Category: ललित

  • भेट एका चित्र-तपस्वीची

    भेट एका चित्र-तपस्वीची

    दिवाळी अंक, चित्र आणि लेखन या साऱ्या बद्दल अत्यंत दांडगा अनुभव असलेल्या एका महान व्यक्तीची काल भेट घेण्याचा योग आला तो Prose Publications  च्या आमच्या साहित्यकट्ट्याच्या निमित्ताने. श्री. चंद्रमोहन कुलकर्णी, कित्येक वर्षांची चित्र-तपस्या असलेला एक सुंदर कलाकार! अनेक पुस्तकांची मुखपृष्ठे, दिवाळी अंकातील साहित्याला अनुरूप किंबहुना कित्येक वेळा त्या साहित्यातील एक वेगळाच पैलू उजेडात आणणारी चित्रे रसिक वाचकांच्या हातात देणारा हा कलाकार कट्ट्यावर अगदी मनमुराद ऐकता आला. 

    हो, अगदी बरोबर वाचलं तुम्ही. ऐकता आला. चंद्रमोहन जी हे जितके भन्नाट चित्रकार आहेत तितकेच उत्तम लेखक देखील आहेत. त्यांची कुंचला आणि लेखणी, दोन्हीवर जबरदस्त पकड आहे. काल त्यांच्याशी गप्पा मारताना त्यांनी मांडलेला एक विचार मनात घर करून गेला. कित्येकदा साहित्यावर किंवा कथेसाठी चित्र काढताना त्या कथेतील एखादा भाग निवडून त्याच चित्रण होतं. पण या मुद्द्यावर त्यांचं मत मांडताना चंद्रमोहन म्हणाले, “चित्रकाराने कथेलाही काहीतरी द्यायला हवं.” कथेचा आपल्या स्वतःच्या दृष्टिकोनातून विचार करून आपलं काही आकलन त्या चित्रांतून आले तर अधिक कलात्मक निर्मिती होईल. 

    इतर कलांकडे डोळस नजरेने बघत त्यांचा आस्वाद घ्याव, तुमच्या दृष्टिकोनातून तो अनुभव पुढे नेण्याचा प्रयत्न करावा. यातूनच कलाकार म्हणून आपलं भावविश्व समृद्ध होत असतं. कालच्या कट्ट्यावरच्या गप्पांतून चंद्रमोहनजींनी असेच माझ्या भावविश्वाच्या अकाऊंट मधे अजून एक फिक्स डीपॉझिट तयार केले. या नवीन इनव्हेस्टमेंट साठी कट्ट्याला खूप खूप प्रेम!

  • E-commerce for Agro – a new way forward

    E-commerce for Agro – a new way forward

    In my last blog, I talked about how important MSMEs are for the Indian agriculture sector and how they can be the change drivers and flag bearers of the next agriculture revolution in the Indian economy. Today, I would like to focus on one particular aspect of MSMEs which can become a major market area, E-commerce.

    Emergence of E-commerce and Indian consumers

    I remember the days when Amazon and Flipkart started as online booksellers in India and bibliophiles like me just welcomed these platforms with open arms and warm hearts. It was a pure joy when you would receive a neatly packed book with some cute bookmarks added as a bonus to the package. Soon the companies grew big and ventured in many more product ranges from electronics to clothing and recently, to groceries. These pioneers are now almost like online supermarkets. 

    However, there are quite a few specialty platforms who are focusing on only one or two products like Myntra in clothing, Lenskart in eyeglasses and Medplus in medicines. These companies have carved their niche even in such a competitive market. E Commerce is now going to rural areas of the country too. Starting with just delivery services of established platforms, many village craft producers are now getting into their own e-commerce outlets.

    Agro E-Commerce

    Even though handicrafts and artistic stuff is getting into this field, the agriculture sector has rarely explored this method of product delivery. Bigbasket is one of the major players which has grabbed the initiative in doorstep delivery of food produce and groceries. However, there are many such avenues in the agriculture sector which can grow leaps and bounds with e-commerce. Even some small startups initiated by vegetable producers run on the same doorstep delivery model however. Sahyadri farms from Nashik and Green Tokri from Pune are just a couple of examples. They can become a model for many to follow.

    Firstly, a doorstep delivery service of fresh produce is sadly the only idea that pops in a general mindset when we think about e-commerce in the agriculture sector. However, if we start thinking more and more about the sector, many other ideas will also emerge. For example, agro-processing MSMEs can start e-commerce of their processed goods. Small self-help groups can come together, start preparing good old traditional recipes of condiments, pickles etc. These quality products with traditional flavours will sell like hot cakes on the urban e-commerce market with attractive packaging. One most lucrative plus point of e-commerce is these small groups and MSMEs can just avoid middle-man from the trade cycle and make good money.

    A bonus cascading effect

    These increased profits in rural areas will always work fantastically in improving the quality of life in our rural areas. In turn, this will lead to the development of rural areas and reduce the pressure on Indian cities as more and more people will be ready to stay behind and live a good life. 

    Written as part of Blogchatter’s campaign #ECommerceInnovation. Read more posts in the campaign here.

  • Indian Agriculture – a golden market for MSMEs

    Indian Agriculture – a golden market for MSMEs

    India, a prosperous country with a wide range of geo-climatic zones. Various mighty rivers flowing through her terrain have given us a very fertile land. It has witnessed a growth of an agrarian civilization on the banks of Sindhu River, huge alluvial plains of Ganga and along many other riverbanks throughout the history. Even today, the Indian economy is considered as an agrarian economy. Industrial revolution and advancements have created a few opportunity magnets in the form of industrial towns. However, even today the majority part of our population is agrarian. On one hand a new trend is saying to go organic. On the other side is aspiring to bring modernization to the agriculture sector. This opens up a good opportunity for agro micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to come in.

    Indian agriculture – a golden market for MSMEs

    When we talk about industrialization or modernization of agriculture, we paint a very broad monochrome picture. Huge land parcels tilled, sown, and harvested with large machines. Large factories making goods out of the produce which are spread over acres, etc. However, in the Indian context, small and medium farms are a unique character of our agriculture sector. Employing large machines and having homogeneous cropping over a large size farm is difficult. This brings a very lucrative and unique opportunity to get MSMEs. They can create a successful business in this market.

    Flexibility and size of MSMEs is a key quality which makes them proper fit for this market. MSMEs work with an open mind for new ideas and enthusiasm to put them to work. Hence, There’s a high potential to bring entirely new aspects to the market. Entirely new service or product can change the lives of small and medium farmers of India.

    Service delivery – A good chance to make a name in the market

    The term agro-industry largely focuses on produce processing and value addition. However, I believe there’s a huge scope for service sector enterprises to flourish in the agro-industry sector. A robust delivery chain is a backbone for the success of the agriculture sector of any economy. Even the government has understood it and took some steps to strengthen and enhance the logistics around the sector. In 2012, it established the National Centre for Cold-Chain Development. The report of the National Task on Cold-Chain established earlier made this happen. With help of MSMEs local farmers can establish delivery networks with food processing industries. Vegetables have to be sold quickly in the market due to their small shelf life. Vegetable farmers can directly transport their fresh produce to the retails customers through delivery partners.

    One more big issue of Indian farming is the labour problem. I believe this can also be solved by creating a service industry where human resources are trained and equipped with proper skills and tools for efficient farming activities. India is progressing in the service sector. Our BPOs and Software companies, exporting their services in the global market. These agro-service MSMEs will see a growth of the service sector in the main economic base of the Indian economy.

    Co-operative enterprises – Path for village self sufficiency

    We have a very weird notion that only a wealthy industrialist can start an industry or enterprise. However, we have our very own example of cooperative achieving a magnificent growth. Local farmers of Anand, Gujrat started India’s beloved Amul as a cooperative. It started back in 1946 under the leadership of local farmer Tribhuvandas Patel. Later it achieved a glowry of white revolution with the guidance of Padma Vibhushan Verghes Kurien. It created wealth for local villages and made them self-sufficient. Mahatma Gandhi had written about his concept of village swaraj. He dreamt that every village will be self-sufficient in every aspect including finances. Today, if villages come together and form these MSMEs which will handle, process, package and sell their own produce. Then, Indian agriculture will see another revolution. It will pave a way towards a sustainable development of rural India. 

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  • Ekla Cholo on a path of eco-friendly habits

    Ekla Cholo on a path of eco-friendly habits

    One evening last week, bar table discussions took an unusual turn from usual topics of economics and politics towards following rules, being sensitive to climate change and ecofriendliness. Point of the argument was how effective it is to keep walking the good path when you are seeing all the ones who are breaking rules, throwing trash and behaving wrong are enjoying life without penalty. Even socially they are not feeling shamed or looked down on. This definitely is demoralizing for a person who is walking that path towards a better future.

    Every Step Counts

    But let me tell you the better side of walking solo on the path of eco-friendly habits. First and foremost is the minute impact you have on this huge situation. It’s very important to account for every bit and piece of effort happening all around the globe for having a sustainable environment. There’s a very interesting story in our epic of Ramayana underlining this point. A squirrel was helping the efforts of building a bridge between Rameshwaram and Lanka with a very tiny amount of soil which it could carry. Lord Rama acknowledged those tiny efforts of that small squirrel as a vital part of construction of that bridge. So, you all who are walking on this path alone, don’t forget. Every step counts.

    Self satisfying eco habits

    Another equally important point is to feel content, happy and proud of yourself. You are taking these efforts of following eco-friendly habits that are going to reward you. You will have a better sleep with a peaceful mind because you have done something good. You are not taking these actions to prove something to someone else. You have started this journey because you have a sensitive heart and compassion. Many people don’t even register these things. So, give yourself one gold star for that. With this pat on the back, keep walking the same path you have started on. More happiness lies ahead of you. Don’t worry if nobody joins you. Gurudev Tagor has given us the perfect Mantra for this journey.

    Jodi tor dak shune keu na ashe tobe ekla cholo re
    (If there is no-one responding to your call – then go on all alone)

    Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore

    I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s My Friend Alexa. My current ranking is 310,686. I am trying to improve on this. Read more about campaign here.

    This post is also a part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter.

  • Story of a boy fallen for forest beauty – Book intro

    Story of a boy fallen for forest beauty – Book intro

    It takes some trigger to spark your love towards nature and greenery. For me, it was this particular book which I read way back in my 10th or 11th grade. Today I am introducing you all to our very own butterfly man of India, Dr. Krushnamegh Kunte and his book “एका रानवेड्याची शोधयात्रा”. It’s a story of finding his own passion and love for a forest and his journey to become a “child of forest”.

    Blurb

    चाकोरीतल्या अपयशानं मुळीच खचून न जाता चाकोरीबाहेरचा छंद मनापासून जोपासणा-या एका पोरसवद्या तरुणानं लिहिलेलं हे पुस्तक म्हणजे निसर्गप्रेमाचा आगळा आविष्कार आहे. रसायनशास्त्राच्या महाविद्यालयीन परीक्षेत अनुत्तीर्ण झाल्यामुळे हाती आलेलं फावलं वर्ष मदुमलाईच्या जंगलात प्राणीनिरीक्षणात घालवण्याची संधी मिळाली आणि कृष्णमेघच्या मनात लहानपणापासूनच दडलेलं जंगलप्रेम उफाळून आलं. तो वर्षभर त्या जंगलात राहिला, पण एखाद्या ‘उप-या’ निरीक्षकासारखा नाही तर ख-याखु-या जंगलपुत्रासारखा राहिला. त्या जंगलातले हत्ती, रानगवे, रानकुत्री, अस्वलं यांच्यासारख्या प्राण्यांचं मनमुक्त जीवन त्यानं एखाद्या सहनिवाशाच्या भूमिकेतून निरखलं – पारखलं. त्याच्या त्या शोधयात्रेत आलेल्या सुंदर, थरारक, रोमांचक अनुभवांचं हे नितळ पारदर्शी संकलन म्हणजे जंगलरसात न्हाऊन निघालेलं आणि वाचकांनाही रानवेडाची दीक्षा देणारं ‘मदुमलाई सूक्त’ आहे. काही पुस्तकं निव्वळ वाचायची नसतात, तर अनुभवायची असतात. मदुमलाईच्या जंगलातला एक तरुणप्रसन्न जीवनानुभव त्यातल्या सा-या चढउतारांसह, रौद्रथरारांसह आणून देणारं हे उत्कट पुस्तक असंच ‘अनुभवण्याजोगं’ पुस्तक आहे… कृष्णमेघ जेथे रमला त्या ‘मदुमलाई’च्या प्रेमात पाडणारं…

    Exciting times in rainforest of Madumalai:

    Book takes you on his journey in the forest of Madumalai during the gap year during his graduation studies in Chemistry. Krushnamegh was very fond of forests from his childhood but this journey proved vital and pathfinder for his future of becoming an eminent scientist working on the butterflies of India. He has written a book in a fantastic style which holds you till you finish it. Book is full of stories about rich and diverse flora and fauna, a variety of birds, and the roaring Moyar river during monsoon. Krushnamegh has also included his encounters with magnificent beasts, elephants, of Madumalai named Kudkomban and Dada, his long tiring journey when he was on track of a pack of wild dogs along with stories of the notorious smuggler Virappan.

    This book is just a glimpse of what Madumalai and other rich vibrant forests of India has to offer for someone who loves nature. If you want to make up your mind about visiting such forests, this book will be the catalyst in finalizing your dates. 

    About the book:

    Title: एका रानवेड्याची शोधयात्रा

    Paperback Publisher:  Rajhans Prakashan

    ISBN: 8174348034

    Where to buy:

    I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s My Friend Alexa. My current ranking is 310,686. I am trying to improve on this. Hope you all enjoy these Marathi books too.

    This post is also a part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter

  • Mountainous Small Tale – A new face of Marathi rural literature

    Mountainous Small Tale – A new face of Marathi rural literature

    Maharashtra and Marathi language have a very long illustrious legacy of literature. Today I am going to introduce you to one of the present torchbearers of this legacy. Most of the Marathi household knows him for his wonderful letters for the popular comedy show “Chala Hawa Yeu Dya” of Zee Marathi. Yes, you guessed it right. Mr. Arvind Jagtap. “पत्रास कारण की” was the session in programme where open letters written by him were performed by Sagar Karande. He opened up his heart about social issues via his letters. गोष्ट छोटी डोंगराएवढी (Mountainous Small Tale) is a short story collection written by Mr. Arvind, I feel, is a new face of Marathi rural literature.

    Blurb:

    सगळ्याच गोष्टी दाद मागण्यासाठी सांगितल्या जात नसतात. काही गोष्टी आपल्या मनावर डोंगराएवढं ओझं वाटत असतात. कुणाला तरी सांगायला पाहिजे असं वाटतं. एकदा शुटींगच्या निमित्ताने एका गावात ड्रोन हवेत उडवला होता. गावकरी जमा झाले होते. कुतुहल म्हणून त्यातला एक माणूस म्हणाला, “किती दिवस झाले राव वर बघून! आभाळाकडे बघणंच सुटलं होतं.” धक्का बसला ऐकून. माणसं वर बघायचेच विसरून गेलेत काही ठिकाणी. आग ओकणारा सूर्य असतो खुपदा वर. तेंडूलकर जेवढा कौतुकाने वर आकाशाकडे बघत उतरायचा ना तेवढ्या कौतुकाने बळीराजा वर बघत शेतात जायला हवा. ऐकायला साधी वाटते ही अपेक्षा पण खूप अवघड आहे. गावोगाव अशाच गोष्टी आहेत.

    प्रत्येक शेतकऱ्याची गोष्ट छोटी वाटते पण असते डोंगराएवढी

    – अरविंद जगताप

    Mirroring today’s rural life

    We always have romantic notions like beautiful countryside, lush green farms, clean air. However, ground reality is starkly different from this. Mr. Jagtap has captured this reality with all the nuances of today’s rural life. His storytelling is so crisp and engaging that you don’t feel the weight of serious issues about which a story is written. These stories are from rural areas of Maharashtra. A couple of them take place in cities yet they have a strong rural connection through a student from a village living in a boarding school in the city, or a group of friends who came to the city with an agenda to meet some politician for work, etc. 

    I got introduced to this book by Spruha Joshi’s YouTube video in which she narrated a story from this book titled “अमर रहे! पण कुठे?”. It’s a story about a martyred soldier and the way his village receives his body for last rites. Other than this, पाकिस्तानच यान (Pakistan’s Spaceship), किस (Kiss) and गायीचं काय करायचं? (What to do with this cow?) are some of the stories that made a strong impact on my mind. Arvind has a unique style of visual storytelling. Characters and places from his stories come to life in front of you while you read.

    My Rating

    Book Cover: 4.5/5

    Storytelling: 5/5

    About the book

    Title: गोष्ट छोटी डोंगराएवढी

    Paperback Publisher: Indian Bharat Publications

    E-book Publisher: RBONATO.com

    ISBN: 9788194148203

    Where to buy:

    I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s My Friend Alexa. My current ranking is 396,140. I am trying to improve on this. Hope you all enjoy these Marathi books too.