We talk about green environment,and people growing practically the entire vegetable needs of their family on their terrace, and thus being environmental friendly. I too am an avid gardener, but time and space constraints do not permit me to indulge in the hobby for longer periods of time. However, I do have some crotons in the foyer of my apartment, with a terra cotta idol of Lord Krishna who acts as my security guard! All the visitors comment on the aesthetic look of the frontage of my apartment, and the greenery is certainly cooling to the eyes.

Nevertheless, there are some killjoys for every situation; I get a notice from the secretary of the society saying that the inmates are not allowed to keep plants in the ‘common area’. I know for a fact, and i have the people who are staying above my apartment vouch for it, that the plants are not at all in the way of their movement. What other reason could there be i wonder, to pronounce such a ‘law’ if it is not to make sure that i do not enjoy the sight of greenery when i open the front door of my flat? And neither do people who visit my apartment?

When i removed one of the pots on a ledge outside my balcony, which had been a hiding place for a pair of pigeons nesting, i discovered two eggs in the nest. I had in fact placed the pot on this ledge, only so that the pigeons could feel safe from the prying crows, waiting to grab the eggs. Many a times i have sat on the balcony, watching these pigeons look at me, wondering if i was a friend or foe. Just when he had his doubts cleared and confidently sat there even when i opened the window to water the plant, I betrayed his trust and removed the pot from there! By the time i returned after placing the pot, i found the crow and flown away with one of the eggs!

I wonder how the society would react, if i question the fact that the people staying on the ground floor have potted plants in the common area? Or that this very person, who has sent the notice, has plants belonging to his wife, on the terrace?

Here we are, talking about planting ten saplings for every tree felled, trying to make the world a greener place to live in, and making sure that the generations to come do not have to look at plants and animals only in picture books. Yet your very neighbour thwarts all your attempts to do your mite to make the world a better place to live in, simply because they have some personal grouse against you which they do not have the temerity to confront you with or talk it out. So they decide to attack the mute plants and the helpless birds which had found haven and a safe place with these plants. How self-centered, and how manipulative can a man get?

Mohana Narayanan