CR PARK SPEAKS NEWSLETTER

Know Your Neighbour Where disability ends, ability begins- this is the principle that Grp Capt Prabal Malaker believes and follows.  Grp Capt Prabal Malaker, a resident of J block, was a successful fighter pilot who flew MIGs, Mirages  and Jaguars and was living a dream life in the skies, when fate decided to test his abilities through his mind and not through his body. After a near- death experience in a fighter plane crash, he was diagnosed with progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 1998. Initially thought to be osteo- arthritis, he showed rapidly progressing symptoms of MS, and as he smilingly says ”he was downgraded from being airborne, to being chair - borne”. This eventually caused his flying career to take a permanent retirement, but it could not retire his zeal for life and his zest to defeat his disability at every roll of his wheelchair. He now very famously says, “If you have a problem, accept it. Work within those challenges and carry on with life. Keep your mind stron...

by Subir Ghosh, C Block My first impression of C R Park, erstwhile “Bengali Colony” dates back to the early 70s. I remember getting down from DTC Bus number 5 from Gole Market (our earlier residence in Government quarters), at Kalkaji Bus Stand, opposite Deshbandhu College, and walking down a vast rocky terrain, to reach the under-construction house, which my father had given to one retired army officer, to construct, on a turnkey basis.   I was practically in tears to imagine myself living in such a wild place, in the middle of a huge, thorny jungle, completely cut off from the  lively Gole Market, with Connaught Place, within walking distance and Kali Bari, which gave the remote identity of being a Bengali in a hitherto “Obangali”, or non-Bengali terrain. Kali Bari, was the epicenter of all things that the recently displaced “Probashi Bengalis” identified with – from Durga Puja and Kali Puja to theatre, to “Jatra”, the original street plays, which roamed from village to...

“Cleanliness is next to Godliness”- this quote however apparently doesn’t sit with the market associations, elected representatives or the civic authorities attached to CR Park. The markets are dirty to the extent that it has become a nightmare for the residents to visit them. A very hurried and most unsatisfactory job done by MCD is all that happens every morning. A persistent stink pervades the entire atmosphere of the markets all the time. Evenings see all the markets choked to the brim with food stall blocking every walkable path, leaving virtually no space to walk without tripping over garbage, buckets, dustbins, and other paraphernalia of the encroachers. Aside them, the shops have literally spilled over on the walkways with their wares stashed in tall metal racks, sacks of grains, and huge plastic baskets merrily stacked over by the shopkeepers. Evenings are buzzing with eaters, tea drinkers and smokers throwing numerous tea cups, food plates, cigarette stubs all over the ...

The Troublesome Tale of Flex Hoarding: Aesthetic, Environmental, and Safety Concerns   In recent years, the use of flex hoardings has become increasingly prevalent, both as a means of advertising and communication. These flexible, PVC-based signs can be seen lining streets, covering buildings, and promoting various products and events. While they serve a purpose in advertising, there are significant drawbacks associated with their widespread use.   Aesthetic Concerns Flex hoardings, often intended to attract attention, can sometimes have the opposite effect. Here are some aesthetic concerns associated with these oversized banners:   a. Red Lights Covered: One of the most glaring aesthetic issues with flex hoardings is their propensity to cover important traffic lights and signs. This not only obstructs the view of drivers and pedestrians but can also result in traffic accidents due to reduced visibility. Safety should always take precedence over advertisi...

Durga Puja & Diwali Are On The Horizon.. Use Clean Water To Freshen Your  Homefront Water tanks are a crucial part of a household's water supply system, especially in areas where municipal water supply is unreliable. These tanks store water for daily use, but they can also become breeding grounds for bacteria, algae, and other contaminants if not properly maintained. Here's why it's essential to keep your water tank clean: Better Cleaning: When you clean your household and utensils, you want to use clean water. Dirty water can leave behind residue and stains, defeating the purpose of cleaning. Cleaning your water tank ensures that the water you use for cleaning is free from impurities. Healthier Living: Clean water is vital for your family's health. Contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases and other health problems. Regularly cleaning your water tank ensures that the water you use for drinking and cooking is safe. Extended Tank Life: Neglected water tan...

Dear Colony Residents, We hope this message finds you well. As the heart of our vibrant community, we want to ensure that every voice is heard and every story is shared. We are excited to announce an opportunity for all colony residents to contribute to our upcoming community newsletter.   Whether you have insights on colony issues, wish to celebrate special occasions, or want to share your musings on life in our wonderful community, we invite you to submit your articles for our next edition. Your contributions will help create a stronger sense of unity and connectivity within our colony. Here are some ideas to get you started: Colony Issues : Share your thoughts on important matters that affect our colony, propose solutions, or raise awareness about local concerns. It could be anything from traffic issues to environmental initiatives. Celebrations : Have you recently celebrated a milestone, a birthday, an anniversary, or a cultural festival? Share your joy and experiences with the...