SHINING STAR

I met him first when he came to our hostel room. My roommate, whom I know only for few days, introduced me to his father.

            The person was having a pleasant smile, wore spectacles and was wearing a simple, light coloured shirt. He looked like a bank employee to me.

            I was aware that my roommate was going through a tough phase in his life and his father came to support him, all the way from Delhi to Mangalore. I used to interact less with them and preferred to leave them alone as much as I could. Within a day, i went to Utter Pradesh for my clinical posting.

I came back after 3 weeks and there was dramatic change in the hostel room. There were quotes from Wordsworth pasted on walls and my roommate’s table and shelf was neatly arranged.

When I met him in the evening, he was beaming with happiness and he seemed calm and composed!!!

 When I was leaving to Utter Pradesh, he was depressed and was at the verge of ending his studies. I could easily conclude that it was his father who caused such a dramatic change in him. So I became eager to know more about his father.

When I mentioned the dramatic influence his father's visit had on him. He agreed with me that his father helped him to overcome the crisis .My roommate also informed that his father is a person to whom many of the students discuss their problems as he is good at counseling.

My roommate informed me that his father's name is Dr.K.Ravi .Contrary to my assumption of him a bank employee, he was actually a Scientist. I realized that he is not a medical doctor and he is a PhD holder in physiology. Passed his Post Graduation from India and went abroad for research studies. Later came back to India to be part of a prestigious institute in India

While searching articles in Pubmed database for research studies my roommate suggested searching for "K.Ravi".When I put "K.Ravi" as key word came more than 100 articles!!!And all of them in leading international journals!! It was an inspiring sight. . It was exciting to know that he is one of the world renowned experts in bronchial receptors.

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It was quite obvious from all these information that Dr.Ravi is “a scientist as well as a doctor of minds”. He is one of my key inspirers to do research and to publish articles. I dream of a day when I too publish some articles in leading journals and to see my name while searching in Pubmed database.

MOMENTS WITH AN ANGLER

     I met a person during a train journey recently .He looked quite tired and sleepy and fell asleep after occupying a seat opposite to mine.He woke up after a while,and looked refreshed after taking a nap.


    We started a conversation and he revealed that he is a fisherman.The fishing technique He use is quite interesting.He use angling technique to catch fish.He use specially designed angles with 1000 hooks!Large pieces of tuna fish is used as bait. And they withdraw the angles from water only on the next day.They get usually tuna fishes and sharks.


    It was surprising to know that they sometimes gets shark weighing more than 500 kg. When enquired whether such large fishes break the angles,he smiled and gave a philosophical and interesting reply.


     According to him,if a fish is destined for us it will be there.He mentioned that half of the angles will be empty as fishes breaks the angles. Large fishes have sharp teeth and the thread holding the hooks brokes easily if they bite.
     
    The boat they use is quite big ,about 75 feet long. There is all facilities for long stay like beds,stove,storage spaces,huge freezers etc. Usually there will be 12 fishermen in a boat.


   Once  goes, they only return after 30 days.Sometimes they even stay for 45 days if the catch is not sufficient.They collect all stationaries and other goods for such a long stay.Diesel if filled in large volumes for this long tough and lengthy task.


     He started his work as an angler at the younger age of 8 years.It was his mother's untimely death that forced him and his elder brothers to stop their studies and  join their father as anglers.He proudly mentioned that his hometown, Thirur produces the best fishermen.He now owns a boat but doesn't want his son to follow his path. He feels the sea life is quite tough and fishes are getting lesser and lesser as the years progresses.

ELEGANT WOMEN

Women who carry themselves well will always gain reputation of many. Some also shares certain unique traits like soft spoken, pleasant, gentle and a walk with an air of ease which makes them more adorable. I love to call them “Elegant Women”.

The elegant women who had a lasting effect in my life were my mother’s colleagues in her school. As I used to spend a lot of time in that school during my childhood days, I used to frequently interact with them. These 5 teachers shared all those traits I mentioned above and I felt they stand out from the rest.

Later I come across some elegant women in the medical field. During my clinical postings as a Physio student and later as staff I came across many of them. Most of them were doctors or nurses. Their elegance made those hospital wards quite refreshing ones.

Now I am coming across such elegant ones among my students. Though they are much younger, I feel a respect for them because of their elegance. I hope they will continue to be as they are and receive respect and adoration from many.

EYES THOSE LOOKS WITHIN

We meet eyes with each other, to convey that we we are attentive, interested as well as to express emotions. Many a times you might have come across certain people whose eyes seems unique.

What’s so special about those eyes?

They are usually crystal clear and radiate warmness. They blink their eyes relatively less. They exude an aura which is quite captivating. Majority of them are females. Their eyes seem to penetrate the masks which we usually adore in our public life, making us feel that we are in our birth cloth.

Their eyes seems entering directly to your soul and they don’t get swayed a bit by the emotional dramas we often play.

You unknowingly develop an unusual bond with them. Though gets annoyed, you still feel an urge to meet those eyes. As those eyes reminds you that your inner self is different from what you exhibit outside.

You feel your thoughts are getting conveyed directly to them, without the need to put it those into words and utter through mouth. Such thoughts are usually “censored” while getting converted into words.

If you have not experienced such a thing, then pray wholeheartedly for such an experience.

HONNEMARADU-AN UNEXPLORED HEAVEN

        Read about this wonderful place in an internet article.With the help of "Google Map",found out various routes to reach there.I opted for the most scenic one via Mysore.


        Started my jouney in evening from Kochi in Interstate  bus to Mysore.From Mysore took a bus to Shimoga.Shimoga is 250 km from Mysore.The journey was quite interesting.


       On the way come across many corn and sugearcane fields on either side of the road.There are many huge banyan tress which provide share to the road.Sometimes road is blocked by long line of bullock carts.Each bullock cart was occupied by a family.From the amount and type of materilas they are carrying alongwith,we can assume that they are for a long journey.The road ascends and descend steeply at times.


      In some parts,there are paddy fields covering extensive areas.The field is being ploughed in traditional way with cattle.


      It took around 6 hours to reach Shimoga.The Shimoga Bus Terminal is considered to be the second largest in Karnataka.Took a short break in Shimoga to refresh and explored the nearby places.


     At 6 PM took a bus to Kargal as instructed by a bus conductor.Reached Kargal at night.Took a room in a lodge there.The natives,whom  i met in a hotel informed that there are hourly buses starting 7 AM to Honnemaradu.


     Next day,took a bus at 8 AM to Honnemaradu.Honnemaradu was 12 KM from Kargal.As instructed,the bus conductor informed when the bus reached Honnemaradu.


     It was a remote place with plantations on either side of the road.A board near the bus stop indicated that Honnemaradu is 8 KM away,along a side road to right.I started my jouney at 8 AM.The place was very silent.


     The initial 1 KM was between paddy fields.Later the road turned to left and there were some houses which are seperated by large courtyards.There are some farm lands in between where pineapples are cultivated.


     After a while the road passes through such a place, which help us to understand more about the  lifestyle in rural Karnataka villages.


     The houses are places a bit far from the road and most of the household rears cattle.There is hey piled in the courtyards.The gate is usually replaced by an interesting wood work.2 thich wooden pieces erected on either sides ,function as pillars.There are usually 3 holes on these wooden pillars at various levels.Through these holes,long straight wooden poles are placed across.To move across,one has to slide away the horizontally placed poles.


    Later the road twists and turns upwards with steep slope on left side which is covered by green lushy growth.Come across many small indegenious cows on the way,which are quite shy.They run away seeing someone.Pleasant sound of birds fills the atmosphere.


    If you are interested  in bird watching,this place will definitely excite you.Birds of various size,shape and colour are frequently cited.Got an oppertunity to watch a rare sight.3 Woodpeckers sitting on the bark of a large tree at various levels and engaged in their work !!!


    You will come across the tiniest of the  birds,Honeybee to a largest bird,Peacock there.


    Near the destined spot,there is a building and some cottages which provide accommodation and food preparing facilities.


    At last reached the place after one and half hours of journey.


    The place is silent,serene and extremely beautiful.Large groups of bamboo gives a great ambience to the place.The huge,clear and wide lake,was a delight to watch.Small islands of virgin forest in the middle of the lake was a treat to the eyes.


    Boating facility is provided by an Adventure Club there.The Club arranges weekend stayouts in their cottages there.Food can be prepared there using utensils which can be rented.This place is usually visited by techies from Bangalore on weekends.

IS INTUITION IMPORTANT THAN INTELLIGENCE?

           This is a question which might have arised in the minds of many and i am not an exception.


             Intuition is sometimes refered as "Gut Feelings".It is the inner feeling or urge one feels quite often.But very few realizes it.As per Hindu Mythology intuition is felt when the "Third Eye" is opened.Meditation or shifting into a trance state helps to open the "Third Eye".


            Intelligence is the product of a rational mind and it is partly hereditory.The conscious mind analyzes the thoughts and feelings and filter it based on the past experiences.Exploring the world with an inquisitive mind is mandatory for achieving a higher level of intelligence.


           When a person relies only on rational mind,then he will analyzing every thought in detail prior to taking any action.When he experiences an intuition,he uses his inherent logical mind and the intuition may be considered absurd or worthless.


            The person who is intuitive will be able to experience the unseen.He will be able to project his thoughts well ahead of his time.This helps him to take decisions which may seem wierd for many at that given moment.But in the long run,the intuitive person will always turn out to be successful.


         The Great scientist,political leaders,philosophers and spiritual masters were blessed with intuitive minds.


              There was an interesting method Thomas Alwa Edison used, to arouse his intuitive mind.When some problem puzzles Edison's mind, he often relied on this method to get a solution/revelation.


            Edison used to lay down in his reclined wooden chair for this.He used to hold a Lead ball in his hand.He used to rest his arm in the arm rest with his palms facing downwards.He then closes his eyes and relax himself.If he sleps off,then the heavy Lead ball will fell to the floor making a heavy noise which will automatically arise him.With practice he was able to be in a trance state without sleeping off.This activates his intuitive mind and he was often successful to draw the needed solutions.The greatest discoveries he made,is an ample proof that he possessed an intuitive mind and the method he adopted was a right one.


        Thus Edison used his intuitive mind to turn himself into one of the great scientists.Most of you might be aware of the fact that he was a bad student according to his school teachers!!

MARAYUR MEMORIES

       Since a long time i was thinking about visiting this place.I went to this beautiful place last week.


      Marayur is famous for Jaggery.Marayur produces high quality Jaggery which is having huge demand in Kerala.


   Marayur is 49 Km north to Munnar in Idukki district.


    I reached in Marayur at noon.Many grocery shops there displayed boards mentioning that "Marayur Jaggery" is available there.I thought of buying it while i return.


     I walked forward from the busstop and reached a point after a Km.The board shoed that "Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary starts from there.


    I was initially apprehensive to go further fearing that someone might stop me.The Check Post nearby was closed and no one was visible around.So i decided to move further along the road.


    After a while,the road keep on deflecting haphazardly .Later the either sides of the road was thick forest.


     A board on the way showed that guided Trekking is possible from the Forest Department Office,1 Km away.


     An autorickshaw suddenly stopped beside me The driver asked me in Tamil where i was going.When i mentioned that i al going to the Forest Deaprtment Office,he asked me to get in as he is going to the very same place.


    From the Forest Department Office there are guided Trekking to 2 areas
1) To dolmens and rock painting sites
2)To Thoovanam waterfalls


     I opted for the first one as i had read about the ancient Dolmens and rock paintings in internet articles.


    Raja,a lean,tall ,dark skinned guide was asked to take me with him.He first took me to the dolmens.


     Dolmens over there was small in size.Dolmens are made using 4 flat rock pieces.3  forms the boundaries  and the 4th one is placed above forming the roof.These small dolmens were burial sites of lower class people in ancient days.

       Raja mentioned that there are some large dolmens in deep forest.These large dolmens are burial sites of high class people and also believed that sages used such dolmens for meditating.Some of the dolmens are destroyed by elephants while they move around in search of water.

      The path from the dolmens was quite gruelling with steep climbs and narrow valleys.I was gasping for breath after sometime.But Raja didn't show any obvious

changes.For him,its just a routine way.

He showed me a Sandal wood tree.Marayur is the place where natural sandalwoods are seen in abundance.A survey conucted in 2004 showed that there are around 60,000 sandalwood trees there.They are used to prepare sandalwood oil and sandalwood paste.

           After sometime Raja suddenly stopped.He started looking for something above us.He showed me a Kite sitting in the branch of a tall tree,making occassional sounds.Raja informed that the Kite might have noticed a Squirrel or Pigeon nearby,which are its favourite prey.

   He stopped again after a few steps and took diversion to right.His steps suddenly become small and was keenly listening to a peculiar sound coming from a nearby tree.He easily spotted what he was searching for.It was a Grizzled Giant Squirrel!!!

            The Kite might have been looking at that Squirrel.Grizzled Giant Squirrel is an endangered species seen in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.Its image is synonymous for the sactuary as every board of the sanctuary adores an picture of this Squirrel.


          Raja mentioned a peculiar behaviour of this Squirrel.It usually makes around 10 nests,especially at the edges of branches and prefer to live in the ugliest of these nests!!



         Raja then took me to the site of rock paintings.According to him it is mainly archeological and history students who often visit these rocks.

              Last we went to a place which gives a panoramic view of the forest and the surrounding mountains.

          On the way back i enquired about Chinnar Watch Tower,which i read in an online article.Raja informed that it was 13 Km away and a bus going in that direction will soon reach there.

            He suddenly pointed to a place and mentioned that wild buffalo was there  a bit back.It was a surprising information and asked him how he found it out.

            Raja said that he was getting the unique smell of buffalos.Each animal has a peculiar odour.The odour will stay in the forest environment for around 30 minutes.Besides that buffalos has a tendency of pressing their horns to ground.So its easier to recognize the place.

          Within 5 minutes i got the bus to Watch Tower.The Watch Tower was near Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.There also a guide accompanied me from the Office.His name was Muthu.He shared similar features as that of Raja.Watch Tower was 300 meters deep in forest.

          We reached the Watch Tower within 20 minutes.The time was 4:40 PM.According to Muthu,Animals will not come out usually at that time because it a bit sunny.He said ideal time will be 5:30 PM or arounf 7 AM.During those times plenty of animals will come near to Watch Tower,on their way to the river on the adjacent side.After some time we stepped down from the Watch Tower.

         On our way back,he  quickly noticed a small group od spotted deers and showed them to me.I was impressed by his sharp eyes.He stated that he could recognize an animal seeing its excreta.He showed me small small ,light brown,coffee bean shaped things on a rock.He said they are the excreta of wild rabbits.

          I was extremely happy because i did my first guided trekking in my life!!