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Botany at Forty

I love trees, plants, herbs, shrubs… in fact almost all green (and not green) things that grow in nature. When setting up our home at each posting the sight of similar vegetation growing in our garden or even our residential campus gave a comforting familiarity. I almost looked upon the trees as a friend. While the Neem was rampant in Bidar, this tree was not as easily found in Assam. I never did think I would miss Neem even amidst the widespread greenery of the East. Yet miss I did. Ditto for the bamboo when we moved out from Assam. Often I recognized the tree or the blooms but did not know their names… I did try to Google their identity but success was not assured… The feeling was akin to not knowing the name of a close friend…
A course in Field Botany seemed just what the doctor ordered. I would be able to learn not only know names but habitat, classification, growth patterns, characteristics of many many more green friends. Full of josh, I made copious notes, referred to my old photographs and supplied notes. The first discordant note appeared after a few lectures. It was March on the Tekdi and being a dry/moist deciduous forest (my newly acquired gyan!!) the trees that had become bare in winters were just springing forth with tender shoots. While previously I would have admired their different shades of green and so on, I now found myself trying to analyze shape of the leaves, their arrangement on the stem, the stipule (if any or if modified), petiole, venation etc etc.
I started carrying my Cell Phone just to take photos of leaves for my homework. I did not have time to admire the forest that was bursting back to life nor for the few flowers in full bloom that tried to attract my attention with the fragrance…. Walk became work and study. Suddenly it began to lose its charm particularly when confronted with an unidentifiable specimen… I seriously contemplated going back to an indoor work out…
On the botany front, we had progressed to inflorescence. This is not to be confused with flowers. Our module was so designed that we would be able to view (study) most angiosperms that grow in our part of the world. Naturally my bonsai too were blooming. My daughter and I were admiring my Kamini (Murraya panniculata) with when she suddenly dropped a bombshell. At least that was what it was to me…
“Aai what is this type of inflorescence called?”
“Hmmm… Looks like the inflorescence is of the determinate type…”
“Yes- that is cymose. Go on…”
She has a biotechnology background so I knew I would not be able to bluff my way through this one…
“Is it a dichasial cyme?”
“You tell me…”
I started at the bright red fruit looking for inspiration. How come that branch had escaped my pruning shears after the flowers had wilted? I felt about three feet tall and was immediately transported back to the early 1990s but with roles reversed. To be specific, I was the child answering a viva!! I wished the flower would talk back to me describing itself. I did talk to my plants did I not?? There was no help in sight…
The Cell phone rang and took my daughter’s attention away and I breathed a sigh of relief… That call saved my day.
I still have to work on a presentation and luckily I have the freedom to choose a topic. Mainly I have to describe in details whatever trees I choose. That means I would have to undergo more of what I have just described and plus some more. I have to describe the stem, leaves, inflorescence, fruits etc etc… Is it an herb or a shrub or tree?
The timetable shows that our ‘abbreviated course’ will have four lectures on the flower even though we will not be studying microscopic characteristics. Will I ever be able to enjoy the fragrance of a Tuberose or admire the colours and shape of an Orchid without analyzing its petals, sepals etc etc. Does it have to be beauty or science and can the two not go together?
Suddenly I hated myself for joining this field botany that did not allow me to enjoy my flowers or greenery around me. Did one really need to know the name and biodata of every tree around me? Would I like the Nerium lesser if I did not know that its leaf arrangement was decussate or that the ‘flower’ of my Anthurium was actually a spadix? Would I be less aware of my responsibility to maintain the fast disappearing green cover over my city? I don’t think so….
I have to rush now, my books are waiting…
Wish me luck!
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Tulips in Pune

A very popular song of my childhood (Dekha Ek Khwab…) in the movie Silsila was shot against the backdrop of tulip fields.. Since then I have been wanting to see these flowers up close and luckily for me I did not have to go all the way to Holland for it, nor to the local florist…
I was privileged to see Tulips grown with extreme love and dedication, not to mention hard work by the mother son duo of Madhumati and Ashutosh Sathe. Not only did they generously allow us to view the flowers but gave us a detailed explanation about how they managed this feat (getting the flowers to bloom) in Pune weather, which is not their natural habitat. Mrs Sathe and Ashutosh have been growing Tulips since 2000 and the secret of their success is in the ‘forcing technique’ that they use to get the bulbs to germinate and grow.
According to Mrs Sathe, yellow, red and purple varieties bloom quite well in our climate. Once a flower blooms it stays fresh on the plant for eight days and then fades away. The flowers have a mild fragrance and ‘close’ every night and ‘open’ the next morning.
This year, they were happy to have a flower blooming on Valentines day itself and expect their flowers to continue to bloom till March end. Presently the tulips are the star attraction of their garden.
These flowers are indeed a sight for sore eyes.
Cheers!
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Plastic Money

As more and more establishments accept plastic money, we increasingly turn to the comfort and convenience it offers not to mention some time leeway before we actually make the payment (in case of credit or charge cards). The process usually consists of the card being swiped at the cash counter, signing on a tiny slip (printed with fading ink in microscopic font- particularly for baby boomer eyes!!) and walking out with the desired goods!
Simple aint it??

Yes provided the machine that does the swiping is in good working condition.
Have you at any times been met with an ‘error’ message on the machine? Probably… Usually the cashier re-swipes the card or you may proffer another one from the plastic collection in the wallet! The machine spits out the piece of paper and you are done. Voila!

However it may happen that the machine and related IT connections have actually deducted the sum from your account, but you do not know that. Repeated swiping will still give the ‘error’ message and the money will continue to be deducted. Of course this is only an occasional issue and does not happen in all instances of ‘error’ messages of the swiping machine.

In the above case, the bank account will show multiple deductions to the same vendor…
This can be an extremely painful situation. What is to be done???
  • The first thing is if possible go back to the shop and inform the manager and get him to inform his bank about this failed transaction/swipe.
  • Then contact your own branch with details of the transaction.
  • If the shop/vendor informs his bank and does not claim the money then it will be credited back to your account in a fixed time (for different banks this differs e.g 11 working days etc). Till then the funds remain in suspense account. Of course, immediate action on your part is vital.

In the interim you may worry yourself sick but till that mandatory period is over your funds will not be returned. All cards have some policy about this so it is important to take some time to understand it. Check out the relevant page on the website of your debit/credit/ charge card or better still speak to their customer care.

Another thing you can do is to activate SMS alerts for debit/credit/charge card debits on your account. This way you will immediately know once some funds are debited once your card is swiped even if the machine shows an error. This can save you a lot of hassle and headache. Not to mention loss of interest on your money.

Here is the link to a query in the Economic Times about a failed online card-transaction. The expert’s replies are given there. (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/personal-finance/fixed-deposits/query-corner-fixed-deposits/articleshow/7616504.cms)

As they say in the military, its better to sweat in peace than bleed in war.
As you take time to understand interest rules on your plastic money, or actions if it gets lost, also understand what to do and what is the normal bank procedure in case of a failed card transaction.
Cheers!

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Retirement, then what?

Retirement! This is a dreaded word not merely as it may signify that the person is officially ‘old’ but because of the void it brings in the lives of the retirees. Time hangs heavily as a person used to being in office for long hours, having several people look up to them (by 58/60 years, most people do reach a position of some responsibility in their profession and lead teams of varying sizes) suddenly finds nothing to do. Retirement age in our country was increased to 60 from 58 years but better health care, better diet etc mean people are fairly fit, active and mentally sharp at this time.

By age 60, children of most parents have left the nest and are settled elsewhere in India or abroad. If the mind is allowed to become inactive, idle then physical aging and degeneration sets in rapidly. Knee/ back pain who were strangers earlier suddenly become unwanted companions as can other physical ailments. Within a year post-retirement, I have seen several such people look older. Besides health issues, financial constraints may begin as the monthly paycheck stops (particularly in absence of smart retirement financial planning). In joint families, communication may suddenly become an issue as the children and their spouses are busy in their own careers.

Many of our top politicians have seen over 60 summers and some consider themselves still young! (read this interview: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cabinet-reshuffle-is-not-a-damp-squib-ambika/141300-37-64.html).
In the private sector, leaders of some top Indian firms belong to the over 60-year club as well (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/7323575.cms?prtpage=1

http://www.rediff.com/money/2005/aug/09inter.htm)…

In a country predominantly comprised of youth, over 60 year-olds cannot think of a regular job. Such fresh retirees (a la fresh grads!) are a rich source of wisdom that industry and society can benefit from. Some kind of post retirement engagement will be a win-win situation for the individual and the industry. This is easily said and done for politicians, CXOs, bureaucrats but about others? Are they to fade away, spend their time playing golf/bridge, babysitting grandchildren, etc?

Some companies do turn to retired executives as ‘consultants’. Is there a need for a dedicated organisation / NGO to help over 60-year old retirees? Should the retirement age be increased again? (read this article: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/government-mulls-raising-retirement-age-to-62-yrs/366841/)
What do you think?

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And the Sun will shine…

Difficult as it is to say this, one has to accept that the present governance situation in India seems to have reached its nadir. What with one scam after another, soaring prices (to name just a few problems) the only people who seem to be doing well are politicians irrespective of which cap they don.

Yes, the media may go overboard about some issues but can they be blamed for the price rise? (read this: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Pawar-blames-media-says-no-proposal-on-milk-price-rise/570153/). Some ministers have reportedly said the government lacks tools to control price rises (read this: http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-govt-cannot-control-food-prices-accepts-finmin-adviser/20110106.htm).
Corruption, legal violation cases by big wigs languish in our courts.
So where does the common man go? Is this the pits? Do we as honest tax payers deserve this? Should we pay taxes at all? Do we really have democratic processes that represent ‘majority’ opinion or are some influential voters’ blocks taking the rest for a ride? The central government, and every state, municipal corporation and gram panchayat government represent not more than 35% of votes polled. So are our electoral systems truly giving the majority opinion the right to govern? We need to introspect and rethink.
Being the eternal optimist I would like to point to the 2010 Bihar elections. Bihar, the first among the so called BIMARU states, yet its people made a dramatic choice in their 2010. Fed up with corruption, absence of law and order they voted for progress. (read this: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/development-has-won-in-bihar-nitish-kumar/135747-37-64.html
Surely if some people in India can use the ballot to make an emphatic verdict about their preferences, the rest of us can follow? Agreed that there is still a while for elections but we must be sure to make an informed choice based on past performance and not promised results when we vote. We must sort wheat from chaff and learn to take ‘claims’ of so called administrative successes with tons of salt.
This is what people power and power of the ballot is all about.
Don’t despair people. Raise your voice. Think. Act.
And the Sun will shine…
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Art to Treasure

In this era of soaring prices, inflation and what have you, one is always looking for new avenues to invest. Avenues that will not be subject to such pressures. Gold, precious stones do not appeal to all or cannot be worn/displayed at will.

However there one more option to consider is paintings. While masterpieces by well known painters may cause you to empty your bank balance, its a good idea to invest in works of other good artists. Hang up the painting in your drawing room/study and become the ‘neighbour’s envy!!

In Pune, a selection of artist Preetima Pande’s paintings is being exhibited at Malaka Spice at Koregaon Park. (This is the link to a report in Pune Mirror: http://punemirror.in/index.aspx?Page=article&sectname=Entertainment%20-%20Variety&sectid=63&contentid=201101182011011802203116748291a23).

Hurry, the display is on up to 31 January 2011.
This is a not-to-miss opportunity to acquire some excellent art.
Cheers!

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Ninth Pune International Film Festival 2011 (PIFF)

Not an avid movie aficionado, I decided to become a ‘delegate’ for the ninth Pune International Film Festival (PIFF). At Rs 500 per person (other than for students and senior citizens) it seemed a steal as one could watch movies for the entire day (four a day at some venues) – obviously you had to have the stomach for it … And I refer to more than an overdose of movies. It takes quite something to move from theater to theater as the mind is bombarded with expressions of tormented feelings from across the world extending from love, hate, violence, forgiveness, religious extremism and so on. Spoilt for choice we learnt to ‘study’ the brochure and match it with the schedule and our work and tried to watch as many as possible (11 is the latest score and we have two days to go…)

Not all movies were what we expected but some notable ones were ‘Zeppelin’, ‘On the path’, ‘The Cherry Orchard’, ‘Puzzle’, ‘The Tree’ and ‘How I ended last Summer.’

One way to know about different places is to physically visit them. For couch potatoes reading Outlook Traveller is a good option. I have just discovered that watching movies from different countries is a good way to see that countryside up close. So do make it a point to visit an international film festival being held in your city… We enjoyed the accompanying Japanese arts exhibition and free sushi at the PIFF 2011!!

The disadvantage is that with the movie overload, we do not have time to savour, introspect and let the movie’s thoughts and emotions sink it. So make your choices and enjoy every screening.
I remember a very apt dialogue by the character Matthias Silcher about films in the movie ‘Zeppelin’, he says they”… make time stand still but also fly past…”

Overall the PIFF was well organised but there is huge scope for improvement if it wants to go places. Buying the passes was a stressful experience. I have not yet fathomed the need for Pan card or electricity bill for the same. Of course as films did not have the usual Censor board certificate and had very explicit content I can understand that organisers wanted to be sure that attendees were over 18 years… The screenings were at several venues across town but we were unable to make it to Fame and NFAI Kothrud. My comments on organisation/actual presentation of the movies are in the table below and are obviously based on shows that we actually watched and feedback of other delegates who regularly attended that particular venue.

Quality

Venue: E-square

Venue: Inox

Venue: City Pride Kothrud

Venue: R-Deccan

National Anthem

NOT Played

Played

NOT Played

NOT Played

Announcements

In Marathi and English

Only English

Only Marathi

Only English

Censor Board Certificate

Not Displayed

Not Displayed

Not Displayed

Not Displayed

Interval

No

No

No

Yes

Punctuality

Excellent

Excellent

Excellent

Excellent

Presentation Skills of announcers

Needs vast improvment

Needs vast improvement

Needs vast improvement

Needs vast improvement

Age Group of Delegates

Predominantly youth

Mixed age group

Predominantly seniors and baby boomers

Mixed age group

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Thumbs up for Fighter Pilots!

Fighter pilots are a breed into themselves. This is something that must be experienced and no amount of anecdotes can make you aware of this fact.

Superficially one sees the signature aviator glasses, dashing uniform and a dynamic personality immortalized by Tom Cruise in ‘Top Gun’. No one can remain unimpressed when faced with such raw energy, charm and their sense of humour. Their ability ‘to think on their feet’ is something that all of us must try to imbibe.

Dig a little deeper and you will find that pilots in general tend to be different from other professionals, fighter pilots in particular. It could be because of the rigorous training they undergo combined with the very nature of their flying that can be unforgiving or close knit relationships they form in their flying units/squadrons.

Before I am accused of exaggeration, here is scientific proof of some of these differences:
A University College London study has found huge differences in brains of pilots of fighter aircraft in comparison to a control group. Researchers used cognitive tests and MRI scans for the study. It is not yet known if people are born with these differences or they are acquired later. (Read the study here or copy paste the following in a new browser: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/1012/10121402)

In a country increasingly enamoured with fat pay checks and ivy league MBAs, such studies can help encourage youngsters to take up a career in military flying that is often only associated with low pay and dangers.
Happy Landings!!

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Are you fully Empowered?

What does womens empowerment really mean? Is it restricted to access to education, financial independence, taking control of one’s relationships, jobs and so on?
Probably many women particularly in urban India may have these choices- what they choose to do is of course their prerogative.

Yet, I find that when in a crisis, we tend show symptoms of the what I call ‘damsel in distress’ syndrome!
Put simply it means we just throw up our hands and expect someone else to sort out the problem for us.
Example: car battery suddenly discharging (of course she forgot to turn of the lights when parking!), a flat car tyre, computer glitches, inflated utility or other bills particularly when the husband is away or gadgets going unserviceable -they always seem to do so when I am around 🙁

Sounds familiar?

While it is always helpful to have get someone else to de-tangle such knotty issues, its important that we know whats to be done…
Here’s what I suggest:

  • Update your contacts list be it on your cell phone or the ubiquitous diary with names and latest phone numbers of providers like emergency car recovery garages, hardware repairmen (taps, electric switches uncannily know when you are alone), helpline numbers of your bank, telephone and Internet providers etc
  • Keep these in an easily accessible place.
  • Learn some basic ‘fault finding’ in gadgets you use. Dont throw away booklets provided with your gadgets. Refer to them when some equipment goes unservicable, you may be able to fix a minor problem yourself.
  • Learn how to change a flat tyre. Besides refuelling your vehicle, check tyre pressure, PUC and insurance validity.
  • Exercise regularly and stay fit so unexpectedly having to carry some weight or walking two kms is not an issue
  • Make sure you follow traffic rules particularly when with your kids-you will set a poor example for them… In keeping with the topic of this post, arguing with the traffic cop, paying a fine or worse finding that your vehicle PUC is out of date is a more than uncomfortable situation…

Learning and doing these basic jobs in no way takes away from our ‘femininity’!
Then our empowerment will be truly complete.
Cheers!

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The Short List

They say a soul chooses its parents (which family it is born into).. So unknown to us, someone somewhere is ticking off prospective couples for suitability to being parents. The important factor is ‘unknown’. Each one of us must have had made this choice and will be subjected to one or more later. Its only later in life that we may remember the choices made or are subjected to.

These days kids learn of the ‘short list’ quite early in life- starting from her admission to pre-school though the barely three year old may not know much about eligibility of her candidature… (I refer to both boys and girls, the word used is ‘she’ solely for ease of writing!!)

Yet the kids brave on from class to class, exam to exam till they leave their schools behind and are set for several more rounds of short listing for many more academic laurels. Mind you, their actual merits will now pale before several ‘worldly’ factors like connections to important and influential people, performances beyond studies, a glib tongue (very useful in group discussions and interviews) and financial strength. For some being ‘under served’ may be an advantage but who is decide on what qualifies as underserved?

So the young adults, armed with degrees from self styled ‘top’ colleges enter the bad bad world, all keen to make it to the top of the corporate ladders. There are more shortlists- to chose life partners, the dream home, car, jewelery, invites to page 3 events etc etc

By now they have been shortlisted for cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease just to name a few, which just sends them to the top of the short list to exiting their careers for health reasons. Suddenly being on a shortlist does not seem at all attractive.

What happened?

Should we only live to be chosen for something or take life head on do our bit and leave the rest to the Final Authority? All this sounds good and noble but is not easy to implement.
As my friend said, when difficulties arise do not say ‘Why me’ instead say ‘Try Me’!
That will put the ‘short list’ in its correct place and not give it an undue importance.
Think about it…

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