VanaMahotsav In Bhubaneswar

There is little doubt that the temperature is rising and we are feeling the heat.

Truly. More trees are a necessity & a treat.
RT "@PearsonIn Plant more trees and help our cities beat the heat! pic.twitter.com/NfHEU0SjGk"

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) June 25, 2014

Our Planet Earth needs to be treated right, else with our haphazard ways, we have to bid goodbye to it and look for a new home...

By 2100,8 degrees Celsius warmer cities
Or
Better planet🌎 with more trees?
Plant #Trees please🌲🌳#WED2017 #WorldEnvironmentDay #environment pic.twitter.com/ztaIxLWfW4

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) June 3, 2017

Trees are much needed. Unfortunately, "everybody wants to park in the shade, but not many are willing to plant a tree."

Hope everyone wants to plant a tree just like everyone wants to park in d shade! #PlantTrees #Trees 🌎 #Earth#WorldEnvironmentDay #WED2017 https://t.co/ekGZ43pUNa

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) June 5, 2017

Some are willing, but they have no clue how to go about it! Last year, I was looking for a space for my Mango saplings.

Need-any free space/land where I can plant my Mango saplings🌱 & they'll be allowed to grow into trees🌳.
Pl inform.🌿 pic.twitter.com/6oDCkhazpv

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) June 22, 2016

After much follow-up, I was given five tree-guards from Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). I planted five saplings on the roadside, but I still have the rest at home...

This year I had been looking forward to join in the VanaMahotsav event.

Did you know that #Vanamahotsav was started in 1950 by the then Union Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr K. M. Munshi? #conservation pic.twitter.com/RHE5mHjaTW

— Amar Chitra Katha (@ACKComics) July 3, 2017

At Vana Mahotsav, announced decision to observe 7 July as State Plantation Day & plant record 50 lakh saplings in one day across #Odisha⁠⁠⁠⁠ pic.twitter.com/ShvB4lv84T

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 2, 2017

Proud to be actively involved along with members of Aryan Cub -  a local youth club, Baristha Nagarika Sangha - Senior Citizens Association, BMC officials & workers, Forest Division officials, members of Team Yes We Can, and enthusiastic neighbours.
Together we have planned a plantation event.

Look who all occupied our car's backseat today! I tried to memorize their names!

Driven to be planted on VanaMahotsav !

Excited to attend our very own VanaMahotsav in Bhubaneswar!
Here are the details:

Date: 7th July, 2017
Time: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Venue: Aryan Club Sporting Ground, located in the next lane of Happy Hours School, Sahid-Nagar, and near SBI, Sahid-Nagar, Bhubaneswar.
All are invited!

If you are in Bhubaneswar and you have always dreamed to plant a tree, you are most welcome to join us.

Note- The plantation space is limited. Be punctual to get a chance!

My #CityEvent post for IndiSpire Edition 176
Three Word Wednesday- Goodbye, Memorize, Haphazard

Have you ever planted a tree in your life? Do share in the comments below.

Rasagola Dibasa In Social Media

Once a year, we get to find many posts, tweets and images celebrating Rasagola Dibasa #RasagolaDibasa. Our Social Media timelines get filled with information and tempting pictures of Rasagolas. This post has some FAQs about Rasagola Dibasa in Social Media.

What is Rasagola Dibasa? 

Rasagola Dibasa is a day in the honour of Rasagolas and also dedicated to the lovers of this delicious sweet/dessert. 

In Odia language, the word Dibasa means day.

#RasagolaDibasa means Rasagola Day.

#RasagolaDibasa is a day of celebration just like #PakhalaDibasa and #UtkalaDibasa; Rasagola-lovers celebrate Rasagolas on this day! 

How, when and where did Rasagola Dibasa begin?

Niladri Bije is the last day of the Ratha Jatra. On this day, devotees offer Rasagolas as 'bhoga' to Lord Jagannath. Thus, Rasagolas have been associated with Puri Jagannath's Ratha Jatra for centuries. 

Niladri Bije connection with Rasagolas

When the Gods enter the Temple after their trip to their aunt's place, Lord Jagannath is permitted to enter the Temple premises only after He placates His wife, Goddess Lakshmi by offering her Rasagolas. She is angry and asks many questions that Lord Jagannath answers during their conversation called 'Bachanika'. Sweet Rasagolas come to the rescue of the Lord of the Universe and help Him gain entrance!

In Social Media, the idea began on Twitter with the hashtag- #RasagolaDibasa with everyone's involvement starting from March 2015 onwards.

Why was Rasagola Dibasa proposed to be celebrated on Social Media?

Social Media has great power to educate people and dispel wrong notions. In Social Media, Rasagola Dibasa with the hashtag #RasagolaDibasa was proposed to celebrate Rasagolas. Social Media was the medium adopted to reach everyone and share about Odisha's Rasagola history and information that Odisha is the birthplace of the Rasagola. Many are not aware about Odisha's culture and Niladri Bije of Ratha Jatra that has the Rasagola connection for centuries now.

Rasagola has centuries-old link with Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri

When was the first Rasagola Dibasa celebrated in Social Media?

In Social Media, the first Rasagola Dibasa was celebrated on July 30, 2015 to commemorate Niladri Bije i.e. the last day of the Ratha Jatra. As 2015 was the year of the Nabakalebara that took place after 19 years, Rasagola Dibasa was the sweet special celebration that was planned. 

Why was the third Rasagola Dibasa celebrated on July 6th 2017, while the second #RasagolaDibasa was on July 17th, 2016, and the first was on July 30th, 2015?

As Rasagola Dibasa is on Niladri Bije, and the dates of Ratha Jatra & Niladri Bije vary each year as per the tithi, the date of Niladri Bije and thus Rasagola Dibasa varies every year. 

(Note- Ratha Jatra, Holi, Diwali etc dates are also based on tithi and are different every year). 

How is Rasagola Dibasa celebrated in Social Media?

Facts and images are actively shared in the Social Media- WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Thanks to Social Media, Rasagola Dibasa can be celebrated anywhere & everywhere in the world bridging geographical barriers! Celebrate it online by sharing blogs, FB posts, Insta pics, tweets etc with #RasagolaDibasa.

Is it compulsory to buy/eat/gift/share real Rasagolas on Rasagola Dibasa?

There is no compulsion. It is an individual or group's choice whether or not to share sweetness! 

In addition to or instead of real ones, one can share virtual e-Rasagolas or Rasagola-info. It is recommended to spread sweetness and bring smiles. 

How can Diabetic or health-conscious persons celebrate Rasagola Dibasa? 

Sugar-free Rasagolas are available in shops. However, in Social Media, Rasagola Dibasa can be celebrated without eating Rasagolas! Sharing virtual e-Rasagolas or pics of Rasagolas is harmless for the health!

Should one celebrate Rasagola Dibasa in Social Media?

Depends on the choice. Rasagola-lovers and supporters like to join in to celebrate in Social Media. 

What to do on Rasagola Dibasa if one hates Rasagolas?

If one has allergy to Rasagolas or hates them, it is recommended to stay away from Social Media and avoid the Rasagola overdose. 

Where can one find great real Rasagolas to eat/gift on Rasagola Dibasa?

Rasagolas are found in Indian shops around the world. But, the best ones that are soft and delicious are available in the birthplace of Rasagolas- Odisha, India.

Can events like Rasagola Dibasa in Social Media change perceptions?

Celebration of Rasagola Dibasa in Social Media attempts to change incorrect perceptions. Unlike what is popularly believed, Rasagolas did NOT originate in Kolkata/West Bengal in the 19th Century. Even now many are ignorant that- Rasgulla originated in Odisha. Rasagolas were being served in Odisha even before the 8th Century. The Dandi Ramayan and other ancient texts provide evidence. 

Panel seal on Rasgulla's Odia origin- The Telegraph, 14 July 2016

Social Media can spread awareness and information and change false and misleading perception. By bringing facts to the limelight, Social Media can play a great role.

The third Rasagola Dibasa is being celebrated today on Thursday, July 6th 2017. 
Happy Rasagola Dibasa! May our lives be filled with sweetness!

More #Rasagola posts HERE.

The Fault In Our Stares

There were a lot of intentional stares & stolen glances.
As next-door-neighbours, we had plenty of chances.

His room's window overlooked mine.
This two-sided love-story seemed just fine!

He loved to stand & stare, & I did the same too.
Why we indulged in this love-sports we had no clue.

"Mere saamne waali khidki mein ek chand ka tukda rehta hai"-
He sang this Hindi movie song without fail almost everyday.

"A piece of the moon resides in the window in front of me."
I felt like a movie-star as he sang love-songs faithfully.

They said it must have been because of the fault in our stares,
On our respective walls, our photographs stare with glares.

"Zara tasveer se tu nikal ke samne aa", he's blunt.
"Please emerge out of the picture & come in front."

No one can hear our songs, smell our scent or see us revel together.
We died 7 years ago; now our pasty photos stare at each other...

Also linking with Three Word Wednesday

Judge Me Not

Don't judge me by my attire or my looks,
Or on my choice of food, movies or books!
Judging minus authority; has poor accuracy.
There's a kaleidoscopic me that you can't see...

You don't know the reason I have behaved such;
Why to you my word or sentence appears "too much"?
If you or your loved one had said or acted the same,
Things would be absolutely fine & you'd be game!

Budhia Singh At Nepal - Day 4

Budhia Singh from Bhubaneswar, India, was invited by the Nepal Government to participate in the "Lumbini To Mount Everest Peace Run 2017".

17th May 2017 - Day 4 - Kathmandu To Kalinga

The last day of our Nepal trip began early. After a quick breakfast, Prof.Dr.Panth, Budhia Singh, Marathon Man Amar Subba & I checked out of our hotel to set out for Swayambhunath.

The entire team was already ready. The Peace Run commenced at this ancient heritage temple of Swayambhunath.

The Team made multiple rounds (parikrama) with the PeaceTorch.

Budhia Singh At Nepal - Day 3

Budhia Singh from Bhubaneswar, India, was invited by the Nepal Government to participate in the "Lumbini To Mount Everest Peace Run 2017".

16th May 2017 - Day 3 - Bhairahawa To Kathmandu

Our Buddha Air morning flight from Bhairahawa to Kathmandu was delayed. Ex-VC of Nalanda University, Prof Dr. Ravindra Panth, had been invited by the Theravada Buddhist Academy to deliver a lecture from 8-9 AM in their premises in Kathmandu. As our flight was cancelled the previous night and the morning flight was late, Prof Dr.Panth, Budhia & I missed this classroom lecture. However, we had an invite from World Peace Temple- Vishwa Shanti Vihara that has the said academy in its premises. 

After reaching Kathmandu and checking into Hotel Marshyangdi in Thamel, we got set to explore the heritage sites. Our guide, a knowledgeable, elderly gentleman named Mr. Surendra, is an avid follower of Indian news and a great fan of our PM Modiji. 

We visited the World Heritage Site of Patan. 

L-R- Mr. Surendra, Prof. Dr. Ravidra Panth, Budhia Singh & I

Budhia Singh At Nepal - Day 2

Budhia Singh from Bhubaneswar, India, has been invited by the Nepal Government to participate in the "Lumbini To Mount Everest Peace Run 2017".

15th May 2017 - Day 2 - Kathmandu To Lumbini

We had a morning flight from Kathmandu to Lumbini. However, the Buddha Air flight got delayed. When it arrived finally, Budhia boarded Buddha Air.

Budhia Singh

The chief organizer, Shri Bikram Pandey KAJI received us at the Gautam Buddha International Airport, Bhairahawa, and took us to Lumbini to meet the other runners. We had a great reception by the Peace Run Team- four-times Olympian, Baikuntha Manandhar, Marathon Man of Sikkim, Amar Subba, local marathon woman, Shah Banu Khan and three-times Everest Marthon Winner, Deepak Rai amid others. 

Then, Budhia Singh, Prof Dr. Ravindra Panth, and I were given Peace Run T-Shirts and sportswear that we wore and set out for the event venue. 
Nepal Government authorities, Lumbini Development Trust officials, revered Monks from monasteries, visitors, and members of Press & Media were already waiting for us at the Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini. They felicitated us.

While the monks chanted hymns, the peace torches were lit from the eternal flame in the Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini. 

Budhia Singh At Nepal - Day 1

Budhia Singh from Bhubaneswar, India, has been invited by the Nepal Government to participate in the "Lumbini To Mount Everest Peace Run 2017".

14th May 2017 - Day 1 - Bhubaneswar To Kathmandu via New Delhi

Our day started early as both Budhia Singh and I woke up at 3 AM to be ready and to reach the airport before 4:15 AM to be on time for our early morning Indigo flight that was at 5:15 AM. 

My sister, Amrita Sabat, and our driver dropped Budhia & me at the Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar.

The lady CISF officer was happy to check the name on Budhia's Aadhar Card. 

PC:  Amrita Sabat

She exclaimed "Budhia Singh! Itne se thhey jab dekha tha. Kitney lambey ho gaye ho!" (You were so small when I had seen you last. How tall have you grown!)

After the security-check, we clicked some pictures and occupied our seat #s- 8A & 8B. 

Budhia was drowsy.

Lumbini To Mount Everest Peace Run 2017

World's Youngest Marathon Runner, Budhia Singh, from Odisha, India, has been invited to run in Kapilvastu, Lumbini, Nepal.

Budhia Singh

Zillions Of Wishes! #AToZChallenge

Life is so unpredictable & short;
What'll happen next we know not...
The road ahead may have sun/mist,
Yet zillions of wishes in our wish-list!

Wishes exist & the existing list gets bigger,
Anything may cause the launchpad's trigger!
Wishes are like ammunition in a rocket!
Tempting us with bucket-list in our pocket!

April 30 2017 - The New Indian Express & Samaja (Newspaper in Odia Language)