Govind Gujar: entomologist's journey to understand the Society we live in

Papa (Me, an observer in the drama): Vasundhra a little chubby daughter has been in talkative mood throughout the day. It has been lovely day for her, with assignments done, tasty food in the belly, little chats with friends being happy and now spreading her love around the home with us. Here She is with her grandpa. Grandpa: (sitting on a sofa, with a cup of tea and some biscuits, enjoying a bit in his own world; walks to a balcony facing garden) Excited as he is, talks loudly of beautiful flowers, manicured little trees lining it and those seasonal plants in the centre exuding their green and other bright colours. Vasundhra: (joins him in the balcony) How lovely is our little garden, grandpa? Grandpa: Call it Gulistan...and not chaman. Vasundhra: What is difference? Grandpa: Gulistan means a beautiful large garden while Chaman is small one. Why call it little one, when my vision is far and wide for it. Vasundhra: Thanks, Grandpa. Grandpa: Yes, it is very lovely, beautiful Gul...

Coronavirus, Covid19 has brought in untold sufferings to many people, most of those were daily wage earners Lockdown 1st phase 24 March 2nd 14th April 3rd: 3 rd May 4th 17th May-31st May 2020 Lockdown has now become an integral part of our psyche and living, which means stop all social and economic activities and get locked up in your homes or shelters and other institutions provided by the Government if you are so unlucky to land up there. Probably this is also most hated word by now amongst masses who earned their livelihood daily and earned their bread with pride. As a result of lockdown, they were deprived of the sources of livelihood and forced to beg or live on the charity provided by the Government and other NGOs. And this was the only solution that the Government thought as Corona infection is known to spread through air and physical contact with those who are infected via or from the ones who came in contact with the source of infection, thought to be in City of Wuhan ...

Background : Vasundhra was enjoying her peace in solitude on the terrace of the building where she lives in an apartment with her parents during this critical lockdown times. Coronavirus, Covid19 has taken its toll on the young mind. It was a relief. However, it did not last for long. The uncle slammed the door (literally on her face, may I say in this e-way). She is still sulking, often seen sitting alone in the corner of the room, sorry at the far end of the sofa in the so-called 12x15 hall, sometime watching TV showing plight of migrants working trying to go home from cities. And yesterday it was Ram vs Ravan debate after a great discovery of ancient ruins of temples, findings of extraordinary value in his birthplace [In this country, great inventions and discoveries are made public through newspapers and TV channels]. And keeping this tradition on, some patriotic TV channels were having great debates on these findings excavated (or collected) from the surface with tractor drawn p...

A few days ago, I was involved in the argument that took an ugly turn. A member of managing committee of our housing Society phoned me to gather support for opening up the terrace. I told her that you can get a key from security person and open it for your use, then close it and give back the key to the security. She told that the Security man has refused to give key. It was insulting for a member of managing committee to face it. In my past experience, I got the key for using it for few hours. I requested the Secretary of the Society immediately that those keen to wander around on terrace during this critical times of Corona lockdown may be allowed to do so. It has been quite a long time for members to be confined to their homes and if some like it, they may use terrrace for few hours. Corona lockdown has strained and drained some especially women more psychologically. It is quite natural that some would like different outlet to smoothen their nerves. Our neighbours are seen early m...

Time just flies away. Yes, it does. But when do you realise it? More often in old age, when film of those years that you had acted in passes through your mind. I am father of two grown up children, who are in hurry as always or busy as always. And this realization occurred more often after I am retired. Let us think of episodes in the past, just few days ago or few months ago when perception of time was different for you and them. Me: Beta, I will be coming a bit late to receive you at the airport. You may have to wait. Beta: Oh, I will have to wait that long....(wait might be just in minutes), but the expression is long enough to include miles and miles of wait (of course in hours or days). [Constrast it with the wait you showed at the school gate to receive them; or in front of examination hall at the time of their board examinations or in front of college/University to procure the form for admission or just to drop at the school or college, as it was getting too late for she...

                    Chhoti si baat   Me: I need warm water for bath She: It is summer now. Why do you need it? Me: true, yet I like warm water for bath She: It is too quick for the Geyser to heat up these days Me: Ok I am going to bathroom She: It should have become quite hot by now. Me: I just switched on the geyser. Only few minutes in. She: I know, it is quite fast for geyser to heat up. Me: Ok, let me wait until I am sure She: Ok, keep the geyser on as long as you want (with sarcastic  tone) Me: Ok She: How does it matter even if electricity bill soar up Me: Don't worry, I will pay! She: (Retortingly) Yes, why should I worry?. I know you will pay what ever is that. Me: Ok She: Electricity supply is unending (snide remarks) Me: I know that. But it (a good bath with lot of warm water) is my chhota sa shauk (small hobby) She: Yes, you must complete your shauks, not matter what season it is,...