Archana – Page 73 – Spice of Life!

16/07/201221/07/2020

Kas Pathar – A need to protect

Its that time of the year again but this time round Punekars are thirsting for rain. The weather has turned cooler, the sky is overcast and often filled with menacing black clouds. Yet there is not a drop of rain (oh well, ok… a few drops), nothing to prove its the peak monsoon month.

July end, August is also the right time to visit Kas, which is Maharashtra’s own Valley of Flowers. Located off Satara, its a lovely stretch that is few kilometers long that is bare and barren all year round. Yet come the rains, the seeds that lie hidden and dormant in the rock crevices and few strips of soil spring to life and live out their lifespan in a space of a few weeks. The plants grow, bloom and disperse their seeds all in a short time span. Hence those keen to view or study these species must visit Kas only in this period. These ephemeral species are found only here (or few grow in other similar geographies in Maharashtra as well).

Now that the Western Ghats are on the coveted list of ‘World Heritage Sites” its vital that we do all we can and more to protect this invaluable natural treasure.
Those considering visiting Kas, please please do not damage the
surroundings, throw garbage, trample on the blooms or even bring them
back home (they will not survive). I am not sure of the status of flowering this year (2012) considering that the rains are playing truant. Here are some images captured in 2011 of the beauty in store.
Cheers!
Archana

26/06/201221/07/2020

Red rules at Sinhagad

Is this Peepal?

Heart shaped leaves

Asana shoots

Awwww Not agaaaaain…
Is that what I hear on seeing the post title?

But I am sure you will enjoy this post. The majestic Sinhagad offers something new each time one treks up (note: trek up, not drive up)- maybe a self revelation, some new aspect of its geography, changed landscape or as in my case, simply being able to recognise trees.

We climb up the Kondana Fort (aka Sinhagad) almost at any time of the year. The difficulty level soars in the monsoon due to rivulets of water, moss on the rocks, slush etc but some find this enjoyable. The other difference is in the trees growing on its slopes. They are totally bare (most are the deciduous kind) in summer which makes the climb all that more difficult as the rocks become terribly hot. Come monsoon, they burst into full green glory and flower as per their own individual seasons. Thus one gets a different visual treat each time, the backwaters of the Khadakvasla dam forming a steady constant in each.

The Kanda bhaji, Bhakri pithle, Dahi, Taak, Bhajalele Kanees (Bhutta/Corn on the cob) Nimboo pani, fresh fruits like Jambhul, Karvanda, just ripe-local mangoes are heavenly.

Like the last time, I found the fort to be quite clean, free of garbage (in areas that I walked) and people were generally disciplined. The stone track made walking easier and the road going up is under construction presently. The latter part towards Sinhagad is complete but the earlier part of the climb is still full of potholes with rocks and mudslides on the periphery. I did notice some cutely decorated Jeeps (Similar to those seen in some Rajasthan forts) ready to ferry people down.

My single complaint against lack of a proper toilet for ladies.

Last week, it was Red that ruled the climb. Several trees had lovely red shoots all bursting forth anticipating the rain gods to bestow their offering. I have compiled some photographs for you to enjoy and maybe tempt you to climb up as well… Besides red, green and brown were the predominant colours.

Karvanda

Asana

Ficus

Pithocelobium dulcae

Cheers!
Archana

19/06/201221/07/2020

Shrikhand or Mishti Doi: Who wins?

Dahi is an integral part of our Marathi diet. We eat it just by itself or with sugar added (dahi sakhar) or churned up into ‘taak‘ (buttermilk). To add value, it is drained of excess water and sweetened to make Shrikhand! The one and only supreme dish that is traditionally served as part of the meal but also lends itself to be served as a post-meal ‘desert’!

Shrikhand and dahi have a permanent irreplaceable place in the hearts of Maharashtrians.

There can be no better combination… which is what I thought till I ate Mishti Doi.

I first ate Mishti Doi on a train to Calcutta (as it was then called). The taste buds despite being trained to eating dahi sakhar, immediately recognised this as being something unique, something exquisite and worth investigating. We relished the real stuff when in East and the taste still lingers… Mishti Doi is made from thickened sweetened milk that is set with a starter culture.The treacly sweet and caramel coloured final product easily dissolves in the mouth to transport you to foodie heaven…

Try as I did, I was unable to buy it in Pune and could not make it at home either. I am told that its rarely made at home in its home states (West Bengal and Orissa) as well. The authentic Mishti Doi needs to be set in mud tumblers. Stalls at the local Durga Pooja celebrations drew a blank in my search for this ‘cool’ dish. The umpteen tiny stalls offering ‘Bengali food’ offered that did not impress me at all.

Sourcing Mishti Doi in Pune had become an unfulfilled wish, till recently. I was pleasantly stunned to find Mishti Doi by Mother Dairy at Reliance Retail outlet in Shahakar Nagar. This may not taste exactly like the original stuff from Kolkata but for starved souls like us its a good replacement! Further, it was being sold at a promotional price that was half the printed MRP.

At 179 kcal per 100 gms (nutritional info from the ready to eat Mishti Doi with Calcium and Protein thrown in) this would not send me to Diabetic Hell either.

Naturally we bought all packs available there. I then began an unsuccessful search in other such ‘super markets’ only to be stumped.

Dahi – yes, Flavoured Yoghurt- Yes, Frozen Yoghurt- Yes, Various brands of Shrikhand- Yes but NO Mishti Doi.

Had I dreamt of my purchases? When pinching myself did not work, I revisited the above mentioned outlet and lo and behold. Standing on the fridge shelf were few bright red packs of Mother Dairy’s Mishti Doi both large and small sizes but alas no more promotional prices… Inquiries with the staff revealed that they received fresh supplies in the mornings and people usually waited for the fresh stock..

Does this mean Punekars have given up on Shrikhand?
Will Mishti Doi win hearts of the Marathi manooos?

Cheers!
Archana
PS: Update in August 2012: Also discovered Mother Dairy Mishti Doi at Dorabjees…

31/05/201221/07/2020

What is it about Pune…

Pune. A city where the old and new, high and low tech coexist peacefully…
“Pune tithe kay une”
Roughly translated it means: Pune does not lack anything….
Be it culture, science, nature, music, sports and so on…

The city has some unique features that set it apart from any other city in the world.
Note: in the world!
Yes, Pune has that special something that stealthily sinks its claws into unsuspecting individuals so that somehow they are irrevocably attached to it. Ask any head hunter and they will attest to this fact— getting a candidate from Pune to relocate to a better job in another town is next to impossible. Look around and you will find several non-Maharashtrians have made Pune their home.

So what is it that so attractive about Pune?

Weather? Maybe… A few decades ago homes did not have fans, old timers claim. Difficult to believe now as every house boasts of atleast one AC or other cooling devices.
Water? Yes that may be a reason as i am told that may cities depend solely on borewells. We have the luxury of sweet treated water supply but that too is fast becoming a rarity with vast mini city developments around Pune.
Electricity? Yet another potential reason that may attract people from rural parts as I am told they face extensive power cuts particularly in summer.
Roads? While the city is small enough to technically allow travelling from one end to the other in half an hour, practically this is not the case. small roads, congested lanes, erratic public transport are a huge deterrant. The roads prove that Pune can be a strong competitor for the title of the city with maximum two wheelers!

Some Pune peculiarities:

Old-time shops shut every afternoon for a siesta
Industrial and Electricity holiday on Thursdays
A row of rickshas at a ricksha stand but none ready to ferry you to your destination
Rude-sounding sign posts (for miscellaneous instructions) that have become legendary. Check out this site: http://www.busybeescorp.com/puneripatya/thumbnails.asp
A surfeit of ‘exotic’ trees
Extravagant Ganesh visarjan processions that continue long after the official religious ‘immersion’ time has ended
The one and only Tulshibag, where enthusiastic shoppers from near and far stand cheek by jowl to buy stuff that is apparently available only there… No signs of a recession in these parts or in the adjacent Laxmi Road as well.
Bohri Alee, the one stop source for hardware purchases at rock bottom prices.

The list can be endless. Do you have any suggestions? Do write in or comment…

Till then,
Take care.
Archana

29/05/201221/07/2020

Tiffin Tales

It has always been a mystery to me if a
school Tiffin box and its contents really inspired excitement in its target
consumer. From the hosts and expert cooks on TV cookery shows this certainly
seemed the case. This sent me back to my daily morning tussle to innovate and
put in something interesting (child’s requirement) and nutritious (my
requirement) in the box.

When my daughter was still in preschool,
it was pretty smooth sailing. A sandwich/ fruits/ laddus or any other
savoury stuff made (home or ready-made) sufficed. Once into full time school I
had to give something more substantial especially for the lunch break.
Obviously this meant some variety of roti (Indian flat bread) and subjee
(vegetables) either separately or in a roll (to be called ‘frankie’ in a bid to
glamorise the preparation) or all mixed and rolled together as a stuffed
paratha (a form of Indian bread). The end product required the food to be
kept dry or risk feeding books in the bag. Obviously it would be testing any
child’s patience to expect him/her to eat dry roti/subjee six days of the week
for years together so little ‘extras’ were always demanded. On days when the
unfortunate bhindi (ladies finger) or karela (bitter gourd) found
their way into the plastic box they had to be countered with ‘extras’ that were
rated at the other end (high) of the scale like chips/ French fries/
chocolates/ cola in the water bottle etc. This of course had the rider that the
vegetable could not be repeated for a couple of months AND needed a peace
offering of a pizza for dinner.

Tiffin content planning demanded
creativity and variety. At one point I had chalked out a weekly tiffin plan
with due inputs from my child of course. This was negotiation skills at its
best for both of us – usually she won for the extra category and me in main
foods category. You win some you lose some, that’s life. This continued all
through the school years. In a candid moment I was privy to confessions of the
fate of some tiffins at school. When truly hungry or when contents were
agreeable, there was only option namely – eat the stuff. Sharing was something
that took on different hues as when one had to get rid of something one did not
like or could not risk taking empty Tiffin home. Hell hath no fury like that of
a Mom confronted with an uneaten school Tiffin. I learnt that some kids quite
easily emptied the disliked/ uneaten foods into the dust bin else out of the
school bus window on their way back home, Mom would never know. Did somebody
say thinking out of the box?

All this was obviously for foods coming
in at a low rank on the popularity scale. Topping the charts at the other end
of the scale, the ‘extras’ made the tiffin bearable and school worth going to
in some phases. However like all popular stars these too faced threats and from
the most unexpected sources…

One has heard of petty thefts at school-
a new pencil, eraser, handkerchief etc etc. But this incident took the cake,
almost literally…

A strange phenomenon occurred while my
child was in class four. As the school was some distance away I used to include
an additional small snack to cater to any food pangs during the return journey.
All was well for a few days but soon this food went ‘missing’ from the tiffin.
For the first couple of times I was excused as probably having forgotten but
when the tiffin lacked this vital ingredient day after day, things got serious.
Soon more kids were affected and action was called for. After verifying from
authorities (Moms) that food was indeed put into the tiffin, the kids concluded
that there existed a food thief among them. To add insult to injury, this
person ate up only the goodies in the tiffin leaving subjees for the
real recipients. No one would have complained if subjees had gone
missing…

Teachers were informed, the principal
brought into the loop but kids decided to take some action. The laddus were
doctored at home to have a core of chilli powder. Chocolates were removed from
wrappers and replaced with stones, papers or other similar stuff. They took
turns in ‘guarding’ the classrooms when kids went out for other activities. It
was not really clear what finally succeeded but one fine day all kids got their
full tiffins and the pain was over. Some said it was one of the kids, others
spoke of a monster and with kids’ overactive imagination there were new
culprits and causes daily. The academic session ended very soon and the entire
batch dispersed to new places and the matter ended there.

Tiffins continued into college days as
well but now I had added help in the form of aluminium foils/ cling
films/absorbent tissues and zip lock bags, containers all in fancy ‘food grade
materials’. There were times when I had to make do with canna or banana leaves
to wrap food- they make an excellent wrap by the way. Even now the tussle of
what to put into it went on as before. The security of having Tiffin full of
tasty food is the most comforting thing for a child away at school/college and
worth Mom’s every effort. Every full Tiffin reflects maternal love and each
tiffin returning home has a tale of its own to tell.

Cheers!

Archana

29/04/201221/07/2020

Shop and eat at Laxmi Road

Walking on Laxmi Road, Pune is an extremely trying affair. The place is terribly crowded at practically any time of the day (most shops here are open all day long unlike other true blue Puneri establishments that close for a siesta) and any time of the year. Moving from shop to shop, climbing up and down their rickety stairs and discussions about design/texture/colour (with your co-shopper) and price (with the shopkeeper) and (after transactions are successfully concluded,) lugging around your bags in the heat can test the resolve of even the most dedicated retail therapist!

So where does one go to restore the body as it were, the spirits having already being restored with the now lighter wallets?

Janaseva Bhojanalaya (Dughdha Mandir) is an ideal spot to rest the limbs and restore much needed glucose to your systems. It is strategically located towards the Alka Talkies side of Laxmi Road, where the usual shopping haunts peter out… (I have not mentioned this place in one of my earlier posts about Laxmi Road.)

Its an old and small unpretentious hotel that has been revamped to some extent. Let me assure you that the menu remains faithful to its tradition, offering most Maharashtrian snacks (and few South Indian ones as well). The place is clean, the food is tasty, fully vegetarian and one cannot really complain about the prices.

Presently there are two sections in the hall. One is for Mithai and Namkeens for take aways. The other is the self-service dine in (you can get items from this menu packed as well) where one has to simply order and pay for whatever you want and relax your legs, back and arms as you wait at the tables. The billing machine is connected to the kitchen and your order is automatically transferred to and prepared by the chefs there. A tinkle announces your token number and then you can tuck in to your hearts content!

The menu is not very extensive but Sabudana Khichadi, Batata vada, Sabudana vada, Kharvas, Modak, Doodhi halwa, Misal pav, Thikhat Sanja, Kothimbir vadi are top favourites.

So the next time you are tired after shopping on Laxmi Road, head to Janaseva- you’ll enjoy it.
Cheers!
Archana

16/04/201221/07/2020

What’s in a name?

Some years ago, I wrote another post with a similar title. Repeating it could mean:

lack of ideas on my part (wrong)
repeat post (wrong again)

OK lets not stretch this… Unlike the previous post where I wrote about MY name, this is about names of women. Rather, roads named after women…

Interested? I recently read this article on the BBC website which mentions that very few roads across cities in the world are named after women. Immediately I turned to my city and looked around trying to identify such roads here in Pune.

Horror of horrors Pune city too seemed to be bitten by the same bug as has bitten the ‘road naming’ authorities world over. I assumed that roads are named after people who have made important social, medical, scientific, cultural etc contributions to society or under political compulsions…. Logically this should include both men and women. Yet for every 8-10 roads named after men, I found only one road named after a woman.

I have found no reasons for this strangely skewed ratio.

From my limited search, here are the roads I located. Of course some of the names were only surnames so it could have been either that of a man or woman so we must give the benefit of a doubt…

Kumidini Pednekar Road
Kashibai Khilare Road
Kamlabai Bhat Road
Dr Banoo Coyaji Road
Kalika Devi Marg
Savitribai Phule Road
I was unable to confirm if the famous Laxmi Road is named after Rani Laxmibai or the Goddess or any one else…

Can you spontaneously reel of names of 10 roads named after women in your city/town?

So what’s in a name? Nothing or everything, depending on your point of view.

Until my next post, do read names of roads you travel on. Thanks to our zealous corporators, most Pune roads now have big blue signboards.

And yes, if you find more such names in Pune, do write in. Please do not endanger yourself in trying to read such sign posts and always follow traffic rules.

I have not included names of “Chowk” (Squares”) but I guess they warrant inclusion as well. We must update that meagre list above…

Take care!
Archana

P.S: Adding to the above list:
8. Adarsha Mata Sonumai Joshi Path

P.S.S: Thanks to inputs from all my friends I am happy to add more names to our list. Please scroll down for the new additions.

9. Sarla Nivrutti More Path
10. Laxmibai Vishnu Sane Path
11. Shobha. H. Kolte Path
12. Rashtramata Jijamata Marg

Updating the list on 29 Dec 2014:
13. Iravati Karve Marg
14. Minatai Thakre Road
15. Kamlabai Bhat Road

Update on 02 May 2015:
16. Kai Vimlabai Shankarrao Pachange Path

Update on 07 Dec 2015
17. Swargiya Vijayatai Kenjale Path

Update on 22 Dec 2015
18. Kai. Shrimati Gayabai Shyamgiri Gosavi Path
19. Kai. Jaai Bapu Vairat Path
20. Nargis Dutt Road

Update on 22 Jan 2016
21. Kai Shalinitai Khunte Path

Update on 26 Mar 2016
22. Dr Annie Besant Road

Update on 23 Sep 2016
23. Kai Sau Ramrati Ranulal Rathi Path

Update on 12 Dec 2016
24. Late Smita Patil Road

11/03/201221/07/2020

I’m back

Like the dialogue made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger “I’m back” to e-space!
Various commitments in and out of Pune followed by plain old laziness took me away but that is no excuse…
On my return, what do I find? Following local elections, Pune is engulfed in a water crisis as the high point of a day is hearing the growling engine of an approaching water tanker! Whatever the reasons for the sudden water cuts, its something we have to live with till the rains at least.

A drive around the city shows that spring has settled in despite huge temperature variations. The golden blaze of the Tabebuia can catch you off guard and take your breath away even as the Jacaranda casts a soothing bluish haze over the tree line and a blue carpet at your feet… New leaves on the Moha blush as the Casia grandis preens in its pink glory competing with the greenish white fragrant blooms of Shirish.

I can go on but its better to walk down the streets and look up at the trees and enjoy this lovely season.
They too seem to be saying “I’m back” despite the changing climate, tree cutting and so on...

Cheers!
Archana

28/01/201221/07/2020

Something Special…

Our tenure at Bhuj was among the most memorable for me. Besides the wonderful people we met there, I was honoured to get an opportunity to work with the lovely children of Dhanvantri School. Founded and managed by the dynamic Dr Shantuben Patel this is a one stop halt that caters to all needs (education, therapy and counselling) of special children. I am richer from this experience and from everything I have learnt from Shantuben.

At the outset let me make it clear, that the school is forever filled with joy and laughter and optimism. This arises from the diminutive soft spoken power house called Shantuben! The school was razed to the ground in the 2001 earthquake yet Shantuben and the teachers relentlessly worked on. Their efforts have resulted in a beautiful new complex that offers succour to special children from in and around Bhuj.

There are several large-hearted benefactors that help keep this noble venture going and the school recently got a wonderful new gift- a school bus. The gift was made all the more special as the one and only Big B, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan did the honours by presenting the bus keys to Shantuben.

Due to commitments, he was unable to visit the school, something the children were really looking forward to. When Shantuben reached the school, they reverently touched the keys as ‘He’ had handed them over. Such unquestioned, unadulterated adulation and adoration and respect has to be seen to be believed. We do hope that Mr Bachchan can visit and spend time with the students of Dhanvatari School in future.

Here are some images of the children and their new bus.

In case you happen to be visiting Kutch or Bhuj, do make it a point to visit this school. It’s not about what you can give the school or its children but the hope and optimism that you will can learn from them….
Good Luck!
Archana

22/01/201221/07/2020

Shaken…

After a long time, I read this article that really disturbed me. The Dec 26, 2011- Jan 09, 2012 issue of the Outlook magazine has several articles that describe ‘food trails’ in different regions. I have read several such ‘food’ travel articles online and in magazines but none was as stark as this one.

The article is entitled ‘Sweat of Shiva’s Back’ by Amita Bhaviskar and describes the food and life of Bhilala adivasis. Perish any thought of a romantic account of life in the jungles. Far from it. Having said that, at no point does the article deteriorate into a ‘sob story’ of their difficulties. In a simple stark manner, the author describes their food habits that are totally dictated by the lives they lead.

Initially the botanist in me was struck by their use of the Mahua flowers and its oil and liquor made from it. Then as the words sank in, the magnitude of their situation hit me.

A friend of mine spent some time at Melghat and her account of the conditions there was of abject malnutrition, illiteracy…

Despite tall claims of our esteemed economists, industrialists and the government of being an economic superpower in-waiting, our politicians continue to focus on the caste system for their own gains, female infanticide is still rampant, girls are ‘married’ off to banana trees or earthen pots prior to marriage for some obscure ‘dosha‘ in their horoscope as their mothers and relatives look on approvingly…. (I have never heard of the same proceedure for a prospective groom, are their horoscopes universally excellent and free of doshas?). Does this mean its the darkest before dawn or is it all just a mirage? I don’t know…

Its true that ours is a vast country of diverse geographies and people. One size will not apply to all. The cities see a 24X7 rat race for more money, a bigger job designation, a bigger loan (to keep up with the Jonas’ in terms of creature comforts) and a slowly bigger list of diseases… Some migrate abroad in search of a ‘better’ life.

All this while folk from our villages fed up of lack of income and wanting a ‘better’ lifestyle come to the cities in search of the proverbial pot of gold…

We have lived in some pretty remote and disturbed areas, experienced the ups and downs of soldierly life. Combined with my work with disadvantaged kids I thought I had developed a thick skin… I was wrong…

Take care..
Archana