Saving our ecosystems (SOEs)

COVID-19 and subsequent lock down has brought lots of problem to the masses. People couldn't go out, play, eat, and work. Schools, Colleges, Workplaces were all closed and streets were empty. But in all these troubling times, something good also happened.
Pollution was decreased, wild animals roamed freely, many farm animals lived to see another day, many plants and trees too might have got another day of life. Human as a species had to stop their daily activities and surely that had some impact on some living being, their habitat as we held back a little...to encroach their ecosystem.

We do have animal right organisations like PETA, NGOs and independent people working for the cause of environment. Summits as made for climate change and nations call for saving the habitat through national parks.

Does these works..Yes, until an environmental activist, NGO or Environmental friendly Govt. is present (like in Europe, India). But then, when greed comes, people forget sustainable development, depending on who controls the govt, people, or policies.(China, USA, Brazil).

Why can't there be a permanent solution to these problems? Why is there a feeling of helplessness?
The world is big, and million of businesses are flourishing by exploiting the natural resources. (Mining, Industries, Real estates)

Environment protection and preserving the habitat is difficult as it is a volunteer service and relies on people's goodwill. It's not feasible against corrupt or greedy people and poor or hungry people. We need to see the things from different perspective to achieve some kind of permanent solution. What is one thing that lasts long?
Answer is: Money or Business! Environment activism won't last if taken as Charity, but work only as a flourishing Business!
We are working towards it but it still lacks popularity, richness, political backing. So, I just thought some ideas regarding this problem.

One should take inspiration from our surroundings. What we lack is a big, powerful, rich, with political backing, an umbrella organization that can regulate, promote and maintain sustained and aggressive activities to protect our environment. Let us name this organization " Saving our ecosystems (SOEs).

Why SOEs? Because environment is nothing but amalgamation of multiple ecosystems. Many minor ecosystems that we ignore, might just be the essential habitat to protect and promote natural life cycle.
Imagine, like Chinese companies and their debt trap policies, that countries are forced follow, even knowing that it is against their national interests. Their diplomacy and management ideas can be used for promotion. Think of Amazon, Uber, and OYO services...that we can use for bringing every environment related business under SOEs and make SOEs a multi billion success.

To the ethical businessmen, who donates billions for many causes, they can join and start SOEs or like minded Business (not Charity) and promote: Solar energy, Electric vehicles and charging centers, Agribusiness, Biodiesel, Herbal products, Internship and skill development program, market nature related tourism, take tenders to maintain natural parks and reserves.

Not only it provides earning opportunities to locals, but also provide awareness and practice of environmental protection. One can also promote veganism and vegetarianism under such organization.( Although Animal husbandry in local manner should be also promoted).

There is another reason of bringing the name of SOEs: Promote individual family ecosystems in form of Gardens, Ponds, Trees among the masses. Either by monetary benefit or scholarship benifit, these can be promoted on institutional basis.

So friends, there are lot more to think about, but I would prefer you to expand your imagination, if you too care for our deleting ecosystems,habitats...damaging environment and bringing climate change.
After all, COVID-19 have given us an opportunity to sit back and ponder.

Floating..

Hello friends, this month have been a havoc, with many precious life lost. COVID-19 by SARS-CoV 2 has become a global pandemic. We have been seeing depressing news and valiant efforts of Healthcare professionals.
 Public is also facing trouble due to lock-down and curfew, with necessary goods running dry. I have to go to work though, on the empty roads and multiple check ups by police. Still, I would advice general public to sit put at home and spend time with families, catch up to some novels or books, or watch netflix and chill. (I have been binge watching some anime series too, after work)

Anyway, today I would be writing a simple poetry, just jumble up emotions. May be an act of diversion from present issues, be it professional or personal.. :)


Floating,
I have been,
away from the present,
also from the past.

Ah the clouds,
like a cottony mounds,
shrouding like a mist,
covering for the wish.

The dazzling shows,
and mellifluous music,
diversity of creations,
stirring up emotions.

And I seek,
only if it please,
sources so many,
satisfying the hunger.

Floating,
in colorful stories,
diving with imagination...
like I was dreaming.

Up and high,
as I soar,
feeling the wind,
feeling the cold.

Only if the time stops,
as I indulge,
unaware of my falling...
towards the ground below !

Cool guy

Hello friends, just an abstract song. It's been long since I was active here.

I might be a fool,
as I drive old school,
thinking of myself..
being a cool guy.

I whisper a song,
words of my own,
making out a rhyme,
like a cool guy.

wOO OOO ooo
OOO oooo ooo

There are some obstacles,
forces to be tackled...
breaking out of this restrains..
As I am being shy,
and I don't know why,
but I am loving this madness.

So open my path,
give me the way,
as I am passing through..
And I will smile,
showing off in style,
making you green with envy.

But I am being polite,
and I am being bright,
as I lead them on,
being a cool guy.

I will sing it loud,
even make a shout,
clearing all the doubts,
like a cool guy. 🙂

Novel Coronavirus 2019: an epidemic

Hello friends,

Today I would be writing about a burning topic that is worrying the world. It's novel coronavirus 2019 (2019 n-CoV).

It was first reported on December 31st in Wuhan, China. From then, it has affected over 28 countries with over 34000 positive cases and 724 deaths, mostly in Hubei province of China. Wuhan being it's capital and epicenter of this outbreak has faced the major fatalities. Outside China, only two fatalities, one from Philipines and one from Hong Kong.

Having said this, we need to first know about Coronavirus and what's its relationship with human being. Coronavirus family is a group of virus presents in the wild animals and some farm animals. The main source is bats who harbor the virus in their body. From Bats, it goes to secondary reservoir including cattle, camel, cats, snake, etc.

Coronavirus infecting human mostly cause milder to moderate respiratory infections like common cold, fever,muscle pain and respiratory difficulties. But there are few outbreaks that cause severe respiratory infections including SARS and MERS.

SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome) an outbreak from China in 2003. It was spread from civet cats, who acted as secondary reservoir. It had a fatality rate of 9%.
MERS (Middle eastern respiratory syndrome) It affected the middle east including Saudi Arabia, Egypt . It was affected to people involved with camels or drinking camel milk. It had a fatality rate of 40% in Arabian peninsula. It is said that the camel got it from cave bats.

Novel coronavirus 2019 (2019 n-CoV) is too said to have transmitted from bats, snakes. As most early cases same from people who went to seafood and meat market of Wuhan. Some new evidences also say that Pangolin meat also be responsible.

From all these informations we could say that human desire for wild animals and not using enough protections like masks and gloves while dealing with farm animals or wild animals are responsible for bringing these disease to our body. We were not the natural host to coronavirus, so we should avoid their meat.

Symptoms of most coronaviruses include Cough, Fever and Respiratory difficulties. While other coronavirus have also upper respiratory symptoms like rhinorroea (running nose), Sore throat. But this 2019 n-CoV has more lower respiratory symptoms like cough, respiratory difficulties and even pneumonia.

Transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets when we cough or sneeze. It can also be spread from cloths or other materials used by sick persons.

Diagnosis is not yet present in all states and in India only NIV (National institute of Virology) Pune.

Treatment is mostly supportive as no antivirals are effective against it. If the condition of patient gets serious, they had to admitted in the hospital and their vitals need to be monitored. Although in some hospitals of China and Thailand, two anti-HIV drugs had found to be effective in certain patients.

Vaccines have not been developed yet but research in ongoing.

Coming to Wuhan novel coronavirus 2019, we need to take certain precautions;

1: Avoid travelling to China, specifically the Hubei province, atleast for few months till epidemic subsides.
2: Avoid close contact with sick persons who came from China in recent days. as there might be chance that they are harboring coronavirus.
3: If you are sick, and have any doubts, visit nearest hospital. Chances are, if you are a suspected case, your blood sample and nasopharyngeal swab will be taken for testing.
4: Always follow hand hygiene and personal hygiene. Wash your hands for atleast 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Wear masks while going out to high risk places.
While sneezing and coughing, try to use hand kerchief, or your elbow to cover mouth. Use disposable tissues.
5: Thoroughly cook food including meat. Avoid raw meat and surely avoid eating wild animals.

Hope, I have spread some awareness about novel coronavirus (2019 n-CoV). If we follow all precautions, we shouldn't be that worried about it. It's fatality rate is only 2% , that's mostly include patients that had highest viral exposure.
We should be aware and remain vigilant to avoid the risks.

Fasting: a path to weight loss

Hello friends,

Today I would be speaking about this topic which has a much wider impact in our society. As we know that due to today's lifestyle, more and more people are falling into the prey of obesity and diabetes. Also the many food chains, delivery apps are much more inviting than the old times. 

This topic was discussed in our hospital recently when one NRI doctor came for some discussions about it. It was more of an awareness program and supported by presentations of many statistically significant outcomes. The talk mostly deals with correlation of insulin with obesity and how we can change our lifestyle to remain slim and also acquire our dream figure.

First of all, I would like to talk about insulin. It is a hormone that is secreted from pancreas and helps in reducing sugar level in blood. The problem is the way it reduces the sugar in blood as it promotes absorption of carbohydrates like glucose from blood into liver, fat and skeletal muscle. 

Normally it's a good mechanism as it helps store the carbohydrate at the times of need when we don't get food or suffer from hunger. But that's not the case in human as we get food almost anytime we want and the more insulin acts, more we become fat.

So, from what I understood from his lecture was that we need to give the opportunity to our body to act naturally. That's why fasting comes into place. Fasting as we know, has been present through ancient times as many of us fast because of social or religious reasons. There were also stories of people fasting for many days like in Navratri festival. Also there are fasting in special days like Monday, Tuesday, Saturday etc. 

From ancient times people knew the value of fasting and we were told that fasting helps the body to rest. The same technique is now being tested scientifically and many successes have been achieved.

The obese persons lose weight, diabetes was reversed and even some cancers too showed significant improvements.

So, how fasting works? 

Fasting helps in utilization of excess fat in the body and also prevents deposition of extra fats. One can still drink fluid so fasting as itself won't harm even if one fasts for 2-3 days. ( exceptions were diabetic patients on medications and persons with less body fats)

As there is a gap between intake of food and also decrease in volume of food intake, less insulin is secreted by the body and thus less deposition of fats. Slowly, when one increases the frequency of fasting for example, skipping breakfast or lunch, proceeding to having only one meal a day. 

It has been seen that people have even reduced almost 25-30 kg in few months by following this regimen (obese persons, person >120 kg). But even a 80 kg person lost 5 kg in 3 months as per him. It varies person to person.

As much I have researched after his lecture, I could tell that he was telling the truth. I have a sedentary lifestyle as I work in a laboratory, and analyzing data in a computer. That's why I normally avoid heavy meals and walk at least one km a day. It helped me maintain my weight but there is no loss of weight. 

I have decided to try fasting method and really hope that you could try it too. :)

Addiction

Its so cool, so fun,
It could be the one,
must try and savor,
blessings of entertainments !


I started early,
was for my own good,
when I hold the book,
for the wisdom is infused!

Days passed, I was engrossed.
unaware of my childhood,
and discovered before long,
that I was not much young.

Sports came, making waves,
it was time for cricket,
on screen, or the grounds,
bringing me the joy abound !

Gone were the story books,
I was preoccupied,
and discovered before long,
that I was not much teenager.

Studies it was,
for I had a dream,
years passed as I learned,
to achieve the results.

Gone were the playful days,
I was so engaged,
and discovered before long,
was not much of a young adult.

Disenchanted I was,
the struggle was real,
then like a shining light,
came music and movies.

I was too immersed,
college life was no concern,
and discovered before long,
still have to find my love.

Then were the hectic days,
higher studies and personal cause,
failures and disappointment sets,
as I searched for an escape.

And I discovered a new hope,
great TV series of world,
and discovered before long,
that I am getting old.

I am now working,
but know the truth,
of cycles of addiction,
be it love or passions.

Some get addicted to love,
or descend into the lust,
alcohol, drug or even food...
that needs our attention.

Not mine but story of all,
addictions makes us unavailable,
new one sets in as old one go,
to escape this cycle of boredom !!

Sikharpur days ( The surprise-part 2)

In the middle of a forest, away from the civilization, the sight that welcomes the children was a majestic palace. A palace full of dazzling lights coming from everywhere. There were precious gems, intricate stairways, beautiful chandelier on the roof, artistic wall paintings that the children had never seen.

" What on earth are these? " Sambhu was first to speak as others have their mind gotten blank.
"These things should be in the capital and not here, in this forest.." Lochan added.

"Indeed so, this place looks so out of place that it's suspicious." Dhanush tried to be the sane voice in the group and was cautious of the implications of this palace.
" But, this is so beautiful, I want to look around first, can I?" Lata asked with innocent puppy eye look.
" No, No...it could be dangerous and we have to return too" Dhanush denied even though his heart too wavering by the looks of the treasures in front of him.

" Don't worry, I had looked all around and no one is here." Parvati answered to assure Dhanush.
" We can't be too sure, It's not possible for such a place to be left unattended." Dhanush said again to counter Parvati.
" If any thing happens, I will protect you all." Parvati said and laughed.
" We can save ourselves, you should take care of yourself first. Running away to this place without telling us first, what if there was danger lurking here? " Sambhu retorted. He didn't liked the idea of being protected by a girl even if she had her spirit powers.

" Dhanush please, only for some time.' Lata again requested, ' We mightn't get another time to explore these treasures."
"Yes, yes...I would be with Lata all the time.' Parvati also requested, ' There are more things to see on the upper floors."

Dhanush looked towards the staircase. It was a spiral one with elegant railings. It goes to upper floor which were a little further to be seen. After much thoughts, Dhanush finally agreed and joined the group for exploration.

" Can we take some of these things home?" Lochan said as he was mesmerized by such exquisite things in front of him."
" Noooo...no one will touch anything." Dhanush ordered, ' we don't know anything about it and these things are nothing but trouble if people get to know about it!"
" I too agree with Dhanush, have you forgot about the bandit attacks??" Lata supported him too.

The children remembered the bandit attack. Even though it was an adventure and bring out their courage. They saved their village from their bravery but many were hurt and could have been killed.
No one wants that to happen again, so all agreed.

The children walked in the staircase and divided into two groups. Lata and Parvati went to the right as parvati had something to show to Lata while the boys went to the left side.

" Alright friends, lets explore all the rooms one by one and then meet here after 10 minutes. Then we will change sides." Dhanush gave the instructions, "lets spread out."

"Yeahhhhh" All the children shouted in unison.

The doors looked majestic with smooth doorknobs, easier to hold and thankfully opened. Not a single room was locked. The first room that the boys entered had a big king size bed, different kind of furniture that they had never seen. They looked around and after getting satisfied, went to another room.
Each room had a bed, furniture but with different wall paintings, and stone sculptures. The first one had a young lady holding a pot of water. The second one had a big guy with a sword, the third one was of a slim young boy holding a bow and arrows. The fourth one was of a old man with long beard, he was holding something like a staff and finally the fifth room was of a little girl, just standing.

They didn't understand it's meaning but it looked as if the rooms were designed as to match the sculptures personality. The old man's room had a mature look while the little girl's room had many cute things placed. There were also some wooden dolls with woolen dress placed on the shelf.
They were so mesmerized by all the things they saw that they forgot the time. It was when Dhanush realized it, he called all the boys back and went near the staircase.

Waiting for them were the two girls. They were smiling and laughing together. Lata's eyes were sparkling like she had seen something of great pleasure. Dhanush and boys got curious and also wanted to tell about the rooms that they visited. And thus they met.

" You don't believe what we saw!" The kids shouted in the unison.


-------------- to be continued------

Sikharpur days ( The surprise--part 1)

Crack...crack, The twig broke beneath the feet of Dhanush, making other children startled by the sound. They got closer and Lata hold Dhanush's arm tightly. One can't blame them to be scared as the forest they were traveling through was kind of eerie. With a sudden gust of wind, came the creepy laugh from above them, it was Parvati!

" Hee hee heee......who is scared kitty out here," Parvati said with a sniker.
"Pa r v a t iiii....??" Lata shouted with a angry voice. She doesn't like to be frightened.
" Sorry, sorry...couldn't help...' Parvat showed a genuine smile, 'Don't you trust me, you will enjoy what I will show!"

"But when will you show us? " Sambhu complained, we also have to return."
"Yes, Parvati...how much time it will take??" Dhanush added. He had to bring the children back home before night. They had already wasted some time by bathing in the waterfall.

"We will reach soon, just a few minutes" Parvati assured them as the path got much more darker. Cobwebs were displaying on the old trees, with noises of insects making the ambiance less welcoming.

The children trusted Parvati and knew that she is telling the truth and it might be a good surprise but human instincts do have some effect on them. It makes them wary and cautious to their surrounding.
They were silent, observing the forest as they went through the weary path, barely walkable for the children and probably been avoided by the villagers. But then, Parvati had explored the place and deemed it safe, assuring the children. They were curious of what lies ahead. Whatever it it, it would be a great adventure awaiting, much more that the enjoyment of the waterfall.

" We are finally here !" Parvati announced, bringing the small party to a halt.
 It was bright out there and the children eyes took some time to adjust to the brightness.

" It's so bright out here, Lata are you alright?" Dhanush asked as he took Lata's hand and pulled her to the front. Their feet were on a soft grass and as their eyes adjusted, they were welcomed with a great sight.

The trees were laden with fruits , and the bush were so full of blooming flowers of different colors. They are red, some pink, bright yellow and pure white. It smelled nice and small butterflies are hovering around them.

" Hey look, there are some structures." Lochan signaled his fingers towards his right. He was little far from the group, so Sambhu and Dhanush went near him to get it to their view.

" Where? Sambhu asked as he reached near Lochan.
" Its beyond the streams. You can see that bridge out there?" Lochan gave him the direction, he was always good with his eyes.

Dhanush and Sambhu strained there eyes and could see the bridge some hundred meters farther to them from where they stand. As they tried harder, they could see some stone structures like a house.

" Yes, I could see, it's like some house. Is it a village?" Dhanush said as he found out what Lochan was looking at.

"Where, I could only see the bridge and nothing more." Sambhu replied.

The kids went to Parvati and asked about the same.

" Well, this is a start,  your real surprise is beyond that bridge,' Parvati answered to them, ' Lochan, good job finding the bridge."
" The fruits look so ripe and delicious, Dhanush please help me pluck some of them."
" Yes, we will help, but first the surprise." Sambhu said impatiently, as he really wanted to know about the surprise and couldn't see the structures that both Lochan and Dhanush were talking about.

" Then what are we waiting for, lets go..." Parvati said as she took the children towards the bridge.

The children walked through the grassland, and reached the small stone bridge over a narrow stream of water flowing below. It was smaller than the bridge that they have in their village but it looked elegant yet old. They passed over it while admiring it's structure. It had clean edge without any breakage by wear and tear of time.

As the walked a little far, some another fifty meters, they came across a magnificent stone structure. Is it a house, a temple or a palace? It was large structure, big walls with engravings of different animals.

" It's beautiful," Lata exclaimed as she walked around the structure. They were from village and would seldom come across such an structure. They had heard about such big houses and palaces in the capital only in stories or travelling merchants.
" Yes, it is but wait till you enter the house. It gets even better." Parvati proudly whispered near her ears and pulled her hands to take her towards the gates. The children followed her as they were already speechless to come across such a fascinating palace in the middle of the forest.

" What on earth are these things, " Lata shouted as she went inside the gates making the children run towards the girls. And what awaited the children was a sight to behold of!

-------------- to be continued-------------------

A person of recluse !

Being wary of the people,
away from the crowd,
and veil of eccentricity,
sticking to his shroud.
Raising a few eyebrows,
inquiring of his use,
his action being disgraceful,
as a person of recluse !


A childhood of dreams,
filled with innocent recreations,
winded within his world,
relishing of his passions!

The momentary friends of everyday,
some new games to play,
and the life was so simple,
with sense of fulfillment.

But time moved on,
friends being drifted apart,
studies then taking over,
with pressure of competition.

Society is made of class,
too hard for a gentle heart,
misled and being wayward,
before playing his own part !

Was it bullying or harassment,
being an object of ridicule,
or just plain disappointment,
between imagination and real?

Slowly and steadily,
seeking of some solitude,
immersing in the distractions,
finding something to be amused!

Some scolding of family,
suggestions of his friends,
neither reached his ears,
nor he mend his ways....

Now being an adult,
he let himself muse,
catch up with the society,
being tired of the abuse !

Again there were frustrations,
of regrets of his lassitude,
being detached and aloof,
found salvage in his recluse.

It's his story,
proceeding still on,
his action being disgraceful,
as a person of recluse !

Sikharpur days ( Mountain of west-The Waterfall-2)

White milky stream of water falling above them and deep pool underneath gave the kids ample opportunity to spread their wings. The warm sun rays were acting as support to them from the chilling cold water. It was loud, and fun as the guys were swimming in the pool while Lata near the shore where it was little shallow to her liking.

" Dhanush, check out my new move that I had learned from swimming in the village pond." saying so, Sambhu took a deep dive and remain inside for a while. Before Dhanush could realize, Sambhu jumped behind him.
" That was fats, how did you do that," Dhanush seemed surprised and admired his trick.

"Lata, take that..." Lochan threw handful of water to her face and laughed.
"What are you doing, go play with Sambhu...let me take my bath in peace.' Lata scolded Lochan, ' I wonder where is Parvati, It would have been fun if she was here."

With his mischief ignored, Lochan lost his interest and went towards the boys. Sambhu and Dhanush were having diving competition. Lochan joined them, though he was no match to them. Lata watched them from far, from her secure location. She had learned swimming but still remain cautious as she had promised her father.
" The guys are really having fun, and the waterfall looks great, I want to stand underneath it." Lata sighed while enjoying the view.
" The what is stopping you, go have fun." a soft whisper to her ear startled her. She looked back only to see Parvati standing there.
" Parvati, where have you been? We were so worried that you might get lost in unfamiliar place."  Lata said with a concerned voice.
" The way the guys are playing, they looked less worried about me," Parvati chuckled.
"Parvati..." Lata gave a fake pout, which make Parvati giggle more.
" No, no...I know you were worried as you are my best friend. But then...I can find you from above, is I ever get lost. Did you forget that I can fly?" Parvati sid with a smile.
" Yes..you can," Lata answered realizing the power of Parvati. The reason, the boys could play without concern was also because they believed in Parvati. But for her, she was a friend,  a young girl of her age. It makes her forget sometimes that the girl is actually a spirit, a being similar yet different form her.

" Why so gloomy face, I am still your friend. Also...I have a surprise for you all." Parvati said with a cryptic sound. But first, let me join the bath. I will take you towards the waterfall."

Parvati took Lata's hand and slowly moved towards the fall. The rocks were slippery at first, but later it become deeper and she swam freely with Parvati by her sides. The boys had drifted from the fall and were busy in their diving games. They hadn't realized Parvati's presence. It was magical for Lata as Parvati took her hand and slowly floated above her as they reached the fall. Lata felt the pressure of water falling from above which was partially diverted by Parvati for making it easier for Lata.
" It's great..thanks Parvati for you help." Lata shouted.
" Don't mentioned it. Now we can play here for a while. Parvati started diving and smimming around her. Before long, it was noon with sun above their head. The boys had already gone towards the shore and waiting for Lata to come. They saw Parvati with Lata and shouted them to return.
" Hey. Lata, Parvati....come back. Its getting hot out here." Dhanush called them back.
"Let's go back, Parvati, " Lata puuled Parvati's hand as she was immersed in her play.
" Alright, I am coming back." Parvati answered and both returned slowly with Parvati holding hands of Lata.

" Parvati, when you come back?" Sambhu asked her.
" Just when you were doing your monkey dive!" Parvati said with a mocking voice.
" What did you say..?" Sambhu was offended.

"Now, now..don't fight." Dhanush stopped the.
" Let's have our lunch...Uncle gave us some delicacies!" Lata said as a diversion.
" Yeah..I am so hungry for the play." Lochan said.

" Yes, the lunch..now I can have it freely." Parvati too spoke as she had to eat silently in the village as the children ate with their hosts.

" Yes, let's have it, then Parvati can share the surprise, she talked about," Lata was still curious about it.
" Surprise...what surprise?" Dhanush and Sambhu said in unison.

"Ahh, the surprise...I will tell you all about it.....prepare for it!!" Parvati said with her mysterious laugh.

The children were curious...

--------------- to be continued------------------

Luxury

Luxury,
the richness and comfort,
splendor of extravagance,
a lifetime of leisure.


Ah, world being the stage,
moving through the marketplace,
choices and preferences,
carefree, spending our days.

Being focused to out needs,
adding up to our greed,
we hangout, make merry,
cherishing with our breed.

Luxury indeed,
we live it out,
work and play,
life is all about.

Those silent screams,
desertion and despair,
being taken for granted,
obscured in the chaos.

Living in the bliss,
those loud noises,
the blinding brightness,
placed on their habitat.

Broken, torn in pieces,
poisoned, skewed faces,
captured or thrown out,
surrendered to their wishes!

Luxury indeed,
for, we don't matter,
everything you took,
that we had to offer.

Luxury,
virtue of knowledge,
convenience of facility,
diving into superfluity. 

Be it our innocence,
or lack of empathy,
reaction of competition,
or result of selfishness.

As long as we live,
expand as a species,
seeking out prosperity,
comfort of our facilities.

Fortunate we are,
for, we were cared,
our needs being met,
by devouring the resources.

Luxury,
longing of opulence,
living in excesses,
partaking nature resources.
But, we need awareness, 
for the sake of harmony,
who compensates our demands,
what's the price....of our luxury!!

Sikharpur days(Mountain of west-waterfall)

The path was continuous and straight as the children went back towards the road they took to come to the village.
" Narendra uncle told us that there is a small passage somewhere here?" asked Sambhu impatiently.
"It will come soon. Just keep your eyes open and look for the large Peepal tree." Dhanush answered.

Apparently, the nice sightseeing they wanted to have, was a famous waterfall of that village. They were early, so decided to have some adventure of their journey. The large peepal tree, as told by Narendra uncle, would be somewhere to their right and could be seen from the road.

"But I don't see any here," Sambhu complained as they walked through the dirt filled road.
" Why are you so impatient, just enjoy the walk!" Parvati commented as she flew from his side.
" You are the one to talk? Your feet is not even touching the ground!" Lochan protested.
"It's been a while that I went outside, let me have my fun!" Parvati ignored Lochan and laughed.

And so, the fight ensured as Lochan and Parvati started arguing. Dhanush tried to stop Lochan as Lata took hold of Parvati.
" Parvati, don't start a fight, we have a lot to cover!." Lata stated.
" Wait, do you hear something?" Dhanush pointed out.

Everyone stopped their activity and listened. Lata closed her eyes and moved her head towards the direction of the sound.

" It feels like bustling of the wind, from the dance of thousand leaves." Lata said,
" It's the Peepal tree, " Parvati said excitedly as she flew high to look for it. The children followed her. It was little far but withing reach.

The children found a small curve towards the right. It's smaller and hidden by bushes but a definite path as people had walked through it making it like a walkway.

"What did Narendra uncle told about the waterfall?" Sambhu asked.
" We have to take this path for half an hour and then turn left towards the rocky path above. It will take some time but then we will see it." Dhanush answered.

So, the children run as they have to save time too and now they have found their path. It was indeed as uncle told but they reached the rocky path earlier than expected. Now they had to be slower as it looked little dangerous for them to take. Parvati was in the front, followed by Sambhu and Lochan. Dhanush hold Lata's hand and slowly walked though the clearings away from obstructions

" Hah, ha, it's tiring,' Lochan said as he reached the top of the small hill, holding his knees and looked behind to see Sambhu and Dhanush slowly catching up. Parvati was circling around him.
" You all are so weak and slow," Parvati rued, " Let me go ahead and check around the place. It's towards this path?"
" Alright, you go ahead. I will come with Sambhu." Lochan replied.

"So, should we rest a little." Lata suggested.
Yes, I would like to have some." Dhanush said and he sat on a small rock while Lata settled on a patch of grass.
" Where's Parvati? I don't seee her here," Lata asked Lochan as he was the first to arrive.
" She went to explore the area.' Lochan answered, ' Should I go to find her?" Lochan had rested enough and wanted to go towards the waterfall.
" We will go together," Dhanush said firmly, as it was a unknown land, " Also, we could hear the sound of waterfall from here, it's near anyway."

It was prenoon and the children had rested enough. They decided to move, and Dhanush leaded the pack. As they finally reached their destination, they were greeted by sprinkles of water drops. The floor was slippery and in front of them was a big waterfall, with water reflecting as white, it looked like milk.
"It's magnificent, I have never seen something like this."Sambhu was in trance.
" Yeah, it's beautiful," Dhanush agreed as he saw the water falling from above.

" Everyone, be careful and watch your steps" Dhanush was in leader mode.
" Where is Parvati? " Lata asked.
" We will look for her later,' Sambhu said, ' first let's have a bath"

The children got excited and took out their clothes. Lata went to a small pond, as it was shallow and she could have little privacy.
The boys jump staight to the fall below. They were strong and confident. The pool below look deep and devoid of rocky formations, an ideal place to dive.

" It was great,' lochan shouted, ' its been a while that we had such a great bath"
" Yeah, let's have fun" Sambhu shouted back.

The noise of the fall was masking their sounds. But they didn't care as they laughed and shouted and played with water as much as they can.

------ to be continued-------

Infectious Syndromic Testing: The next step for diagnosis

Diagnosis of multiple pathogens in a single test: Saving time,  saving life

Clinical microbiology is transforming with the advent of newer technologies. Molecular technologies are opening up new avenues.  One of such technologies that came recently in the field of laboratory  diagnosis isFilmarray technology. It’s a nested multiplex PCR. 
It’s advantages are diagnosis of multiple pathogens involving diversity of organisms including Bacteria, Viruses, Fungus and Parasites. 

When a patient presents at a hospital, Clinician in a hospital expects from the Microbiological laboratory to diagnose the presence of infection, and report of the same as early as possible. Routine  diagnosis techniques are slow and takes hours to days to be reported.  But with the arrival of  Filmarray technologies, everything will change. The diagnosis of multiple organisms can be done in  60 minutes.  It’s a molecular study in a closed setup, preventing contamination and increasing the  specificity of the test. 

So, with the introduction of panels like 1)Respiratory and Pneumonia panel, 2)BCID panel for sepsis, 3)Meningitis and Encephalitis panel, 4) Gastrointestinal panels,  has revolutionized  the field of clinical microbiology and also helped in speedy detection of infectious pathogens.  This has prevented the guesswork, and lead to more accurate diagnosis of the same. Since the test has high sensitivity and specificity,  it helped in correct diagnosis of infections present and resistance genes to antibiotics if any, thus it is also used for antibiotic stewardship in the hospital.

Since it detects multiple pathogens in one single panel test, it also prevent the days lost in multiple diagnosis forum like conventional culture,  serology testings, and even PCR detection of single microorganism. There are many bacteria and viruses which can't be detected by any of these methods because of cost constraints, but are included in these panel, thus making it more easier to detect.

Finally, Molecular Diagnostic technologies are the future, as they are time saving and accurate. Though it's in nascent stage in Indian laboratory diagnosis scenario, but more and more hospitals are taking up these technologies to help detect infections. 
It's costlier than conventional diagnosis techniques but when one compare it with the total money spent in medical diagnosis and treatment,  length of hospital stay and resulting increase in morbidity and mortality of patients, it's the best option available today.