Why is Antarctica like a living laboratory ?

Antarctica is like a living laboratory because by studying it we can gain an insight into our past, understand the climactic changes taking place in the present and predict how our future will be. We can gain insight into not just how our climate will be but also learn about the factors causing geological changes in our planet.

First and foremost, to visit Antarctica is to be part of history. one can study how the planet was formed. A study of Cordilleran folds and pre-Cambrian granite shields will tell us about the structure of our planet. A study of ice-core samples can give us data about Carbon dioxide levels that existed in the atmosphere in the past. We can also gain an insight into past global temperatures through a study of the amount of Carbon trapped in the ice-core samples.

Looking at how India and Antarctica were once part of the same continent, gives us an idea about the drifting of the continental plates can help us imagine how the planet will look like in the future. We can also predict accurately the impact of global warming on the entire planet by studying scientific data from Antarctica.

A Character Sketch of the Tiger King in the Short Story by Kalki

An analysis of the Maharaja of Pratibandapurum's character shows him to be far from perfect. He turns out to be a most self-centred, self-obsessed head of state who puts his desire to kill a hundred tigers before his duties towards the state. He abdicates his responsibility as a head of state by wantonly setting off on a killing spree knowing very well that even as a head of state he doesn't have the right to kill a tiger, unless, of course, in 'self-defence'.

Some people might claim that the Tiger King was brave enough to have fought with ninety-nine tigers and killed them in the end. However, the question here is, what was the purpose of this bravery? What was the end result of this act of killing ninety-nine tigers? Did it benefit society? Ultimately, it all boils down to the argument that the Tiger King was so scared of being killed by the hundredth tiger that he set out to eliminate the hundredth tiger so that what the astrologer had said would not come true. 'If he could kill just that one single beast, the Maharaja would have no fears left.' It is his fear of being killed by a tiger, that too, the hundredth tiger that fuels the Tiger King's frenzy toward killing tigers.

The Tiger King's obsession with killing tigers detracts him from his duties as the head of the state. 'The Maharaja vowed he would attend to all other matters only after killing a hundred tigers.' He is not just a bad statesman who neglects the state but also a father who neglects his duties toward his son. He had given his entire time to hunting tigers, so much so that 'He had had no time to spare for the crown prince.' Thus when his son turns three he decides to celebrate his birthday. 

Perhaps the greatest flaw in the Tiger King's character lies in his desire to kill tigers. It is the duty of every well-meaning statesman to work for the welfare of his people and wildlife too. As a king, it is his duty to protect tigers and knows very well that even a king cannot kill tigers. The abdication of his duties towards the state in favour of his mission to kill tigers brings out his selfishness. And last but not least is the fact that he is a bad father. It is no wonder that "The operation was successful" and it resulted in the death of the tiger king!

What are Geoff Green's reasons for including high school students in the Students on Ice expedition?

According to Tishani Doshi, Geoff Green, wanted to involve students in the expedition to Antarctica because he believed that doing so would help provide 'them with inspiring educational opportunities'. He believed that taking students to Antarctica would help students understand the planet better. It would be an experience that would transform their understanding of the world we live in.

Geoff Green was 'tired of carting celebrities' to the Antarctic continent who could 'give' back in a limited way. It is clear from a reading of the lesson that a visit to Antarctica was much more than a sight-seeing expedition for Tishani, and, for that effect Geoff Green because the continent is like a 'living laboratory' a time-capsule that provides us with vital feedback about the health of the planet.

According to Tishani Doshi, Geoff Green believed that the Students on Ice programme would offer students a 'life-changing experience' that would help develop and prepare 'a future generation of policy makers' who can work in a more pro-active manner to protect the planet from decline. There is a chance that young people can be taught to care for the planet if they are given meaningful experiential learning experiences.

Climate change is one of the most contested environmental issues today. Unless we halt global warming, our very future on this planet will be at stake. While grown-ups and adults brush away such concerns believing that they have always plagued us, it is people like Tishani who can plan for the future when they become adults who have a say in making policy decisions regarding the health of our planet.

A Sunday Visit to Old Delhi Springs Some Unexpected Surprises!

Books by the Kilo

A Sunday visit to Darya Ganj today sprang a few surprises. Gone were the street-side stalls overflowing with piles of books, instead of a street lined with numerous actual shops selling books, there were just a couple of them. I was able to get George Orwell's, Animal Farm from the first shop that had also diversified into stationery items and then decided to explore more options in the narrow alleys down the road. My brother and I finally landed up in a shop that had a huge number of books of all kinds. The best part was that some of the books were being sold at the rate of Rs.200/- per kilo. I was able to buy a further four books from the Dhruv Book Centre at Darya Ganj, including one titled The Tandoor Murder a book authored by Maxwell Pereira. When I talked to the proprietor of the shop, he told me that they were doing good business although the inroads made by e-books on kindles and tablets had definitely affected the sale of actual books. I guess he was trying to put up a brave face! However, I know that where there once used to be roadside stalls, there were empty spaces.

You never know, you might come across a rare book!

This Visit for me came after almost ten years!

Intricately designed facades a throwback to a resplendent past

Where the signs point towards the famed Paranteh wali gali

The famed Paranthe wali gali

Our next destination after Darya Ganj was Chandni Chowk. Another surprise awaited us when we reached it. We could not drive down Chandni Chowk since entry from the Red-fort side had been restricted. However, we were able to enter the place by driving from the Cycle Market side. We could drive unrestricted till the entry point to Nai Sarak and Ballimaran. It was, moreover, a pleasant sight that met us when we reached Chandni Chowk. The bollards, vistas and neatly planned walkways including restrictions on vehicular movement made it less crowded, though I guess we had reached the place early at about ten in the morning so there were fewer people around.

Emperor Firoz Shah's Tomb stands tall

It is said that the foremost Tomb is that of Firoz Shah

The intricate design of the roof of the tomb is simply amazing

The entrance to Emperor Firoz Shah's Tomb

After Chandni Chowk, we had planned to visit the Qutb Minar, the world's largest brick-made tower in the world. On the way, we had also decided to visit Sunder Nagar as we remembered the days in the nineties when we were regular visitors to the  Sunder Nagar Sweet corner. Unfortunately, when we reached the spot, we could only see another sweet shop. Of the erstwhile shop, there was simply no sign. Disappointed we made our way to the Qutb Minar tower but we were scared to see large crowds at the ticket counter. Scared by the prospect of having to stand for hours in long queues we decided to visit the monument another day! Instead, my brother suggested that we should visit Haus Khas. I guess that was a life-saver in a way because it turned out to be a good decision! 

One of the few domed buildings

The Pillars in one of the halls - mathematical accuracy!

The Lake in the Firoz Shah Monument complex

Hauz Khas is, incidentally a place where artisans and artists gather to create some of the most artistic objects, whether it might be designer boutiques, household decorative artefacts, or even some of the most quirky hookahs! It reminds me of the short story, The Last Leaf where the aspiring artists, Sue and Johnsy live. Besides, Haus Khas is a must-visit place for food. The words, 'Hauz Khas' mean Royal Tank. The tank was excavated under the orders of Allaudin Khilji (1296-1316) for the use of the inhabitants of Siri, the second city of Delhi founded by him. Firoz Shah restored the water supply to the tank and built a madrasa around it.

Incidentally, I used a Canon f-2.8, 40 mm STM pancake lens for all the above photographs. I wanted to experiment with the lens since I have not used it for quite some time. While, no doubt, the lens doesn't have a wide enough field of coverage making it difficult to a wider area without having to move back quite a few steps. However, the result is very good, with crisp and sharp results.

Wildlife Photography Makes You A Better Person

The King Stands Tall-Asian Antelope at The Sultanpur National Park

Perhaps one of the greatest realities of Wildlife Photography is that things rarely turn out as planned! Setting out on a photo shoot in the wilds will make you question all the rules that you have been taught or learnt through experience! There have been times when I have made the arduous trek to my favourite spot only to realise that I had the wrong lens, or that I had in my hast forgotten to set the correct ISO setting or even that it was too foggy, cloudy or even that all the wild birds and animals had disappeared from sight. One of the greatest disappointments was to spot a family of Sarus Cranes which began to disappear into the underbrush the moments I pointed my lens at them! These obstacles, however, should not force one to back out of Wildlife Photography and instead opt for any other form of photography, that is, of course, if you have an inclination for the adventure offered by this form of photography.

The Inquisitive One

The story behind the photograph on top was a rather interesting one. I stepped down from the trail at the Sultanpur National Park towards the edge of the lake in search of a family of Sarus Cranes. While walking towards the edge, I suddenly turned back to see my Brother in Law Atul gesturing urgently indicating something right in my path. On peering into the trees I spotted a male Asian Antelope standing still looking at me. It was so sudden, there I was with my camera in my hand and standing a couple of meters away was a young male Antelope, face to face. This Antelope gave me the chance of taking quite a few photographs before moving away. My brother, who was also with me joked stating that the Antelope probably had very poor vision. I, however, have my doubts. It was not very dark and the sun was in front of me, so I was in a dark zone and the Antelope could not see me.

A pair of Nursing Sarus Cranes spotted at the Sultanpur National Park

The first photograph titled The King Stands Tall was an interesting one since this Asian Antelope Bull first confronted me on the trail in the Sultanpur National Park. He stood unmoving, blocking my path for quite some time and I also did not know what to do. After some time, the bull bolted off the trail and blundered into the open field, but by that time I was prepared for him and took a few shots of him. If you look closely at the photograph you will notice a Doe looking at me from the distance!

The Curious Three

It is always a good idea to take photographs of three animals together. It is somehow much more interesting than having a single animal before you. I was able to photograph three of these female Asian Antelopes while on a visit to the Sultanpur National Park recently. The rather curious expression on their 'faces' particularly drew my attention. I guess, therefore, a threesome provides a better story to photograph!

A Flash of Yellow-An Indian Golden Oriole

Things happen in a flash for those who set out to photograph wildlife. An incident, in this case, was a flash of yellow that crossed my vision. If it hadn't been for the bright yellow colour, I would have missed spotting a pair of Indian Golden Orioles. One of them paused long enough for me to focus on it, after, of course leading me on a run to catch it as it flitted from one tree to another. The strong wind helped me as the birds clung on to the branches battling the wind!

A Regal Crest Dominates the View

Hoopoes are generally amicable birds and they will offer the photographer a good opportunity to photograph them. I was able to follow one of them recently while on a visit to the Sultanpur National Park and the gusting wind seemed to ruffle quite a few feathers, literally as well as metaphorically. Like the Golden Oriole, I had to catch up with the Hoopoe as it hopped from branch to branch. Catching a Hoopoe in the middle of two dead branches brought out the colours really nicely. The dark-grey colour of the bark of the tree highlighted the brown tone of the feathers.

Babbling Cuckoos

Sometimes a lucky photographer will be able to capture the story of the shot. Spotting one 'Koel' or an Asian Cuckoo will be a lucky sighting, but photographing a couple of them fighting and squabbling with each other is simply amazing. I was able to spot not one but two Cuckoos squabbling with each other recently on a visit to the Sultanpur National Park in Gurgaon. Their chattering and loud voices drew me to the Acasia tree where they were having a heated debate. Somehow, they were so wound up in their arguments that they did not pay any attention to me.

Drongos are very difficult to photograph, and that is probably because their dark feathers make it difficult to photograph outdoors. However, if you have sufficient distance between the bird and the background, and if the background is of a different colour from that of the Drongo, then hopefully you might be able to get the eyes in focus. It is easier to get the eyes of the Cuckoo in focus because of their red colour, this doesn't happen in the case of the Drongo,

A Drongo Sits Still 

Sometimes, however, it is quite possible that you might come across a beast of prey, well, not exactly Tigers and Lions, but then you might be surrounded by Jackals such as what happened with me. There was one particular Jackal that I named 'Scarface' because of the scars on his face. It looked as if he had entered into a fight with other jackals, or perhaps something much bigger had attacked him?

Scarface, the Veteran

The Cunning one

Wildlife photography often leaves you improvising and changing well-laid and time-tested rules. I often ditch my tripod so that my movement is not hampered. I keep changing the settings for each photograph, switching from an ISO setting of 100 to a maximum of 1600. Depending on the situation I switch from an f-stop number of 5.6 to anything up to f-22. Similarly. the shutter speed can vary from 1/100 to 1/2000 or even higher.

A pair of Nursing Sarus Cranes have their chick cleverly hidden in the grass

In spite of all the disappointments one might face during a particular visit to a Biodiversity hotspot, one should believe that the very act of attempting to photograph wildlife can help make the world a better place! A record of animals and migratory birds spotted at a particular time of the year and the locality can help trace migratory patterns, ecological degradation, food patterns, the impact of human activity on ecosystems and even the impact of global warming. 

A Flock of Greater Flamingos spotted at the Basai Wetland

Sometimes, the most graceful birds of prey can give you a sense of beauty in all their forms. The Black-Winged Kite, a small-sized, rather beautiful raptor can be most enthralling to look at. The black and grey colour scheme of its plumage accompanied by its sharp beak and bright red eyes makes it rather imposing. The red eyes are suggestive of its nature, it is a hunter and it has the sharp eyes of a hunter. The Shikra too is an impressive bird. It is a hunter and in the past, it was used to hunt for small rodents like rats to feed larger falcons that were maintained by the kings of the Mughal era.

A Shikra in search of Breakfast at the Sultanpur National Park

A Black-Winged Kite spotted at the Sultanpur National Park

In the end, I would like to conclude this blog post with a poem that summarises my experiences as a wildlife photographer. It is called The Connect.

The Connect

I spot a flash of yellow from the corner of my eye.

A tingling in the back, warns me of something in the

Copse, watching me. I know it is there and scan the

Bushes for something to spot.

A rustle in the branches above as a bird watches me.

From above, a pair of doves take flight as I pass by.

Two Cranes walk past majestically, a baby, hidden

In the grass follows them.

In the distance, the Antelopes watch me wary and tense

Ready to take flight at the earliest alarm. The sun shines

Bright, the wind gathers strength, the Golden Oriole and

The Drongo hold on tightly to the branch.

A Peacock in the distance calls out to its mates, a single

Call multiplied by ten more, a loud cacophony of calls a

Message passed on to others. Up ahead a pair of Geese

Glide gracefully down to land.

I wonder where they have come from, the Bar-headed 

Geese, the Greylag Geese and the Northern Pintails. Is

It cold from where they come? Will they stay long in this

Place so I might visit them again?

And I thought all the Flamingos lived in the coastal areas.

But here they are, far inland. Perhaps they are searching

For ancient wetlands that once had vast swathes of water,

But now are no more to be seen.

Out of the undergrowth a brace of Partridge streak across

My path, too fast to note, and after them amble a pair of

Golden Jackals. They stare at me and then move away with

A dismissive gesture as if I don't count.

They chuckle at me, even as I carry my Camera and Tripod,

Denying me a decent pose! And I, the exhausted one think 

Breakfast to eat! I guess it was all a waste of time to come all

This way to get a good photograph!

As I walk past the trail and head back home, I wonder if I was

Able to get anything in my camera. A voice tells me what was

Important was the connection I had with them, the wild birds

And animals, even if they laughed at me!

A Heron waits for Breakfast at the Basai Wetlant

A Purple Heron Flies across the water at the Basai Wetland

The Remains of a Monitor Lizard at the Basai Wetland