Giles Kristian's Raven series

I don't think we have had a book review in this blog before now. While I have read through enough books to be this close to getting kicked out of my house, I have not come across a fellowship like these Norsemen since the LOTR series. And I had to write about it!

How I found Raven: Blood Eye book:

I think it is only right to start at the beginning. I go to these once-a-year book sale, where they try to find new homes for already used books. I have come back from these sales with hoards as big as 9 to 14 kgs... all in books. I mostly delved into Stephen King or war or crime-based books and that was the plan when I went to the November 2023 sale. However, nothing felt interesting to me. I had 3 books in my hand and I had no conviction to spend my limited budget on them. Then, my wondering eyes fell on a book called Pirata by Simon Scarrow. I was like I anyway like Black Sails and Pirates of the Caribbean, might as well give it a try. And before I knew I had picked up a bunch of books from a genre that I wasn't familiar with reading. And that was how the first book of the series, Raven: Blood eye came home with me.

How I went on to read it:

I read Pirata first based on the thinking that if I don't like this one... I will not like any of them. I know. I know. They are not all same authors nor are the stories same. I fully agree. But when you plan on diving head-first into something unfamiliar you have to start at a place where your heart feels right and that was what I did. To my surprise... I went page by page with growing eagerness such that I didn't want to see Telemachus end his journey. However, every book has a last page. And when that day came, I had to follow the high I was feeling with another voyage. 

Into the journey of Raven and the Norsemen in search of Silver and Fame:

When the author was explaining Abbotsend before Abbotsend's literal end, I thought this was a lost cause. I love reading through lines detailing the minutest of information required to complete the picture in the reader's mind (as any Stephen King enthusiasts would approve), but I felt it to be too slow of a start. That was until Sigurd (my second favorite character) landed with Serpent and Fjord Elk in the wee hours. 

As I read on hooked tooth and nail in the voyage that the blood eye boy was making, I was wagering for him to be the death of the Norse Jarl. However, the author has a way with the characters presented that you have to either love them enough to enjoy their company (Sigurd, Olaf, Bram Bear, Svein the Red) or you have to despise them to the core (Asgot the Godi, Glum, and Ealdormen Eldred). To my surprise, Father Egrifth surely added to the pun. There are also mentions of ancient Norwegian Gods like Aesir, Frejya, and Odin (of course). Most of the time they are used in battle cries or in moments when man knows that he would need the hand of God to take the next breath. Nonetheless, they are also slickly thrown around in jokes.

The character build-ups and different sheildwall moments, surely had me excited and edged to see where things go. You promise your sword and accept the toils of a seafarer for silver and an opportunity to be in the tales of men long after you have joined your brothers at the mead table in Valholl waiting for the day of Ragnarök. But most of all, the humor of the Norseman and the comparison of everything to hairy ball sacks and smelly farts were what lighten the mood of a difficult and ruff seafarers life. You will feel as if you are there sitting on the sea chest on the Serpent listening to these men tossing around insults to humor the lashing of the sea.

What I loved the most in the Raven series:

As mentioned previously, LOTR holds a special place in my heart. For one major reason, the same reason why Frodo was able to complete his journey. The Loyalty of the men in the fellowship. The same could be observed amongst the Norsemen and their ever-growing oath brothers which saw Wessexmen, Danes, Blumen, and then Greeks in them. A rather odd litter as if it wasn't already eye-catching to have a Man of cloth and a teenage girl travel with men who spoke the language of sword and spears. 

I often find myself drawn to the concept of Loyalty. If I had to mention a real-life event, I would say Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose book correctly portrays the brotherhood amongst men who joined the 101st Airborne Division for an extra 50 bucks. For those of you who are not aware of this war-based literature, it is based on real-life paratroopers. There is an HBO series under the same name. 

Getting back to the topic of Loyalty a trait that is rare in today's day and age and people who live by this trait often find themselves fallen in some shrewd man's cunny. Hence, I enjoy it more in books where the narrative could be controlled by the narrator. And I'm glad that Raven and Sigurd's wyrds were roped together by the norns as that was one hell of a journey. 

Not me completely ignoring the one female character in the series:

Do not be mistaken, there are plenty of mentions of women. However, Cynethryth (I'm pretty sure even after finishing 3 books, I have never taken her name correctly even once), or as I called her Cynth was the one female character consistently present from book 1. However, her turn for the dark due to what the sisters' did to her in Frankia kind of put me off from liking her character much. I wish she had a more powerful storyline since the men around her had storylines that outmuscled hers. Sköll was a nice touch though. 

The character I liked the most:

Sigurd and Olaf are the duo holding second place but the first place... I must say there is some dark seidr on me because every one of my favorite character ends up dying in their storyline. Either the authors hate me or I'm just ill-fated. There are a bunch of deaths ("a bunch" is a massive understatement) that really hurts. But when your favorite character dies, that sometimes makes me want to stop reading with my head yelling "Is there no justice in the world?" And there isn't! Even after seeing the Golden city of Miklagard, Svein the Red had to die. Why sir? Please tell me, why? Couldn't he have made it through like Bjrani?

Ya, the big man who often got joked about how powerful his farts were and one of the first ones to warm up to Raven after Sigurd, was my favorite character. His character building was so warm and funny. How could I not like him? Rest in Peace Svein the Red.

I could go on writing about each character and every aspect that had me tied to this series but that would be way long. I would like to end by saying that this is a journey that every bookworm MUST make. As I still hear Bram Bear humoring others by pulling Svein's leg and sending a roaring laughter amongst the oath brothers of Jarl Sigurd. 

The Blurred Ethics of Today's Corporates

Corporates in today's day and age have a bad reputation of working their employees to their bone. Is it Why the ethical and moral obligations of the employee and the employer seems to be fading? 

If you have heard tales of how it was to work in the 70s, 80s or 90s; you would know that the pay was far less than the scale it is at today. Yet, there was a certain level of loyalty affiliated to the company. This may be because of proper working hours and paid overtime. 

Another aspect could be the employee-employer relationship. I remember growing up hearing stories of how my dad who has worked as a manager in multiple companies had treated his subordinates. In one of the companies he worked for, he had 900 odd workers underneath him. Whenever they came visiting, they only had good things to say about their manager. 

One such instance I remember is from when I was a little kid.  My dad and I were on our way to meet my grandmother. While we were walking, a man approached my father. He was unknown to me and my father also seemed confused. He asked my father if he recognized him, but my father stood there puzzled. The man introduced himself and told my father that they worked at the same company. 

My dad had quit his job in mid-90s and this incident happened in late 00s. My dad realized who he was once he mentioned the name of the company. My dad put out his hand, offering a hand shake. But the man bowed a little and said you are our manager how could I shake hands with you. My father said that he use to be a manager back in the day,  but on that day they met as two human beings and there was nothing wrong in giving a hand shake. 

He shook my dad's hand and looked over at me and said that my father was a manager who never treated them as someone below him, but same as him. He was always fair and never favored one party over another. I felt so proud that day and my naive mind thought that was how relationships were in an organization... One of loyalty and respect. 

And was I in for a surprise, when I got into a corporate job. Nowadays, the managers and their subordinates call each by first name in order to blur the distinction in authority. But in this process they also miss out on the respect that the position holds. 

When previously managers were called as "saab", which is for sir/ma'am, it was out of respect. If not always for the man who held the title, then for the title itself. There was a certain weight given to the words of a manager. Unlike now where the lines are so blurred that these seniors are taken for granted. 

But can we only blame the lack of fealty on a change that is now socially accepted. The answer is no. Back in the day, employees were allowed to have a life outside of the companies or factories they worked for. I remember having my dad's company employees coming over to wish him on his birthday. 

Be it a celebration or a demise, everyone from the owner of the company to the janitorial staff would come to show support. In today's companies, they buy one cake for all the birthdays in that month. There are standardized emails sent by corporate managers and heads on birthdays, thanks to Google Calendar. There are hardly any efforts made to create a bond. Rather, the more the distance, the easier it is for them to replace/relieve you. 

Both the company owners and the people working in it are not striving to maintain a standard nor to create a big name, but rather to make money. Isn't it the blatant reality of today's market. 

The companies are competitive only to have a higher profit margin than others in their field. Whereas, those on pay grade are in it for being able to pay the bills and make ends meet. With this money mindedness, there is no place for moral values like respect or loyalty. I bet you have read these words more times in this article than you have observed at your own work place. 

I do not intend to shame the work environment that we have today on its entirety. However, we must take measures to  bring back these emotions that could become driving force to increase productivity and not just having unhappy employees slog all day within four walls and ending the day with no human connections, but resentment and depression. 

P. S. The images belong to their rightful owners and not me. 

Have You Heard of Non-Binary People?

The Non-Binary Flag

The umbrella of socially acceptable genders seems to be ever expanding, from the two basics of Male and Female. With the growing revolt of the once silently oppressed LGBTQ community, people are emboldened to speak out about their gender identity crisis. 

Singer-Song writer Demi Lovato

One such section are a group of people who are unable to associate to the either of the basic gender, even though they were born with a male or a female anatomy. They identify themselves as Non-Binary. Some of the famous faces to be part of this community include Demi Lovato, Ezra Miller, Tommy Dorfman, Janelle Monae and Grammy Award winner Sam Smith. 

The term 'Non-Binary' comes from binary being in two parts. This conforms to the masculine and Feminine genders that are pre-existent and the negation of the of this archaic notion. The individuals are not exclusive to either of the genders. Some non-binary people undergo surgery to transform their body to feel more acceptable to themselves. But not all find the need to undergo a physical altercating transformation.   

Non-Binary gender has branch out of Transgender community, as transgenders are individuals who identify with the gender opposite to the ones they were born with. They also call themselves as gender fluid, gender queer, agender or bigender. While this might complicate a casual conversation, as the pronouns of "He/She" cannot be used to refer to such individuals. Rather they prefer the plural form "They/Them". 

Grammy Award winner Sam Smith

Most societies across the world are still reeling in the concepts of LGBTQ community. And finding it difficult to accept the existence of people who are unable to fall in to the gender roles and brackets created since time unknown. Nonetheless, as our minds keep on developing, such new discoveries of realms are inevitable. The very existence of human life and what is the real purpose of a person are questions that are passed on quietly as we try to fit in to the rules and norms laid down by the founders of societies in general. 

With the growing fight for gender roles to be abolished and equality amongst all, more and more individuals find themselves in the middle of a tug-of-war between what is socially acceptable versus what they find as acceptable. For now, the society needs to me open and accommodating of such individuals. Instead, of treating them as people who are sick or confused, we should try and understand where they are coming from and what battles they face within themselves. 

Some of the celebrities who identified themselves as non-binary:

The 'Fantastic Beast and Where To Find Them' actor Ezra Miller

Grammy Awards Nominee Janelle Monae

Model and actress Ruby Rose

The '13 Reasons Why' actor Tommy Dorfman

The 'Divine COVID-y' of India

The mismanagement of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, by the Indian Govt has led to offers of help from friendly countries. Rather than being an exemplary Govt by setting the right measures in place and utilizing the authority and treasure to recover the country's dire situation, this Govt is busy sweeping the situation under the fancy rug called 'SYSTEM'.

(Before we go any further with this article, I would like to inform the readers that this article is not intended to slander the elected Govt, but highlight the misgiving that are evident and undeniably visible to everyone.)

Progression of Virus

With the end of year 2020, it was believed that the world could reset and start fresh by breaking quarantine and stepping out to work with precautionary measures at hand. However, while life was getting back on track with work place and educational institutions opening their doors, COVID virus was creeping its way into our homes to make its presence visible again. 

By the month of March 2021, the second wave of the virus attack had already engulfed enough victims to be acknowledged again. Due to the financial aftermath of the previous full-fledged lockdown, the Govt of majority of the States declined the idea of another lockdown. Rather they hoped to see a significant drop in the scale of daily registered COVID +ve cases by implementing night curfews and fine upon not wearing mask in public. Besides, both the Govt and the general public knew that these measures would barely manage to scrape the last few on the count. 

By the beginning of April 2021, many prime cities in India were noting additions in 3-figure number to the already long list of COVID-19 patients. What was a scenario dreaded and faced last year was making its mark again, but what took everyone by surprise was the situation was only going to get far worst due to the lack of delegation by the Prime person in power.

Role of Media

The media, at first ,downplayed the second wave with the elections approaching in multiple states. Once the cup started to overflow and the citizens no longer could be kept in dark, then the media started to cover rising COVID cases. Even through this phase, what is called as the 'Godhi media', attempted to distract the attention of the viewers to issues of lesser significance. 

Nonetheless, the few distant voices made by those media platforms who were adamant at showcasing the helpless ground reality, were finally heard. Public outrage increased and the Godhi media along with their controllers of high places had to address the COVID-19 issue in their platforms too.

At first, the Centre blamed the States. But then these States asked all the right questions to the Centre regarding the lack of proper distribution of resources and the Govt making money by selling Oxygen and injections to other counties while creating a shortage in its own country. At this juncture, they could no longer pass the baton to anyone with a mouth, as it would comeback to bite them instead. So they decided to blame it all on the "SYSTEM". 

The news channels were using this term aggressively in order to change the perception of the public from the inefficiency of the Govt. If this so-called "SYSTEM" is not the authorities who hold the power to make laws and decisions, then what is is?

Allowing Super Spreader Events

The muddling of water didn't end at creating this fake entity to take the brunt, instead it went a step further by prohibiting the mention of the undeniable deaths of COVID patients. Even a cry for help on a social media platform became a heinous crime punishable with account suspension to having an FIR registered against you. 

All this, while the actual perpetrators are walking around freely without a mask while visiting COVID patients admitted in COVID wards. Not to mention, the 8-phase elections held in Bengal and the Kumbh Mela being super spreader events that could have been avoided or dealt with in a manner that was under controlled environment.

Rather, the election commission allowed mass gathering at rallies and also, the thousands who converged at the Kumbh to dip in the same water of river Ganges. Post these events, a sharp spike in the number of COVID cases was observed. 

Where will the buck stop? 

With the Government turning down aid from the UN and the shortage of Oxygen supply constantly supplementing the death toll, India as a country needs to unite and act as one entity rather than picking favorites. Also, the Govt needs to wake up from its slumber and act dutifully towards its citizens who brought them to power. The combined efforts of both the Govt and the citizens is required in order to see even a slim chance of putting an halt to the spread of the virus and to heal the sick. This country needs to get its feet back on the ground or else we'll be drowning in tears with no one left to console.

(P.S. if anyone has any issues with this article then kindly keep it to yourself as this is my opinion and we live in a free country, or so I would like to believe.)

Capitals of Countries Series: Asian Edition

2. Jakarta, Indonesia

 

Capital: Jakarta

Country: Indonesia

Indonesia is a Southeast Asian country. Indonesia is the world's largest island country constituting seventeen thousand islands. It has 34 provinces, of which five have special statuses. The country's capital, Jakarta, is the second-most populous urban area in the world. Indonesia has vast areas of wilderness that support one of the world's highest level of bio-diversity. Indonesia is known for its natural beauty of volcanic mountains and oceanic beaches.

About Jakarta:

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and located in the Java province. After Tokyo, Jakarta is the second most populated urban habitation. The name Jakarta is derived from the Devanagari word, Jayakruth, with the meaning ‘Complete Victory’. Jakarta is officially a province with special capital region status. Its provincial government consists of five administrative cities and one administrative regency. Jakarta is nicknamed as the "Big Durian", since Durian fruit is native to the region.

Jakarta became the capital in the year 1950. The city was thriving with political and economic support as it was chosen to host the 1962 Asian Games. However, a coup was attempted in 1965 which led to the death of six top rank Generals followed by an anti-communist purge which resulted in the death of 5,00,000 people including immigrants.

The following decade saw a boom in Jakarta’s growth as slum dwellers were moved to better housed and various projects were laid out for infrastructural development. Most of this was achieved through foreign investments. But the Asian Financial crisis of 1977 arrested this growth. Following this, the next decade saw rise in tension ultimately ending in violent riots and destruction of infrastructure. In August 2007, Jakarta held its first-ever election to choose a governor as part of a nationwide decentralisation program with the help of local elections, unlike the previous practice of being elected by the legislative body.  

Jakarta has grown at a fast pace in terms of economy and population. As any major city, Jakarta too is faced with congestion with population upto almost 36 million in 2020. The urban lifestyle has led to heavy traffic and air pollution. But the biggest worry of Jakarta is that the city is sinking in to the ocean with each passing day.

Jakarta sits on top of swamp land. Hence, it often faces flooding and drainage clogging during rainy season. But Jakarta is sinking about 5 to 10 centimeters (2.0 to 3.9 inches) each year, and up to 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) in the northern coastal regions. Most of the area next to the sea is flooded throughout the year.

Government has set a task of building a manmade dyke (a wall to control the level of water) with a pumping system and retention area to lower the inflow of seawater. Giant Sea Wall Jakarta, the name of this project, is expected to be completed in 2025. There are talks about moving the capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan.

Jakarta is a melting pot in terms of ethnicity, religion and language. The city is home to Javenese, Sundanese, Chinese, Malays, and many more natives and migrants alike. Indonesian being the regional ligua franca, English and Chinese are also widely used. As for religion, Jakarta, and Indonesia as a country, is mostly Islamic.

Transport in Jakarta is mostly done through private vehicle or privately owned public buses. They have an Odd-Even policy in place, where in, vehicle with either odd or even number plate could only run on a given day. This is in order to curb traffic congestions and control air pollution.

Jakarta is another modernised city that people often frequent. It has beautiful beaches, big shopping malls and many museums to preserve its cultural heritage. So here is a list of places you can visit in Jakarta on your trip:

• Istana Merdeka

• Thousand Islands

• Ragunan Zoo
• Taman Mini Indonesian Park
• Indonesian National Gallery
• Setu Babakan Batavian Cultural village
• Istiqlal Mosque
• National Monument of Indonesia
• Senayan City Shopping Mall
• Sea World Anchol

Taman Mini Indonesia

Shopping Mall

National Museum

Sea World Anchol

Capitals of Countries Series: Asian Edition

 1. Tokyo, Japan

Capital: Tokyo

Country: Japan

Japan is an East Asian island country. The Japanese archipelago comprise of 6,852 islands with Tokyo as its capital. It is the 11^th most populous country. The Greater Tokyo Metropolis is the world’s most densely populated metropolitan. This region has 37.4 million habitants. Japan is renown for its science and art. It has significant roots in automotive and electronic sectors throughout the world with leading companies like Toyota, Mitsubishi, Sony, Samsung and Nissan to name a few. In the field of art, animation and manga are amongst the leading trends.

 

About Tokyo:

Tokyo Metropolis is the capital of Japan. But this metropolis was once just a fishing village known as Edo. Looking back to history, in 1600, the great commander Tokugawa Ieyasu won the Battle of Sekigahara which secured Edo’s status as the most important place in Japan. In 1657, a great fire ignited burning down 70% of the city as the structures were made of wood and paper. Over 100,000 residents lost their life.

However, this didn’t stop the growth in population and by mid-19^th century, Edo became home to millions. Japan had military Shogunate system for governance for 700 years, which was abolished during this period. A new government was formed and the capital of japan was renamed as Tokyo. During this time, Japan also opened doors to foreign trade.

During WWII, Tokyo was massively bombarded by USA between 1942 till 1945 which lead to loss of life in millions and many more lost their homes. It took almost a decade for Japan to get back on its feet on economical grounds.

Today, Tokyo has advanced technological resources, including robots to help tourists and in the field of customer services. Tokyo has higher concentration of retired individuals, than young working population. Hence, the government is working on reliance on technology to bridge the human resource requirement.

Tokyo heavily relies on subways and trains for transportation. Taxis are available but are rather expensive and cable cars are available for traveling within a locality. People also prefer to walk or opt for a cycle as train travel could be dense with massive over-crowding during peak hours. They even have a ‘Oshiya’ or pusher, who are typically train staff, who push passengers onto the trains.

Japanese Bullet Trains (Shinkansen) are prominently known across the globe for its speed. Traveling at maximum speeds of 240–320 km/h (150–200 mph), these bullet trains connect far away cities to Tokyo for commercial growth.

The city of Tokyo has many Michelin star restaurants that are especially famous for their Sushi and are extremely expensive. Fish has been a prominent part of Japanese cuisine since ancient and when American President Barak Obama visited Tokyo, he too had Sushi. As for fast food culture, the metropolis has around 300 Starbucks stores which overtakes London with 260 stores. They also have a massive range of vending machines that dispense everything from food to umbrella. They also have a vending machine for puppies.

Tokyo is a beach city located on the central pacific coast. Hence, its boundaries are shared with many islands. The city is also prone to massive earthquakes and volcanic activities. The buildings constructed are smaller than most skyscrapers found it other prominent cities as these structures are more cautious to seismic anomalies. They have also invented the Capsule Hotels. This facility includes a bed and internet connection, yet it costs around $30 to $50 per night. Mostly these hotels accept only male tenants for safety reasons.

Tokyo hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics, thus becoming the first Asian city to host the Summer Games. Tokyo was also supposed to host Olympics 2020 between 24 July and 9 August 2020, however, it is postponed to July-August, 2021 amidst Covid-19 pandemic. Tokyo will still continue to be the host due to commercial purposes.

To end this piece, here’s a list of places to visit in Tokyo if you are in town.

·        The Imperial Palace

·        Mount Fuji

·        Chidoriga-fuchi Cherry Blossoms

·        Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)

·        Meiji Shrine

·        Parasite museum

·        Edo Wonderland (Samurai & Ninja Theme Park)

·        Tokyo Skytree

·        Disneyland Tokyo

·        Ueno Park & Zoo

Photo Gallery:

Cherry Blossoms

Robot at a Bank

US President Barak Obama at a Sushi restaurant

Capsule Hotel                                                                 Oshiya pushing passengers

Bullet Train

Lobster Vending Machine

Parasite Museum

Senso-Ji Temple

P.S. All images are taken from the internet and hence belong to their rightful owners. Thank you!

Aarey: The War for Trees

A lush greenary lies quietly in the lap of the never sleeping Mumbai, in particular, the Aarey Colony. The area which was ones the heart of ghost stories for midnight office returners who traveled to Andheri/Goregaon/Malad is now being robbed of its glistening green forest for building Metro car shed. The protest against this project started in August after Tree Authority sanctioned the cutting down of 2646 trees for the same. However, environmentalists and citizens of Mumbai joined hands in filing petition in Bombay High Court. The petition was dismissed and the decision was made in the favor of Government, leading to start of tree-felling process since Friday night. 

A Tale of a Tree

The rise in global warming has set all alarms at buzz, with intellectuals discussing and debating on how to slow down or even stop the rapid rise of carbon footprints and green house gases, which are causing rapid change in the atmosphere leading to abnormalities in weather patterns. While the hasty industrialization is to be partly blamed, as the race to becoming the supreme power between the countries never cease, another factor that has lead to the suffering of humans and animals alike is DEFORESTATION. Here starts the story of how a rotten seed sown killed the healthy trees too.

A Seed was Sown

The master of the mansion was presented with a beautiful seed. The seller promised great fruits to ripe and flourish from this seed, to add on colors to the already charming and vivid garden. The master didn't hesitate to accept this seed. With eyes filled with hope, he took it to the garden unsure if there was a future where he'll witness the seed bare fruit.

MMRC (Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation) first presented the idea of Metro Line 3 in 2011. The plan underwent further changes as new stations were added from the original covering a total of 33.5 kms between Colaba to SEEPZ. The estimated cost to build the whole project including the 27 stations and the elevated and underground stations covering a total of 146 Kms of track was Rs. 21,000 Cr.

The Central Government gave approval for the said plan in February 2012. Soon the Union and the State passed the plan in June 2013 and February 2014, respectively. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan laid the founding stone in August 2014.

In 2015, a metro depot was recommended to be built in 30 hectors of land in Aarey Colony for the metro cars to rest at non-working hours and for carrying out repair and maintenance work. It is expected to house 55 trains and 8 coaches.

Providing Proper Soil and Nourishment

A seed cannot grow if it is sown in infertile land due to lack of nourishment. A seed fallen on the rock will either be eaten away by birds or will dry away in the heat of the sun. A seed that is sown on the road will get trodden. The master must careful choose the soil that suits the seed and provide it with timely supply of water and fertilizer.

The Line 3 was previously planned to be in funded through Public-Private Partnership (PPP). However, the idea was scrapped by Urban Development Ministry in August 2012. Instead, it proposed a 80:20 funding by State and Central Government. A special JV was formed between the two government for the implementation of the project.

For the project to be implemented, a belt constituting both residents and plantation need to be either cleared or relocated. Almost 2,800 families were relocated to Kurla and Chakala. While residents of building that were in danger of collapsing during the underground work were provided accommodation in South Mumbai with MMRC bearing all the expenses relating to their re-accommodation.

Surviving Harsh Climate

When a sapling sprouts, it has to undergo unavoidable changes in both its own form and the surroundings. The sapling with a frail trunk and few leaves must support its roots to grow further deep into the soil till it finds ground water source. For this, the sapling has to withstand scorching summers, harsh winters and heavy rains. Only if it goes through the trials of seasons and succeed to survive, will it be able to follow its dream to one day flourish and bear fruit.

The construction of Line 3 was faced with multiple hindrances with activists taking to court for preservation of the plants and forest life. The estimated plant life to be affect by this project is around 5,012, of which some will be cut down, while a majority will be replanted in other parts of this city. The agreement states that for one tree that's been cut down, three trees should be planted by the contract holder. However, 2 PILs were filed in Bombay High Court to stop cutting down of the trees as proper approvals were not received for the construction of the stations located at certain areas in February 2017. HC ruled in the contractor's favor and the ruling was challenged in Supreme Court. SC had granted a temporary stay till May 2018.

Also, the selection of Aarey colony for the metro depot raised many opposition as almost 2,700 trees are to be cut down. The wildlife preserved by these trees may include leopards and other endangered flora and fauna. A open plot in Kanjurmarg was among the alternatives recommended, however, the idea was scrapped as a small portion of this plot was under dispute. There are also alleged allegations that the rush to build car shed in Aarey colony is also to invite further developmental projects including residential buildings that will be forged by encroaching into forest lands.

A Seed Bearing Poison Fruit

It only takes one wrong decision to turn a beautiful and bountiful garden into dead tree forest. A seed of the poison tree spreads its roots to the water source in the ground and spews its poison. The ground water source that had kept the other plants nourished and healthy was now going to be the cause of their ruin brought down by false promises blinding the garden master's decision. As the tree grew and flourished with fruits as dark as the heart of a morbid soul, its poison was choking the smiles of its fellow flowers and slowly clipped the clapping hands of the trees that had stood tall and proud against nature's tantrums.  

In the petition hearing in September 2019, the state government said to the court that Aarey cannot be declared forest just because of the greenary, instead Line 3 project is very much needed for curbing traffic and reducing travel time. On 04 October 2019, HC declared that Aarey was not a forest. Hence, the MMRCL authorities started to axe trees from Friday night. 

A crowd of over 300 protester immediately gathered and many were arrested for hindrance.  Section 144 with criminal charges was quickly implemented in order to control the growing numbers of protesters with the day break. Many voiced their concerns and tried to reason with the police who had laid barricades to stop anyone who was not a resident of Aarey to pass through. Protester became witnesses to the gruesome murders of those age old trees as each cut of the axe swiftly took away the breathe of these shading trees. Over 2,100 trees have already been cut down since the approval.

A Ray of Hope

However, the garden fairies that colored the leaves with the changing of seasons and blossomed the flower buds, came to rescue the garden from being swallowed by darkness and depravity. In a world where any sign of kindness and sincerity is met with hatred and  malice, the few who are crowned with strong will and grace to face the sword are still crossing blades with those that are 100 times more powerful. 

To those who stood disheartened, Monday morning brought with it a news that came as the breath of fresh air. SC issued a stay order on felling of trees till October 21 after a special bench was formed for the hearing of a Suo Motu PIL filed by a group of Law students led by Rishav Ranjan. The letter highlighted various issue that Aarey colony and Mumbai as a city will have to face. Other than chopping down the green lungs, the letter also mentioned that the project will effect Mitthi river which could lead to flooding of Mumbai city and also pollute the river. In order to show good faith, SC also ordered to release the protesters on submission of personal bonds. Government authorities have agreed to stop felling of trees as ordered by the court and have released the detained protesters.

Small Victories are Power Boosters in Big Battles

As the fairies fought the foot soldiers of darkness, who were pinned by curse to follow their master's orders, many were taken to captivity. For the power of the soldiers were far greater and the hearts of the fairies were kind and their wings tender. Yet they fought holding their ground, trusting in their allies to back them. This faith led to a magic spell that pushed back the enemies to the boundary and brought back the fairies taken away captive. The fairies rejoiced as they welcomed back their fellow brethren. However, they were well aware that this spell will expire in its due time and the battle of the good and the bad will continue as the day and night chase after each other unceasingly. 

To many this small victory brings great joy, however, the war is far from ending. With Government officials standing stern on building the car shed in Aarey Colony, the alternative options have been shrinking from few to none due to varying legal and technical reasons. The next hearing is to be held on 21 October 2019 after the special bench has gone through the details of the PIL. 

This is all the fact and fiction you need to be aware of with regards to the continued protests by the environmentalists and residents of Mumbai. While it is not fairy tale, yet people are joining hands and standing their grounds at Aarey with the hope that they will be able to find a happy ending to this saga. I would urge you, the reader, to think of this 'Does Government have enough Oxygen tanks for all our children and grand children?' Because we do not want development at the cost of the health of our and our future generations.

#StopCuttingTrees #SaveOurGreenLungs

P.S. The images do not belong to this blogger. They belong to their rightful owner.