Withering Wilderness

 As an youngster, I used to roam a lot in Madras where I grew. There was so much to explore in 1960s and 1970s in the city. It's vastness, plenty of open space, satisfying green cover, shaded trees and above all, a forest well within the city limits.  It was my father who had exposed me to go out with him and be with Nature.... The Children's Park, Adyar (next to Gandhi Mantapam) was my my first introduction to the wild. The forest (the present Guindy National Park) had no restrictions for entry those days  and I used to walk beside my father,along with my younger brother during weekends. I was fortunate to live in a wooded house called  'The Grove'at Eldhams Road, Alwarpet,  that had a rich flora and fauna.   It had a variety of trees and also had  snakes, mangoose and toddy cats in its sprawling garden. Spotted Owlet was the first bird I saw in my life, 55 years back and since then it has been one of my favourite birds too. So, unlike many of my friends, I never stood in queues in cinema halls during my boyhood.  Instead I found myself at home in the company of trees, flowers, butterflies and birds. That 'taste' stands in good stead even now. Thanks to my father and later my elder brother Raghu, my life has always revolved around "Nature" since then.

Sekar