The death knell has sounded for India’s ancient tradition of Snake Charming.

Dating back thousands of years Snake Charming is now on the verge of extinction with a ban having been imposed. This ban affects millions of people throughout India who are involved with this ancient craft.

For conservationists the implementation of the ban could not have come soon enough.

'India - Death Knell For Snake Charming'

 

‘So your eldest son, 42 year old Subhash, could be the last generation of India’s snake charmers?” I asked Rishal. Nath

Rishal, now over 70 years old, lives in an isolated rural village in northern Indian.  He drew slowly on his hookar (smoking pipe), then raising his head, looked me straight in the eye - he nodded dejectedly. -------------

India is a country like no other full of colour, vibrant, and steeped in ancient traditions.

But times are changing, and for one group of people in particular whose traditions have been handed down from father to sons for millennia now find their way of life has all but come to an end – India’s Snake Charmers or Saperas as they are often referred to.

One of the major attractions for tourists visiting India has been to see first hand India’s snake charmers performing their mystical craft – India without snake charmers would be like India without the Taj Mahal – unbelievable.

Unbelievable or not today India’s Snake Charmers can no longer perform their ancient craft, the last in their bloodline now have to seek alternate means to earn a living.

Whatever the outcome India and the rest of the world is witnessing the last generation of India’s snake charmers - the end of the line.

Soon it will be said that India was once the land of Snake Charmers.

Full feature available 'India - Death Knell For Snake Charming' is about India's Snake Charming community and the effect this ban is having on them.

It also includes the views of a prominent figure with one of India's major wildlife organisations.

This feature is not just concerning wildlife, but also the humanitarian aspect and the affect this ban has had on millions of people around India and their concerns for future generations within the Snake Charming community.

Aspects covered in 'India - Death Knell For Snake Charming' include:

* What the ancient craft of snake charming means to India.

* The lifestyle of India's snake charmers.

* In the field - how to catch a Cobra - care and attention of the snakes.

* Beyond snake charming - other areas of their expertise.

* The effect the ban has had on the snake charming community.

* The conservationist's views regards snake charming.

* The remedy - Humanitarian - Wildlife Organization verses Snake Charmers.

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Photography

For images please refer to ‘Photography’ - ‘Reportage’ category and 'India - Death Knell For Snake Charming'

Audio

Refer to ‘Audio’ tab and 'India - Death Knell For Snake Charming' to listen to audio extracts.

This subject, 'India - Death Knell For Snake Charming', has been covered in depth and has input from people involved - Snake Charmers and conservationists.

To learn more about the plight of India’s Snake Charmers or any other subject - 

All enquiries via 'Contact' tab.

 

Verging on extinction – this is the scenario for many of the world’s ancient tribes along with their traditions and cultures. Yet many of these tribes have much to offer today’s modern mainstream world. The Khasi Tribe of Meghalaya is one such tribe.

'Plight Of The Khasi Tribe'

 

In this high tech material world we have created (we live in today) there is now a great emphasis for us all to generate more consideration for the environment.

But this is not a new phenomenon. Some ‘lesser’ mortals have been dependent on the environment for their sustainability for generations. Their lifestyle has been one of harmonising with nature

Meghalaya is one of India’s youngest states only coming into fruition in 1972 and at this point in time gave this states major tribes their own tribal lands - the Garos, the Jantia, and the largest tribe the Khasi.

Relying on nature and the environment for their sustainability over the generations the Khasi people have learnt how to work with, and use nature and the environment - not destructively, but in a sustainable way. Passing this knowledge on down through the generations.

In relative terms many areas of Meghalaya are unspoilt – mountains still covered with a variety of trees and vegetation through which many crystal clear rivers and streams flow, and where a vast variety of flora and fauna thrives - nature at its best. The question is how long will this last in our ‘modern’ world.

Possibly the best chance is if left to tribes people like the Khasi

For many of the Khasi tribe their very existence is harmonising with nature and for them the material world means far less.

There is a great deal that the ‘modern’ mainstream world can learn and benefit from these people’s bountiful ancient traditional knowledge.

By no means should these traditional tribes be dismissed and forgotten.

But there is great concern amongst the Khasi about the demise of their ancient traditions and culture particularly those concerning the environment, health, language and possibly one of the most important, the Elders.   

Aspects covered in 'Plight Of The Khasi Tribe' include:

The lifestyle of the Khasi people

What instigated the 'Plight of the KhasiTribe'

Are they working to rekindle their ancient traditions and culture.

What are the views of the younger generation.

This subject has been covered in depth and has input from Khasi people involved in an variety of activities concerning the 'Plight of the KhasiTribe'.

First hand input regards rural Khasi lifestyle offers an interesting insight of these proud Khasi people..

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Photography

For images please refer to ‘Photography’ - ‘Reportage’ category and 'Plight of the Khasi Tribe'.

Audio

Refer to ‘Audio’ and 'Plight of the Khasi Tribe' to listen to audio extracts.

This subject, 'Plight of the Khasi Tribe' has been covered in depth and has input from people involved - Snake Charmers and conservationists.

-----------------------

To learn more about the 'Plight of the Khasi Tribe' or any other subject - 

All enquiries via 'Contact' tab.

India without snake charmers would be like India without the Taj Mahal – unbelievable.

Unbelievable or not Snake Charming has been banned in India.

The death knell has sounded for India’s ancient tradition of snake charming. Dating back thousands of years a ban has been imposed which affects the livelihoods of the millions of Snake Charmers throughout India.

For conservationists the implementation of the ban could not have come soon enough.

'India - Death Knell For Snake Charming'

 

The following audios, Part 1 and Part 2, are extracts from indepth audio which is available on request.

Audio Part 1 Wildlife Organisation - a brief outline:

* Opening sequence - traditional Snake Charming music played by accomplished traditional musicians

Leading to -

* Indian Wildlife Conservationist speaks about Snake Charming becoming a serious threat to India's snake population - the trade in snake skins and why - also the ecological role of the snake.

* Any concerns regards the Snake Charmer's livlihood?  - Conservationist give his response.

* Music to end audio Part 1

 

Listen to Audio Part 1 here: - Audio Part 1 Wildlife Organisation.mp3 (2.86 mb)

 

Audio Part  2 Snake Charming - a brief outline:

Interpreter translates.

* Opening sequence - Interpreter speaks to Seperas (Snake Charmers) about musical instruments this leads to traditional music played by two musicians.

Leads to:

* The impact this ban is having on Snake Charming families.

* What are the origins of Seperas - Snake Charmers?

* How important are Saperas to India and the Indian society?

* Why is Cobra used for Snake Charming more than any other species?

* Do they consider the snakes their friend or foe - enemy?

* What other areas of expertise have been handed down over the generations?

* Snake Charming has been banned do they continue doing Snake Charming ---- what

    is the remedy that would solve their problem?

* Snake Charmer's response.

* If this wasn't resolved ----- how will you people react if nothing is done?

* Snake Charmer gives response.

* Music to end audio Part 2

 

Listen to Audio Part 2 here: - Audio Part 2 Snake Charming.mp3 (3.35 mb)

 

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In depth audio can be produced on request regards this or other subjects.

Audio available covers various aspects including:

* What the ancient craft of snake charming means to India.

* The lifestyle of India's snake charmers.

* In the field - how to catch a Cobra - care and attention of the snakes.

* Beyond snake charming - other areas of their expertise.

* The effect the ban has had on the snake charming community.

* The conservationist's views regards snake charming.

* The remedy - Humanitarian - Wildlife Organization verses Snake Charmers 

-------------------------- 

Audio can be produced for a variety uses including:

* Indepth audio for radio broadcasting such as news / current affairs style 

   programmes.

* Link with publications.

* Link with internet.

* For reference.

Content and duration of audio is open for discussion 

------------------------ 

Photography

For images please refer to ‘Photography’ - ‘Reportage’ category and 'India - Death Knell For Snake Charming'

Text

Written feature also available - Refer to 'Text' tab and 'India - Death Knell For Snake Charming'.

This subject, 'India - Death Knell For Snake Charming', has been covered in depth and has input from people involved - Snake Charmers and conservationists. 

----------------------- 

To learn more about the plight of India’s Snake Charmers or any other subject - 

All enquiries via 'Contact' tab.

 

 

 

Today many traditional tribes around the world are verging on extinction. But why. Their is so much that the mainstream world can learn from their ancient traditions and cultures especially in terms of the environment, education, health, and the elders. The 'Plight of the Khasi Tribe' takes an in depth look at one of the world's ancient traditional tribes - the Khasi Tribe.

'Plight of the Khasi Tribe'

 

The following audio extracts are from indepth audio which is available on request.

A brief outline of the following audio, 'Plight of the Khasi Tribe'

* Opening sequence - traditional Khasi music.

Leads to:

* Brief extract - rural location speaking to Khasi forest dweller reqards his lifestyle. Ends to:

* Traditional Khasi music.

Leads to:

* Brief extract of conversation with prominent Khasi figure regards Khasi traditions and culture.

Fades to:

* Brief extract of conversation with student from the capital city Shillong regards younger generations view of retaining Khasi tradition and convertion.

Fades to tradition music to end audio.

 

Listen to Audio here : - Plight of the Khasi Tribe 1.mp3 (5.15 mb)

 

---------------------------

In depth audio can be produced on request regards this or other subjects.

---------------------------

Audio can be produced for a variety uses including:

* Indepth audio for radio broadcasting such as news / current affairs style 

   programmes.

* Link with publications.

* Link with internet.

* For reference.

Content and duration of audio is open for discussion

----------------------------- 

Photography

For images please refer to ‘Photography’ - ‘Reportage’ category and 'Plight of the Khasi Tribe'.

Text

Written feature also available - Refer to 'Text' tab and 'Plight of the Khasi Tribe'

This subject, 'Plight of the Khasi Tribe', has been covered in depth and has input from people involved.

-----------------------

To learn more about the 'Plight of the Khasi Tribe' or any other subject - 

All enquiries via 'Contact' tab.

 

 

‘A Goddess – The Ganga’

 

The Ganga – the world’s most unique river.

It is the river’s religious significance that makes the Ganga so unique - revered by hundreds of millions of people in India and around the world.

The Ganga’s headwaters emerge high in the Himalayas at Gaumukh before traversing northern India until the ‘Mouths of the Ganga’ meet the Bay of Bengal.

The Ganga is also one of the world’s most polluted river systems.

This audio feature looks at what human impact has been doing to the river system and the measures being taken to try and alleviate the problem.

A task made more difficult than other river systems around the world largely due to the religious factor.

This audio extract focuses on one conservation method being used - the use of the Ganga or Ganges River Dolphin, the world’s most threatened aquatic mammal, and considered ‘highly endangered’ by the IUCN.

It is hoped that this river dolphin will save the mighty Ganga which intern will result in saving hundreds of millions of people whose livelihoods rely on this most pious of rivers.

In October 2009 the Ganges River Dolphin was declared as India’s National Aquatic Animal,

The following ‘Audio’ extract is of a conservation group involved in trying to save the Ganges River Dolphin which they hope intern will save the Ganga and local fishing communities who rely on the river for their livelihood.

Listen to Audio here:

A Goddess The Ganga 2.mp3 (7.45 mb)

The following ‘Audio’ extract reveals;

‘Plight of the Kashmiri Pandits – Their Paradise Lost’

The Kashmir Valley, This fertile land with invigorating, clean crisp air generated by the snow capped Himalayan Mountains captivated Mogul Emperor Jehangir. At his first glimpse he exclaimed, ‘If there is paradise anywhere on earth it is here!’

This ‘Paradise on Earth’, Kashmir has many distinct facets one being the people – the Kashmiri ‘Pandits’

‘Pandits’ are Hindus who are considered wise, learned people, 100% literate and their field of expertise is boundless from art, literature, religion, science and more.

Hindu’s ruled Kashmir up until the 14th century and history shows that during this period their contribution particularly in the fields of archaeology, literature and philosophy have been embraced by Indian society as a whole.

But almost twenty years ago 350 000 Kashmiri Pandits, men, women and children were ‘hounded’ out of their beloved Kashmir Valley leaving behind all they owned apart from what they managed to carry.

To take up refuge in makeshift camps in Jammu

Today thousands of men, women and children still remain ‘living’ in the squalid camps.

The following ‘Audio’ is an extract revealing the lifestyle these camp dwellers have had to endure for over twenty years.

Just like the Tibetans, Kashmiri Pandits greatest fear is the loss of their language, their culture and traditions, but unlike the Tibetans the world knows little if anything of their plight.

Listen to ‘Audio’ here:

Plight of Kashmiri Pandits.mp3 (4.94 mb)

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Images are available. Please refer to ‘Photography’ and ‘Reportage’ category.
                                          ‘Text’ is also available.

‘The Devil’s Water’ Continued -

Rice – How Safe?

More and more countries particularly throughout SE Asia are discovering elevated levels of arsenic contaminating their groundwater. This water people access via tube wells for their ‘safe’ drinking water supply and for irrigating their crops.

Research now reveals that rice is highly susceptible to the uptake of arsenic thus the threat to human health and wellbeing is now global.

This report looks at rice; the staple food for over half the world’s population.

It will reveal how:-

Research has uncovered that rice and many dietary products derived from rice commercially available on supermarket shelves around the world represent a significant dietary source of inorganic arsenic –a chronic carcinogenic.

“Infants and young children of all ethnicities generally have higher exposures to inorganic arsenic via rice than adults when considered on a body mass basis.” A Professor at the forefront t of this research stated.

Following analysis of UK baby rice it was found that 35% of the baby rice samples analysed would have been illegal for sale in China with its stringent regulatory limit of 0.15 mg/kg inorganic arsenic.

But these findings seem to be just the tip of the iceberg with many other dietary products found to contain elevated levels of carcinogenic inorganic arsenic.

Rice milk for example, often used by vegans and lactose intolerant sufferers as an alternative to cow’s milk.

Rice-bran products are becoming an increasingly popular ingredient for use in foods and dietary supplements targeted particularly at ‘health food’ conscious people.

“Of all the widely available commercial rice products, rice-bran was found to contain the highest arsenic content,” stated the concerned Professor.

A powdered form of rice-bran is produced known as ‘rice-bran solubles’, and when mixed with water it makes a very ‘nutritional’ drink.

This product would seem ideal for distribution internationally in food aid programmes to malnourished children in the developing world – which it is.

But should it be?

It seems ironic that rice is the basis of so many products produced which form a large percentage of the food .consumed by health conscious people such as those on a macrobiotic diet.

A disturbing fact is that globally many people are oblivious that they could be ingesting rice products containing harmful levels of inorganic arsenic – a chronic human carcinogen.

Something seriously needs to be done. Sooner rather than later, and beyond writing ‘health warnings’ on food products available in supermarkets

Perhaps now it is evident that this is a global issue and not just confined to affecting people in the developing world. More concern will be given especially by policy makers in addressing this ‘mass poisoning of humans’.

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This investigation looks into;

Fluorosis – An Agonising Death

“People do not die immediately. People die a little each day inch by inch. They may live 70 years with an unproductive life, an agonising life until the end of their day.”

“If the fatality rate would have been high I always said that it would have been better as neither would they suffer and it would have caught the attention of governments.”

Lamented one of the world’s leading authorities regarding fluoride and the affect it has on the human body.

Many people, particularly in the developing world, have to rely on tube wells that tap into underground aquifers to access the daily drinking water supply. Unbeknown to them the groundwater they rely on could be contaminated with elevated levels of fluoride.

“Following a survey conducted in 1998 it was found that 60 million people were affected by fluoride in India alone. Now I would estimate that figure to be about 75 million with 6 million being children under the age of 14.”

UNCEF reports that fluorosis is endemic in at least 25 countries across the globe. The WHO estimated that 2.7 million people in China alone are suffering from the crippling form of skeletal fluorosis.

“I am absolutely certain that large numbers of persons all around the world are suffering from fluoride toxicity, to one degree or other,”

“Fluoride being a deadly poison does not spare any tissue or cell in the body.” 

“It can develop dental fluorosis in children; it can develop skeletal fluorosis affecting the bones, and the third entity are all the soft tissues in the body such as the muscles, the blood vessels, stomach lining, testicles and ovaries. This we designate as non skeletal fluorosis.”

“It is not a curable disease in the conventional medical terminology. There are no medicines for fluorosis.”

Fluoride and the Western World

People in the Western World are not immune to this crippling disease – fluororsis.

The Professor.

“In the Western World the problem does not occur in groundwater, but in food where fluoride is used as a preservative and it is so high. Just like it is in medication too.”

“A large number of people in the Western World have fluorosis but doctors are not aware of non skelital fluorosis. They do not know how to diagnosis for this disease.”
“Fluoride poisoning can be linked with so many other complaints such as iritable bowel syndrom and poly urethra.”

“Countries like US, UK, Canada, NZ and Australia promote fluoride. Fluoridating drinking water and toothpaste say it’s good for teeth.”

“But now we understand fluorosis far better, and countries like Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands have all stopped fluoridation because of the health effects.”

“Why these five countries continue with fluoridation is not that they do not know about it, they are fully aware of the health hazards to millions of people -----------.”

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Audio is also available. Please refer to ‘Audio’

Children In Need - Without Parental Care

Hostel For Deprived Children

The content of this brief ‘Audio’ extract is concerned with those many children in India who for various reasons find themselves without a home or parental care.

It reveals that for them all is not lost as this organisation has recognised their plight and not only has it established a shelter for these children it is giving them a rounded education which is designed to set them on the right path for a better future.

Listen to ‘Audio’ extract here

Children in Need.mp3 (3.38 mb)

 

For ‘Photography’ please refer to ‘Reportage’ category and 'Children In Need'.

For ‘Text’ refer to ‘Abandoned Deprived Underprivileged – But Not Forgotten’.

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