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.

Christian Brothers in My Life Mount Abu

Yesterday I received a mail from an ex-class mate of mine, the mail is as follows
Dear All,
I don't know whether you knew Hughie O'Neill who was stationed in Abu in the 60's. Later he left and married a lovely girl, Joan, and raised a beautiful family. He passed away on Friday night last and was cremated yesterday here in Dublin. His wishes were that some of his ashes would be spread on Mount Abu ... So he will be coming home at last. May he rest in peace.
Please do pray for the support of his wife and family as well as for his friends both in India and in Ireland

Brother O’Neal was an extraordinary Christian Brother. He was a good teacher loved to play games and loved to be on jungle walks with the boys on Wednesdays and Saturdays. He was a great football fan and a wonderful inspiration to our school football team.
He taught me in my final years in school, he had great mood swings he could be a terror one moment and a jovial person the next. I remember vividly while teaching he had the habit of twirling a pencil between his fingers, another one of his extraordinary traits was that when he was angry he never shouted or raised his voice in fact his voice lowered to a whisper or more like a hiss which always had the desired effect. I loved to be with him on our walk as he would weave some really intriguing stories that would keep us always wanting more.
It was good to hear that he had settled down in life with a life partner after he gave up his vocation of being a Bro. As can be seen from the mail he has made a request that his ashes be spread in the hill and dales of Abu. I guess anyone who has spent a part of his life in this Abode of ours longs to be back with the Gods. God rest his soul. He will once again come home to his final resting place. It’s sad but the ultimate reality is one by one the brothers who taught us will pass away. This year we lost another great brother Br “Larry Kelly” the legendary ambidextrous science master, he passed away on the 17Jan 2007 in Ireland. My heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families of these great men who were our teachers and mentors.

Bosky the Cat Whisperer Mount Abu.

 My Basset Hound’s Unique Bond with Kittens 

Bosky, my beloved Basset Hound, is not your ordinary dog. Her deep affection for cats has made her a local legend in Mount Abu, winning hearts and leaving everyone who meets her in awe. Her story is one of unconditional love and the incredible bonds that can form between animals. 

  A Unique Friendship Begins 

Bosky entered our lives as a gift from a close family friend to my “bitter half.” Along with her, our friend also brought a tiny kitten intended for another family who were

 out of town. We kept that little kitten and named her Mao. What was a short-lived arrangement transformed into a lifelong friendship between Bosky and Mao. 

As Mao grew older, she had her first litter of five kittens. These tiny furballs brought an unexpected twist. Bosky, who had just come off her first season, experienced a false pregnancy—a rare condition in which a dog exhibits maternal behaviour despite not being pregnant. To our surprise, one day, we found the kittens suckling on Bosky while she groomed and nurtured them like her own pups. 

   A Mother’s Instinct 

Concerned yet fascinated, Liz, my “bitter half,” consulted our vet. The vet, amused by this extraordinary situation, assured us there was no cause for worry. Both the kittens and Bosky were thriving, and the kittens had even plumped up, resembling little puffballs. Bosky took immense pride in her role as their surrogate mother, often strutting around with the kittens trailing behind her in a delightful procession. 

Passersby couldn’t resist stopping to witness this extraordinary sight: a Basset Hound protective of her feline “babies.” If any unfamiliar dog dared venture into our yard, Bosky would spring into action, defending her adopted brood with unwavering resolve. 

 Harmony Among Species 

Our home soon became a haven for harmony among species. Regular visitors like Bandoo, the bandy-legged Romeo; Kalu, the long-legged shank; and Sandy, the overgrown mongrel, became accustomed to the kittens. These grown dogs, once wary, played, cuddled, and lived with the mischievous little felines. This heartwarming coexistence charmed friends who visited. 

   A Second Chapter 

Bosky’s maternal journey didn’t end there. With no male Bassets in our neighbourhood, she experienced another phase of false pregnancy. This time, she began nursing kittens from Mao’s second litter. By now, Bosky had embraced her role as a feline foster mother, earning her a reputation as the “cat whisperer” of Mount Abu. 

It often makes me wonder: if Bosky ever has her own puppies, how will she react? Will she love them as deeply as she does her feline family? Or will she continue to believe she’s part cat after nurturing two generations of kittens? 

The Heart of the Community 

Bosky’s charm extends beyond her extraordinary bond with cats. Her gentle and playful personality captivated neighbourhood children, making her their heartthrob. Her tale exemplifies the power of interspecies connection, teaching valuable lessons of love, acceptance, and harmony. 

Bosky My Bas

Sandy, Jerry and Kalu

Bandoo and Kali

Bosky posing

Bosky and Tom

Boskt and her favourite Minnie

Minni is having her fill

Minni posing 

Bosky and her foster babies

Boski and Minni are napping

Bosky nursing second-generation babies

Bosky nursing the kittens

More Snaps Of The Sports Day Abu

Sports day St.Mary's High School more snaps

St.Patrick Runner-up

Back to the Pavilion

The final drill dispaly Prize distribution

Tug of War

Stick Drill

Gearing for the Relay

Mixed Medley

Good run

Juniors finishing