Shuel Braganza Goes missing batch 1995 St.Mary’s Ex-student Mt. Abu

Shuel Braganza Goes missing batch 1995 

Just got a call (7:53 am) from Charles Guide from Mount Abu informing me that he and about twenty others are on a rescue mission. Apparently, Shuel had decided to venture out alone to once again conquer the mammoth peak “Plummy”. He was last seen by Chandresh another ex-student who apparently was following him in the background. Chandresh said he had last seen Braganza on the field that leads up to Plummy. Hope he is found soon it’s a common mistake for many an ex-student to think of climbing Plummy is a piece of cake. Yea 30 years ago, as students, it used to be a strenuous climb but the challenge was exciting. Braganza should have realized before venturing out that the heavy undergrowth and the familiar tracks of yesteryear would have long been covered. He should have employed a native guide since he was going solo. It’s 10:17 am I just phoned Charles in Abu to find out the latest on the combing operation by 5 to 7 teams out searching for Braganza. The forest department, the local guides and the police are all out there. Will keep All posted on events as soon as I get updated. I only hope and pray he is found safe and sound.

Plummy

GREETINGS ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2015

GREETINGS ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY! 

From the Abode of the Gods 

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”- Mahatma Gandhi.

Behold the sweeping view of Mount Abu

The Time to Give Back: Restoring Abu’s Green Heritage

More than half of the world’s forests have been destroyed because of humanity’s insatiable greed. Now, more than ever, it is time to curb this destruction and begin healing. Our environment needs a break, a chance to recover, and for this planet’s sake, we must act now to preserve what remains of our natural beauty.

Each year, individuals from diverse backgrounds in Mount Abu gather to plant trees across different locations in this beloved hill station. But planting is only the first step. What if the community took it upon themselves to care for these young saplings—especially during their crucial first three years? If every local were to nurture and water the trees in their immediate surroundings, Abu could reduce the number of trees lost to the scorching summer heat.

By undertaking this small yet meaningful initiative, we nurture a flourishing environment in Abu, leaving a rich, green legacy for future generations.

Update on Yesterday’s Incident

At around 7:30 a.m. this morning, a JCB showed up to remove the car that had fallen into the dried-up stream yesterday. The operation was rather crude but effective. I’ve captured a few pictures of the process, showcasing how the vehicle was hoisted out of the streambed. Look below.

  
  
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Birds of Abu April and May 2010

 

Black Bird Forerunner to the monsoons in Abu

Taken at Gyan Sarovar

Black-rumped Flameback taken at Adarsh Vidya Mandir

Bulbul in my garden

Bulbul Feeding

Fledgling Sparrow Hawk found on the with left leg injured

( Gujarat circuit house)

ID Please?(Adarsh Vidya Mandir)

Thanks Darryl I suspected it would be the "Black Shouldered Kite” but I needed a confirmation

Indian Robin female

Indian Robin fledgling

Jungle Crow (Adarsh Vidya Mandir)

Magpie Robin behind my house Kumarwada

Whistling away

Red-rumped Swallow

Red-rumped Swallow Nr Neel Kant Mandir

Shucks where has all the water disappeared ?

water body gone bone dry on the way to Achalgarh

Red-vented Bulbul (Oria)

Red-wattled Lapwing (Army firing range)

Sparrow Hawk fledgling

He's being nursed by my niece Cresentia

What a beauty hope he recovers to make it back into the wild

Spotted Dove ( My Back yard)

Sunbird

Sunbird (female)

ARBUDANCHAL UTSAV MOUNT ABU

I reached the Hilltone conference hall in the nick of time; The Governor of Rajasthan His Eminence Mr. Sheelandra Kumar Singh, Professor Bhasker Mehta, Commissioner for Physical Disabilities, Colonel Rajesh Kaswan of the 1st Sikh Light Infantry Regiment at Mount Abu , His Highness Maharo Raguveer Singhji of Sirohi , the Heads of all major schools and prominent Abuites were present for the occasion of the promotion of the release of The book of songs (Arbudh Geet) written and composed by our very own Dr. A.K.Sharma; All Rounder and the essence of controversy, in our one horse town. The credit and arrangements for this occasion goes to the younger generation of Agarwals of the Hillock family, their efforts and spontaneous action made it possible for this prestigious and memorable get-together to produce an insight into the awareness of what is needed for the betterment of this semi- hill station of ours.
The presentation on this occasion was conducted by Dr. Sharma; his introduction short and sweet, followed by a rendition of a song from his book by the students of the blind school; whom he calls his children and to whom he has pledged his legacy.

The Governor‘s speech was also inspirational and he made it a point to thank the Merwanji family for their contributions and continuous untiring efforts toward the support of the blind school which their fore- fathers had initiated by donating one of their biggest and most prime property in Abu .
Poetry for Awareness is not about making poems like a poet, it is about using the process of making poetry to generate more self awarenesss. Our good Doctor uses his poetry to enable the person reading it to share their inner thoughts and feelings and to experience a personal transformation of well being. He’s trying to promote personal empowerment where people are actively involved and find a meaning for their actions.
The book was a huge success; the thousand copies that were printed were sold in the blink of an eye. Everyone- even students or charitable intuitions interests in buying this book for a worthy cause may contact the Blind Centre .All proceeds from the sale of these books will go to the blind centre. There will be a short delay as the second edition of the book is under print. “Actions speak louder than words”, Mr. Mukesh Modi Chairman of Mahadav bank has denoted Rs Five Lakhs to the blind school, 2.5 lakhs have been released with immediate effect for a recording studio to be set up at the Blind School Centre.

A rendition of the song आदमी को आदमी से प्यार करना होगा sung by students of the Blind School Abu.My apologies for the poor quality of video output, I recorded this in subdued lighting