ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END- MOUNT ABU

Christanand Vase, the first ever layperson to head the prestigious Christian Brothers School, St. Mary’s High School, Mount Abu, has finally thrown in the towel. He made this announcement on 22 November 2008, much to the chagrin of much of the staff present there. The staff had just adjusted to the principal's administration style and were looking forward to another year with him. When Christanand first took the reins, they looked him upon with suspicion and mistrust. How can a Layman ever take the place of a Christian Brothers? Will he be as competent as the former dutiful principals who headed this institution for the last generation? They made snide remarks about him “He will be lucky if he lasts out his term”. Well, today this charismatic and self-motivated man who only thought of the good of the school has proved his mettle beyond any doubt. Not only did he serve two successful terms, but could have gone for another term. All will miss him the Staff and a large majority of the students. He made an announcement as to his successor. It’s none other than Mary Joseph, who has been the backbone of St.Mary’s School for a very long time. I wish him good fortune in his endeavours, and a big hearty welcome to a deserving and vibrant woman who will next year take over the Reign of her second home, St.Mary’s School

Shame on the DANES

Barbaric custom followed by Danes

Media clip Danes slaughtering dolphins

Media clip Danes slaughtering dolphins

Media clip Danes slaughtering dolphins

Media clip Danes slaughtering dolphins

Media clip Danes slaughtering dolphins

I normally write on topics related to my home town Mount Abu, but this has taken me off on a tangent and I felt it should be blogged to make a man feel more responsible for his acts towards his responsibility of protecting his environment and animals of this planet. Today I received a mail and was appalled at this Barbaric custom followed by them. It’s inconceivable that in this age and era we still have Humans who indulge in such acts of violence against creatures who are harmless and friends to humans. This wanton slaughtering of peaceful creatures sends a shiver down my spine. How can a “Civilized” country stand by and see members of its male community commit such an act of atrocity? SOME CUSTOM TO PROVE ONE’S MANHOOD, IT MAKES ME SHUDDER. The Danes should open up a gladiator ring on their beach and pit man against man to prove his virility. I’m sure the dolphins would form row upon row to see this spectacle of humans pitting their strength against each other. The dolphins would probably give a standing ovation to these men of Holland if they could prove their adulthood amongst themselves instead of releasing their basic animal instincts to endanger another of our wonderful and loving species into oblivion.

An Inspirational Update on Mount Abu

Mount Abu was reverted back to Rajasthan in 1956

For years Abuites were aware of the dispute that existed between the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat for this Abode of the Gods. While reading the newspaper on the 1stNovenber, I came across an article posted by “Ashish Vasi” TNN. The extract below is taken from the Times of India Ahmedabad edition. His reflection on Mount Abu has brought forth Forgotten Truths.

Nakki Lake in  Mount Abu

Nakki Lake in Abu

Yes, Sardar, whose birthday fell on Monday, wanted Mt Abu to be part of Gujarat. Before the integration of Indian States, Mt Abu was part of Abu-Sirohi state, with a large Gujarati-speaking population. Bombay and Rajasthan states wanted the mountain peak to be a part of their respective territories. “Until 1300, rulers from Gujarat ruled Mt Abu. However, subsequently, it became a part of Sirohi. Sardar Patel argued that the region belonged to Gujarati rulers and reflected its ethnicity,” says Maharao of Sirohi, Raghuvir Singh. Knowing that the move could trigger protests, Sardar Patel sent his trusted lieutenant VP Menon for a primary assessment. Based on Menon’s feedback, Patel bifurcated Sirohi and merged Abu-Delwada with Bombay in 1949. However, post-merger in 1949, Sardar wrote a letter to one of his colleagues, Kalyanji Mehta, saying he has handed over the whole mountain of Abu to Gujarat and that keeping its possession as well as benefiting out of it was the look-out of the Bombay government. “But soon local people started an agitation. Prime Minister Nehru appointed a commission to solve such issues nationwide. The commission visited Mount Abu and discussed the matter with my father Maharao Abhay Singhji. They also asked me if Gujarati was the mother tongue of the royal family,” recalled Raghuvir Singh. When Sardar died in 1950, the Praja Mandal of Sirohi intensified the agitation and there was no strong voice from Bombay, to decisively fight for Abu. On the basis of the commission’s report, Mount Abu was reverted back to Rajasthan in 1956. Thankfully, some would say.

Mount Abu Camp Sites for Tourists

The day after Diwali, Mount Abu is like the burning Olympic flame, only here it does not attract the athletes, but the Gujjus from Gujarat. It drew them to Abu like the moth to the flame. A steady stream of non-ending vehicles winds its way up this enthralling mountain. This continues for a complete week nonstop. Tourists that have advance booking have nothing to worry about; those who have moved up this hill without any booking are indeed brave souls. Abu at this time of the year is crammed; locals have a heyday as they oblige the tourists by renting out personal rooms in their homes at a premium, and nothing is spared, they make even space in jeeps use of. Abu gears up for this maddening rush by utilizing every asset that it owns, government agencies pitch tents like the Scouts personnel and the forest department. To make life exciting for the youth, the forest department has opened up a “Wilderness campsite Auro Adventures” en route to Gaumukh. The scouts have pitched tents on their lower and upper ground by the name of “Camper Adventure” for families. Tourists interested in utilizing these camping sites have to get in touch with the head of these departments. My suggestion to our guests who make their way up to our Paradise is to please make sure you have your booking well in advance or be prepared to be ripped off. This Paradise could turn into quite hell if they do not prepare you for the worst. Also, note the temperature drops quite low after sunset, so bring along some warm clothing for yourself and your family. Wishing all Guests a Very Happy Diwali Season and “A Joyous Happy New Year” from us folks from the Abode of the Gods.