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AHMED SIKANDER sikander.ahmed3@gmail.com

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

Bubblewrapped April 2011

CONTENTS

THE TIPPING POINT 08 CURRENT EVENTS India is debating. Are you for or against nuclear energy?

13 THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN Giving a voice to all those opposed to the Jaitapur Nuclear Project.

16 MERCHANDISING CHANGE Recycling, the new fashion trend brought to you by Green The Gap.

20 THE FACE OF CHANGE Reza Baba is cutting through their present to give the children of Dharavi a future. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE GREEN TONE 24 WORM-I-COMPOST Putting ‘waste’ to some good use. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE WILD TRUTH 28 WATER BOWLS FROM LOVING SOULS Chennaites are making sure the animals that walk their streets arn't thirsty this summer.

EDITOR Chetna

DESIGNER Guru Munishwar

CONTRIBUTORS Ahmed Sikander Akhil Sood Anushree Chatterjee Dhruv G Arvind Elle Reynolds Giresh Nair Karanjeet Kaur Rahul Fonseca March 2011 – Photo Credits We would like to thank Vibhu Prakash for the photographs used in the story titled ‘Pecking Order’.

Produced and Published by

graffiti publishing house

DISCLAIMER Views and opinions mentioned in this eMagazine do not necessarily reflect those of Bubble Wrapped or Graffiti Publishing House.Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Bubble Wrapped and Graffiti Publishing House cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in eMagazine. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission from Graffiti Publishing House is strictly prohibited.

32 AS BREATHTAKING AS BHADRA Dhruv visits his striped friends in Bhadra as the Regional ‘Save the Tigers’ Ambassador for Chennai. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B+ 38 MIND OVER MATTER What happens when your mind has a mind of its own? The Manav Foundation advocates rights for and rehabilitates people with mental illnesses.

42 DIFFERENT STROKES Marking April 2011 as Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Month.

44 REACH OUT - OUT REACH St. Catherine’s Home needs volunteers and sponsors. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE CORPORATE PITCH 48 THE PAINTING’S ON THE WALL Accenture’s employees spent a colour-filled Saturday with Protsahan’s kids. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

THE TIPPING POINT 6

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

CURRENT EVENTS Author: Elle Reynolds

Watching Japan sink beneath the unholy trinity - the quake, the tsunami and the Nuclear reactor crisis has made countries around the world take stock of the benefits and shortfalls of their own nuclear programmes. The large population of an energy starved India is also now voicing concerns over the Indian government's current and proposed nuclear power projects. Nuclear energy is the fourth largest source of power in India. According to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) the country boasts of 20 nuclear power reactors that produce 4,780 MW of power, all of which have an unsullied safety track record. But are we really prepared for the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant? A short trip into history unveils a gruesome track record that in some cases well surpasses anything that can be said in defence of atomic power. The world shook, shivered and re-evaluated the way it looked at human life while the mushroom cloud over Hiroshima and Nagasaki rested heavy over Japan in

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

1945. Then came the meltdown in

conference in January this year, Chief

message was reassuring. The reactor

Chernobyl, Ukraine, in 1986. Just two

Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj

cores were stable despite the fire and

incidents that lasted but a few moments

Chavan talked up the many benefits of

explosions. Soon, reports of a radiation

lead to generations of people becoming

the proposed Jaitapur Nuclear Power

leak of unspecified levels followed. How

living testament to the destructive

project - a 9900 MW power project of

much has leaked and how far it would

power of the humble atom. The end of

the NPCIL said to be the largest in the

spread was subject to

the Cold War eventually quelled any

world. Also at the event, SP Dharne from

much speculation.

residual fears about the idea of nuclear

the Nuclear Power Corporation of Indian

warfare and in the time since, the risks

Limited (NPCIL) pointed out that both

Rising radiation levels meant that

of nuclear power have been ignored by

Japan had America had nuclear plants in

workers at Fukushima were forced to

the world. The new kid on the block was

seismic zone-5, while Indian plants in

abandon their emergency tasks

global warming and it made the front

Tarapur, Narora and Kakrapar are in a

midway. Those that stayed on did so at

page headlines worldwide thus,

seismic zone-3. He spoke of how safe

the risk of being irradiated. Water and

relegating Chernobyl, nuclear warfare

the plants were and cited the example

food produce as far off as Tokyo showed

and the flipside of nuclear power

of the Bhuj earthquake not affecting the

high levels of radiation. While experts

to the backseat.

Kakrapur plant. However, a few months

try to make sense of what is happening,

and a triple-whammy disaster in Japan

engineers are trying to seal a crack in a

But here's the problem with history. It is

later, the example failed to persuade

reactor two, from where radioactive

often taken out of context. Nuclear

anyone about the safety of

water is seeping into the sea. Radiation

energy is endowed with all the sins of

nuclear power.

in the sea nearby has also increased to

nuclear weaponry, which is, in fact poles

almost 4,000 times the legal limit.

apart. In actuality, nuclear power plants

Watching Japan's desperate attempts

have a huge advantage. For one, they

to stop a meltdown at the Fukushima

This highlights a few things applicable

are cheaper than solar or wind power.

Daiichi nuclear-power plant has sent a

world over. With close to a century of

They do not emit carbon dioxide that

blood curdling chill down the spines of

research in the field of nuclear energy,

widens the hole in the ozone layer and is

common people glued to their

we have a long way to go, before we

sustainable over thousands of years.

televisions everywhere who wondered

understand the humble atom. We have

Touted as the saviour of ozone -

how much worse that situation could be

yet to find a way to cope with the

mankind's protective sheath from the

in their own homelands. Even in Japan,

repercussions of nuclear accidents and

sun, nuclear power suddenly found

where children grow up understanding

Governments reveal precious little

itself a fan club in both developed and

how to tackle seismic vibrations

unless they are under severe pressure.

developing nations.

emergency measures proved

Only the next decade will expose the

inadequate. Media coverage reached

true extent of damage caused in Japan.

Developing economies like India and

fevered heights with news agencies

Making a plea for the country's

China proved to have a rapidly

around the world doing everything in

progress, Srikumar Banerjee, Chairman

increasing appetite for energy and

their power to present unbiased

of India's Atomic Energy Commission,

speaking at an open house press

reportage of the catastrophe. At first the

addressed a press conference 9

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

conducted in Mumbai stating that close

ensure that people understand the risks

Radiation caused by active nuclear

to half of India's 1.2 billion citizens face

and benefits of setting up a nuclear

power is negligible compared to natural

power cuts everyday. The generation of

power plant. In a recently delivered

radiation, we are exposed to in the

power is not debatable, if the country is

lecture, organised by VS Page

course of daily existence,” he said.

to have at least a 9% GDP growth

Parliamentary Training Centre titled The

“Unlike the old system (used) at

year on year.

Importance of Nuclear Energy, Kakodkar

Chernobyl, we use safe, state-of the art

made a few powerful statements. He

technology. No one can defend

pointed out that the ground realities of

accidents like Chernobyl. Now, every

now freely available, it is impossible to

India and Japan are very different. While

nuclear power project that is active in

feign ignorance. Yet, the Indian

the proposed site for the Jaitapur plant

any country is a member of the World

With the voluminous flow of information

Governments belief in nuclear energy is

is also along the coast, it is located on a

Association of Nuclear Operators

staggering. Recent newspaper reports

plateau, which acts as a buffer against

(WANO).” Members of WANO perform

tell of India's Atomic Energy Regulatory

tsunamis. Seismic activity in the area is

peer assessments of other projects. If

Board (AERB) setting up a 10-member

also far less than in Japan.

anything is detected, it is brought to the attention of the management and

committee to examine if the country's 20 nuclear plants can withstand

In an interview published in

necessary measures should

earthquakes and natural disasters.

Maharashtra Ahead, a monthly

then follow.

Bodies like the NPCIL are calling in

magazine brought out by the

experts to voice their opinions on the

Directorate General of Information and

viability of atomic energy for India. Former Atomic Energy Commission

In response to fears of displacing

Public Relations DGIPR), Kakodkar says,

people from the area and polluting the

that the volley of negative publicity

surrounding areas, advocates of nuclear

being faced by the Jaitapur Nuclear

power state, that the proposed site is

Chairman, Dr Anil Kakodkar, has been

plant is uncalled for. “I can understand

ideal. It is unpopulated, has direct

one of atomic energy's most ardent

the fear factor, but it is not warranted in

access to sea water and is being

supporters and is doing a fair bit to

the case of the Jaitapur project.

constructed in keeping with the strictest

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

safety measures. Anti-terrorist

raises important questions about how

actions and bureaucratic red tape veils

measures have also been taken into

much homework is essential to ensure

too many things. Overcoming

account for one of the state's most

the safety of its citizens.

disorganisation, corruption and lack of

situation in Japan has buoyed the

Even Union Minister, Jairam Ramesh

challenge and one wonders if change

strenuous opposition to nuclear energy

has been vocal about his support for the

can come soon enough. Dismissing the

accountability poses the biggest

expensive industrial projects. The

from various environmental and

project from the start and is still firm on

ability of nuclear power to help rather

political organisations.

his stand. He states that although India

than hinder the nation's progress is

needs to learn from the Japanese crisis,

foolish. India's perfect nuclear safety

it cannot give up on atomic energy. The

track record is reassuring. One can only

have been running extremely active

country has no oil and, coal and gas

hope that we proceed with caution and

campaigns across media platforms and

reserves are severely limited. Until solar

hold on to this record for years to come.

Organisations like Greenpeace India

have recently submitted a petition with

or wind power becomes a viable energy

73,000 signatures opposing the Jaitapur

resource, nuclear power seems to be

nuclear power plant, urging the Prime

the only way forward. Speaking about

Minister, Manmohan Singh to put his

the protests against various nuclear

“people before profit”. In response to

power plants, he said “You can't use the

the increasing antagonism towards

environment as a pretext and shoot

nuclear power, Prime Minister Singh

d o w n

a l l

i s s u e s . ”

promised a re-evaluation of data and safety systems at all Indian nuclear

Despite all the reassuring, there are still

plants. He states that the Government is

a number of worrying facts. While the

open to the idea of re-designing or

calamity in Japan was a rare occurrence,

modifying the Jaitapur plant, after

that fact is that it did happen. The

reviewing the final reports on the

effects will echo around the immediate

Fukushima reactor situation.

area and spread to its industry and economy in the coming months. In

A recently released Greenpeace report

contrast to Japan's well executed

by nuclear safety expert Dr. Helmut

emergency support and organised

Hirsch showed that the Japanese

public response, India is chaotic at best

nuclear crisis has already released

during crisis. As a country, we seem ill

enough radioactivity to be ranked at

equipped to deal with a nuclear disaster,

Level 7 on the International Nuclear

irrespective of size or scale.

Event Scale - equal to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The organisation, a

There is an ever-widening chasm of the

strong opponent of nuclear power,

number of words that translate into the

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

Did you know?

- The guaranteed life of a proposed plant

- The Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project is

plant,

is ideally 60 years. After the expiry of the there

standard

located in the Madban village of

procedure/guideline established by

Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra. The

IAEA/AERB for safe decommissioning

name of the project however is due to

of plants which will be followed,

the fact that the Jaitapur lighthouse

ensuring that the decommissioning of

is a far more prominent feature on

the plant does not lead to any adverse

international maps and all proposed

effect on the environment and human

nuclear

life around the project.

power

projects

are

implemented with International co-operation. - Apart from the compensation for land, a package prepared by NPCIL and the Maharashtra State Government will be implemented. This will entitle various categories of project affected families for additional monetary compensation. - The area within a 5 km radius of the plant is considered a 'Sterilised Zone'. The land within this zone can be populated with plant life but cannot house people. Beyond this is the public domain and an area of 16 km radius around the plant site is called the Off Site Emergency Planning Zone.

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN Author: Chetna

While the government's arguments for the Jaitapur nuclear project and its reassurances to the people of India mark one side of the coin, the petitions below represent the other side. If you believe that this project will do more harm than good, sign the petitions below and have your say. Greenpeace says (excerpt from e-mailer r e c e i v e d f r o m Ka r u n a Ra in a â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Greenpeace India): Earthquake, tsunami and a nuclear emergency, what has happened in Japan is extremely sad. My thoughts are with the people of Japan. The crisis at Fukushima continues to be a race against time, and is clearly not under control. People in Jaitapur don't want this nuclear plant.[2] Commerzbank, the second largest bank in Germany, has refused to invest in the project.[3]The government needs to know that people all across the country support those opposing the nuclear plant in Jaitapur. To show your support click on the link below: http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/ What-We-Do/Nuclear-Unsafe/showyour-support-for-the-people-of-jaitapur/

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

Avaaz.org says (excerpt from the link below):

Lokayat.org.in has started a Students

As nuclear disaster ravages Japan,

for Jaitapur campaign on Facebook and

Congress is moving ahead with plans to

they say:

build the world's largest nuclear power

Jaitapur is a small town at the western

development on an earthquake hotspot

coast of konkan, Maharashtra where

-- putting millions of Indians at risk... Our

Govt of India has proposed the nuclear

voices can tip the balance. This is the

power plant 5 years ago. Following the

crucial moment: if enough of us call on

protest of natives and activists all over

Singh to stop the project now, we can

the India against hazardous Nuclear

make the project too controversial to

Energy, the Project is not yet

continue. When the petition reaches

implemented. This is an open forum for

50,000 we'll deliver it to media and the

those who oppose the dangerous

Prime Minister's office -- sign now and

Nuclear power and will to stand for

then send this to family and friends.

people of Jaitapur, who are fighting

To show your support click on the

since last 5 years.

link below:

To show your support click on the

http://www.avaaz.org/en/singh_stop_n

link below:

uclear_insanity/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stude nts-For-Jaitapur/194552670585601

Care2Petition – Abhishek Kadyan and Sukanya Kadyan of OIPA in India say:

You may also want to read the petition

India has a lot of lessons to learn from

filed by MAND – an adivasi rights

Japan. The nuclear reactors planned in

research and resource centre – titled

the country, especially inJaitapur need

Petition on Jaitapur anti-nuclear

to be reviewed. It is in an earthquake

protests and police repression by

prone zone, which the authorities are

clicking on this link:

trying to downplay.The people in

http://www.mandgoa.blogspot.com/20

Jaitapur dont want this nuclear plant.

1 0 / 1 2 / p e t i t i o n - o n - j a i t a p u r- a n t i -

The government needs to know that

nuclear.html

people all across the country stand with those opposing the nuclear plant in Jaitapur. To show your support click on the link below: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/170/su pport-the-people-of-jaitapur/ 14

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

MERCHANDISING CHANGE Retail therapy can do no wrong; shopping can cause no harm. And Bubble Wrapped now makes 'burning a hole in your pocket' the 'right thing to do'.

GREEN THE GAP Author: Karanjeet Kaur Recycling may not be fashionable yet, but fashion has certainly become recyclable. And leading from the front is the initiative Green The Gap (GtG) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a sister concern of the NGO Swechha. GtG takes any conceivable form of waste material, including discarded tetrapaks, old tyres and waste fabrics, and transforms into chic little bags, wallets, folders and coasters. It also has a line of pithy and in-your-face tee shirts that go down fairly well with students and youngsters. GtG was born three years ago, when Vimlendu Jha, the founder of Swechha made a documentary on the journey of waste. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We found that recycling was only done by the poorest of the lot, the

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

rag pickers. We wanted to design waste

Amrita purse

Stapled to your face

This clutch, fashioned out of discarded

The obvious answer to that is “No”, but

in a way that it became everybody's business,” says Vimlendu. The initiative married two of Vimlendu's pet concerns – the environment and fair trade. They started out with three tailors, but now the NGO provides employment to 12-13 disadvantaged people, all the while upholding the Fair Trade agreement, which includes the promise of clean and hygienic working conditions, fair wages and no child labour. So, for instance, the tailors and artisans work from 9:30am to

juice Tetra Paks is perfect for the college

then who answers rhetorical questions?

6pm, break for an hour for lunch and get

kid or the young working girl. And unlike

This cotton tee probably provided some

two small tea breaks. They are paid a

a lot of hopelessly ineffectual purses out

inspiration for the Idea Abhishek

fixed salary – not dependent on the

there, this one actually accommodates

Bachchan campaign a while ago.

number of pieces they produce in a day

money, cards, spare change and knick

Priced at Rs 300

– which in turn does away with a lot of

knacks in its many compartments.

unnecessary stress and discrimination.

Priced at Rs 600

Most of the designs come from

Where does yours go?

Yamuna folder

Vimlendu, but the products are listed on the website with the name of the creator – don't be surprised if you come across a Smriti notebook or a Praveen bag. Their products are stocked at several relevant stores across the country, such as People Tree in Delhi, Tribal Route in Mumbai, Chilli Billi in Nothing spells quiet elegance like a

Bangalore and Either Or in Pune. Of late,

simple jute folder. For those who don't

the organisation has also been putting up kiosks at Select Citywalk mall and

Swechha started out as an initiative that

get it, the twisted line of fabric is

plans to market them at DLF Place as

raised awareness about the sorry state

supposed to represent the Yamuna. Its

well. But if you'd rather meet them

of the Yamuna. And this cotton tee shirt

two unassuming

online, join their Facebook page or

serves the purpose succinctly. It may

flaps inside will nicely

check

probably manage to offend a few too.

accommodate all your papers.

Priced at Rs 300

Priced at Rs 250

out

the

products

www.greenthegap.com.

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

Lassi coasters

Menwhopause rubber ash tray

This completely non-colour coordinated

Vimlendu is friends with one of Delhi's

bunch of coasters is certain to brighten

oldest rock acts, who have supported

up the dullest rooms. There are several

the NGO several times. For a change,

other spunky options available

Vimlendu decided to do something for

for coffee and chai coasters

them. The Menwhopause range

on the website.

includes this rubber ash tray and a cool

Lassi coasters priced at Rs 100

hip-flask.

The coffee and chai versions are priced

Ash

at Rs 250

Hip-flask priced at Rs 799

tray

priced

399

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

THE FACE OF CHANGE Ordinary people who believe they are the change. We salute you!

THEY HAVE A FUTURE NOW... Author: Anushree Chatterjee The space resounds with the beat of a drum and resonates as a hundred bodies move in rhythm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; swinging their legs high as though cutting through the air that comes in between. This is a Capoeira class. And it's being conducted at Dharavi, for the kids who call this place their home. Who's doing this for them? A man called Reza Baba. Enough with the esoteric names now. Pronounced kapu-era, this is a Brazilian martial art form that has strong historical founding. Descendents of African slaves in Brazil created it to defend themselves as serfs. And Reza Baba can well be credited with bringing it to India. While in Israel for business purposes ten years ago, he encountered this exciting form of exercise, which he got completely hooked on to and saw as a way of life.

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

Reza brought it to India, a country where

Capoeira sessions. “We never kick or

“martial arts have a very bad reputation”,

punch at each other. The movements

to do some justice to this genre of

are all about an energetic dance,” he

exercise. “With toughness and such

explains. Through these movements

strict methods, most martial arts

and gradually strengthening one's mind

teachers have taken the very fun out of

and body, the children have learnt to

martial arts”, he says. Capoeira, for him,

increase their alertness and

is for those who want to be something

concentration powers. Each one is

bigger, rather than just get

reporting better academic progress as

something bigger.

well. Moreover, they have learnt the

This is why the children at Dharavi are

within oneself and then between each

importance of peace and harmony – first his heart and soul. “Capoeira is not just

other. “They have a future now; they

for self defence, it is for self

believe in being a team who believe in

preservation,” Reza explains. The art

themselves. That's what Capoeira looks

form teaches one not just to be able to

for,” says a very satisfied Reza. Those

protect oneself from without but equally

who have come to a class sad, return

so from within. It helps to keep the mind

happy. And those who were happy

clean, in a high life condition, meditate

come to share it with the others.

on oneself and one's tendencies and expand one's horizons. Undoubtedly, it

Reza Baba sums his sessions with these

works for holistic development. All of

kids the best – “They will all have the

this while swinging, moving, kicking and

grace of a dancer, the strength of a

jumping to energising, positive music.

gymnast, the energy and rhythm of a drummer, and the wit and wisdom of a

No wonder the Dharavi next-gen has

poet and philosopher.”

taken to it so enthusiastically. Through the last five years of Reza's teaching Capoeira there, the kids have learnt the value of discipline, of harmony and of hygiene. “Today, they all come to me showing me that they've brushed their teeth before class!” he laughs and states. There is a willingness to learn, understand and relearn lessons in life which has come through with learning to control one's aggression during the 21

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

THE GREEN TONE 22

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

WORM-I-COMPOST Author: Rahul Fonseca

Ask any gardener, if he was happy to find a dark, crumbly worm filled mulch in his garden and the answer is usually a resounding YES! While it resembles something straight out of a horror film, the end-product is the result of a natural scientific process called composting. What starts with organic waste and a little water is converted into nutrient-rich manure 90 days later. Earthworms feed on decomposing organic matter and excrete it in the form of castings. These are very high in nutrients and productive microbes and enrich the soil. It's no wonder then, that gardeners, environmentalists and landfill managers are some of its biggest fans. While only a dozen of the nearly 6,000 documented species of earthworms are useful for vermiculture, awareness is on the rise. More local communities are taking up garbage segregation and composting to reduce pressure on the already brimming landfills across the country. Prakash

D a n d e k a r,

avid

vermicompost advocate from Mumbai has been doing this for the past eight years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything that is natural should

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

be recycled and returned to the soil to

Cover this with a two to three-inch layer

citrus fruit and milk products adversely

harvest its benefits. These days it is not

of old cow dung to get the worms

affect the worms and make the

just households but even large

started in their new home. Add the

compost cakey.

companies that have started practising

worm culture over this. Every kilo of

vermiculture.â&#x20AC;? A willing teacher to

worm culture should contain about 50-

In three months, empty the contents on

anyone who cares to spend a little time

70 worms of varying sizes. Soak all the

a plastic sheet in bright sunlight. The

learning about vermiculture Dandekar

layers by pouring water from the top and

worms will automatically go to the

has a few ideas to share. Working out of

place it in an area that doesn't receive

bottom of the pile. Scoop the finished

his backyard, he also plans to start

direct sunlight. Cover the container

compost for use as fertiliser and use the

vermiculture workshops in the near

during the rainy season to prevent

bottom worm-filled layer as fresh starter

excess soaking. The vermicompost

culture.

future to help people get started.

station is now ready for use. Compost If the idea sounds appealing, then you

produced through this method is said to

Prakash Dandekar is the owner of

should know that starting a composting

be 10 times more effective than most

Kalptaru, a Mumbai-based company that

box or pit is relatively simple and cheap.

other fertilisers.

provides equipment and guidance to

You can either buy a basic starter kit or

vermiculture enthusiasts in and around

build one from scratch using things you

Another by product of vermiculture is a

would find around your house. An initial

liquid that drains out from the box. This

Temperature, Moisture) vermiculture

purchase of a healthy starter culture is

liquid sometimes called 'worm tea' is

kits start at Rs 1,000, starter culture is

the city. While ready-to-use ATM (Air,

necessary. This soil mix contains

used as a fungicide and helps to

available at 200 per kg.

worms, their young and cocoons.

stimulate photosynthesis in plants. Pour

enquiries,

it into your favourite potted plant to give

dandekar.prakash@gmail.com or

Start by picking an old crate, bucket or

it a super charged health boost.

on +91-9820784291.

contact

For further him

box approximately that is about one and a half square foot. This should hold

If, on the other hand, you have an open

about a kilogramme of daily household

backyard area or garden, a pit dug in the

waste-enough for a family of four to six

ground is also an ideal option. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Instead

people. Punch a few holes into the sides

of burning fallen leaves and other

and base of the container as

organic waste, buildings and colonies

earthworms require a fair bit of drainage

can convert this into economical

and aeration. Place another tray or lid

organic fertiliser. They just need to build

underneath the box to hold any liquid

a larger pit and use more culture,â&#x20AC;? said

that drains out of the box.

Dandekar. Compost boxes or pits can be fed with all kinds of organic waste,

A simple bedding of coconut husk, dry

although the worms do not take to

leaves or sugarcane bagasse is placed

cooked food very well. According to

at the base of the box as the first layer.

Dandekar, acidic foods like onions, 25

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

THE WILD TRUTH 26

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

WATER BOWLS FROM LOVING SOULS Author: Giresh Nair

“Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate, Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date, Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines…”

Sir William Shakespeare chose to compare his love with summer. As much as the lines remind us of the ruthless summer heat, one can only imagine the plight of animals that live on the streets. Nithya, an animal lover and a software engineer from Chennai saw this as an opportunity, to help animals during summer. She initiated the Chennai Water Bowl Project wherein animal lovers could place a bowl filled with water at a convenient place help animals quench their summer thirst. With Blue Cross of India covering all the expenditure and sponsoring the entire project, covering the logistics and coming forward to handhold the volunteers, the project became one of Chennai's most discussed topics. 28

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

The first batch of volunteers decided to

convenient for him/her to keep a watch

make bowls available for volunteers in

take this initiative forward and started

over. This could be right outside their

other parts of Chennai, thereby making

off with 10 bowls to be installed and

houses/buildings or even the local tea

it convenient for the participants,” he says.

maintained by the team, on a trial basis.

stall. Sathya clarified that the bowls are

This round of water bowl placement

given away free of cost as of now.

was carried out to check the quality of

However every volunteer is expected to

To volunteer click on the link below:

the bowls and to check if animals and

take responsibility for their respective

http://www.facebook.com/waterbowlp

birds are able to make use of

bowls and their locality. Volunteers also

roject?ref=ts

this arrangement.

have the option of approaching specially designated Area Coordinators for any

“Thirst is universal and so is the summer

assistance. Unresolved issues will be

heat. The objective is to make sure that

further escalated.

all animals on the streets; cats, dogs and birds don't suffer during summer

The bowls can hold up to 3 liters and can

and beyond. The street belongs to them

be fixed to the ground using the white

(animals). They have the right to live.

cement that is given along with the

Therefore, it is our moral responsibility

bowl. This helps secure the bowls

to ensure their well being,” says Sathya

against thefts. However, not cementing

Ra d h a k r i s h n a n , H o n o r a r y J o i n t

makes cleaning an easier task. Each

Secretary-Blue Cross of India, Chennai.

bowl is numbered with the area, name

“This will be a year long initiative, every

of the volunteer included in the

year and will continue beyond summer.

database in order to track missing bowls

Having been used to finding good water

and to prevent multiple bowls from

in the bowls, animals will keep coming

being placed in the same area.

back. Water is everybody's basic need and that includes animals too,” he added.

According to Sathya, “The response and support from the people has been phenomenal. 38 bowls have been given

Interested volunteers can approach the

away so far and 200 new volunteers

project initiators through the project

have registered as of now. In the next

website and their Fanpage on

couple of months, we are going to have

Facebook. Participants need to fill in the

over 200 bowls in Chennai, especially

Google doc on the website created. This

the outskirts, as there are not many

is followed up with a visit to Blue Cross

dogs in the metropolitan area, thanks to

in order to collect their respective

an effective ABC program. We are

cement bowls. The volunteer then

looking at 30 bowls every week. In the

places the bowl at a location that is

long run, we want to decentralise and 29

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

ASLI

JANWAR

KAUN?????

He trusts you completely. He loves you without question. He will devote his entire life to you. And yet, you abandoned him on the street. To starve and fall sick. Scared and alone. To die, slowly and painfully. Every day, pets are left to die by owners who think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alright to treat a loving, innocent creature in this manner. So tell us, who is the real animal here? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be silent. Report all such cases to Animals Matter to Me on +91 9819380310 and help bring justice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

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AS BREATHTAKING AS BHADRA Author: Dhruv G Arvind

Being selected as a regional â&#x20AC;&#x153;Save Our Tigersâ&#x20AC;? Ambassador for Chennai, little did I know what was expected of me. What should I do? Work as a forest officer? Gun down poachers? Make laws for the forest? But all shall be revealed in due time, they say. On the March 3rd, I went to Bhadra Tiger Reserve, situated in the district of Chikamagalur and Shimoga, in Karnataka. I was part of a team of around twenty people from Chennai and Bengaluru, which included students, teachers and naturalists. I was fortunate to meet Anish Andheria, a stalwart of tiger conservation. He is also a close friend and partner of Bittu Sahgal, Editor-Sanctuary Asia magazine. One of the wonderful moments of this whole trip was when we entered the Reserve. A few kilometers past the gate, we were welcomed into the Reserve by a porcupine. He puffed himself up, flaunted his quills, and he looked quite

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

menacing (not an animal to fool around

flowers. Personally I believe trees are

left behind a few days ago. It was a

with!). What a warm welcome, I say! At

gentle giantsâ&#x20AC;Ś massive, yet tender

spectacular feeling to be walking the

the lodge we indulged in a discussion

creatures. How can we justify felling

same path that a tiger had treaded on!

on conservation and biodiversity before

them for our selfish needs?

Our next encounter was with a huge

we called it a night. We were woken up next morning to the

One such tree, I would like to mention is

tusker, munching on his favourite food â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

the coral tree. In a span of just half an

bamboo. And we were lucky to see him

hour, we spotted 2 giant squirrels, the

bring down an entire tree! His strength!

call of birds and giant squirrels and the

Malabar trogon, Hill Mynah, Plum

His power! He could take on an entire

magnificent view of the forest in the

Headed Parakeet, Vernal Hanging

army! Unfortunately, sometimes size

tender morning light was magical. We

Parrot, Racket Tailed Drongo, Green

doesn't indicate the proportion of

trekked

Bulbul and the Chestnut Tailed Starling.

damage that can be caused and point in

accompanied by a forest guard and

That's seven species of birds and a

case is our human race.

found ourselves surrounded by massive

mammal on one tree. Imagine the plight

through

the

forest,

In its earlier days, Bhadra faced severe

trees, like the crocodile bark tree, lac

of these creatures if that one tree is cut

tree, rosewood tree, jungle neem tree...

down. Ten trees like this? Hundred? An

encroachments from farmers. Villages

entire forest? Shocking!

inside the core forest area were

moment I was blinded by the intense

As we made our way through the forest

this disrupted the natural movement of

radiation coming from the bright red

came across a tiger pugmark, probably

certain animals. Adding to the

the list is endless! We also came across

expanding. Plantations had spread and

the Flame of the Forest tree, and for a

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

take the step forward in conservation.

The various departments of the

constructed. This submerged a large

We are a part of nature and have to

government are flocked with corrupt

part of the forest. Now, however,

respect her. We should not neglect her.

and uninterested officers. But there are

Department and various NGOs has

Interacting with the forest officials was a

about Mother Nature and want to

resulted in all the villages being

good experience. They are people who

nurture and protect India's forests. To

successfully relocated and the

love nature, and spend their entire life

me the forest officers of Bhadra are an

department is keeping a check on

saving her. They live in such harsh

inspiration and I hope to do my bit.

catastrophe, the Bhadra dam was

so many people who are passionate

collaborative work of the Forest

encroachment. The reservoir, as a result

conditions, in the remotest and most

of the dam, has helped the Reserve, by

hostile places in the forest. The Forest

I have spent a lot of my time, working

providing a barrier on one side (the

Department has set up Anti Poaching

with crocodiles, snakes and other

reserve is land locked on the other three

Camps in all the national parks of India,

reptiles at Agumbe and at the Madras

sides by ghats). We were joined by DV Girish, who runs

and this is the base for the wardens and

Crocodile Bank. I have visited various

guards. We had the opportunity of

National Parks all over the country, and

meeting the District Forest Officer (DFO)

have fallen in love with nature. But,

an NGO for conservation of tigers, and is

of Bhadra Tiger Reserve, DS Gaonkar.

Bhadra is a unique place. Bhadra is a

intimately involved in the affairs of

He was keen on knowing how much we

100% plastic free zone. The laws of the

Bhadra Tiger Reserve. He was one of

(students), loved the forest and how we

forest are obeyed to the fullest extent in

the people involved in the restoration of

would protect the forest. According to

Bhadra. This is one Reserve everyone must visit.

Bhadra. He shared his views on

him, joining the Forest Department was

conservation, and said that it is us, the

the ultimate sacrifice one could make in

younger generation, who now have to

order to protect nature.

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B+ 36

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MIND OVER MATTER Author: Akhil Sood “The biggest obstacle that we face is the attitude that exists towards mental illness. It's not just ignorance exhibited by the aam junta, but also government institutions and welfare agencies, who still haven't managed to prioritise mental illness,” says Binaifer Jesia, Director, Manav Foundation, an organisation aimed at integrating and rehabilitating patients with mental illnesses. The organisation, set up in the year 2004, looks to work with the marginalised population within society. “It began with the therapeutic rehabilitation centre, whose functions serve as the foremost and most prominent interventions. From there, it has flourished into a full-fledged organisation looking at mental health on a much wider perspective,” she tells us. The Manav Foundation is also involved with advocacy of rights of people with mental illnesses as well through a counselling unit. Mental illnesses have been included in the Disabilities Act yet it is very difficult for a person suffering to procure a simple disability certificate

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

from a government hospital. “We are

focus on the social and emotional needs

smallest, most mundane activities can

trying to integrate mental health into

of the person, not just the symptoms.”

be actual obstacles for people with mental illness, and these tasks help the

mainstream thought as a basic necessity in a well-rounded society,”

She tells us that psychiatrists

individual. We also use a lot of creative

Binaifer adds. In a freewheeling chat,

recommend the centre for patients

therapies, using music therapy and,

she reveals that Indian society as a

looking at rehabilitation, and every client

dance and drama, to tap in to the

whole is opening up, and the stigma

checking in at the centre is assigned a

creative potential of clients,” explains

attached to matters related to mental

primary caseworker, irrespective of

Binaifer. She reveals that another

health such as counselling, marriage

his/her diagnosis. The centre gets

method which has borne fruit is using

therapy is slowly going away. However,

people from all classes and

animal therapy - primarily cats and dogs

mental illness is one aspect which

backgrounds, and Binaifer assures us

- which help clients develop “an honest

continues to be severely ignored.

that special emphasis is paid to the

relationship with another being who

Things have definitely improved from a

needs

individual.

won't judge you”. Open discussions to

decade or so ago, but not adequately

“Predominantly, we get people with

help patients interact socially and build

enough according to her. She stresses that psycho-social

every

schizophrenia. But we also have quite a

trust also remain essential to the

few people with manic depression (also

process, helping them make informed

known as bipolar disorder), obsessive-

choices. “Rehabilitation is a largely

interactions remain intrinsic to holistic

compulsive disorder as well as

voluntary process. As a process, it

treatment of a patient. “We don't belittle

personality disorders.” She states that

requires the individual's active

the value of clinical intervention, but the

due to the tricky nature of dealing with

participation in order to be effective.

process goes beyond only medicinal

mental illness, results can be varied, as

Therefore, rehabilitation becomes

treatment. The medical fraternity is now

the process remains extremely

possible after a certain amount of

accepting psycho-social rehabilitation

individualised and dependent on the

clinical intervention has already taken

as a means of treatment. The most

conditioning of the patient.

origin of mental illness is that of

place.” She tells us that aside from the general approach adopted, which

widely accepted theory related to the The organisation currently works with

includes and assists all clients, using a

chemical imbalances within the brain,

people ranging from the age group of

fixed schedule and procedure for

which can only be treated clinically. But

young adults all the way up till senior

therapy, there also exists a certain

when it comes to unlearning and

citizens. It is open from Monday to

individual approach, “in terms of target

relearning ways of coping with the

Saturday, with the average day

behaviour and how we approach a

changes once treatment has been

beginning at 9:30 am in the morning, till

situation”. She asserts that “self-

initiated, clinical intervention isn't

4pm, as clients undergo different

determination from insight” is crucial to

enough. For example, a person

aspects of holistic therapy in a

the fundamental development and

recovering from depression requires

structured programme. Yoga and

improvement of the individual. There

assistance in relearning basic things

physical exercise in the morning are

are also weekly case conferences to

such as social interaction and dealing

followed by activities related to daily

monitor and review patterns of

with a lack of confidence, and we try to

living skills. “Getting back to the 39

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

improvements, as well as for the purpose of assessment and planning. “The process is not always linear,” she

speaks to them about their life, their

since they don't want to be attached to

goals and aspirations, offering a trial

it. Also, the invisibility of mental illness

period to expose the individual to

doesn't give people the opportunity to

possible rehabilitation. “The majority of

witness complete progress, since

says, “it doesn't necessarily go from

clients return after this trial period of 15

improvement is relative to the

step one to step two.” She tells us that

days to a month. However, we've learnt

individual's state, and people can't

often individuals seeking help approach

to respect the pace at which an

connect with it. In our society, the

the centre themselves or through

individual wants to go. We don't try to

attitude is – if you look away, it will go

referrals. “We talk and jointly decide on

fool people into coming to the centre

away. People have a mindset of 'I don't

the way forward, taking into account the

either, and there are no white lies

want to deal with it', subjecting

individual's own aspirations and

involved, since it's an aberration of the

individuals to a certain intentional

abilities.” However, many times an

fundamental process of building trust.

exclusivity.” She says that the

individual may not come forward, and

Rehabilitation focuses on the individual,

Foundation is aiming at being financially

might be in a state of denial. In such

her / his family or caregivers, and the

secure, and start a residential facility for

situations, the foundation encourages

larger community environment s/he

patients within the next five years.

caregivers to come to the centre. “We

lives within. We look for that one thing

“There is ignorance and a lack of

try to gain an insight into the person, and

that'll make the process work.”

awareness about mental illness which

Binaifer, who has worked extensively as

these shackles, which is the real

reach and connect with the individual in

a social worker in various different

challenge.”

an attempt to convince them to seek our

fields, reveals that dealing with mental

we want to remove. Our aim is to break

depending on the underlying current situation, we try to make inroads to

help, so as to enhance their own lives.

illness is probably the most challenging.

Once this obstacle is crossed, the

“It is the most marginalized area of

process becomes much simpler.”

social work. The stigma attached to it

Instead of imposing anything upon the

means that the average person doesn't

individual, the Manav Foundation

want to come up and support the cause, 40

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DIFFERENT STROKES Author: Chetna Illustration: Ahmed Sikander Many of us have grown up watching the antics of Willis, Arnold and Kimberly in the Drummond household. But the child stars of the 80's hit series Different Strokes were eventually known for their bad behaviour tarnishing their squeakyclean images for life. In April 2010, Todd Bridges (who played Willis Jackson) appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and spoke about being sexually abused as a child. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wat'chu talking about, Willis?â&#x20AC;? is probably what the audience was thinking when he went on to read from his book Killing Willis describing the incident in detail including the part when his father called him a liar. Todd claimed that his father's lack of trust in him is what devastated him more than the actual act itself. Child Sexual Abuse is a much-discussed topic in the US and many other countries in the world. But in India, it is a subject that wouldn't be touched even with barge pole. In an effort to overcome social stigmas and cultural taboos that prevent us from speaking up and protecting our children, a group of 42

Volume 1, Issue 4, April 2011, www.bubblewrapped.asia

40 bloggers have marked the month of

· The abuser looks and feels evil. No,

Follow CSAAM on Twitter -

April as Child Sexual Abuse Awareness

he or she can be perfectly charming,

http://twitter.com/CSAawareness and

Month (CSAAM). Survivor stories,

attractive and fun to be with.

on Facebook -

myths and false notions that surround

· Child molesters are all Dirty old men.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Child-

the topic, preventing such tragedies and

A recent study of convicted child

Sexual-Abuse-Awareness-Month-April-

coping with child sexual abuse are all

abusers, 80% committed their first

2011/196122037087826

b e i n g

d i s c u s s e d

o n

http://csaawarenessmonth.wordpress.

offense before 30. · Only females are sexually abused. In

com/ in a bid to remove the shroud of

fact, 30% of all boys are molested in

silence and, make parents and non-

some way, compared to

parents open up to this lurking danger.

40% of females. · Boys abused by males are or will

Research shows that over 53% of our

become homosexual. Whether

children, across SECs, geographical

victimised by males or females, boys or

locations and age groups report some

girls, premature sexual experiences are

degree of sexual abuse. NGOs like

damaging and lead to confusion about

Arpan, Enfold, Rahi and Tulir as well as

their sexual identity and orientation.

web portals like Womensweb.in, South

· Boys are less traumatised as victims

Asian Parent and Blogadda are

of CSA than girls. Studies show that

supporting this cause. The Blog-A-Thon

long-term effects are equally damaging

will occur through the month of April

for either sex.

and if you want to be a part of this please

· Sexual abuse of a child is usually an