VOL 3 ISSUE 1 TRADITION I CULTURE I FLAVOUR I BUSINESS I NEWS JULY 10, 2009

Local impact: A resolute Sullivan’s Bungalow: This

social worker helps rehabili- landmark building in the
tate women abused by their district has plenty on offer
alcoholic spouses. p 11,12 for the history buff. p 14

A
eLocal
U N I Q U E P E R S P E C T I V E O F T H E N I L G I R I S
Ooty Vintage Car
rally: picsinside

Heavy Inspite of the dangers of

School bags:
A back-burner issue. p7
Kiran Komail Hassan
physical and mental stress,
presented at an early age,
to a school going child,
much is said, but little is
being done about the
weight of the school bag.

Nilgiri Roads: The network of roads in the
Nilgiris encompasses over 3376 kms, with
the highest width per 100 sq miles recorded
among all hill regions of India.
Travelling from Ooty to Coonoor is a 35
min drive with the scenic Valley view
enroute. Along much of this drive look out
for the railway line, which snakes its way
through the valleys and hillsides suddenly
springing upon you at an over bridge near
Wellington, to finally culminate at Coonoor.
While in Coonoor, do not miss visiting Sim’s
Park (historical information mentioned
below) and the Dolphin’s nose viewpoint if
not Lamb’s rock as well, time permitting.
Excited youngsters from Coimbatore, visiting Nilgiris, .
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Woolen wear:
Choose from an exclusive range of sweaters at
the Woolen Store, this season. Sweaters for all
occasions, and for every member of the family.
Prices range from Rs 252/- onward. For
information, call (0423) 2442214. Visit us for
personalised service. The Woolen Store, (M
Chandiram & Son) Commercial Road, Ooty - 1
2
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Call for local sightseeing cabs,
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Kotagiri can be accessed from Ooty and
Coonoor, in an hour’s time, either way, with
good roads connecting these towns. Places
to see in Kotagiri are the Sullivan’s Bungalow,
near Dimhatti village and the Kodanad
viewpoint beyond Nedugula village.
For what to do while in Ooty, refer the 5
must-visit spots on the following page.
Gudalur town has more to offer than just
the Mudumalai sanctuary but more on that
in the next issue. The two-hour drive to
Gudalur is dotted with stately eucalyptus
trees planted during the 70s. Drive safely
and responsibly - remember never to drive
under the influence of alcohol. Cheers!
An eye catching sight - these
youngsters sticking their heads out of
the sunroof of this powerful SUV,
waving out to everyone in excitement;
the picture has the Ketti valley on the
Ooty- Coonoor Road, in the
background! Two of the young holiday
makers are from Miami in the US. ‘We
love this weather’, they shout out.
The present district court premises, including
the site and the building, were originally meant for
the Breeks Memorial school. In 1873, J D Sim,
(who laid out the park at Coonoor named after
him, around the same time) placed the foundation
stone for the school. During 1875-78, the entire
complex with an attractive clock tower was
completed by J W Morant, District Engineer par
excellence. In 1885, the government acquired
the site and the building for the court house due
to the centrally accessible location.
Info, courtesy: Rev Philip K Mulley
3
travel
5 must-visit
tourist spots
in Ooty.
In about half a day’s time,
with a small car or taxi
handy, one can get to the
essence of Ooty’s tourism
identity.
Pykara Lake:
21 kms from Ooty, on the
Ooty-Mysore Road, is the
Pykara lake. It is considered
sacred by indigenous tribes.
Great for boating. Thank God
for digital cameras - the
settings are picturesque.
Ooty Lake:
The glittering jewel of Ooty,
the lake is a treat to behold
from afar! Total extent: 65
acres. Officially opened to
boating since 1973.
Botanical Gardens:
In the heart of Ooty town, this
55 acre expanse is the lungs
of the town and its resident
population. its layout was
completed in 1867. With over
2000 varieties of flowers, the
gardens is a must-see.
Tea museum & Tea factory:
Enroute Doddabetta, the tea
manufacturing experience
here, is total - from leaf to cup,
as they say. The museum is a
history buff’s delight!
Doddabetta Peak:
Standing at 2623 msl (metres
above sea level) Doddabetta is
10 kms from Ooty. The name
means ‘big mountain’ in the local
language. Surrounded by dense
shola (forests) the peak offers a
truly far-sighting experience. One
can see as faraway as Mysore,
through a high-powered
telescope set there.
The future of the Nilgiri Potato hangs in the balance.
The International year of Potato aims to
increase awareness and support for the
Daily vegetables: An early morning
scene from Ooty market
development of the crop, which, humble as it
may be, has had the reputation of changing the
fortunes of nations in recent history.
The potato (Solanum Tuberosa) was first found
growing wild 8000 years ago on the shores of
Lake Titicaca high in the Andes mountain
ranges of South America wherein 200 species
of wild potato can be found. In some parts of
the High Andes, land is still measured in ‘topo’
- the area a family requires to grow their potato
supply. Time, it seems, was measured by how
long it took to cook a potato. On an interesting
note, the locals in whose hands rest the potato
cultivation of the area are exceptional reservoirs
of the knowledge and skills in domesticating
wild potatoes. Unique farming practices have
been passed on orally by generations of women
farmers. They have, it seems, provided priceless
assistance in preserving Andean potato
biodiversity.
Nilgiri native dwellers have no less a reputation
for their acquired skills at farming, potato in
particular having had a spectacular economic
effect.
The future of the ‘Ooty potato’, however, hangs
in the balance, what with declining inclination
of the next generation to take it up, rising costs
of input as well as the vagaries of the market.
Read a special account in the
next issue, complete with a
historical account, a detailed
perspective of market
conditions and an interview
with an octogenarian farmer !
Train timings:
Mettupalayam-Ooty:
Mini shopping guide
Dep:7:10 am Garments:
Arr: Ooty-1200 noon.
Fashion India - Specialist tailors
Ooty -Mettupalayam: We specialise in churidhars and gents suits.
Dep:3:00 pm.
For more information, contact Mushtak M /
Local trains:
M Mubarak on mobile no: 9847071235/
Ooty to Coonoor-9:15 am,
12:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 6: pm. 94887 70674. Near IUDP Complex, Market,
Coonoor to Ooty-7:45 am, Coonoor - 1.
10:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 4:30 pm. Sweets & Savouries
Shree Shakthi Sweets
DISTRICT HELP-LINES Visit for an attractive variety of sweets and
savouries. Call Shanthilal C. Bajaniya, (0423)
POLICE call 108 in any
2239688. NKN Complex, Bedford Circle,
emergency Coonoor.
Florists
Police: Ooty - (0423) 100,
Best Blooms - Florists
Coonoor - (0423) 2221836,
Kotagiri - (04266) 271100, Bouquets starting from Rs. 50/ - onwards.
Gudalur (04262) 261246. Contact for marriages and party decorations.
Call P Sumathi, mobile no 98432 55278.
Please add the area code if dialling from a
mobile phone or from outside the circle Jograj Building, Bedford, Coonoor.
 4
tribute

The epitome
of simplicity.
The doors of the traditional, tiled, low-
roofed home in the heart of Ooty town,
in Agraharam, a home that you will
find after several turns on a narrow
winding road, would be opened at 5
am each day. ‘Whether it was a rainy
morning or cold winter weather was Former Rajya Sabha MP and MLC from the The young couple: (left) Mr.
not a detterent. My uncle would open Nilgiris, Mr Surendra Ram, was a man Surendra Ram and Mrs Thulasibai
In distinguished company: With Dr
the doors promptly at 5’, reminisces a committed to quiet service to local community. S Radhakrishnan and Marshall Tito;
niece tearfully. His simple life is testimony to the true identity amongst fellow-parliamentarians
We had paid a quiet visit to the home of a politician. (below).
where the former MP from the Nilgiris,
Mr Surendra Ram lived for several
years before he moved to Chennai, for
medical checks and treatment for a
heart condition.
He was large-hearted. And fair and
forthright too. A grandchild recalls the
toys that he never forgot to bring home,
inspite of busy schedules; a neighbour
stressed on the daily arbitration that the
former MP would undertake to settle
issues for those who entered through
the open doors.
A few months before Mr Surendra
Ram died, I had the privilege to visit
him and the family at Chennai and
had presented him a copy of TheLocal,
the one in which the story of free legal
aid in the Nilgiris was touched upon.
When reminded of his contributions
towards enabling legal aid for vast sec-
tions of under privileged people locally,
as mentioned by the writer, the kindly
man smiled. He perhaps meant that it
was nothing, which is characteristic of
all self-effacing people. Or, he per-
haps meant, ‘wish I could still do more’,
which is selfless. Agraharam home tell the story. The MP was, of first - he walked (never owned a car), you
His contributions to the development according to the family, very dear to the then always saw him in a Nehru suit, he had a smile
of the Co-operative banks, locally, are Chief Minister K Kamaraj. His travels took on his face. Most importantly, he had time for
noteworthy. Mr Surendra Ram him far and wide and his friends included no everyone he met on the road - a word of timely
strongly advocated the habit of small less than dignitaries like Marshall Tito (in pic- advice and reassurance.
savings among the marginalised and ture, above). Mr Surendra Ram’ died at age 88.
lesser privileged. The M P’s inspira- The Rajya Sabha tenure lasted from 1952- He is survived by his wife and four children
tion came, it seems, from his father 58. His life of service to society, went beyond. and their families. He leaves behind a legacy
Shri Muniswamy Pillai, then Agricul- Everywhere we visited, the day after his de- of unconditional and unsung service to local
ture Minister, also the first Minister mise in Chennai, asking people in and around society that may never be paralleled. A ster-
of State from the Nilgiri district. Ooty town, of their memories of the former ling example of how a true politician must be.
The pictures on the wall at the MP, it was his simplicity that would be talked The Local Correspondent
5
general
Commemorating 150 years: Mr N Ram, Editor-inChief, The Hindu, addressing the gathering at the
Nilgiri Library 150th year celebratory function. Seen seated, from left, Dr D Krishnaraj, Hony President
of the library and Mr K Chandramohan, Hony Secretary.
‘An improbable survival’
150 years of the Nilgiri Library commemorated.
The 150th anniversary celebrations of the
Nilgiri Library were made special by the
presence of Mr N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief
of The Hindu. His speech was delivered
from a podium set up in the high-ceilinged
Reading Room.
It was evident that he had taken time off
from his busy schedule to look up informa-
tion regarding the Library. The survival of
the Library was an improbable survival, be-
cause although the reading habit has not
died, books and newspapers have definitely
been left by the wayside. Newspapers are
on the decline but since most papers are
available online, readership have increased
while the output of print material has
dwindled. Most publishing houses are on
Readers write
Monkey in the mind Sarasu Bellie
I picked up a dictionary to search for the
meaning of words such as conflict,
vaccillation, indecision, confusion and dis-
traction. It took me three days to do this.
But why so long? Because Tommy would
distract me with his angry barking. He
seemed to be bothered by something up
on the tree, but I see nothing there. The
their last legs. But the habit of reading is not
dying out and one needs only to look at the
phenomenal global success of the Harry Pot-
ter series to realise that. Books are now avail-
able online and only need to be downloaded.
So with gadgets like the I-pod or an e-reader,
a reader can access a book at any given time.
Therefore, this library has to resort to ener-
getic, innovative methods to entice new
members. It should work hand in hand with
the new electronic technology in order to
ensure its continued survival. Children, es-
pecially, should be introduced to the joys of
reading.
The Nilgiri Library could further be safe-
guarded by getting it declared a heritage
building so as to preserve it and keep it con-
temporary. Encouraging words. J Pillai
phone rings. It is an old friend. We talk
and we talk and then I go for a walk. The
dictionary is still on my table. The mon-
key it seems was not on the tree but in my
mind. I promise to finish my word search-
ing immediately but I forget why I’m do-
ing this. Its the monkey again. This time,
Tommy is fast asleep.
Unscramble the words alongside
to discover a local treat below!
answers on p 13
KAEC
NYHEO
SOL A D M N
HESAWC
IAPTS
CNMHU
NOGAM
A gift from Ooty that makes home, sweet home!
Statutory disclaimer: TheLocal disclaims liability of any kind
whatsoever, arising out of the readers use, or inability to use the
material contained in it. Adequate care has been taken to compile
stories for the reference of our users. TheLocal makes every effort to
maintain accuracy of the information but does not accept responsibility
for any and disclaims responsibility for any loss or damage which may
arise from the information provided. All opinion expressed in the issue
in the form of articles or any viewpoint is solely that of the individual or
advertiser concerned and TheLocal accepts no liability thereof. None
of the Authors, Contributors, Sponsors or anyone connected to TheLocal
can be liable for any reproduction of the material.

Promotional feature
With more and more
electrical gadgets filling the
average consumer’s home,
chances of accidental fire is
today, greatly increased.
How prepared is the average
housewife to cope with an
eventuality when there may
be no help readily available?
UBC Fire Safety Equipment
representatives throw light
on various aspects.
How prepared are
we, in the event
of an accidental
fire at home?
UBC Fire Safety (P) Ltd, no 108, Tatabad, Coimbatore - 641 012. Tel - (0422 4373101 Fax - (0422) 421 3101 email ho@ ubcfire safety. com.
www.ubcfiresafety.com. Nilgiri region office: no 18, Church Road, Bedford, Coonoor. (0423) 223 2101
Fire safety, for the home, is usually the last
thing on anyone’s mind. The excuse is that a
fire rarely happens so why bother about it. How-
ever, accidental fire in homes do occur. The
question is, are we prepared?
What would we do, for instance, if the curtains
in the bedroom caught fire? Or something in
the microwave got burnt and sparked off flames?
The first reaction is to throw water.
However, this could prove dangerous, especially
when dealing with electrical gadgets, says MrA
M Lawrence, head of UBC Fire Safety Equip-
ment. ‘The fire could spread faster and in some
cases, the chances of electrical shock to the
individual is greatly increased. A fire extin-
guisher, on the other hand, is a handy device
that can efficiently and safely take care of such
accidental fires.
The extinguisher spews a powdery spray which
acts as a blanket, cutting off any oxygen supply
to the flames (which is what makes a fire grow
bigger). A few quick sprays on the affected
surface and the fire is effortlessly put out.
The recommended size of a fire extinguisher
for home use, is either a 1 kg or 2 kg cylinder
for an average household. However, the ac-
tual requirement of a home is based on the
assessment of a fire safety consultant after
considering size of the house, extent of the
surroundings and such other aspects.
Is it difficult for a housewife to actually handle
the extinguisher? Is it heavy? The fire safety
expert reassuringly explains that operating a
fire extinguisher is simple, once the family has
been trained in the easy-to-follow steps that
are imparted at the time of installation. As for
the weight, both the options mentioned above
are balanced in such a way as to prove con-
venient to hold and operate, as the picture
6
below depicts (Mrs Devaram, a resident
of Coonoor, is seen holding a 2 kg cylin-
der in her kitchen).
The ideal place for the fire extinguisher is
at the entrance of the kitchen, says Mr
Lawrence. ‘The kitchen is the most likely
place where a fire could start. In case of
an eventuality, it is easy to rush to the
doorway, unhook the cylinder and spray
over the affected area, instantly!’
There is a 5 year maintenance-free
warrranty on the product. This is the life-
time of the cylinder which can be refilled,
thereafter.
UBC Fire, according to company sources,
is one of the largest fire safety solutions
provider in the region. The organisation,
incorporated in 1997, has a highly trained
workforce, who, as part of ongoing safety
drives also actively engages in fire safety
awareness programs for various commu-
nities especially those in highly fire-sensi-
tive zones like garment factories. School
students are regularly trained in fire safety.
UBC’s fire safety solutions also extend to
the corporate and industrial sector.
‘Our help desk at Coonoor, will be happy
to provide information regarding fire safety
and how to go about installing a fire extin-
guisher at home.’ For those who wish to
know more about home safety solutions,
they may call the Nilgiri region area repre-
sentative, Mr Basil Benny on the follow-
ing tel. nos. (0423) 223 2101/ 98949 90523.
Prices for the portable range of fire extin-
guishers, for a household, range from an
attractive Rs. 999/- to Rs. 2499/-.
Information & photographs: courtesy, UBC
Fire Safety (P) Ltd.
 7
local issue
A back-burner issue
Onset of juvenile rheumatoid arthiritis can be attributed directly to the weight
of the school bag, but the issue, at present, is a low-priority one.
A flash survey of the weights of school bags
that children carry to school each day
produced some thought-provoking results -
the weight of the bags, on an average, were
found to be over 20% of the students’ body
weights. As per International norms a child’s
school bag must not exceed 10% of his/her
body weight. In India, there seem to be no
specific guidelines available in this regard.
Dr P K Ramachandran, senior surgeon, when
asked for his opinion on the matter, explained
that a heavy bag on a child’s shoulders
increased the risk of physical strain on the
muscles and possible damage. Likely
symptoms, he says, are migraine headaches
and frequent complaints of back pain and
TheLocal interviewed Mrs. Leela
Krishnarajan, Correspondent L.R.N
Opportunity School, Coonoor, for her
perspective on the issue of children
carrying heavy school bags.
How heavy was your own school bag when
you were a student? We were just 17
students with each us being provided desks
to store all our books and take home only
the necessary ones. I remember carrying
books in our hands.
What do you think has led to the change,
today? I think teaching a large number of
children and attempting to cover portions
quickly has increased dependence on text
books and guides.
Kiran Komail Hassan
musculoskeletal pain. In severe cases, onset
of juvenile rheumatoid arthiritis can also occur,
the doctor cautions.
Several parents find themselves carrying the
child’s school bag or hiring an auto rickshaw
to avoid the obvious strain on the child’s
shoulders.
A Principal of a large local school categorically
stated that children and parents must be
watchful of the timetable requirements and
plan the contents of the school bag accordingly.
Teachers, it seems, advise students
periodically to plan according to their
respective timetables. A random assessment
of timetables versus the books being carried
did show some students carrying more books
Has the dependence on a teacher reduced?
Yes, and that is mainly because earlier
teachers were concept oriented, using
different methods for teaching whereas
today most teachers tend to rely on the text
book. Some even dictate directly from the
text book.
I am reminded of my own teachers at St.
Joseph’s Convent, Coonoor, Mrs.
Chippendale and Mrs. Saldhana who taught
us with innovative methods. Mrs. Saldhana,
a widely travelled person, would, for example,
while teaching us about a particular country,
actually dress like them! Today I find myself
adopting several methods that these
teachers employed. Contd on p 14
than required, but most others were carrying
books according to the day’s plan. Is it
therefore, that the timetable itself might need
a relook? Before considering this larger
question here is another observation - an
average of 2-3 books per subject are being
hauled up and down to school each day. If,
for example, a child had seven or eight
subjects to study then around twenty books
will be required for that day!
An average of 2-3 books, per subject,
is being hauled up and down to
school everyday. If a child had seven
subjects to study, then around 20
books will be required for that day!
There are suggestions. A local school
correspondent points out that text books need
not be carried along every day. This, she feels,
will greatly reduce bag weight. Homework
could also be replaced with a brief revision
the next day allowing discussion and
assessment to happen in class itself.
Amid all this, school bag manufacturers,
mostly from the unorganised sector, seem to
be having a field day. There are ‘big bags’ on
sale. ‘Parents ask for bigger bags, said one
retailer in Ooty. Exceptionally, at least one
branded bag maker had sizes for specific age
groups.
The real issue, however - education being
primarily meant to spark the mind and not
challenge the body - is on the backburner; it
needs to be addressed sooner than later.
The writer is engaged in the
welfare of little students. She is
also a French tutor.
interview
Teachers like Mrs Saldhana and
Mrs Chippendale were role models.
They showed us students how to
eliminate dependence on books by
being creative in their teaching
methodology.
 Men in Black
The Ooty Vintage Rally was most certainly the spectacular event of the season with the
‘men’ all dressed to kill. The graceful lady of the lot, was a red-coloured Baby Austin of
1942 (on cover pg). pic : courtesy, Ajay Venugopal

They were all lined up on the green grass; as striking a line-up as at any beauty pageant. They were the forty four vintage vehicles participating in the
Vintage Car Rally held under the auspices of the Nilgiri Vehicle and Classic Cars Association. The line-up comprised cars, jeeps and motor-cycles, all
gleaming and spotless. Some had travelled up under their own steam from as far as Salem and Coimbatore. Others, too fragile for the long drive uphill,
rode piggy-back on a lorry to their destination. The oldest car present was a bright red 1934 Baby Austin. One black 1945 Morris was purchased from
its original owner for a princely sum of Rs 5000. The jeeps were interesting in that though manufactured in the 1950’s they were made according to the
specifications required by vehicles used in World War II. Hence they come equipped with map reading lights on the bonnet. These and the headlights are
covered by metal hoods so that the lights would not be visible to any aircraft flying overhead. Many had thick wooden sticks bolted on to their bonnets.
In case of any emergency these were unscrewed and fixed with either metal axe or shovel heads(which are also bolted onto the vehicle) and used as required.
Most owners have a regular mechanic who is familiar with the cars. Some of the cars have had their original engines removed to make way for newer and
more economical engines. At least one owner on acquiring the vehicle has removed the new engine and replaced it with an original engine found some
bazaar. The idea is to restore the vehicle to its original condition. But spares are hard to find and owners scour second hand markets or as a last resort will
have the part made locally. The rally which began three years ago has now become a fixture at Ooty and the number of enthusiasts is on the rise. So we
can look forward to seeing more of these beauties on the road. Information compiled by Mrs J Pillai
The young Inheritor
Young Srinivas, a Std 9 student of Stanes School Coimbatore, is the ‘hopeful’
inheritor of the 1945 Morris (in pic). Although the vintage car belongs to his
mother, he takes an avid interest in the car, its mechanics and maintenance.
Unlike other teens, Srinivas was indifferent to the charms of a Ferrari or a
Porsche, but his eyes would light up everytime he looked at the Morris. He
seemed to be on friendly terms with the mechanic and informed us that a self-
starter has been installed to eliminate the need for the traditional crank. Once
on the road, the ‘grand old lady’ moved at 50-60 kmpl. Srinvas’ family also owns
another vintage car - a Vanguard.The young inheritor tells us that he wlll have
to deserve the car in order to own it, someday. His continued involvement and
care for the masterpiece, will help ensure that.
 10
environment
What do we mean, Plastic-free? Roshni Yathiraj

The Nilgiris district may only be carry-bag free (if at all). The larger problem lies beneath the surface
and in the air that we breathe.
A truckload of soil was meant to be just that
- a truckload of soil. Until the local resident
who ordered it, found disposable syringes
upon unloading!
Hospitals in the Nilgiris did not have a
system of disposal till the year 2001. Ever
since, a Supreme Court ruling ensured that
an independent area be earmarked for bio-
medical waste and that a stringent system
be put in place.
Dr Muralidharan, member of the Indian
Medical Association, Nilgiris, presently
entrusted with overseeing the medical waste
management system, estimates that about
a 100 kgs of plastic medical waste, each
month, is being managed by the designated
facility located near Coonoor.
Earlier, in January 2000, the Tamil Nadu
government had enforced a ban on the
usage of three particular plastic articles in
the district – carry bags with handles, plastic
cups and plastic plates.
The ban was largely triggered due to
incessant problems of clogging of water
passages and drainage and the resultant
damage to the roads in particular. Today,
barring some unrelenting offendors -
vendors and customers alike, carry bags have
indeed reduced. The real issue however, is
much larger - plastics other than carry bags
and the manner of its disposal.
An average Indian household deals with at
least half a kilo of fresh plastic every three
months - milk sachets, water bottles,
packaging material and wrappers of all kinds,
large and small. The local scenario is not
unsimilar - roughly 1 tonne of plastic waste
is generated every week in Ooty town alone,
according to sources at the
Udhagamandalam Municipal office. During
the tourist season, there is a sharp increase
in such disposables. ‘Nearly 50% of plastic

Burning or burying
plastics won’t make
it go away. Recycling
and reuse are just
buzzwords.
There is a larger
solution although
an expensive one.
pics: Roshni Yathiraj

Burning plastic:
A highly unadvisable op-
tion to get rid of plastic
waste. This is however, a
regular affair across the
district.

Publisher’s note
(Yet) Another shot.
This time around, the small
paper with a big view, just
got smaller. Its resolve,
however, is bigger!
It still hasn’t struck me to quit publishing your local paper. The analogy
of a boxer, down but not out, rising up from the mat to deliver one last
punch is not misplaced. TheLocal is willing to give publishing of a paper
in the Nilgiris, one more shot.
Countless reviews and taking stock of the situation has led to innumerable
changes - changing the quality of paper (which we attempted once last
year), attempting a quarterly and even a shortlived weekly (to help
cash flows, we thought) and what not... But this must be the most startling
change- the revised size of the paper! There are valid reasons, not in
the least important being the ease of managing smaller sheets in terms
11
environment
disposables are added to the regular load’,
states the council Chairman, Mr. R
Rajendran, estimating it at about 1.5 tonnes
per week, during the peak period. What
exactly happens to these vast amounts of
disposed plastic across the district? There
are three possibilities - it is collected and
dumped onto a designated wasteland, or it
is strewn across the hillside or into a canal.
In the worst case scenario, it is burnt.
All the options pose threats. The dump
yards are literal toxin-generating pools with
large quantities of plastics exposed to direct
sunlight for years, causing the exposed
plastic to photo degrade into more toxic
perto-polymers. Layer upon layer of plastics
of all sorts have been collected over the years,
so much so that the dump overflows into
the neighbouring estate - a stark example of
massive consumption or insufficient
preparedness to tackle the burgeoning
problem, depending upon how one wants
to look at it. Plastic being strewn out the
window is apparently the lesser of the two
evils, the other being the burning of this
substance, which almost all residents,
particularly those residing outside municipal
limits, frequently resort to, simply in order to
get the mess out of sight.
5 ounces of burning PVC in an
average-sized room, can emit
enough toxicity to kill its
occupants in ten minutes.
This form of disposal is the most dangerous
- the release of dioxin, a carcinogen, causes
damaging and life threatening effect. For
instance, 5 ounces (or six 1 litre Coke bottles)
of burning PVC in an average-sized room,
can emit enough toxicity to kill its occupants
in ten minutes. If exposed to, in an open
environment, the toxins could affect the
lungs, nervous system, kidneys and liver in
the long term. Chronic diseases like
bronchitis, emphysema and most cancers
can take 20 years to develop and can be
caused by low exposures to smoke and
toxins, which originally appeared harmless.
Thanks to Alexander Parkes, creator of the
first man-made plastic in 1862, the
substance is found today, in nearly all
durable or disposable goods and packaging
materials. Polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride,
polystyrene are the chemicals largely used
in the manufacture of plastics. Synthetic
polymers are easily moulded into complex
shapes, have high chemical resistance, and
are more or less elastic. They can be formed
into fibres or thin transparent films (found
wrapped around a bar of chocolate to keep
the infamous worms out).
It’s impossible to wish plastics away. If its
not in your carry bag it is in your car, your
shampoo container and your kitchen. The
recycle triangle insignia found on the outside
of plastic products, denoting that it’s
recyclable and indicating the number of
times that it can be recycled, is a litle more
than a formality here in India; this issue is
best reserved, at this point, for deeper
Plastics, plastics: Garbage, across the dis-
trict is growing by the day. Plastics form a
majority of the waste, posing a dangerous
threat to all, unless diligently collected and
correctly reused.
investigation at a later time.
Coming to the predicament at hand, are
there solutions? Is there a possible avenue
for the huge amount of plastic waste that is
being generated in the hills to be better
utilised or at least, moved out of harm’s way?
Perhaps, yes. The presence of plastics in
roads, for example, has been experimented
with since the 90s, with some success. A lot
of headway has been made in the research
and development of this alternative. 600
kms of roads in the Bruhat Bangalore
Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have already
been laid with plastic-bitumen blend that,
according to experts, ensures twice the
durability of normal roads.
In 2004, the TCE Engineering College in
Madurai developed a plastic road technology.
The Government of Tamilnadu had then
announced a scheme for laying 1000 km of
rural roads using the plastic bitumen blend.
The focus on plastic itself, as an alternative,
came about due to a Supreme Court ruling
in 1998 when the Arin Barman Committee
was formed; it submitted a detailed report
on solid waste management for urban civic
bodies.
At least 2 tonnes of plastic is required for 1
km of road of 3.5m width, which, with some
simple computation locally, will establish that
there is enough raw material on hand. One
km of plastic road saves approximately one
tonne of bitumen, which makes the option
environmentally friendly! Plastic-bitumen
roads are highly water resistant which easily
caters to a perennial problem the Nilgiris.
But there is a road block. Costs. One km of
plastic road requires around Rs. 40,000/-
more than the regular tarring.Therefore, small,
local municipalities cannot go the distance
alone. Which leaves us to depend on the
government looking favourably in this
direction. Or, private investors and
entrepreneurs choosing to partner with local
civic bodies. But, these are roads less travelled.
Ms Roshni Yathiraj is (late) Dr A A Devaraj’s
grandaughter; She is presently pursuing a degree
in Environmental Sciences at Bangalore

of layout. The primary aspect is most certainly, the cost of paper. TheLocal has, we realised in the two years gone by, been more of a magazine
than a newspaper. The new size, incidentally, is typically magazine-like. So much for the latest change. The values of the publication are
unchanged. Celebrating the district’s history, culture and traditions is uppermost and quite dear to me as it is to you.
The need also, to reflect on issues that affect us locally, is something that TheLocal is conscious of and has duly explored. The elephant poaching
issue, the worrying aspect of depleting water sources, and now the problem of growing plastic waste are examples of this underlying intent. You
will find a mix of local aspects in this revised issue that will inform us about that which we weren’t aware, instil in us an introspective disposition about
issues that are more serious than we imagined and truly, to invite us all to act in the interest of the larger good of local society not just for now but
the future too. As you will discover, while perusing through the magazine, a separate section has been devoted to hearing your views on varied
matters related to the district. Please feel free to send in your letters marked to the editor either by post or email, both of which are mentioned at
the bottom of p 16. Sincerely, Edwin David

At SARAS, 60% of domes-
tic abuse cases involve
women having to cope with
their alcoholic spouses. Mrs
Vasanthakumari (in pic, left)
and her team, have helped
rehabilitate several grateful
women and their children
traumatised by unfortunate
circumstances in their lives.
Excerpts from an interview.
What made you break away from the mould
and take up active social work?
During my years in college I wanted to become
a teacher so it made sense to do my B.Ed. When
the Swami Vivekananda Kendra of
Kanyakumari sent out a call for service-minded
men and women to serve the country, I decided
to join. The training that I received there gave
me the confidence and determination to take
up social work as a career. It is probable that my
underlying bend for social work was brought to
the fore by the Kendra. After all isn’t a teacher’s
job also a service?
When was the SARAS Trust formed? What
is its aim?
In 1999, with the help of my brother Dr. Satish
Kumar, an Ayurvedic doctor who was practis-
ing in Ooty. SARAS stands for Saradha Devi
Ramakrishna and Swamiji (Vivekananda) the
acronym being formed by the first two alpha-
bets of the first two words and the first alphabet
of the last word.
Our aim is to help women from the age group
0-90.We help women who have been deserted,
who are unwed mothers, who are trapped in
family conflicts. Victims of domestic abuse and
women with alcoholic husbands make up 60%
of our cases. We also take in women who have
been victims of trafficking and of rape.The Court,
at times, entrusts us with underage girls who
have run away from their homes. In rare cases,
girls are brought to us by one or other of their
Restoring torn relationships
J Pillai
parents to avoid an escalation of domestic con-
flict.
Do these girls know whom to turn to in times
of trouble?
Oh yes! We are very much in the public eye
though maybe not in a strident manner. Dis-
play boards have been put up in hospitals and
police stations. All autorickshaw drivers in Ooty
have been provided with information about us
and our telephone numbers. If they see any
distressed woman, they promptly bring her to
us or call us. We also have volunteers in places
like Kandhal and in most villages. Some are
referred to us by the police and by lawyers.
Could you describe the process of rehabilita-
tion for our readers?
Depending on the intensity of their problems,
they are allowed to stay for a period not exceed-
ing three years. The first week or so they are
allowed time to rest so that a sense of normalcy
returns to their lives. Relatives are contacted
and both parties are counselled. Alcoholic hus-
bands are advised to control their alcohol binges
and their wives are given practical tips on how
to handle their drunken spouses. In the case of
unwed mothers, relatives are advised to take
12
back the girls. About 10% of these girls give up
their babies and return to their homes to lead
normal lives.
How successful have your efforts been?
About 70% of our girls have been successfully
rehabilitated. In cases where counselling has
been unsuccessful and where the girls choose
to remain at the Home then we proceed to give
them some vocational training. Skills like tailor-
ing, embroidery, muffler making, sequin work,
painting are taught. Basic computer skills, mak-
ing of stuffed toys and pickles are also taught.
When it is time for them to leave, then the Trust
will extend a helping hand by sponsoring tai-
loring machines or a petty shop. We also find
employment for them but not before the would-
be employers are thoroughly vetted.
Does the Trust keep a track of these girls?
Oh yes, we do follow-up with these cases. We
meet with them, with their families, with their
employers to ensure that things are working out
well for them and to solve any difficulties that
they may be facing. This is done on alternate
months for a year. The girls are encouraged to
visit us at least once a year especially for festi-
vals and join our celebrations.
13
local impact
Is it all work for the inmates?
No, we do manage to have some fun. We cel-
ebrate all major festivals on the Indian calendar.
Woman’s Day is celebrated with great gusto by
both staff and girls. A fancy dress competition is
held where the girls dress up as famous women
in history such as Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, Mrs
Indira Gandhi etc. Motivational dramas are also
staged.
How are the children taken care of?
The children are allowed to stay in the Home
except for boys above the age of six.The young
ones are sent to a balawadi and the older ones
go to the nearest government school. Medical
care is provided. Milestones like birthdays are
celebrated with joy and new clothes are given.
Do you have a permanent staff?
We have a permanent staff of about 22.These
1. How many species of birds can be found
in the Nilgiris?
2. What does NWLEA stand for?
3. The Indian bison is known by another
name. What is it?
4. What is the population of the bison in
India and what extent of this majestic
animal’s population is found in the Nilgiris?
5. Which year did the Wildlife Protection
Act come into being?
with 1/3 of this found in the Nilgiris. 5. In the year 1972.
answers to the local wildlife quiz
Gaur. 4. India’s bison population, according to a 2002 census, is between 23000 and 34000
1. 320 (both migratory and resident). 2. Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association. 3.
include doctors, counsellors, teachers, ayahs and
peons. We are also assisted by a number of
volunteers. Recipe
Tell us a little about your volunteers. Potato salad
Our volunteers come from various parts of In-
dia as well as from abroad. The Indian volun-
teers, male and female are mostly students who
are working towards their Masters in Social
Work. Male volunteers are required to do field
work and are especially concerned with dissemi-
nation of information regarding HIV.The In-
ter-Cultural Exchange India, Bangalore which
is associated with the Foreign Affairs Ministry
has a website that highlights selected NGOs
and their services. The SARAS Trust is men-
tioned on this website.Those who wish to work 1 cup boiled potato
1/2 cup celerey
with us get in touch with ICEA.Three volun-
1 small cucumber
teers all female are chosen at a time. 1 small chopped onion
What challenges do you face in the course of 2 tsp finely chopped parsely
your work? 2 tsp finely chopped coriander
This line of work is, at the best of times, very leaves
challenging. This is especially the case in our 1/2 cup curd
work with commercial sex workers and with our Pepper and salt to taste
efforts to spread awareness about AIDS. How- Dice the potato, celerey and
ever our work is made much easier by the good cucumber into 1/4 in. pieces.
rapport we enjoy with the various Government Mix well with the remaining
agencies including the Collector. We are mem- ingredients and serve on a bed of
bers of the Child Welfare Committee, the Red shredded cabbage. The potato
Cross, and the Child Trafficking Board. The salad is now ready to serve.
Nilgiri Police have even issued us with a “Friends You may also add one chopped,
of Police”certificate. firm apple or 1/2 cup chopped
How are you able to meet expenses? pineapple or a handful of rasin
Although we do receive funds from the Gov- instead of the finely chopped
ernment there is never enough. So donations, in coriander leaves.
cash or in kind are very welcome.The members If you wish to spice up your
of the public can become Patrons by remitting salad, add one finely chopped
as little as Rs. 100/- on a monthly basis to the chilli or sprinkle a bit of chilli
Trust. powder!
In March 2009, as part of the Women’s Day
celebrations the Inner Wheel Club of Ooty presented answers to jumble on p 5.
a shield to Mrs. Vasanthakumari in recognition of Munch, Mango. Home made chocolates.
her services to womankind and to society. Cake, Honey, Almonds, Cashew, Pista,
Contd from p 6
The Nilgiri Tahr
In your opinion how many students can a teacher
ideally manage? Around 30.
What would you suggest as likely solutions to this
predicament of a heavy school bag? Text books need
not be carried up and down each day. Home work -
another reason for excessive books going back and
forth - can be minimised, preferably eliminated. In
The Local wildlife quiz. place of homework, daily revisions could be adopted.
Where class size is large, a ‘helper’ teacher can be
included. However, what is most essential at this point,
is a complete change in the teachers’ approach.
Conceptualisation is key.
 14
history

Letters to the Editor Sullivan’s

Sir
Sir,,
Bungalow Dharmalingam Venugopal

I was happy to learn that The Local is back in

circulation. I have enjoyed your previous
issues and want to give my best wishes to
your team. We lok forward to reading
informative and entertaining articles in the
upcoming issues. Since I enjoy puzzles and
word games, I would like to suggest the
inclusion of a crossword or sudoku.
Archana Ramji, UAE
Sir
Sir,,
This long overdue letter carries my warmest
wishes for The Local. Being a native of the
Nilgiris, many friends ask about the district and
after reading the magazine, I have realised that
there is much more to the place, apart from the
regular tourist spots. I have discovered and
wondered at the innumerable activities going on
there and all the unassuming people behind them.
I was fortunate to visit several places, including
the Longwood Shola that I hadn’t known about
earlier.
On the same note, students and staff at Headstart
Learning Centre in Chennai would like to thank
you for the journalism workshop that you had
conducted for them while in Coonoor on the recent
excursion. It was a valuable learning experience
for all of us. Our visit to Sullivan’s bungalow
was enriching.
Thank you.
Savithri Radhakrishnan, Chennai
Built at a total cost of ‘rupees twenty’, Sullivan’s Bungalow,
in Kotagiri, evokes nostalgia of a bygone era.
Having been moonstruck by what he
discovered on his maiden visit to the Nilgiri
hills in January 1819, John Sullivan
returned just three months later to build
his first residence in the Dimbutti valley,
near Kotagiri. Why he chose a site (now
part of Kannerimukku village) so close to
Badaga habitations may perhaps be
explained by his subsequent show of
unbounded affection and concern for the
local tribes.
Sullivan was still a bachelor when he built
the Dimhatti bungalow, which later came
to be called the ‘Pethakal Bungalow’ in local
parlance. He got married in February 1820
and promptly brought his wife up in May
that year. He stayed there during the various
visits to the hills until the end of March
1823.
Sullivan’s bungalow was a modest affair to
begin with, having been built at a cost of
‘rupees twenty’. It was later made into a
‘commodious bungalow’ with two storeys
and four rooms. Built of brick and mortar
and coated with fine chunam it had a
terraced roof supported on strong teak
beams (believed to have been brought
from Tippu’s Seringapattnam palace), a
neatly-finished wooden staircase, teak
doors with brass hinges and ornamental
plaster cornices running round the rooms.
Sullivan displayed much more lavishness
in the houses he built later on the hills.
Besides a kitchen garden, the Sullivan
bungalow sported a ‘nice garden, and fine
lawn-like piece of ground, bounded by a
handsome wood adjoining’.
The historic landmark degenerated into a
cattle shed in the last century and remained
so until it was resurrected to almost its
original glory by the intrepid fellow civil
servant Supriya Sahu in 2002. Since 2006,
the bungalow is being managed by The
Nilgiri Documentation Centre with the
Nilgiri History Museum housed there now.
The front door opens into ‘Sullivan’s
Chamber’ where his portrait, pictures and
paintings are displayed above the fireplace.
Blow-ups of the main native tribes adorn
the walls. The Chamber leads to the
Henrietta Hall named in memory of
Sullivan’s wife who died young and lies
buried in St. Stephen’s church, Ooty along
with her teenage daughter. The landing, at
the head of the wooden staircase leading
to the first floor, is named after Ms. Sahu.
Pictures showing the natural heritage of
Nilgiris line the wall along the stairs. The
landing space is reserved for the Nilgiri
Mountain Railway. A corner is earmarked

Catching an overnight bus from Bangalore, to get home to the Nilgiris on
voting day, was uppermost in young Dhananjay’s mind. Working with a
busy schedule at Tata Consulting was not a deterrent. ‘I think it is my
personal responsibility to vote’, said the young professional. ‘If everyone that
thought it wasn’t up to them, then we will not have true representation. Real
change will come about only when people come forward to express themselves
without bias or reservations.’ Should the youth participate in politics? ‘Yes,
but only if they have a service oriented mind.’ Is education important in
politics? ‘It is. But that is not a guarantee of strong leadership. Even an
Statutory disclaimer: TheLocal disclaims liability of
any kind whatsoever, arising out of the readers use, or
inability to use the material contained in it. Adequate
carehasbeentakentocompilestoriesforthereference
of our users. TheLocal makes every effort to maintain
accuracy of the information but does not accept
responsibilityforanyanddisclaimsresponsibilityforany
loss or damage which may arise from the information
provided. All opinion expressed in the issue in the form
of articles or any viewpoint is solely that of the individual
or advertiser concerned and TheLocal accepts no
liability thereof. None of the Authors, Contributors,
Sponsors or anyone connected to TheLocal can be
liable for any reproduction of the material.

My vote was important
Dhananjay Krishnamoorthy
travelled from Bangalore, where he
works, to come to Coonoor, Nilgiris
to cast his vote during the recently
concluded Lok Sabha elections. His
views are clear and candid.
ordinary farmer, for example, who may not have had access to formal education,
could be a good leader. Moreover, he or she will be able to relate to everyday, TO ADVERTISE IN
practical issues better than most.’
Dhananjay’s grandfather (late) Dr N Kappinipathy is his inspiration. Local
‘Everyone in my family has always voted.’ Nilgiris, incidentally, posted a 70% email your queries to
polling turnout this time around. It will have been insightful to see how thelocaleditor@gmail.com
many of our youth voted. The young professional’s example is an inspiration. or call (0) 97905 90570
15
history

Sullivan’s chamber : The main hall that

greets the visitor on entry., contains sev-
eral pictures and informational material.
A portrait of John Sullivan is positioned
above the fireplace. There are several in-
formational booklets and memorablia that
one can takeaway from the museum.

as a tribute to Philo Hiruthayanath, a self-
styled anthropologist who wrote on the
tribes of south India extensively in the
1960s and 70s. The upstairs room
dedicated to Sir Thomas Munro, a good
friend of Sullivan and who, as Governor,
signed the Nilgiris into history as a military
sanatorium on the very day he died. The story of
Nilgiris from pre-history is told in ten panels above
a showcase displaying Nilgiri artifacts. The
Souvenir Shop inside the museum offers a range
of memorabilia. There is a beautiful piece of
lawn adjoining the building for the visitors to relax.
A clean toilet is available just outside the building.
The writer is a noted heritage conservationist
and has been at the forefront of the campaign for
a memorial to John Sullivan from 1980s. He is
Director of the Nilgiri Documentation Centre.

Promotional feature
Conveyor belt specialists
Reena Enterprises was incorporated in the 1988 by Mr B Pradeep Kumar and
Mr G Augustin as a modest enterprise, in Adigaratty village near Ooty, with the
purpose of vulcanising rubber conveyor belts. Gradual progress helped
the enterprise purchase new conveyor belts from the southern India dealers
of Hindustan Conveyor Belts.
With growing demand the team started a new company, Faa Enterprises which
focuses on supply of imported PVC conveyor belts for factories. These conveyor
belts require high levels of quality and hygiene and are used in tea factories,
mushroom units, biscuit factories etc,. This unit is based in Coonoor, a central
location, especially taking into account, the tea industry. For enquiries, contact
Faa Enterprises, 81-B, Gray’s Hill, Upper Coonoor Nilgiris - 643 101.
Ph: 93601 00755/ 94435 53946
 16
key elements

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Published on behalf of The Local Media Publishing Co,. by Edwin David from 10/363-Y-1, Indiranagar; Avk Post, The Nilgiris. Printed at Satya Press, no. 50 Kariappa Street; Purasaiwalkam, Chennai - 7. Editor: Edwin David