The Palam Vihar Residents Association, Gurugram Celebrates Republic Day

The Palam Vihar Residents Association celebrated Republic Day with great enthusiasm today. The venue was packed with residents, old, young, not-so-young, and toddlers too! There were patriotic speeches, dances by students of the Yatan NGO, and, a painting competition hosted by the Wealthy Brains Academy.

Mr Rajan Sagar, President of the F Block Association, Brigadier Sukbir Vice President of the F Block, and Mr. Ferdinand of the F Block Association were at their best throughout the programme. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Major General R.K. Kakkar (retd) who had served in the Kargil conflict. Guests of honour included Air Commodore J.S. Dhillon (retd.), Mr. Sachin Rana-Cricketer, Colonel Anil Vaid, Mr. Govind Khampa, and Colonel Sarvesh Sharma-VSM.

It was also a great honour to meet Dr. Arvind K. Sharma, and Ms Shalini who runs the YATAN NGO. Mr Sachin Rana, a well-known Cricketer, and Ranji Player was surrounded by admiring children who wanted his autograph on Cricket Bats and Pages.

Photographing Wild Life at a National Park - What on Earth Were the Squirrels Doing?

Photographing wildlife can rewarding, especially if you are able to spot a few lesser seen birds and animals. Unfortunately, changing weather patterns and altered migratory patterns have resulted fewer visitors arriving at most of the biodiversity hotspots in Gurgaon. My first visit to the Sultanpur National Park in the year 2025 resulted in a mixed bag. I was not able to spot any migratory birds in the month of January which was disappointing. I could not spot any Bar-headed Geese, nor could I spot Flamingos or even Eurasian Spoonbills.

Perhaps the most amazing photograph that I took at the Sultanpur National Park was that of a column of Squirrels lining a tree-trunk to bask in the winter sun. It was a scene I have never seen before! I was at first surprised to see them in suspended animation but then realized that this was because the warmth of the sun meant a lot to these mammals. 

Among some of the unique birds photographs are those of owls and colourful woodpeckers that are residents at the Sultanpur National Park. The cutest of these was the spotting of a trio of owls huddled together on a branch sunning themselves in the winter sun. What was interesting was to see three of the owls huddled together, enjoying the warmth of the winter sun. Initially at least, all three were together, but then then other two escaped into the hollowed out trunk of the tree while their elder bother remained on the branch, unconcerned by my presence.

Woodpeckers are colourful birds and they draw the attention of all wildlife photographers. The bird that I saw was intent on his breakfast and so gave me enough time to take his photograph! Woodpeckers  are colourful birds and their plumage lights up the photograph with their bright colours.

But then, the Sultanpur National Park is a conundrum! One can find animal species and bird species vying for space along with human beings jogging along the track probably scaring away wildlife. Bovine animals seem to be gabbing on to space meant for wild animals and birds. The very purpose of a wildlife sanctuary is defeated by the very presence of bovine animals, stray dogs and people who visit the National Park for fun and picnics.

And of course my partner in crime is my brother, Sanjay. He has been a constant companion in some of my trysts in my adventures as a wildlife photographer.

And of course that is me in the photograph below. Many a times I am the one behind the lens and so it is opportunity to have one of my photographs taken!