MOUNT ABU WISHES ALL HAPPY NEW YEAR

It’s time to say goodbye to 2008

Happy

NEW YEAR !

Let the new year be a year of

freedom from Terror,

A year of service, a year of trust

in Humanity,

A year in which all nations shall

rise to the challenge of

economic crisis,

We from Mount Abu Wish You

Peace, Love, Health and

Happiness in 2009.

Cheers,

Here’s to the bright

New Year

And a fond farewell to the old;

Here’s to things that are yet to

come

Pray that everyone who

reads this plants just one

more tree, making this

earth Greener and Free.

Christmas IN Mount Abu

This year, I didn't go out of my way to make Christmas special. Reality has finally caught up with us old fogies. Well, not that old in today's society; I still haven't turned 65! Christmas, like all other celebrations in this nation, has become low-key, with the recession affecting everyone who has the time to spend money on frivolous customary customs. Mount Abu, with its winter celebration in full force this year, could not maintain its advantage from previous years.

I might be wrong because I don't have the statistics, but a simple stroll about town gives me an idea of the mood of the current crowd. Did the construction of the Western front between India and Pakistan affect the annual traffic passing through this path? I know the Mumbai terror incident had an impact on the influx of international tourists. Well, Christmas has been low-key; I did miss putting up the Christmas tree every year for the kids and Santa with his HO HO HO! I was all set to play Santa with my enormous paunch and snow-white beard, but I would have had to do it in front of a phantom audience because 90% of the people had gone away to celebrate Christmas away from home.

I've always spent Christmas at home since it seems to me to be the only place to be at this time of year. Mother Nature has been very kind this year since old man Frost has just recently begun to visit our paradise. This year's New Year should be chilly and icy, in keeping with the daily dip in temperatures. Tourists visiting Abu at this time of year should dress warmly because the temperature will continue to fall consistently until the first week of March.

Any tourist caught unaware and in need of warm shawls could contact Mr.Arvind ph no 09829092687 for pure Angora Shawls made exclusively at his Rabbit farm at Oriya, Mount Abu. These shawls are of the finest quality and are hand-woven by the village folks of Oriya. Anyone interested in these custom hand-woven shawls can order these shawls directly from the farm.

Abu invites everyone to join its winter festival and celebrate the New Year with us at Mount Abu. May peace and wisdom prevail in the coming years with our leaders.

HAPPY NEW YEAR WORLD

Mount Abu Eco-Sensitive Zone

Mount Abu is now on its way to officially become an Eco-Sensitive Zone. This area has been held sacred from time immemorial and it is only fitting that for future generations this Abode of ours retains its originality and is not turned into another over clustered ugly hill station, like some of the other places on this planet of ours. It would be a huge constraint faced by the Abuites in terms of new dwelling for their future expanding generations. I love this place and would never desire that it becomes a concrete jungle and lose its natural exquisiteness, yet at the same time on its complete implementation I would fear for the poor and the under-privileged who have eons ago encroached on Municipal land and who have their small shanty colonies spread over different areas of Abu being pulled down to adhere to the norms of Eco-sensitive laws. These very same denizens have been used by our political leaders to gain votes for their parties; it would be a crying shame if this came to pass.
Abuites, for centuries have safe guarded its natural environment and have taken great pride to see that nothing came in its way to harm the environment. The British in their wisdom saw to it while they were here that this paradise should be preserved and hence always considered it a sanctuary; their bylaws are still in enforcement.
We have been given a time period to air our grievances as to why this semi arid hill station not be declared an ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE. Pray why has Abu been chosen to be another Eco-sensitive zone in this huge diverse land of ours? While the whole of North India and the Himalayan region far more richer in flora and fauna have not been broached on this topic, it’s ironic as Abu only last year had been officially declared a sanctuary and Abu comes directly under the directives of the Supreme Court, And its laws laid down for the functioning of this hill station. Does the Rajasthan government fear that the directives of the Supreme Court will not be adhered to hence the need for it to be declared an eco-sensitive zone, so as to doubly make sure that the additional laws that are provided by the declaration of eco-sensitive zone can compensate for the short comings of the law of the land? Another question rises its head, are there vested interests in making this area an eco sensitive zone, if yes what are they?
Why should the public and tribals of this land be subjected to yet another set of rules to save the flora and fauna of this place, are we not also people of a democratic republic who for centuries have safeguarded our national heritage and preserved the beauty of this hill station of ours. It’s a crying shame that the law of the jungle still prevails in our civilized modern world, the mighty shall have their way and the meek and humble shall be trod upon. Abuites are a peace loving community who have always lived and worshipped nature and have never raised their voice of displeasure even when subjected by the powers that be.
Laws will be passed, but does it have to be the people of Abu yet again to be subjected to another set of environmental laws for the proper functioning of this place, to what justification? Aren’t the directives of the Supreme Court and those of the Forest Act enough for the smooth running of this place? Should the short comings of the Government not to implement these laws have prompted that Abu be declared an Eco sensitive zone? Erring officials not found competent to perform their duty should be removed and replaced by competent ones.
Abu has neither any polluting factories nor paper mills in its vicinity to cause any kind of damage to its environment. The only industry Abu can boast of its hotel industry and educational outlets, the rest of Abu is a peaceful town of banyans and traders. We do have our heritage religious sites which are strongly protected by the inhabitants of this hill station. I for one would like to question the authorities who have seen in their wisdom sitting at their conference tables as to why this hill station and its public at large be subjected to laws that should be instrumental to areas where the environment is facing grave danger of environmental devastation, here in Abu the only adverse factor to have any change on its environment is Global climatic changes.

Ms. Mary Joseph Principal St.Marys High School Mount Abu

Ms Mary Joseph

St.Mary’s Alma Mater now officially has Ms. Mary Joseph as the head of the institution. I’m pleased that Christanand chose this dynamic and self-motivated gracious lady as the First ever lady Principal to govern this prestigious Christian Brother school. Ms Mary Joseph has been the backbone of this school for a very long time and it’s only fitting that they have honoured her to take the reins of this school. In his concluding notice to all concerned, Christanand has given a brilliant portrayal of Ms Mary Joseph. Below is the final notice from the retiring principal

13th December, 2008

Dear Parents / Guardians,

Sub: Winds of change

Promotions are in progress as I write this letter to you. After much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to move on. Hence, St. Mary’s School will have a new Principal, for the academic year 2009-2010.

As I look back over the last five years, my heart is full of gratitude to the Brothers, Staff, Students and Parents; for the tremendous experience that I have had. I leave with fond memories of the wonderful times that all of us have shared here. I especially thank you parents for the support, understanding and encouragement I received. I thank God for the grace and blessings that He has showered on me during my tenure.

In consultation with me, the Leadership team of the Brothers has decided to ask Ms.Mary Joseph to take up the reigns and lead the school community as its Principal, for the years 2009-2010. Ms. Mary is well known to all of you and your children. She has a very long experience of St. Mary's, and for a number of years has been working closely with me, for the smooth running of the school, as its coordinator. She thus has ample experience and is well qualified to take over as principal. There could be no better person than Ms. Mary to lead the school during this time of transition. May she have a blessed year with the children growing towards maturity.. I am sure each of you joins me, in welcoming and wishing her the best while assuring her of our unconditional support in the year ahead.

During this time of transition, I will be available on the official School Mobile no (09414201900) until December 16 2008. From the 17^th of December, 2008, this official number will be with Ms Mary.

Please contact me in the school and on the above number until the 16th of December, for any queries you have concerning this Academic year. From the 17^th of December till January 15^th 2009, I will be available on 09928362710, in case you have any more queries regarding this academic year. I request you to please bring all matters arising out of my leadership to my notice by January 15^th, 2009, so as to ensure a smooth and informed hand-over to Ms Mary Joseph.Ms Mary Joseph will be available on the official school number (09414201900) from the 17^thDecember onwards, specifically for any matter concerning the new academic year. Please feel free to speak with her on this number regarding the same.

*SCHOOL REOPENS ON ^THMARCH, 2009

*** PLEASE NOTE ***

A change has been made in the school re-opening schedule. As per the Govt, calendar of holidays, the 10th and 11th of March are holidays for Id and Holi. With the 12th of March being a Thursday (a half-day), re-opening school on the 9th of March would mean that work will effectively begin on the 13^th of March, which is too late. Therefore, it has been decided that school will re-open on the 5^th of March,2009 at 9.30am.

• 6^th Pay Commission

The management has approved a significant increase in salaries to match the new pay scales suggested by the 6th Pay Commission and enforced by the Rajasthan government. Accordingly, as directed by the Managing Committee of the School, the fees have been increased to cover this hike, along with the yearly inflation. Rest assured that, as has always been our endeavour, we have tried our best to balance the two pressures in the most suitable way to cause the least inconvenience to all. The new fee structure is as follows:

School Fees

Day Scholar

Total Fees: Rs. 16,500/

Instalments

1st April to 15th April Rs.7,700/

1st June to 15th June Rs. 4,400/

1st October to 15th October Rs.4,400/

· Kindly pay the fees in amounts according to the specified instalments

· Please note the fine of Rs. 100/-which will be charged per instalment if the fee is not paid within the specified time.

Holidays TO-LIST:

• Holiday home work has been sent with your son (Maths, Science, English, Hindi). Please motivate your son to do it sincerely. He has been told that the holiday homework will need to be submitted when he returns to school. Further, the marks of the Recap-tests conducted in the beginning of the year (March '09) will !be counted as internal marks for the I Unit Test.

• Project Material:-During the holidays, all students of Std.8,9,10need to gather the resource material needed for their projects and bring it with them to the school. They are not to do the project during the holidays.. Guidelines regarding resource material have been explained to your son and a list of projects is attached to his holiday homework.

• Uniform: While purchasing, please ensure that 'the school uniform cloth is the right shade and quality. Grey Pant Material: BSL Mills (Master Blaster) Shade NO.l47C, S. Kumar Meghdoot Shade No.147.White Pant Material: BSL Mills (Master Blaster) Shade No. BID, S. Kumar .Meghdoot Shade No. BID. Grey Shirting Material: Kores India Mills (As per the sample.any Mill).White Shirting Material: Mafatlal White Rose. Worsted Suiting (dark grey): (KSL Mills) True Value.

School reopens on Thursday, 5^th March, 2009 at 9.30a.m.

Easter Holidays-2009: From Thursday, 9th April, 2009 to Sunday, 12^th April, 2009.

A big Than You to all for your continued support, cooperation and understanding throughout these years,

Wishing you and your family a Christ-.filled and Joyous Christmas season.

“On the Horns of a Dilemma” Mount Abu

The Polling Station, Scout Ground

Every election come hell or high water, we as voters in India are faced with a herculean task of choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea. To Vote or not to vote?. Whom do we vote for? Time and again we have cast our votes only to be disappointed by the dismal performance of our leaders at the helm.
I remember vividly when I had gone to cast my vote at the last elections, I was informed I could not vote as my name was not on the list!! Can you imagine my astonishment, there I was with my voting election card and was told that I did not exist. It was a blow to the mid-ribs that left me gasping for air due to the rage that had built up on being told I could not do a damn thing about it as the voting process was underway. How had my name mysteriously disappeared from the list? Was I the only one? No I was not the only victim, there were quite a few others who went away disappointed and who swore they would never make it to another polling station as it boiled down to harassment, and total lack of concern on the part of the authorities who were given the job to see that every citizen was not deprived of his franchise to vote.
This time I went out of my way a month and a half before to see that my name was reinstated on the election list. I was promised my new election card would be ready before the commencement of the elections. Five days before the election I went for my card that should have reached my premises and was told that my card had not arrived and that I would only receive it next month, on insisting why there was a delay they said it was not in their hands as it had to come from headquarters. I was assured that since my name was on the list I would be able to cast my vote.
My vote I did cast, I cast a negative vote thanks to the election commission of India for making this provision available to the public. The voting machine did not have this provision as this feature was not taken into account before the election, neither was the form 17A available to lodge an official grievance , I was handed the register also called 17A to sign my name and record my negative vote by signing my name. For anyone not familiar with “49-O”, read the extract below.

How to Beat The Indian Politician

Section 49-O of the Constitution:

Did you know that there is a system in our Constitution, as per the 1969 Act, in Section "49-O" that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked and convey to the presiding election officer that he doesn't want to vote anyone!
Yes such a feature is available, but obviously our seemingly notorious leaders have never disclosed it. This is called "49-O".
Why should you go and say "I VOTE FOR NOBODY"... because, in a ward, if a candidate wins, say by 123 votes, and that particular ward has received "49-O" votes more than 123, then that polling will be cancelled and will have to be re-polled. Not only that, but the candidature of the contestants will be removed and they cannot contest the re-polling, since people had already expressed their decision on them. This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine candidates for their parties for election. This would change the way of our whole political system... it is seemingly surprising why the Election Commission has not revealed such a feature to the public....
Please spread this news to as many as you know... Seems to be a wonderful weapon against corrupt parties in India... show your power, expressing your desire not to vote for anybody, is even more powerful than voting... so don't miss your chance. So either vote, or vote not to vote (vote 49-O) and pass this info on...

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.

Mount Abu Mini Nakki Lake Location

Nakki Lake Location Mt Abu

Mini Nakki Lake

I’ve had quite a few queries as to the location of Mini Nakki Lake hence I’ve decided to enlighten and bring those of you who left Abu eons ago up to date. This artificial lake came up as a result of famines that struck this state (Rajasthan) over the years, the authorities to alleviate the plight of the farmers and the labour class began this project some 25 years ago. The work under the tenure of Collector Brandon while here in Sirohi saw its completion.
The labours who worked on the project were compensated with grain to help them tide over the drought period. Not a bad deal it’s like a drowning man grabbing for a straw. Today this water body can be seen when one is driving up the road to Guru Shikhar, the snap above was taken from a vantage point a half a Km or so from the Oriya check post, yea they now have a check post outside both Oriya and Trevor’s Tank. I presume they will also have a check post in place once the new road is completed. The water of this catchment is pretty clean only hope it remains this way after the road becomes operational , humans are humans and are the most unpredictable species . I think I’ll go down there in a day or so and put up a sign “Spare this water Body” it’s the drinking water of the animals, please dispose off your litter on the way out at the dumps.

Mini Nakki Lake Mount Abu

Upper section of road below Wordsworth Farm Middle section of road

Final lap to the mini lake

Freshly pitched tents to attract the tourists

They requested me to furnish information on the Abu Uttarayan farms whether it was operational as a hotel, guest house, or resort. Being an Abuite, it puzzled me that I could not place this spot. My curiosity got the better of me and I made inquiries regarding this unusual place. My queries drew quite a few blanks at first, but then I was given a lead, it’s probably a new name given to Mrs Wordsworth's Farm en route Guru Shikhar. I have been to this place over the years; the earliest was in the 60’s when the austere, grand old lady from New Zealand was alive and after whom the farm was named. I have not been to this place in quite a while, so I picked up my camera, kicked my bike, picked up a friend on the way and headed for the farm. The drive to the farm is lovely and peaceful but today it was anything but peaceful. There was mind-blowing traffic of Diwali holidaymakers. On reaching the junction that branches off to the farm it surprised me to see a broad road being prepared. I drove along this unfinished road and reached the farm. There was a gate with a lock on it; yes it was the Uttarayan farm all right as on the left side a board bore the name. I was pretty keen to take a few snaps of the cottage where Mrs Wordsworth lived so that I could write a few words in praise of this ascetic and mysterious foreigner who lived here out in the wilderness. On asking the chowkidar and the present manager if it was possible for me to snap the forlorn cottage, they became quite hostile. I was pretty shocked at their uncouth behaviour, it was as if I had threaded upon some mystery they did not want me to stumble upon. I then asked the manager if they used the main building opposite the cottage as a tourist haunt to which he curtly replied “NO” it's private property. While I was there, what caught my attention was the big concrete road being built right along the boundary of the farm. My friend Harry, who had accompanied me to the farm, found out that this road was being built from Mini Nakki Lake to the main road. We took a hike down the road and walked to the water’s edge. I took a few snaps of the surrounding area and headed back up the road. It looks like the forest department is all out to promote Abu as one glorious tourist destination. They should complete the road in about 10 days. This place is going to draw crowds of holidaymakers because of its unique location and a new picnic spot. Already tents have been pitched opposite the main road to entice tourists for a stopover for snacks and a quick meal. In a few years' time, I see this place being highly commercialized, and with it, the woes of modern pollution disrupt this once quiet and peaceful environment enjoyed by the New Zealander who lived here to her very tragic end.