Dear Colleagues
Every year, this day, April 1, reminds me of its association with Fools; why? Here is another round of random reflections:
- The government and people of Mizoram, in north-east India, are engaged in development at a rapid pace, to catch up ..….with what/whom? So, pristine forests, mountains and water bodies are covered with massive dust due to huge construction. This is particularly so this time of the year when construction is officially allowed…..between October- March. As two-wheelers are primary method of moving around in Aizawl and its surrounding areas, every second person has a two-wheeler in this city!
- Some years ago, zi-zag and erratic driving on the roads were attributed to drunkenness. Cautionary messages on many roads and highways reminded drivers that ‘Drink & Drive Don’t Mix’. Nowadays, if a car in front of you is zigzagging, slowing down or speeding up suddenly, it is because of ‘mobile drunkenness’! It has become a major nuisance; even though rules disallow use of mobiles while driving, not much enforcement is happening.
- During a recent visit to Bhubaneshwar, I noticed big billboards announcing international Rugby matches! I discovered that there is a Rugby Union in India, with leagues and regular competitions. It appears to be gaining popularity. Odisha and Bhubaneshwar continue to scale-up their facilities and reputation as sports capital of India!
- The spring festival of Chapchar Kut in Mizoram is celebrated with much energy in March every year. Colourful dresses, bamboo dances and local traditional food are key elements of the festival. Jhum (shifting) cultivation is still common in Mizoram; the process of clearing the forests in local council designated Jhum areas is very arduous to prepare the land for farming. When land is ready, Chpachar festival invites rain so that farming can start. On the last day of the festival this year, it did rain heavily!
- How come Navratri and Eid occurred around the same time this year in late March? Because both calendars follow lunar cycles! Nowroz (new day), a Parsi/Zorashtrian new year has similar calendar. But not much is heard about it, despite the raging of brutal war in Iran and surrounding regions these days. Persian civilization is nearly 3000 years old, pre-Islamic and pre-Christian, and has had enormous influence on design, music, arts over the centuries. Sufi tradition has roots in Persia.
Stay well, sincerely
About the Author
A Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, USA) and an electronics engineer (IIT, Kanpur) with a graduation in management (IIM, Calcutta), Dr Rajesh Tandon is an internationally acclaimed leader and practitioner of participatory research and development.
His journey with PRIA started in 1982, as a young IIM graduate wanting to do more than just complete his PhD fieldwork.
