The Final Sacrifice

Twenty years ago, a letter from a village in Himachal Pradesh arrived at the Ministry of Defence. The writer was a school teacher, and his request was as follows. 

He asked, "If possible, could my wife and I be granted permission to see the place where our only son died a heroic death in the Kargil war, on the day of his first death, his memorial day, on 07/07/2000? It's okay if you can't. If it is against national security, I will withdraw my application".

The Department Officer who read the letter, said, "It does not matter what the cost of their visit is, I will pay it from my salary, if the department is unwilling to and I will bring the teacher and his wife to the place where their only boy died" and he issued an order.

A Wonder Or An Omen?

PRIORITIZE

It may be a wonder or an omen- 

Super-brilliant or fake or bloody or foul…

Figuring out such & often- life goes on

While we stand & stare & perhaps howl.

Source: Pexels- Erina Quirino

Vocal For Local

It is said- "As in Rome, do as the Romans do." 

Anywhere in the world, can we speak the way we generally do?

We speak to be understood.

We speak to convey our feelings.

If we are in Rome, Tokyo, Lima, or Timbuktoo, we must speak the local language to be understood.

I came across this article in the Economic Times earlier-

"When In Venice, Do As The Bengalis Do"-

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/et-commentary/when-in-venice-do-speak-as-the-bengalis-do/articleshow/114177255.cms?

In this article, the writer mentions about Rabindra Sangeet too.

But, look at the spelling mentioned-

"Robindrosongeet"

Sri Rabindra Nath Tagore composed and promoted Rabindra Sangeet.

However, the pronunciation and spelling used as as shared in the above news report.

A Brand New Year

There's something about a brand new year-

It kindles hope, sets goals & ushers cheer.

Like all things new, like a new dress or toy,

A new year's fragrance & idea, too, brings joy!

Source: QuoteFancy

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 - Bhubaneswar

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is scheduled for January 8 to 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

17 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) have already been held. The previous one was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. 

Each year, there is a theme for the event. 

The theme of the 17th PBD Convention was "Diaspora: Trusted Allies for India's Advancement in Amrit Kaal."

This is the first time Odisha is hosting this event.

Ramakatha Book and Odisha Connection in Ramayana Circuit

Odisha has several sites linked with the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

However, these sites are unknown; even the famous ones are not included in the heritage map, route/trail, or circuit.

Let us take the Ramayana Circuit, for example.

Significantly, the Indian Government is taking steps to include all the sites related to the Ramayana. This welcome initiative will link and connect many devotees while helping forge cultural connections.

The Railway Ministry has introduced the "Shri Ramayana Yatra- A Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train."

प्रभु श्रीराम से जुड़े सभी महत्वपूर्ण धार्मिक स्थलों के दर्शन हेतु आज से भारतीय रेल चलाएगी रामायण सर्किट ट्रेन। जय श्री राम! pic.twitter.com/VWVE5Bms14

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) November 7, 2021

However, there is exclusion of some sites of Odisha like the Mahendragiri.

Great to find “Shri Ramayana Yatra- A Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train” @RailMinIndia.

But, there’s exclusion of Mahendragiri in the #RamayanCircuit.

Please include Odisha too.
Sites are linked with Ramayana #IncredibleIndia #dekhoapnadesh #VocalForLocal #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav https://t.co/pjlqxxTcGR pic.twitter.com/DIdf5Mbhsq

— Anita Sabat - ଡ. ଅନୀତା ସାବତ (@anitaexplorer) June 21, 2022

Mission Treasure

It was the hottest-ever summer.

Liza had never experienced such scorching heat.

Liza wasn't prepared for what she saw next.

The sea receded at least a kilometer away from their home on the beach!

 

Photo Prompt- Lisa Fox

Notable was the stump of a tree that was visible.

The Special Ship

Their meeting was a coincidence.

Or perhaps destiny had special plans to bring them together.

Otherwise, why would they have met in the theater, seated side by side, to watch "The Special Ship" movie?

 

He asked her for a date at the promenade.

She agreed.

They saw the same special ship there!

Photo Prompt- Roger Bultot

It seemed like the ship had been shipped from Heaven for them!

It stopped in front of them.

Tourist Information

Richy felt totally lost.

The signboards did not help.

She could not understand the local language.

Richy could not blame anyone.

The decision to visit this foreign city was entirely hers.

She thought she would see and learn new things.

But, this was such a challenging exercise...

Photo Prompt- Lori Wilson

And then she remembered!

My Father's Tithi Birthday- Bamana Janma and Onam

Today is a very auspicious day- The Dwadasi of Bhadra i.e. "the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Bhādra" is celebrated as "Bamana Janma" & "Onam."

Today is the tithi birthday of my father, Shri A.K.Sabat Finance Guru - CA AK Sabat.
Papa was born on this day (& not date).
May Mahaprabhu bless him with great health and happiness and fulfill all his wishes🙏

Papa at the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Agara, Bengaluru