Wednesday 28 December 2022

The Case Of The Missing Woman

"My sister Rani is missing," Lini shared with the police-officer.

"Since when? When did you see her last?"

"Yesterday, Rani had spoken to me and said that she was at the Tram-station. She was coming home."

"What time had she called?"

"2:20 PM."

"We can check the CCTV coverage."


Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Thursday 22 December 2022

Conversation Between Student and Teacher

𝘼 𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙖𝙢𝐚𝙠𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙣𝙖 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙖 (Teacher) & 𝙎𝙬𝙖𝙢𝙞 𝙑𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖 (Student) -

𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝐚𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮-

1) 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐕𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 :- 𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗’𝚝 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚛𝚎𝚎 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎. 𝙻𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚌.
𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐧𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚 :- 𝙰𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚞𝚜𝚢. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚍𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚛𝚎𝚎.

2) 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐕𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚:- 𝚆𝚑𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚠?
𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐧𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚 :- 𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝚊𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚢𝚣𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎... 𝙸𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍. 𝙹𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚝.

3) 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐕𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚:- 𝚆𝚑𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚕𝚢 𝚞𝚗𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢?
𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐧𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚 :- 𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚑𝚊𝚋𝚒𝚝. 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝’𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢. 

Wednesday 21 December 2022

The Christmas Tree

It had been a terrible year for Mary.

She had lost her entire family some months ago.

Mary had not quite recovered from the shock.

Her neighbours tried to pay her visits.

They could see she was a far shadow of her former bubbly self...


Christmas cheer was all around.

But, the whole street knew that Mary was not going to celebrate Christmas that year.

Photo Prompt- Dale Rogerson

Wednesday 9 November 2022

The Storm Shall Pass

There was a severe thunder-storm.

The day seemed like night.

There was no electricity.

She could barely see anything.

Photo Prompt- Dale Rogerson

The tree in the backyard crashed on her cottage.

There was dust everywhere.

Strong winds were on her face.

She fainted...

---------------------------------------------------

"Now, slowly open your eyes..."

Thursday 3 November 2022

The Dream Car

Everyone in their neighbourhood owned a car. 

Little Eva too owned one- a small old toy-car.

Eva always dreamt of cars.

But, they were so poor…

Even if they did get a car, paying for the fuel would be a challenge.

Eva’s dream car just used air as fuel!

While others built "castles in the air", Eva built cars in the air!

Photo Prompt- Brenda Cox

Wednesday 12 October 2022

I Am Beautiful

 “You want to become an actress! Have you seen your face in the mirror?

She remembered the production-house’s casting-agent’s jeering words.

How he mocked her!


I am beautiful the way I'm”, she assured herself.

 

She read the first draft of the book she had written.

It was titled- “I Am Beautiful”.



It was a self-help book.

In fact, it was actually a “note to self” book she had penned for herself.

You Are The Reason Of My Smile

It was an important meeting.

He was engrossed in the presentation.

He had forgotten that he had to pick-up his son from kindergarten...


When he realized, it was already late.

He rushed to the kindergarten.

 

His wife used to pick-up earlier.

He went running inside.

His son wasn’t in the waiting-room...

 

A frantic search...

Image: Roger Bultot

Friday 7 October 2022

Vote For Odisha Rasagola and GI Tags in GIR Poll

India has a rich cultural heritage.

Each state has regional specialties.

There are many traditional products and local goods associated under various categories-

1. Agricultural 

2. Food Stuffs 

3. Handicrafts

4. Manufactured

5. Natural 

India has many registered "Geographical Indications" - GIs under the above five categories.

India has hundreds of registered GIs.

All these products are unique and special.

Some products are famous, others are yet to be known.


CGPDTM- Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks is conducting a Public Poll:
"Most liked Geographical Indication of India".

This is under the DPIIT- Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India.

All can participate & select their choice under the given 5 categories.

Wednesday 5 October 2022

The Lunch Date

It was a bright sunny day.

He was driving fast to be on time for the lunch-meeting scheduled in the neighbouring city.

After he had reached the outskirts of his city, he got a call that the client had rescheduled the meet to the following weekend.

He stopped his car and decided to check out the new restaurant that had opened in that area.

The place looked great.

Image: David Steward

He made a mental note to get his wife there the following day for a lunch-date.

Wednesday 28 September 2022

Let There Be Light

"These lamps are exquisite!" 

Lisa admired the old lamps that she found in the attic.

"These were used by your grandparents. They didn’t have electricity in those days..." Lisa's mother answered.

Lisa's face lit up! 

"Could we please have lamp-light dinner tonight, mother?" Lisa proposed.

"First, let’s check if these are still functional", her mother said.

Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
 

Wednesday 21 September 2022

Don't Call Me Mausi- Kareena Kapoor's Character In K3G Movie

Today happens to be actress Kareena Kapoor Khan's birthday.

Recently, I re-watched her two decades old superhit Hindi movie- Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghum’  (K3G).


K3G was one of the early movies in her illustrious career. 

Kareena Kapoor's performance in this blockbuster emotional family-drama by Dharma Productions is memorable.

She plays an ultra-modern, glamorous and smart college-going girl- Pooja or Poo, who lives in London with her sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and relative.


Poo does not like to be addressed as "Mausi".

The following are two scenes from K3G movie:

Scene I- Poo's conversation with her school-going nephew, Krish, in her introduction scene:

That Precious Bicycle

Raju was visiting the village fair after ages.

There were many shops selling interesting fare.


Raju's eyes fell on a bicycle.

It had many precious memories.

Photo Prompt - Alicia Jamtaas

Containing his excitement, he asked the price. 

The shop-owner quoted an exorbitant amount.

Friday 2 September 2022

How A Son India Got Mother Arrested And Saved A Tribal Woman

EVIL WOMAN Seema Patra, TRIBAL WOMAN Sunita, & SON INDIA Ayushman

We were/are rejoicing that a highly-qualified, experienced, and competent “Tribal Woman”, Droupadi Murmu Madam, has now been elected as our nation’s President, (More in my posts- Vocal For Local - President Droupadi Murmu, President Droupadi Murmu - Tribal Woman and More,  Droupadi Murmu – Much More Than Her Tribal Woman Identity).

But, it is shocking to see the gross treatment meted out to another tribal woman, a domestic help named Sunita.

The former’s struggles and accomplishments are awe-inspiring; the latter’s experiences are numbingly jaw-dropping.

While so many citizens hailed and celebrated Murmu Madam’s selection and election, many voices express their stern condemnation to Sunita’s ordeal caused by her employer, Seema Patra.


Who is Seema Patra?

Jharkhand's ex-IAS officer's wife and BJP ex-politician - State Convener, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Jharkhand BJP (She has been suspended by the party now).

“Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” - a seemingly strong woman, who supposedly stands up for the causes of women, correct?

President Droupadi Murmu - Tribal Woman And More

The largest democracy got its 15th President on 25 July 2022.

What comes to your mind when you think of the new President?

First “Tribal President”?

“Second Woman President of India”?

“Tribal Woman President”?

President Droupadi Murmu is much more. 

Murmu Madam is not just representative of the 8.6 % tribal population of India, or the 48.46% female population of India (Figures as per the 2011 Census); rather she is India’s President.

In the nation where a Chaiwala is the Prime Minister, the President is this self-made citizen belonging to “the poorest of the poor family” from a “small village”, and ex-Teacher, Councillor, MLA, Minister, and Governor!

Credit:  ANI
(Delhi | President Droupadi Murmu receives ceremonial salute at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.)

The top office has an educated, well-qualified, dedicated, resilient, hard-working, disciplined, empathetic, empowered, simple, and inspiring personality from whom we can learn the following:

Monday 22 August 2022

Human Being and Being Human

I shudder to read news-reports these days.

In today's world, there is a lot of hatred and crime. People mindlessly indulge in shooting, stabbing, killing... Many times, I feel human-beings behave worse than beasts.

 "The difference between the reason of man and the instinct of the beast is this, that the beast does but know, but the man knows that he knows.” John Donne (Poet)

What is the use of knowing and knowledge?

Some human-beings easily get "offended" and forget "reason". 

In the words of prize-winning author, Salman Rushdie, himself a recent victim:

“Nobody has the right to not be offended. That right doesn’t exist in any declaration I have ever read. If you are offended, it is your problem, and frankly lots of things offend lots of people.

I can walk into a bookshop & point out a number of books that I find very unattractive in what they say. But it doesn’t occur to me to burn the bookshop down.

If you don’t like a book, read another book. If you start reading a book & decide you don’t like it, nobody is telling you to finish it.

To read a 600-page novel and then say that it deeply offended you: well, you have done a lot of work to be offended.” 

Human-beings are social creatures. They must be together. 

Like John Donne said:

"No man is an island, entire of itself.; every man is a piece of the continent."

Yet, why do human-beings forget that they need to "BE HUMAN"?

 

I always sincerely pray and think of this line from the Rig Veda - 

May noble thoughts come to us from all directions.

 

Source: @bharat_sanskrit

Wednesday 17 August 2022

Seashell Girl

It was Bini's first visit to the 'Palace Museum'.

The portrait of the bowl of seashells attracted Bini. 

Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
 

As she observed intently, she was surprised to hear the waves of the sea!

Bini saw sand and sea-shells all around and realized that she was teleported to the same beach where she had spent her childhood!

Bini was very excited.

Wednesday 10 August 2022

Vent It Out Cafe

"This table does not suit us. Please return it." 

Niki told her son, Sunny.


The mother and son were about to launch their cafe.

Sunny had sourced second-hand furniture to cut costs.

Sunny's idea was to create wealth from waste.

He had bought an old table-counter with chairs.

Prompt- Roger Bultot
It was discoloured and the furniture looked shabby.

Saturday 6 August 2022

Sourav Ganguly - About Rasagola Origin

By now, many must have watched cricketer Sourav Ganguly's latest 2022 video about Rasagola and seen his acknowledgment that Rasagola belongs to Odisha.
It has been well-shared by the media.
But, do you know what was shared in the Dadagiri show by Sourav Ganguly a decade ago in 2011?

Watch the "Maharajah of Cricket", Sourav Ganguly, sharing about the "King of Sweets"-Rasagola in his popular show- "DADAGIRI" - on Bengali channel - in 2011 & 2022:


Whenever Rasagola is discussed, many feel it is an unimportant issue.
But, thanks to our media representatives and media, who have now realized the importance and keep sharing the statements of important personalities about our important heritage products.

When we first started celebrating #RasagolaDibasa on social media from 2015 onwards, and then worked for the GI application for "Odisha Rasagola", many felt it was worthless.
Many still feel the same.
However, no one can deny that Rasagola is an identity and cultural symbol of our Odisha state.

Wednesday 3 August 2022

Thanked Her Stars

 Malli had completed her driving lessons.

She soon realized how terrible she was at driving.

But, the newbie driver wouldn't give up.


She would try to drive their old car in the less-populated part of her city during the less-crowded time of the day.

That day, she did not know how she drove the car on the footpath. 

Prompt- Sandra Crook

Ratha Jatra - Department of Posts

Ratha Jatra is a world-famous festival of Puri, Odisha, India. Each year, the divine siblings- Shree Jagannatha Mahaprabhu, elder brother, Shree Balabhadra, and sister, Devi Subhadra, make their annual journey from the Shree Jagannatha Temple in giant wooden and decorated chariots called Rathas and visit their birthplace- Shree Gundicha Temple. 

It is also called Rath Yatra and Ratha Yatra.

Ratha Jatra is now celebrated worldwide. The dates vary as per the tithi. This year, the journey of the deities began on July 1st. It ended on July 12th on Niladri Bije when the deities entered the Shreemandira i.e. the Puri Shree Jagannatha Temple. 

As per the centuries-old ritual, each year, Shree Jagannatha appeases His wife, Devi Lakshmi, by gifting Her Rasagolas along with many other presents like saree, jewellery etc. 

Before 2015, many were not aware of the cultural link of Rasagola (Rasgulla) with Odisha. 

The Department of Posts had issued a "Palanquin Carried Special Cover for Rasagola" on Dola Purnima, 2018.

Shree Jagannathaji Ke Vyanjan Mein Rasagola i.e. Rasagola in Shree Jagannathaji's Cuisine-

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2018/04/palanquin-carried-special-cover-for.html

It was covered by many media.

Wednesday 27 July 2022

Silver Bells

Mira was visiting USA for the first time with her parents.

As they were passing by the countryside, Mira was surprised as she could identify the place.


She made her parents stop by an inn near a tree and greeted the elderly shopkeeper by his name! 

Then, Mira excitedly gave directions- 

"A left turn from here and we will reach 'Silver Bells'".

"Have you been here before, Mira?" her parents were startled.

Photo Prompt- Bill Reynolds

Those Blue Letters

Woh Neeli Chitthiyaan - Those Blue Letters

Hindi and English

Dedicated to “Inland Letter”

Poem in Hindi - Received via WhatsApp

Woh Neeli Chitthiyaan

वो नीली चिट्ठियां

वो नीली चिट्ठियां कहां खो गई

जिनमे लिखने के सलीके छुपे होते थे

कुशलता की कामना से शुरू होते थें

बड़ों के चरणस्पर्श पर ख़त्म होते थें

और बीच में लिखी होती थी जिंदगी

Monday 25 July 2022

Vocal For Local - President Droupadi Murmu

Today is a such a momentous day for our India!

We proudly welcome a great and truly deserving woman to the top office. An emotional moment for all of us.

Smt. Droupadi Murmu, an educated, dedicated, resilient, empowered and inspiring woman, has been sworn in as our country's fifteenth President.

She is our country's First Citizen and the commander-in-chief of Army, Navy, and Air Force.


She is a symbol & triumph of hope, courage, sustainability, humility, and the power of education.

Her entire career and life's story is so inspiring. Despite personal loss and having lost both her sons and husband, she never gave up.

She continued working for social causes like a true karamveer.

Wednesday 20 July 2022

The Last Drive

When Lizi came to her senses, she found herself sitting at a table in front of a half-filled glass.

Many unknown faces were staring at her.

They asked, "Are you okay?" 

Photo- Fleur Rind

Lizi nodded.

"Tell us what happened exactly."

Lizi shared, "I was driving my car when I felt very thirsty. I recollect seeing the 'Stop' sign-board on the lane. I do not remember what happened next."

"Which street was that?"

Saturday 9 July 2022

Ratha Jatra 2022 and Bahuda Jatra

Ratha Jatra, the anuual journey of Shree Jagannatha and His siblings, is celebrated with great happiness at Puri Dham, Odisha, and in many places worldwide where there are Shree Jagannatha Temples. 

It is also called- Rath Yatra and Ratha Yatra.

Bahuda Jatra 2022 ; Source- SJTA

The return journey is called Bahuda Jatra. Bahuda Jatra, also called Bahuda Yatra, was celebrated today.

Many people wrongly think that the deities enter the Temple immediately after they undertake the return journey.

Several other rituals are there while the deities are there on the Rathas.
This year, the rituals continue till July 12th.
Ratha Jatra 2022 Celebration Dates -

Wednesday 6 July 2022

Spellbound!

The following is a stand-alone story. But, in case you would like to read the previous parts, here they are-

Part-1- Are You There?

Part-2- Bewitched!


SPELLBOUND!

Peter knew that his daughter Anna had turned into a mannequin. 

He did not know when and how the spell would end.

Anna's phone rang. 

Her friend, William, had called.

Peter explained the situation.

William arrived.

 

He had got a giant spinning-wheel.

Peter looked quizzically.

Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

"The spindle had cast a spell on Princess Aurora- Sleeping Beauty. May be it will revive Anna."

William tried pricking the mannequin's finger. 

Wednesday 29 June 2022

Bewitched!

The following is a stand-alone story. 

But, if you do wish to know the background, do read the previous 100 words story, the Part-1- Are You There?


Peter looked at the mannequin that resembled his daughter Anna.

It stood motionless while Anna's phone was ringing on the table right in front of it.

He was convinced that Anna had turned into a mannequin.

He remembered the fairy-tales he had read when he was small.

Princesses came under magical spells, the effect of which wore off later.

Photo Prompt - Jan Wayne Fields

Who or what had triggered this in the first place?

Tuesday 28 June 2022

Are You There?

It was late.

His daughter had still not returned from work.

He called her many times.

Her phone went unanswered. 

It was quite unusual of Anna.

 

Peter was worried.

He went looking for Anna.

Photo Prompt- John Nixon
 

Anna ran a second-hand store in the mall.

The door was open.

Tuesday 14 June 2022

Snana Yatra And Gajanan Besha

Today, Deba Snana Purnima was observed at the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri, Odisha, and also in many Shree Jagannatha Temples in India and the world.

On Snana Purnima, Snana Yatra or Snana Jatra or Deba Snana Purnima rituals are held.

Gajanan Besha or Hati Besha is done.

It is celebrated on the Purnima tithi in the month of Jyestha.

The bathing ceremony of the deities of the world-famous Puri temple is held and then they are dressed in elephant attire.

Snana Purnima is the day believed to be the tithi birthday of Shree Jagannatha.

Tuesday 24 May 2022

Solapith - Craft of Odisha

Solapith is an intricate and beautiful heritage craft of Odisha. 

It is one of the 50 approved crafts of the Government of Odisha. 

Solapith is linked with Odisha's Shree Jagannatha culture and traditions for centuries.

How wonderful deities look when they use their special Solapith head-dress that gracefully sways as they reach their Rathas!

Source

The beautiful Tahia is made and used every year at Puri as the Gods dress up for their annual procession. 

Friday 20 May 2022

What They Wore At Cannes 2022

A prestigious international film festival like the Cannes means a lot to many- for the celebrities, the media and the paparazzi, the brands and sponsors, the participants and guests, and the general public.

Anne Hathaway

The public likes to check out what their favourite personalities had worn. Of course, this is possible due to the over-enthusiastic media and influencers. 
While looking at the photographs and videos of this year's festival posted on Twitter, I wondered about a lot of things. Where to from here? 

Some top actresses of India were dressed in elaborate gowns and looked like western fairy-tale princesses.

Cinderella must have looked like this at the ball? Which of the following is your favourite?

Languages of Bharat - Bandhgala of I&B Minister at Cannes

Last week, I had shared how an upcoming Hindi movie's team did not feel it essential to showcase the sixth classical language of India - Odia, though they had well planned, projected and shown almost all the other official languages of India.

India has 22 official languages.

This week, it is great to see the Indian Bandhgala of the Information & Broadcasting Minister, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur.

It is a wonderful concept and showcases "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat"- One India, Best India.

India boasts of 'unity in diversity".

There are six buttons where engraving has been done in six regional languages namely-

  • Hindi
  • Gujarati
  • Urdu
  • Bengali
  • Punjabi
  • Malayalam
  • Tamil

Source

Whenever I see such lists, I look for Odisha. "Where is Odia?".
As India has 22 official languages, it is not possible to include all in such cases.

True that there is no Odia. We understand
Odia is the sixth classical language of India.
Only two classical languages have been included in this case namely- Malayalam  and Tamil.
Had the theme for this been "classical languages of India", then south would have got extra focus as most of the classical languages have southern links.
In that case, they would not have been truly representative of the the nation.
In order to do so and to portray Bharat, there has to be at least 1 language from 4 corners- East, West, North and South.

When there are only six buttons and choice has to be of six languages, usually only one is selected from eastern India. In 99% such cases, Bengali makes it to the list. 
Yes, Bengal and Bengali is considered representative of eastern India.

I want to know- 
Who decided which languages to include in this particular Bandhgala buttons case?
Someone must have made the tough decision.
What made her/him to select the above six only and why not the others? 
Under whose guidance/orders, did they do this?
These are just for my curiosity. Trying to understand why a language is excluded.

Would definitely love to see more inclusion of Odia and Odisha.
What about you? Would you like your mother-tongue to be included too?
Do share in the comments below.

Wednesday 18 May 2022

The Missing Girl

Taani was missing.

Her family had last seen her in her own room.

They were sure that Taani had not gone out of their home.

-x-

Taani was working very hard on her college-assignment.

She had not slept the night before.

All she wanted was to complete her work and then take a break.


Monday 16 May 2022

Death News Reports of Celebs- Pallabi Dey And SSR

 It is always terrible to learn about the death of celebrities. Though we have never met them, we feel a sense of loss. Sometimes, those who are too involved with the celebrities, are inconsolable. This is about the real-life. 

Even the reel-life death totally shakes people.

I remember the death of the character "Mihir" in the episode of TV-soap opera- "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi." The regular viewers were so shocked and many cried such a lot that everyone had puffy-eyes the next day. The loss was personal as though as family-member was no more. After all, the daily soap and its loved characters had become a part of every family and everyone watched daily. 

Today, it was sad to read about the death of a Bengali TV-actress- Pallabi Dey. Though I never knew of her before nor have never watched any of her shows, still I feels bad that we lost a young, beautiful, and talented actress. This is how the news has been covered by the Economic Times, Pananche-


Official Languages Of India

Some Quiz Questions about the Official Languages of India

1. How many official languages does India now have? 

2. Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the official languages? 

3. At the time of writing the Constitution of India, how many languages were mentioned?

4. Is Hindi the "National Language of India"? 

5. Is Hindi an official language of India?

6. Is English an official language of India?

7. How many classical languages are there in India?

8. Which was the last language to earn the classical language status?

9. Which was the first state of India to be formed on linguistic basis? 

10. In which year was the first state formed on the basis on language?


Do you know the answers to the above ten questions?

Saturday 14 May 2022

Time To Blow The Odisha Conch Shell

Consider this case-

There is a school excursion. The headmaster had invited most of the students for the outing. 

All the invited students had a great time together and were a part of the group video. That was shared via social media by the star student and generated great excitement. 

However, the few students, who had not been invited for the excursion, saw the video and felt hurt as they had been left out. Why did the headmaster or the teachers not include them? 

They were not sure whether this had been done intentionally or unintentionally by the headmaster. Why did the headmaster or staff treat them differently than the rest of the class? 

The ignored students and their supporters publicly confronted and complained to the headmaster, the staff and the star student involved. The aggrieved students threatened that they would adopt non-cooperation and boycott classes.

Seeing the quick condemnation, social media outrage, and the deluge of posts regarding this issue, the school-staff including the headmaster feared the loss of face and revenue i.e. school-fees. What if the ignored students really decided to quit school? 

Wednesday 11 May 2022

The Food Shortage Joke

We keep receiving surveys to be filled from time to time. Have received many over the years- from marketing agencies, banks, food delivery partners, students, companies etc. Our responses and answers are valuable for them.

I know the importance of surveys and have personally got many questionnaires filled as part of my research for my PhD work. Feedback from the genuine sources and local respondents is very essential for study. 

As the mailbox of my Gmail account was full today, I got a warning.

I would be unable to send or receive mails till I took the necessary action.

It has happened many times in the past and every time it happens, I end up spending a lot of time trying to delete old mails and to free up space.

The other option is to purchase extra space. To avoid doing that, I chose the tough option and start deleting past mails.

While deleting old mails, many of which are still unread, I get a chance to review and reflect.

As I had received a lot of surveys, many of which had attachments, I thought deleting them would be a great idea now that their purpose had been served.

While searching, I found this "UN survey" email too sent by my sister in the year 2008!

The following is the "joke" that she had forwarded a good 14 years ago-

Monday 9 May 2022

My Choice And Voice; Your Noise!

Always glad & grateful to voice & rejoice. 

Someone's choice is someone's "noise". 

I still indulge, share & revel in my joys! 

Wednesday 20 April 2022

You Own The Crown

They do not know what you've done or what you do.

They have never met or known you & have no clue. 

They have no idea of your causes or the reasons,

Still, they are your expert judges in all the seasons!


They instantly pronounce you guilty in their court!

They resolutely, blindly, obsequiously, & unfairly support-

The party whom they know or who has them engaged.

Just the ambience is needed for their drama to be staged! 


Tuesday 12 April 2022

What Will Happen?

What will happen if I write no words or post?

If my blog is calm like the deep sea without waves?

Will anyone bother; or just treat like a ghost?

Does anyone ever miss the light inside caves? 


To acknowledge light, one must have known its absence.

For those who love darkness, what importance has light?

'The blind men and the elephant' could not make sense-

As they never understood the real worth and value it right.

Monday 21 March 2022

A To Z Twitter Rasagola #TwitterRasagola

For this year's April A2Z theme, I had been planning some topics. 

My last year's theme was #RasagolaA2Z where I had shared posts about Rasagola. 

Rasagola is a delectable dessert that originated in Odisha, India. The main ingredients are cottage-cheese and sugar-syrup. 

Also called and pronounced in several different ways viz. Rasgulla, Rasagula, Rasogolla, Rosogolla etc., Rasagola is called the 'King of Sweets'.


We have been celebrating a day for Rasagola or Rasagola Day as- "Rasagola Dibasa #RasagolaDibasa" on social media from 2015 Nabakalebara Ratha Yatra onwards. 

It helped in creating awareness about the connection of Rasagola with Odisha and also about the centuries-old ritual- Niladri Bije of Odisha. Our celebration and promotion also generated interest for the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Odisha earned the GI tag for "Odisha Rasagola" on July 29, 2019.
The following image from Google Trends shows the spike in the search for Rasagola on the same dates
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