Lake Placid

Last week, while sauntering to my balcony in the morning with my honey lemon drink, with my habitual blissful state, I looked afar to the wetland down below and to my utter shock, I have encountered a site which jabbed at my heart like a dagger. The flock of frolicking birds that were a frequent and natural sight till then were found missing. I scanned the water for any sign of disturbance which might have scared the birds away and to my amazement I saw small heads of bamboo poles sticking out from under the water. On closer inspection, the shocking realization dawned on my that it was in fact a large fish net strewn across the water, secured by bamboo poles for catching the lovely birds. The heinous act made my blood boil and later investigation revealed that those culprits were non other than the construction labours who wanted to feast on those tiny birds. Although, that net has been confiscated and the labours are duly warned, the damage has been done and the birds flew to safer places when they have got the premonition of the impending danger. They have taken away with them the heavenly bliss which I always encountered while basking in the panoramic view of flock of birds taking flight in encircling precision. Carnivorous human being seems to seems to have invaded our tranquil campus which till now have been heavenly abode of endangered and migratory birds. Thankfully, other water bodies in the campus are still safe from the flesh hunters and birds can be seen serenely sitting at those placid lakes. I pray fervently each day for the birds to return but except for some stork varieties at random, the flocks have simply disappeared. Amazing is human greed, still amazing is their immunity to the ethereal beauty surrounding them..I feel immense pity for those soul who are not only blind to nature's bounty but they are actually capable of destroying the very beauty which can give them solace and eternal bliss..

Cobra worship

Amazing things people can do in the name of faith, belief and superstition. I have known a number a people who are great worshipers of Lord Shiva. Just a month earlier, in a village household, a cobra was discovered who just refused to budge from the corner where it coiled up and took shelter. Thinking it to be an auspicious event and a blessing from the almighty, the head of the household started offering him frogs everyday so that the snake did not go hungry and they didn't have to face the wreath of god. People too started flocking to that place just to have a glimpse of the miracle,.i.e, the snake, who stayed there for quite some and led quite a luxurious life and finally slithered away one fine day out of boredom. In yet another household, two black cobras used to frequent the backyards and were offered a bowl of milk everyday. Although, this pair never did any harm to anyone, yet it gave one a creepy feeling seeing them coming and drinking the bowl of milk. It always gives me shivers to see creepy creatures, and as for snakes, I can never dream of offering milk and keeping them in my backyard. I really appreciate the courageous act of those who can face a snake without as much as blinking of an eye. However, I can never see and tolerate people killing and dousing phenol on snakes out of fear. It is so pathetic and sad to see a snake die writhing in pain that it gives me goosebumps.During ancient times, snakes were generally confined to jungles, hilly and forest areas but in recent times, indiscriminate cutting of trees and clearing of forest areas for construction purposes have reduced the areas for these wild creatures and they started frequently the areas of human habitation. Snake menace in huge campuses like ours is a pretty common phenomena. It is like usurping lands which were rightfully theirs...Man made imbalance in the environment while making the life of wild creatures miserable, also put our lives at stake. Time is running out and we must create a balance to our habitat.