Star-struck MEHENDALE
If you happen to stray from the normal course at the Joggers Park in Altinho during an evening walk, a melodious tune may find its way into your ears. If the composition has the distinctive melody of Indian classical music, the source is probably Goa's chief information commissioner, Leena Mehendale. At first she's shy, but her reticence disappears as she picks up one of the dozen or so flutes she has purchased from different parts of India. It's not the only instrument she plays. Mehendale also plays the harmonium. Her current, post-retirement posting gives her the time to pursue these hobbies. "I love taking a stroll in my garden, watching the night sky and identifying constellations. I picked up the skill from my father," she says, admitting that her obsession with the night sky can sometimes be a little weird for her family, as she has the habit of calling her folks up in the middle of the night to catch a glimpse of the stars.
Born to an astrologer from Maharashtra, Mehendele grew up in Bihar, where she was exposed to various intellectuals who would visit her father. A topper during her school days, she stood out with outstanding Math grades. She graduated in physics, but also writes poems. Besides her normal routine of hearing cases and pronouncing judgment as state chief information commissioner, she spends her day reading the news and browsing the internet. She is also a blogger, and writes on women's issues. It's not only on the internet that she writes. Mehendale is author of books on social and administrative issues. "I knew I could tell a tale since my school days," she says. "During our summer holidays, I would come down to my ancestral place in Maharashtra and give my friends an account of my life in Bihar. Then, back home, I would narrate anecdotes from Maharashtra to my schoolmates in Bihar. Both groups would love to listen to my stories and this inspired me to start writing," she says. She adds that if she had to choose an alternate career path, she would be a research scientist in physics. Her stout build didn't allow her to participate professionally in sports, but her strength was put to great use as she served on the defense block of the school Kabaddi team. At home, too, being the eldest, she ended up being tutor to her younger siblings and eventually took a liking to teaching. Having travelled to nearly two-thirds of all districts in India, Mehendele says "the most interesting aspect of our country is that the cultures and traditions are so widespread and diffused that they seem different, but are actually the same customs being practiced in different forms". She believes that it is these inherent local philosophical beliefs spread across the country that unite us as a nation. "Our society is a progressive one and we must all work hard to keep it that way," she says, adding that the increasing reports of rape and foeticide are due to major changes in cultural beliefs. "The rat race has got to us. Everybody is after money and fame, and some are ready to make compromises to achieve their goal of acquiring wealth. Education is all about certificates and less about skills. Lifestyles are mediocre, and this materialistic world is the prime reason for the rise in crimes," she sighs. Mehendale remembers cycling her way to school in the 1960s, when it was still a 'masculine' thing to do. She says, "gender bias always existed, but the difference between then and now is the aggressive violence. When I took out my bicycle for the first time in Bihar, the majority of locals were accepting and encouraging; you could trust people back then, unlike today. There was a certain amount of respect even in those male-dominated times," she says. "But today, people get too violent." She offers an explanation: "Youngsters are easily impressionable and the media should be responsible for its productions. More creative the show is, less obscenity would be shown. Obscene scenes require less effort," says Mehendele, pointing out that kids do not know how to differentiate between what is good and bad. "In 1984, as a district magistrate in Maharashtra, I banned the screening of a movie in my area for being extremely repugnant and sensual, but the producer walked up to me and promised me that there was nothing vulgar in the film. I argued that if there was nothing in the film, why lure the audience by promising some cheap entertainment?" But she does love movies. Though not as much as other activities like reading, collecting stamps and sea shells. "TV can certainly be used to inculcate good manners among members of society. Shows on Animal Planet, for instance, can induce you to think and inspire you to learn more. Creative, planned and choreographed educative shows on India's great geographical uniqueness can also build a sense of pride among its citizens and inspire them to contribute more to the country," she concludes.
