Archive for March, 2008

Freedom in India

Monday, March 10th, 2008
Freedom in India

“India attained freedom in 1947″  is a rhetoric that we are inundated with by all “public” figures involved with the governance of India. But are we really free? I am trying to pen down my own study of what sort of freedom exists in India and what are the trends.

This post is prompted by mass coverage in the media on recent moves by mandarins of home ministry to enforce a ban on black-berry services (example http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/09/stories/2008030955151200.htm) but surpsisingly very little is being said about why this ban is being considered even if the bulk of users are not criminals. Is this freedom? was this the ideal that our venerable generations fought for? The laws created by subjugate us remain on statute and nary of thought to repeal them and at the same time more and more powers to curb freedom of individuals are being brought i to play.

For what? No mandarin cares to explain if this one will lead to fearless society. What they want is layers and layers of freedom to be peeled back. Where will this end? When every communication between two individual will have to be witnessed by a gazetted officer – like it happens in jails?

Justice – as was drilled in to us when we were young – is served only if not one innocent is punished even though many may escape punishment. Is this ideal of justice being given a chance in our governance? Or many innocents should suffer punishment so that not one criminal escapes? Or – as is evident from innumerable reportage about known criminals enjoying patronage – only criminals should go free?

We are proud of the fact that India has better democratic setup than many of our repressive neighbours but at the same time are we not heading in similar direction? Our freedoms are enshrined in the constitution but are they being protected? Who is to protect them? When will we as citizens rise up? Or we need “imported” leaders?

I have previously commented on another violation of my freedom by the red/blue light flashing “superior” citizens how many more personal freedoms are under severe curbs? Is this level of freedom that we want?

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birds of “kheechan” & hawelli at phalodi

Saturday, March 1st, 2008
birds of

On day three and four of the Desert Storm 2008 we will pass Kheechan, a small hamlet near the town of Phalodi. This place is like a magic word to any bird watcher. The reason is that every year thousands of Demoiselle Cranes come here during their annual migration from Siberia. Just google for “kheechan” and you will get page full of links about this astonishing fact. The birds are fed daily by people of

Kheechan on voluntary basis. We salute these people who have been doing this selfless act for years now.

The picture on left is showing fleeting shadows of cranes before they settle down on the ground to feed. The picture on right is extreme zoom while the cranes wait for sun shine and time to fly to “chuga ghar” (feeding place).

As the sun gets stronger the bird start to get restless and soon they are flying in the air approaching the feeding place. They go round and round and in batches of two’s and four’s settle down to feed. It is a sight to see the whole sky filled up with so many birds and to hear thier crys and flap of wings.

Kheechan is worth a visit during the winter months starting November to February. And that brings us to question of where to stay?
Every year Desert Storm has been passing by the town of Phalodi as it sits roughly halfway between Bikaner and Jaisalmer. While the birds of Kheechand are one of the nearby attractions another interesting bit is exploring the town of Phalodi itself. Some ancient temples and Jodhpur lift canal and related water works represent the old and new at the same place. Wind energy generation is also something unique here.

Phalodi also offers an excellent stay facility at Lal Niwas Haweli, a restored centuries old house in middle of towns by-lanes and narrow “galee’s” It is a bit daunting task to get there for the first timer, although every one in town will gladly guide you, but worth the while. Plan a nights stay here with early morning visit to Kheechan and onward journey to Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner or Osiyan, all of which are within few hours of driving distance. Phalodi is also on railway map.

Lal Niwas Haweli presents an imposing facade and has two sections. The first is an museum displaying a treasure trove and the second is the hospitality area. Inside you have old style courtyards leading off to rooms in all directions. Although small and narrow corridors link the courtyards the layout is very interesting.

All along the walls of the haweli you can see priceless original painting by the famous painter Raja Ram Mohan Roy. These in themselves are a treat worth the visit.

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