The 1997 film Koyla - starring Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit - offers viewers an opportunity to focus on important survivalist skills. When you find yourself running into the jungle to escape your enemies, you need to be prepared to rough it for several days. Here are some of the skills that Shankar employs while living in the wilderness.
Water. Look for a source of drinkable water - the human body can only last 3 days without water, especially while on the run in warmer climates. The most obvious sources are streams, rivers and lakes. You should try to strain the water through a cloth because any time you drink "found" water without purifying it, you're taking a risk.
Food. There is plenty to eat in the wild, including a variety of edible plants as well as insects, fish, and bird eggs. Survival Grounds reminds us to, "Make sure, though, that you know exactly what it is you're eating. Just as nature is full of edible items, it also has its fair share of poisonous inhabitants that could do you more harm than good. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the edible fruits and plants of the area before going in to explore." If you are a vegetarian, don't feel you are limited to nuts and berries. Sneak into your enemy's campsite and help yourself to an unattended plate of vegetarian fare.
Keep warm by cozying up with your traveling companion and sharing body heat. In the event of hypothermia, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following first-aid care: "To warm the person's body, remove your clothing and lie next to the person, making skin-to-skin contact. Then cover both of your bodies with blankets."
A machete or some sort of falx is a useful tool for cutting down vines and through brush. According to Machete Specialists, "Choose a long machete for clearing grassy vegetation and brush. The length will prevent your hands from being cut, as well as providing leverage to clear large swaths at a time. A thin (as opposed to thick) blade on the machete reduces fatigue, as well as slicing more easily through grasses and stalks. For woody brush, choose a blade with a wide (as opposed to narrow), thin blade. The wide belly of the blade will give chopping power, but the thin blade won't tire you out." If you don't have your own machete, take one from your enemy.
Be Unseen. Practice the art of hiding: Step behind your cover, remain still, and be silent. By blending in with your surroundings, you will surprise your enemies before they can act.
Starting a Fire. The Art of Manliness has a great post on 9 Ways to Start a Fire Without Matches. However, the quickest way to start a fire is get your enemy to shoot holes in his jeep's gas tank then hit two flint-covered stones together to create a spark which sets the gasoline on fire. If you use this technique, remember to assign someone the task of putting out the fire after the jeeps explode and before you leave the area so you don't create a huge fire that burns down the whole forest.
Wildlife. Respect all animal life, especially the wild elephants that you encounter. According to EleAid, "India is home to between 50 and 60% of all of Asia’s wild elephants and about 20% of the domesticated elephants. As such, the country is of paramount importance for the survival of the species. The elephant plays a central role in Indian life and has so done for many centuries. Elephants are closely associated with religious and cultural heritage, playing an important role in the country’s history. They remain revered today. An India without elephants is simply unimaginable."
Musical entertainment. A small flute is better than a guitar for entertaining yourself while on the run from your enemies. Not only is it small, portable, and better able to withstand the elements, but when you play it your enemies may think it is a bird. You can also use it to beat against found metal containers to create a percussion instrument.
Transport. While you generally carry a woman in your arms, in the wilderness it is best to carry her on your back, especially when you are moving through fast-running water. Otherwise you might trip and submerge your beloved. By the way, the term "piggyback" has it's roots back in the 16th century in the phrase "pick pack". According to OMG Facts, "pick" back then used to mean the same as "pitch" does now: to throw or place (e.g. "pitch a tent"). "Pack" was probably a reference to something being carried so "pick pack" or "pick-a-pack" meant to place something. The alternative, "back", implies that you're carrying something on your back. By the 18th century people were saying "pickaback". Over time - as the origin of the phrase got lost - "pickaback" evolved into "piggyback", which we use today.
Defense. When your enemy finally catches up with you and it seems that all else has failed, throw rocks. Remember, sticks and stones WILL break your enemy's bones.
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