Gujarat gets a coral transplant

Mar 24, 2012

RAJKOT: In a first in the country, fragments of locally-extinct corals (acropora sp) have been successfully moved from Agatti islands in Lakshadweep and transplanted in coastal waters of Gujarat.

A joint initiative of Marine National Park (MNP), Jamnagar, Gujarat forest department, Wildlife Trust of India and supported by Tata Chemicals, it is believed to be a pioneering experiment in restoration of coral reefs - also known as rainforests of the seas - in Mithapur reef in Arabian sea and Poshitra reef of MNP in Gulf of Kutch,.

"MNP has a good coral diversity with about 49 species. Acropora sp was found here once upon a time. Now only dead remnants are found in most of the inter-tidal zone of the park. The restored corals will be monitored closely," R D Kamboj, chief conservator of forests, MNP, told TOI.

In a nutshell, the reintroduction involved collecting fragments from Lakshadweep, transporting them to Gujarat and transplanting them in Mithapur and Laku reefs of Marine National Park. "The actual process is anything but simple," said Subburaman S, Field Officer, WTI.

Experts say there is an overall decline in the distribution of acropora in Gujarat - live acropora have not been sighted here for several decades now. "Success of this effort will begin a new era in conservation of marine bio-diversity," said Pradeep Khanna, principal chief conservator of forests, Gujarat.

Reefs play a crucial role in protecting coastlines from ocean currents and are marine ecosystems support rich and colourful array of aquatic flora and fauna. "Human activities are causing damage to this ecosystem too and ignoring it we risk losing this natural heritage," said Satish K Goyal, chief wildlife warden, Gujarat.

COASTAL TOWNS SCALING NEW HEIGHTS

COASTAL TOWNS SCALING NEW HEIGHTS
By Abdul Hafiz Lakhani

Saurashtra: Money, Masti and Mazaa
                              —Chitralekha Survey

On average, there are three annual famines in a decade in Saurashtra and during these hard times, impoverished people from the rural areas migrate to safer pastures in South Gujarat. Be it Surat or Ahmedabad, immigrants from Saurashtra have dropped their anchors there. But times are changing now. While inaugurating supply of pipeline gas to Morbi-based industries, Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, prophesised that now it was Saurashtra's turn once again. According to him, trend has already begun to reverse.
                A latest survey commissioned by Chitralekha lends credence to Mr. Modi's prophecy. The fact that Jamnagar and Rajkot are among the top five positions in the survey proves that the Chief Minister was not off-the-mark. Saurashtra is resurrecting itself again.
                Prominent market research company Hansa Research Agency, commissioned by Chitralekha, carried out the comprehensive survey among a cross section of 3369 people spread over 25 districts of Gujarat. The results thus achieved offer a lot to Saurashtra to cheer about. About 100-300 people in the 18 or above age group from each city were asked specific questions on the quality of education, business environment, entertainment facilities, local administration and prevailing corruption and efficiency levels in their cities. Interestingly, the verdict may take many by surprise. The results of the survey proves to be an eye-opener for the people of Gujarat as well as for the mandarins in high places.
                The cities that figured in top five ranks are Jamnagar (score 37), Rajkot (score 34), Gandhinagar (score 27), Valsad ( score 25) and Ahmedabad (score 24). This means that people living in places like Vadodara and Surat are disenchanted and disillusioned with the quality of life in their cities. Surat occupies 7th rank and Vadodara 8th position, while Bhavnagar was pushed down to 15th rank. Among the last five positions are Godhra, Bhrooch and Dang, which have time and again been tainted by communal skirmishes. While Amreli occupies the fifth position from the last, the last place is held by historic town Rajpipada, which has consistently hit the lowest position in various categories included in the survey.
                Smaller towns like Valsad and Dahod have left behind big cities and what is really surprising is the fact that Jamnagar and Rajkot figure in top five rankings. But these gradings, it seems, are not without logic. The situation in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat have hit the saturation levels. Investment opportunities are fast dwindling there. Besides, the worsening housing and employment scenario there has led people to focus on Saurashtra.
                Jamnagar that has already occupied a place in the world map, thanks to the Reliance and Essar oil refineries, is truly turning out to be a booming city. The Reliance Industry that has invested a whopping sum of Rs 27,000 crore is currently undertaking expansion programmes. They are also going in for a Special Economic Zone. Popularly known as the brass city, Jamnagar with a population of six lakh plus people, may now be labelled as the oil city. It has outpaced all other cities, as its growing industrial development has lured hordes of people from outside Gujarat. This has skyrocketed the real estate prices in the last five years by as much as 22 per cent. However, the flip side is that because of outsiders having zeroed in on this city, crime rate has zoomed up. But all in all, the oil refineries have saved the day for Jamnagar. People in Jamnagar are satisfied with electricity, transport, market and telecom facilities.
                Rajkot that stood second in the survey is a colourful place where the sun rises lazily past noon. Inhabited by 15 lakh people, Rajkot is a trade centre of Saurashtra with no big industries. But it has 8000 small units, the cumulative turnover of which runs into Rs 3500 crore. Already famous for oil engine, gold ornament business, ice cream and sweet peda, Rajkot is equally popular for real estate speculation business. With a glittering gold ornament business running into Rs 4750 crore, this city has a 3-star hotel and a 4-star university. With Rs 300 crore invested in malls and multiplexes, Rajkot is soon going to have an auto SEZ.
                Bhooj-Kutch figures in top ten though ranked nine, its score is 21, same as that of Vadodara. The 2001 earthquake had ravaged the area but Kutch resuscitated itself rapidly after the devastation. The transformation is so complete that new visitors cannot believe that this place had undergone a calamity of massive magnitude. Also, because of its tax-holiday status, its industrial belt has attracted investment of Rs 40,000 crore. The vibrant Kutch has 180 units with investment to the tune of Rs 7946 crore.
                Besides, the Saurashtra-Kutch has a huge coastal area with 23 ports that include Kutch-based Kundla and Mundra. This is also said to be one of the reasons for its growing prosperity. The belt stretching from Rajkot to Jamnagar and from Rajkot to Kutch is considered hot from growth point of view.
                Even on educational front, Jamnagar has proved to be the number one city, followed by Rajkot, Gandhinagar, Vadodara and the fifth position is held by Valsad. The last five positions are held by Navsari, Godhra, Dang, Bhrooch and lastly Rajpipada.
                For overall infrastructure, people have voted Gandhinagar as number one. It is followed by Rajkot, Jamnagar, Ahmedabad and Surat. This category includes facilities like hospitals, roads, water, electricity, banks, transportation, markets, cleanliness, postal services, telecom services, homes for the aged, etc. Here too, poor Rajpipda comes last. Lush green Gandhinagar is known to be a technology-savvy city and people there have no complaints about water or electricity facilities. It also has good medicare facilities. Rajkot is close on the heels of Gandhinagar on this front. But people here are dissatisfied with perpetual water crisis. They are also not happy with the fact that government offices there are not modernised.
                Gujaratis are essentially businessmen and therefore they are interested in books of accounts rather than books. As regards business environment, it is Valsad that beats the rest of Gujarat. This category includes criteria like congeniality, ambience, new opportunities, raw material, market potential, suppliers, finance availability, export opportunity etc. Surprisingly Valsad is followed by Dahod.
                Not many people know much about Dahod. Situated on the borders of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, this town has a huge grain market. There are quite a few cereal-flour mills. With twin industrial townships and a big railway workshop, Dahod is the first benefactor of the run rays in Gujarat.
                Also Valsad, has a developed chemical industry. People based here believe that this is a good centre for new business as well as export opportunities.
                Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad and Vadodara do not fare impressively on this front. Their score is average, for the simple reason that they have reached a saturation point. Jamnagar may be ahead in other categories, but people there grumble about lack of business environment and opportunities. Even Bhavnagar known for diamonds and ship-breaking business is ranked third from the last, apparently because of overpopulation and cutthroat competition. People in Rajpipada, Patan, Amreli and Godhra are thoroughly disillusioned.
                Business-industry is invariably linked with local administration. If it does not effectively function and is plagued by corruption, it can add to the woes of business people. Dahod has earned the dubious distinction of being number one on corruption front. Ironically, it is number one in terms of business environment. It is followed by Vadhavan, Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Bhooj.
                Says Mamata Verma, Collector, posted at Dahod, " Dahod has a huge mandi, it has agro industry. Situated on border, people from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh flock this place for doing business. Having a medical centre, Dahod has had a steady growth as government has paid attention despite 75 per cent of population being tribal. Infrastructure facilities have gone up. It has an efficient administration. But since there are 10 claimants for the same plot of land and due to its exorbitant rates, people have got a perception that corruption is rampant. But reality says otherwise."
                On the other hand, corruption is comparatively less in small towns like Nadiyad, Junagarh, Bhrooch. Kheda-Nadiyad tops the list in this field and Rajpipada though behind in many categories is ranked fifth in this department.
                People in Dahod say that palms have to be greased at local municipality, particularly in water-electricity departments. Rajkot also falls in the same category. Bhooj telecom department is said to be mired in this vice, but Ahmedabad is ahead in corruption race. Of course, the capital offers a little relief in this area but credit for this, of course, goes to Narendra Modi.
                Which city can boast of most efficient administration? Here again Jamnagar reigns supreme and stands tall over all other cities and towns. It is followed by Dahod, Himatnagar, Rajkot, Anand and Valsad. The last five positions are held by Bhrooch, Porbandar, Godhra Junagarh and, of course, Rajpipada.
                It may, in short, be said that small towns have better administration than big ones. Gandhinagar is less corrupt but people say that its administration is weak.
                Administration is quick to respond in Jamnagar, people feel. But in terms of transparency, Dahod attains the number one position. It is followed by Mehsana and Valsad. People in Vadodara and Surat are dissatisfied, whereas milk city Anand is number one in terms of redressal of complaints.
                And lastly how is the quality of life in each city? The most important segment of the survey also followed the predictable pattern. When asked about available housing facilities, security, cooperative nature of people, it was once again Jamnagar that proved miles ahead. It was followed by Bhooj, Rajkot, Dahod, and Valsad. And the last five include Kheda, Gandhinagar, Rajpipada, Bhrooch and Godhra.
                Jamnagar is ahead in three categories. Bhooj is also a livable city now. Gandhinagar with its greenery comes fifth in this area. People feel insecure here perhaps after the infamous Akshardham attack. Godhra, Bhrooch and Rajpipada have been tainted by communal tensions or inhabitants have developed this perception. They say there is no more fun in living in Vadodara and Surat. People do not help one another and there is hardly any security there.
                In short, the conclusion of the survey is that Ahmedabad was once known as Manchester for its cotton mills. Then Vadodara surged forward for its refinery. It was then South Gujarat that became the silver corridor. But now the wind is blowing in direction of Saurashtra. You get money, masti and mazaa here...!!!
                In conclusion, it may be inferred from this interesting survey that the high-profile cities are bursting at their seams with fast depleting opportunities and rising levels of disillusionment and disenchantment among people. It therefore comes as no surprise that Saurashtra is once again regaining its old glory and asserting itself in the inexorable march of Gujarat towards prosperity and progress. The survey has also vindicated the stance of the present rulers of the state that the word 'vibrant' is not merely a rhetoric, as is made out to be by critics of the state. It is proving true in every sense of the word.

Pindara Sakti Peet - Found as Sea merged

Water front has always fascinated the mankind. That is why the coastal regions of India have seen maximum growth and development. Earlier when land transport was not developed sea-faring and reaching places via the rivers on a boat was a common practice. 

The coastal habitation is exposed to various geohazards like salinity in drinking water, cyclones, tsunamis, tidal waves and of course of late flooding as well. Yet another hazard that has affected our shores in the past is change in shoreline. Such changes in the shoreline are a common feature all along the coasts anywhere in the world. These could be due to seal level fluctuations, erosion, sedimentations and earth movements. Well, natural processes are in the hands of the Nature only. The problem comes when the pressure of the swelling population starts stressing the coasts. The coastal zone regulations are ignored by the settlers and the authorities both. The nature suddenly decides to change the shoreline and submerge the land all of a sudden. Habitations are lost and lives perish.

This has been happening since ages. A changing coastline affects the human settlements on the shore. Everywhere in the world, especially in territories where evidences of older civilizations are found, coastal zones often have submerged habitations. Marine archeology has therefore developed in to a specialized branch of studying such townships or other structures.

During the past 13000 years the sea level has risen from -100 m to +50 m. Such changes in the sea level have caused vast areas of the shores to be engulfed by the sea. Therefore the advantage of marine archeological and marine geological studies is that one gets exact configuration of the past shorelines. The submerged habitations speak volumes of the human folly of the past and also are a warning for the present day occupiers of the 'seafront' apartments and villas and resorts against the anger of the sea.

It is interesting to know that the history of the Baltic Sea is recorded through late Pleistocene and Holocene chapters from the prehistoric sites discovered from the sea bed. Similar studies in Sweden show that around 8000 years ago, the sea level was much lower as confirmed by the presence of Mesolithic site now in the sea bed. Similarly southern California coastline has shifted from 2 to 6 km in the history as evidenced from the remains of buried habitations in the sea.

The annals of the Indian history and archeology are full of reports of ancient settlements along the coast which are now submerged. The Mahabharata mentions about the city of Dwarka in the Gulf of Cambay and 'Manimekhalai, an ancient Tamil text has record of the submergence of Poomphuar on the east coast on Tamilnadu. Relicts of ancient settlements and temples have been exposed by the marine archeologists at Dwarka and similarly at Poomphuar off the west and the east coast. Similarly Mahabalipuram is yet another locality in Tamilnadu where several temple complexes now lie in the depths of the sea.

Recently A.S. Gaur and Sundaresh of the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa found archeological remains of a temple complex during a low tide off Pindara on the northwestern coast of Saurashtra and established changes in the coastline during the recent past. The ancient temple site of Pindara juxtaposes northern Saurashtra coast in the Gulf of Kachchh. Marshland Okha Rann is west of Pindara says Gaur.

The ancient site of Pindara temple complex is well sheltered from open sea-waves. The Hindu Epic, Mahabharatha mentions Pindara as Pindarka. Till as late as 8th century the site Pinda-tarakkshetra and was an attraction for the pilgrims. It is believed that this was part of an ancient city Devpuri, which was much older than Dwarka and was a favorite haunt of Hindu sages like Durvasa and Agastya. 

The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has dated the oldest antiquity of Pindara belonging to Early Paleolithic (Middle Pleistocene chapter) of the earth's history, say approximately a million year old! Well to find stone-age relicts indicating a million year old human presence shows that this area on the shore of the Arabian Sea was being thronged by the ancestors. The find of Red Polished ware and Amphora from the locality give credence to early historical settlement and also a possible sea-faring community that had overseas interaction with the Mediterranean Sea.

Between 7th to 10 centuries Pindara had become an important temple town with a huge temple on the coast

As of today, on the shore stands a huge temple complex, which is a protected monument, reports Gaur. These temples date back to 7th to 10th century AD. They face east and have a square sanctum sanctorum. Amongst these the most famous is the Sun Temple located about 100 m from the high water line.

What is amazing about the place is that about 300 m offshore relicts of another huge temple were found by Gaur and his colleague. Of this temple only the flooring made of limestone blocks is visible. The vertical walls have been obliterated due to nature's ire or may be the dressed limestone blocks have been carried away! This is a Siva temple as confirmed by the presence of a 'Yoni'. Architecturally this relict corresponds with the existing temple on the shore.

The presence of a temple at a place now under the sea is perplexing. Though in simple words there was land where it is now sea. But what perplexes the geologists is that this is not in conformity with what has been deduced from the geological formations. As per that the highest water marks (strand lines) have been found +20 m and +6 m to +10 m dating back to Pleistocene and Holocene Epochs respectively. The presence of remains of three small port towns of Harappan period at Amra, Lakhabawel and Vasai gives further support to the geological observation that the sea level was higher.
Now this leads to the controversy. If the sea level was higher, then how the temple came in to being at the site exposed recently? 

Coastal temple complexes of 6th to 8th century AD at Mahabalipuram and of 11th to 13th century AD near Poomphuar and Tranquebar on the east coast have been submerged. An archeological site close to Pindara at Bet Dwarka has shown a lower sea level some 2000 years ago. It means this coast has been unstable in the last two millennia. The sea level was lower between 2000 and 1000 years in Gujarat coast.
The fluctuating sea level could have been either due to Gujarat being seismically active. Though a precise reason has not yet been established, it is also being argued that the submergence could have been due to tsunamis that visited the west coast 1000 years ago.

It is time that the entire coast of the country is systematically studied by geologists, marine archeologists and oceanographers jointly to work out the sea level fluctuations of the past couple of thousand years. It is certain that as the climate warms up sea levels are bound to rise. Demarcation of past coastlines will certainly give some clues for the future rise of the sea levels. In the process many more temple and cultural complexes might be unearthed, which will also certainly enhance the heritage value of the Indian coasts.   

V.K. JOshi From : http://www.boloji.com/index.cfm?md=Content&sd=Articles&ArticleID=4843

Manibhai Sunderji Doshi - In Subhash Chandra bose's Army

Born in a tiny hamlet at Amrapur in Saurashtra, 91-year-old businessman Manibhai Sunderji Doshi has lead a long arduous life. However, even at his age, he has an elephant’s memory and is fastidious with dates. Having sailed between Japan and India to pursue his family’s import-export business of pure silk, Doshi spent most of his formative years away from home after completing his education in Amreli. But his stay in Japan was, in his own words, “life-altering.” It was in Japan where he met Rash Behari Bose. Like several men from his generation, India's independence movement stirred him as well. In fact, he was also a part of revolutionary Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's army at the time. “I was deeply influenced by their philosophy and courage. It was while I was fighting in the Second World War, that I learnt not to fear death. It is inevitable. Fear kills you everyday. I would rather die once like a cherryblossom,” he says.

Family time
Today, Doshi lives at his commodious home in Vile Parle. His immediate family comprises five sons, their wives, one daughter, and 11 grandchildren. He makes sure he spends quality time with all of them. “No one is more important than your family. In times of crisis, they are the only ones who you can count on entirely. So value and cherish them,” he advises. He has a sanguine approach to life. He was happily to his wife for five decades before he lost her 17 years ago. But he never let loneliness get to him.

Stay active
Till today, the veteran is constantly on the go. If he is not pottering around at his silk mill factory in Kurla, where he spends almost seven hours a day at work, he hops over to the nearby Prithvi Theatre, Bhaidas Hall to catch a play, or to PVR cinema to watch a film. He goes on a vacation twice a year, mostly accompanied by his daughter Darshana who lives with him. “Even at his age, he travels by train and coaxes us to do the same. He has more energy and zest than five of me put together. He believes in taking time out and spending it with himself in leisure. We are planning a trip abroad next month and he is as usual, thoroughly excited," says his 54-year-old daughter.

Take the time to exercise
Starting his day as early as 6 am with an hour-long yoga session at home is what keeps the veteran in excellent shape. He sleeps by 10 and ensures that he gets a good eight-hour-long sleep. After drinking his mandatory glass of doodhi juice with ginger-honey, he goes for a stroll to Juhu beach every day where he catches up with his coterie of friends and well-wishers. “I don't miss my yoga class for anything. I get a teacher to come home. It helps me stay fit and active throughout the day,” he says. Post his walk, Doshi eats a wholesome breakfast, which consists of bajra or bhakra roti and curd on most days. Says Doshi, “Bajra rotis are a dietary must. Even when I was staying in Japan, we used to ship the Bajra across. It contains iron and helps you remain strong.”

Follow a simple diet
For his lunch and dinner, Doshi follows a simple sabzi-rotidal diet. Apart from being a vegetarian all his life, he has seldom consumed aerated drinks, alcohol, fried foods and street grubs. “I also try and incorporate sprouts, salads as well as fruits inbetween my meals,” he says. He's also regular with his health check ups. “Your body is a machine. You need servicing sometimes and have to recharge yourself with a few tonics,” he smiles.

Lead a philanthropic life
“But more than the body, one must work towards spiritual empowerment. There is nothing more fulfilling in life than giving. It's only when you learn to give, that you learn to receive,” he says. Incidentally, Doshi had started the Polio immunisation camp in the baalwaadis of the slum areas in Juhu in the 1990s. He owes his philanthropic inspiration of life to Mahatma Gandhi. “He did a lot for others, for his community, for the nation as a whole. Through his teachings I leant that selflessness is possible,” says Doshi, who had participated in Mahatma's Satyagraha struggle and until date, only dresses in khadi.

Spend time reading
Inevitably, the voracious reader's, who has an enviable collection of books, most preferred volume, remains Gandhi's The story of my experiments with truth. “Of all the books, this is my most prized possession. Gandhi's life truly inspires me. Besides, reading keeps my mind alert and betters my concentration," he says. He even picks up the newspaper every morning and painstakingly sifts through the news. He is clued into arts, politics, as well as the country's daily affairs and talks shop, endlessly.

Keep going
Given that most people these days feel burnt out at 50, the nonagenarian's mantra in life is both heartwarming and inspiring. What keeps him going? He says simply, "When did I ever stop? There is no retirement. Everything that is stagnant stinks, muck for instance. You rather be like the river and continue flowing.”
Reema.Gehi@timesgroup.com

source : http://www1.m.timesofindia.com/PDATOI/articleshow/8529094.cms

Tailed Jay - Butterfly

This beautiful butterfly was also at the Swindon Butterfly House.

I hope you like it!

The Tailed Jay (Graphium agamemnon) is a predominantly green and black tropical butterfly that belongs to the swallowtail family. The butterfly is also called Green Spotted Triangle, Tailed Green Jay or the Green Triangle. It is a common, non-threatened species native to India, Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia and into Australia. Several geographic races are recognized.

Southern India to Saurashtra, Northern India (Kumaon to Assam), Nepal, Sri Lanka, Andamans, Nicobars, Bangladesh, Brunei, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Kampuchea, southern China (including Hainan), Taiwan, South East Asia to New Guinea, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, and Australia (northern Queensland).

Male upperside black. Forewing with the following green markings:—a spot at the extreme base of the costal margin, a transverse short bar near base of cell and seven spots beyond, two and two except the apical spot which is single ; two spots beyond apex of cell; a spot at base of interspaces 1a and 1, followed by two oblique short macular bands; a discal series of spots decreasing in size towards the costa, and a postdiscal series of smaller spots that begins with two in interspace 1; the spots in interspace 7 in both series are out of line, placed outwards. Hind wing: three series of similarly-coloured markings that ran transversely across the wing more or less parallel to the dorsal margin, the upper markings (those in interspace 7) white; a short greenish stripe at the extreme base of the wing.

Underside: fuliginous brown or brownish-black, more or less suffused with pink along the costal margin, on apical area and along the outer margin of the discal markings on the fore wing, broadly along the dorsal and terminal margins and at base on interspaces 6 and 7 on the hind wing; markings similar to those on the upperside but less clearly defined and somewhat more grey in tint. Hind wing black, inwardly red-margined spots superposed on the pink area in interspaces 6 and 7. cilia very narrow, pale pink. Antennae, head, thorax and abdomen black, thorax above and the abdomen on the sides streaked with greenish grey; beneath: ochreous grey touched on the thorax with pink.

Female similar, but with a streak of greenish white along the dorsal margin on both upper and under sides.

Race decoratus is found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and is very similar to the typical form, from which it can be distinguished as follows : Upperside green spots smaller, especially the discal series on the fore wing. Underside hind wing : the red postcostal spot is relatively small but the red part has much increased against the black part; besides the large red anal mark and the mark before the first disco-cellular veinlet, there is a large red spot in the lower median cellule, a smaller red spot in each of the three preceding cellules and a streak-like spot at the base of the lower median cellule.

Common and not threatened.

Actress ANUSHREE BATHLA

As a young dreamy-eyed girl from the sleepy coastal town of Veraval in Saurashtra, Anushree Bathla was intrigued by the sea. "I'd stand by the sea and wonder about how far the shore line stretched. Now that I'm in Mumbai I've started understanding vastness of the sea," says Bathla.

One could recall this vivacious girl from the popular ads-Bingo, Samsung, Will Lifestyle, Fiama Di Wills Shampoo or perhaps from the serial Main Aisi Kyun Hun on Sahara One. Bathla has also been a radio jockey before getting popular as 'Goldy', the typical Punjabi girl, in Sabki Laadli Bebo on Star Plus. Bathla remembers how unlike other gifts wrapped in beautiful paper, her cherished gift in life actually came wrapped in a soft-towel!

"Those innocent eyes, two small hands and a cute smile-my nephew (sister Tanu and brother-in-law, cricketer Nayan Mongia's son) was the best thing that could have happened to me. He made me feel lucky and blessed. I can never forget that moment when I first held him."

A gift of life is always special. For Bathla, it was more than that. "We are two sisters and having a baby brother was something I always desired. When my nephew was born, I felt my prayers were being answered. Just that it happened to be in the form of my nephew," she says.

Velavadar Blackbuck National Park

Velavadar National Park is located in the Bhal region of Saurashtra and is set between two rivers, 50 km west of the Gulf of Cambay (also known as Khambhat). Velavadar is one of Gujarat’s best-kept secrets and that is the reason it is brimming with animal and bird life.

Before Independence, Velavadar was a part of the princely state of Bhavnagar with the grasslands acting as private grazing lands for the maharaja’s cattle. It is currently a 34 sq km protected area. Hunting of blackbucks is strictly prohibited here. If one remembers, the Bollywood actor, Salman Khan was arrested for shooting a blackbuck. Velavadar is the only tropical grassland to be given the status of a National Park. Its ecosystem houses four distinct habitats – grassland, shrub land, saline land and high tidal lands. 

In Hindu mythology, the blackbuck is considered sacred. Even a glimpse of the animal is considered auspicious in many communities.

With its maximum recorded speed standing at 80 km an hour, the blackbuck is the fastest Indian antelope. I was extremely thrilled to have spotted a couple of male blackbucks in full steam. Their leaps and jumps are just a sight to behold. The male blackbuck is highly territorial and tends to lead a lifestyle that is now against the law in most human societies – the dominant male lives in harems and quasi-harems.

Chakrathi Charkha Sudhi

5000 years ago, a boy named Mohan was born on the banks of river Yamuna and finally rested at the coast of Saurashtra. 5000 years later, a boy named Mohan was born at the same coast of Saurashtra who attained final rest at the banks of river Yamuna. These two fascinating personalities, named ‘Mohan’   were Shri Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi. Both personalities, in their respective eras, deliberated extensively on Duty, Truth, Non- violence, Celibacy, Abstinence, Meditation, Love, Compassion, Dispossession etc. and adopted these facets practically as per   their ability in their behaviour. This book undertakes a comparative study of thoughts and deeds of Shri Krishna and Mahatma Gandhi. It was serialized in Bhavan’s monthly magazine Navneet Samarpan’.  Besides Gujarati this book is published in Hindi & Marathi also.

A HAL Chetak Z920 used for air-sea rescue off the Saurashtra coast.

A HAL Chetak used for air-sea rescue off the Saurashtra coast. A few chetaks had been equipped with the floats to enable rescue work as well as transporation to the Oil Rigs at Bombay High.