It was raining everywhere in India. These rains in July to September are continuous that brought relief for many and concern for many more. I am told and aware that last couple of years, the country did witness very little rain hampering the productivity of food grains. This year rain seems to bring huge relief for farmers, who were offering prayers to the “Rain God”. History books and mythological soaps have showcased enough evidence of sages and kings in earlier days performing “yagna” to please rain God. In my city, the downpour still continues in lighter form and I firmly believe that these prayers have been answered. For me, who is full time house wife and mother, the rain is indeed a boon as sufficient water in the close by reservoir reduces the power crises. Additionally, the weather leaves me with a mood that kept me humming some famous numbers of Hindi and Malayalam songs, in my cozy bedroom. The plants needed less attention and were growing fast in my apartment. I am also a volunteer for an environmental protection association, where plants are distributed free to thousands in the city. During my last visit to the nursery, I was told that only continuous rain did help about hundreds of sampling that included Jack fruit, Neem, Gooseberry, Almond and few other varieties. No wonder the very sight as I entered the nursery was a treat to my eyes. It was a lot of hard work for a few people that would have gone waste without rains. Well, I guess I am getting off the “rains”. So here were some of the good things about rains, but what about the not so nice things????
Rains did not end up giving good news or respite all over the country, as many lives were lost in the northern and southern states of the country. I am sure few of you must have come across these reports. Uttarakahand, a state in India was the worst affected. The capital was also not spared. Though Delhi does dominate reports during monsoon for water clogging in most parts, disaster in Uttarakhand defeated Delhi during most days of June. This place is eminent for copious temples and pilgrims flock every year. Heavy rain caused land slides. Building collapsed, water swept almost everything possible, roads were cut off. News papers were flooded with loss of lives and property. Blogs that I read stated selfishness among locals wanting to misuse scarcity of goods to make profit, traveler being robbed, politicians playing their usual role in taking advantage of the situation and army personnel doing their duty in evacuating process. These reports kept coming to and forth. The whole incident was heart melting. My question were – why did God not show mercy on so many people or why did many selfish money-minded build illegal business in flood prone area and why is it that we are still unable to help ourselves and other despite advanced technologies? To these I guess I knew the answers but how many like me could can create a moment of change. Similar questions under different such circumstance keep me awake hoping I will be the part of a positive change.
Jack Fruit Sampling
Neem Sampling
Nursery after rains
There will always be two sides to a coin-the one we like and dislike. Pour in your thoughts.
Raastha 