Protest Against Fake Protests

The recent demonstrations by "students" and the violence adopted by them is quite  disturbing.

Police officers are gettng targetted. Other nations know about the protest sites before our local police has any clue. Huge funds are being spent to provide food and drinks to protestors.

All this points to a bigger conspiracy to suit the agenda of those with vested interests.

I was thinking on these lines, and the following is what I received via WhatsApp:

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

A. There is a concerted, well planned and ruthlessly executed international conspiracy against India.

B. There is massive funding... to effect a Gen Z sort of Nepal/ Bangladesh upheaval.

C.All anti national forces have joined hands and this was a CAA / Kisan / Khalistan sort of imported /violent upheaval.

 D. The banning of NGO Funding/The annulment of Greater Bengal and failed excision of Chicken Neck... The loosing ground of Missionary/Christanity Conversion template....

E. The weakening of India and more particularly its Defence/Armament capabilities

F. India to be stopped from surging economically...

Friends, We are at dangerous crossroads...

Complacency can be very dangerous.

Let us all be overtly vigilant.

Let us all do our best, to disabuse all this contrived nonsense against our Govt.... In our societies..

There is a plan to keep this so called movement alive.... Be vigilant.

Bharat Mata Ki Jai.🙏

At the core of all this is a cultural war.

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

I agree with the above points, do you too?.

Had it been truly "student protests" regarding "NEET examination", there would have been discussions about NEET. There would have been solutions to address and strengthen the system.

But, now the stage is being hijacked to suit the selfish agenda and to set a fake narrative.

Students attack the police and damage public property while chewing gutkha/paan?

We certainly need civic sense and moral science lessons in school.

And the intelligence to understand and identify, and do what is right for our nation.

My country, my pride.

Vande Mataram.

Vote For?

The election results of five states have been declared recently.

This time there has been unprecedented voting. 

People have travelled long distances to visit their home-towns and to participate in the "Dance of Democracy" and Indian elections 2026.

While earlier, some citizens were fearful to venture out to vote as they had been coached and targetted, this time they dared to vote feeling secure and also desperate.

Much can be achieved with hope and action.

Never to give up without trying! That is how many non-resident citizens spent their own time and money to travel long distances to their respective villages/towns/cities and exercice their voice, and choice - their franchise.

Jagannath Dham - Puri Dham

Dham is a place of great religious and spiritual significance. Hinduism has four important pilgrimage sites that are called "Dhams."

Philosopher Adi Shankaracharya designated these four "Dhams" in the 8th Century. These four "Dhams" i.e. "Char Dham" are located in the four directions of India:

1. Puri - East

2. Dwarka - West

3. Badrinath - North

&

4. Rameswaram - South.

For over 1200 years, these Dhams have attracted pilgrims and devotees from far and wide. The "Dham" term is used with utmost reverence and honour, and historically and scripturally reserved for the ancient temples listed above.

Jagannath Dham - Image from X - @jagannathdhaam

Puri Dham is Jagannath Dham, one of the four Dham of India. For ages, Puri has been one of the holiest places, being the abode of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha. Shree Vishnu is Shree Jagannatha in the Kali Yuga.  Puri is mentioned in many ancient Puranas and texts like the Skanda Purana.

Odisha Tourism

Netaji and Gumnami Baba

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a revolutionary Indian freedom fighter. 

Netaji was born on 23 January, 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha, India. His birth day is celebrated as "Parakram Divas."

As per the official announcement, Netaji's death was in a fatal Japanese military air-crash in Taihoku, present-day Taiwan, on August 18, 1945. 

Netaji's ashes are still in Japan and as per this NDTV India news report, his family is planning to get that urn from the Buddhist Temple in Renkoji in Japan.

The same report states:

Reports of as many as 10 national and international enquiries probing Netaji's disappearance on that fateful day, now available in the national archives in New Delhi, have confirmed Bose's death at a hospital in the Japanese military airfield.

However, many do not believe that he died in the said air-crash.

Some state that there was no air-crash!

Others say that he survived the crash and came to Uttar Pradesh, India.

He lived as "Gumnami Baba" in his last days.

Source

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.

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.

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.

Udiyana and Oddiyana - Modern Day Odisha, India

Guru Padmasambhava is revered across the world. He is also called Guru Rinpoche. 

There are several texts about him. Udiyana or Oddiyana is believed to be his birthplace.

While looking for Udiyana and Oddiyana, the above image and the following posts on X (Twitter) were accessed:

Guru Padmasambhava - International Conference At Nalanda

The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara organized a two-day International Conference, "Exploring the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava."

The two-day International Conference on "Exploring the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava" is scheduled for August 28-29, 2024, at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara in Bihar, India. Organized by the International Buddhist Confederation in collaboration with @nnmnalanda under the… pic.twitter.com/HZZeKHg3Qo

— International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) (@IbcWorldOrg) August 27, 2024

This conference was held on 28th and 29th August 2024 at Nalanda, Bihar. 

Online Scams, Cyber Fraud and Safe Digital Banking

With the advent of digital media, online cheating and scams are commonplace now. Users need to be aware to exercise caution and refrain from falling for tempting offers and clicking suspicious links.

If it looks too good to be true, it truly isn't true.

It is said- "All that glitters is not gold."

Indian banks, other institutions, and individuals have been sharing the need to be cautious about glittering deals and offers.

Through its public awareness initiative, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been sharing a series of communication- "RBI Kehta Hai... Jaankar Baniye, Satark Rahiye".

In English, it means- "RBI says... Be Aware, Stay Cautious."

In other words- "Safe Digital Banking starts with you. Transact Safely."

Source: RBI Kehta Hai

More details here- https://rbikehtahai.rbi.org.in/ 

Prints Being Sold As Pattachitra Art Paintings

In our previous post, we shared how the eyes of the deities are now being misrepresented- in printed photographs/images that are used even in temples and at homes in Puja rooms, and also on diaries, calendars etc.

Misrepresentation of Eyes of Deities- Shree Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Shree Jagannatha-

https://www.anitaexplorer.com/2024/02/misrepresentation-of-eyes-of-deities.html

Even in the new art- paintings created by hand- artists are shaping the eyes incorrectly & not presenting the original eyes.

What is the shape of the eyes of Shree Balabhadra & Devi Subhadra in the "Pattachitra Art Painting" image given below?

This image depicts the eyes better (without squint)-

What is the name of the art that you can see in the above images?

Sohrai-Khovar Painting - Justin Imam

It was wonderful to meet & interact with Justin Imam ji 6 weeks ago at the Odi Art Museum at the Chilika Shelduck Folk Carnival 2023 held at Barkul, Odisha where he was a speaker.

He had also displayed Sohrai & Khovar at the stall. He was so enthusiastic about this GI craft's promotion and explained to all visitors continuously and proudly shared information with all. 

"Which way to hold the painting? Horizontally or vertically?" I asked while being sure that it was to be vertically.

"Am I holding it right?" I showed him by turning back as he was standing inside the stall while I was outside (Pics 1 & 2)

That's when he corrected me. You can see the image that has the correct depiction.

7 Latest Registered GI Products of Odisha India #OdishaGI

Truly proud to share that 7 Odisha products have been registered as Geographical Indications (GIs) 

Some other GIs registered today belong to states like- Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir & West Bengal and their latest registered GI products such as - Arunachal Pradesh Wancho Wooden Craft etc, Kachchhi Desi Kharek, Ramban Anardana & Kalonunia Rice etc. respectively.

All these are now GIs- "Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India".

GIs are always a matter of great pride and prestige for our nation.

As a grassroots GI worker, proud to have initially suggested some of the brand-new registered Odisha GIs for filing.

Had mentioned some GI names in my talk during a panel discussion held at Bhubaneswar on Makar Sankranti, January 14, Rasagola Mahotsav 2019, organised by Tarang Music and Odisha Television (OTV) group-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TysPkOx3Thc

Watch from 49:05-50:05 and I have shared the names of some potential Odisha GI products including-

Urgent Conservation of The Sun Temple Konark- UNESCO World Heritage #SaveKonark

The Sun Temple located at Konark, Odisha, is an architectural wonder.

It is the sole UNESCO World Heritage site located in Odisha, India.

"Konark Stone Carving" has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. 

 More information on Konark Stone Carving GI is in this blog post-

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/04/konark-stone-carving-odishagi.html

Konark Stone Carving has been in the news many times before and also in 2023. 

During G20 Summit 2023, PM Modi ji received world leaders with the wall backdrop having the photograph of the Konark Wheel.

VIDEO | PM Modi explaining about Odisha's Konark wheel to US President Joe Biden as he arrived at Bharat Mandapam to attend the G20 Summit.

The Konark wheel was built during the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I. The wheel consists of eight wider spokes and… pic.twitter.com/NPw5yCgEuK

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 9, 2023

Indians Travel Visa Free

Some nations like Sri Lanka and Thailand are now allowing visa-free travel for Indians.

Earlier some nations did not allow Indians and had restrictions- "Dogs and Indians not allowed."

Now, Indians are being accorded so much respect and being invited.

Tourism plans are being shaped around Indians.

A lot of excitement and happiness can be seen in the social media posts of many Indian travel lovers.

Sri Lanka has approved Visa-Free entry for Indians pic.twitter.com/W2nOBBxvZf

— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) October 24, 2023

Look at the number of likes this post has earned!

Five Tallest Statues In The World

Five quiz questions about the world's five tallest statues-

Q1) How many statues from India are on the list of the "Five Tallest Statues in the World"?

Option1- None

Option2- 1

Option3- 2

Option4- 3

Source: ET

Q2) Which country has the tallest statue in the world?

Option1- USA

Option2- China

Option3- Japan

Option4- India

Kendrapara Rasabali - GI Tag of Odisha India

Kendrapara Rasabali has earned the GI Tag yesterday, i.e. on 3rd October, 2023.

Rasabali is a chhena-based dessert of Odisha.

You can read more about it on my blog post here-

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/07/kendrapada-rasabali.html

Yes, a proud moment for our Odisha state & nation.🎊

The first few lines of the GI product Specification have been taken from the Kendrapara Rasabali blog post of this very blog- "The Explorer of Miracles"!

Does Rasabali Have A Hole Like Doughnut?

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

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.

National Handloom Awards 2023

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.

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🙏

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

— Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) September 20, 2023

Shree Ganesha - Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

May Shree Ganesha bless all this Ganesh Chaturthi.

How many are still using "Lord" to refer to our Gods?

Can we please start using "Shree" instead of Lord?
Shree Ganesha 🙏🎊

Jaya Shree Ganesha 🙏🎊

Shree Ganesha is a much-loved God and is invoked first during many events and Pujas.

He is "Vighnaharta"- i.e. the "remover of obstacles".

Who does not want obstacles to be removed?

Shree Ganesha also finds expression in many handicrafts and handlooms of Odisha like the following-

Pattachitra

Odisha Pattachitra