Dear Islanders, Namaskaar! Bracing for the ensuing New Year, Great. Wish You all a very Happy and vibrant New Year, 2008. Friends , I , distinctly remember my tiny tot days when I used to play in a nearby playground in the morning. The playground was covered with a carpet of lush green grass and had majestic trees all over and a cobbled path surrounding the grass added to the charm and aura. I tried my Tree Climbing exploits on the same trees, as green horn, and later honed my skills there itself. There were two trees in particular , one a "GANDHARAJ" and the other a "CHAMPA"  (I may be excused as proper botanical nomenclature is not known to me) which were a great draw with the children and adults alike. Both were covered with pale yellow flowers during season and the smell was facsninting, charming, alluring to say the least.It is common saying that the blooming flowers of 'GANDHARAJ' attracts snakes but  as a tiny tot it was not a deterrant to my attraction. I used to pick the flowers of both the trees that had fallen on the ground and the dew soaked flowers reflecting the early morning hue created a mesmerising effect on me and left me with an indelible immpression on my mind. Today , when I reflect back I crave for the same but alas, the trees have gone so has the lush green grass. Lets make the universe as alluring as the dew kissed flowers and lets soak in the aroma that is fast becoming a distant and extinct object.