Cartoon Footprint

The current times have seen a tremendous growth, effect and implications of the animation industry. No wonder that then I felt it absolutely necessary to understand the impact of this in our daily life. I am talking about the CARTOONS in all its forms and the joy it has brought or taken away from us. A baby is first introduced to the cartoon characters in the first few days itself. All baby things like clothes, bottles, nappies, toys etc have atleast one cartoon character on it. Not to forget that even we admire such designs. The craze for the cartoons is thus set because not only is it attractive for its colours, but it also means that the baby has been introduced to a friendly version of the animal kingdom. As a child, we will realize that all kids things like pencil, eraser, pencil box, lunch box, watter bottles etc have the cartoons imprinted. Over a few years, this cycle is repeated, very much like 'History repeats itself'.

The animation industry too has bloomed through its advanced techniques as shown in motion pictures, serials etc so much so that at times it takes an effort in identifying the real world from the animated version. The concept of being kind to animals is cleverly shown through the introduction of talking animals. No wonder that kids expect animals to do the talking !! Movies like Lion King, Happy Feet, Madagascar etc have indeed brought out the problems and difficulties faced by the flora and fauna; which is an eye opener for us all, but at the same time the younger generation is mislead from the hard realities of the jungle life that the animals face.

The amount of effort put in by various technical and non technical people in coming up with innovative ideas, is huge. At the same time, the resources developed and utilized for maintaining such ideas on animation; is large. A rampant use of resources has increased the carbon foot print all over the world. A recent news about a giant balloon on a minion (cartoon character) interested me. The huge balloon had collapsed on a busy road and had brought the entire traffic to a stand still till the balloon could be removed. Such a huge cartoon footprint surely needed a mention in the daily worldly reporting. And this makes me wonder about the enormity of the situation that we have actually initiated and developed.       

The Convention

Early, one cold Sunday morning, a commotion of a large number of crows, brought me to the window showing the grand Gulmohar tree with its branches trimmed. I was surprised to see so many crows sitting on one tree and caw-cawing away with their gaze upon a common thing of interest.

At first, I hardly noticed what they were looking at, for all crows are known to care for their kindred and it is believed that cawing crow means the arrival of a guest. But surely a large number of crows were in no mood to tell me something. They were here wit some purpose of their own; probably a meeting to sort out some issue or mourn another crow's death.

Then I noticed something else, they would all fly from one tree to another, together and come back to the same tree which showed their common point of interest. I thought maybe a snake would be going back and forth and was attracting the crow's attention. I noticed a peculiar brown dotted object on one of the branches. "Oh! so this snake is a reason for the whole discussion", so I thought. But, the snake would not move. "Maybe its dead".

By now, all people in the vicinity were getting curious and looking towards the crows. My inquisitiveness into the matter started gaining ground when my daughter came with her binoculars. At the same time, one of the crows mustered enough courage to check on the confusing object and it started to peck on it. And then it realized that it was nothing more than a piece of cloth. The other crows also saw the futility of the discussion once the whole mystery was solved.

All the crows who were till now cawing suddenly lost interest and flew away ! It appeared as though a decision to a common problem was reached and corrective measures taken. If a bird such as a crow can understand this then I am sure most people who involve themselves in conventions should also see the logic behind it and act accordingly.

A bird in bush is two in hand !!

I am sure you find the saying not correct, but I have purposefully written it for a situation when I heard strange noises coming from the children's bedroom. They sounded like some animals quarelling or a new instrument playing or most probably a new mobile ringtone. With a perplexed mind, I went to see if my daughter was upto some prank or enjoying somebody else's prank.




And there she was making some interesting noises and looking out of the window; window which overlooked the potted plants and a beautiful garden of lush green lawn and a very serene marble temple. Curious, I went to her to enquire about the significance of these beating of vocal chords. I was happily given an answer that this was for the purpose of calling out so many birds to come and sit on the window sill and talk to her. And for inviting these birds, she was making so many types of noises.




This was quite a revelation to me. I had never thought of inviting birds by calling out to them near a window. And the stranger thing was yet to come. In one of the potted plants stood one paper parrot that my child had made in her craft class. She was using this piece of art as a bait to attract birds and sit on the window sill and to make the effect of bird, authentic, she was making noises imitating all possible varieties of birds !



So much planning done for the sole purpose of having a birdie friend. It made me wonder about the original English proverb of having a bird in hand is equal to two in the bush. We tend to forget what we have and start looking at something which is indeed there but has its own freedom too! At times, we should be only admiring the freedom of such beings and appreciate the fact that happiness comes from feeling free. Take away the freedom and we are faced with sadness and suffocation.



Things in nature are to be admired not desired.



And here is my daughter, trying to befriend her nature friends by using an artificial bird and noises to have one such bird and coming and singing with her. Indeed, the purpose of this activity is having a bird friend and not owning it.



My child is also like a bird, having the freedom to choose and express her thoughts and the best that I can do as a parent is only admire and respect her way of expressing her feelings and not strangle them.

I am Magnificent

I am Magnificent

Standing tall on the mountainous slopes of the Konkan region, I breathe with pride the fresh air and the warmth of the newly watered soil. The first rain has been a boon for me and my baked and cracked skin. Ah! Those hot summer days! They send a shiver down my spine. Birds around me would be so happy in the mornings to welcome the sun and a new day but by midday, they would all retire in their cozy nests, away from the sun’s glare.

I have no other place to go except to be on the slopes, holding the soil in place and watching the day break and sun set. No other similar friend in the vicinity to talk to me and hear me talk of my thoughts.

“I long to go out and play,
and sway my arms to the music, all day.
How I wish I could also jump with joy
and run like the lanky boy. “

The Konkan Express passes me by everyday. The train is such an elegant piece of man’s creation! With such dignity and majestic stature, the train breezes past the landscape, bringing life to all and I swell with pride just waving at it. That’s life. Life is indeed strange, I can only stand and wave!

What is it that pulls me down? Why not I climb mountains and cross the rivers? The greens and browns are sure for me, but why not I wish for the reds and blues of thee?

It is only when something holds me for support and climbs up and up, that I feel happy to have lent support. It is only when something grows near me that I find a friend and a companion. I am indeed happy to have them and the trains moving past me everyday. They whistle and huff and puff and I feel lucky to be there waving at so many passengers.

Life is indeed beautiful and I am also a part of it. So many souls look around to get a glimpse of the beautiful landscape and exclaim in delight, “wow! Such a magnificent tree!” Yes. Indeed I m the big and beautiful tamarind tree. Kids love to come and have the sour fruit. I bear with dignity their attempts at getting the fruit. Its so nice to feel wanted and at the same time want all to come to me, build homes on my branches and sing to the world. Mother nature has always been fascinating to me.