The Last Road to the Lost Town - NH87, India

A drive on the Last Road to the Lost Town

Ever wondered driving for about 25 km, on a narrow stretch of a two-lane Highway severing two different oceans at both sides - the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal?  It seems like a breathtaking adventure drive, isn't?  

This whimsical drive along NH87 is quite exciting and a lot more adventurous than it seems on the internet images, as it is this shoreline that has witnessed many natural calamities in the past. The NH 87 ends in the la(o)st mystic town of Dhanushkodi where the Indian ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet.

From a busy town to a lost town

Dhanushkodi meaning- 'end of bow', which marks the end of the Indian mainland, was a busy seaport and just another normal coastal town until December 1964 - the day when calm waters of the sea turned into a furiously devastating cyclone with high tides ranging from 7 to 10 meters height with wind velocity swiping off everything in the town!

This catastrophe marked the day in history when a lively busy town was washed away overnight leaving pristine sand dunes on land & human bodies floating on waters. Today this lost town has only the abandoned ruins of the then busy seaport - a Catholic church, a railway station with trails of railway track, a portion of a water tank, a wall of the post office; it is more of a tourist attraction now, only during the day time till the sun sets. Why was Dhanushkodi declared as "Ghost town", by the Government of India after 1964 catastrophe? Why hasn't the government taken steps to renovate or develop the town again? This ghost town has become unfit for living due to its highly risky geographical location witnessing frequent high tides causing ever-changing landscape & shore profile. Research says that the sea level is constantly changing, that one day a sand patch on the beach is seen while it is covered by sea the same night!

Just imagine how this lost town would look like after sunset - No electricity, No water, just the roaring noise of oceans around, and the dryness caused due to the saline air. Exhausting and haunting, right? It is said that very few fishermen huts fit with solar panels over thatched roofs are built here to serve as an emergency haven for the fishers out in the sea.

The Lost land as etched in my memory

I have visited Dhanushkodi when I was a kid and I still have a clear picture of the ride on the beach sand in a very sturdy jeep (which was the only vehicle fit to be driven on beach sands). Throughout the journey, till the last point of the land, I was pretty scared which I think was quite normal (even more scared after hearing the history of Dhanushkodi); both sides ocean, narrow shoreline, without a road or big stone embankments, or dolosse blocks to protect against the erosive force of waves; I imagined being engulfed by the unprecedented sea tides from both sides!

(A quick fact: These reinforced concrete Dolosse were invented in 1963 and was first deployed in the South African coastline in 1964 - the year when Dhanushkodi town went missing under the sea!)

Recently after the construction of this "Last road of India - NH87", and its coastal management measures with revetments all around, Dhanushkodi has become one of the favorite tourist havens of South India in the limelight.

While this drive on the Dhanushkodi beach road is allowed only after the sunrise till 5pm (before sunset), it has spectacular alluring beaches on both sides of the road. During the day time, the waters are too calm, without waves, crystal clear, aesthetic & breathtaking scenary, and even walkable inside the sea for quite some distance.

Rama Setu Viewpoint

As a symbolic reference of the last point of the mainland of India (southeastern), there is a statue of the National emblem (seen more like a sentry tower!). Now, this is the viewpoint of the mythologically...religiously... scientifically...geologically... geographically...even politically significant "Ram Setu or Rama Setu Bridge". For those who haven't known about the Rama Setu bridge- according to the Hindu mythology, it shares its history way back from 5000BCE during the Ramayana period. Geographically, it is a visible causeway created across the oceans, formerly connecting the Pamban Island of TN- India and Mannar Island of Sri Lanka.

Ram Setu bridge is a 35km long stretch consisting of visible patches of small sandy islands on the surface, and limestone shoals, coral reefs, floating rocks (pumice stones), rare earth minerals (it is said to have deposits of thorium, uranium). And this uneven, unclear formation in the middle of the sea has made it impossible for the ships to sail across it. Surprisingly, this formation of a bridge-like structure has existed for so many years (calculate from 5000BCE) even after facing several deadly cyclones & storms through the years.

Personally, this place (Dhanushkodi & its beach road) seemed very fascinating to me which inspired me to paint it as an art using Satellite image reference and Google maps.

Watercolor painting of the aerial view - Dhanushkodi beach road (click image to zoom in)

PS: If you wish to see this location on the google maps, the sand patches along the shoreline have extended a bit more from the statue point due to the changing tidal activity

Art & Article by Swasthi

Original image reference

Facts reference from Wikipedia

Staying calm in turbulent times – A superpower one should possess!

Being calm like a lake is a Superpower one should possess. Oh yeah! I can relate this “Power of being calm”- to the superpower shield of Marvel’s Captain America! Being calm is the best invisible shield one can possess in order to cease our everyday worries, stress, and struggles, or even agitation due to over excitement. All these have a strong influence on our emotional balance and thus impact our emotional health.

It is human tendency to react too quickly during a turbulent or a tough situation. What is actually going on when we react? Or why isn’t there control over our emotional reactions? This is apparently because the world moves faster every day and we are working too hard to match its speed. Over involvement in work, frustration due to the negligence of personal life, lack of equilibrium between what we wanted to do & what we end up doing, more focus on earning more money or fame and what not! – All these push us into living a toxically busy life, spinning much too fast than our nominal capacity. We do not have the power to calm down the whole situation causing turbulence, but what can be done is to calm ourselves while the situation will settle by itself. 
On the other hand, whenever we are overexcited or become ecstatic, it often becomes very difficult to control our emotions and there can be too much on our mind which leads to an overwhelming condition. Even though we need to let out of our emotions (both positive & negative) during these good or bad times, we need to have a check before getting off balance. Eventually, the swirling emotion makes us lead an unhappy, unsatisfied life.

“Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm” - Unknown author

It is, for this reason, we need to take a break from life’s race! We need to be calm and live a serene life whenever possible. Being calm doesn’t mean being without emotions. It is being able to control our emotions and balance it properly towards the well being of the most important person in your life – You!

Why should we be like a lake? – Here are 4 interesting analogies...

1. Lakes are meant to possess a calm, serene look, due to its still surface. But this superficial calmness doesn’t mean it is powerless. The calmer surfaces of lakes hide greater depths of aqua life within which nobody can judge by just looking. When we are calm, it doesn’t mean that we are powerless or submissive to react to situations, but it does mean we have a greater power of controlling self with a deep sense of kindness, greater knowledge to judge and respond to situations.

     “Make your heart like a lake with calm, still surface and great depth of kindness”- Lao Tzu

 2. Lakes are known for their clarity, surface ripples, unknown depths, and vibrant life around the shores and in a nutshell, lakes are full of Life! Likewise, we should possess a crystal clear mind; create positive vibes & ripples surrounding us; infinitely deeper sense of knowledge to be wise; shore up true friendship & good people around you; be kind enough to help others & be a source of their smile to live life to the fullest. 

3. Turbulent waters cannot reflect, it is the still waters of lake that reflect the beauty around it. Only when our mind is still, the beauty of true self & also our surroundings are seen reflected on it. Lakes reflect the vastness of the infinite sky and this explains that the acquired knowledge, howsoever vast it may be, should be reflected in our humble actions.

“We cannot see our reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see.” – Zen saying

 4. Lakes are filled with natural magic potion otherwise known as the Water! While water has the super power to be soothing and to sustain life forms, it can also be terrifying and take away lives when turbulent. A lake holds all that raw potential of water intact or still, keeping it from destroying things in its path. And this is much like our brains which hold wild thoughts from wandering away. So Life will be at its best when our potential thoughts & actions are deep and calm like a lake.

“If the lake sees the ocean, it will want big waves! If the ocean sees the lakes, it will want calm days that last for years!” – Mehmet Murat ildan

Quotes reference from : everydaypower.com

Art and Article by Swasthi 

Biodiversity ~ Sustainability ~ Nature

"We should preserve every scrap of Biodiversity while we learn to use it and come to understand what it means to Humanity" - by E.O. Wilson

Nature is at its best form when it is left as it is! Biodiversity cannot be maintained by protecting a few species in a zoo, or by preserving Green belts or National parks or sanctuaries. To function properly, nature needs more room than these. It can maintain itself, without a zookeeper, or an administrator, or the forest department, or the gene banks. All it needs is to be left undisturbed...

Need for the conservation of jungles!

Biodiversity explains the whole range of the different varieties of living beings or systems on earth. It basically includes all the animal & plant species, landscapes & ecosystems. Biodiversity is the key to maintain stable ecosystems. 

While an ecosystem is a group of life forms living together in a mutually balanced community. We as humans (the highest form of animal life!) are unique in this ecosystem. As humans, we have the intelligence to define our very own meaningful existence. We can easily appreciate the beauty of this biodiversity, whether we are looking at a squirrel enjoying its food, or a bunch of blooming flowers, chirping birds, or the majestic roar of a lion. We like to live in a varied environment, be it open spaces to play, like beaches, trees for shade, a garden filled with colorful flowers, lakes or rivers with clean water; simply saying, we need a variety of flora & fauna to live!!

A Simple doodle art - "Flora & Fauna" showcasing footprints of few animals (centered by humans!) surrounded by plants & flowers - depicts that the world is to be shared by all living beings and not just Humans!

We were taught about animals, to respect them, to be aware of them, to preserve them, to understand that we share this planet Earth with them. We do not have the right vested on us to abuse animals, rather the mother nature as a whole entity.

Where in an area, more biodiversity exists: supporting large species of plants and animals, healthier are the humans!

Magical ways to Express Love to your partner

Love is one of the most exhilarating, most exciting experiences in life. The magical connection when you are with the right person is unbelievable!

Many people believe that not only loving but expressing love properly can solve many problems in life.

We do not understand the importance of fostering relationships in our life, until we regret losing them! Like any other relationship, loving your life partner needs to be a continuous process that you happily grow old together with a deep sense of caring for them throughout.

In this post, many ways of expressing love to your life partner are shared, especially when it comes to sustaining in a marriage, nurturing, or nourishing a healthy relationship...

Do listening more than talking. 

When you want to understand your partner’s mind and make them feel more understood and connected with you, this is the best way. Proving your intellect, oratory skills, your ability to persuade, or your leadership skills – all these are good, but not when you are with your partner. Just listen to them with all your ears, heart, and mind and not just your ears, while looking at your mobile phones!

 Say ‘I love you’ more frequently and mean it. 

State these magical words in a way that they mean a lot to you. Impress them by your creativity and artistic skills! There are very creative ways to write “I LOVE YOU”, implicitly and rather not directly, to your partner. Check out my post on Handmade Flashcards.

Acknowledge their actions. Appreciate them more often. 

Being appreciated in a relationship makes a person feel special, happy, loved, respected, grateful, honored, and treasured. On the other hand, if you don’t acknowledge or appreciate their actions, slowly they lose interest in doing anything at all for you. The longer that person feels unappreciated the more likely it is that they may come to resent being taken for granted.

Prioritize your partner and prove their importance in your life.

Given an opportunity to showcase your priority for the relationship, grab them, and make sure you mean it. Remember, your life partner is your family, and your family is the first priority. For instance, prioritize your partner amidst your busy schedule; take time for a pleasant evening walk with your partner to his favorite soup shop just to enjoy the weather together.

Completely open up & Share your feelings and life with them daily.

Every relationship is healthy when people mutually become compatible and trustworthy to each other by sharing their feelings. Being transparent doesn’t mean you are susceptible or silly to talk about everything to your partner, but that you trust your partner and you want him included in your life’s story.

Spend valuable time with your partner.

Time is the most precious thing one can have. So, show them they mean a lot to you by spending some time with them, if possible, every day. Go for a late-night drive with them to their favorite dessert spot and talk through about how the day went.

Be the first person to compromise in a fight.

When you fight over an issue, make sure you solve it, the same night by explaining how your partner is important than winning the argument with them. Dragging the same problem for days and waiting for one another to open up & confess will only bring egotism in the relationship. Also, ensure that another argument doesn’t pop up again on the same issue. and understand the situation before jumping into a conclusion.

Love.

Always wear the priceless ornament (your smile).

Carry yourself with confidence.

Be classy.

Instill Inspiration.

Grow gratitude.

Believe in them.

Breathe happiness.

Have Self-respect for you first, to gain the same from your partner.

Forget your ego & forgive more.

Be patient.

Care; not only for your partner but also for their family.

Be there when your partner or their family needs you. A caring ping or call to their parents, just to know that they are safe & sound would be sufficed. Be a part, rather a helping hand in all important family occasions so that you become a close family member of ‘your own second family’.

Cook them with love, their favorite meal & help them stay healthy.

Know your partner’s likes & dislikes in food, learn new recipes accordingly. Food has a deep psychological effect; cook your dish wonderfully by adding some more love & care in it, and this simple act makes your partner happy & is forever grateful to you!

Inspire them and bring both of your dreams to reality.

Everybody has individual goals & dreams to fulfill in their life. When it comes to a healthy relationship, each of them should know of their partner’s life dreams and mutually help one another to reach for the sky. Forget once & for all, competitiveness, jealousy or selfishness with your partner, when you need a happy relation.

Motivate them at times of failure and cheer them up.

When your partner is having tough times at work, support them and cheer them up. Know about your partner’s favorite stress buster and do it. Or take a small break from the mundane work life; go for a short trip to their parents’ or friends’ place to spend time together.

Try to remember important & little things about your partner.

I know it is difficult to remember to do these little things, but this matter in a relationship. When your partner is suddenly going on a business trip for a couple of days and you pack his baggage remembering a handkerchief, an extra pair of socks, first aid kit. Or, when your partner lets you take the aisle seat when you get the middle seat on a plane knowing that you aren't comfortable. These are little but important things.

Do the things together your partner love doing with you.

This moment stays precious in their mind forever. When your partner likes to watch football, and you accompany them by supporting the opponent team, makes the session more interesting. Similarly, sit & eat along with your partner during dinners and Sunday brunches! This adds a bit more love to your meal.

Have a lot of intellectual and interesting conversations together.

When you are newly married, you will obviously have a lot to talk about each other; but if you are in the relationship for quite some time, your conversation becomes limited. You may talk about trending sport, TV shows or movies, passion in life, best moments spent together, world news, crack jokes, and so on. Personally, I and my partner used to converse uttering timely comedy dialogues from movies.

Befriend your partner’s friends and get along well in their gang.

This is one other way to become closer to your partner (even outside of your home). Plan vacations, travel, dine out, or watch movies with both of your friends' gang and spend time together so that you also become your partner’s best friend.

Make them feel special with a loving smile when you’re in a crowded event.

Be it family functions or friends party, we socialize and you might miss out your partner in the crowd. For a moment, you found your lost partner looking at them with a caring smile. YES! That is what I mean. That expression of relief, concern & love in your eyes is magical!!

Collect and preserve the memories of your relationship and save them for later so that you can give a surprise gift on a special day. Make collages to print pictures, make a scrapbook with pictures. Make sure you check this post for ideas to preserve memories.

Going with ‘the old fashioned way’.

Send a hand-written letter or email or a greeting card by expressing your feelings, if you are staying away from one another. You can write and sing a romantic song or poem for your partner.

Touch is the best therapy for handling a relationship.

To most people, physical relationships bring in more intimacy and trust than all of the above stated. It is always an effective stress buster. Hug your partner more often. Give your partner a special massage. Just these simple acts prove to be the best of all therapies! 

"Be that man or that woman, who makes others jealous of his or her partner".

Believe me, most of these have done miracles in my life and I really hope these work out well with you guys too!! Comment below your way of expressing love and tell us such experiences from your life......

 

Art & Article by Swasthi