I am thinking too
much about birth and death. From where one comes and where one goes to?
Mr. ‘K’ replied
We all come from
atoms and become atoms again
I replied
:D A scientific
answer. Actually I was searching for a spiritual answer.
Mr. ‘K’ replied
Spirits are also
made of atoms....2 peg rum (also a spirit) lagao...sab samajh mein aa jaayega (try
2 peg rum (also a spirit).... you will understand everything) :-)
“O-two,
Go out and play in fresh air.” I asked my little cousin who was playing brain
vita.
“Sis,
do you want me to play in air pollution? Or do you want me to play football wearing
mask to protect myself from pollution. Moreover, playing in polluted air will
lower my I Q level and I won’t be able to win more games in brain vita.” He
replied.
“Then,
you must know that inside home pollution is 5 times higher than outside and
sometimes even more.”
“O,
really!” He exclaimed and moved one marble on the board.
“Even,
in this room you will be surprised to know that a pungent smelling dangerous
pollutant is found and its sources are pressed wooden furniture, cupboards, drapes,
foam insulation and carpet. Its name is formaldehyde.”
“And
how does casual-dehyde pollutes air?” He giggled.
“Huh?”
“Dressed
up in ‘3S’ – shirt, snickers and slippers!” He chuckled.
“No,
dressed in female attire - sweatshirt, skirt and sandals.”
He
laughed aloud and I smiled.
“Come
with me, I will show you air pollutants in the kitchen.”
He
put his game on the table and accompanied me to the kitchen. He told. “In the
kitchen, gas stove is a major air pollutant.”
“Besides
that unvented gas from kerosene heater and wood stove emits carbon monoxide.”
“Is
carbon monoxide sister of carbon dioxide?” He inquired with a fun in his voice.
“Carbon
monoxide is formed when there is not enough oxygen to produce carbon dioxide.
Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, tasteless, and highly toxic. It is
more harmful to humans and animals as compared to carbon dioxide. It causes
dizziness, nausea, headaches and sometimes death.”
“Dangerous
sis!”
We
were standing in the kitchen and I explained further to him, “Nitrogen oxide is
also produced from the same sources as carbon monoxide and harms human body
similarly.”
“Dangerous
bro!”
“Radon
is a radioactive gas which is colourless, odourless and tasteless enters
silently like thieve in our homes from the surface beneath and from water
sources. We are totally unaware if we are inhaling unsafe air.”
“Dangerous
DAD!”
“Well
ventilation reduces the production and hazards of dangerous family.”
“As
soon as I entered the kitchen then my head started aching. It must be because
of the presence of these poisonous gases.” He put his left hand on his head.
“Let
us open the windows and doors for proper ventilation.”
“Are
cockroach killers the source of air pollution?” He pointed out at two bottles
placed in the corner of the kitchen.
“Yes,
insect killers are source of air pollutants. After spraying, windows should be
left open for some time. Let us move to the drawing room and find out sources
of air pollutants present there.”
We moved to the left and there was a huge drawing room
well equipped with all the modern facilities.
“Aladin’s magic carpet!” He giggled.
I noticed that it was blue coloured carpet with intricate
designs woven on it. He sat down on the carpet and ordered, “Fly Carpet Fly and
take me to a place where there is no air pollution.” He repeated it several times.
When the carpet did not move, he concluded, “There is no place now left in this
world without air pollution or my drawing room is the safest place.”
I smiled and explained, “Plastic side tables, chairs or
any other plastic products and carpets are the source of styrene which is
carcinogenic.”
“To prevent it we should buy more eco-friendly products.”
He suggested. I planted a kiss on his left cheek.
I
further explained, “Sofa foam, wooden table, fireplace and panels also cause
indoor air pollution.”
“We
frequently used air fresheners, candles and agarbattis for fragrance. They also
add a little to the air pollution.”
“True.
You are my intelligent little brother!”
“
Let’s go to the bathroom and I want to show you something new. Sis, come fast!”
He hold my hand tightly and almost dragged me. We took to the right, passed
from a gallery and at the end; there was a combined toilet and bathroom.
“You
have to come inside to see that.” He left my hand and hurriedly went inside.
Curiously,
I entered and found he was standing near a handmade devil.
“I
made this dustbin. I took a empty cardboard, pasted the coloured paper cuttings
to give it a look of a devil.”
“It
is very beautiful.”
“
If you press this wooden piece.” He pointed towards the base of dustbin. “Then
the devil will open its mouth.” He took out a small piece of toffee wrapper
from his pocket and put it in devil’s mouth. “Now, you can try.”
I
smiled and said, “Floor tile, pipe insulation and vinyl ceiling are made up of
asbestos. The lose fibres of asbestos are hazardous to health. They can cause
cancer. This pollution can be prevented by buying good quality asbestos
products and by constructing and managing them with expert’s hands.”
“Oh
my Gosh! The water pipe started leaking again and fungus has started growing.”
He exclaimed.
“The
mold, mildew and insects increase air pollution inside house. They cause
irritation to eyes, throat and nose. This can be prevented by closing any
leakage (as biological sources grows more in moisture), by cleaning the area
and by keeping it dust free.” I sighed and continued, “Chloroform which causes
cancer is present in chlorine treated hot water showers.”
“I
will smell and if it smells like chloroform, I will not bathe.” He winked.
“Naughty
boy!” I drew his attention towards a deodorant placed on a glass shelf. “1,1,1
trichloroethane which destroys ozone layer (2 -6 miles away from earth) is
produced from aerosol sprays. It is always better to buy non aerosol sprays.”
“ha
ha. How wrong I am to think that I can fire aerosol spray to one foot but now I
come to know that I can fire it as far as 2 - 6 miles!”
A
car honked and he rushed towards the garage saying, “Wow! Papa, came home early
today.” I followed him.
He
was disappointed to find that the car was not theirs and it stopped at the next
door.
To
divert his mind I pointed towards a genset and asked, “Do you use it quite
often?”
“Not
much. We have back up of solar battery. In case of emergency only we use it as
it causes air pollution.”
I
saw a small container of paint thinner in the corner of wooden shelf. “Paint
strippers and thinners contain methylene chloride which is a volatile liquid.
It causes nerve disorder and diabetes. The containers should be properly sealed
to avoid evaporation. They should be brought in the required amount only. Their
storage should be avoided.”
“Oh
that! I have to paint a wooden board for my school project. It will be finished
in that project. We are standing from a long time and my legs are aching now.”
“Let
us go to bedroom and take some rest.”
He
lied down on bed and I opened the cupboard to take out my bag from it. A sweet
smell entered my nose. I told him, “Tetrachloroethylene is ‘dry cleaning
fluid’. It’s sweet odour fumes on clothes can cause nerve disorder, damage to
liver and kidney.”
“Riya,
my classmate is just like tetrachloroethylene.”
“How?”
I asked with bewilderment in my voice.
“Sis,
she is very cute, her voice is sweet but she is idiotic. The more I converse
with her, more damage I cause to my brain nerves.”
“Para-dichlorobenzene
is used as air fresheners, disinfectants, pesticide, deodorants and moth balls.
It is colourless solid with odours and a long term exposure can cause cancer.”
I drew the structure of para-dichlorobenzene on the paper and showed him.
“There
is a plump boy in my class, his tummy is just like a benzene ring and he farts
every now and then. Sitting close to him for long time will definitely put me
in trouble.” He laughed aloud on his own joke. “Sis, you explained so nicely
about air pollutants but don’t you think that you forget to tell me something?”
“Like
what?” I inquired.
“VOC?
What’s that? Very Obedient Child like O-two!!!” He laughed. It was like a
soothing temple bell pealing and echoing.
“VOC’s means Volatile Organic Compounds. As
the name indicates, they are organic compounds that are volatile. They evaporate
at room temperature causing air pollution. Formaldehyde, methylene chloride,
tetrachlroethylene and paradichlorobenzene are all VOC’s. Paints, pesticides,
glue, printers, photocopiers, permanent markers and certain building materials
are the source. To prevent air pollution from VOC’s one should buy ‘Low VOC’s’
or ‘No VOC’s’ products. Only the quantity needed should be purchased from the
market and the storage of VOC’s at home should be avoided. They should be used
in well ventilated places.”
He
closed his nose with a hanky and said, “From where this foul smell is coming?”
“May
be this rat farted.” I saw it crawling on the bed’s headrest.
“It
is not a rat, sis. It is guinea pig. Its name is Oink.”
“Oink’s
dander has fallen on the headrest.”
“Does
my lovely pet causes air pollution?” He asked with a surprise.
“Yup.
Respirable particles are suspended particles, which we inhale with air. They
can be from pollens, pets, dust mites, cooking smoke particles and tobacco
smoke that can causes respiratory problems and eye irritation. They can be
controlled by proper ventilation, cleaning and maintenance.”
“A week back, we had a family meeting on the
prevention of indoor air pollution. We decided to clean air by growing plants
that clean air more like aloe vera, peace lily, bamboo palm, snake plant,
spider plant and garden mum in waste and unused vessels. Father quitted
smoking, mother stopped using sprays to kill insects and I stopped playing
outdoors.” He said with a little wink.
“Huh?”
“There
was no time to play as I have to work harder to clean air. In the meeting, I explained
them about Royale Atmos, the revolutionary paint that purifies air. I with papa
went to the nearest Asian paints showroom and brought Royale Atmos paints for
our house. It was I who decided which shade of paint to be picked for which
room. Out of more than 1750 shades of Royale Atmos, to chose the desired shade
was a challenging task for a little boy. I lifted those heavy paint buckets to
the car and from car to house. You will be surprised to know that I painted my
room myself.”
“Wow!
You painted your room so well.”
“Thanks!
Thanks!! After painting the house with Royale Atmos paints we solved the indoor
pollution problem to a great extent. It has a carbon activated technology which
helps in trapping formaldehyde molecule and breaking it into smaller molecules
that are harmful.”
“How?”
“Don’t
you watch T.V.? Haven’t you seen the advertisement in which Deepika Padukone
wore mask everywhere except in her house as her house was painted with Royale Atmos.”
“Ya.
I want to paint my house with Royale Atmos.”
“To
breath in pure air at home, you must.” What have you drawn on these sheets?
Show me.” On seeing me holding some drawing sheets, he asked.
“I
was thinking for writing a post on my blog about air pollution, its causes and
possible solution.”
“Let
us make a video. I will shoot it for you. We will share in on Facebook for our
relatives, neighbours and friends.”
“That’s
a great idea. Let us mix my knowledge and your knowledge for better solutions.”
After
watching it, he said, “What a boring video! In school, when teacher showed such
boring videos then I go to sleep with my eyes wide open!!”
“But
how can you sleep with your eyes wide open?” I desperately wanted to know this
secret.
“Practice,
Sis, Practice. Practice makes a child perfect!”
“O
brother!”
“By
the way, when your are planning to paint your house with Royale Atmos?”
“Next
weekend, I will be free. But which shade should I chose of blue colur as it is
my favourite? I will need you valuable advice in selecting the correct shade.”
“Sure. Any time, sis, anytime for you!” He gently hold my hand and said, “Aladin’s carpet didn’t fly and stayed in my drawing room because of Royale Atmos paint on the walls. My drawing room has the purest air. Now air is so clean that you can do yoga indoors.”
I spread the durrie, sat down cross-legged and took a deep breath. I said, “You are the oxygen of my life.”
While walking on the side road, I noticed a car stopped on
the other side of the road. The father
(I assume) sitting on driver seat drew the kid’s attention who was sitting on
the next seat towards something on the trees may be. The kid searched for a few
moments and then looked with surprise. The view brought a big smile on the kid’s
face.
I heard some loud rasping screeches. Although loud braying
were not at all pleasing to the ears but I was sure that such a high pitched
voice must be of some big birds. I could recognise most of Indian bird’s voices
but they were new to my ears. I hurried towards that spot, looking in that
direction to get a glimpse of a surprise. In between the trees, in a far off balcony, I
saw two long-tailed blue and yellow caged macaws. The two birds were huge, magnificent
and vibrant. I was mesmerised with the view till two ugly crows came from
nowhere and sat on the balcony railing.
“Their beauty caged them whereas their ugliness freed them.”
I thought.
“Chandrika, forget everything as if nothing has happened.”
One of my elderly relative tried to console me when I was crying uncontrollably
on my father’s death.
“I can’t forget him.” I replied amidst of my sobs.
“You have spent so much time with him. He taught you so many
things. You have lots of sweet memories to remember. But look at me, I have
never seen my father.”
I stopped crying and looked at him with a surprise.
He told, “When I was one and a half year old my father died.
I couldn’t remember his face.”
“You must be having his photograph or portrait.”
“We were not rich enough to afford them therefore there is a vast
blankness for me on remembering him.”
“One person, Mr. ‘X’ was walking bare feet on hot summer. His feet were
burning and he was cursing God because God had made him so poor that he couldn’t
even afford a pair of shoes for himself. On the way, after sometime he met a person
who didn’t have lower limbs and was creeping on the hot road with the help of
his hands while his hips were rubbing against hot road with his every move. Mr.
‘X’ thanked God for giving him feet.” I recalled the story and wiped my tears.
“Madam, courier-wala is coming.”
Security guard informed me.
“Fine.” I said and put the receiver down.
It was hot and humid. To quench my
thirst, I took out a cold water bottle from refrigerator and pored the water in
a glass. While I took the first sip, the door bell rang. I hardly drank two
more sips then it rang again. I put the glass unfinished and almost ran to open
the door for impatient courier-wala.
He handed the courier to me. I signed
the receipt of courier and returned back paper and pen to him.
“Do you send couriers?” He asked.
“No. Not much.” I was bit shocked with
his blunt question.
“I can do the free pick up of courier
from your house. We have a shop near to your society. Please note down the
address of my shop ................ and phone number................ Whenever
you need it just call me. My number is......................and my name
is......................Generally a person provide the service for only one
courier company. But we provide service for all - First Flight, Blue Dart,
DTDC,..................You name it and we have it.”
“Thanks!” I ended his endless marketing.
“He didn’t have the time to wait patiently till I
attended him but he had plenty of time to do marketing of his recently started
business. Bahoot aage jayega ye banda to! (He will reach for the sky)” I
thought.
In 2007, my father fell sick. He needed
constant care. Therefore, I left my profession to take care of him. My family
members and I took good care of him. He followed all the precautions, diet and
exercises suggested by the doctors. He disciplined his life as per the doctor’s
advice. With the result, he lived happily for ten more years.
While he was recovering, I attended to
him as well as family business. In the beginning, I did not know the ABC of business,
money management and financial transactions. I was naive.
While looking after him, taking care of his
smallest needs, we spent a lot of time together. During these years, I got his
full attention and time. I learned from him not only budgeting, saving,
investing, spending, money making and business tactics but also much more about
life.
Those ten years were the bonus years! And the best
time of my life!!
My father, Dr. Madan Lal Saini was the most
hardworking person I ever knew! He worked near about 18 hours per day. He never
took any break from work. In his life, there were no holidays. Even during
festive time like Diwali or Holi he was busy working while the rest of the
world was busy in enjoying lights and colours. In spite of whatever happens in
the world, he strictly followed his working routine.
His hard work made him successful in academics as well as in
business. He retired as Professor of Plant Breeding, CCS Harynana Agricultural
University, Hisar.Earlier in his academic career, he was a
bright student and always secured excellent marks in his school and college
time. He was awarded Dr. V.K. Kashyap Gold Medal in recognisition of the best
Ph.D. research worker for the year 1974. He worked on genetic improvement of
gaur crop for about 12 years and remained associated in development and release
of eight important varieties of guar. He was awarded ‘The Rafi Ahmed Kidwai
Memorial Prize for Agriculture Research for the biennium 1982-83 for
outstanding contribution in the field of plant breeding and genetics. Associated
with wheat varitety WH542 and had been awarded ICAR Team Award for
Multi-disciplinary Research in Agriculture and Allied Sciences for the
Triennium 1994-96.
In the field of teaching, he guided four
M.Sc. and seven Ph.d. students. He was awarded Best Teacher Award of the
Department of Plant Breeding for the year 1998. He also received The
Outstanding Teacher Award, a national award in teaching for the Biennium
1998-99 for outstanding contribution in the field of Plant Breeding and Crop
Improvement by the ICAR.
He was selected for the prestigious B.P.
Pal National Environment Fellowship Award for Biodiversity for the year 2002 by
Government of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi to work on grasses
and medicinal plants in arid region.
He wrote three books namely ‘Plant
Breeding and Crop Improvement’ Vol I and Vol II and Practical Manual on Plant
Breeding. He wrote near about 200 papers including research papers, review
articles and popular articles.
In business, he was keenly interested in
introducing new technologies, starting new projects and launching new schemes
for the betterment of society.
Surprisingly he followed his working
schedule punctually even after he fell sick. His poor health could not restrict
his working hours. In the last days of his life, he was discussing business,
suggesting innovative ideas to make money and guiding me to tackle problems.
He led a very simple and disciplined life. He was kind,
honest and was always ready to help everybody in need.
With moist eyes, I said ‘Goodbye’ to him last night.
Photo : While searching album for his photo, I found the pics were mainly
about taking awards, giving talks or researching in the field/ lab. There were
hardly any photos with friends or relatives. So here is one taking The
Outstanding Teacher Award from Mr. L.K. Advani.
