Pankaj Sekhsaria's Blog, page 11
February 22, 2015
Dec 31, 2004; a post on andamanicobar@yahoogroups.co.in; revisiting the tsunami of Dec 2004
Dec 31, 2004
Hello all.
ThankYou for keeping alive hope.
i am keen to volunteer with SANE or any other group that is /planning to engage in relief and rehab in the islands. My friend Richa has worked with SANE and was thoughtful enough to forward the group mails to me and help me communicate with Pankaj.
these news bits are very confusing. the media says that the government says that all is well- an aerial survey has shown that all the indigenous groups are safe- but it seems to be a blanket statement and much remains hidden- especially when they are also maintaining that all islands have not been accessed.
i think somebody mentioned that for relief work we need to get in more people who understand the indigenous people of the islands. While security concerns may be paramount, at the end of the day, the armed forces can only probably help in reaching those places. Ration and water is easily reaching Chennai as people are providing help in kind and it would accumulate there after sometime. Some of it can be quickly diverted to the islands.so arranging for supplies should not be such a big problem as is the question of timely distribution.
News just in said that the Centre is planning to have an integrated relief force?? for supervising relief work in the islands. i think the likes of anthropologists like Dr. Roy Burman should be a part of it.it is alright to evacuate tourists- i think that is the first thing which was done at war footing. but what about the actual natives?? they do not seem to be a priority here.
as of now everyone including the government realises that distribution of water and ration even to the remotest of islands should be on top of everyone's mind. Slightly later, counselling for dealing with post-trauma stress and reconstruction of lives would come in- which is going to be significantly long-term.
does somebody know how long will help provide immediate aid- realistically? Has that aid which was to be sent today, reached them? Are the Sentinelese safe? Do they have any fresh water sources still intact?
Thank You so much for all the authentic information
best wishes
madhvi
Hello all.
ThankYou for keeping alive hope.
i am keen to volunteer with SANE or any other group that is /planning to engage in relief and rehab in the islands. My friend Richa has worked with SANE and was thoughtful enough to forward the group mails to me and help me communicate with Pankaj.
these news bits are very confusing. the media says that the government says that all is well- an aerial survey has shown that all the indigenous groups are safe- but it seems to be a blanket statement and much remains hidden- especially when they are also maintaining that all islands have not been accessed.
i think somebody mentioned that for relief work we need to get in more people who understand the indigenous people of the islands. While security concerns may be paramount, at the end of the day, the armed forces can only probably help in reaching those places. Ration and water is easily reaching Chennai as people are providing help in kind and it would accumulate there after sometime. Some of it can be quickly diverted to the islands.so arranging for supplies should not be such a big problem as is the question of timely distribution.
News just in said that the Centre is planning to have an integrated relief force?? for supervising relief work in the islands. i think the likes of anthropologists like Dr. Roy Burman should be a part of it.it is alright to evacuate tourists- i think that is the first thing which was done at war footing. but what about the actual natives?? they do not seem to be a priority here.
as of now everyone including the government realises that distribution of water and ration even to the remotest of islands should be on top of everyone's mind. Slightly later, counselling for dealing with post-trauma stress and reconstruction of lives would come in- which is going to be significantly long-term.
does somebody know how long will help provide immediate aid- realistically? Has that aid which was to be sent today, reached them? Are the Sentinelese safe? Do they have any fresh water sources still intact?
Thank You so much for all the authentic information
best wishes
madhvi
February 21, 2015
A reader's review of The Last Wave on goodreads.com
The Last Wave
A reader's review on Goodreads.com
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22729509-the-last-wave#other_reviews
The main protagonists of the book are not really the characters around whom the narration is structured - viz Harish the aimless drifter turned researcher or Seema the "local born" anthropologist who lived outside the Andamans for many years only to return to study her own family's origins. The main protagonists are the tropical rain forests that cover the bulk of the South Andaman island and form the natural habitat of the Jarawa tribal population. Seema and Harish accompany David, a senior biologist, on his annual crocodile survey around the Andaman islands. And on the way they discover the many different ways in which the Jarawa reserve is being systematically exploited by the very people whose job it is to protect them. The logging policy put in place by the government over 40 years ago with the intention to preserve the forests is changing the character of the rain forest. Prof Kutty, a biologist, working with the government discovers scientific proof that the "Andaman Canopy Lifting Shelterwood System" for logging is slowly changing the nature of the rain forest to something more like the deciduous forests found on the Indian mainland. However, his reports are suppressed and Forst Department refuses to reevaluate its methods.
Poachers and hunters routinely hunt in the Jarawa forests and fish in their waters.. often leading to bloody encounters with the Jarawas, but the authorities turn a blind eye.
The policemen in charge of protecting the villages settled around the reserve are amongst the primary instigators of the hostility shown by the Jarawas as they misuse their powers and guns to hunt inside the Jarawa reserve and show disrespect the their customs and women.
The descriptions of the Jarawa community and their growing bewilderment as they are forced to start interacting with the "civilised" people is sensitively portrayed. The author also brings to light many interesting nuggets about the history of the islands and the people who settled the islands.
A very interesting read that leaves us rooting for the Jarawas and the rainforests of the Andamans. This book has raised my awareness about the battle to preserve the Jarawa reserve being fought by various environmental groups.
A reader's review on Goodreads.com
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22729509-the-last-wave#other_reviews
The main protagonists of the book are not really the characters around whom the narration is structured - viz Harish the aimless drifter turned researcher or Seema the "local born" anthropologist who lived outside the Andamans for many years only to return to study her own family's origins. The main protagonists are the tropical rain forests that cover the bulk of the South Andaman island and form the natural habitat of the Jarawa tribal population. Seema and Harish accompany David, a senior biologist, on his annual crocodile survey around the Andaman islands. And on the way they discover the many different ways in which the Jarawa reserve is being systematically exploited by the very people whose job it is to protect them. The logging policy put in place by the government over 40 years ago with the intention to preserve the forests is changing the character of the rain forest. Prof Kutty, a biologist, working with the government discovers scientific proof that the "Andaman Canopy Lifting Shelterwood System" for logging is slowly changing the nature of the rain forest to something more like the deciduous forests found on the Indian mainland. However, his reports are suppressed and Forst Department refuses to reevaluate its methods.
Poachers and hunters routinely hunt in the Jarawa forests and fish in their waters.. often leading to bloody encounters with the Jarawas, but the authorities turn a blind eye.
The policemen in charge of protecting the villages settled around the reserve are amongst the primary instigators of the hostility shown by the Jarawas as they misuse their powers and guns to hunt inside the Jarawa reserve and show disrespect the their customs and women.
The descriptions of the Jarawa community and their growing bewilderment as they are forced to start interacting with the "civilised" people is sensitively portrayed. The author also brings to light many interesting nuggets about the history of the islands and the people who settled the islands.
A very interesting read that leaves us rooting for the Jarawas and the rainforests of the Andamans. This book has raised my awareness about the battle to preserve the Jarawa reserve being fought by various environmental groups.
Dec 30, 2004, a post on andamanicobar@yahoogroups.co.in; revisiting the tsunami of Dec 2014
Dec 30, 2004
Press Release
Upward of 10,000 are believed dead in the Nicobar Islands, and limited relief is only now reaching south of Car Nicobar. Confusion prevails. The news from Central and Great Nicobar is utter devastation. One inhabited island, Trinket, is in three pieces. The Navy and Coast Guard have been picking up bodies and providing what aid they can but they are overwhelmed.
The population of the Nicobars is 42,000, with perhaps 30,000 Nicobarese. Half of the Nicobarese are missing. Aid on Car Nicobar is said to be eluding most of the Nicobarese so far, and reaching primarily settlers and personnel from the mainland. The other Nicobar islands contain almost exclusively Nicobarese and a couple of hundred or so of another indigenous tribe, the Shompen. There is great concern for indigenous Andamanese as well: the Onge, Great Andamanese and North Sentinel islanders. There is little news from settlers on Little Andaman either, other than reports of many deaths.
Ten ships are said to have been dispatched to the Andamans from the mainland. But these typically take five days to reach. During these critical days, what is to become of the survivors? The cholera bacillus already exists on the Nicobars. There is virtually no clean water or food in the entire Nicobars, and even Port Blair is short of water, food and fuel. Bodies have yet to be cleared. Epidemics are more than likely.
In this context we wish to question the decision of Indian authorities not to allow foreign aid. International aid agencies are already ministering to the survivors in Sumatra and Thailand, and from these regions it would have taken--would take-- no more than a couple of hours for them to airdrop supplies such as drinking water and food on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and to send teams to pick up bodies and take care of the injured.
India presumably does not want foreigners in this region because of defence concerns. But what is the point of defence if not to protect lives? What security concern can possibly outweigh the need to save the lives of thousands?
In 1942, when a massive cyclone hit southern Bengal, killing more than 10,000, the British authorities did not send aid for weeks, and also prevented private agencies from functioning there. Their concern was security. Later, during the Bengal famine, they refused offers of grain from other countries, saying they had the situation under control; in truth, more than 2 million people died. Today we are appalled at such murderous callousness. Why should Indians in turn be handed the burden of similar guilt? Who are the authorities to refuse aid on behalf of the Nicobarese, or, for that matter, any of the other stricken?
Mahasweta Devi
Writer
Rupa Ganguly
Actress
Sita Venkateswar
Author, Development and Ethnocide: Colonial Practices in the Andaman Islands
Madhusree Mukerjee
Author, The Land of Naked People: Encounters with Stone Age Islanders
Press Release
Upward of 10,000 are believed dead in the Nicobar Islands, and limited relief is only now reaching south of Car Nicobar. Confusion prevails. The news from Central and Great Nicobar is utter devastation. One inhabited island, Trinket, is in three pieces. The Navy and Coast Guard have been picking up bodies and providing what aid they can but they are overwhelmed.
The population of the Nicobars is 42,000, with perhaps 30,000 Nicobarese. Half of the Nicobarese are missing. Aid on Car Nicobar is said to be eluding most of the Nicobarese so far, and reaching primarily settlers and personnel from the mainland. The other Nicobar islands contain almost exclusively Nicobarese and a couple of hundred or so of another indigenous tribe, the Shompen. There is great concern for indigenous Andamanese as well: the Onge, Great Andamanese and North Sentinel islanders. There is little news from settlers on Little Andaman either, other than reports of many deaths.
Ten ships are said to have been dispatched to the Andamans from the mainland. But these typically take five days to reach. During these critical days, what is to become of the survivors? The cholera bacillus already exists on the Nicobars. There is virtually no clean water or food in the entire Nicobars, and even Port Blair is short of water, food and fuel. Bodies have yet to be cleared. Epidemics are more than likely.
In this context we wish to question the decision of Indian authorities not to allow foreign aid. International aid agencies are already ministering to the survivors in Sumatra and Thailand, and from these regions it would have taken--would take-- no more than a couple of hours for them to airdrop supplies such as drinking water and food on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and to send teams to pick up bodies and take care of the injured.
India presumably does not want foreigners in this region because of defence concerns. But what is the point of defence if not to protect lives? What security concern can possibly outweigh the need to save the lives of thousands?
In 1942, when a massive cyclone hit southern Bengal, killing more than 10,000, the British authorities did not send aid for weeks, and also prevented private agencies from functioning there. Their concern was security. Later, during the Bengal famine, they refused offers of grain from other countries, saying they had the situation under control; in truth, more than 2 million people died. Today we are appalled at such murderous callousness. Why should Indians in turn be handed the burden of similar guilt? Who are the authorities to refuse aid on behalf of the Nicobarese, or, for that matter, any of the other stricken?
Mahasweta Devi
Writer
Rupa Ganguly
Actress
Sita Venkateswar
Author, Development and Ethnocide: Colonial Practices in the Andaman Islands
Madhusree Mukerjee
Author, The Land of Naked People: Encounters with Stone Age Islanders
February 15, 2015
Dec 28, 2004, a post on andamanicobar@yahoogroups.co.in; revisiting the tsunami of Dec 2004
Dec 28, 2004
Water and a Tsunami
Like a giant falling,
The earth lost its step.
Ten meters down the ocean floor fell.
For thousands of kilometers a brutal jagged incision.
The earth revolted as if hit in the solar plexus,
Its three stories high waves, worse than killer whales.
From our shanties Oh Sea Goddess,
We worshipped you,
The matriarch you presided over our lives,
Like children we lived of your bounties.
Why then did you avenge against your own.
Those who pollute your womb with oil and tar,
You have not harmed.
Who, in distant lands, insatiably feast on your jeweled fish, pearls and coral,
You have made wealthy.
Who channel their toxic effluents and plastic into your home,
You have shielded, by distance.
For, those who produce carbon dioxide and raise your temperature,
You have forgiven,
For those who plan development projects (of oil prospecting and ports)
Along your shore,
Their sins you have ignored,
For those who test their nuclear weapons in your atolls,
You have made powerful.
It was my low roof home you swept way.
My little wooden boat, bought on a loan.
My seven months old baby girl, whom I hoped would be a doctor.
It was my community of humble poor your smothered.
I see you colluded with the Elite Gods of the Earth,
Who have pushed us to the fringes of their existence,
To live on shifting sands,
So they may easily erase the dispensable me.
Oh Mother Sea,
Your even hand of justice I do not see.
28-12-04
Lillian D'Costa
Water and a Tsunami
Like a giant falling,
The earth lost its step.
Ten meters down the ocean floor fell.
For thousands of kilometers a brutal jagged incision.
The earth revolted as if hit in the solar plexus,
Its three stories high waves, worse than killer whales.
From our shanties Oh Sea Goddess,
We worshipped you,
The matriarch you presided over our lives,
Like children we lived of your bounties.
Why then did you avenge against your own.
Those who pollute your womb with oil and tar,
You have not harmed.
Who, in distant lands, insatiably feast on your jeweled fish, pearls and coral,
You have made wealthy.
Who channel their toxic effluents and plastic into your home,
You have shielded, by distance.
For, those who produce carbon dioxide and raise your temperature,
You have forgiven,
For those who plan development projects (of oil prospecting and ports)
Along your shore,
Their sins you have ignored,
For those who test their nuclear weapons in your atolls,
You have made powerful.
It was my low roof home you swept way.
My little wooden boat, bought on a loan.
My seven months old baby girl, whom I hoped would be a doctor.
It was my community of humble poor your smothered.
I see you colluded with the Elite Gods of the Earth,
Who have pushed us to the fringes of their existence,
To live on shifting sands,
So they may easily erase the dispensable me.
Oh Mother Sea,
Your even hand of justice I do not see.
28-12-04
Lillian D'Costa
February 10, 2015
Dec 29, 2004; a post on andamanicobar@yahoogroups.co.in; revisiting the tsunami of Dec 2004
Dec 29, 2004
Dear Vidya,
This is the kind of mail we needed. I am from Madras and have been active with many groups and people on coastal related issues. I am presently in Seoul working for an UNESCO organization and have been tormented that I am not in Madras now. I know very well the TNSF people and the quality of the human beings and their dedication to the grass roots and ordinary people. I know and am aware of AID and its work, all the same I want to place my appreciation at the professional way in which you have organized yourself and which is evident from the information provided on your website. Other than the National Federation of Fishworkers which any way is more useful on the mainland, and aid organizations like Action Aid, AID can play a very important role in the immediate relief that is required and which is the most important and urgent concern. But beyond relief we have to see how to convert this terrible disaster and tragedy on our coasts and on the A@N islands to see that our coastal people are provided homes and housing befitting human beings. This is a tragedy beyond words beyond all our known frameworks of concern, compassion and activism. I wish each and everyone of you involved so deeply and concerned with the situation in A@N islands success in you work of assisting people on the islands and others like Vidya who through their work with organizations like AID are reaching to those who need help by mobilizing money and support. I will do whatever I can to help even if temporarily displaced from India for a month or two, my thoughts and all my good wishes are with each and everyone of you concerned and compassionate human beings, especially Pankaj who brought this community together,
yours sincerely,
Lawrence Surendra
Dear Vidya,
This is the kind of mail we needed. I am from Madras and have been active with many groups and people on coastal related issues. I am presently in Seoul working for an UNESCO organization and have been tormented that I am not in Madras now. I know very well the TNSF people and the quality of the human beings and their dedication to the grass roots and ordinary people. I know and am aware of AID and its work, all the same I want to place my appreciation at the professional way in which you have organized yourself and which is evident from the information provided on your website. Other than the National Federation of Fishworkers which any way is more useful on the mainland, and aid organizations like Action Aid, AID can play a very important role in the immediate relief that is required and which is the most important and urgent concern. But beyond relief we have to see how to convert this terrible disaster and tragedy on our coasts and on the A@N islands to see that our coastal people are provided homes and housing befitting human beings. This is a tragedy beyond words beyond all our known frameworks of concern, compassion and activism. I wish each and everyone of you involved so deeply and concerned with the situation in A@N islands success in you work of assisting people on the islands and others like Vidya who through their work with organizations like AID are reaching to those who need help by mobilizing money and support. I will do whatever I can to help even if temporarily displaced from India for a month or two, my thoughts and all my good wishes are with each and everyone of you concerned and compassionate human beings, especially Pankaj who brought this community together,
yours sincerely,
Lawrence Surendra
February 9, 2015
Dec 29, 2004; a post on andamanicobar@yahoogroups.co.in; revisiting the tsunami of Dec 2004
On Dec 29, 2004, at 1:10 PM, V Jonnalagadda wrote:
Hello Sharbendu, Pankaj, and other friends,
I am a volunteer with AID (Association for India's Development) at the MIT chapter. As you might know, AID has already sent in $25,000 for immediate needs, and our Chennai chapter is deeply involved in relief work in the field. The volunteers in Chennai have also undertaken sending of materials like medicines to Sri Lanka. If you could identify people in A&N who can recieve materials and organize relief efforts, we can direct funds and supplies to the islands. > For people (especially from overseas) who wish to make donations, you could refer them to the website http://www.aidindia.org/CMS/ . I can personally vouch for the AID volunteers in Chennai in that they are committed and sincere to making sure that the weakest people are the ones to benefit.> Please feel free to contact me if you need any information about AID in general, and our chapter. We are looking to support longer term projects on the islands working through grassroot organizations.
Sincerely,
Vidya.
Hello Sharbendu, Pankaj, and other friends,
I am a volunteer with AID (Association for India's Development) at the MIT chapter. As you might know, AID has already sent in $25,000 for immediate needs, and our Chennai chapter is deeply involved in relief work in the field. The volunteers in Chennai have also undertaken sending of materials like medicines to Sri Lanka. If you could identify people in A&N who can recieve materials and organize relief efforts, we can direct funds and supplies to the islands. > For people (especially from overseas) who wish to make donations, you could refer them to the website http://www.aidindia.org/CMS/ . I can personally vouch for the AID volunteers in Chennai in that they are committed and sincere to making sure that the weakest people are the ones to benefit.> Please feel free to contact me if you need any information about AID in general, and our chapter. We are looking to support longer term projects on the islands working through grassroot organizations.
Sincerely,
Vidya.
February 7, 2015
The 'Glowing Coals of a mangrove night' - An extract from 'The Last Wave - an island novel'
The Last Wave - An island novel
PROLOGUE
'Glowing coals...'
Pgs 1-2
Harish peered into the mouth of the creek as they approached it. The creek, so pretty and welcoming by day, had acquired a completely different feel at night; the waxy green of the mangroves had now turned pitch-black. Dense, uninviting, its earlier enticements replaced by an ominous darkness. The mangrove revealed nothing of what lay beyond. The sky, juxtaposed, offered relief – studded with a million twinkling pinpricks, little windows to gaze into and see through to the other side of the great heavens.
Reality was replicated perfectly in its reflection. The mangroves were revealed as a dark wall on the surface of the water along the banks of the creek. In the middle was the grey silver of the sky above, and the lines that separated these reflections receded like a giant V into the distance of the creek. If a guiding star was to be plucked from the night sky and placed in a creek, it would be the illusory tip of this always receeding V, forever at the centre of the channel of water – focus on it and you were never lost.
But they were not navigating the creek for the fun of it, Harish, Seema, crocodile man and institute director, David; and their most local of guides, Uncle Pame. This survey was to span the western coast of the South and Middle Andaman Islands – and they were actively looking for crocodiles. The inflatable moved at a steady pace, with David at its tip, staring intently into the night. He sat for a while and then switched on his torch. The powerful beam of light cut sharply through the dark and fell on the water’s edge to create a little pool of diffused yellow. It sallied back and forth, as David willed it, went off and then came on again on the opposite bank. This went on for a few minutes.
As they moved deeper into the mangroves, the creek became progressively narrower and the banks started closing in. The tip of the V was now closer, but still receding, always just out of reach in the brooding darkness.
David flicked the torch on again and directed its beam to the right. Suddenly, he gesticulated in a wild, animated manner. Uncle got the message immediately. The inflatable slowed down considerably and Uncle angled it to the right. Seema and Harish directed their attention to the new pool of yellow light that had come to rest on a little bunch of mangled mangrove roots and floating debris. They were about forty feet from the creek bank; the pool of light remained stuck where it was. David indicated again with his right hand. Uncle killed the motor completely and picked up the oar. Seema and Harish felt the tension, straining their necks as they scoured the pool of light that David now held steadfast.
David seemed to be in his element, completely focused, his gaze locked with something out there. ‘Glowing coals,’ he muttered in a muffled voice. ‘Look for the glowing coals.’
For a moment it made no sense. Then, all at once, it was clearly visible. Right at the centre of their attention, in the mangled debris, separated from each other by only a few inches, were two small dots of brilliant red: the eyes of the monarch of the mangrove creek. The animal appeared transfixed, blinded by the concentrated beam of powerful light fixated on it. Seema and Harish also watched, transfixed, as Uncle rowed onward in complete silence. The only sound now was of the swishing oar.
‘Small croc. Young one, about three feet long,’ David said softly, as if he could read the questions in the ignorant minds. ‘The distance between the glowing coals . . .’
PROLOGUE
'Glowing coals...'
Pgs 1-2
Harish peered into the mouth of the creek as they approached it. The creek, so pretty and welcoming by day, had acquired a completely different feel at night; the waxy green of the mangroves had now turned pitch-black. Dense, uninviting, its earlier enticements replaced by an ominous darkness. The mangrove revealed nothing of what lay beyond. The sky, juxtaposed, offered relief – studded with a million twinkling pinpricks, little windows to gaze into and see through to the other side of the great heavens.Reality was replicated perfectly in its reflection. The mangroves were revealed as a dark wall on the surface of the water along the banks of the creek. In the middle was the grey silver of the sky above, and the lines that separated these reflections receded like a giant V into the distance of the creek. If a guiding star was to be plucked from the night sky and placed in a creek, it would be the illusory tip of this always receeding V, forever at the centre of the channel of water – focus on it and you were never lost.
But they were not navigating the creek for the fun of it, Harish, Seema, crocodile man and institute director, David; and their most local of guides, Uncle Pame. This survey was to span the western coast of the South and Middle Andaman Islands – and they were actively looking for crocodiles. The inflatable moved at a steady pace, with David at its tip, staring intently into the night. He sat for a while and then switched on his torch. The powerful beam of light cut sharply through the dark and fell on the water’s edge to create a little pool of diffused yellow. It sallied back and forth, as David willed it, went off and then came on again on the opposite bank. This went on for a few minutes.
As they moved deeper into the mangroves, the creek became progressively narrower and the banks started closing in. The tip of the V was now closer, but still receding, always just out of reach in the brooding darkness.
David flicked the torch on again and directed its beam to the right. Suddenly, he gesticulated in a wild, animated manner. Uncle got the message immediately. The inflatable slowed down considerably and Uncle angled it to the right. Seema and Harish directed their attention to the new pool of yellow light that had come to rest on a little bunch of mangled mangrove roots and floating debris. They were about forty feet from the creek bank; the pool of light remained stuck where it was. David indicated again with his right hand. Uncle killed the motor completely and picked up the oar. Seema and Harish felt the tension, straining their necks as they scoured the pool of light that David now held steadfast.
David seemed to be in his element, completely focused, his gaze locked with something out there. ‘Glowing coals,’ he muttered in a muffled voice. ‘Look for the glowing coals.’
For a moment it made no sense. Then, all at once, it was clearly visible. Right at the centre of their attention, in the mangled debris, separated from each other by only a few inches, were two small dots of brilliant red: the eyes of the monarch of the mangrove creek. The animal appeared transfixed, blinded by the concentrated beam of powerful light fixated on it. Seema and Harish also watched, transfixed, as Uncle rowed onward in complete silence. The only sound now was of the swishing oar.
‘Small croc. Young one, about three feet long,’ David said softly, as if he could read the questions in the ignorant minds. ‘The distance between the glowing coals . . .’
Dec 30, 2004; a post on andamanicobar@yahoogroups.co.in; revisiting the tsunami of Dec 2004
Dec 30, 2004
Dear Pankaj /Friends
Let me take a breath before I start writing. Yes I am very much fine, still in Andaman Islands and was moved to see your email and concern regarding my whereabouts. Situation is pretty bad here and rumors and some predictions have made life miserable here - however things are beyond normal. Well on that disastrous Sunday, was in Wandoor research base. I woke up around 6.30 am and was having tea and was planning fixing stuff for new research vessel. And suddenly I realized the windows have started shaking. To confirm I asked my assistant Albert to come out and see and by that time the shake was becoming massive and I shouted earthquake and asked him to move out of house. As soon as we came out, the whole earth was shaking and it made me us difficult to stand. Soon I realsied that it is very unsafe to stand around house and trees and we went in open space close to sea (my house in the islands is on sea shore but its on the base of a hillock!). This earthquake lasted for more than one minute, however I had experience the earthquake in Solapur in 1994-95??, but this was terrible. Huge cracks were all over. After few minutes some forest people came out and we chatted about stuff. Soon after some time I realized that being an island, tsunami would follow earthquake. Well with that thought I came back in house and started assessing the damage. As soon as came into the house, I realized that I had forgotten to unchain the doggies. (I have five dogs who gives me company in remote place and guard house and boat). I came in hall and saw all diving air cylinders were all around, book shelves were fallen and papers and books were all over. Bed room wall was broken and room was all covered with cement slabs. While inspecting I asked Albert to keep an eye on water level rise and within a moment he shouted water is crossing road with all force. I felt that it may be worst soon. My house is around 15 meter from sea-level so I thought It would give me few minutes to take out necessary things from the houses. I unchained all dogs, took laptop and rushed to the top of hillock and from there started going to jetty. By that time sea had shown its power. Several boats were on the road. Houses, shops and the marine national park interpretation center was flooded. Sea water was everywhere and people had fled within a few minutes. Several people started getting in to water and trying to take belongings from their house. I was sure that water will start going down soon with great speed. I shouted at them and warned them for not going into water. Thank god people took me seriously and came on the top of hillock. Then the real game started. Water started going down and started taking all with it. It took several fishing boats, tourist boats and even the wooden jetty was on its way in water. The speed of water was so high that I could see the channel between the island. Water again started rising. This continued for whole day. The water level was pretty high, I couldn't understand why? As water would take time to adjust. But the third rise was pretty high. However the Tsunami was pretty slow in this part of the island and its mainly due to the corals, mangroves and the depth gradient. I been saying in all seminar over the years that the existence of the island is on the existence of coral reefs and mangroves. As these animals and plants reduce the impact of waves during monsoon (these islands experience seven to eight months monsson). Havoc was every where. Well, at the moment I am surrounded with tribes from Car nicobar and taking information from them as I am leaving tomorrow for car nicobar for relief operation as most of the government aid is around one place and just now I was told by these tribes that lots of ppl are in deep forest and no one is going there. These ppl are starving. Though I am shocked but I have to be pretent to be brave as I have responsibility of several ppl. While stuff was happening in Wandoor. I had made up my mind that my research vessel is gone for forever and was worried about my staff who were in boat. My boat is my dream but made up my mind that have to work hard again to get another boat for research. Well then started going to port Blair and on the way saw the devastation of tsunami. The water level was still high and had taken its toll all over low lying areas. Several huge ships had broken their ropes and were in open seas and even some boats were sitting comfortably on the jetty. While seeing that I was thinking about my boat and when I reached chatham jetty, police stopped me saying that bridge is weak and its dangerous to go to the harbour areas, I tried to tell them that my two staffs are their and I must go there and see what is the situation. He still tried to resist me and then I fired him and gave him lecture and then he mellowed down. When I reached there I couldn't see the boat where it was supposed to be and I was more worried about my staff. Suddenly some one came from back and said Sir! OH my .. He was one my staff Keybow and I took a breath and asked him about Porichh (another staff) and he said he is safe and again I took another breath and asked about the boat and he told me that boat is safe and it was kind of miracle... then I looked at sea and said in my mind that I cant ask more than this from you (my belief is that ocean is my religion and god. believe it or not! Then news started pouring in from nicobar groups of island. Devastation was just unbelievable. Well then I spoke to office ppl in mumbai and asked for sending stuff for helping ppl and couldn't believe when stuff started coming from next day. After the disaster when I called to my mother and in office I was advised to come back immediately. However I preferred to stay back as it would have set wrong example and I wouldn't have been happy for that action. Yesterday distributed clothes, bedsheets, jackets (this time of the year its pretty cold and its unusual), footwears, medicines, toys for kids and ration, vegetables among people in wandoor (several of them were nicobaris). I was speechless as most of them are from car nicobar (the worst affected area in the islands) and I had tought them scuba diving. Well most of the settlers have paniced and started going back to mainland. Some people instead of giving helping hands to the needy ppl were just playing the role of audience. I felt sad about their attitude. Then the game of rumors, panicking and running around started. I could see that administration was just confused and didn't have crises management plan and trying to do something. But I was moved to see the help coming from mainland and from international level. Though lot to do but have to concentrate my effort in nicobar. I was just told by the people who just arrived from car nicobar about the situation. Several ppl are still in forest and are injured, without food and water supply and administration haven't reached yet there. So tomorrow I will collect stuff coming from mumbai and will proceed to car nicobar by Indian air force plane and will try to reach deep inside forest to the ppl and assess the situation and give the stuff to them or get back to them again with necessary stuff. Well now I guess for next couple of months atleast have to concentrate on the relief stuff, however I am aware that we need to focus on long term solution for the problem faced by ppl than day to day stuff and hope that we will able to do some thing. I must say that now ppl of Andaman have realized that ocean makes difference in their life whether its good or bad and for that we need to respect the ocean. Now I hope in future local politicians, administration consider the fact and don't overrule the environment. Well that's now at the moment from myside and will keep you all posted. As far as environment is concerned, well I am sure the population of salt water crocodiles, dugongs and corals have seen severe damage. This is the peak time of turtle nesting in the islands and I am sure that there must be severe damage due to the tsunami. But for the moment need to concentrate on the people issue then latter I am aware that got to work on these issue so hectic time ahead. Before I say bye I must thank you for being with me in this difficult time
and making me more responsible in what I do.
Thanks a lot
Love
Sarang (Kulkarni)
Dear Pankaj /Friends
Let me take a breath before I start writing. Yes I am very much fine, still in Andaman Islands and was moved to see your email and concern regarding my whereabouts. Situation is pretty bad here and rumors and some predictions have made life miserable here - however things are beyond normal. Well on that disastrous Sunday, was in Wandoor research base. I woke up around 6.30 am and was having tea and was planning fixing stuff for new research vessel. And suddenly I realized the windows have started shaking. To confirm I asked my assistant Albert to come out and see and by that time the shake was becoming massive and I shouted earthquake and asked him to move out of house. As soon as we came out, the whole earth was shaking and it made me us difficult to stand. Soon I realsied that it is very unsafe to stand around house and trees and we went in open space close to sea (my house in the islands is on sea shore but its on the base of a hillock!). This earthquake lasted for more than one minute, however I had experience the earthquake in Solapur in 1994-95??, but this was terrible. Huge cracks were all over. After few minutes some forest people came out and we chatted about stuff. Soon after some time I realized that being an island, tsunami would follow earthquake. Well with that thought I came back in house and started assessing the damage. As soon as came into the house, I realized that I had forgotten to unchain the doggies. (I have five dogs who gives me company in remote place and guard house and boat). I came in hall and saw all diving air cylinders were all around, book shelves were fallen and papers and books were all over. Bed room wall was broken and room was all covered with cement slabs. While inspecting I asked Albert to keep an eye on water level rise and within a moment he shouted water is crossing road with all force. I felt that it may be worst soon. My house is around 15 meter from sea-level so I thought It would give me few minutes to take out necessary things from the houses. I unchained all dogs, took laptop and rushed to the top of hillock and from there started going to jetty. By that time sea had shown its power. Several boats were on the road. Houses, shops and the marine national park interpretation center was flooded. Sea water was everywhere and people had fled within a few minutes. Several people started getting in to water and trying to take belongings from their house. I was sure that water will start going down soon with great speed. I shouted at them and warned them for not going into water. Thank god people took me seriously and came on the top of hillock. Then the real game started. Water started going down and started taking all with it. It took several fishing boats, tourist boats and even the wooden jetty was on its way in water. The speed of water was so high that I could see the channel between the island. Water again started rising. This continued for whole day. The water level was pretty high, I couldn't understand why? As water would take time to adjust. But the third rise was pretty high. However the Tsunami was pretty slow in this part of the island and its mainly due to the corals, mangroves and the depth gradient. I been saying in all seminar over the years that the existence of the island is on the existence of coral reefs and mangroves. As these animals and plants reduce the impact of waves during monsoon (these islands experience seven to eight months monsson). Havoc was every where. Well, at the moment I am surrounded with tribes from Car nicobar and taking information from them as I am leaving tomorrow for car nicobar for relief operation as most of the government aid is around one place and just now I was told by these tribes that lots of ppl are in deep forest and no one is going there. These ppl are starving. Though I am shocked but I have to be pretent to be brave as I have responsibility of several ppl. While stuff was happening in Wandoor. I had made up my mind that my research vessel is gone for forever and was worried about my staff who were in boat. My boat is my dream but made up my mind that have to work hard again to get another boat for research. Well then started going to port Blair and on the way saw the devastation of tsunami. The water level was still high and had taken its toll all over low lying areas. Several huge ships had broken their ropes and were in open seas and even some boats were sitting comfortably on the jetty. While seeing that I was thinking about my boat and when I reached chatham jetty, police stopped me saying that bridge is weak and its dangerous to go to the harbour areas, I tried to tell them that my two staffs are their and I must go there and see what is the situation. He still tried to resist me and then I fired him and gave him lecture and then he mellowed down. When I reached there I couldn't see the boat where it was supposed to be and I was more worried about my staff. Suddenly some one came from back and said Sir! OH my .. He was one my staff Keybow and I took a breath and asked him about Porichh (another staff) and he said he is safe and again I took another breath and asked about the boat and he told me that boat is safe and it was kind of miracle... then I looked at sea and said in my mind that I cant ask more than this from you (my belief is that ocean is my religion and god. believe it or not! Then news started pouring in from nicobar groups of island. Devastation was just unbelievable. Well then I spoke to office ppl in mumbai and asked for sending stuff for helping ppl and couldn't believe when stuff started coming from next day. After the disaster when I called to my mother and in office I was advised to come back immediately. However I preferred to stay back as it would have set wrong example and I wouldn't have been happy for that action. Yesterday distributed clothes, bedsheets, jackets (this time of the year its pretty cold and its unusual), footwears, medicines, toys for kids and ration, vegetables among people in wandoor (several of them were nicobaris). I was speechless as most of them are from car nicobar (the worst affected area in the islands) and I had tought them scuba diving. Well most of the settlers have paniced and started going back to mainland. Some people instead of giving helping hands to the needy ppl were just playing the role of audience. I felt sad about their attitude. Then the game of rumors, panicking and running around started. I could see that administration was just confused and didn't have crises management plan and trying to do something. But I was moved to see the help coming from mainland and from international level. Though lot to do but have to concentrate my effort in nicobar. I was just told by the people who just arrived from car nicobar about the situation. Several ppl are still in forest and are injured, without food and water supply and administration haven't reached yet there. So tomorrow I will collect stuff coming from mumbai and will proceed to car nicobar by Indian air force plane and will try to reach deep inside forest to the ppl and assess the situation and give the stuff to them or get back to them again with necessary stuff. Well now I guess for next couple of months atleast have to concentrate on the relief stuff, however I am aware that we need to focus on long term solution for the problem faced by ppl than day to day stuff and hope that we will able to do some thing. I must say that now ppl of Andaman have realized that ocean makes difference in their life whether its good or bad and for that we need to respect the ocean. Now I hope in future local politicians, administration consider the fact and don't overrule the environment. Well that's now at the moment from myside and will keep you all posted. As far as environment is concerned, well I am sure the population of salt water crocodiles, dugongs and corals have seen severe damage. This is the peak time of turtle nesting in the islands and I am sure that there must be severe damage due to the tsunami. But for the moment need to concentrate on the people issue then latter I am aware that got to work on these issue so hectic time ahead. Before I say bye I must thank you for being with me in this difficult time
and making me more responsible in what I do.
Thanks a lot
Love
Sarang (Kulkarni)
January 31, 2015
Dec. 29, 2004; a post on andamanicobar@yahoogroups.co.in; revisiting December 2004
Dec 29, 2004
this is another update on Andaman for information of this group /......
sanjib
Aboriginal tribes may have survived the tsunami wrath
Port Blair, Dec. 29 :Amidst devastations caused by the killer tsunami waves there were some positive indications today that the highly- endangered aboriginal tribes of Andaman and Nicobar islands may have escaped the nature's wrath.
"The Jarwas, Onges and Sentinelese may not have been affected by the killer waves as most of them have been in the Andaman area which has not been much affected," Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Ram Kapse, said here today.
But he said there was some concern till now about the Shompens, inhabitants of the Campbell Bay, as there was no information about the effects of tsunami there.
Kapse said an 18-member expert committee has been set up to assess the situation and the effect on the aborigines. Only after that would the picture be clear. The aborigines of Andaman and Nicobar were the most endangered tribes in the world and considered modern world's only link to ancient civilisations.
Meanwhile, a senior official of the Anthropological Survey of India (ASI) in Kolkata told PTI that a group of ASI scientists sailed today for Middle and South Andamans to ascertain the welfare of Jarwas, one of the six aboriginal tribes who were inhabitants there since the mesolithic period i.e. 2000 years ago. "Only today, the situation seemed a little favourable for our scientists to look out for the Jarwas residing in dense forests in Baratangi and Kadamtala areas in Great Andamans," ASI Keeper L N Soni, told PTI here. Soni said the ASI was concerned about the welfare of the tribes -- Jarwas, Onges, Sentenelese, Shompen, Nicobarese and Great Andamanese - - inhabiting innumerable islets in the Andaman group of islands which
were slammed by last Sunday's high intensity tsunamis.
He said naval ships were trying to penetrate the heavily-damaged forested islets to report on the other tribes. All these aboriginal tribes are stated to be world's oldest aborigines, dating back to the Mesolithic period, though some subscribe to the view that these tribes belonged to the upper palaeolithic period.
The ASI Keeper said that once the Jarwas were located in their original habitats, "we will be relieved about their safety that they survived nature's worst onslaught."
As per the last census, there were 266-270 Jarwas in Middle and South Andamans.
He said that the communication network, both telecom and road, was in very bad shape making it a herculean task for approaching any of the islets. "However, our men have been trying to re-establish links with them and see for themselves how they are doing."
The ASI scientists, he said, would enquire about their welfare, food and drinking water availability and submit a report to the ASI headquarters.
At a later stage, ASI scientists would sail in groups to other islets to trace other tribes, like the Onges, Shompens, Nicobarese and Andamanese.
To a question, Soni said since Sentenelese were still hostile and could not be approached by people from outside, information about them would have to be collected by "other means".
He said that ASI had moved the island administration for providing support for information on these tribes.
All these tribes, he said, were adept at overcoming adverse maritime conditions and were good swimmers while many of them lived on tree- tops.
this is another update on Andaman for information of this group /......
sanjib
Aboriginal tribes may have survived the tsunami wrath
Port Blair, Dec. 29 :Amidst devastations caused by the killer tsunami waves there were some positive indications today that the highly- endangered aboriginal tribes of Andaman and Nicobar islands may have escaped the nature's wrath.
"The Jarwas, Onges and Sentinelese may not have been affected by the killer waves as most of them have been in the Andaman area which has not been much affected," Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Ram Kapse, said here today.
But he said there was some concern till now about the Shompens, inhabitants of the Campbell Bay, as there was no information about the effects of tsunami there.
Kapse said an 18-member expert committee has been set up to assess the situation and the effect on the aborigines. Only after that would the picture be clear. The aborigines of Andaman and Nicobar were the most endangered tribes in the world and considered modern world's only link to ancient civilisations.
Meanwhile, a senior official of the Anthropological Survey of India (ASI) in Kolkata told PTI that a group of ASI scientists sailed today for Middle and South Andamans to ascertain the welfare of Jarwas, one of the six aboriginal tribes who were inhabitants there since the mesolithic period i.e. 2000 years ago. "Only today, the situation seemed a little favourable for our scientists to look out for the Jarwas residing in dense forests in Baratangi and Kadamtala areas in Great Andamans," ASI Keeper L N Soni, told PTI here. Soni said the ASI was concerned about the welfare of the tribes -- Jarwas, Onges, Sentenelese, Shompen, Nicobarese and Great Andamanese - - inhabiting innumerable islets in the Andaman group of islands which
were slammed by last Sunday's high intensity tsunamis.
He said naval ships were trying to penetrate the heavily-damaged forested islets to report on the other tribes. All these aboriginal tribes are stated to be world's oldest aborigines, dating back to the Mesolithic period, though some subscribe to the view that these tribes belonged to the upper palaeolithic period.
The ASI Keeper said that once the Jarwas were located in their original habitats, "we will be relieved about their safety that they survived nature's worst onslaught."
As per the last census, there were 266-270 Jarwas in Middle and South Andamans.
He said that the communication network, both telecom and road, was in very bad shape making it a herculean task for approaching any of the islets. "However, our men have been trying to re-establish links with them and see for themselves how they are doing."
The ASI scientists, he said, would enquire about their welfare, food and drinking water availability and submit a report to the ASI headquarters.
At a later stage, ASI scientists would sail in groups to other islets to trace other tribes, like the Onges, Shompens, Nicobarese and Andamanese.
To a question, Soni said since Sentenelese were still hostile and could not be approached by people from outside, information about them would have to be collected by "other means".
He said that ASI had moved the island administration for providing support for information on these tribes.
All these tribes, he said, were adept at overcoming adverse maritime conditions and were good swimmers while many of them lived on tree- tops.
January 25, 2015
Dec 30, 2004; a post on andamanicobar@yahoogroups.co.in; revisiting December 2004
Dec 30, 2004
MARK THE NEW YEAR IN A DIFFERENT WAY
Friends,
We are faced today with the aftermath of what is possibly the biggest natural calamity in recorded history in the region. The trail of destruction and death left behind by the tsunami that hit India and other countries in the region is being brought home to us every day. As a nation we need to collectively rise to the ocassion.
Many would already be doing whatever they can to contribute to the efforts of reconstruction and rehabilitation. We would like to suggest a small effort that can be both symbolic as a gesture and meaningful in what it can contribute. Many people across the country would have planned to celebrate New Year's eve/day in different ways. In many cases this would mean a substantial amount of money would be spent as people celebrate to usher in the New Year - in private parties, clubs, hotels, etc. Can we pledge that this year, as a mark of respect and in solidarity to those affected, we shall not participate in any celebrations for the New Year. Instead, let us calculate what each would have spent on the celebrations, and make a contribution to an agency of her/his choice that is helping on the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Also, let us collectively pledge that we will shun any display of ostentation to mark celebrations to usher in the New Year - something that has sadly become the hallmark of New Year revelries in many parts.
Further, can we also urge all public places which would go ahead and organise New Year eve celebrations, to donate 50% of the receipts to an agency of choice to support the relief efforts.
Can we also suggest that all entertainment channels on Television to donate 50% of their advertisement revenue received on 31st December for relief efforts.
This is a very small gesture, but can we not make it happen? Please forward this mail to all your contacts if you think such a gesture is meaningful.
(The above appeal has been initiated by friends in the Delhi Science Forum; we hope it will be owned by many others.)
Smitu Kothari
MARK THE NEW YEAR IN A DIFFERENT WAY
Friends,
We are faced today with the aftermath of what is possibly the biggest natural calamity in recorded history in the region. The trail of destruction and death left behind by the tsunami that hit India and other countries in the region is being brought home to us every day. As a nation we need to collectively rise to the ocassion.
Many would already be doing whatever they can to contribute to the efforts of reconstruction and rehabilitation. We would like to suggest a small effort that can be both symbolic as a gesture and meaningful in what it can contribute. Many people across the country would have planned to celebrate New Year's eve/day in different ways. In many cases this would mean a substantial amount of money would be spent as people celebrate to usher in the New Year - in private parties, clubs, hotels, etc. Can we pledge that this year, as a mark of respect and in solidarity to those affected, we shall not participate in any celebrations for the New Year. Instead, let us calculate what each would have spent on the celebrations, and make a contribution to an agency of her/his choice that is helping on the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Also, let us collectively pledge that we will shun any display of ostentation to mark celebrations to usher in the New Year - something that has sadly become the hallmark of New Year revelries in many parts.
Further, can we also urge all public places which would go ahead and organise New Year eve celebrations, to donate 50% of the receipts to an agency of choice to support the relief efforts.
Can we also suggest that all entertainment channels on Television to donate 50% of their advertisement revenue received on 31st December for relief efforts.
This is a very small gesture, but can we not make it happen? Please forward this mail to all your contacts if you think such a gesture is meaningful.
(The above appeal has been initiated by friends in the Delhi Science Forum; we hope it will be owned by many others.)
Smitu Kothari
