A life well travelled! Dr. L. H. Hiranandani [1917-2013] Elsie Gabriel

A life well travelled!

 On the road to success!

Dr. L. H. Hiranandani [1917-2013]

Elsie Gabriel.

Dr. L. H. Hiranandani was the inspiration behind the Hiranandani group edifice and will always shine upon the family from Heaven.

Dr.L.H.Hiranandnai’s life was a true celebration. It is not the end of his life but a beginning to many to be inspired by him and work diligently ,silently against all odds aiming to achieve success always.

I have had the privilege to interact and talk about his beginnings many a times in the course of my journalism documentations. India’s separation, His Padma Bhushan award, his children and grand children and most of all the L.H Hiranandani hospital. I fondly called him Daddy. He was always soft spoken, articulate and spoke about his humble rising with utmost humility. I loved his attention for detail. I have a hundred memories of all the details he spoke about but one such sweet connection never fails to leave my mind. On his Birthday every year on September 17th he would receive thousands of cards ,believe me he would meticulously reply to each one with a thankyou note! To the environmentalists in me, Doctor would share how he would check his patients with the help of sheer bright sunlight in the old days in the clinic.

 I still remember waving to crowds along with him as we stood on the mobile platform creating awareness about World Aids day, outside the Hiranandani Hospital releasing balloons and chanting slogans. He said Elsie, ‘the Hiranandani Hospital is very close to my heart,join me in healing people and spreading awareness about illnesses.’ And thats a promise I wish to keep always, dear Daddy!

His roots were deep and engraved with challenges.

 

 

 

He was born in 1917 in Thatta, Sind (now in Pakistan). The family migrated to Mumbai in 1937. He completed his medical education in 1942. He was keen to further his education and went to England for his fellowship (FRCS). On his return to India in 1947, he joined The Topiwala National Medical College and B.Y.L Nair Hospital, Mumbai as Honorary Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon. In this hospital he rose to be the Head of Department.

Under his professional guidance the department of ENT made a name for itself for its innovative specialized procedures.  He initiated several operative techniques which are known as "Dr. Hiranandani's Operations" globally. He was instrumental in initiating the concept in India that Head and Neck surgeries come under the domain of the ENT surgeons.

The first such department was set up in B.Y.L Nair Hospital in 1972. The department is till date known as "Dr. Hiranandani's Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck".

Dr. Hiranandani's work has earned him many accolades. The American Society of Head & Neck Surgery elected him as their first Indian member. The International Federation of 

Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Societies awarded him the "Golden Award" the first Indian and fifth in the world to receive it. He has been voted as "Millennium ENT" by SAARC Countries.

Social causes have deeply motivated him. In 1973 he gave up a flourishing private practice to undertake social work in drought areas of Maharashtra for a  period of 8 months. He has directed aid for the flood affected people in all over the country .  He was awarded "Maulana Azad Award" by Indian National Congress in recognition of exemplary work during 1993 communal riots in Mumbai. In the field of medical ethics he has spear-headed the passing of the Human Organs Transplantation Bill by Lok Sabha in 1994. B y this act the buying of kidneys is declared as a crime. His humane nature made him stand up for the rights of people and fight against capital punishment and euthanasia.Today the Hiranandani hospital,corporate brands and Schools are a living testimony to his concrete foundation which he laid years ago.

For his contribution to the nation, the Government of India awarded him the Padmabhushan in the year 1972. In 1988, he was conferred the "Dhanvantari Award", first time awarded in the field of ENT, for his notable contribution to science of medicine.

He has also helped many Sindhi Institutions, one among them is  The  Hyderabad [Sindh] National Collegiate board. This board manages premier educational institutes like National college, Bandra, KC  and HR College in South Mumbai. Government of India has recognized his services not only in the Medical field but also in the social arena 

Dr. Hiranandani , was blessed with three sons. While his eldest son Navin became a Doctor,  Niranjan and Surendra pursued business and today are rated amongst  the most well known Corporate houses in the country.  

Dr. Hiranandani had never forgotten his roots and has always been a savior for the poor , helpless and sick.   On the Social front, despite his busy schedule as a surgeon he always made it a point to be part of causes for the betterment of the downtrodden.  He worked persistently almost for eight months in 1973, when Maharashtra was under the situation of drought.  During the 1993 Mumbai riots , he played a significant role for keeping the peace and communal harmony in the city for which Indian  ;National Congress felicitated him with " Maulana Azad Award". 

Dr. L H Hiranadnani will always be remembered as a  visionary who worked selflessly towards the betterment of the society. I know Daddy is showering his blessings on us all ,as we read this.

Chef Ritu Dalmia proves the world that women still rule the kitchen! Elsie Gabriel

Chef Ritu Dalmia proves the world that women still rule the kitchen!

Chef Rushina Ghildiyal shows you how!

Elsie Gabriel.

I was elated to be on the guest list of chef Rushina Ghildiyals inaugural release of Chef Ritu Dalmia”s green book on vegetarian cooking. Two great women chef and one complimenting the other, it was an outstanding lunch alright!

Rushina’s cooking studio at Chandivli is magnificent and full of all the ingredients that a chef would ream of! As I watched Ritu Dalmia cook with such ease and expertise, sprinkling her culinary artistry with such spicy conversation and narrations, vegetarians stories about her childhood back in Kolkatta, she surely enlightened me as I too hail from West Bengal!A pure Marwari going out into the world and becoming one of the worlds best women chef, is something which doesn’t come too easily, a lot of hard work, research and travel can be witnessed in Ritus culinary presentations, most of them non vegetarian ,believe it or not!

 Rushina hosted the show as Hachette India launched ‘Diva Green’: A Vegetarian Cookbook by super chef Ritu Dalmia.It is truly an ode to all things vegetarian, the book amazes me with it’s simplicity and mundane vegetables which add exotic taste to famous dishes. Ritu makes vegetables luscious and spicy. After reading her Diva Green I assure you, believe me, you hardcore carnivores will give in and be a green convert alright!

After flicking through the pages of her fresh book in my hand, I was a convert alright, I already had an eye for all things green. Simplicity is the key element Ritu follows and that hit me in the mouth literally! Take your pick from a perfectly seasoned Green Mango and Banana Flower Salad or Mushroom Ceviche; a fun combination of Grilled Eggplant with Pepper and Sesame;  a wholesome Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart; or a comforting Papaya Curry or Carrot and Ginger Soup.

Uncommon yet easy-to-prepare, inventive and exciting, the recipes in Diva Green will reacquaint

you with vegetables in all their vibrancy and value, and have you celebrating shakahari!

Ritu Dalmia is among India’s best-known super chefs and restaurateurs. Her restaurants in New Delhi – the award-winning Diva, Café Diva and Latitude 28 – have been widely acclaimed for their superior quality of service and cuisine. She also runs the popular café at the Italian Cultural Centre in Delhi, and hosts two immensely successful cookery shows on national television.

Through her new book dedicated to her Mother, Ritu encourages all to master vegetarian dishes that are rich in flavour. "Actually I think it was time to redefine vegetarian food, and also showcase how great it can be. Saying that, I have to admit I find more people turning toward vegetarianism, something which I have been seeing a lot with our guests at all the restaurants"Ritu explains rightly. Ritu has put the simple pumpkin, beetroot and  eggplant on a pedestal. Making everyday vegetables truly heroes’ is what we Indian are really about. Aren’t we? Thats what Ritu Dalmia gives us without the fuss and complications. Cooking the Saints Day pasta with brinjals and spicy mushroom salad was simplicity with blissful taste.

Rushina M. Ghildiyal you are a lady chef who honors and proclaims the works of many other chefs at your cooking studio kitchen, sharing the platform together in the same culinary world, that’s what is so beautiful about you as a Woman chef! No competition, you simply celebrate food and all things tasty! Take a bow! Rushina invites all foodies to her kitchen, even children who love to cook, her world is a global kitchen!

Not only did I learn how to cook vegetarian but also learned that you have learn to share and learn from your seniors, colleagues and co-laterals in order to keeping your world spinning!

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Vegas of the East! Elsie Gabriel

Vegas of the East!

Elsie Gabriel

Am being pampered by a singing Gondolier, beautiful water around and of course ‘am not in Venice! Guess, where am I?

Of course at the Venetian Hotel, not in Las Vegas but the one in Macau! If you ever get caught between Hong Kong and China, simply take an ocean jet ride to the island of Macau!

 One really hasn’t done anything in Macau, if one hasn’t soaked in its night life, or been to one of its casinos. Known for its biggest nocturnal attractions where gourmet and gambling is concerned, whether you love the dice or not, a visit to the Venetian Macao Hotel is an experience you must not miss out on. The resort, themed around the beautiful city of Venice, complete with replicas of famous landmarks like St. Mark’s and indoor canals, is truly remarkable.

Somebody had to revive me as the 3400 slot machines and 800 gambling tables stood reeling before me, dizzy with the electric super shining atmosphere and a magnetic ambience. I had to stay awake and watch the rake in, tumblings and twinkling of coins, it was all too much. Of course I had been to dice country Vegas, USA but this place has an eclectic mix of vibrant cultures. Peels of laughter reeling the air with every win and some good wine being passed around, well it was indulgence all the way!

The Venetian Macao is not just a hotel, it is a entire destination by itself. I will leave the rest for you to discover when you indulge.

It is why its called ‘Vegas of the East.’ Sharp in contrast to that image Macau has old fashioned cobbled streets and ancient historical churches too. The Portugese were Macau’s first colonial masters and the evidence lies everywhere, in the stone fortresses, the baroque churches,  the gardens and museums. Macau really is where East meets West - a fusion of the Oriental and the Mediterranean architecture, modern blending with traditional, the meeting point of two great cultures.

Macau became a part of China in 1999, a couple of years after the British withdrew from Hong Kong.

Macau is soaked in ancient history and culture and a visit to the Na Tcha Temple which was built in 1888 is a must. This temple is dedicated to the worship of Na Tcha. 

Another historical temple is the A-Ma Temple, which was built 400 years ago in homage to a girl who saved seamen's life. This temple has become a World Heritage in 2005. Macau Museum, a historical and cultural museum with a vast number of objects of great historical value. You could also get an educational lesson from the Macau Tower and sea stories from the guides at the  Fisherman's Wharf. In 2005, the UNESCO declared the region of the peninsula, comprising of 25 buildings and sites of historical and cultural significance, as a World Heritage Site.

The ruins of St. Pauls was my best inspirational tour while at Macau. You are simply enveloped with religious culture. Built in the 16th century by the Jesuits, the St. Paul’s cathedral was the largest church in Asia at that point of time, and was bestowed with the most generous gifts from the royalty of Europe. Not a great deal of it is left as the church was ravaged in a fire in 1835, and all that is left is a stone façade and a museum. Even then, if you are a history lover, no trip to Macau can be truly complete unless you visit this cultural icon.

If you want to know more about the history, culture and the people of Macau, the best way to do so is by visiting this museum. Opened in 1998, the museum is located at the Monte fort, very close to St. Paul’s ruins.
Perched on the highest point of Macau peninsula's, the Guia Fort provides some of the most stunning views of the entire city. It also houses a chapel and one of the oldest lighthouses on the Chinese coast built in 1865. As it is a long walk to the top, visitors can go up by cable car.

In Macau, I relished the Macau-Portuguese style of cuisine especially huge whole fish steamed with hot chilly, sprinkled in herb and lemon. Since Macau was ruled by the Portuguese for over 400 years, it influenced the food culture quite deeply.

Sea food is here in abundance and tourists can enjoy both Chinese and western style food. Ask for Chinese settlement outlets where the meals and soups taste essentially the same as those served on the Chinese mainland and you are in for reasonably cheap and satisfying authentic Chinese food.

Western food in Macau is characterized by the styles of Portugal, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asian Countries. Therefore, the most representative of local food is Portuguese Cuisine and tourists in Macau should never miss it.

Famous dishes like Majie Fish, Portuguese Chicken, Green Vegetable Soup, and Portuguese-Style Custard tart were on top of my food list but the stir fired crab simply took my breath away. A tip for the planet trailer, try out local outlets rather than the expensive ones.

They say that the people here love racing. Anything that moves they race. Not only formula cars but horse racing and dog racing is also a sport, which you should definitely ask around for. Macau has earned the title of the Oriental Las Vegas not for nothing! And if you stay at the Grand Emperor said to be owned by Jackie Chan then maybe you could just Churn up some inspiration to be as agile, alert and the kungfu master that he was in Karate Kid or the Shaolin!!! Yeeeeeeowwwwweeeee!!! Lookout! Well I thought I starred opposite him in Shanghai Noon?? Nahh it was the Rush Hour I guess! Hmmm Macau calling! Maybe you may just bump into Jackie Chan!

Elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka Elsie Gabriel

Elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka

Elsie Gabriel

“……I guess for the first time in my life I shopped for Poo paper. No, not toilet paper, Elephant poo paper!!  It’s called Pachyderm paper, which is made from elephant dung. So these orphans are actually walking and talking paper factories too! Holy Shit!”……read on…..

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I was amazed at the endless march by these gigantic creatures of ‘Royalty’ which greeted me as I got off my vehicle. Up close and overwhelming. Baby ones, teenagers, hefty adolescents, young adults to elderly matriarchs, alert mothers, protective fathers and of course the naughty stray ones all in tow! Elephants!
 Yes, herds of them being driven across the pathway to the May Oya river . I was in Pinnawela, in the heart of the Sri Lankan forest areas.
I followed right behind them as the line ended and guess where they led me to? A leisurely bath in the frothy, bubbly, delightful river about fifteen minutes away .
At first I  watched their antics from the comfort of  the river bank and then later in superior comfort over lunch from the terraces of the Pinnalanda Restaurant  uphill of the river. Large trunks spraying water at each other, Mother elephants showing off  bathing skills and chasing little ones into deeper depths to help wash off. I simply soaked in the sun and all that the elephants had to offer in their wet charades.

As  far as I could remember I grew up believing that elephants have either  served as beasts of burden in war and peace. Some religions have regarded elephants as gods, and many a times they have been symbols of royalty.

I first recall sighting an elephant with utmost gleeful delight as a child at a circus and later on at the local zoo. Elephants have entertained in festivals around the world. For centuries, the elephant's massive tusks have been prized for their ivory. Or rather envied or butchered for their tusks, now making them an endangered species.

As the elephants frolicked in the river, stomping around I couldn’t fathom how they could all be orphans. Well, they were happy orphans. Enjoying their freedom to the maximum during their daily bathing ritual for sure.

The Elephant Orphanage is a peaceful sanctuary for lost, rescued, injured or abused elephants and attracts visitors from all over the world. Sri Lanka is the only country providing a safe retreat for young orphaned elephants. The adult elephants work in the orphanage itself, earning their keep by helping with various chores, such as collecting food and managing the herd.

The Pinnawela orphanage is situated northwest of the town Kegalla, halfway between the present capital Colombo and the ancient royal residence called Kandy in the hills of central Sri Lanka. Visiting the elephant orphans is surely a must on your to do list while visiting Sri Lanka or any other nearby Indian ocean destinations close to Sri Lanka like Mauritius or the Maldives.

This center was established 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife department. The twenty four acres large elephant orphanage is also a breeding pace for elephants, thirty elephants were born since 1984, and it has the greatest herd of elephants in captivity in the world.

Well, Elephants are orphaned for a number of reasons. Habitat destruction and fragmentation is one of the main causes; due to irrigation projects, developing of industries, agricultural projects and human encroachment of forests the elephants have lost over 40% of their natural wild habitat in recent history. Orphaned young elephants whose parents have been the victims of poachers or accidents are tamed, reared  and trained here  to eventually become working contributors.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a brilliant chance for the victims of these situations as some of the main objectives of the orphanage revolve around giving the orphaned elephants a wonderfully happy and healthy life, including allowing for natural social behaviour, good medical treatment and food satisfaction thus making this one of the most successful captive breeding programmes for Asian elephants.

Elephants here are habituated to humans .The elephants, which roam freely in the parkland, are 'herded' by their mahouts  just before being taken to feeding sheds inside the orphanage enclosure. I was lucky to get to caress them and feed them milk in elephant baby bottles. The baby one’s guzzled down enormous quantities of milk. And of course bathing the older ones and spraying them with fresh water showed me how independent and blissful they all were. What family, which family? In the end I guess, it’s your new adopted family  and friends who nurture you, which ever part of the world you eventually land up in.

Of course in every park around the world something catches my eye and I shop for sustainability. But I guess for the first time in my life I shopped for Poo paper-Elephant poo paper!!  It’s called Pachyderm paper, which is made from elephant dung. So these orphans are actually walking and talking paper factories too! Holy Shit!

Elephant dung has large percentages of fibre which makes it easy to prepare for the manufacture of paper. High quality stationary and decorative paper is the outcome after the dung is dried  and treated. This ofcourse gives an extra source of income to the locals around too. Dried flowers, leaves, tea and husk is added to give various different colours and textures to the paperus.

In the end, whether you are an orphan or not, whether you are an elephant or not, it is each to his own as you experience metamorphism into adult life.

"We humans define ourselves by the ways in which we treat animals"  It was Julian Huxley who once said this, I believe.

‘Y’ for YAK! Elsie Gabriel

 

‘Y’ for YAK!

Elsie Gabriel

After an overnight train drive from Kolkatta to Jalpaiguri, we eventually leave behind the  West Bengal flat preamble in the east. We drive down by car, the hills leading out from New Jalpai Guri to Sikkim abruptly change into two beautiful but distinct landscapes, rounded  mountains  thick in evergreens  and some sharp mean mountains ribbed with rocks. A tangle of winding mountain roads lead towards the extreme North East of India, lower Himalayan ranges  and away from the base.

Oh, to just drink in the pure air of the mountains, perfumed with the breath
of pines and mountain ferns, and a thousand aromatic shrubs and plants that render every hillside ever green from base to summit, is being truly a blessed traveler.

I could feel myself laying aside the bondages of social conditions, and getting back to nature, pure and unadorned, except with nature's charms and graces.

The road is a narrow zigzag, making an ascent of 4000 feet in a distance of three to four hours depending on traffic around the mountain roads. It starts with the North Bengal forests and then onwards to the road alongside the mighty aqua marine coloured Teesta River. Primula flowers and other alpine plantations are a special feature of the beautiful vegetation leading  closer up  to the top ,to  this magnificent Changu lake in Sikim.

Be warned of the narrow turns which are so short that a long car like the Innova is compelled to back up to negotiate with other vehicles.. When the top is finally reached, the view of the surrounding country is simply beyond description.

Changu Lake known as the ' source of the lake' in Bhutia language is located around 35 kms away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Steeped in holiness, the Tsomgo lake or more popularly known as Changu lake is a popular tourist destination,if you ever visit the North East of India. Nestled on Gangtok Nathu La highway, the lake towers to an altitude of 14,400 ft. Numerous devotees come here to worship the lake. The beautiful towering jaggered mountain terrains surrounding the peaceful lake add more charm to this massive water body. Placid water, cool breeze and picturesque location make it an ideal picnic spot for people.

Thousands of tourists flock here to experience the peace and tranquility. The lake is held in high esteem by both the Hindus and the Buddhists. Kyonqnosia, Kyonqnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Tseten Tashi cave, Nathula pass, river Lungtze Chu and a little Shiva temple are some of the other added attractions close by the lake which may want to visit.

Enjoy watching or even riding the Yak around the lake, fury mountain buffalow like animal which is a big attraction with kids and adults alike. Seeing the Yak for the first time brought back childhood memories of ' Y' for Yak! It is a gorgeous fury creature which lives only in regions which have temperatures below ten degrees.

There is a beautiful temple near the lake . It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The melting snow from the mountains surrounding the lake is the source of water for this lake. Tsomgo Lake gives birth to a river called Lungtze Chu which meets the river Rangpo-chu further down its way. It is said that Lamas used to make predictions about their future by studying the colour of the lake. The dark colour of the river used to indicate problems in future while light colour reflected peace and happiness. But fortune favoured me on this trip to the Eastern Himalays and I was gifted with this wonderful rainbow just above the lake which was mesmerizing!

Being located in the restricted area of the Indo China border, the Tsomgo Lake can be visited only by obtaining Inner Line Permit from the Police through the Tourism Department,your taxi driver or travel agent. The best time to visit the lake is from March-May and October- December.

Some of the other major attractions of Sikkim are Orchid Sanctuary, Yumthang Valley, Pemayangste Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Pelling, Khecheopari lake, Yuksom, Namchi, Tashding, Dudbi Monastery and the adventure sports, waiting for you to explore every aspect of Sikkim.

Gangtok city is a perfect example of synchronization between traditions and modernity. The discotheques, fast food outlets, posh markets and other modern amenities gel so well along with some of the important Buddhist religious sites.It is heady mixture alright, and sometimes you wonder if you are in India or else where at this heavenly adobe.

Your Changu lake trip can not be complete without eating 'Maggie' or noodle soups on your way downhill, from all those stalls lined up by Bhutanese people. Ofcourse snowfall greeted us to a wonderful surprise on our descent downhill and I couldn't resist having a snow ball fight with my children, husband in tow, making life time ‘mountain’ memories forever.

Fishing buddies- Dolphins at Chilka Lake Odhisha.

Fishing buddies- Dolphins at Chilka Lake Odhisha.

Elsie Gabriel

Bobbing up and down, circling the boats were dolphins! Wooooooo! With  bulging foreheads  and blunt, rounded heads they belonged to a rare species of dolphins alright. The fishermen kept looking out for them and their safety while showing them off. So where were we? In India, at the Chilka lake, the worlds second largest lagoon, yes in Orissa, now called Odhisha.

The motor boatman switched off  the engine out of sheer respect, and with equal mutual serenity, the dolphins would swim around in groups. We were lucky to catch a group racing each other endlessly but ours was a crazy chase punctuated by switching off the engine and then switching on the engine to catch-up with them and then again switching off….yes ….it was hilarious but fun. Watching dolphins without  disturbing them or getting too close had to be kept in mind. They are said to be part of the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins.

In 1981, the Chilka Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. It is with pride that India boasts of such a richly gifted biodiversity hot spot at this world renowned wetland site.

The Chilka Lake is a brackish water lagoon, spread over the districts of Odisha state on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India.

Satapada is where you will catch your tourist boat, which is located at a distance of 48 KM from temple town of Puri. It is nearly 100 KM from Bhubaneswar. National Highway (NH) number 203 A connects Satapada to Puri.

The lake supports fisheries that are the lifeline of the community. Mind you, the dolphins and fisherfolks are best buddies as they guide each other into fishing spots, a social phenomenon passed down from one generation to another, both for man and Dolphin.
I was happy to discover this unwritten mutual agreement which was the binding force between man and nature here. You should hear the boatmen whispering out of sheer adoration for these creatures, during the dolphin trips, once you are out at the mouth of the ocean,it is sacred ground for them.
It is also the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent. The lake is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals. It was sublime for a  bird watcher like me, binoculars and camera and nature!
The lake is an ecosystem with large fishery resources. It is said to help sustain more than 150,000 fisherfolk living in the villages on the shore and islands.
The lagoon hosts over 160 species of birds in the peak migratory season. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas come here. These birds travel great distances; migratory birds probably follow much longer routes than the straight lines, possibly up to 12,000 km, to reach Chilka Lake.

Sadly, greed takes a front seat when such a rich biodiversity hotspot is discovered. There are many threats to the ecosystem of the lake such as siltation, shrinkage of water surface area ,decrease in salinity and fishery resources, fights between fishermen and non-fishermen communities about fishing rights in the lake are also endless.

The rapid expansion of commercial aquaculture of prawn has contributed significantly to the decline of the lakes fisheries and bird population too.

It is feared that the lake may not retain the same ecological characters because of great human action constantly raiding the lake.

See the lake ,in all its natural wonder and genetic diversity, good time to visit ofcourse would be winter as it is very warm during the other months.

Talking to the local elders and fisherfolks with my half broken Bengali but well polished Hindi, a hectic mix of queries were well answered to my satisfaction. Fishermen recalled that when they would call out to the dolphins, to drive fish into their nets, the dolphins would oblige!! And this was a meaningful routine, year after year.

I kept wondering, each time they spoke with so much zest and passion, that if ever my grandchildren came back to visit, would the locals still be there or would the fishing village be transformed into multi storied iced fish storage complexes and corporate factories???

I pray that the Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) which is the flagship species of Chilika lake [and  the other bottlenose dolphins as well] stay on and multiply like our children’s children!

Well, If that doesn’t happen, tell your children that the Irrawaddy dolphins have a seemingly mutual relationship of co-operative fishing with the traditional fishermen.  Castnet fishing with the help of Irrawaddy dolphins is a social lesson we could well learn from, what say?