered ! and how many ? 9 Great Danes . Smita is yet to get a group photo of all together. The first fellow - is the 'Lion King' , cedric named one 'smokie' , fair 'n' lovely, because she has a fair head , but dark body , 'Mechanic' , this little fellow has the knack of going under and feeding himself the milk.

Lion King is annoyed as he thinks we woke him up!

Larks' lurking

2006-05-10T02:43:00.000-07:00

This little fellow along with four of his siblings were safe in their nest. The recent rains made them homeless,dont know if Mommy came back to them . Smita fed them high energy drink , a mixture of sugar ,Salt and water. Another mixture - Egg,biscuits and water. Hope all of them make it . They are called the 'Lark' - nest on the ground - unusually large legs for a tiny chick.

Our Layout

2006-04-22T01:06:00.000-07:00

Most people are used to live in 'French named' apartments or layouts. The only French is the Name -this is my opinion- yes , they do have swimming pool , gym etc - I am told that the major issue at swimming pools are - privacy and preventing people from entering into the pool with Salwar kameez etc . :).

Having said that , 'Laughing waters' , derived from the Red Indian , is different. Our lanes are filled with trees - over 1000 trees .

The picture says it all. It does make every one Smile!. Background is Puthari's friend - Tia's home!.

Owli Flies Away!

2006-04-04T02:35:00.000-07:00

Little Owli flew out of the home. Smita managed to convert him to a vegetarian!. He refused to hunt and I guess was inspired from the movie 'shark-tale'.

We wait for the next batch of owls to be rehab'd and set out free.
The last sunday was spent in veerapura , the liitle 'noisy' siberain stok had to be rescued. The little fellow makes so much noise that he can keep crocking the entire day. Imagine , 3000 birds nesting in this small sleepy village of veerapura. The Challenge is to ensure that he joins his folks by June and learns the instincts to fly back home - 'Siberia'.

All Ill Day!

2006-03-21T22:40:00.000-08:00

Today an ALL ill day . Sunti is keeping ill today. Am worried about her back - she has stopped playing . Our nightwatch woman Owli is ill. Pulti is unhappy , she has been confined indoors until she recovers from her paw injury , she hates it .

The only yappy yappy is 'LIKA' - she just cannot stop running around the house.