Chalo Kantara

 

Chalo Kantara

Idea conceived by Jaydeep: Amit, Deepak, Jaydeep and I, have been together since 1st Std., in school, that’s almost 50 years! In one of those light moments in November, 2025, we decided to visit my hometown near Mangaluru to experience the culture, food, nature and some unique Events like Khola and Kambula associated with south coastal Karnataka, specifically known as Tulunadu. Before we knew, Jaydeep had booked the KSRTC bus tickets, to and fro, for Dec.1st. week. Next some days passed by in planning, booking, researching the place and ensuring that nothing is ignored. ‘Happiness is found along the way more than the Destination’ was said by an enlightened soul and we went the exact way by fully enjoying the complete process of Planning.

Travel by KSRTC: On 5th December, 7:30 pm, we boarded ‘Ambari’ (KSRTC Sleeper Bus), anticipating a fun-filled 3 days. Joking, sharing, teasing each other for a couple of hours, we slowly went into our shells. Each of us comes from a different background. Jaydeep a Chartered Accountant, I a Restaureur, Deepak into Investments and Amit an Entrepreneur, with Age 54 years and different family backgrounds, but from the same City, Pune, and studied in Karnatak High School, uptil 10th Std. 

Landing: The Bus was 2 hours late. After enjoying the sight of the beautiful shores of the early morning Arabian Sea, we got down at Hotel Vijaya Bhavan, Padubidri, for Breakfast. Our Innova with Mr Pradeep (Driver) was already waiting for us. After a sumptuous breakfast, we set out for Coconut Creek, Kinnigoli, our Homestay for the next 2 days.

Coconut Creek: As we reached Coconut Creek, Shobha, our host, was waiting at the doorstep with a welcoming smile. It was a bungalow with a lot of space, huge rooms with attached baths, a beautiful garden with Coconut and betel nut trees and silence, ensuring peace all around. After getting fresh we excitedly started our Task 1 - wearing a Veshti! 

Veshti: “Veshti” is a traditional unstitched garment for the lower body widely worn by men in South India. It is similar to the dhoti and is an integral part of the region's cultural attire. I was the only one knowing how to wear it and hence took over the leadership! Deepak had a ready-made Veshti with Velcro hence making it simple for him. Amit after umpteen attempts finally decided to hold the top of the Veshti with a Belt. Jaydeep was the one who dared. He learned the traditional way to tie the Veshti. After a photo Session in the campus of Coconut Creek, we set out for Kateel Temple. 

Kateel: Shri Durga Parmeshwari Temple at Kateel village is the most devotional one for the Tulunadu people. It is situated on a River with a spiritual environment all around. It was a Saturday hence not very crowded. After a Darshan of Amma(Shri Durga) we set out for our Task 2 …. towards my family’s Nagasthana. 

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  Nagasthana: Nagaradhane (Serpent Worship): This ancient tradition involves the worship of snakes, which are seen not just as deities but as protectors of the land, households, and ancestral lineage. The Tuluva community places great significance on preserving these sacred spaces, which are vital for the local ecosystem. My cousin, Harishchandra was waiting for us midway to guide us towards the Nagasthana. After meeting him, we had a pleasant experience of drinking raw coconut water at a wayside shop. We then reached the Nagasthana and had the Darshan. Now we set out for our Task 3 … towards the Daivasthana.
• Daivasthana: "Daiva stana" in Dakshina Kannada refers to a place of worship or shrine dedicated to "Daivas". In the local Tulu language, "Daiva" means spirit or deity, and "stana" or "sthana" means place or abode. These places are central to the unique and vibrant folk traditions of the region, particularly Bhootaradhane (spirit worship), which is a significant part of the local culture. My family’s Daivasthana is situated in the most peaceful of places with complete silence all around. I someday hope to spend an entire day at this place. We then set out for Task 4 …. lunch at Harishchandra’s place, my Papa’s home.
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• Papa’s home: My Papa’s home is situated on the edge of a Rice field, with a Well, a Cow shed, a vegetable garden and hens all around. Here, we again had Darshan of Deivasthana and Nagasthana. Harishchandra, along with his wife, younger son, elder daughter-in-law and a cute granddaughter had prepared a voluminous lunch. Banana leaves were laid down and food was served on it. The menu included Kori Rutti, Veg subji, Chicken Biryani, Raitha, Fried Fish, and Ice cream as the sweet dish. With a heavy stomach, we waved off Harishchandra’s family to rest for some time and then set out for Task 5 … witnessing the Sunset at Kapu Beach. 
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  Kapu Beach: Kapu Beach is a beautiful one with a Lighthouse. We travelled through a road alongside the beaches from Padubidri to Kapu having an awesome view all around. There were some clouds on the horizon hence we could not enjoy the Sunset totally, but had a wonderful time making us forget the hectic schedule throughout the day. As the twilight entered the darkness we left for Coconut Creek to have a well-earned rest before we set out for Task 6 … witnessing Bhootha Khola. 
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• Bhoota Kola: The Bhootha Kola was at a place, Katipalla, which was close to the town of Suratkal. We didn’t have much appetite, hence had light snacks at Hotel Sadanand and had the delicious Gadbad Icecream here. Excitedly, we started for Katipalla to witness Kordabbu Bhoota’s Kola. Bhoota Kola (or Bhootaradhane) is a vibrant, centuries-old ritualistic spirit worship and folk art from the Tulu-speaking coastal regions of Karnataka, India (Dakshina Kannada, Udupi), where performers, in elaborate costumes and makeup, channel local deities (Bhootas or Daivas) into a trance-like state to provide blessings, guidance, and resolve community issues, involving intense drumming, chanting of oral epics (Paddanas), and dramatic dances. For the next 3 hours, we were amidst the most sacred of environments with about 3-4 thousand people coming to have a Darshan and witness the Bhoota Kola. After a long tiring day, we were half asleep but still were rejuvenated when the Kola began. Now, one of our main purposes of visiting Tulunadu has been completed. We ended our busy day and had a deep sleep at the Homestay. The next day was to start early at 6:30 am for our next Task 7 … Kayaking! 
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• Mulky Kayaking: 5 km from Kinnigoli is Mulky, where the Shambhavi River meets the Arabian Sea. At this point, there is a Backwater and a Virgin Beach across. At the shores of the backwater, a kayaking point is established and a young man, Karan, an Engineer with a passion for Adventure sports, was our guide for the Kayaking experience. Deepak and Jaydeep together and Amit and I in another Boat, we shored across the lake to reach the Virgin Beach on the opposite side. As we got down from the boat and walked across, we witnessed the Beach, which might be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Long stretch of white sand with only us and not a single soul on the entire stretch! With a heavy heart, we left the place, kayaked back, took leave of Karan, for our next Task.. no. 8….. a Tulunadu breakfast! 
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• Kinnigoli breakfast: Pradeep, our driver, took us to New Swagat Hotel, in Kinnigoli for breakfast. Here we had, Gunda, Mude & Kadle Bajil, unique items in Tulunadu recipes. Filling our heart and soul at Mulky shores we had a stomach full of breakfast and set out for our next Task … no. 9 … Kambula
• Kambula: "Kambula" most commonly refers to Kambala is an annual buffalo race held in the Tulu Nadu region of India. It can also refer to a town in South Africa and the Battle of Kambula that took place there, or a specific lion pride in a South African game reserve.  The Kantara movie had the hero, Rishab Shetty, making an Entry with a Kambula race. Among all our tasks, Khola and Kambula were the star attractions. Pradeep took us to the venue of Kambula but sadly, the race was completed the previous day itself. Luckily, Pradeep, through his sources, found out a place where the Kambula practice was going on. Here we witness the most interesting part of our trip, the Bullock Race. You won’t believe the speed at which a human runs along with the bullocks, on mud, with ankle-deep water. It was an exhilarating sight. We then moved on to Task 10 … Soans Farm.
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• Soan’s Farm: After getting fresh we set out for Moodbidri. Here, a century old Nursery, spreading across 100 acres with Pineapple as its speciality, Soan’s Farm is situated. We were lucky to meet Mr Soans himself. He too shared a lot of interesting things about his Nursery and treated us to the most tasty Pineapple juice.  We then moved on to Task 11 .. Lunch at ‘Machli’.
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• Machli: Mangaluru off late has developed a unique type of Hotels serving fish. On a Thali they serve Rice, Fish curry, an authentic veg subji, pickle and then you can order a range of fried fish of your choice along with it. Another sumptuous lunch at ‘Machli’ in Moodbidri and we returned to our Homestay. 
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• Kapu Beach: Another experience of Sunset at Kapu, but this time around, without the clouds. A marvellous site of sunset, pure, colourful and gorgeous. I asked god…"what have I done to witness so many heavenly moments in such a short span of time?" Dinner was a short affair before we went to bed, all ready for our Task 12 .. morning walk at my village. 
  

  

  
  
  
  
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• Village walk: Kinnigoli is at the border of my village Athur. Both my Mom and Dad have their home in the same village. Whenever I visit, I enjoy my morning walks to the hilt. I made sure that my soul mates, too experience the blissful journey. We set out for the morning walk at 6:30 am covering a good 6 km before coming back for Task 13 .. my Mom’s home. 
  
  
  
• Suragiri: Situated near my Mom’s home is a Temple called Suragiri. We visited the sacred place with me sharing some old stories about my childhood experiences whenever we visited with my parents.
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• Amma’s home: At my Mom’s place, my cousin’s family, Sadanna and Shakilakka were waiting for us. We were served the most tastiest of Dosa and Chutney along with raw coconut water.  We had a bus to catch in the evening at Udupi and hence we set out for our final Tasks .. no. 14 .. visit to the Temples Marigudi and Kunjarugiri. 
  
  
  
• Marigudi: We decided to visit Marigudi Temple at Kapu on our way to the Udupi Bus Stop. Marigudi is Goddess Mariamma’s Temple. Recently renovated in a grand way, we happened to attend the daily Puja standing near the Goddesses ' feet. The recent renovation has happened in a grand way with the one-tonne Bell at the Entrance being a major attraction. 
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• Kunjaragiri: Kunjarugiri Temple is situated at the top of a hill which is just 5 km from Udupi. This ancient temple, believed to have been installed by Lord Parashurama himself, is dedicated to Goddess Durga (Kunjar Amma). We could practically see the entire Tulunadu from one end while the Arabian Sea can be seen from the other end. 
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• Ratnakka’s feast: While at Shankarapura we visited my wife, Sarita’s sister, Ratnakka who stays in the same area. Ratnakka is an adorable person whom I always make a point to visit. Ratnakka, who was informed of our visit the previous day, had made an elaborate Menu for lunch which included Kappa roti, Semige, Chicken kabab, Kori rutti, Payasam and much more. Though we had decided to have a light lunch before travelling, we couldn’t resist and left her place with an overfilled stomach. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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• Allwyn Sweets: Visiting Tulunadu and not purchasing Banana chips is a crime. We then shopped at Allwyn Sweets and completed all our tasks as planned. 
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• Tadgola: After having coffee at Hotel Kidiyoor we started for the Bus Stop. Jaydeep had this urge to eat the Tadgola which in English is known as ice apple or palmyra fruit, through our journey, but couldn’t have it. As we reached the Udupi Bus Stop, we found a vendor selling Tadgola, just outside the Stop. This incomplete cycle of ours too was completed and we had the Tadgola too. 
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• Return journey: The Bus arrived on time. After a tiresome 3 days, we had nothing to do but sleep. We arrived in Pune on time at 7:30 am. After exchanging pleasantries we parted ways thus ending a superb tour. 
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• When the trip was proposed by Jaydeep, it was not possible for me, but I cooperated. I assumed some spiritual reason for even the thought to have conceived. It actually turned out to be that way!  Though it appeared to be a fun, experiential tour, for me it was a deep spiritual one. The discussions, the jokes, the old memories resurfacing, some intellectual talks, some foolish chats and investing time with each other were a loving life together. There is nothing better than investing time with your childhood buddies where you can be yourself. These three days will stay with me for life!

An Angel - Shivade kaku

An Angel - Shivade kaku! 

Organ Donation came into our life quite unexpectedly. Alongwith it came some souls whom I never expected existed in today's world.

In January 2017, two of us had attended a Club meeting in an upmarket area of the city. The Organ Donation Presentation was the reason for us and the club members gave us an opportunity at 11:00pm. Our impression of that group obviously was strained. In the group we met an old lady. She was all smiles, with an orthodox saree and simple looks, seeming out of place there.

After a month, the same lady came to meet us at our weekly ReBirth meets. With the same enthusiasm as the earlier meet, she expressed her desire to work for Organ Donation awareness. Until then she had got more than 1000 Eye Donations forms filled.

Every meet of ReBirth after that day we experienced that smiling face, never talking much, only validating everything that was happening in the meet.

In 1st October 2017, we had a wonderful Event, Rangathon, at Amanora. It was intriguing to see Shivade kaku manage to attend this fun Event, 20 km away from her home. She had come there on Bus! The only reason for all the effort was Organ Donation!

As time passed, she started giving Presentations on Organ Donation. Over the next one year she carried on this zeal to such a level that wherever and whenever she found some scope of Presentation, she would directly approach the concerned authorities, fixed the date and time, or gave the Presentation then and there. No inhibitions at all. It was unbelievable to see her give Presentations in Banks, Yoga centres, Government offices, and once even to a Dhol-Lejim group during Ganeshotsav.

She, at 75 years of age, was living alone. When you expect at that age for the children to serve their Parents, she brought her married daughter, who was seriously ill, to her house, looked after her for six months and allowed her to go back only after she completely recovered.

In October 2018, both of us had gone to an IT Company for Presentation of Organ Donation. She had no role to play there. But attended only to support me. 

Someone in that Company asked me whether she was my mother. This was a moment of joy for both of us. Really, in Organ Donation work, she supported me just like a mother!

She then, during ReBirth meets, started sharing about her career as an officer in Irrigation Department. We came to know that inspite of working in a Goverment department she had successfully been honest and uncorrupted for the entire career.

In May 18th, 2019, I got a call at 1:00pm from Indumati, our volunteer. Shivade kaku and Indumati were scheduled to visit a Hospital for Organ Donation activity at 3:00pm. She was concerned about Shivade kaku, who had confirmed about their 3:00pm meet at 12:00noon, but not answering her call at 1:00pm. Within the next hour we got the information of Shivade kaku passing away due to heart attack. It was a rude shock!

In the next couple of hours, Shivade kaku who had practically worked till her last breath, her eyes were donated and then in another couple of hours, her body to a Medical College.

A week before this incidence, kaku had shared that after all her various medical Operations including a heart Operation, she didn't know how or why she still lived. She had then shared that maybe the reason for her life was the awareness of Organ Donation!

People earn a lot of wealth in their lifetime, others earn Name and Fame. But, everyone fails to take along any of these after they expire. After death, it's called a 'body' and not even with their name. 

But Shivade kaku took with her all the wealth of love, empathy, selflessness, discipline and caring. It's a vacuum we can never fill.

An Angel had visited this Earth. We were blessed to experience her. She shared, she laughed, she taught us the way to live life, and she left.

Shivade kaku.... An Angel touching our life!

Fit as a fiddle..... Crisis Management - 1

“Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem” - Phil Donahue

The first thing that hits the mind when a calamity hits is to escape. Escape from the scene, escape from the place, escape from the world! 

But does it solve the issue? Rather, complicates the challenge. 

What did Japan do after the twin atomic explosion? We have n number of examples in history of great characters who have bounced back after a crisis…. and bounced back big time! 

The first thing we do in a crisis, by default, is to stop taking care of ourselves. The hair is not done, the clothes are not ironed, the whole physical appearance is shabby. 

Internally too there are a lot of changes taking place. The breathing becomes fast, the blood pressure is abnormal, the digestion process is strange, the sleep takes a beating. 

The first step for Crisis Management is to look after ourselves. 

Exercise resolves most of the issues mentioned above. It regularises our breathing, it leads to a strong heart and the digestion process becomes normal. Exercise increases our mental power and makes us emotionally stable. 

Rising early morning, breathing in the fresh air, listening around to the birds chirping has its charm. Exercising gives us the best chance to tackle the hard day. 

Diet is the next thing that takes a beating in times of Crisis. Either stop having food, which is the case in 90% of cases, or they overeat. 

Ensuring to eat normal food at the designated time intervals, like breakfast, lunch and dinner will be sufficient. Avoid extremes like the quantity of food, too spicy, too oily, too much sweet. 

Sufficient Exercise and proper food is the first step towards the solution in any Crisis. 

We are because of our Body, without it, there is no world! 

Crisis Management

Crisis Management 

At various stages of our life, we meet with Crisis. The Crisis may be short-lived or in some cases carries on for years together. 

A baby waking up from sleep and not finding its mother anywhere near is a Crisis for it. 

A teenager when finds the one with whom they dream of living the rest of their life, suddenly deserting, is a moment of Crisis.

A businessman facing Bankruptcy is a Crisis. 

A Tsunami hitting a village is a Crisis.

A Pandemic faced by the world is a Crisis. 

How do we handle Crisis? 

By ignoring it? 

By complaining about it?

By generating sympathy for us? 

Or….

By Managing the Crisis? 

The strength of our Character is reflected in the way we face the Crisis. 

What exactly do we have to do to manage a Crisis?

Could we develop some tools, some Rules, some discipline to Manage a Crisis?

By managing a Crisis, do we ensure of getting over it?

Maybe not. But we give ourselves the best chance to tide over it. 

Just like a Surfer uses the wave to his benefit, could we also, attempt to ride the wave and turn the moment to our advantage. After all, in every crisis lies an opportunity. 

Opportunity to gain experience, knowledge, networking, learn skills, strengthen the relationship, and tread on a path that was never walked by anybody. 

Let’s attempt to define Crisis Management in the following blogs. 

Karma - the only truth

Karma …. the only truth! 

Jaydeep, my soulmate, works for a Corporate. A busy schedule doesn’t allow us to meet often. Hence, once in a blue moon when he calls on weekends to plan a walk together, I readily accept. Sharing our heart out is the hidden agenda. 

On one such occasion, as I walked out of our Society Gate, to join him on the Main Road, a kilometre away, an odd incidence happened. 

Just as I moved outside the Gate, a man riding on a bike passed by and before he realised, his Bike skidded and bang…. he fell flat on the tar road! At 6:00 am, with no one around, I went running towards him. Somehow separated his bike which was lying over him. By that time some more passer-by came to help. This man, with his face lying down was not moving at all. All of us were frightened. One young man succeeded in finding the man’s mobile and gave it to me. 

As I took the mobile, I found that it had blood on it! I gathered enough courage to operate it but it was locked. I tried to press this man’s thumb on the mobile with the hope of unlocking it but failed. Organ Donation awareness Activities had me discussing brain-death Case a lot. Never experienced this live. But before I could come to any conclusions, this man, by god’s grace started moving. 

In minutes, he was sitting, trying to figure out what had happened. He unlocked his mobile and dialled his wife’s number. I took it over and informed his wife about the incident. 

By this time, all the people around were assured that this man would be fine and they dispersed from the site. I remained there waiting for his wife to arrive. This man had heavy tools tucked into his Bike which gave indications of him working in some Construction Site. In the meantime, his wife came running down the road, crying. After her arrival, I remembered about Jaydeep and hurriedly left them. 

I walked down the road, still trying to gather myself from the shock. In about 10 minutes, as I was about to reach the Main Road, I received a second shock! The same man, with the tools, tucked into his Bike, crossed me and went away for his work! 

Some minutes ago, it was not sure whether the man lived or ….., the same man, instead of going home and resting, rode to his workplace! 

The pressure of running a family is so huge that even the question of life and death didn't refrain him from doing his work. 

While some of us, for the slightest of reasons, take a holiday. 

We go through the whole of Mahabharata to hear the most important message of Karma from Krishna…… while for some, hunger ensures that they follow the Rule of Karma, with or without their Will. 

Second Innings

In Cricket, Test Matches are played in two innings. 

Football and Hockey are played in two Halfs.

Individual games like Badminton, Tennis are played in best of three or Five games/ Sets. 

What is the difference between the First and the Second Innings? 

In the First Innings, we are fresh, our strategies are not known to the opponents, though nervous initially, we tend to be courageous, we are open to new ideas. 

But, we are not knowing the field conditions, the opposition strategies, the synchronisation of the teammates amongst themselves takes time.

While in the Second Innings, we now have experience with us...... experience of the playing conditions, our teammates, the game of the opposition, et all.

The initial nervousness is now replaced by tiredness, if we are lagging behind in the game then maybe Self doubts. 

But then what does the Second Innings implify? 

The Second Innings gives me a chance to regroup, to re-strategise, to rectify the mistakes from the First Innings. It gives me a Second chance to Win!

More than 5 months of Lockdown has literally halted the smooth flow of our life. It’s going to take a huge effort to restart everything like earlier. 

But.... 

It’s the Second Innings which has given me one more chance to Win! 

Let me regroup, restrategise, rectify. 

Let me dig deep into my energy levels. 

Experience of the First Innings will help me to play a different game. 

There will once again be a clean slate to write upon.

The Second Innings will be my chance to surge ahead in life. 

Of course I will play to win!

But, 

This game will no more be of gathering wealth and achievements.

It’s no more about winning and losing. 

More than anything else......

My Second Innings will be for Peace and Happiness! 

Courage

Courage is not absence of fear, 

Courage is inspite of fear. 

Courage is not violence,

Courage is absolute Peace within. 

Stepping out and hitting a six is bravery,

Courage is staying at the wicket in unfavourable conditions. 

A road accident may instigate us to have a squabble, 

Courage is to ensure that the other person is safe and if needed admit him into Hospital.

Swantantrya Veer Sawarkar in Jail for 27 years, yet keeping the spirit of freedom for his Country alive is Courage.

Shivaji Maharaj plotting to escape in Agra when his death is inevitable from the enemy, is Courage. 

Amitabh Bacchan facing the situation inspite of going Bankrupt at the age of 57, is Courage. 

Pulling out swords to fight is an act of bravery but not Courage. 

Courage is depth of Character. 

Courage is Responsibility.

Courage is absence of Ego.

Courage is selfless love for our dear ones. 

Courage is Sacrifice. 

Courage is Persistence, Consistency, following your path to destiny inspite of hurdles. 

Courage is being stable in Crisis. 

Courage is being a Pillar of support inspite of being shattered within. 

Let’s be Courageous!