Look, Hear,Write: Cheers for reservation!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Cheers for reservation!

Only for women! The sign greeted me as I stepped on the platform. Finally, Metro started its trial run of reserving first coach after operator’s cabin for women. To drive home the point, guards and other staff were stationed on platforms who ensured that people followed the directions.

The reactions to this arrangement ranged from amusement to happiness and plain jealousy, even leading to minor arguments. While most of the women commuters seemed to be happy, some were amused when males were being asked not to board the coach by the staff on duty. Some men however felt it was unjustified that after getting reserved seats in whole of the train, now women have a whole coach to themselves. And they made their resentment know through barbs and uncharitable comments.

Can’t men accept some arrangements gracefully?

The best part of the whole arrangement: A girl miffed with her boyfriend was able to get ‘rid’ of him (at least during their journey part) by simply walking into the ladies compartment. The guards took care of the guy!

Cheers to Metro!

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On the Malwa plateau

According to encyclopaedia Britannica, the name Malwa is derived from the Sanskrit word malav (part of the abode of Laksmi, goddess of wealth).

And the goddess seems to have actually blessed the region. It has a glorious past --- the plateau was ruled by the Maurya, Gupta, and Paramara dynasties; many Buddhist temples and monuments like stupas at Sanchi, were built during that time. The plateau was conquered by the Muslims in 1390 AD and became part of the Maratha empire. In 1817 it passed to the British.

Of volcanic origin, the plateau comprises Madhya Pradesh and south-eastern Rajasthan. In elevation, it ranges from 500 to 600 metres above sea level. The western part of the region is drained by the Mahi River, the middle section by the Chambal River, and the eastern part by the Betwa River and the headwaters of the Dhasan and Ken rivers. Other rivers include the Parbati, Sipra, Gambhir, and Choti Kali Sindh, their valleys flanked by terraced slopes. Vegetation is of the savanna type with scattered teak and sal forests.

The economy of the region is mostly agricultural; cereal grains, pulses (legumes), oilseeds, and cotton are the main crops. Industries produce cotton textiles, ginned cotton, sugar, vegetable oil, lumber, and paper.

The region, especially Madhya Pradesh, has been described as the heart of Incredible India in the government’s tourism advertisement campaign. For once, I agree with the government.