Lecture on
THE EVOLUTION OF CONSCIOUNESS FOR A GREEN PLANET
By Deepti Diwakar
18 September 2010, Saturday, 5:30 PM
At British Library, Bangalore
Climate change knows no national boundaries and natural environment and wildlife species are becoming extinct, perhaps never to be replaced again. Can we evolve holistically instead of just being intellectual? Let us reconsider our relationship with the earth.
Snake! The very word seems to evoke a feeling of terror in the mind of the average person; but if one has better knowledge of these creatures, one can see that much of the dread is misplaced. Here are some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about snakes, answered by P Gowirshankar, a herpetologist who has been actively associated with the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS), which has had the only telemetry project for tracking the King Cobra in that region. Gowrishankar is at present located in Bangalore, pursuing his doctoral studies.
1. I see a snake in my yard or house, and I don’t want to go close to find out if it is poisonous or not. My first instinct is to panic. What should I do? Will my actions be different in case the snake is quiet, and in case it is moving about? What if it is in an odd place where it cannot be easily dislodged/chased off?
Yes, the first instinct is to panic, nothing much can be done about that. If you are aware and can do it, do your best to replace that fear with knowledge and act accordingly. If the snake is moving constantly keep a watch on it from a safe distance. If the snake is coiled up or resting nothing much to worry, do not disturb it but do keep a watch. Call any of the animal welfare organizations in Bangalore and they will help retrieve the snake.
2. In case I am bitten, or I see someone bitten by a snake, what should I do? (Especially if the snake is no longer around, and I cannot find out if the snake was venomous or not)
Not all snake bites are from venomous snakes. However do look out for the following symptoms and follow the first aid listed below:
General symptoms of a bite from a venomous snake:
* Wound site: Fang marks, discoloration, burning sensation, blistering of skin, local pain, oedema
* Bleeding from the wound that does not seem to stop
* Bleeding gums
* Progressive swelling of the bitten limb
* Drooping eyelids
* Difficulty in speaking
* Difficulty in breathing
* Drowsiness, unsteadiness
First Aid
* Calm and reassure the patient. Only a small percentage of snakebites prove serious. Panic can increase the heart rate and speed the spread of venom in the body.
* Remove any constricting items worn by the patient such as bangles, bands, bracelets, finger rings, watch and so on.
* Completely immobilize the patient: Lay them down and keep them still. Splint the bitten limb to prevent movement.
* A bitten leg should be splinted from below the ankle to the top of the thigh, and then strapped to the other leg to keep the entire lower half of the body still. A bitten arm should be splinted from the fingertips to the shoulder, and then strapped firmly (not tightly) to the side of the body.
* Keep the wound clean; do not apply mud, manure or other poultices, if the wound requires washing use uncontaminated water to gently clean it.
* Do not allow the person to walk or move about; keep them completely immobile and take them to hospital as soon after the bite as possible.
* The victim should be kept warm. Watch out for the general symptoms (listed above) and inform the doctor.
The only remedy for venomous snakebite is anti-venom serum. Polyvalent anti-venom serum is effective against the bites of the Big Four: Common Cobra, Saw-scaled Viper, Common Krait, Russell’s viper.
Note: Only if safely possible, try and get a good look at the snake (or photograph it) to help the doctor identify it, and treat the bite accordingly.
Here’s what you should not do when a person has been bitten by a snake
* Do not give sedatives to calm the patient.
* Do not tie an electric cable, string or rubber tourniquet or ligatures, and do not cut the bite site, or the bitten limb.
* Do not use ice packs, electric shock or suction at the site of bite.
* Do not elevate the limb.
* Do not use potassium permanganate.
* Do not let the patient walk or run; keep them absolutely immobilized.
* Do not administer alcoholic beverage or any medication
* Do not give food or water, as both may be a choking hazard if the person vomits.
* Do not waste time with quack ‘remedies’ such as ‘snake stones’, or chanting mantras. Go for anti-venom serum without delay.
3. Where would I be able to get snake anti-venom in Bangalore?
Anti-venom is stocked in most leading hospitals of Bangalore, including Manipal Hospital, Baptist Hospital, Mallya Hospital, Bowring Hospital and St John’s Medical Hospital.
4. Should I administer anti-venom in any case? If the snake was not a poisonous one, will the anti-venom have bad effects?
No. Medical assistance is mandatory as it has to be administered through intravenous means. It is best for doctors to take a call on whether to administer anti-venom after observing the symptoms. Unnecessary use of anti-venom may cause allergic reactions.
5. What should I do to prevent snakes from entering my garden or home? I know they are good for the ecosystem, but I don’t want to deal with them.
Keep the garden clean and free from mounds of litter. Keep flower pots away from doors and windows and do not stock them close to each other. Make sure there are no rats breeding in the garden or in the house. Keep the place well lit; else use a torch to move around.
6. Is it true that snakes are to be found where there are termite mounds?
Not necessarily. They need to regulate their body temperature so depending on the temperature, humidity, habitat and prey base they select resting places, and a termite mound is just one such resting place.
7. Is it useful to call in a snake-charmer? If so, how can I locate one?
It is better to contact animal welfare organizations like the following:
Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA)
LR Nagar, Koramangala
Bengaluru – 560047
Ph No 22947302
Bannerghatta Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC)
Survey No. 129, Jigni Hobli,
Anekal Taluk, Bannerghatta,
Bangalore – 560 083
Ph No 22947307/ 22947300/ 22947301
wrrcbrc[at]gmail[dot]com
Karuna Animal Welfare Association Of Karnataka
Kasturba Road, Cubbon Park
Bangalore- 560001
Ph No 22860205, 23411181
People for Animals
Survey no. 67,
Uttarahalli Road, Kengeri,
Bangalore 560 060
Ph No 2860 4767, 2860 3986, 2273 3350, 9980339880
8. Are there any common misconceptions about snakes in urban areas that I should be aware of?
There are many myths and misconceptions about snakes, which not differ much between urban and rural areas. Four of the common myths are:
a) Cobras take revenge
b) They drink milk
c) Talking about snakes at home is equal to inviting them.
d) Male combat of snakes is misunderstood to be mating and the superstition is that viewing this invites trouble for generations. ⊕
Identifying Traditional and Responsible ways of Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi
A One Day Workshop for Children (Ages 9-15)
Ganesh Chaturthi is the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu God. As we all know, He is a very popular god in India and has become a popular symbol around the world too. Ganesha in different art forms has broken many boundaries of caste, race, religion, and nation and has found a space in many living rooms around the world. He is a favorite among the children too. The story of his birth and the variety of delicacies made on this day are enjoyable for children. Over the last few decades, there has been a considerable shift in our societies across the country from celebrating the festival in a traditional way to a more ostentatious occasion, with little regard to the socio-economic, cultural and environmental impacts.
The workshop is aimed at helping children identify the traditional and historical significance, ways in which it was celebrated in the past, the importance of the traditional foods made on this day and ways in which the festival can be celebrated without causing harm to the environment around us.
The workshop will take children through interesting stories, videos, making clay idols, learning to make traditional decorations such as rangoli, stringing of flowers etc, learning to make traditional foods, learning through some games and more importantly learning to take responsibility towards mother earth in celebrations.
Workshop Date: Sunday, 5th September, 2010
Time: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
Registration Fee: Rs. 200/-
Venue: ESG Office
Contact Details:
Environment Support Group, 1572, 100 feet Outer Ring Road, Banashankari 2nd Stage, Bangalore-70
Telephone: 91-80-26713559/60/61
Email: bhargavi@esgindia.org /sruthi@esgindia.org
Website: www.esgindia.org
In the month of July, Vikap Bengaluru brings you two films:
1. July 16th
Mean Sea Level
by Pradip Saha
Time: 6.30 pm
Venue: Alliance Francaise, 108 Thimmaiah Road, Opp.UNI Building Vasanthnagar, Bangalore
Phone: 4080 8181 / 4123 1340
2. July 17th
THE SPEAKING HAND – Zakir Hussain and the art of the Indian drum
by Sumantra Ghosal
Time: 6 pm sharp
Venue: Centre for Film and Drama, 5th floor, Sona Towers, 71 Millers Road, Bangalore
Phone: 22356263
Both the screenings are free and open to all.
Filmmakers of both the documentaries will be present for their screenings.
Cycle to work is a simple solution to a host of complex problems we face today. This simple mode of transport not only benefits your health but most importantly the environment. Employee commute is a huge contributing factor to a company’s carbon footprint. We are the only ones who can fix this, you and me, the work force of this city. So get those tires pumped, get your cycling shorts out of the closet.
Stop trying to make the difference, its time to live the difference.
The Times Of India and The Vaishnavi group presents Times Cycle to Work this World Environment Day 5th June 2010
When : June 5th, World Environment Day
Where : Vaishnavi Orchids, Sarjapur Road
Times Cycle to Work is an initiative to reduce our carbon footprint, its a platform to get into the the most celebrated commute culture of the city. Its an opportunity to see and get in touch with many Bangaloreans who have already taken up cycling as a mode of commute to work. Its an event where you get to participate/witness a professional cycling race of 60Kms. Its an event where you and your family can come and cycle together, where your kids can play various games which are going to be organized at the venue.
CATEGORIES
TIMES GREEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
Road Race for the professional riders over a course of 20kms. 3 laps (60Kms) Men & 2 laps (40Km) for Women
TIMES RIDE FOR PRIDE
A 10Km Ride for all adults
TIMES JOY RIDE
5Km Joy Ride for Kids of ages 5yrs to 15yrs
TIMES TODDLERS RIDE
Tricycle Ride for Kids of ages below 5yrs
Dark Rain Clouds
Get ready for the showers (and hopefully, no water-logging all over the city)
THE TRUTH ABOUT TIGERS
A film by Shekar Dattatri, Duration: 40 minutes
Screening on Friday 23rd April at 7:30pm sharp at Alliance Française Bangalore. There are limited seats so please take yours by 7:15pm. The screening will be followed by an interactive Q&A with renowned tiger scientist Dr. Ullas Karanth and Shekar Dattatri.
The German botanist Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel is a part and parcel of Bangalore history….
Now, Max Mueller Bhavan is hosting an exhibition about him:
G.H. Krumbiegel: “Whatever he touched he adorned”
A multimedia show curated by Suresh Jayaram
17 – 30.04.2010
9.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (Closed on Sundays)
Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan
Inauguration on 16.04.2010, 6.30 p.m
More details at
https://www.goethe.de/ins/in/bag/ver/en5881307v.htm
March 22nd World Water Day
New bill to penalize those wasting drinking water-Deccan Herald, Bangalore March9
Privatisation no solution to tackle water shortage in city- Deccan Herald March 9
Water Crisis to worsen in city- Deccan Herald March 12
City is the second highest water waster in country at 50.9% New Delhi tops the list at 52.4%- Deccan Herald March 13
While all these questions remain unanswered and new ones added, the city gets thirstier under the scorching summer sun and the water vendors make a fast buck( in some instances as much as Rs 1000) for a tank load of water.
A consortium of concerned organisations and institutions working on water and environment issues invite you to a panel discussion and film screenings on the use and abuse of water:
March 22nd & 23rd March, 2010 at Ashirvad, 30 St. Mark’s Road Cross, Opp. State Bank of India at 5.45pm.
Programme details
5.45 pm: Tea
6 Water Songs by Bhoomi Thayi Balaga,followed by Panel discussion: on the use and abuse of water
Panelists:
1. Prof. Stewart Ayash will speak on the Global Use and Abuse of Water. He is a scholar on international health issues, health communication and consumer health issues.
2. Viswanath Srikantaiah will speak on Water through the Ages in India. Vishwanath is a well known water activist from Bangalore who is deeply committed to water conservation and rain water harvesting. He is the founder of Rainwater Club Bangalore.
6.45 pm: Film Screening:˜Water and a City” directed by Swati Dandekar, followed by discussions.
Professor Patricia Zimmerman will lead the discussion on the Film. Prof. Patricia Zimmerman from Ithaca College USA is a scholar on cinema, photography and media arts and the co-director of Finger lake environmental film festival.
7.30 pm: Film screening ˜Living on the Edge” directed by Raseena Sherif and Anu Priya, students of Jyothi Nivas College, followed by discussions.
Mr. Leo Saldana, of Environment Support Group and environmental justice campaigner will lead the discussion.
Tuesday 23rd
6.30 pm: 6.00 pm: Film screening a) ˜Publos unibos: swineflu ground zero in mexico”- directed by Felipe Casanova and Miguel Angel Tiaz & b) ˜From big easy to big empty”- directed by Greg Palaston
Discussions with Prof. Patricia and Prof. Stewart
For Synopsis of the film,click
Contact: 25493705/9886213516
———————————————————————————————————————
Organised by Bangalore Film Society, Bhoomi Network, Green Path, Voices from the Waters, Environment Support Group (Environmental, Social Justice and Governance Initiatives). Suchitra Film Society, Rainwater Club and Samvada
To see the manifesto created by many citizen volunteers,
and keep this for ready reference.
It’s you and I who are concerned citizens of Bangalore, and together, we can make a difference!
