Here are 5 Quiz Questions for you. How many can you answer?
Questions:
1. Which nut is used to make Marzipan?
a. Almonds b. Pistachio c. Macademia d. Cashewnut
2. Which planet's moon is the second-largest moon of the solar-system?
a. Earth b. Jupiter c. Saturn d. Uranus
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| Source: NASA |
In a previous blog post last week, I shared about the word "power" or "shakti" and how it is synonymous with men.
The word "Shakti" is also used along with the word "Mission" i.e.- "Mission Shakti".
This is to denote women power as "Mission Shakti" represents women and their contribution.
We have Mission Shakti in Odisha. Women Self-Help Groups i.e. SHGs are involved. The aim is employment and good opportunities for women to realize their potential and attain goals.
Recently, another political party was elected in a large southern state of India.
One of their poll promises was the "Shakti" scheme.
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| Shakti Scheme- Source: All About Belgaum |
Bomkai is an exclusive handloom product of Odisha.
"Bomkai Saree & Fabrics" have the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
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| Bomkai Saree- Source: Utkalamrita |
The Saree's name is Bomkai as it has originated in the Bomkai village of Ganjam district of Odisha.
However, now Bomkai Sarees are being mostly handwoven in the Sonepur district of Odisha.
Thus, they are being called called "Sonepuri" Sarees.
What is strength?
That we see being exhibited by action-heroes and heroines, right?
Despite being a feminist, I have used the word- "heroes" first and then "heroines" in the above sentence.
Ever wonder how and why the very words- "action", "strong", "strength", "power" etc are associated with men?
Aren't there more action-heroes than action-heroines?
Batman, Spiderman, Antman, Phantom, Superman...
vs
Supergirl, Wondergirl...
"The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone."
They asked her to focus on work.
She was not the type to shirk.
Serious about responsibilities,
Losing track of time in liabilities.
Her dreams were smothered.
But, she was no longer bothered!
She was head over heels in love!
Losing track of time hand in glove.
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| Source: Unsplash |
"I went to find a bad person in the universe, and I found none."
- Kabir
She travelled for many hours-
Voluntary efforts with devotion.
For gardens, she scaled walls & towers,
And gathered key drops & information.
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| Source: Unsplash |
Rasabali is a traditional Chhena sweet of Odisha.
It is a bhoga/offering at Shree Baladevjew Temple, Kendrapara, Odisha.
As a part of the ongoing month-long promotional program by NCHMCT in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism on regional cuisine, IHM Bhubaneswar presents the traditional regional cuisine - 'Rasabali' a sweet dish from Odisha!#SkillDevelopment #CulinaryFest pic.twitter.com/i8tB1DrgaM
— Ministry of Tourism (@tourismgoi) August 17, 2023
More information about Kendrapara Rasabali here-
http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/07/kendrapada-rasabali.html
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| Source: Mobile News |
By now, many are aware that the Geographical Indication (GI) application for "Kendrapara Rasabali" has been submitted and it will earn the GI tag shortly.
Can you guess the names of the handlooms in this image?
It is heartening to see the interest regarding Geographical Indication (GI) now in Odisha.
I saw a couple of social media posts sharing about the upcoming GIs like- Kendrapara Rasabali.
Having done the initial facilitation of this GI, it gives me great pride and happiness.
In fact, just like the Utkal Mistanna Byabasyee Sangha for Odisha Rasagola GI, the producer-group - "Kendrapara Rasabali Mistanna Nirmata Sangha" was formed after my suggestion, guidance and constant follow-up.
It may be noted that the GI tag for Odisha Rasagola has informed and inspired many producer-groups to also earn GIs for their own local products.
After receiving query from a local writer, Shri Saroj Mohanty, regarding Kendrapara Rasabali GI in 2020, I had created a WhatsApp group to facilitate the process. Some stakeholders had been added by the Admins that also included Shri Mohanty. Rasabali GI information was being continuously shared in the group.
GI Application was filed in December 2021.
The main product-description about Rasabali in the GI application has been exactly taken from the initial 3 lines shared in my blog post (published on July 2020)-
http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/07/kendrapada-rasabali.html
Yes, my Blog- "The Explorer of Miracles" finds mention in the Kendrapara Rasabali GI application.
September 20 is celebrated as "Silk Day".
Today we are also celebrating- Nuakhai- an important harvest festival of Odisha.
It's an important day for our rich handlooms & talented weavers.
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| Source |
This blog post has reference to the "National Handloom Awards" for this year (& some previous years) that are yet to be held.
Thanks to Ministry of Textiles initiative for the first National Handloom Day on 7th August 2015.
National Handloom Awards were handed over.
Handloom-weaving community felt honoured.
Contribution of this sector in the socio-economic development of our nation is immense. #MyHandloomMyPride
National Handloom Day is over on August 7th this year.
But, Awards were not handed over to weavers.
Notification for the National Handloom Awards (NHA) 2023 application/submission is not published as yet.
I had first shared about this issue 2 months ago- registration number: PMOPG/E/2023/0135449.
http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2023/07/letter-for-national-handloom-awards.html
However, date for this year's NHA is still not out.
As per reply received on 26.07.2023, NHA dates & details would be shared after guidelines are set.
Interested weavers are still asking- When will they get notification for National Handloom Awards?
Our weavers have spent a lot of time and effort & invested resources for creating unique designs.
Those prized pieces are still waiting to be sent for NHA consideration.
Once a piece is woven for Award, weaver cannot showcase or sell that.
Money is blocked.
As NHA haven't been held for past 2-3 years, many pieces are lying.
There's loss of morale & patience.
Textile ministry should announce submission dates & details soon so that the weavers can apply.
This month, the NHA application process should be published.
Requesting completion of all pending NHA ceremonies before end of this year- 2023.
Target must be to hand over National Handloom Awards for year 2024 on the National Handloom Day 2024.
Special Greetings for #SilkDay & #Nuakhai🙏#NuakhaiJuhar🙏
— Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) September 20, 2023
Weavers are waiting.
Grievance registration#: PMOPG/E/2023/0188598
Requesting @TexMinIndia @PMOIndia to pls complete all pending #NationalHandloomAwards process this year.
From 2024, #NHA must be on #NationalHandloomDay pic.twitter.com/5InWKSGL2d
May Shree Ganesha bless all this Ganesh Chaturthi.
How many are still using "Lord" to refer to our Gods? |
| Odisha Pattachitra |
Have you ever borrowed or lent money?
Those who have done so, would have realized how tough it is to retrieve.
How many borrowers actually follow you up to return the money they owe?
When the amount is "small or insignificant" meaning when the figure is within 1-3 digits then it is expected to be forgotten!
The expectation is not too different in the case of a four or five figure loan too!
The same thing applies for books.
I am yet to get back many of the books I have lent. This outcome is independent of the nature, size or cost of the book!
Borrowers have been reminded multiple times and yet they do not feel it necessary to even answer messages or calls.
Came across this interesting headline and news report published in today's edition of Economic Times (ET) -
Likely to miss monthly repayment? Don't worry, SBI will send you a chocolate
Which borrower wants a chocolate?
Will gifting a chocolate make borrowers return what they owe?
India's largest bank, the State Bank of India (SBI) certainly thinks so.
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| Source: ET |
The popular Quiz-show Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by the inimitable Sri Amitabh Bachchan has found its first Crorepati for its latest season- KBC-15.
Jaskaran Singh answered all the questions he knew and bagged one crore.
He could not answer the last question though.
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| Courtesy: Sony TV |
Regular viewers know how tough it is to first make it to the show, then the hot-seat, and thereafter, answer all the questions correctly and consistently thereby securing such a huge amount.
Some highly intelligent persons have faltered after crossing and reaching such levels and lost all the amount "won".
"Patachitra is the cloth scroll painting tradition from Odisha, dedicated to mythological and religious themes in Indian art. Bold, strong outlines, vibrant colours like white, red, yellow and black with decorative borders."Apart from cloth & other materials, a locally-prepared canvas called Pata/Patta is also used for this amazing art style.
Yesterday, eminent writer and artist, Shri J.P.Das, shared a Facebook post with an image regarding renaming of a road in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
A particular road that was previously named as "Abhimanyu Samantasinghar Marg" is now known as "Saint Mother Teresa Marg."
How did this happen?
When did this happen?
Information is usually not known unless shared.
That is how people become aware.
I first came to know about the incident in 2018 from Shri Prakash Nayak, one of the activists who had raised his voice against the issue.
But, when did the road-name-change happen? In year 2016!
This news-report in the Times of India has more info.
It is great to see the interest and excitement of general public regarding Geographical Indications (GIs) now.
I recollect the time when many Odias considered even the discussion regarding GIs as a waste of time and effort, and rather chose to remain mute spectators while some of us were passionately championing Odisha Rasagola and other potential local products as GIs. (Some still do).
After the grant of the last 2 GIs- especially Odisha Rasagola GI, many became aware and producer groups started demanding GI for their own community's products.
Note- NOT ONE Odisha GI application was filed between 2011-2017.
Now, how many GI applications have been filed from year 2018 onwards?
While it gives immense pleasure to see many being "vocal for local" and "vocal for GI", the wrong information being shared is a matter of great concern.
This afternoon, it was quite perplexing to find many sharing that "Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal" has earned the GI Tag!
When I checked, it was showing as "Examination" stage.
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Purnima is a festival of the Indian subcontinent that celebrates the bond between siblings - especially sisters and brothers.
Raksha Bandhan : Meaning
Raksha means Protection
and
Bandhan means Bond.
Raksha Bandhan means- the bond of protection, love and care.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on Rakhi Purnima.
Purnima means "full moon night".
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the tithi of the last day of the Hindu calendar month of Shravana- the full-moon of Shravana month.
It usually falls in the English calendar month of August.
Ever wonder how people suddenly suddenly wake up and become vocal for certain causes on particular days?
Many feel celebration of days like "World Environment Day", "Earth Day" etc. is such a waste!
However, would there have been an information-sharing, awareness or pleas for action but for such celebration of days?
Let us take Planet Earth for example.
As global citizens who have inherited our planet and who will be handing it over to the next generations, isn't it everyone's duty to take care of Planet Earth?
After all, it is the only planet we have as our home as of now.
Despite the vast advances in technology, we are yet to have a back-up planet.
Does this thought ever come to our minds- where to flee after the after-effects of our actions destroy our existing one?
What do we do? Continue our mindless actions with our devil-may-care attitude.
Will simply showing that we care and sharing the message- "Save The Planet", do the saving bit for us like the so-called eco-friendly environment-protector company in the Greentoon below?
You are speaking to someone for the first time.
Then, they ask you- "Where are you from?"
What do you answer?
Of course, your answer will vary depending on your conversation and setting.
Here is what I have personally faced-
http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2016/07/where-are-you-from.html
Some great personalities have remarked and proved that it is not important from where you have come from- what matters is where you are going and how far you have reached.
That is one of the lessons from the Hindi movie- Bhaag Milka Bhaag- that has been based on the late runner Milkha Singh.
You can read about the 25 lessons from the same movie here-
http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2013/07/bhaag-milkha-bhaag-25-lessons.html
We at India pride ourselves for "Unity in Diversity."
We world citizens take pride and are amazed at our diversity too.
Nature has gifted our world and there is amazing biodiversity. The world's biodiversity is truly mind-boggling.
As per the World Wildlife Fund (WWF):
Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.
There are borders between nations, but all this is our collective wealth.
I thought of all this when I saw today's Greentoon by Team Economic Times.
August 1st is celebrated as Sambalpuri Din.
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| Image Courtesy: Shri Papu Lenka, Facebook |
Today, we pay tribute to former President of India, Bharat Ratna, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
It is his death anniversary.
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| Source: God Hope, Amazon |
We had lost him on this date in 2015. It was the tithi of Suna Besha of the Ratha Jatra.
Suna Besha is an auspicious day when the deities are dressed in golden attire.
Thanks to the Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India, and PM Modi ji's initiative, the first National Handloom Day was inaugurated on 7th August 2015 in Chennai.
National Handloom Day celebration is an opportunity to honour our handloom-weaving community and to share and showcase the contribution of this sector in the socio-economic development of our nation.
On National Handloom Day, celebrated on 7th August each year, the National Handloom Awards are given to honour weavers.
It is a goal for many weavers.
There is an English saying- "Where there's a will, there's a way".
But, the will is not created automatically. There has to be a goal and then there can be the motivation and action to reach it.
All this cannot and does not happen overnight.
Agree that not all weavers work for awards. They create exquisite pieces and are either unbothered or unaware to send nomination.
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| Source: myGov on Twitter |
They appear out of the blue
And we have not any clue.
They torment & disturb,
Their activities we cannot curb.
What we decide to do-
Will determine & construe.
Come one, date the demons!
Dance with the skeletons!
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| Source: The Truth on Facebook |
In the past couple of days, we all have seen disturbing images and videos of floods and landslides in some parts and extreme heat wave and forest fires in the other part of the world. Many lives have been lost and property has been damaged owing to the natural and man-made disasters.
This morning, I saw this Greentoon shared by the Economic Times-
The above "ECO-LOGICAL" cartoon by artist Manjul shows the attitude of our times.
When I first started blogging, I came across the term- "SSP" on the blogging community- IndiBlogger's forum.
SSP means- "Shameless Self Promotion"!
If a blogger shared her/his blog link in social media posts and replies, then she/he is indulging in SSP! Obviously, it is not particularly encouraging to be branded so!
I still got tagged as indulging in SSP sometimes as I shared my blog posts, and that made me conscious.
But, blog posts are supposed to be shared, right?
It is true that Self Promotion (SP) is looked down and dismissed by many.
Now, it takes a lot for some people like me to even share our blog post links on social media!
First, you feel you are putting in Herculean effort for sharing posts, and even for replying with blog-links to queries, and being a Good Samaritan by sharing all answers that have been neatly shared in your blog-post!
What happens after that? Get branded as a trumpet-blower and part of the SSP gang!
And then get avoided like the plague! :)
Self Promotion makes it possible to be boycotted!
Who even wants to face and live through such adverse possibilities?
We have been always raised being encouraged to adopt a "be humble" attitude.
"Studies show that women are often hesitant to self-promote or share their accomplishments due to the fear of being seen as arrogant. "
Sunday Times edition dated June 25, 2023 had this question on the cover page-
"True or views of a few?"
Sunday Times is the Sunday edition of the Times of India- "India's largest English newspaper".
Times of India is "India's Most Trusted Newsbrand."
The question in question here made me think of all the possible answers.
Many times, views of a few have been imposed on the vast majority.
Over the years, those views and those cunning stories and concocted tales have been accepted as the reality.
Truth has gone for a toss, and people do not even know or realise or bother about their loss!
Leading media have been publishing wrong information based on the previous fake news or incorrect data.
For example, the recent Manchester Marathon- Khandua Saree worn by Marathon-runner Ms Madhusmita Jena Das. Despite corrections being made, updates have been few, wrong info exists on cyberspace and the saree is still being erroneously referred to as- "Sambalpuri Bandha".
Rasagola (Rasgulla) has been a part of the age-old cultural tradition of Shreemandira i.e. the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri, Odisha.
Trust is a very serious term. It signifies much more than love.
It is reliance and faith and assurance for support. Trust is the foundation.
Once trust is lost, there is no support and foundation and a relationship falls flat.
Trust is linked with honesty. Honest people are trustworthy.
A Sanskrit shloka I had read in high school comes to my mind. One of the lines was-
"One who trusts the untrustworthy is the most foolish or low-grade person."
Personally, I have been a foolish person many times as I have trusted the untrustworthy and have been taken for a ride.
Trust can only be expected from trustworthy people.
But, who are trustworthy? How do we make the right selection?
Who are responsible and can be relied upon?
Today, I found a request post in a Facebook group that I am a part of.
Usually, many of us are part of many online groups, but unable to participate in group-discussions.
I do not even check the group activity most of the times. I chanced across the said post a short while ago and now that I think of it, this was for a reason.
White letters on a pink background always look pretty and attractive.
But, after reading the words expressed, I am left wondering and pondering about life.
I am sure this mother's son, who has been an active member of the FB community and who has posted this message, has his own reasons. Perhaps, it is their family's joint decision.
We all have our reasons for acting or behaving in a certain way. Nobody and no way is perfect.
Agree that we cannot judge anyone without wearing their shoes or knowing what they are going through.
Social media does not give the full picture.
Covid-era has come with its fair share of technology dependence.
Whether it is using Zoom or Google Meet for online meetings, or sharing social media posts and videos on the multiple platforms like Twitter, Instagram, YouTube etc, content-creators need to take care of some tips.
Many have become pro; however, there are some who need to be guided about the basics.
While we are all learning, additional points and takeways from experts can help.
Two months ago, it was great to receive these helpful tips via email from Team Animoto.
Sharing them here for the benefit of all-
3, 2, 1, action!
Two trends were noted this May 1st, 2023- both were about Divorce.
One was the Supreme Court ruling.
The other was a viral divorce photoshoot posted by an empowered artist.
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| Source: Instagram @shalu2626 |
On 1st May 2023, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that it can grant divorce under Article 142 of the Constitution and has the discretionary powers to dissolve a matrimonial alliance that has broken down irretrievably. As per the Five-Judge Supreme Court Bench of Justices SK Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, AS Oka, Vikram Nath and JK Maheshwari:
Grant of divorce (in case of irretrievable breakdown of marriage is not a matter of right, but a discretion to be exercised (by the SC) with great care & caution, keeping in mind several factors ensuring ‘complete justice’ is done to both parties.
World IP Day
World IP Day - Date
April 26th
is celebrated as World Intellectual Property or World IP Day from year 2000
onwards. In 1970, on April 26th, “WIPO Convention” had come into
force. In 2000, WIPO's member states designated April 26 as
World IP Day.
2023
Theme
Each year, a theme is assigned. The theme for 2023 is-
“Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity”
Source: WIPO
Yes, one can run the full distance of the Marathon wearing a Saree!
A UK-based marathon-enthusiast woman, Ms Madhusmita Jena Das, proved this when she ran the Manchester Marathon dressed in a traditional Khandua Saree last Sunday i.e. on 16th April 2023.
This week, we first got to see this smiling Person of Indian Origin (PIO) Odia lady participating in
a Marathon and conquering hearts.
Madhusmita Jena Das’s marathon participation images and videos are now viral.
UK-based marathon-runner Odia woman, Ms Madhusmita Jena Das, ran the Manchester Marathon dressed in a traditional Khandua Saree last Sunday i.e. on 16th April 2023.
Her marathon participation images and videos are now viral. She has earned praise for her beautiful traditional Khandua silk Saree that she had worn while participating in the Manchester Marathon.
Misrepresentation of Her Saree
Those who have followed this news or search it online will find that- the name of her saree has been shared by most as “Sambalpuri”.
Sambalpuri is a type of Bandha Kala or art of tie-and-dye i.e. Ikat handloom being woven in some districts of western Odisha, India.
However, Madhusmita Jena Das’s saree is not a Sambalpuri Saree.
Rather, it is a Khandua Saree.
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| Source: The News Insight on Twitter- https://twitter.com/TNITweet/status/1649012126525054977?s=20 |
Women are celebrated mostly in the month of March.
Why? International Women's Day is on March 8th.
All are reminded of the accomplishments of women on International Women's Day.
Women have shaped and play an important role in shaping our culture and society. They must be celebrated everyday.
Brand advertisements target women and men.
This year, in 2023, we celebrated Holi and Women's Day together as both were on the same date.
There were extra advertisements- some combined both women and Holi.
There were some negative incidents.
Whether in real life or reel life, She/they, the woman/women, play many roles and have been heroines.
She has always
been a part of movies- both in front of screen and behind the scenes.
Over the
decades, there have been many women associated with cinema.
While we
acknowledge the “Father of Indian Cinema”, the mothers get left behind.
However, the word CINEMA
can never be possible without “MA” (Mother).
We have come a long
way from the age when even female roles in movies were enacted by men.
Today,
entertainment industry is also ruled by women.
Like she, Reshma/Silk, based on actress Silk Smitha, confidently states in her epic dialogue in
the movie- The Dirty Picture:
“Three things are needed for a movie’s success- Entertainment, Entertainment and Entertainment; And I am Entertainment”.
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| Source |
She is a Queen
Apart from the
rule of Kings and heroes in movies like- Raja Harischandra, Baahubali and
Shahenshah, we have also seen the rule of Queens and heroines like Razia
Sultan, Manikarnika (Rani Lakshmibai) and Queen!
The final match was scheduled.
The closing ceremony was to be a grand affair with the nation’s favourite performers, and, of course, a spectacular drone-show and fireworks.
There was a long queue.
Three of them, consisting of two adults and a youngster, were eagerly waiting to enter the stadium.
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| Photo Prompt: Rochelle Wisoff-Fields |
The tickets were exorbitantly priced.
Still, all tickets were sold-out.
They just had two tickets.
But, their hope and belief was strong!
The young girl was praying sincerely.
With a spark in their eyes, they showed the two
tickets to the ticket-inspectors.
Three of them were let in!
They danced joyfully!
100 Words story for Friday Fictioneers
Based on the true experience of my sister (one of the adults in this story) at the recent Hockey World Cup Final held at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Do you believe in prayer?
