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Dear Readers,

                     One of the latest stories running on air these days is the sensational possibility of unearthing a hidden treasure trove lying embedded under a medieval site near the modern city of Kanpur. I dont wish to participate or augment the debates raging on prime time which are rather ludicrous and sensationalist. What attracts my attention is the fact that how history has this mesmerising effect on the laity which if well-triggered can have an immense snow-ball run among the masses.

                     It seems that suddenly the whole nation is under the spell of this serendipitous antiquary. People want to have a one-night stand with this elegant lady called History about whose gravity none of them has even an iota of idea. History holds in its bosom, a range of human emotions and actions and this is what attracts entire galaxies into its black hole. Greed, legacy, exploitation, war, blood and gold- all are covered within its wing-span.

                       It is no surprise that everybody is abuzz with their new found fascination for the past (due to this "finding"). However, poets and admirers like me who have spent their lives staring at the beauty of this diva ( and still have no clue about her mood swings) can only smirk at the radiance of her charm on these less gifted souls full of themsselves....

68

Dear Readers,

                    Whats wrong with the climate? Its almost middle of October and even as late as now, rain is lashing across many parts of the Indian sub-continent leaving behind mixed reactions. This October has been unusual. The normal pleasant air of this month which starts blowing after the cooling up of land heated in the months of May and June is missing. The afternoon these days compels one to believe she is still stuck up in May. 

          Gujarat has received over-abundant showers this year with many places witnessing floods. The world-famous navratra fest has had to bear the brunt of this erratic monsoon. The night long revelry bouts of Garba and Dandiya have been cancelled on many occasions. A friend of mine from Ahmadabad told me that one Garba night was cancelled at CEPT and another started as late as 11 30 pm because of unexpected down-pour.     

             I wish to make a serious request to the almighty. Sir/Ma'm, please control the menace of climate change. Our society and civilisation gives an overbearing importance to fairs and festivals of our culture, most of which are closely entwined with the rhythms and cycles of nature. I say this in all earnest because no one can comprehend the pathos of such mistimed weather more than Garba enthusiasts like me and my beautiful friend.....