Nainital : Interface With Nature

While braving present extreme winter of Delhi (two days being coldest in 40 years), memories of time spent in Nainital and Mukteshwar in September – end, 2011 prick my mind. There is nothing unusual in attending a training in diverse settings but a village attachment with same is like an icing on a cake. One such opportunity was availed of in Sunderkhal village of Dhari Block. It is 55kms. from Nainital on Bhatelia – Dhanachuli road.

Consciousness about ecology and environment in the village could be measured from the fact that out of 189 hectares, 113 hectares were placed under Van Panchayat and that majority of 1009 villagers were reported involved in community managed forest. The practice of Van Panchayat Samiti had begun way back in October 1932. Extraction of fuel and fodder was taking place as per established norms. Thus, valuable and important varieties of trees were getting conserved with a sustainable bent of mind. The JFM had also played its role in building the capacity of community members and bringing awareness about proper use of forest resources. Interaction with the villagers revealed that three years ago they had also setup a Surveillance Committee to check open defecation and other unhealthy sanitation practices. Inspiration and support came from the CLASS programme initiated by Uttrakhand Academy of Administration.

 As per Panchayat Members, the Committee was regularly testing the quality of water in the existing sources (we saw one or two) and was also keeping a close watch on overall sanitation standards. Open defecation attracted a fine from the Committee. As a result, almost all households had constructed pucca latrines. In addition, the Mahila Jagriti Sangh was maintaining its own truck for transportation of village products to the nearest market. Same was also utilized for carrying patients and accident victims, whenever a need arose. The whole thing reflected tone and tenor of a success story and good partnership between a scheme of the Government and the will and commitment at the cutting edge.

Subsequent to a quick bite and tea with the villagers, we were shown patches of beautiful Pine forest maintained and protected by the community. What a zeal and enthusiasm they displayed in this land of Chipko Movement! The setting was relatively flat with a narrow but unpolluted rivulet flowing in between. It provided a good photo opportunity specially for the couples on the wrong side of fifties. Knowing my skill and inclination, I too was roped in. At personal level, I ventured little bit into the deep forest having discovered some similarity with the road side meadows of Lachen and Yumthang Valleys.

Lush green forest always attracts, mesmerizes and relieves. What a rich growth of Oak, Pine, Deodar and Rhododendrons one saw over the last two days! Somewhere it was virgin and pristine, elsewhere traces of biotic interference were clearly visible. It was encouraging to see prevalence of thick, healthy forest. It is essential for human survival, more so, for those living along the hills. In sum and substance, the Uttarakhand hills appeared more stable and sturdy as compared to young geological formations of the Eastern Himalayas.

Once we hit the road, it was a pleasure to come across attractive hamlets at varying heights. Flowers would refreshen us every how and then. Water appeared scarce as compared to the East. May be, rate of urbanization was swift. Soon the quality of road deteriorates. There was an absence of parapets even at sharp bends. Hardly any sight of mile stones was possible. Low volume of traffic was the only plus point. After an hour and a half of slow and dull drive, we descend to a small township with captivating houses. Though its name is out of mind, simplicity of people and their way of life left an impression during our brief halt.

Following a drive of 5 kms, one touches Bhimtal, a mammoth water body, supposedly quieter and bigger than Naini Lake. One is reminded of a visit to this enchanting place in September – October 1996 in the lovely company of Late Ankoor, who was in 2^nd class at that point of time. We had thoroughly enjoyed our halt and taken some memorable pictures, still kept in an album. The previous evening, we had Teej Puja at Nainital Club (now State Guest House), an occasion when D.T, on complete waterless fast, could not change her dress on account of extreme cold conditions.

Another drive of 6 kms and we are at Naugachia Tal, an extremely huge and picturesque water body, surrounded by serene forest. The first view itself, even in semi-fog conditions was awesome. Local officers convey that the lake derived its name from its nine corners. One was in a photographic spree at the drop of hat. Soon we enter the Lake resort building of Uttarakhand Tourism. Once belonging to the legendary G.B. Pant, it had 12 spacious rooms, a very eye catching reception, a dining room, beautiful verandahs and lawns on three sides, abounding in Arocaria plants. But what it lacks is a proper Drawing Room. One has to manage with the casual sitting arrangement in the verandah after negotiating a long que to the rest room (but natural, after a long drive). The flight of wooden stairs enable one to see more beautiful, well maintained and immaculately polished parts of the villa and view of the lake from two other directions. A couple of snaps taken from the rooms and hexagonal balcony on the first floor were going to be etched in memory. Halt of one and a half hours was rounded off beautifully by a sumptuous buffet lunch in the lawns.

By 17.00 hours, we were in our temporary abode at Nainital Academy. Hectic activity since dawn justified the rest followed by a sleep for almost two hours. The grand finale came in the form of a Cultural Extravaganza organized in the magnificent wooden paneled auditorium. A Woman Assistant Director, dressed all white with a printed Rajasthani Chunni, who anchored the show, did everything professionally. Song and Dance sequences, mostly from Uttarakhand, entertained and appealed to one and all. From the side of participants, Shri Jawahar from Tamil Nadu and Mrs. Devanikar from Maharashtra sang songs in their regional languages. More requests were set aside for want of time. Shri Kalita of Assam led everyone in dancing impromptu from audience. I too joined the spree with Kalita, rather reluctantly, after a long time. It was definitely for the first time since losing Ankoor, four months ago.

Dinner in cold conditions at nearby Heritage Hotel had also its own flavour of ‘warmth’, ethnicity and music. Another two hours passed by in taking snacks, food and not to be forgotten, a fresh bout of dancing and singing. Thanks to Kalita yet again, I attempted singing a duet, ably supported by a synthesizer and a light band. When we called it a day, Joshi was about to finish his intake of brown water. In his true inimitable style, he was seen ordering a late dinner to his room, far away from the madding crowd. The penultimate day at Nainital thus came to an end.     

The Dame in Distress

Damini or Nirbhaya, a self made para-medico daughter of a Loader, who was commendably supporting her studies by doing tuitions, was tortured, dehumanized and ultimately consigned to flames very early on an extremely cold day. Visibility being low during this part of the year is not something unusual in Delhi. But the bone-chilling and freezing conditions on 29/12/12 made the matters worse.

No one got a hint about the exact touch down of the dead body from Singapore and its subsequent arrival at a non-descript location in Sector 19, Dwarka. Thus, 13 days of unimaginable trauma was over for a bubbly girl and the only hope of a struggling family who had just begun her foray in this mystical world. All her sympathizers and well-wishers at Vijay Chowk (12,000 on a day) India Gate & Jantar Mantar were left high and dry. While the largest impromptu public outrage in Delhi was punctured, the Administration had the last laugh.

Primarily, due to her extraordinary strength and determination, she could bear and tolerate assaults of extreme nature, which could easily be included in the category of horrendous crimes requiring exemplary punishment. Even in the I.C.U. she expressed a desire to change her clothes and comb her hair. It was a pity that recording of her statement by a woman SDM reflected an unfortunate bone of contention between the Magistracy and the Police. Alas, her God died young. Her fight and that of her friend and the remarkable resistance against the savage gang rape and aborted attempts to crush them under the bus will have a few parallels. What a grit and confidence they displayed against the brutal forces in the wee hours!

Reportedly, she was to get married within three months but no one had imagined that she will loose her valiant battles in two hospitals so soon despite the best medical treatment and attention. Decision to shift her abroad while she was still on ventilator, itself was not free from controversies.

Till last moment, her name remained undisclosed due to legal restrictions, yet she was fondly addressed and rightly revered. She went on to symbolize the pains and compulsions faced by the women, who, instead of getting protected and respected are silenced and vanquished almost everyday in the nooks and corners of the country. One knows only about a handful, courtesy media, civil society or a few crusaders, who take a vow to bring changes in the over all attitude of the society.

The case, per se, has brought enough shame for the country. At the same time, it exposed our hypocrisy. In the process, a large number of like minded and suffering individuals came together, got a voice and an occasion to unite. Her body is gone forever but her soul lives. Rather, it should live to provide support to the needy, to those who apprehend threats within the four walls as also outside, on a daily basis.

Very few episodes and incidents have united the country in the manner this particular one has, from students to housewives, tiny tots to senior citizens, media persons to writers & artists, politicians to film stars, all were on streets braving inclement weather but voicing concern unequivocally.

On the first day of yet another New Year don’t we, therefore, recite a prayer in her memory and attempt to discover Nirbhaya within ourselves? In sum and substance, she bravely lit a flame which needs to be protected and carried forward.

As a matter of relief if not as a remedy, the unprecedented sexual violence must come to an end and various measures suggested by a cross-section of people need to be considered: enhanced punishment, chemical castration, scaling down VIP security, fast track courts, daily hearing in rape cases, a dedicated helpline in important places, gender sensitivity training for police and Govt. servants, swift action on complaints against policemen, responsible reporting by the media and special session of Parliament. Also, the prevailing attitude towards women in general has to change. On the domestic front, preference on the part of a mother for a male child, has to be given up as quickly as possible.

Many known personalities of the country and abroad wrote and spoke about Damini’s sufferings as long as she was alive. Serious debate over dignity of women also triggered and touching obituaries were attempted after she breathed her last. Notable among them came from the President of India, Home Minister, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, D.Raja, CPI Leader, Mary Kom, Javed Akhtar, Amitabh Bachchan etc.

Summing up with the statement of Ban-ki-Moon, Secretary General of UN, may be appropriate -“violence against women must never be accepted, never excused, never tolerated. Every girl and woman has the right to be respected, valued and protected”