Save and Survive

Kids, Computers and Conservation!!!

2011-01-04T06:19:00.000-08:00

Well, after a long time I’m blogging!

The reason is all so right, and much needed…

It was a day out camping with college students in forests of Jambughoda and we had set our base at an Ashram where 118 tribal kids (aged between 4 to 11 years) stay and study till their primary education is complete while their parents are farming or doing farm labour work in their native place. These kids not only stay and study there but are completely responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the place. It is at this Ashram where they spend the most important part of their lives which shape their future and ours’ too in a way!

We reached in the morning and the first sight I saw was, kids studying under trees in warmth of an early morning sun. There was no one to tell them to study, to instruct them to do this-do that. They were on their own it seemed, self-disciplined but innocence was not lost! They were very shy and did not allow me to photograph them but still I managed as I knew then, I need to carry this story back, share and do whatever little I can do!

Well, the place now! The place is surrounded by hills in Jambughoda forest which is rich in bio-diversity, be it insects, birds, reptiles or mammals. Very famous for Leopards and Bears! The Ashram is extremely clean as all the kids share their duties to keep it clean. They collect fallen twigs and branches for firewood, sweeping the rooms and keep the toilets and bathrooms clean. They sleep in a hall (a kind of dormitory), not on beds but on a mattresses (not thicker than a sleeping bag) with folded blankets as their pillow and an extra blanket to cover them! Next to their “bed” is what their world is…A metal “suitcase” in which they have, all they have! Books, a few clothes, some packs of biscuits, some toys, some hand made craft like a plate made out of leaves, a painting on paper of a world they perceive and a lot of priceless such things!

But how can I forget we were there camping! So the day began with the college students who paid us to buy the fun factor! We went for treks, caving, rappelling and other such activities. I saw them deriving a high by drinking water from a pond and saying “wow, this is so amazing!” which those kids drink and bathe with everyday!

Evening, we touched base and after a quick dinner it was time for the camp fire. Again something kids do it almost every day whenever it is cold. Being them I perceived that they would find it so amusing to see a bunch of crazy people singing near a fire place. All they do is derive warmth from the fire or to probably stop the shiver they have inside!!! Ya, so I perceive they had not seen people like us and it probably was a different world for them. While campers sang and had fun by the camp fire, I saw some kids peeping out of the window, some wishing to join but cannot. But they seemed happy seeing the bunch of crazy people dancing by the fire place!

During the day even while I was trekking, caving, rappelling and talking to the campers, one thought was all the time in my mind and it was that something has to be done for these kids! That’s when this write-up and idea of generating funds for them in order to give them better education sprouted in my mind.

The conservation factor!!!

Well, now the selfish me is talking! My interest lies in the conservation! Well, when they finish their primary education some continue to pursue Secondary and Higher Secondary education, but mostly to return back to farming or similar activities. According to reports 60% of the country's forest cover is found in 187 tribal districts where less than 8% of national population lives. Forest Rights Act 2006 gives these Scheduled Tribes a “soft license” to use these forests and minor forest produce on which debates, agitations and legal battles are on between the supporters of Forest Rights Acts and conservationists. Now with the growing population of Scheduled Tribes the pressure on forests multiplies a many times. If these kids get proper exposure, education and training, they can get on an alternate livelihood than to depend on forests or cultivation on “once” forest land.

These kids need access to knowledge; much more than what is in their books they study! They don’t know what internet is, they don’t watch TV and don’t know what goes around the world or for that matter even in the country they live in, all they know is they have to wake up next morning, study books, clean the place, and finish their chores and occasionally watch city campers dancing and singing by the camp fire in amazement! The need is to broaden their vision so that they see much more and work not only in farming but much diversified areas. At least it will give them a better experience and learning which is what their right is!

We need:

Used or brand new computers, laptops
A colour TV
A DTH connection with 1 years paid subscription
An LCD projector
Visiting Doctors
Visiting Trainers / Teachers who can conduct workshops on various subjects
And anything that you think would really contribute towards their betterment.

Note: All equipments should be working condition, Doctors and Trainers too! :)

For further details and donations please contact:

Vipul Ramanuj

vipulramanuj@gmail.com

HELP THE BIRDS 2011

2008-12-08T01:47:00.000-08:00

Come January, citizens across nation prepare to welcome the season of harvest through various festivals, Lohri in Punjab, Uttrayani in Uttrakhand, Bhogali Bihu in Assam, Sankranthi in Kerala, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Uttrayana in Rajasthan and Gujarat. While most states dance away to celebrate and welcome the season, Gujarat celebrates it by flying kites on January the 14th and 15th every year!

The vibrancy of the state, backed by "Vibrant Gujarat" brand name proudly adorned by the Government of Gujarat, is found in flying kites!!! What wrong in it is the "cut-throat" competition to cut kites of the other enthusiast, which straight away results in loss of the endangered bird life. Manja (Glass Coated Strings) which are razor sharp, cut the wings of the birds and are killed (if untreated) or grounded for life. The magnitude of the "massacre" multiplies as it coincides with the migratory season of the birds. Gujarat boasts of some of the best birding places with a number of sanctuaries dedicated to birds. Millions of birds visit Gujarat as they find it a safe haven, but really so?

A few NGOs learned this lesson and started to rescue birds which fell victim to the festivities, but soon realized how the state including THE FOREST DEPARTMENT is ill-equipped by all means to handle the disaster of this magnitude. Our National Bird, and "other" species of all Schedules are "butchered" as the state looks upon it's vibrancy.

The apathy of the state is so bad that there is not even one good Bird Hospital (when you have lacs of birds visiting) with Gas Anesthetizer and basic surgical equipments. Veterinarians of the state have studied the anatomy, biology and medicines of cattle, dogs and cats!!! Not even a single veterinarian is specializing in Avian Veterinary Sciences, who can handle critical surgical procedures or even operate a Gas Anesthetizer. The Gujarat State Forest Department does not have any veterinarian specializing in Birds!!!

PICTURE GALLERY/ SLIDE SHOW

So far the figures of NGOs rescuing and treating birds goes in thousands with huge ratio of fatalities, thanks to insufficient funds, support and expertise! Over 106 species of birds have been reported so far to be the victims of this festival. To name a few are: Indian Peafowl, Vultures (White-rumped, Eurasian Griffon, Egyptian), Crested Serpent Eagles, Owls, Peregrine Falcons, Laggar Falcons, Shikras, Flamingos (Our State Bird), Pelicans, Pigeons, Kites, Bats, and many shore birds. Where World Authorities on Birds are trying their best by putting in all the available resources to save the species, Gujarat State looks upon (or rather not!) and sits haplessly.

The carnage is not limited to only two days, but more than a month...as people start flying kites right from December. Also, dangling Manjas (Glass-coated Strings) on the trees and buildings pose a huge threat for birds till the time they are dangling.

The need of the hour is to "Manage" the entire show, right from volunteer management to setting up a fully equipped Bird Facility in the cities where the Kite Flying is on a very high magnitude. To start up with Ahmedabad, Baroda and Surat! Bird Ambulances, equipments, supply of medicines, trained managers, volunteers for birds' post operative care, limited activity and flight aviaries, temperature controlled environs, a lot of knowledge and a Will To Do, is what is required! And off course, Good Veterinarians!!!

Doesn't the carnage or mass poaching of rare and endangered birds of the state fall under The Gujarat State Forest Department? or they are only out to protect, (???) equipped to protect (???) the wildlife within sanctuaries and national parks!!! Isn't this what a State Government is supposed to do? Definitely doing this may not earn Votes, but then there is so much more to it!!!

I am not here to demean anyone, but this is an attempt to convey, that it's about time that the State Forest Department takes on the charge and creates an example!!! The time for the Media to come up with Breaking News and The Headlines and for the people to understand! People may not stop flying kites, but at least birds can be rescued, treated and released to where they belong!!! After all Gujarat is known for it's hospitality, and we do not treat our guests like this, do we?

From the Land of Mahatma Gandhi, his words "A Society is judged by the way it treats it's animals"

PICTURE GALLERY/ SLIDE SHOW

Further Read:
http://www.hsus.org/about_us/humane_society_international_hsi/cruelty_issues_around_the_world/india_kite_festival.html
http://www.nationalbirdsofpreytrust.net/vultureconservation%20update%200907.pdf
http://www.gujaratglobal.com/nextSub.php?id=2159&cattype=NEWS
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Docs_flock_to_save_winged_victims/articleshow/2688055.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/34499073.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1173808.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-425592,prtpage-1.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/991486.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1359139,prtpage-1.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/419246.cms

If Pakistan can, Why can't we?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2978988.stm

Note: The Copyrights of the Photographs remain with the original photographers. If any of the images published is found objectionable by the owner, may contact me over email.