Bloomin’ Mumbai
It may be hot as hell in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, but if we pause and look around, we are certain to find beauty almost anywhere in the city.
The Common Lime Butterfly, one of nearly 150 butterfly species found in Mumbai and the MMR can be seen on flowering plants around the city
The Red Passion Flower, also called Lal Krishna Kamal, is a stunner in bright sunlight. Several Mumbaikars often grow these in their home gardens
Let’s pedal every day
In a bid to promote cycling as a practical and eco-friendly mode of transport, cyclist Edward Pinheiro has launched a daily ‘bicycle bus’ initiative for office commuters travelling between Mira Road and Malad. The initiative began on May 25, with the plan to ride together from Mira Road East to Malad West via Link Road at 8.45 am. Participants can join or leave the group along the route depending on their workplace.
Cyclists at a previous ride in the city. Pic courtesy/Edward Pinheiro
“With pollution levels rising and fuel costs hitting the roof, it’s time we occupy our spot in the daily hustle traffic. People across the city have already started showing interest,” said Pinheiro. The group ride aims to help cyclists feel safer while commuting in traffic, and encourage more people to consider cycling during peak hours. Riders maintain a pace of 17-20 kmph, and return trips may also be planned. The next ride from Silver Park bus stop, Mira Road, is scheduled for May 28.
This one’s for Satpuda
A view of Satpuda Ranges. Pics courtesy/Wikimedia Commons
Kishor Rithe took time off his busy schedule as the director of Bombay Natural History Society on May 26 to accept the Sharadchandra Manohar Bhalerao Memorial Award by the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad in Pune. Rithe’s book Satpudyacha Saatbaara, a biography of the Satpura Range in central India, bagged an award in the Noteworthy Literary Work category.
Kishor Rithe (right) receives the award. Pic courtesy/Kishor Rithe
“To talk about Satpuda’s history in terms of hundred-odd years is an injustice to the mighty range that predates the formation of the Himalayas,” Rithe shared with us, adding that the idea was to highlight not only the historical significance of the ranges, but also the diverse flora and fauna that call the mountains home. Those keen to read the award-winning book can log on to akshardhara.com for more details.
Stories for every child
Students read from the donated books. Pics courtesy/Turning pages India
A children’s book donation drive by Turning Pages Foundation is encouraging Mumbaikars to help bring storybooks to underserved schools across the city. The non-profit, which works to build reading habits among children, is collecting reusable Hindi, English and Marathi picture storybooks and early chapter books for children aged nine and below.
Children browse through books at the foundation
“We work on the will to read,” said Bunty Pai, co-founder, Turning Pages Foundation. “While schools focus on the skill of reading, we motivate children to enjoy books through read-aloud, author visits and storytelling events.” Pai added that many partner schools have limited access to storybooks, making donations an important part of the programme.
“Children derive great joy when they see attractive books. It sparks their interest, and helps them build a positive relationship with reading,” Pai said. The organisation is arranging pick-ups across Mumbai and hopes more people will contribute to helping children discover the joy of reading. Check out @turningpagesindia to donate.
