ROMANCING THE RAIN
Of all the seasons that fall over Tapi town, the monsoon is by far the one that makes it most beautiful. If the skilled Sanskrit poet-Kalidasa’s cloud messenger-Meghdoot were to fly over Surat, in its fluffy state, its eye would meet many a pretty sight-
Kalidasa wrote-‘The Ashoka tree with sweetly dancing lines, the favourite Bakul tree, are near the bower of Amaranth-engirdled Jasmine vines; Like me they wait to feel the winning power, of her persuasion ere they blossom into flower.’
As Surat’s ancient architecture from Dutch to English to Mughal stands freshly awashed; most roads are carpeted with fresh blossoms from blazing Gulmohars, beaming Amaltas and in case you are on the right side of the road, pretty Parijats.
In spite of its urbanization, there still lie many quaint streets in Surat where one could enjoy a walk while it drizzles; like the by lane in Sarjan society which overlooks the garden is one closest to nature, like the main road by Panas agricultural farm where two wheelers now zip zap zoom has the most beautiful road sheltered by many a tree, like the green tunnel formed by a foliage of branches that entwine overhead outside the Umra police station.
The sweet, damp full bodied fragrance of mother earth will tempt bi-cyclists to bring out their wheels and race towards where land meets the Arabian sea, for the more adventurous, the serpentine Palsana route will serve the purpose for racing the rain.
Children who have now grown out of paper boat days will splash out into a wet and wild football or volleyball bout .As an audience of lasses below bright coloured umbrellas cheer on with their effervescent and unabashed Surti charm.
Kitly kings will be concocting up misty mint flavored tea from textile market’s famous foamy delight-‘Tim tim ‘as onerous laborers run around with rainbow coloured goods to good old Ghodod road’s cutting chai which will help wash down local goodies.
Foodies by nature, Surtis will be seen at all monsoon hotspots around town, relishing hot steamed khichu drizzled with oil and decorated with a generous sprinkle sesame seeds ,chutney lined tomato bhajiyas freshly fried by the ancient anchor at Dumas and pepper laced Sarasiya khajas from Ambaji road. As ash flies, floating out with the aroma of freshly roasted corn on the cob by road side kiosks, run by robust women from villages like Vesu, Bhimpore in bright coloured clothing, fanning the charcoal fire from below plastic hoods that do little to keep them from getting drenched by the downpour.
One could go out and enjoy the weather, view it from the various bridges that connect us to the blue horizon yonder, where palms swish and swoon to the tunes of the monsoon slate.
Just in case you would rather stay dry within the comfort of your home, curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and a great book like ‘Chasing the monsoon ‘by Alexander Frater.Or, better still, soak yourself in the rich text of ‘Meghduta’by Kalidasa what better weather than this to enjoy one of the most romantic poetry ever written -
‘Where from the Moonstones hung in nets of thread, great drops of water trickle in the night. When the Moon shines clear and thou, O cloud art fled to ease the languorous of the women’s plight who lie relaxed and tired in love’s embrace tight.’
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
TAPI TOWN ON A TICKER?
Suryaputri Tapi-the Sun God’s daughter, originates as a pure ,bubbly spring ,full of life in the dense tribal district of Betul, in Madhya Pradesh from a place called Multai.Its name originates from the Sanskrit name Multapi.
While it is the life line of our town and the pride of the city’s rich glorious past, present day sees it contaminated with worst ever effluent industrial waste, sewage drains that flush out in it, algae and river bed vegetation which act as natural polluters and other harmful organisms dumped in by humans and animals.
Our civic body, the SMC, was amongst the first in the country to acquire standards to process and distribute quality water in required quantity on time and implemented the ISO 9001-2000 certificate to improve quality of potable water way back in 2004. Many an anti pollution drives and campaigns have been carried out to try and keep our river clean; sometimes after being alarmed over high levels of pollution or on other occasions, due the discovery of strange red organisms in the water treatment plant at Varachha water works.
The on going, month long Tapi Shudhhi karan campaign is by far the most aggressive and well attended ‘clean our river waters’ drive that we have experienced. In addition to correcting the damage done by the ‘khadis ‘that pour in the polluting factors, well meaning denizens and the civic body have joined hands to make sure that the Tapi stays protected from humans and animals that pollute its ovaras and ghats,with plastic, waste. The campaign will end on 27 June.And, in the rare case that we responsibly carry on the good work; things might just be back to square one or even worst, by this time next year.
Along with being the brightest jewel in the industrial capital of the country, it comes with little surprise that our city has also qualified as being one of the highest polluted. As deadly messages in the form of dead fish have often washed ashore, littering our beaches, dying cattle have had meek protesters and sniffing the gaseous air beyond Piplod as the evening sets in has become a way of normal life for us.
With over 400 textile processing units and more than 600 odd chemical factories that fume, it is little wonder that the presence of Carbon Dioxide in the air is more than 100 microgram per cubic meter than the permissible presence of below 80 micrograms.Yes, we took a giant step with converting our means of public transportation on road into CNG dependant vehicles but our air has worst enemies. As does our soil that has been found to be heavily contaminated with high levels of metals and toxic wastes.
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board has served a general improvement notice this year to industrial agencies. Some of its rules state that ‘All sources of water consumption have to be informed to the GPCB,Effluent discharge like ETP,LETP,FETP etc shall be allowed only through flow meter indicating correct quantity being discharged, any increased generation exceeding CTE(NOC0should be reported immediately, effluents are to be discharged only from authorized points ,only authorized fuel is to be used and any disposal of waste via pipeline connections,leakages,spillage,by pass,burying,underground or outside discharge is illegal.
The notice also states that while law abiding units can enjoy the rights of business and good infrastructural facilities provided by state government, wrong doers are warned that any illegal activities will be punished with ‘dire consequences’-the parody of the situation is, the wrong doers are punishing us already, with ‘dire consequences’.
As the mudslinging and finger pointing for the responsibility of Bhopal-the worlds worst industrial disaster reaches its zenith, lets learn from it and leave a better future for our children to live in ,lest we be known as the Andersons of our times.
Suryaputri Tapi-the Sun God’s daughter, originates as a pure ,bubbly spring ,full of life in the dense tribal district of Betul, in Madhya Pradesh from a place called Multai.Its name originates from the Sanskrit name Multapi.
While it is the life line of our town and the pride of the city’s rich glorious past, present day sees it contaminated with worst ever effluent industrial waste, sewage drains that flush out in it, algae and river bed vegetation which act as natural polluters and other harmful organisms dumped in by humans and animals.
Our civic body, the SMC, was amongst the first in the country to acquire standards to process and distribute quality water in required quantity on time and implemented the ISO 9001-2000 certificate to improve quality of potable water way back in 2004. Many an anti pollution drives and campaigns have been carried out to try and keep our river clean; sometimes after being alarmed over high levels of pollution or on other occasions, due the discovery of strange red organisms in the water treatment plant at Varachha water works.
The on going, month long Tapi Shudhhi karan campaign is by far the most aggressive and well attended ‘clean our river waters’ drive that we have experienced. In addition to correcting the damage done by the ‘khadis ‘that pour in the polluting factors, well meaning denizens and the civic body have joined hands to make sure that the Tapi stays protected from humans and animals that pollute its ovaras and ghats,with plastic, waste. The campaign will end on 27 June.And, in the rare case that we responsibly carry on the good work; things might just be back to square one or even worst, by this time next year.
Along with being the brightest jewel in the industrial capital of the country, it comes with little surprise that our city has also qualified as being one of the highest polluted. As deadly messages in the form of dead fish have often washed ashore, littering our beaches, dying cattle have had meek protesters and sniffing the gaseous air beyond Piplod as the evening sets in has become a way of normal life for us.
With over 400 textile processing units and more than 600 odd chemical factories that fume, it is little wonder that the presence of Carbon Dioxide in the air is more than 100 microgram per cubic meter than the permissible presence of below 80 micrograms.Yes, we took a giant step with converting our means of public transportation on road into CNG dependant vehicles but our air has worst enemies. As does our soil that has been found to be heavily contaminated with high levels of metals and toxic wastes.
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board has served a general improvement notice this year to industrial agencies. Some of its rules state that ‘All sources of water consumption have to be informed to the GPCB,Effluent discharge like ETP,LETP,FETP etc shall be allowed only through flow meter indicating correct quantity being discharged, any increased generation exceeding CTE(NOC0should be reported immediately, effluents are to be discharged only from authorized points ,only authorized fuel is to be used and any disposal of waste via pipeline connections,leakages,spillage,by pass,burying,underground or outside discharge is illegal.
The notice also states that while law abiding units can enjoy the rights of business and good infrastructural facilities provided by state government, wrong doers are warned that any illegal activities will be punished with ‘dire consequences’-the parody of the situation is, the wrong doers are punishing us already, with ‘dire consequences’.
As the mudslinging and finger pointing for the responsibility of Bhopal-the worlds worst industrial disaster reaches its zenith, lets learn from it and leave a better future for our children to live in ,lest we be known as the Andersons of our times.
SUMMER TEMPEST
They say when you have nothing else to write about, write about the weather, so, when we were under the Phet threat, this column was poised to read otherwise.
Thankfully, hurricanes have a mind of their own and are vagabond travelers with no particular route or destination in mind hence our shores were spared.
Despite the wanton change of weather plans however, mini hurricanes hit Surtis due to different individuals and issues that gave reason to Tapi towners to tattle. Hungary’s hunger and Hatoyama’s sayonara did not make it to the top list .the ones which did were-
Javier jalapeño Spanish writer Javier Moro may lack knowledge on how to drape a sari; but Surti lalas are on a desperate lookout for him .They want to request exclusive rights of patent to recreate his ‘Red Sari’. Lalas who have no clue about the writer’s past books like “Five past midnight in Bhopal’ on India’s worst apocalypse or ‘The Jaipur foot’-a man’s ability to overcome tragedy ,think that Surti versions of Moro’s red sari might just be the next big hit design after ‘Ghajini’. Meanwhile a representative of the hand that rules the country has served a notice to Javier who is protesting ‘tujhko mirchi lagi toh mein kyaa karu?’
Tambu mein gabhrahat An architectural wonder, the air-conditioned, gigantic, pillar less dome at Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC) was built with the purpose of providing ‘international standard facilities ‘for building better business and trade relations. But, Surat’s crème de la crème have been using it as the ‘in’ wedding venue of the season. Surat’s new, wow wedding vows venue observed a ‘vavajhodu’ (Surti for hurricane) when over a lakh wedding guests turned up to bless a parliamentarian’s blessed daughter. All roads led to Sarsana as people wanted to be in the ‘been there done that’ list.
Deedar ae Drogba While ‘it ‘couples in Surat are set to sail shores and attend Football 2010 worldcup, Ivory Coast’s ace foot is nursing an injured elbow.In a warm up match against Japan that might now cost host country South Africa a precious blow, ace striker Didier Drogba has been declared injured and unfit for FIFA 2010.Although over 20 million fans worldwide are crestfallen, Surtis are in top spirits since they will be sporting colourful tees representing all countries and would rather sight fancy film stars from Hollywood than ferocious footballers .
Limca book of records In a record event that has our extremely alert police in a puzzle, a 2 litre, Surti Limca bottle is on its way to become part of, well ‘Limca book of records’! The record breaking bottle filled with Vodka, discovered by a surprise raid squad, mysteriously found its way into the Surat sub jail, near ward number 4, which is present home to a few high profile law breakers. Of course, now that the unique bottle has been sent to the efficient forensic science department ‘results may vary ‘and we may not have a winner on our hands.Jalsa loving Surtis are, however celebrating with Hic!hic!hurrah in dry state’s rare, amazing discovery.
Thus, while the country dealt with the IPL- ‘I appeal ,yell ‘ hurricane and the state had ‘Charcha Nehru ‘to deal with, Surtis were busy with their own set of summer tempests.
Tapi town tattle Nuts over Mr.Natwarlal.
They say when you have nothing else to write about, write about the weather, so, when we were under the Phet threat, this column was poised to read otherwise.
Thankfully, hurricanes have a mind of their own and are vagabond travelers with no particular route or destination in mind hence our shores were spared.
Despite the wanton change of weather plans however, mini hurricanes hit Surtis due to different individuals and issues that gave reason to Tapi towners to tattle. Hungary’s hunger and Hatoyama’s sayonara did not make it to the top list .the ones which did were-
Javier jalapeño Spanish writer Javier Moro may lack knowledge on how to drape a sari; but Surti lalas are on a desperate lookout for him .They want to request exclusive rights of patent to recreate his ‘Red Sari’. Lalas who have no clue about the writer’s past books like “Five past midnight in Bhopal’ on India’s worst apocalypse or ‘The Jaipur foot’-a man’s ability to overcome tragedy ,think that Surti versions of Moro’s red sari might just be the next big hit design after ‘Ghajini’. Meanwhile a representative of the hand that rules the country has served a notice to Javier who is protesting ‘tujhko mirchi lagi toh mein kyaa karu?’
Tambu mein gabhrahat An architectural wonder, the air-conditioned, gigantic, pillar less dome at Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC) was built with the purpose of providing ‘international standard facilities ‘for building better business and trade relations. But, Surat’s crème de la crème have been using it as the ‘in’ wedding venue of the season. Surat’s new, wow wedding vows venue observed a ‘vavajhodu’ (Surti for hurricane) when over a lakh wedding guests turned up to bless a parliamentarian’s blessed daughter. All roads led to Sarsana as people wanted to be in the ‘been there done that’ list.
Deedar ae Drogba While ‘it ‘couples in Surat are set to sail shores and attend Football 2010 worldcup, Ivory Coast’s ace foot is nursing an injured elbow.In a warm up match against Japan that might now cost host country South Africa a precious blow, ace striker Didier Drogba has been declared injured and unfit for FIFA 2010.Although over 20 million fans worldwide are crestfallen, Surtis are in top spirits since they will be sporting colourful tees representing all countries and would rather sight fancy film stars from Hollywood than ferocious footballers .
Limca book of records In a record event that has our extremely alert police in a puzzle, a 2 litre, Surti Limca bottle is on its way to become part of, well ‘Limca book of records’! The record breaking bottle filled with Vodka, discovered by a surprise raid squad, mysteriously found its way into the Surat sub jail, near ward number 4, which is present home to a few high profile law breakers. Of course, now that the unique bottle has been sent to the efficient forensic science department ‘results may vary ‘and we may not have a winner on our hands.Jalsa loving Surtis are, however celebrating with Hic!hic!hurrah in dry state’s rare, amazing discovery.
Thus, while the country dealt with the IPL- ‘I appeal ,yell ‘ hurricane and the state had ‘Charcha Nehru ‘to deal with, Surtis were busy with their own set of summer tempests.
Tapi town tattle Nuts over Mr.Natwarlal.
NOT JUST KIDS’STUFF-The big business of little people.
Suri Cruise turned all of four years in age this summer, yet Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are reportedly spending around 4 million dollars on her wardrobe annually! Tom had earlier stated Suri chooses her own clothes and now, even advises him on the same.
Along with a $800 Ferragamo purse neatly resting on her tiny shoulder, this mini style icon already has a fashion blog in her name, with over 5 lakh visitors and counting. Every single time the little fashionista steps out with her celebrity parents, bloggers vote –“thumbs up for the Burberry plaid dress, thumbs down for her high heels”etc.
“Keeping up with the Cruises” has become the motto of more and more Gen Xers around the world. According to online polls, fashion enthusiasts are happily kitting out for their kid’s gear, amounts that would resemble your monthly car installment or family holiday budget.
India too, has caught up with the mini fashion frenzy and Gujarat is no exception .Young, upwardly mobile parents who are brand conscious themselves are making sure they dress their dear ones in designer tags and shop for the same whenever they travel. Gujarats’yummy mummies love to dress their young guns as’ mini me s’.”When we mommies are wearing strappy branded labels, why should it be any less when it comes to kidswear?” argues Shhalu Kapadia, whose daughters aged 8 and 5 have a wardrobe as big as their moms.” I shop from Delhi for their Indian gear and my husband who travels abroad often, purchases their western out fits.
Kids couture, that was an ‘unorganized sector’ till now, has started looking up like never before. Kidology that launched this year, in Delhi is already branching out to the west due to demands. It houses designer threads in Indian and western wear to cater to tiny vouguettes and little boys aged 0 to 7. The country’s leading labels like Ritu Kumar’s ethnic fusion blend, Malini Ramani‘s tribal /glam diva look, Gaurav Gupta ‘s funky styles, Gauri and Nainika’s princess collection are hot sellers .Karina Rajpal, its director points out that,” While celebrity kids ’fashion influences a certain sector of the market, there are plenty of aesthetically minded parents who have very distinct taste, who appreciate good quality design and enjoy watching their offspring’s wearing the same.”
The weather in Ahmedabad calls for comfortable fabric, as does kid’s fashion. I use a lot of natural fabric, organic cotton, that has an extra feel of softness to the skin”, says Priti Mehta, who runs’ Bows and Buttons’ for pretty young things, at Ellis bridge.” Fit to size is an important aspect; my youngest client is 6 months old. We physically try out samples on children to make sure that the fit is perfect and provide alterations. Matching accessories like hairclips and purses are custom made to order.”
”Prices are not an issue, if the kids like something, parents happily pay for it, children have so many birthdays and functions to attend,” says Nishhka Lulla whose youngest client is one year old.” the most difficult part is getting them to be stable during measurements. Even one year olds are very conscious about the length of their dresses and the colour that they want .It is great fun designing for children since there is a lot of freedom with colours and one can be innovative with fun styles.” Having launched her label Nisshk's Barbie collection last year with a ‘mommy and me’ ramp walk, she has regular clients in crème de la crème Gujaratis like Palak and Samir Sheth’s daughter Shonaya amongst others.
Tanisha Sonpal, an NRG settled in Hong Kong states, “I have regular requests from cousins back home to shop and send kid stuff for my nephews and nieces who reside in Rajkot and Baroda .Since here we have stores of Baby Dior,Gucii,Kenzo,Marc Jacobs etc in kiddy styles.”
Meanwhile, back in Ahmedabad and Surat, cash crunched parents are also shopping at low priced shops like Clothes Rack, Just brands, for their tiny tots to stay put in the brand wagon. Play at the park has never been so stylish, as Tommy Hilfiger rubs shoulders with Burberry’s at the see saw and swings.
“Its not just the tags, comfort is prime importance,” points out Pooja Patel ,” I make it point to pick up Baby Gap jeans and fine footwear for my kids, I also like the Indian block prints on cotton shirts for my son. My daughter’s wardrobe is more Victorian and feminine, country style frocks etc.Loud colours, too much embroidery are big no nos”.
‘I shop for sports gear for my kids all over the world they always put in a request for Manchester United stuff, since they are both soccer fans. “Says Parikshit Contractor.
A lot of people who can afford good clothes found it hard to find unique clothing for children before, this sector has a big future. A retailer in Surat is preparing paperwork to approach brand ‘Burberry’s’, who have launched their miniature versions of the key pieces from their Spring Summer catwalk Prorsum Collection in India.” They stock tee shirts priced Rs.2500 onwards for kids aged one month to 14 years, dresses for little damsels that range from Rs.9000 to 11, 00, denims for boys that range from 10,000 onwards along with sneakers and ballerinas that cost 10 grands per pair.I have been in this field for 20 years now, Surtis never mind paying that extra buck for unique stuff.”He winks.
Tejus Kapadia who often travels abroad due to his business, makes it a point to book a hotel that is close to boutiques that sell branded kiddy wear, to shop for his daughters Vieha ,8 and Nayssa , 5, in between his busy meetings,” My children do not need to be celebrity kids to dress in designer tags. For me, they are the celebrities.” He smiles.
Suri Cruise turned all of four years in age this summer, yet Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are reportedly spending around 4 million dollars on her wardrobe annually! Tom had earlier stated Suri chooses her own clothes and now, even advises him on the same.
Along with a $800 Ferragamo purse neatly resting on her tiny shoulder, this mini style icon already has a fashion blog in her name, with over 5 lakh visitors and counting. Every single time the little fashionista steps out with her celebrity parents, bloggers vote –“thumbs up for the Burberry plaid dress, thumbs down for her high heels”etc.
“Keeping up with the Cruises” has become the motto of more and more Gen Xers around the world. According to online polls, fashion enthusiasts are happily kitting out for their kid’s gear, amounts that would resemble your monthly car installment or family holiday budget.
India too, has caught up with the mini fashion frenzy and Gujarat is no exception .Young, upwardly mobile parents who are brand conscious themselves are making sure they dress their dear ones in designer tags and shop for the same whenever they travel. Gujarats’yummy mummies love to dress their young guns as’ mini me s’.”When we mommies are wearing strappy branded labels, why should it be any less when it comes to kidswear?” argues Shhalu Kapadia, whose daughters aged 8 and 5 have a wardrobe as big as their moms.” I shop from Delhi for their Indian gear and my husband who travels abroad often, purchases their western out fits.
Kids couture, that was an ‘unorganized sector’ till now, has started looking up like never before. Kidology that launched this year, in Delhi is already branching out to the west due to demands. It houses designer threads in Indian and western wear to cater to tiny vouguettes and little boys aged 0 to 7. The country’s leading labels like Ritu Kumar’s ethnic fusion blend, Malini Ramani‘s tribal /glam diva look, Gaurav Gupta ‘s funky styles, Gauri and Nainika’s princess collection are hot sellers .Karina Rajpal, its director points out that,” While celebrity kids ’fashion influences a certain sector of the market, there are plenty of aesthetically minded parents who have very distinct taste, who appreciate good quality design and enjoy watching their offspring’s wearing the same.”
The weather in Ahmedabad calls for comfortable fabric, as does kid’s fashion. I use a lot of natural fabric, organic cotton, that has an extra feel of softness to the skin”, says Priti Mehta, who runs’ Bows and Buttons’ for pretty young things, at Ellis bridge.” Fit to size is an important aspect; my youngest client is 6 months old. We physically try out samples on children to make sure that the fit is perfect and provide alterations. Matching accessories like hairclips and purses are custom made to order.”
”Prices are not an issue, if the kids like something, parents happily pay for it, children have so many birthdays and functions to attend,” says Nishhka Lulla whose youngest client is one year old.” the most difficult part is getting them to be stable during measurements. Even one year olds are very conscious about the length of their dresses and the colour that they want .It is great fun designing for children since there is a lot of freedom with colours and one can be innovative with fun styles.” Having launched her label Nisshk's Barbie collection last year with a ‘mommy and me’ ramp walk, she has regular clients in crème de la crème Gujaratis like Palak and Samir Sheth’s daughter Shonaya amongst others.
Tanisha Sonpal, an NRG settled in Hong Kong states, “I have regular requests from cousins back home to shop and send kid stuff for my nephews and nieces who reside in Rajkot and Baroda .Since here we have stores of Baby Dior,Gucii,Kenzo,Marc Jacobs etc in kiddy styles.”
Meanwhile, back in Ahmedabad and Surat, cash crunched parents are also shopping at low priced shops like Clothes Rack, Just brands, for their tiny tots to stay put in the brand wagon. Play at the park has never been so stylish, as Tommy Hilfiger rubs shoulders with Burberry’s at the see saw and swings.
“Its not just the tags, comfort is prime importance,” points out Pooja Patel ,” I make it point to pick up Baby Gap jeans and fine footwear for my kids, I also like the Indian block prints on cotton shirts for my son. My daughter’s wardrobe is more Victorian and feminine, country style frocks etc.Loud colours, too much embroidery are big no nos”.
‘I shop for sports gear for my kids all over the world they always put in a request for Manchester United stuff, since they are both soccer fans. “Says Parikshit Contractor.
A lot of people who can afford good clothes found it hard to find unique clothing for children before, this sector has a big future. A retailer in Surat is preparing paperwork to approach brand ‘Burberry’s’, who have launched their miniature versions of the key pieces from their Spring Summer catwalk Prorsum Collection in India.” They stock tee shirts priced Rs.2500 onwards for kids aged one month to 14 years, dresses for little damsels that range from Rs.9000 to 11, 00, denims for boys that range from 10,000 onwards along with sneakers and ballerinas that cost 10 grands per pair.I have been in this field for 20 years now, Surtis never mind paying that extra buck for unique stuff.”He winks.
Tejus Kapadia who often travels abroad due to his business, makes it a point to book a hotel that is close to boutiques that sell branded kiddy wear, to shop for his daughters Vieha ,8 and Nayssa , 5, in between his busy meetings,” My children do not need to be celebrity kids to dress in designer tags. For me, they are the celebrities.” He smiles.
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