World Wetlands day, February 2. . .

Any area of water, natural or artificial,static or flowing , the depth of which at low tide does not exceed 6(Six) meters is a wetland .Article 1.1 of Ramsar Convention ,1971 and Section 2(g) of Wetland(Conservation and management) Rules, 2010 of India  support this definition .Practically all tanks , lakes ,and rivers are wetlands. Uttar Pradesh in India has 2508 wetlands with an area above 3 hectares and 1193 wetlands with an area above 50 hectares and above.Some of the well known wetlands of U.P. are Nawabganj , Samaspur, Lakh Bahosi,Sandi, Patna Jheel, Keetham Lake(Sur Sarovar, Chambal), Sarsai Nawar  and  Samaan.

 Ram Sar is the first of the modern , global international treaties on the conservation of natural resources.The convention was held in 1971 and has 160 member states.India formally ratified the convention on February 1 , 1982.It was only in 2010 that India enacted Wetland(conservation and management) Rules.The mission of RamSar Convention on wetlands is:"The conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local , regional and national activities and international cooperation , as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development through out the world".

                                       What values and benefits wetlands bring us?These are:

1.Water supply .By 2025, two out of every three people on Earth may face life in water stressed conditions .

2.Fisheries.

3.Agriculture through maintenance of water tables and nutrient retention in flood plains.

4.habitats supporting  biodiversity,  flora and fauna.Plant genetic materials.

5.Hydel energy.

6.Transport.

7.Recreation and tourism opportunities.

8.Cultural heritage.

9.Wildlife sanctuaries.

             Wetland are the world's most threatened eco-systems because:

1.Agriculture's growing demand for land and water.Wetlands continue to be drained and reclaimed to make farming land available.

2.Urban expansion .

3.Industry.

4.Aqua culture.

5.Pollution.

6.Sedimentation and siltation .

7.Climate change causing reduced rainfall in some areas and excessive rainfall and flooding in some other areas.

8.Over exploitation due to various  benefits.

For all these reasons , we need to take steps to conserve and manage wetlands better.

                      For conservation of wetlands , there are three pillars of action :

1.Wise use of wetlands.

2.Identifying and managing wetlands of international importance .U.P. has only one such wetland , Upper Ganga Canal.There are 26  such sites in India.

3.Co-operating internationally .

                 The wise use of wetlands has three distinct areas:

1.Adopt National Wetland policies .India did it in 2010 by framing Rules.

2.Develop programmes of wetlands inventory,monitoring , research , training , education and public awareness.

3.Integrated management of wetlands.

The  Central and state governments , local bodies and communities are responsible for such wise use.

Every state has a State level Steering Committee under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary.The National Wetlands Conservation Scheme provides funds for conservation of wetlands, 70% from centre and 30% from state.These funds  are highly inadequate  to meet the needs of wetlands.

                           The theme for 2014 world wetlands day is:"Wetlands and Agriculture;Partners in growth".

We need to focus on those agricultural practices which support and preserve healthy wetlands.Agriculture is important for wetlands because 70% of all withdrawls from surface water and ground water is used for agriculture.Also 19% estimated increase is likely to happen  by 2050 over current rates of global agricultural water consumption.

          There is a need for awareness to conserve wetlands at community level .Many departments like Forests , Environment , Agriculture , Urban Development and Land (Revenue) departments need to act in co-ordination  to conserve wetlands .Involvement of local bodies , Panchyats ,as well as urban local bodies is also essential .Agencies entrusted with eco-tourism should take a lead to preserve wetlands and encourage bird watching .

          I end with this quote by Adlai Stevenson:"It is often easier to fight for principles than to live up to them'

India and Environmental Performance Index

In a  recent study by Yale University , India has been ranked at 155,out of a total of  178 countries .It is a really sorry state of affairs and we must change this situation .We owe it to our children born , and yet unborn .While  Japan is at  rank 26 , Pakistan at 148,China at 118 , India  continues to be one of the most polluted countries of the world .The details can be seen on this link .

http://www.epi.yale.edu/epi/country-rankings

Let wake up  and do something before it is too late.

The Republic of India

Today(January 26,2013,Sunday) is Republic Day of India, the day to remember , and reaffirm our resolve to uphold the values  enshrined in the Preamble to the constitution of India:

    Preamble:     " We , the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a

 Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and to secure to all its citizens :

Justice , social , economic and political;

Liberty of thought , expression, belief, faith and worship;

Equality of status and of opportunity;

and to promote among them all,

Fraternity assuring the dignity of individual and the unity and integrity  of the Nation In our constituent Assembly this twenty-sixth day of November ,1949, do hereby adopt , enact and give to ourseves this Constitution."

We have miles and miles to go . .. .

              

  

The curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon

The curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon is an acclaimed book of fiction(2003).It leaves a lingering impact .

                                       This book by Mark Haddon is exceptional , brilliant and very original .I have yet to read another fiction book , with a protagonist having autistic disorder .Christopher is a fifteen year old boy with autistic disorder .His  capacity to understand mathematics and logic is high .But he cannot  understand why other human beings behave in  the ways  they do.He cannot understand , nor can forgive when he discovers that his father tells him a lie .It is a world seen through the eyes of a boy with autistic disorder.But by reading about the world as he sees it , we see the world and ourselves more clearly and with greater understanding .

                            When I was working with the department of Welfare for the persons with Disabilities in UP,India,I had the opportunity to meet  a large number of persons with different  degrees of special needs , and found that the persons with  autism spectrum disorders  lived in a totally  different world and faced exceptional challenges to live day to day life .And awareness in Indian society  about autism ,Asperger syndrome and other mental disorders is extremely low .Our educational system is also way behind to educate  persons with autistic disorders. This is sad , to say the least.

                   These 271 pages , describing  story of fifteen year  old  Christopher  in his own words , made me think more clearly about the world , about people around me and about myself .Go ahead and spend ten hours and read this book .I assure you , you will not regret the time that you will  invest .

The Truth by Michael Palen

This 2012  fiction book by Michael Palen  succeeded  in uplifting my spirits. Repeated failures, exasperations  , absurdities  and frustrations  of life bring us disappointments , breed and  strengthen our cynicism,  sometimes  make us feel that all those grand plans  full of good  ideals  and pious intentions are just grand pretences , and  finally may  turn out to be delusions .Despite all this , as this story tells us , we can act in ways that are uplifting .This book  left me on a real high.

                  In real life , we meet  some good people , and a larger number who are not good.But to search  for  perfect , flawless persons  is likely to result in a delusion .That is The Truth , which Michael Palin  tells us in this very interesting and thrilling book .It is just a coincidence that at present stage , I am working in the field of  environment and forests in India , and I recently visited London/UK in connection with  study of wildlife.This book is set in London and in India and deals with environmental issues, along  with  power plays , manipulations ,  cost of development ,exploitation  of  natural resources,uprooting of local tribal population , militant extremism and other related issues.Keith  Mabbut , the protagonist , finds  the truth at the end of this work .

                          The book also raises the  complex issues of our need for heroes and role models ,the issue of personal compromises and the costs to be paid , if you don't compromise.The book takes a biting swipe at publishing industry, and how  publishers can become a tool in the hands of the  powerful and the mighty.

                          Martin Buber in his book has said that fiction is the closest to truth while  journalism is farthest from truth , bordering on lies.This book proved to me that truth can be revealed  by a fictional story .

                                  Palen has  the ability to create , build and narrate a beautiful and enjoyable  story , which is also full of truth and meaning .It thrills about Environment , a subject which really matters for each one of us.This book is not a thriller but it thrills  more than a conventional thriller.It  is delightful , thrilling and uplifting .I recommend you to read it .

                      

Lion Safari in the making in Etawah,UP,India

TWO PAIRS OF ASIATIC LIONS WERE TODAY SHIFTED TO UTTAR PRADESH FROM THE 
Sakkarbag Zoo in Gujrat as part of animal exchange programme between the zoos.The four lions (two males  and two females) were handed over to a ten member forest team from UP , which arrived in JUNAGARH Zoo,VJ Rana ,Superintendent at Sakkarbag told PTI.
                           Both pairs will be housed in the LUCKNOW Zoo for the next few days  before they are shifted to the breeding centre  at the upcoming Lion Safari Park at ETAWAH  early next year , he said .



Please read this news ,courtesy Business Standard dated December19,2013.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/guj-gives-4-asiatic-lions-to-lucknow-zoo-under-exchange-prog-113121900484_1.html

Angela's Ashes

Angela's Ashes  is an extraordinary childhood memoir  of its author Frank McCourt(August 19,1930-July 19,2009) , as he grew up from a five year old to nineteen years old.I read it second time recently, and was  moved , as much as  I was when I read it first time .It makes you" live" the poverty, powerlessness , struggles and hopes of Frank,his mother Angela and his brothers.It tells us how hope still, somehow emerges in a situation of total hopelessness.One reason why  this book is so popular is that it makes the reader realize  how lucky he/she is , to be able to lead a life which so much more secure and well provided.

                             I  had always wondered what made McCourt  choose the tittle of this book as Angela's Ashes.Are these the ashes that fall from Angela's cigarettes, or are these ashes  in the fireplace which she continuously stares at blankly?Do these ashes represent the weakening hopes and dreams of Angela for raising a healthy , happy family and wanting Frank to become  much more accomplished and successful  than only  a messenger boy ?The best thing is that despite all setbacks  and disappointments , her ashes are still warm(?)  about her dreams , which in some way prepare a mindset in Frank to save money enough to go from Limerick in Ireland to New York.Hovering between his indecision to leave for a better future or to remain in Limerick  in a small but secure job at post office  , he manages to keep his dreams alive and sails to New York .

                     I recommend you to read this very powerful and inspiring book .It impacts  its readers on all their senses , it provokes them  and makes them think  and feel  .

Leadership and Change

             It is my firm belief that among all values of a true leader, courage is the essential and the most important value. This is a value which makes other values happen. Courage is the touchstone of leadership. Courage becomes hope and faith on one side and love on other side. The three Christian virtues of hope, faith and love are united in courage. Leading transformation needs courage and risk taking and over coming fear.

                                                 We must be the change we wish to see in the world"- Gandhi. Provide personal example. Throw your full weight on the side of change. You must wear your heart on sleeve so that all can see who you are, where you are coming from and where you are going. Never ask others to do what you are not willing to do yourself. Good example gives you the only real influence over others that you are likely to have. It also gives you the moral authority to ask for sacrifice.

    If you do not motivate others by  example, it amounts to manipulation. Good example is self- effacing. It does not draw attention to it self. 

                                               Leadership capacity involves

1-               Freedom of Self.

2-               Courage , confidence and Fearlessness.

3-               Competence.

4-               Integrity & conscience.

5-               Non-attachment /unconditional love

                                 In a transformation, change is in all senses and directions. There is physical/economic change, mental and emotional change and spiritual change. In other words you have changes in

1-    Hierarchy

2-              Structure

3-              Processes

4-              Systems

5-      People and beliefs

                                             Tools for transformation

(1)      Cross-functional teams and collective leadership.

          Breaking down of departmental barriers and empowerment of teams. (A cultural change)

(2)    Development of leadership Capacity throughout the organization by:

(i)                          Providing freedom for action

(ii)                       Instilling confidence through  discussion.

(iii)   Providing skills and competence through training & workshop.

(iv)                     Providing resources for change (A cultural change)

(3)   Change & monitoring of processes through ISO 9001:2000 standards. These standards represent international consensus to monitor in the best possible way those processes which influence quality & enhance customer satisfaction & performance. (A cultural transformation).ISO results in simplification, decentralization and consumer processes and gives continual improvement.

4.                HRD issues gain priorities. 

         Quick redressal of employee grievances builds self-esteem & energy of employees.

5.                Involvement of all employees

Employees are given meaningful work & active participation in change. It releases their energy for organizational purpose. Job mastery experiences release energy. Assign jobs according to abilities & skills.

6.                Internal Transparency

When employees do not know what is happening, they withhold their energy from organizational activities.

7.                Openness & accessibility

Ideas of (ownership) by all are incorporated into vision mission & transformation process, at every stage.

8.                Change in attitude of Employees

Two ways

(i)                          Presentation of analysis.

(ii)                 Arousal of emotions. Coercion can not produce change agents.

Repeated affirmation is essential.

9.           Change in design of products

Designs have to be in accordance with cultural values aesthetics, desires & needs of consumers. Designs must be changed creating an emotional relationship with people.

    10. Other Supports

(i)                          Rituals, ceremonies, music, poetry & songs.

(ii)                       Active participation in community programs

(iii)                    Listen to role models & get emotional support.

(iv)                     Appreciate others.

(v)                        Apply Stress Reduction techniques.

(vi)    Participate in personalized management development programmes 

I am only one

But still I am One

I can not do everything

But still I can do something

And because I can not do everything

I will not refuse to do

The something that I can do

                                                          Edward Everett

                                          

Hunger

An excerpt:

"Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Today i completed the reading of Knut Hamsun's Hunger.It is truly a great book written in 1895 when Hamsun was 31 years old.What a terrific book!It is semi autobiographical.It reveals what it means to remain honest while facing poverty and hunger.I started feeling smallness of my sacrifices for following truth compared to those faced by the hero of the book.
It raises the fundamental questions:what is pride?what is is insult?what is conscience?Is conscience a luxury?what is love for a poor man?How does your poverty affect love of others for you?What does starvation really mean?
No wonder it is one of the most influential books in the history of mankind."

The line between home and work

In this age of internet , laptops and mobiles, it has become necessary to revisit the issue of drawing a line between work and home .I believe, it is essential to draw the line firmly, though it is not easy to do so .The line becomes fuzzy when we start talking about home offices and alternative work places.We are in a new kind of Mobility Paradox 

                        If you are in an office of public utility and your mobile number is in public domain , the chances are  high that your mobile will continue to ring at odd hours .The mobile has eliminated the role of private secretaries screening your official  calls.The spill over of official fatigue and worries chases you till you decide to put your mobile in the  silence mode  at some time in the evening.The border line becomes further blurred when you get mails in large numbers  on your computer from unknown quarters .If you respond to each of these calls and mails ,the slow fizzle of chronic fatigue , cynicism , negativity  is likely to set in till you have a burn out .And still you  may get a complaint from your boss  in the morning that you did not receive his call when he called you on your mobile in the late evening.The work has a tendency to spill over  for 24 hours a day.

                            Does this efficient communication internet and mobile , obviate the necessity of  meeting people in person ?NNot necessarily .People may not be satisfied with  your quick return calls.You are never free.

                 Lou Gerstner(former chairman of the board   and  chief executive officer of IBM  from April 1993 to 2002 ) had a habit of bringing suitcases of work home with him every night.But things have changed drastically since then .There was an era when people sought connections with each other, by moving around .We are now in an era where we have to decide when and where to disconnect  -both electronically and socially.We have to face this new Connectivity Paradox.There is no other choice.