Magic Of Seven Hills

Satara: Day 1 Reaching early morning around six, breathing the fresh air and feeling the coolness it much felt like a pleasant place to be in. After short listing some places, we decided to visit Pratapgad fort first. We started our journey with lot of enthusiasm. On our way to Pratapgad, we had to cross Ghats which for me was a difficult time because I fear heights. But as all of us were talking, discussing about the beauty of the place and other things I completely forgot about Ghats and my fear. It was a totally different feeling to be there as it was very special experience that I had because I love nature and to see such a beautiful place was not what I was expecting from Satara. And this was all because of a project which I was not interested in doing.

Pratapgad was really a wonderful place. The mist, the greenery, rains and the cool breeze was a rejuvenating feeling. There were not many tourists there. Pratapgad has its own significance as the historically famous “battle of Pratapgad” was fought here. There were various stalls for handicrafts, typical Maharashtrian food and other stalls which were put up to let the people visiting there about their culture.

On our way back, I got a chance to see Mahabaleshwar which was again a very beautiful feeling because this all was all not expected. Rains made the places look more attractive. Fog was other part of monsoon season which was little difficult to deal with, as I could not capture the exquisiteness of the place. I also got a chance to see a reservoir of Koyna dam. There were small tree houses which I had never seen earlier. My first day in Satara unfolded a lot about this place. I was extremely happy and was also eagerly waiting for next day as we had really amazing places lined up. Satara: Day 2 My second day in Satara, started with us visiting Sajjangard fort. It was located on a very high hill. It had many other small temples in the fort which depicted the history of this fort. This place might not have any importance for other people but for a person like me who is very much into History and is very fond of historically important place, this means a lot. It added to my knowledge which I will always cherish.

Then we visited Thoseghar waterfalls, a place which I was impatiently waiting to see. When we reached here, I heard the sound of gushing water and I was so excited to actually see it. And to add to our fun, it started raining. The chilling breeze in any way did not affect my excitement. And finally, I saw what I was waiting for. It was a magnificent sight. Beautiful green mountains and the waterfall looked so mesmerizing. I was totally lost in the beauty of the place. To capture this scenic beauty was not possible as it was raining heavily, so I have captured the place as it was in my memory and it will always be there and I can recall it whenever I want to.

I also got to see Shivaji’s palace. It was huge and extremely well made structure. But due to security reasons, we were not allowed inside. Nevertheless, I was content to see the place. We also visited Ajinkyatara Fort. It was 3,300 feet above the sea level. The weather there was amazing and the view was just too good. It was a place which over-looked the entire Satara city.

My second day in Satara was very satisfying. I got to see the places which I wanted to see. The next day in Satara was my last day, so I wanted to make the most of it and see all the places I could. Satara-Day 3

My last in Satara was very well planned and we had to visit the places that were on the list. It started off with a confusion which was sorted later. So actually my day started with us visiting Yavateshwar temple. It was one of the oldest temples in the outskirts of Satara. It was a pleasant feeling to visit such an ancient temple which had its own importance. Then we left for Kaas, which is also known as ‘Plateau Of Flowers’.

I was expecting Kaas to be one of the most beautiful places that I had ever seen. But It was not so. It was pretty but we were unfortunate as the flowers had not yet bloomed. Then we saw Kaas Lake. It was a nice feeling to see such a beautiful place and the rains made it look much more beautiful.

Overall Satara was an amazing experience for all of us. I got to see places which I never thought I would ever see. Food in Satara was simply delicious and had its own typical flavors. People in Satara were always ready to help us in whatever possible. I have many memories about Satara which I will always value. And it was all because of a college project which I never thought would be fun.

Indian poetess- Mirabai

I was just going through the poets and poetess of India, when I came across Mirabai. She was born in 1504 AD and was the Queen of rajasthan.Mira is known for the many bhajans that she left behind.These bhajans are in praise of Lord Krishna and held in great esteem for their high literary value.

UNBREAKABLE

Unbreakable, O lord,
Is the love,
That binds me to you
Like a Diamond,
It breaks the hammer that strikes it.
My heart goes into You
As the polish that goes into gold
As the lotus that lives in water
I live in You.
Like the bird
That gazes all the night
At the passing moon,
I have lost myself dwelling in you.
O my Beloved- RETURN.

-Mirabai.

About The Poem.

The Poem Unbreakable expresses Mirabai's unconditional love towards her beloved lord Krishna. In spite of the restrictions from her in-laws, family she walked on her own path, facing many negative consequences. She identifies herself in her love and wants him to return to her as soon as possible as she cannot live her life without him. Her life is incomplete without him.

Orphanage

It was again because of a project given in my first year that helped me to know the the functioning of an orphanage and also the tragic story of the children studying there. Here is some information about the orphanage and also the children.

NARAYANCHANDRA TRUST. (Orphanage for street children-boys) Moregaon,Virar road,Nallasopara.(E). was started by Dr Malpane and his wife Dr Chandrakala Malpane. It was Mrs. Malpane’s dream to use their savings in such a way that it can be beneficial to a certain section of the society. So they decided to start an orphanage for street children especially boys.

This organization was recognized by government in the year 1990. It was established in Nallasopara in the year 2000 but the construction was started in the year 2007. It has a capacity of 50 children but currently it has 32 children. These boys are all street boys who either do not have parents or who have parents but they cannot effort to look after them.

This orphanage is currently running well with out any problems as their trust has sufficient finance to support the living of these children. They provide free education for the boys till 18 years of their age. They accept children only between ages of 6-8 years. Because at this age they can mould the minds of children in their own way, which will be fruitful in the coming years of their life.
It also works according to the guidelines set by the penal court. It follows the Bhiwandi court process of balkalyan samiti. It has certificates given by the income tax departments. It does not have adoption facility but they are looking for foster families for these children. Because after 18 years they will have to leave the orphanage and stand on their own feet. The orphanage will provide them with finance they need for their education but will not provide shelter. Hence they are searching for foster parents who can guide these children when they step out of the orphanage.

RAMU.

• Name: Ramu.
• Age: 7 years.
• Parents: Mother and Father dead.
• Found: Ramu was found in a toilet and thus was send to a remand home. But no one recognized him and hence through court procedures he was sent to this orphanage.
• Current status: Ramu studies in a government school, Marathi Medium and wants to join police in future.

SHANKAR.

• Name: Shankar.
• Age: 10 years.
• Parents: There is no clue about his father. His Mother was a prostitute but she is also dead.
• Found: Shankar was found in remand home and was sent to this orphanage.
• Current status: Studies in 5th standard and likes drawing. Can operate computers and has basic knowledge about computers. In future wants to become an artist because he likes painting and drawing a lot.

I only hope that these students study well as they are provided with best of the opportunities this orphanage can provide and make their future bright.

Zoology

It was during my zoology presentation that I realized how irritating it is when people make noise and disturb when you are giving a very important presentation and which is very important because you will be marked for it.

It all started when one day our media studies ma’am gave us a project. It was that we had to select a department in our college and study the various fields in it, different careers and their scope in India. And then make a video covering all the information about zoology and we had to screen it for zoology students also. We were also required to make a brochure and a pamphlet for the same.

As soon as the project was given, I was very excited to work on this project because I wanted to select zoology as it was totally different from our course and thus thought it would be interesting. We registered our group and our department. But are ma’am old us that it is not easy to deal with the head of the department of zoology. This did scare us but at the same time she told us that she will help us out if we have any problems.

Time passed by and the date of this project submission was close. We prepared a list of questions that we were supposed to ask science students, their parents and also the zoology students of Wilson College. Everything went on well. Our video was ready but we had to screen it to the zoology department.

NAAC is supposed to visit our college in the days to come. So all the professors and staff were busy with their department work. But still the staff of zoology department was very helpful to give us all the information needed and also the students. Now our problem was that we had to screen the video for the students but we were not given a date. Pleading Prof.Dange we finally got a date but we had to submit our project on the same day. Dange sir specially spoke to our ma’am and helped us out.

Finally the day we had to screen our video arrived and we all were very excited as it was our first presentation for unknown audience. We screened the video for nearly 40 students and all of them seemed happy and satisfied with our work. There were students who pointed out our mistakes. Overall it was fun to work on this project because we not only learned about zoology but also different interesting fields and scope of this field.

Life

Life is a mystery,
It has a lot of background and history.
It has its own ups and down's,
But it makes you laugh like a clown.

Life is precious,
But you need to be cautious.
You earn from your mistakes'
And you have a lot of heart breaks.

It might be sad,
but it's not at all bad.
You'll learn to have fun,
During the life long run.

It's a one way road,
But still we want more.
You should accept the things the way they are,
Or else you will land up in a beer bar.

Enjoy your life the way its comes,
because it has happy memories some.
Give it a glance,
or else you'll miss out a wonderful chance.