A poetic tribute from a visitor to our lake

Our meetings with visitors to the lake happen either by prior appointment or by chance. We see someone looking intently at a bird or a tree or at one of our information boards. Invariably, we will go up to that person introduce ourselves and start talking.  If they happen to have a camera, you can pretty much be certain that we will strike up a conversation with the stranger. Much like Coleridge's ancient mariner. :-)  Each stranger could be a potential resource person who can help us and the lake with their knowledge, time or a donation. It doesn't matter if they are none of these. We hope they will come more frequently and develop a bond with the lake, with Nature.

Our meeting with Dr. Harini Santhanam, a post doctoral researcher at IISc. on 21st Sept. was by design. We were excited to meet someone who could give us some tips on conservation. She did exactly that. Our discussion lasted for nearly two hours and was a brainstorming of ideas and sharing experiences. 

Meetings  prearranged or accidental are followed up with an email, usually from us. Dr. Harini however wrote a poem after her visit to the lake. We were reminded of Padma Bhushan Smt. Sudha Ragunathan's song in praise of lakes she'd sung at the PNLIT fund raiser concert in Feb. 

Such tributes come from the heart and we cherish them.

Thank you, Dr. Harini!

Best

Usha

*********

Lake of love

By Dr Harini Santhanam

What is a lake? 

I asked myself

A being of joy said they

who cared for it and nurtured it 

day by day, everyday!

What did you do when the going had been tough, asked I

We pulled up our sleeves and got help, said they

We observed and not merely looked on

And we cured the maladies that affected the lake-soul each day

What do you do when the going gets tough these days,

asked I, again.

We have each other's shoulders for support, said they 

to keep the lake alive and happy, come what may!

You call it lake conservation - 

We call it lake nourishment

Then I knew that the secret road map for sustainable development  

really did exist - in passion and love for Nature
In a sweet Cosmic Play, perhaps
Nature's maladies and Nature's cures,
start and end in human hearts!

*********

On Kottavi Raja and Drum Jam

Story telling at the lake has always been a magical time both for us and the participants. We love to see the looks on the children's faces match the story teller's. The event on 9th September to celebrate International Literacy Day took the excitement to another level altogether. It combined story telling with drumming! 

(Pic: Madhu)

The heads were too many to count but we would put the figure to over 70 kids. As for adults ... Parents, grandparents, regular walkers at the lake, passersby ... This was the best attended event we've had at the lake so far!  We loved it especially because it drew people, young and old from the entire neighbourhood around the lake. 

Rather than we give an account, let's hear it from the participants. Here's what Madhu Sadhwani from Brigade Palmsprings had to say:

Today the Putanhalli Lake was all set to welcome the kids and parents for perfect combination of story telling and drum jam. Snehadhara team had high energy start for the story telling session with prayer to impress rain god by all kids.

Voice modulation to adjust the natural sound and Making melodies in my heart with perfect stretching to set the kids for story telling session. 

The Story on Yawning King was exciting for kids to share many ideas and make it creative and highly interactive.

Story session concluded with experience of the lake by all kids forming perfect chain and going around the beautiful Puttenahali Lake and singing songs.

Drum Jam was amazing for kids and parents to participate and synchronise with the groups. It was a great session that showed us coordination, concentration and fun can be achieved at the same time. 

All hail the king! (PIc: Snehadhara Foundation)

Pandering to his majesty (Pic: Snehadhara Foundation)

Here's another report from Sushmita, South City resident:  

"I loved it !!! It felt so amazing to play the drums, I thought It was really fun to make up beats and hear everyone play differently." is what my 9 year old daughter Zain has to say. 

I echo her feelings. It was indeed a really nice event at many levels. Adults and kids playing together, inviting and including the kids from the local neighbourhood, not only the gated community neighbourhood, but the kids who live around the lake in the little settlements who were as much a part of the event made it a really special community activity.

Thank you to PNLIT, Snehadhara, Pratham books and the Drumjam team for making this a fun and meaningful experience!

Drum jam (Pic: Snehadhara Foundation)

Drummers (Pic: Kalai Gautham)

Thanks indeed to Pratham Books  for their 'One Day, One Story' annual storytelling campaign. Snehadhara Foundation (as always you were brilliant) and our new associate, Community Drum Jam Foundation.  Special mention must be made of Chhaya, the whistler extraordinaire!  Her sharp clear whistles stood out above the drumming!  

Sleeping through it all! (Pic: Kalai Gautham)

We couldn't help noticing an infant sleeping blissfully on his father's shoulder completely oblivious of the raw energy so palpable throughout the evening. You wait, little one. Your turn to come to our lake for an event like this is not very far off!

Best

Usha

Celebrate International Literacy Day with PNLIT, Snehadhara & Drum Circle

Join an interactive storytelling session which will be using voice, theatre and movement and participate in a drum circle where you will play on the drums, djembes and other percussion instruments!

Why?

Because 'One Day, One Story' the annual storytelling campaign of Pratham Books that runs around International Literacy Day is back! And like the past few years, PNLIT is a part of this program along with Snehadhara Foundation. Supporting Snehadhara this year is the Community Drum Jam Foundation (founded by Vasundhara Das and Roberto Narain).

What?
This year's chosen book is Kottavi Raja and his Sleepy Kingdom (written by Yasaswini Sampathkumar and illustrated by Henu). So travel to Kottavi Raja's land with Snehadhara and Community Drum Jam at Puttenahalli Lake to find out what happened there.

Where and How?
Venue - Gazebo, Puttenhalli Lake, JP Nagar 7th Phase, Blr 560078
Date, Time - 9th September (Saturday) 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Kindly assemble by 4:20 p.m.
Age - 5 years and above
Entry is FREE

Register your child/children's name by sending an email to sapana_rawat@yahoo.com. We need to get a head count hence its very important that you register.

We look forward to seeing a whole bunch of children at the lake.