missing royal tiger - National Park,India

It’s been not long when I wrote an article telling about my story for fascination for tigers and shattering alarm bells ringing in India, “the census of tiger population in India has a decreasing sign...” India had 1827 tigers when Project Tiger was set 35 years ago. The number as per the census figures in 2008 is 1411. How much man has been cruel to tigers and today the census speaks louder than tiger strong roar.

It has been my recent trip, way to (RAJASTHAN) Jaipur from Alwar via Sariska National Park. Sariska Reserves which is now a days more popular for unwelcoming the tigers. Sariska falls in Alwar district. This park is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. The Aravali Hills dominate the area with its sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys. The history of Sariska even dates back to the days of epic Mahabharata, when the Pandavas were believed to have taken shelter during their exile. The speciality of the forest is that it looks extremely dry in the summers and becomes dense and lush green after the monsoons.

I was indeed lucky on my way to see Sambar, spotted-deer, lots of monkeys and a huge range of different species of birds . Although thrilled to spot animals, I wondered how unsafe were the animals there, where the heavy vehicle rush every second. And above all its so easy for poachers to enter the forest and create menace with animals and forest resources.



A highway bypass road stretching the mid of Sariska forest have been a real problem for the wild big cats and disturbance for other animals. Our cab calmed our anxiety by informing us that the Sariska-Kalighati-Tehla road on which we were heading shall soon be closed and Alwar-Sariska-Thanagazi Road shall be diverted from Kushalgarh to pass from Talvraksh-Narainpur-Gahtabandrol and connected to Shahpura. This shall relieve the Sariska forest from the unwanted interference of loads of vehicles. He also said that sooner some wild cats shall may be from Ranthombor shall be brought to Sariska for better eco-living in forest. Its the irony of the era that long back to the royal time, Sariska was the prime location for the Maharajas and Kings to hunt the tigers in the forest for leisure..!

“In January 2005, journalist Jay Mazoomdaar (The Indian Express) broke the news that there were no tigers left in Sariska. Thus broke open the Third Tiger Crisis. Soon the Rajasthan Forest Department and the Project Tiger Directorate declared an "emergency tiger census" in Sariska and the Central Bureau of Investigation conducted a probe. After a two month exercise they finally declared that Sariska indeed did not have any tigers left” – Ref. Wikipedia



I was in a way unlucky that not much time I could spend there to explore some of the enchanting areas and temples present in the thick forest, and hence I plan a next trip to Alwar and Sariska soon. But let the tigers are not unlucky to come and survive at Sariska.

Genuinely, we need to propagate the message through out to save the wild cat, or else there will be a time when our next generation shall only see tigers in pictures, paintings or hear tiger's enchanting stories from us.

Save & Conserve TIGERS.

Go Green.

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Valentine Day - Lets "V" be together

Valentine Day is celebrated around the world every year on 14th February. It has a strong history since 19centaury in memory of St Valentine. Not going to its much detailed history, this Valentine’s Day is the season of love and affection to share. But haven’t said that let it not be just a day..lets work for it and earn more good memories with the loved ones. Call it high-school sweetheart, college-crush, friends or any member of the family.

Billions and trillions of greeting cards are sold all around the world for this occasion, and all participate in to make the day as a memorable moment of life. Cards, chocolates, flowers and other gifts are usually in demand.

February month, itself being the most beautiful month in India, blows the love air in nature, where u find new tiny green twigs on the branches and flowers sprinkling the streets and cool breeze waving its mark in lanes and in the hearts of people splashing romance and sweet thoughts.

Each day is special but try and make it eXtra special. My five must on Valentine day to make it special is all follows:

1. Chocolates : Chocolates are beyond adequate description it is exceptional. Cadbury and Amul are the perfect brands to get melt in the mouth. Amul have proved from time to time its quality which is melting so smoothly. Chocolates are my love mark because almost all happy events in my life go along with these dark earthy brown chunks as a gift. Indeed a clear sign of being CHOCOHOLIC but many reasons to celebrate and cherish the moment.
   
2. Gifts :Pamper the loved one with the gift. A surprise is always in demand and gift reflects a lot of your feelings and thoughts. The beauty of giving a gift is, one doesn’t think about the price or size but is just as willing to give it. I made wonders by making greetings (Rachi Creations) on my own. Well that is the best way I could express in colors and lines. You can even send a greeting online, if you are not good in drawings, its good sometimes. There are so many variety and creativity and have so many accurate words in online greeting cards that speaks almost your love language. So thank to technology ones again. It gives smile in the shortest pulse of time.
   
3. Outing: Eating lunch together in bright afternoon or just dinning in candle- light are some the best options to be looked forward. Basically the straight motive behind is actually spending time together. Eating good aromatic food actually synthesize good thoughts. It’s indeed a best time to communicate relishing the food. I am a total foodie and hence can’t wait for Valentine day and hence hang up around the restaurant every alternate day.
   
4. Photo: Click the moment and cherish it life long. When you are working so hard to make your day as perfect, glorify it with a flash. Take pictures. Click it either with the mobile camera or any specify one, what shall matter latter shall be the smile and the twinkles of eyes captures in the time-space. Believe me it’s not about the only Valentine day but the photos shall look more sparkling than expected as its February month and the natural-beauty of climate shall support the occasion.
5. Movie: Leave a movie to capture your mind at home. Indian Bollywood offers a huge collection of love story based movies, so utilize it to rejuvenate. Even English movies will do its magic; it’s just what one chooses. My vote for Bollywood love movie shall go for “JAB WE MEET”. It’s new, latest crisp happening sweet movie with its own hints of comedy and moments so special. “LAST KISS”, “LOVE ACTUALLY”, “DIRTY DANCING” is my choice of English movies to enjoy this valentine.

Valentine Day is down corner and all things naturally shrinks into Heart-Shape.
Lets "V" be together at "V"alentine Day. Voila Valentine !

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an encounter with royal tiger - National Parks,India

fascination with fear @ rachi creations

“Tiger Tiger. burning bright,

In the forests of the night;

What immortal hand or eye.

Could frame thy fearful symmetry?..”

By :William Blake

TAG TIGER: The big cats with big bright round yellow irises, the claws sharp ready for hunting, their unique stripes on their strong body, which no two tigers have identical stripes and the roar could be heard more than a mile away.

I had my life’s first ever direct interface with the wild-life. Recently I visited “Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka” and “Bannergatta national park, Bangalore”.

A journey started with the stay at “The Kings Sanctuary” just 200 kilometer from Bangalore, situated close to the “Nagarhole National Park”. A wildlife resort which have a perfect blend of traditional India with its stylish décor. It also provides a jeep safaris to the National Park. Nagarhole National park derives its name from the combination of two Kannada words. 'Nagar,' meaning snake, and 'hole,' meaning streams. Nagarhole Park was set up in 1955. It have a large variety of wild species like eleplants, tigers, leopard, gaur (Indian bison), dears etc. Long back it was the prime hunting location for the Maharajas of Mysoor. But recently it is renamed as “Rajiv Gandhi National Park after the late Prime Minister of India”.



Nagarhole National Park is counted among India’s best wildlife parks.Early morning we started to the Jungle safari in the bus. The sanctuary is quite a few kilometers away from the resort. There was a thick green forest and the strange sound of the morning jungle created a buzz of unlimited questions..like “Will it be safe to go?”, “Will I be able to see any animal?”, “What shall be the feeling when I will spot any exclusive species…?” As when I was there in my deep thoughts, the bus was stopped with a sudden strong brakes and somebody echoed…Tiger! Tiger!! Within the micro second everybody was alert and came close to the cab’s seat. A robust bodied TIGER crossing the road. The tiger walked really like a king without bothering about the bus which was just five meters away.

There was enough time for all of us to see the “NATIONAL ANIMAL OF INDIA”, the Tiger. I have seen tigers in the zoo of some circus but to see the tiger roaming around freely has been the most outstanding and memorable experience. Indeed, there is so much of thrill, fear, excitement to spot the tiger. Though many other animals were spotted then, but nothing matched the wonder of watching the tiger.

I reading more to know about the Nagarhole National Park (NNP), came across a story would shatter away all the great experience we had there. The true story of the livelihood of the tribal living in the village close to the NNP. Check the Link.

Tigers are an endangered species due to shrinking habitat and large scale poaching resulting from human-tiger conflict. Their skin is secretly sold as the decorative items in the global market. And many Wildlife Conservation programs and organizations are made and followed to save and conserve them. India poses the largest the population of tigers around 2500. Inspite of the fact that the current estimates put the world population of wild tigers at about 5,000-7,000 only.

One of the interesting fact, I came across my knowledge is that the Tiger is the National Animal of almost six countries including India as follows:

1. Bangladesh
2. India
3. Malaysia
4. Nepal
5. North Korea
6. South Korea

India, have a religious connection with the tiger, as Hindu Goddess Durga, rides on the Tigress. We often call her “Mata Sheravali” in the need or just remembering God.

Similarly even children remember “Shere Khan”, a character fearfully menacing with Mowgli in, The Jungle Book, the Animated story enjoyed in childhood watching on the televisions.

The big cat, Tiger is a strong swimmer and a great runner with the night vision six times better than that of humans, reflects a very special philosophy of life leading with swiftness, strength and acute accuracy.

I was already mesmerizing in the moment of spotting tiger at the Nagarhole National Park. And this continued urge, to see ones again the Tiger, at Bannerghatta National Park is situated 10 km south of IIM-Bangalore. The journey to the park takes nearly half an hour from Bangalore. This hilly surrounding is the home for one of the richest flora and fauna. The 25,000 acre zoological park makes this a major domestic and foreign tourist attraction of Bangalore.

Imagine, the tiger around you, very close as it could even sniff and force you to faint. Yes! this is indeed the real experience of coming across to tiger at this very small yet miraculous Bannergatta National park. The pictures flicks speaks more than what I shall describe or express about the wonderful and enchanting encounter with the Tiger, at Bannergatta National Park.

Royal Bengal King’s roar is still a nightmare for me but haven’t said that I do love “Sher khan”. We all need to protect and conserve animals and even this royal cat which is so much endangered species, for the proper food-cycle and life-cycle on earth for better living..

Live life a king size and let the King of the jungle also live!!

Enjoy Traveling!

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Things You Didn't Know About Me

Things and funny facts you might not have known about me, here it goes on demand:

• My mom as at my age now 24 was already taking care of one yr. old baby girl which is me. My pet name "Umi", was kept by my papa, he too being very creative in his own way, thoughts to have its each letter represents their presence. "U" represents my father’s name Updesh and "M" represents my mom’s name Meera. I guess next letter “I” stands as I, me to Myself.. I like coincidences, and this particular numerology about my name and birthday is simple wonderful. I was born on 7th September which is the 9th month of the year, and believe it or not, but my name also consists of same numbers. My first name “R-A-C-H-A-N-A” has 7 letters and my surname “S-H-A-K-Y-A-W-A-R” has 9 letters.
• I traveled in India over 23 years. Lived in all the major four directions of the country, including the core center of India. I'm Indian! An Integrated Indian!Almost “4276.26834 miles”
  
  
  

  The of directions is North-West-East-Centeral-South. From, Mathura, my birthplace to Baroda(Gujarat), studied from Std. I-VII, the heading towards Guwahati(Assam) where I completed my schooling and getting my bachelor degree in Hotel Management, and further to Gwalior(M.P.) where I did my MBA. And finally to Bangalore shift after Marriage.
  
  Hence, am experienced of almost the major ethnic cultures of India, which works as a huge strength, being a Tourism Student.
• Indian flag having a "Chakra/Wheel" with its 24 spokes, which intends to show that there is life in movement and death in stagnation, was sometime in my childhood I believed that the spokes represented the number of "States" in India, as during that time there were total 24 States. There was no "Uttranchal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and above all the status of Delhi to "national capital territory" was not there.
• I got introduced to computer almost 15 years ago, playing games and studied as a subject in school. But I got my first laptop, in year 2001, brand-IBM and the Window program I worked there in was SmartSuite-2000, which often made me difficult in working on normal MS-Windows. But that laptop gave me ability to handle well the lappe, in fact I got my control over MS-Paintbrush, and painted around 20 mater-pieces. (Ref. to http://www.freewebs.com/rachanashakyawar/ ).
  Today I have another laptop, which is brand-HP again 19months old and its working with wonders. But interesting I poses one more connection with computer ever since last 5months, that is I have a Computer-Software Engineer/Husband.

• It’s been long back when Archies introduced publicly in India with its Gallery of greeting cards and other gift accessories. It was something like revolution of Yr.1995, where all started greeting on seasons, particularly on the Indian festivals and ethnic occasions with its fascinating greetings. It was the same era when I was having my thoughts over expressing through sketching. I started making my own greeting cards for my friends and family. I gave it a commercial name “Rachi Creations” which was very much inspired by Archies Greeting Cards. My first name RACHANA which is in Hindi language, have its English meaning as “Creation”. Thus it became Rachi Creations..
• Childhood is the time to grow a passion for things and hobbies. Collecting coins and stamp are some of the common yet interesting hobbies. So, even I had a collection. But in my case it was Pebbles and stone which I found walking down the streets or just playing in sand gave me huge variety and excitement for the colorful, nice, smooth, tiny, cool pebbles. They have always inspired me. Don't get surprised! As even today walking down the lane, my eyes search for that tiny one. "
• If you were to buy me a drink I'd have Orange Juice. I don't like aerated water like Coke, Pepsi , coca-cola etc. Although recently I have stared having few gulps of Sprite, which more tastes like lemonade! I am also very much chocoholic, so if I drink milk than Bournvita is compulsory. And coffee is something I am very much addicted to.
• Orange is my favorite fruit and my favorite color. Again one more coincidence.
• Being a Girl, shopping comes very easy to me but I like to have a market survey, before buying the product. The matter of fact is , I might even postpone my shopping list if I don't find what I am exactly looking for.
• When I seriously like some movie or just a t.v. show, I feel as if it should have more extended series. Hence I luved the movie "Sister's Act-I,II" , Home Alone, Harry Potter.
• I have to have the last word !
• I love Elephants! But unfortunately I don’t have any at my home . I look forward getting one as my pet soon.
• I feel enriched! Life is bountiful. Ah yes, I am often seen doing the flamenco and applauding my own ass. Dontcha you love to do it?

~ OK..that's it for now...I apologize in advance because I'm not sure this is really all that interesting. But as an aside, I believe there is so much of silly yet cute in my own way expressions and things in my life.
~ I hope this blog shall also have an extended series of the things you don't know about me.

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A Window to the Past - a bicolor painting

A trail into black and white has been really very much deeper than what I expected. What I love about this Zebra-colour painting, with its beautiful curves, patterns and designs. Because this painting is different than what usually people make, I shall tag it as “Unconventional ART but in the willful way.” Almost all colours fade in front of this bicolour painting.

I appreciate, and heartily thanks for this piece of Art and the written thought process given by the creator to publish in the blog.

" Well…where to start? All I could say is that it is my first painting ever…I thought I was a goner in these type of artworks but there you are….the owner of this blog said it could be worth something so here it is…..I call this genre as weird artwork…..as you see that I never ever liked what you all call ‘modern art’…..its just plain, ugly….and a little sad(if truth to be told)…so what’s better then to start a new style….I’ve experimented and here is the result…..maybe you wont like it.

I’ve really tried to make this painting as eye catching as I could….wanted to be sure to make this absolutely memorable. Idea was hovering in my mind for quite a few weeks which then took shape and presently in this form.


I want to dedicate this painting to an anonymous person who made me a much better person, untapped the bitter face of life for me….my life then was never same as before. Look up closely ….I’ve painted her name somewhere…

Between you and me….particularly this painting mean a lot to me…gazing towards it opens a window to the past…..all memories, pain, endurances becomes more clear then ever before .I’ve put all my effort, my imagination, my pains, grief and sorrow to my first painting and very soon I am going to make a new one which would be greater and better then the debut. Look for it.

Please mail me your thoughts and your suggestions at- nations_of_dominations@hotmail.com , will surely love to hear from you. "

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Butterfly Park - an emotion of hue

When I think of butterflies, colorful flippy-flip wings, the first thing that comes to mind is probably my childhood.

Watching butterfly for the moment is like an experience. There is so much than initially meets the eye and keep lingering in the mind. Moments of childhood reflects when I see kids running after the butterfly, in the garden.

As a child, butterfly have always provoked my imagination, say its beautiful-colorful wings or the way it flutter all around the flowers. Have always Inspired me to look nature as heaven. My favorites have been “Common Jezebel” and “Monarch”, which I found in plenty in my garden. They are in the bright colours, yellow-orange-red, a touch of white and black stimulating the mind, soul and creative thoughts.

Almost my every painting made a space for butterfly, fluttering the colours and creating an aura of happiness.

Not many things have changed for the kids of today, I still find them fascinated for butterfly like I used to be in my childhood. My very cute little cousin sister ASTHA, often sings the poem in Hindi “titilee udd ke chali phool ne kaha aaja mere pass,titilee boli hatt badmash.”(Butterfly flutters, Flower says to her to come near it, butterfly says to flower you are very naughty.. )

Also she made this blog go colorful with her contribution of small drawing of butterfly, in spite of her hectic schedule of school.

Many inspiring quotes and poems have been written merging the butterfly and life.

And the someone I like..

“We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think its forever..” CELEBRATE JUST LIVING..
"Just when the Catterpillar thought that the World was over, It became a Beautiful  Butterfly.."

• Love is like a butterfly,
  it goes where it pleases and it pleases wherever it goes.
• You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
• How does one become a butterfly?" she asked. "You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.
• The caterpillar does all the work but the butterfly gets all the publicity.
• The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.
• The fluttering of a butterfly's wings can effect climate changes on the other side of the planet.
• Everyone is like a butterfly, they start out ugly and awkward and then morph into beautiful graceful butterflies that everyone loves.
• A caterpillar who seeks to know himself would never become a butterfly
• I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly dreaming I am a man
• When a small child, I thought that success spelled happiness. I was wrong, happiness is like a butterfly which appears and delights us for one brief moment, but soon flits away.
• I embrace emerging experience.
  I participate in discovery.
  I am a butterfly.
  I am not a butterfly collector.
  I want the experience of the butterfly.
• Love is like a butterfly,
  hold it too tight, it'll crush,
  hold it too loose, it'll fly.

In school, I was thrilled to know "the life cycle of butterfly", wondering how the ugly formation turns up to so beautiful colourful butterfly, after much of struggle and juggle of life.

Now what if are able to see more than 100 species of butterflies under one roof, is’nt it amazing..

Location: 10 Kms from IIM-B, Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore,KarnatakaComprises: Environmental Study, Research, Museum and Conservation
Establishment: Nov 25, 2006
Main Attraction:  As follows...

• Nature's most colorful species Butterflies in all its various hues are very well display in the country's first butterfly park .
• Its of this kind is country’s first and the world’s largest , spread over 7.5 acres in Bannerghatta Biological Park .
• A butterfly conservatory, museum with an audio-visual room.

Reason to conserve:

Butterflies feed primarily on nectar from flowers. Some also derive nourishment from pollen, tree sap, rotting fruit, dung, and dissolved minerals in wet sand or dirt. Butterflies play an important ecological role as pollinators.

Motive behind Establishment: The main motive behind creating this Biological Park is to promote a greater awareness, appreciation among the public and above all to facilitate the conservation of butterflies.

The butterfly conservatory has a polycarbonate roof and is a 10,000 sq.ft. circular enclosure, inside which the living environment has been carefully designed to support the species of butterflies as well as the plants and shrubs present there.

Amazing effort has been made to create the aura which has a tropical setting including the complete humid climate, with an artificial waterfall and lots of plants and shrubs that attract butterflies. The conservatory leads into the second and third domes, which have a museum that will have dioramas and exhibits. The park also encompasses a butterfly rearing house, plant rearing house and host plant garden.

With so much of minute details given in the design, it surely stands as a victory in the race. Children loves to watch and feel the world of butterflies above all they get to learn a lot instantly they enter the park.

Finally we can learn a lot from this “Butterfly trail”, which will help us to come closer to nature and our lost childhood hues. We need to join hand to conserve all the endangered species including Butterflies, for the better and healthy living on the earth.

Some strange butterfly facts to share with you. Amaze your friends! Enjoy!

• The word butterfly came from the English word Buttorfleoge. Perhaps because, in mediaeval times, butterflies could be seen hovering around butterchurns or that their excrement is yellowish in colour.
• Butterflies range in size from a tiny 1/8 inch to a huge almost 12 inches.
  The smallest butterfly is the Western Pygmy blue from Africa, which has a half an inch wingspan
• World's Largest Butterfly
  The largest butterfly in the world is the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing.
  This huge, poisonous butterfly lives in the rain forests of Papua, New Guinea,
  and is an endangered species with a wing span of 11 inches.
  Males of the species are much smaller than females.
  The second-largest butterfly in the world is the Goliath Birdwing and
  it lives in Indonesian rainforests and has a wingspan up to 11 inches as well.
• Butterflies are the second largest group of pollinators.....next to bees.
• Since butterflies are cold blooded it is necessary for them to warm up their flight muscles. This is done by basking in the sun in order to absorb heat
  
  
• Butterflies can attain a flight speed of up to 45 kph.
• Monarch butterflies journey from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, a distance of about 2,000 miles, and return to the north again in the spring.
• There are about 24,000 species of butterflies.
• Butterflies cannot fly if their body temperature is less than 86 degrees.
• Representations of butterflies are seen in Egyptian frescoes at Thebes, which are 3,500 years old.
.
• Many butterflies can taste with their feet to find out whether the leaf they sit on is good to lay eggs on to be their caterpillars' food or not.
• Butterflies have their skeletons on the outside of their bodies, called the exoskeleton. This protects the insect and keeps water inside their bodies so they don’t dry out.
• In India, the families and the numbers of species of butterfly is more than 1163.
• All butterflies have six legs and feet. In some species such as the monarch, the front pair of legs remains tucked up under the body most of the time, and are difficult to see.
• that a caterpillar grows to about 27,000 times the size it was when it first emerged from its egg.
• If a human baby weighed 9 pounds at birth and grew at the same rate as a caterpillar, it would weigh 243,000 pounds when fully grown.

An Irish Blessing for all:

"May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun. And find your shoulder to light on. To bring you luck, happiness and riches. Today, tomorrow and beyond. "

Respect Green Nature.

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Mission Kashmir - redirect to Paradise.

Kashmir have always out shined as the jewel crown of India studded like diamonds on the Great Himalayan Ranges inspiring many poets, photographers, artists and above all the Bollywoodwith its enchanting natural beauty.

Very well said in Kashmiriproverb,that means "The world is a theatre of love", and surely it gets reflected in the twinkling eyes of Kashmir People

India being a place where each state have its own unique language and distinct warm culture, Kashmir in its own simple way poses all the best cards to support the tourism. People from all over the world come India only to visit and feel the magic of Kashmir despite the hassle of terrorism. When you move in the valley on the zig-zag roads, with serene smell of flowers , almost for that moment one forget the pain and anguish suffered by the people. The composed voice of locals often gets translated through the art and craft which is so beautiful and colourful.

The tranquil passes in the breeze, felt sitting in the shikarain the Dal Lake and watching Himalayas covered with white snow. The beauty is simply incomparable to any place in the world.One feels God's presence in the nature which is indeed the strength of the region. Hence we call it "Kashmir-Paradise on Earth".

I believe that the road to a tourist-filled Kashmir goes through "Gulmarg". A mountains famous for Snow Skiing, accelerating with the best quality of snow, with the competitors like Switzerland and France. My Friends made a trip to Gulmarg for the adventurous skiing, and the brought the beauty capturing it in their cameras, its aura. Even though I have not visited J&K, I got very much moved by just watching the pics..and wished to visit the place soon..

The colour and culture of Kashmir some how really fascinates me but at the same time to visit the region..I have to every time rethink of the decision keeping in view of the consequences and past history that still follows in the day to day of there life. Call it as the security status, which often peeps into the first few pages of the newspaper..or say it the mercury this New Year 2008, dipped to deepest minus degrees in last two decades.

I might be having many excuses to not to visit J&K but , interestingly I have got one very big reason to visit it, is that its pleasing food. Authentic Kashmiri cuisine, traditionally known as "Wazwan" really fascinates me. I learnt about this cuisine a long back during my IHM days. The traditional number of courses for the wazwan is thirty-six. Which includes some of the rich variety of dishes like, seekh kababs, methi korma, tabak maaz, Zafrani murg,Rogan Josh served along with heap or rice and Yakhni Pulao(rice preparation). Robust flavours of the spices like–cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, saffron makes the food so lavishing and delicious.

"Kahwah", the green tea prepared with saffron, spices and almonds, is my favorite drink, as its washes all the oil from the throat leaves with the soothing warmth of flavoured tea. Indeed the moment, the first gulp, goes in... all I wonder is this is simply Heaven.

We often find many loops and uncertainty in the system while traveling J&K, forcing us to every time rethink t0 travel there. There have been many studies on this major issue, the tourism of J&K, and resulting into a vacuum situation every time. Hence, here we made a SWOT analysis, of the region Gulmarg. A simple analysis yet with strong strategies and thoughts to ponder on, Identifying the Strenghts , Weakness, Opportunities and Threats. Keeping SWOT in mind, we can improve on our strenghts, rectify our weakness, work on the opportunities ahead and take firm major steps for the threats. (plz download the ppt file of Gulmarg-SWOT analysis, given below.)

I shall start my journey "MISSION KASHMIR" in the valley of flowers, breeze and warmth soon because being an artist I dont want to miss the beautiful, coloureful picture made by God, to be unseen and unexplored

Enjoy Travelling..!

 

PRESENTATION. Download (click here)

...redirect to PARADISE.. (PPT file) Incredible India..

Check the ppt Below:

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Star Star everywhere..

"Nature is full of Stars and Wonders...

hence I wonder..!! are these really Stars.

Christmas eve, n a sparkling pic..

taken by the PhOtographer..with his words so called as wisdom contributed to this blog..!"

.

.

" As the Doctor [ladkiii Rachnaaa] ordered here is the account of how Merry Christmas was for me.

In brief, Merry Christmas was as boring or as interesting as any other day. It was a No-Holiday at Ashoka Holidays! At my work station I was busy doing nothing but making Holidays :( [working as a Holiday developer at the above named travel house]…..gurrr I wont use this word ‘holiday! Anymore its getting repetitive everytime I use holi….shhhh!

Merry Christmas Day wasn’t bright & Evening too was without Lights, Camera & Action…

Hey…wait…did I mention ‘camera’ somewhere. Yes, I did [he he ... as if I didn’t know…Sorry! no smart act anymore]
You know, on Merry Christmas I had a healthy camera, meaning a zero occupied memory & cent percent battery, with which I stepped outside of my uncomfortable-zone (my office) to click some cute photographs of a Saint Bernard Puppy’s look-alike who came from nowhere. Meanwhile, His smooth brown & white coat earned him a St.Bernard Title where ‘St.’ stands for ‘Street’!![he he he]

" While I was taking his pictures the mosquitoes’ troupe too joined me to complement this eternal meeting of the 3 creations of nature.
“Now is this what I deserve?” I asked to Mother Nature… “Yes!” came the smart reply not from the Mother but from an irritating colleague who knew that I had been applying melted gheeee!! In the absence of any Boroplus sort of thing [for those who cant stop smiling at my ignorance about the facial accessories I must direct you to your own (ignorance): Emami’s Boroplus, a 25-yr old brand that not only upstaged the success of Boroline, its father brand, but also led the Indian market with a around 60% market share & in India is synonymous with ‘cold cream’ / ‘moisturiser’ / ‘fairness’ / ‘antiseptic’ lotions! However, those smiling at my butter application can continue doing so]..."

Whatever I deserved is & was none of anyone’s business: So taking from where I got distracted ….. The enlightened evening was all set & in the name of celebration all I had was these teeny-weeny satellites hovering & dancing all around me [as shown in the diagrammatic collage]. Sensibly speaking, I was surrounded by the mosquitoes on Merry Christmas!

I don’t know any Christmas carol neither did the Puppy & the quitoes gang know it! However, I wont give up this momentum just like this & would like to rhyme just like this:

“ No stringed guitars to play no rub-a-dub of Drummmmmm….
It was all about the Puppy’s gestures & the mosquitos’ hmmmmm!!!

Shall I deceive myself with “An eternal Species’ Melting Pot…”
Whatever!!! With a camera in hands only an idiot wouldn’t have taken the snapshot! ”

All written & read ….
I wouldn’t have done it had it not been for her…
I won’t say ‘thanks a lot’ but girl keep the reminderrr [bhedo bhedo kuch bhi bhedo]

“teri MERRY sabki christmas...masttt thi....man i jst saw ur newcollarge..n its the BEST....completely no comparations......its awesome..” is what the Doctor (ladkiii Rachana)wrote. Well, I don’t know how good this collage was comparatively & technically & interpretatively & Bruce lee & Bret lee.…….. I know just one thing that when I collaged [or rather clicked objects so diminutive!] I liked it…. & when u are appreciated for the things that u like …then u like it….isn’t it?

Finally, I want to get philosophical but for humanity sake I won’t & will terminate this seemingly unending program……
I could have clapped the hell out of these little beasts …But accidentally & luckily ended up shooting them. Had that been the case ….. Well this write-up won’t be in the first place! "

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Taare Zameen Par - a Colourful Childhood

a zone to make mistakes..
a state of freedom
a pulse of innocence
a curve of happiness

"Let the Childhood be Carefree and full of Creativity.."

"Taare Zameen Par" is all about this and a lot. A must Movie to watch and go back to our childhood aspirations. When I was watching the movie, instantly I could relate myself to it to many instances.. as more having a keen interest in Painting since childhood.

And surely the realization of the Mighty talent was through the encouragement of Teachers. I still remember how in "GREMS, Baroda".. Madam KARUNA GUPTA asked me to paint in class-II "The Republic Day", in which I guess, she thought I was expert. There has been CHANDRIKA Maam who believed in my potential & gave me lots of opportunities to participate in varied painting competitions. This gave me lots of exposure and confidence in painting. Indeed their presence made it possible to know my aspirations.

It was then in my next school "KV(IOC) Noonmati, Guwahati", when my aspirations somewhere became the inspirations. And it was Dr.A.K.Goswami Sir who not only appreciated my skills of painting but also encouraged me with his magical words. I believe it has been his blessing that I today excel in the field that I always wanted to be. Its not about good or bad but its about the how one follows the heart.

Teachers play an important role and I am glad that I have been blessed by some of the best teachers, who helped me to get connected to my inner soul.

The journey have been great..and the teachers of my school made a difference into my life.

"There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in." - Graham

That moment has been created by my faculties. Check out my colourful world through this link - http://www.freewebs.com/rachanashakyawar/

"Taare Zameen Par" is the movie of the young boy who turns out to be a tiny star in his own creative way inspite of what the world thinks of him. This got possible only with the support and affection of his empathetic teacher. One who helped him in sorting the difficulties and ones again introducing the boy to the lost world of colours, he has been so passionate about.


Three cheers to Eshaan Shanker Loy, who composed awesome music ,which is so much real, breathing and living with true aspirations of child, yet simple to sing.

One movie which reflects the child of Today's World, struggling and fighting against all odds, expectations, competitions and ambitions that are thrown by his parents and rules laid by the society. So I feel, this first movie directed of Aamir Khan deserves 5 stars (*****). He have this knock-out concept of movie with heart-warming performance and the eight year old guy marks himself to complete victory. But in all that The mom role cant be ignored, who have been so calm sweet emotional spirit, which hold the scene with so much sensitivity and care. Each sheded tear made one and all in the hall to cry. Such is the intensity of the aura of the movie which have captured the child's innocent world.

But the only thing that haunts me is why only that boy was given the result to be winner in the end of the story, when it has been promoted, "EVERY CHILD IS SPECIAL". I beleive they should have made few more winners with the main lead boy, so that we could assume that the boy have come struggling all his way to get into the list of NORMAL students, yet being so SPECIAL, with his Mighty Talent. Anyway, its just the thought but the thoughts factory generated by watching this movie is vast than what imagined, a ride into my own childhood, rembering school and teachers, and above all, other one result is the blog dedicated to it. Enjoy this movie..!!

Check out the Official site of the movie to know more..
http://www.taarezameenpar.com/

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LAST Christmas..

Christmas have been always a Beginning of great time and end of good times..happened all the year. Its time to celebrate and have fun..in the chilly wind hearing the carols, lighting the Star in the courtyard and waiting for the Santa to knock the door with load of gifts and happiness to enter the life.

For me Christmas means only & only Happy Memories shared with friends and family and praising the Lord.

When today whole world is thinking and planning for the Christmas celebration this year...I am here deep in my purple world remembering the "LAST CHRISTMAS" year 2006.

"How the celebration created the amalgamation of friends and fun even during exams and tight schedules...! Greeting all and one even when no talk were done with people whole year...it was a time to forget all the negative things..n remember only to celebrate..the occasion, the very thought and festive feeling."

Chocolates, plum cakes...the sparkling christmas tree, gifts , snowy winds and dozens of winter clothes on body making us to look as fat and plum as the SANTA.. with a deep red CAP, a perfect symbol and touch of the festival..calling "Merry Christmas..Ho..hoo...Hoooo..ho..."

This is the day I recall my very friend DINCEY (GREMS, school days friend) who used to bring home-made cakes for me during Christmas..well made by her mother...Its also a time when I wonder the awesome time spend with NUPUR (nupu) my room-mate for two consequent years during college celebrating Christmas with Chicken and Cake.

The Christmas is time to simply "LET GO.." posture & ideology to follow your life for the most awaited moments of satisfaction and happiness in the new Year as we often gets stuck up for longer times in the hassles of day-to-day living. Its all about "LETS GO.."that is move on.

LETS GO and Freeze the Moment of Happiness this Christmas..

Wishing you all Merry Chr!stmas..Celebrate L!fe..

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Wah Taj..!

Taj Mahal the symbol of love..which gets propogated through its cool & calm colour of the marble..most brighter than the Moon-light. The world sees the purity & peace in the architechture and beautiful mosaic carved in the monument. A monument which peeps into a deep history of art, culture and Love.

Location: Yamuna River banks in Agra,Uttar Pradesh, India.

Construction time: 1631-1653

Spread Over: 42 acres
Built By: Mughal Emperor "Shah Jahan"

Built For: In memory of the Emperor’s dead wife "Mumtaj Mahal"
Significance: One of the Seven Wonders of the World

The Taj got listed as ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’ in 1983 as a universally admired master piece of world heritage.

Taj Mahal is now part of the elite list of New Seven Wonders of The World. According to initial reports received, the Indian monument of love received one of the highest shares of votes in the poll, which was conducted through Internet, SMS and on the phone. About 100 million people had voted in the campaign through SMS and email. The campaign was begun in 1999 by Bernard Weber. And finally on the 07.07.2007, the TAj Mahal was declared the a clear winner.

Above all, the Taj Mahal was a monument to a woman...very well reflecting the beauty and honour of the soul.

Awesome pics been taken by the PHOTOGRAPHER Amit, on his Agra trip.. reflecting the vibes of Indian people and incredible marble monument with the moments captured in the camera...with the mesmerizing things.

Please take time to check out some of the most classic looks of India and its identity...the Incredible Taj Mahal..

Indeed, Taj Mahal is the pride of India, and we need to save, conserve and not to pollute it..
All I can now simple say Wah TAj..!..Wah Omit..!

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THE PHOTOGRAPHER, i captured

The photographer, I Captured is the ONE who not only takes pictures but somehow captures some of the most profound moments and magic of emotions and expressions, even though its not his profession.

I call my very dear friend AMIT SEMWAL-THE PHOTOGRAPHER,

I am not exactly aware of the place where he took these pics, but what I knw..that he almost captured my mind and soul for the moments iIsaw the pics.

I got bobbled with the high emotion and feeling which transformed into me. The rural rich India so well captured with the amazing forum of culture and heritage of India. This pic have a temple and the sun rays are blooming and making the moment glow.

The next pic, is of a humble girl found at that place. Her three pink bangles in hands reflects the inner beauty of hers, and amazingly captured by THE Photographer.

Amit have many sides and angles to capture the emotions..and does definitely reflects in his photos. I still have a huge collection of his creations but one thing is common in all the emotions and the liveliness of the time. All are equal and get full footage and justice in his pics, from common persons, Friends, nature, animals, and abstract..

I might not explain the pics in words better, only I know its an emotion that travels through your eyes and touches your soul.

That is why he is different from all those professional photographers. Check out some more, photos of the set ..by just one click to...." EXPLORE INDIA".

www.flickr.com

Check out the Exclusive FOOTAGE to EXPLORE INDIA..

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Hyderabad Blue - BIRYANI

India have a lots of clues and hints which defines it as Incredible..and one of them is Hyderabad.

Hyderabad, which have turned up as the fifth largest metropolis of India, the state capital of Andhra Pradesh, known for its rich history, art & culture...

But today it have an identity as booming IT City. Beautiful monument Charminar adds up to its beauty..more when thought about the beautiful & bold ladies born & brought up..like Miss Asia-Pacific 2000 Dia Mirza; Tennis player Sania Mirza...

The City of Nizams smells like Heaven and the credit goes to The Briyani....the famous "Hyderabadi Biryani".

Sources say that the biryani is originated from either Persia or Arabia. Biryani is derived from the Farsi word 'Birian' that means "fry before cooking".

But in the Hyderabadi Biryani, neither the meat nor the rice is fried before cooking but they are marinated in a paste of yogurt and spices. The 'the marinated meat' is transferred to Handi (deep vessel) forming the layer of meat. The next layer is of the Rice, which is also marinated into yogurt. The Handi is sealed with dough of flour and left for Dum cooking for hours.

When the meat and rice are cooked, the seal is opened and we find the flavoured colourful biryani which have more of yogurt flavour with species.

Hyderabadi Biryani is accompanied with Dahi chutney (curd & onions); Mirchi ka salan - a chilly curry. The salad includes onion, carrot, cucumber, & lemon wedges.

~ But to enjoy the flavour of Hyderabadi biryani one doesn't need to go Hyderabad and eat...rather one can move to the "HYDERABAD HOUSE". Its an International chain of Restaurants. I recently went there, one in Bangalore. The ambiance was great..something very much soothing and warm and easy-going.

We almost reach at the peak hours of the dinner time...and hence had to wait out side for the table...indeed a busy restaurant. There is also the facility of Take-Away. The staff of the restaurant was calm , friendly and suggestive..which really helps to the people like me cumming for the first time..

Soon we got the seat.. and without wasting much time order was placed.. Chicken Tikka and the very original Hyderabadi Biryani. It did not take much time to come and I was very much impressed by the piece of art in food to see. The chicken looked marvelous...so juicy-hot-spicy. Simply mouth-watering.

I don't know what to say...it was luck or unluck but indeed i was fortunate enough to have a to the candle light dinner. There was the power cut...Hence, the staff placed lighted Candles on each table. Well then we had CANDLE-LIGHT DINNER. It was then I realised that the aura of the restaurant was not only good in looks but practically was great. The Candle made the room glow and above all inspite of so many candles there was no smoke which made us sit comfortably and enjoy the food.

Indeed, it added to the flavour of the food. The Hyderabadi Biryani looked as prefect as anything. With lots of aroma, flavour, beautifully blended of colours and spice. The Rice were cooked just on the right temperature..that i could even count each rice. The chicken tasted great, it was so soft that one dint even need to have fork or knife to cut it. The curd provided as the accompaniment was smooth and tasty. And the chilly-curry just completed the whole meal so well.

The HYDERABAD-HOUSE indeed is the place were one can enjoy the very ethnic flavours of India. And "Hyderabadi Biryani is the right staple to smell and taste."

~ Check out the link: http://www.hyderabadhouse.com/

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