DOG FIGHT AT THE GATE

Of the late we are loosing our sleep due to dog barking, nothing new about it. Many people try to stop them by shouting, bit them with stick, throw stones.None of the method is effective. They stop barking may be for a moment. And patiently look at people wondering why human want to deny them pleasure of barking. The moments human retire to bed, they resume happily what they were enjoying earlier. Barking has many finer tunes to a trained ear. Some dogs bark as if they are in grief, some as if they are angry, some as a ritual , some ferociously as if their life is at stake. They are happy to bark individually or in chorus. At times they divide themselves and take turns for barking. A brief rest recovers their throat to begin barking all over again. Longer the period of barking better pleasure. .

That dogs have very strong territorial sense is well known fact.That is why dogs are called as “ Galike Kutte “ ( Dogs of the lane) , because they live in a particular lane for their life time. They seldom cross the lane. Dogs of the same lane have kind of fraternity amongst them. Usually they don’t fight each other but collectively fight outside dogs if they venture inside lane.

In our case unfortunately the border of two dog territories happens to be the gate of our neighbour. It’s like Wagha Border between India and Pakistan. No dog is allowed to cross the gate. Inside dogs wont permit outsider dogs. They are more vigilant in watching this check post than probably two armies posted at Wagha border. That does not stop outside dogs from trying to sneak into. They are promptly scented from a distance unknown to human nose. An attack is sensed and must be stopped immediately and barking begins. The dogs on both sides cover lot of ground to come to the battle field. That is gate of our neighbour. Some times a pair of outside dog will only touch the gate by his nose. They wont wag tails or utter a single bark. That is no reason to ignore provocation. Retaliation need not be so silent. Inside dogs run towards the gate barking all the way. When they reach the gate it becomes amazing Orchestra. That we do not care to listen to any Orchestra much less a Dog orchestra in the middle of night is another matter. The performers after all don’t perform for the audience. They are intensely engrossed in the performance and quite blissful about it.

Now we know the game.When the music starts we reach to the outside gate and try to drive away sniffing dogs That is much easier than cursing inside job. Its amazing at times it works ! So remember to find out who is protecting the border and who is intruder next time you witness Dog Orchestra in full swing at your gate. Only a discerned human can find it out. Hope you are on of them and have a Good Night.

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com

DR. SHIVKUMAR KUNDRA

With the death of Dr.Kundra I have personally lost a person whom I would always turn for advice. In fact I had no need to go to him. His understanding nature would find out every time I was disturbed. He would speak and bring back peace to me. It had happened on several occasion. We have enjoyed the best of hospitality at his home. My father brought him into Lionism through Lion Ram Bhadsavale. He was in Kolshet club ( closed now.) He joined Kopri club as charter member when the club was inaugurated in 1987. He had earned a doctorate in Chemistry but was more known for his shayari. It is not only a personal loss to me but the Lions of Kopri have lost most father like figure. Dr. Shivkumar Kundra. He was easily the most respectable figure in the club.He was trustee of the club. The family of Dr.Kundra is easily the best role model. The wife, sons, daughters in law, grandson, every one was as the correct part of the best family. Very unfortunately Umabhabhi is suffering from Cancer. Yet she had courage to accompany the husband right up to last rites. Remarkable !

. I wanted to invite him over to our home which did not materialise. I had wanted to dedicate a blog for his memory I am doing it now. May his soul rest in peace.

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.com

RESUMING MODE

It is more than year that I wrote first blog. It is few months since I wrote last blog. I wanted to write. Relatives and friends were asking to write. Somehow nothing was materializing. I am aware that my blogs had little to offer to others and more of a monologue with self. Why did I stopped talking to me ? May be I was going through mental and physical fatigue. It is not as if I have suddenly become fit. I feel that waiting to become fit itself is creating another mental block. Probably the effort is more important than success. I remember after the attack of sciatica it was painful for me to even stand on left leg let alone walk. Walking with limp was also great effort. For a fortnight I could not take even steps which could be counted in double figure. One day I decided to walk. May be only two steps at a time. The interval between the rests gradually increased. The distance cover started elongating. Now I am not as crisp in walking as I would like. My legs still become heavy towards evening. I still need to rest my back every few hours. That is not important. What is important is that I have now resumed my work almost fully. What is true about walking is perhaps equally true about talking to either self or with people. The words must flow. Flow like a trickle to start with. May be it will lead to gushing flow sooner or later. Silence is not the best way to start dialogue. That is what exactly the purpose of writing this blog. Not to tell anything but to judge if I have ability to tell still left in me. I hope to. How regularly only time can tell. Wish me please.

Arvind Khare
Khare_am@yahoo.