WALKING IN THE MORNING-THE PARK, BIRDS, FLOWERS AND OTHERS

9. WALKING IN THE MORNING…THE PARK, BIRDS AND FLOWERS AND OTHERS


Delhi Development Authority (DDA) with its entire corruption-ridden image has done at least one thing right. Responsible for planned development of Delhi, it has left lot of breathing space in between the towers of concrete jungles. There are many big and small parks close to residential colonies for the use of the residents. District Park in Sector 14, closer to our housing –complex, is one of them.

It is also known as Chitragupta Park as some religious minded people of the area have built a small temple in the name of Lord Chitragupta, the God responsible for keeping record of the good or bad deeds of every individual on earth in the court of Lord Yama, the God of Death. Based on the record an individual is allotted a place in Heaven or Hell as the case may be. In official record, however it remains as District Park only.

The Park is well laid, green and full of blooming flowers dahlias in white, pink, red and roses in different colors. The trees start flowering in March/April and bounty of colors is a pleasing sight. Citizens of Delhi should be thankful to DDA for not only providing garden space in residential colonies but also maintaining them. There are people who pluck the flowers little realizing that flowers look better on the plants. The Park is in three parts. The central park has playgrounds on both sides. The walking trail encircles the central park and is about 1.5 km long.

The Koel seems to greet with ‘Ko-yu,ko-yu’ the moment one enters the Park. Perched on the tree- top, the black bird is distinctly visible. Birds stir up much before the daybreak. The first one probably is the crow. There are other common Indian birds in the park, like mynahs, sparrows, parrots, doves, bul bul, and pigeons.

There is a mythological story about crow. It lost one of its eyes in his daring pursuit of testing the might of Lord Rama.Crows are also considered as the souls of our departed relatives and are fed on the auspicious day of their Shradha ceremony. Crows, if crowing at your gate give indication of some visiting guest.
Crows are called scavengers because they are first to locate a dead bird or animal. It is therefore not surprising to see crows feasting on a dead pigeon or rat early in the morning.

I am much surprised at the enormous energy the squirrels have. These little creatures keep on running and chasing each other all the day, never tiring. The swift jumps they take over the tree branches and the fast retreat they make and climb the trees if chased by a dog, which happens quite often. Those three lines on their back are believed to be imprints of Lord Rama’s caressing fingers.


There are benches all around the park for the use of the visitors. People for their own convenience shift these benches so that they may sit in a group of 10 or more and gossip little realizing that there are visitors who can not sit on ground due to some medical problem and need the benches more than these people but then no body seems to care. The Park is open from 6 a. m. to 9 p. m. for all days of the week. Sometimes I see some wine/beer bottles thrown in the bushes which obviously means some people use the park for some entertainment also which is illegal.

The Park serves as promotional ground for health care products like water purifiers, herbal medicines, health juices, small excersising tools etc. Some times Insurance companies put up their stall to educate the seniors about medical insurance and solicite business. Some times there are stock brokers who try to seek business with attractive investment funds for seniors.

Then there are massagers who aim to make contact and visit your place for body massage. They claim to help in getting rid of back pain, neck or shoulder pain. The very fact that they return to the Park at frequent intervals suggests that they do get some clients and people do get benefited. Some seniors get sample treatment at the spot only free of cost.

The Park is also used for canvassing support during election times be if for city council or legislative assembly or national parliament. The candidates hire the services of street corner actors to propagate their manifesto.

Distribution of pamphlets of every type is a common sight. Religious gatherings, product launches, school uniforms, beauty parlors or whatever may attract the imagination of the distributor to exploit the opportunity.

This great orator also visits quite frequently. His one and only topic is the development of a particular constituency to which he probably belongs. He has grand ideas if funds are available. The poor fellow seems to have lost his balance of mind due to some mishap or medical reason which nobody knows and cares. In fact nobody listens to what he says. Nonetheless, he delivers his speech and leaves the park. His shabby upkeep and dress is an indication to the fact that even his family members, if any, have lost interest in him.

Probably nowhere else such variety can be found. The Park is great exhibition ground.