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

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.

The Beauty of Sanskrit Language and Texts

What is the meaning of mangalacharanam?

In which place was the Mahabharata composed?

How many seasons have been described by Kalidasa in his epic Ritusamhara?

What are the four vedas and the four upavedas?

What does Mrichhakatikam mean?

Are spirituality and religion the same thing?

Who compiled the Bhagavata Mahapurana?

If these questions teased your brain-cells, and you are unable to retrieve the answers, it is time to pick up this informative book about Sanskrit language and texts-

The Beauty of Sanskrit Language and Texts is written by Durga Prasad Dash.

It is one of the eBooks launched by the Blogchatter EBook Carnival this year.

Sanskrit is one of the most ancient languages of the world. It was the language of the intellectuals of India, prior to the Mughal invasion and reign. India has one of the most manuscripts in the world. Sanskrit texts are treasure-houses of India’s ancient wisdom. However, many of us are unaware. Many Indians have never studied Sanskrit in school. Had the British not interfered with our education system, we would perhaps have devoted more time and interest in studying this.

Rasagola Dibasa - Odisha Celebrates A Day For Rasagola (Rasgulla)

It is great to share that about the publication of my second eBook- ‘Rasagola Dibasa - Odisha Celebrates A Day for Rasagola (Rasgulla)’. It was launched in this year's Blogchatter EBook Carnival.

The publication shares about Rasagola, a day for Rasagola celebration i.e. "Rasagola Dibasa", & Odisha’s centuries-old continuing tradition of Niladri Bije of Ratha Yatra.

In 2015, when this writer first proposed & initiated #RasagolaDibasa celebration online:

1. Many were ignorant about Niladri Bije, which is a continuing tradition that marks the entry of the deities back to the Puri Shree Jagannatha Temple after they return from the Ratha Yatra.

2. There was no research or historical references about our Rasagola.

3. There were hardly any books or articles about Rasagola.

Random Thoughts On Random Words

Random Thoughts On Random Words by Rajeev Moothedath is an interesting eBook suitable for readers of all ages. 

It is one of the eBooks launched by the Blogchatter EBook Carnival this year.

Book Title and Cover

The author has chosen an apt title. 

The book cover looks bright, colourful, and attractive, with many images corresponding to the topics covered in the book. The cover design is by Tarun.

World Travel In Low Budget

How often have you looked for a practical guide to plan international trips in low cost?

The explorer in us yearns to travel, especially during this pandemic when we are under lockdown. While we wait for Covid19 to go, the waiting seems productive when we plan for the golden trip days ahead.

To make such experience even more worthwhile, it makes sense to consult an expert who will guide us and smoothen the process. If you have often wondered “How to plan international trips on our own in low cost” and other aspects of planning travel-trips, do read the book- “World Travel in low budget” written by by a travel lover who has visited 40 countries so far.

World Travel In Low Budget by Shrinidhi Hande is a practical travel guide book. 

This book is suitable for all readers around the world.

The Wedding Trousseau And Other Short Stories

The Wedding Trousseau and Other Short Stories by Ankita Sharma is a collection of eleven short stories with a kaleidoscope of various emotions- some inspired by real life, while others are a figment of imagination. 

In her debut book, the author brings some memorable and interesting characters to life. This book is suitable for readers of any age group.

Book Title, Cover, and Publication

The term 'wedding trousseau' is very rich and encompasses hopes and new beginnings. 'The Wedding Trousseau' is one of the stories of the collection. The author has chosen a great title for these eleven  stories about life. 

The title stands out on the soothing book cover. The back-cover has the image of a dog. The cover design is by - Abhinav Bhatt.

It was first published in 2015. This book is published and distributed in India by Humming Words Publishers, Faridabad, India.

The Missing Diary

My diary was missing.

I had looked for it everywhere.

It had my deepest secrets.

I was not too worried that anyone could read it.

I write using 'invisible ink' and only I can read the text...

I had been documenting for long.

Had someone stolen it?

Five Petals - A Collection of Five Short Stories

Five Petals by Chinmayee Gayatree Sahu is a collection of five short stories that bring together different aspects of life, while also sharing their lessons. In her debut book, the author brings to life the characters and the situations they face.

Book Title & Cover

The word 'petals' evokes fragrance and softness. 'Five Petals' is an apt title for five delicate stories. 

The book cover looks fresh with its different colours and assortments. Relationships are delicate and have so many flavours to savour.  

The Author

Chinmayee Gayatree Sahu has a rich experience in the corporate world having worked in various multinational companies and presently working as a Government employee. Her love for the magical world of books and passion for reading and writing has drawn her interest towards content creation. She writes quality articles, be it fiction or non-fiction that can engage her readers and give them wings of imagination. She blogs at - chinmayeecreations.wordpress.com.

Each of the five stories in her maiden ebook is a revelation imparting lessons.

Life: A Roller Coaster Ride!
This is the story of an enthusiastic and graceful girl and her suitors. 

What does Ridhima have to go through after college when she decides to marry? 

The weight of office-work and marriage how does she carry?
Who helps the star student to shine again?

Quarantined With Family
This is the story of a couple and how they cope with the Covid-19 lockdown.

What secrets does Mrs.Pattanaik learn about her children and home?
What was her husband, Mr. Pattanaik upto?
Set during the pandemic when March year-ending and many other events have gone for a toss, life has been thrown out of gear!
Depression, disorder, disturbance fill one with fear.

Dream Or Nightmare
This is the story of a bachelor who finds love; or does he really? 

What is the cost Vinod pays for freedom and for his job in the new place? 

Whom does he meet there?

Does he fall in love? 

Is there an engagement and wedding?

Do his eyes finally find his loved one?

Neetu & Aja 

This is the story of a girl and her grandfather.
Why is Aja partial to Neetu's brother, Raghav?

What does Neetu have to go through?

What does Aja write to her?

Beyond Borders

This is the story of a couple whose love has withstood time and borders.
What is the specialty of 'Fusion Resort'?

What makes Uncle John and Aunt Meenu a special pair?

To find out the answers of the above questions, do read this book!

In the author's words, this book- 

"can be enjoyed over a cup of tea/coffee and promises to take the readers into the five different worlds and provide a memorable experience."

The author's description of the characters makes them relatable. 

I liked the understanding and enthusiastic partners, family life, and lessons.

The author pays keen attention to details. 

We know exactly how Ridhima is dressed for the first day of college - even what shade of lipstick she is wearing! 

The reader can appreciate the variety of flowers and trees in Aja's rich garden!

"Aja" is the Odia word for maternal grandfather. I liked the author's use of the term. I remembered my Aja while reading the story and got very emotional. I took a trip to my Aja and Aaee's house, which is pretty similar to the one described in the story. The well-written letter brought tears to my eyes.

The author has a good grasp of human relations and has done a commendable job in expressing different emotions through her series of short stories. Her knowledge of the corporate world makes her seamlessly incorporate industry information in her stories.

A Note To The Author-

Dear Chinmayee,

Here are some words to you from me!

I agree what seems perfect may not be-
What's meant to be will happen ultimately.

Life is crazy with its turns and twists,
Keep moving on & emerge out of the mists! 

Just as discovered by the characters in your stories-

If life gives us locks, we must look for the keys! :)

A Note To The Reader-

Download "Five Petals" right away. It's available for free download just for a couple of days.

Just like the author has used words from the local language, it is our responsibility to endeavour to use the local words. Once we all start using, then they can become popular. 

I have shared this in my eBook - about the "Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha" that is available for free download here.

Dots & Streaks - Poetic Tales, Musings And More

Dots & Streaks by Ellora Mishra is a delightful book of interesting short poetic tales and musings that makes one think. Creative words with smart and keen observations express the understanding and empathy in the author's sensitive mind.

The short book description is interesting and welcoming:

A few dots

A few streaks

Short poetic tales

Musings of life’s

Crevices & creeks

The Author

Author Ellora Mishra hails from Odisha, India. She has had a bright academic career with degrees in Engineering and Business Management respectively from BITS Pilani and XIMB. Having spent twelve years as a professional corporate banker, Ellora has now chosen to pursue her passion of writing & other hobbies. She is presently based at Netherlands. She blogs at - Live Life To The Fullest.

 

My Village My Country - Mera Gaon Mera Desh

Roots are very special. No matter where we currently stay, a part of us still resides in our native place and the places we have stayed before. 

Memories have a magical effect as we take a trip down the lanes that have made a permanent place in our hearts and minds. 

Reading Shri Durga Prasad Dash's book, My Village My Country made me experience this connection.

Interesting Title

When I first saw the title of this book - "My Village My Country"; translated into Hindi, the theme means- "Mera Gaon Mera Desh", the Bollywood fan in me instantly remembered some Hindi movies and songs:

"Dharti sunahari; ambar neela; har mausam rangeela- eisa desh hai mera."

Golden earth; blue sky; every season is colourful - that's my country.

Apt and Attractive Cover

I also liked the apt and attractive cover page of "My Village My Country - Glimpses into the Heart and Soul of Hindustan". Don't fail to notice the streamers in the backdrop of the title. They are ubiquitous in every function of Odisha, and perhaps in other places of India too.

When I first saw the cover, I knew this was from one of the remote villages of Odisha, India.

Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha

First, here are some questions for you. Please answer them honestly.

Are we proud of our culture and heritage?

Many of us will answer in the positive.

Are we aware and interested to learn more about our native state and nation?

We may answer- "Of course!" and cross question- "Haven't we learned enough about this in school?"

Do we know about Geographical Indications (GI) of our state and country?

Many have perhaps never heard this term before, and do not know what it means.

And, no, this is not taught in schools.

How many GIs of Odisha can you spot on the cover?

It feels great to share the cover of my first #eBook -
"Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha".
My eBook will be released on 25 May, 2020 during #BlogchatterEBook Carnival @blogchatter site.

Can you identify the #GIs on cover? #OdishaGI #GIsofIndia #KnowYourGI #COMINGSOON pic.twitter.com/aNgnASwacB

— anitaexplorer (@anitaexplorer) May 20, 2020

Babuna And Rasagola Film

"Babuna" is the name of a young Odia boy, who is the protagonist in the stories written by Shri Swaraj Mishra. The name of his book is Babuna. It was published by "Ama Odisha Publication" five years ago.

The stories feature the pranks and adventures of the young lad set in a village in Odisha, India, in the early seventies. Babuna has a field day with his cycle and the village is his field of action!

Shri Swaraj Mishra has based the interesting tales on his own childhood and his village. For him, it was like wearing the shoes of Babuna and taking a trip down the memory lane, reliving and weaving those memories of camaraderie, love, and also pain.

In January 2016, Shri Mishra had uploaded a video of the book trailer of Babuna.

On March 1st, 2018, Dola Purnima, a Palanquin carried Special Cover for Rasagola in Shree Jagannath ji's Cuisine was released by the Department of Posts at Puri, Odisha.

Shri Swaraj Mishra and yours truly were also part of the team that had worked to make this possible.

After our Rasagola postal-cover release at Puri, while we were returning to Bhubaneswar by car, I got to learn that Swaraj Babu is the author of several books including quiz-books and story-books. I asked Swaraj Babu if he had written any stories on Rasagola. I was excited when he answered in the affirmative. He had indeed penned a real-life story! He shared the brief story-line that featured Rasagola and friendship. I enthusiastically requested him to get his interesting story filmed at the earliest.

Thereafter, I called and messaged him a number of times in this regard.

I met him many times while working for the GI Tag application of Odisha Rasagola.

He said that he had been devoting time for the Rasagola film project. He had invested his own funds and the movie was slowly taking shape. Then, work had stopped for some time owing to other constraints.

Then, next year, in January 2019, I came across a poster about the 4th Golden Triangle International Film Festival  (GTIFF) to be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. 
A certain "Rasogolla" film was also in the list of films to be screened. 

Till then, I was aware of only two people, who were working on Rasagola films, both on my request. Shri Swaraj Mishra was one of them.

But, I was not not sure if his movie was complete.

Had it been over and ready for release, he would have informed/invited us for this, I reasoned.

Plus, the spelling would have been our spelling- "Rasagola" as I had been requesting everyone to use a uniform spelling to refer to the Rasagola of Odisha as- The Spelling is Rasagola.

I shared the Film Festival schedule in our WhatsApp group in which Shri Swaraj Mishra is also a member.

Shri Mishra replied that it was indeed his movie that was to be screened. However, it was a work-in-progress.

Everything had happened so fast and his film's entry in the GTIFF had been hurried, which is why he couldn't inform us in advance. The spelling changes, updates in English translation, and other technical requirements would still need more time and will be addressed later. Though the movie was a draft version and much work was left, yet the incomplete work was being screened for the select audience.

On 12th February, 2019, I attended the screening at the GTIFF and cheered for Rasagola short-film.

Got to learn from the organizers that the Rasagola film was very popular & viewers showed interest to watch it everyday of the screening. Though it was scheduled for one day, it had already been screened for the jury & audience on popular demand!

The very word Rasagola evokes sweetness. And this 'Rasagola' movie was the labour of love that depicted a sweet story of friendship and love for Rasagola.

Though it is an emotional story, the film sparked joy for me as I had sincerely pressurized the story-writer to make this film! I appreciate his commitment as the actual making of a film takes a lot of effort. 

Rasagola film received a Certificate of Appreciation by the Jury at the 4th Golden Triangle International Film Festival, and Shri Swaraj Mishra received it that evening i.e. on 12th February, 2019.

On 17th December, 2019, we got the great news from Shri Mishra that Rasagola film had earned the Film certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)! 

Last evening, on 13th January 2020, Rasagola film was shown to a select intellectual gathering at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bhubaneswar. We thank the organisers of 'Mukta Chintana Mancha' for their interest to screen this film. The touching movie earned a wonderful audience reaction and feedback.

We acknowledge that getting a movie made is tough. 

Am so glad that Shri Swaraj Mishra has successfully completed this work of art.

I congratulate and thank Swaraj Babu & all those associated with this film.

I really feel so happy & proud. 

May this film make it to international festivals. 
May Lord Jagannath bless for many more such movies & books.

Looking forward to the upcoming movie premiere of Rasagola film. The world can watch it soon. 

Odisha Rasagola has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag on July 29, 2019.

The proof of the Rasagola is in the eating! 
In the future screenings, Odisha Rasagola packs can accompany the Rasagola film too. 

Not only should viewers watch the film, and experience the emotions of Odias with this delectable syrupy dessert, they should get to taste Odisha Rasagola.

It is amazing what an inspiring conversation with creative & enthusiastic people can do! 
I love movies. Also, it's great to see ideas in action. 

What sparks joy in you? Do share in the comments below.

Linking with IndiSpire #307 and ABC Wednesday- B for Babuna

Book Reading With William Dalrymple At Bhubaneswar

We were excited to learn about author and historian William Dalrymple's book reading event at Bhubaneswar on 5th April 2019.
Odisha Tourism has invited William Dalrymple as a guest from April 5-8, 2019.
Last year, in January 2018, he was in Bhubaneswar for the Tata Steel Literary Festival. I had a chance to attend it and to speak to him.

The venue decided for this year's book reading was heritage site Mukteswar Temple, built in 950 AD, famous as the 'gem of Odisha architecture'.

Trustworthy Black Coffee #writebravely

She: They called me "Black Coffee" and laughed at me.

"I hear a thousand kind words about me and it makes no difference yet I hear one insult and all confidence shatters." – Rupi Kaur

Image : Pexels

Her sister: Why do you consider it as an insult?

She: My skin-colour is dark and I'm skinny, but does it give them the licence to call me "Black Coffee"?

I Owed You One

I Owed You One by Dr. Madhu Vajpayee is a gripping story of a young man, his family and friends.

Protagonist Dev Khanna is happy, secure, and well-settled with his pretty wife, Radhika, and his little son, Neel, at Australia. All is fine until the arrival of a letter to his Melbourne home. He is forced to revisit some painful memories of his life in New Delhi and Moradabad, India.

"Sometimes pain is the only thing that defines your existence, yet it's you who has the power to decide its imprint."

The letter spurs Dev into action mode that surprises even him and the people, who know him closely.
Though he had decided never to do so, yet he finds himself on a mission to 'return the favour'.

 

Who has sent the letter?

Does Dev succeed in repaying his debt?

Why does he owe the favour?

Whom does he owe the favour?

Why doesn't Dev heed to the requests of his family at Melbourne?

What costs does Dev have to pay on his journey to settle everything?

Are there really debts and credits in this world?

Green Wars

It was great to get an invitation to Bahar Dutt's book-launch in 2014. 
Bahar Dutt is an award-winning Indian television environmental journalist and wildlife conservationist.
"Green Wars", the name of Bahar Dutt's maiden book, concerns our environment and thus, us all.

As an Environment Editor with a rich environmental investigative reporting background, Bahar Dutt shared her experience as a conservationist and made important points by raising pertinent questions. 

"It's all right to brag about India evolving as the next super power, but what about its impact on wildlife? Why can't we prioritise GEP (Gross Environment Product) over GDP?"

Bahar Dutt making her presentation & in conversation with Sujata Sen and the audience at the British Council, Kolkata

7 Secrets Of The Goddess

I loved the title '7 Secrets of the Goddess' & the resplendent book-cover of Mr. Devdutt Pattanaik's latest book. Thus, I became interested to read & volunteered to be a part of the BlogAdda Book Review Program.

Mr. Devdutt Pattanaik, a doctor, consultant  & mythologist, juggles many roles with ease. 

I have been planning to read his previous books such as '7 Secret of  Shiva' & '7 Secrets of Vishnu'. Thanks to BlogAdda, I got introduced to the latest book of the author.

As I haven't read any of his previous books, I cannot compare his latest offering with the previous ones. This is an advantage.

However, I committed a mistake of judging the book from its cover. On the cover, seeing a beautiful Goddess (from the book, I learnt later that she is Goddess Balambika- the daughter of humanity), I felt the book is only about Indian Goddesses.

7 Secrets of the Goddess - Book (Cover)

'7 Secrets of the Goddess' has the word "the" in the title.

 It's not about one particular Goddess. It's about the Goddesses all over the world.

'Never judge a book from its cover'- I again reminded myself.

How To Passionately Write A Best-Seller

The Headline- "How To Write A Best-Seller" screamed in Bold as I felt privileged to be viewing the much-sought-after list of To-Dos to ensure that my book is a best-seller.

Though I have written many books till now, for long I am still planning to write a book that will be a "best-seller" in which "whether my book's story has a hero or not, my book's story must be the hero*."