GULES ARTICLES

DHAK AND DHOL OF DURGA PUJA

2013-11-26T21:53:00.001+05:30

The Dhak is a huge membranophone instrument from India. The shapes differ from the almost cylindrical to the barrel. The manner of stretching the hide over the mouths and lacing also varies. It suspended from the neck, tied to the waist and kept on the lap or the ground, and usually played with wooden sticks. The left side is coated to give it a heavier sound.

Drum beats are an integral part of Durga Puja. ACCORDING TO MYTH THE INSTRUMENT JOYDHAK WAS CREATED BY LORD SHIVA. The Dhol (a variation of the Bengali Drum) is an indispensable musical instrument of the different festivals of Bengal. The musicians dance and play the DHAK AND Dhol simultaneously.

DO YOU WANT TO LISTEN HOW DHAK SOUNDS? - LISTEN TO BEATS OF DHAK

FACE TO FACE WITH VAGAIRATH DAS...

Mr. Vagairath Das is a senior DHAK teacher and player for the last 35 years.. An exclusive interview of Vagairath Das..

Q.1. Tell us your experience in teaching Dhak dhol?

Ans: - I am teaching this art form for the last 35 years and I make a living out of it. I play Dhak in different festivals. We come to Kolkata during Durga Puja. We had been to Nagaland for five years continuously. I have been to Jaipur for three years in dhak festival.

Q.2. Do you face any kind of monetary problems?

Ans: - Yes, we face a lot monetary problems. The demand for Dhak Dhol decreases during rainy season, so that time we have to resort to other kinds of work.

Q.3. Are you getting any kind of help from the government?

Ans: - Previously, we used to get some kind of help from the government but now we don’t get any kind of help from the government.

Are relatives curious and tedious group of people?

2013-11-25T21:04:00.000+05:30

According to the Oxford Dictionary the word “Relative” means Considered in relation to someone else and India`s population is 121 crores and here everyone is a relative to someone else. I mean anyone out here abuses relatives then indirectly you are insulting yourself and everyone around you because you should not forget the fact that you are a relative to someone else.

Well, if you look at the first part of the topic then it says “Relatives are curious group of people.”

Well, I don’t understand what this curiosity is.

What subject I am studying, Is that curiosity?

What are my future goals is that curiosity?

Which food do I like, is that curiosity?

Who I am dating, is that curiosity?

Who I am getting married to, is that curiosity?

When I am having a baby, is that curiosity?

According to me this is not curiosity, I think my relative has a right to know that. I guess they are the ones who would help you are going through bad times..

OK, let me tell you an interesting thing.

We share almost everything through the social networking sites, like Facebook, twitter and Orkut.

We are giving a status update in every couple of hours and sharing our personal stuff with the world through the social networking sites, and then what is the problem in sharing it with our relatives.

Well, coming to the second part of the Topic “Relatives are tedious group of people”

According to the Oxford Dictionary “The word tedious means “Slow or dull”.

Well, I often see people admiring about their cousin brother who has cracked IIT and IIM or a distant relative who is a famous singer. Then, how can relatives be tedious if we are speaking highly about them.

We usually make friends with people of our age but we have relatives of all ages. A senior relative can teach you classical music while a junior can help you out with the latest gadgets or think about a situation when you are in a financial crisis and you need money, it is impractical to approach a bank for a loan then you approach your relatives because they are the ones who help you in the time of need.

“Hating people are like burning down your house, to get rid of the rats.”

Book review of "WISE AND OTHERWISE" by SUDHA MURTHY

2013-11-24T04:45:00.000+05:30

NAME : Wise and Otherwise

Author : Sudha Murthy

Publisher : Penguin

Price : Rs. 199

Wise and otherwise (A Salute to life) is a book written by Sudha Murthy. She is a social worker, author, a humanitarian and involved with many charities. She is the wife of N.R.Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys. Published by Penguin, Wise and otherwise is a compilation 51 stories which are Mrs. Murthy`s real experiences, gathered from travelling across the country.

Mrs. Murthy has dedicated this book all the shirtless people of our country. Each story is of three to four pages, and it is not a piece of fiction but inspired from real life stories, which are involved from personal encounters. As the author has traveled comprehensively, these stories are not confined to particular geographical region, though most of them are set on a village background. Some stories leave a huge impact on you while some are to be read and forgotten. The book is an average read, it is more sort of a personal Diary which a person might maintain and narrate his/her experiences.

One of the stories revolves around a man who leaves his father in an old home. There are stories that just act as a witness to society, like the discussion between two marriage brokers regarding the impact of IT sector has on their business, a beggar who moves into an area devastated by an earthquake to take advantage of aid provided to victims.We get to see a true picture of real India. Most of the stories emphasizes the importance on moral values and about people`s behavior in different circumstances.The language of the book is lucid yet striking.

This book is a must read for every Indian who wants to know about real India.

BEST PLACES FOR SHOPPING IN KOLKATA

2013-11-23T02:43:00.000+05:30

Quest Mall

Kolkata has got the largest luxury Mall of India, and weeks after its inauguration it has become the talk of the town and despite the appearance of new air-conditioned, American-style, shopping malls all over Kolkata, Markets like the New Market, which has survived two devastating fires and regular flooding, remains at the core of the shopping experience in the city. In the year 2008, Kolkata was blessed with the largest Mall in Eastern India, THE SOUTH CITY MALL, but this doesn't downgrade the popularity of markets like Gariahat and Chandni Market. In this article you will read about few ancient yet modern markets which still do great business in this 21^stCentury.

METRO SHOPPING CENTRE

Where: - 1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Maidan, Kolkata- 700071, West Bengal.

How to Reach: - 5 minutes’ walk from Maidan Metro.

The Metro shopping centre is the oldest malls in Kolkata, opened to public in the year, 1998. It is centrally air-conditioned shopping complex very close to Tata center. The Metro Centre has over 250 shops that include textiles, apparels, leather and footwear, cosmetics, jewelry, etc. Talking Threads offers trendy clothes and accessories for the young girls on the lookout for exclusive and affordable prices.
Metro also has multi-cuisine food courts on each floor.

The interiors project a soothing atmosphere with greenery all around, a nicely lit fountain called Atrium Fountain and its ideal ambience. The centre has parking capacity for 100 cars.

Its multi-escalators, 2 lifts and central atrium with exotic glass roof top gives a delightful and perfect shopping experience. An amusement center and a traditional Indian sweet shop also function there.

These are some of the stores at Metro Shopping Centre.

Home and Décor Stores:	Bed 'N' Bath Collection
Infant Wear Shops:	Payal Collection
Jewelers Shops:	Teg Pal Soni And Jewelers, Tasu Jewellers, Jewels Crown, Gems N Jewels, Saakshi
Cosmetic Stores:	Zaira, Space
Cellphone Showroom:	Anchal Telecom.
Boutiques:	Radha Boutiques
Footwear Shops:	Green Leathers, Walk Footwear, Shoe Mart, Bata Store, The City Walk, Magnet Fashion, Hamlyn Shoes
Photography & Videography Services:	Bhagwat
Baby Product Dealers:	Insha Collection
Fancy & Gift shop:	Fancy Store, Kapoor's, Gaurav
Beauty Parlour:	My Fair Lady
Watch Stores:	Waqt India, Exclusive Lines, Watches And More
Garment Shops:	Apurva Collections, Satisfaction, Shree, Attitude 2000, Rockers, Talking Threads, Many More, Nauratan Apparels, Gravity, Love Light, Kailash, Baagicha, Aan, Divyansh, Fabulous, Golden Colours,Aaka Kurtas Par Excellence, Turtle Store, Manoj Vatika, Musoo
Electronics and Home Appliance Stores:	Hira Panna, Hiramoti Electron
Fruit Shops:	Exotica
Sari Shops:	Manju's Collection, Subham

GARIAHAT MARKET

Where: - Rash Behari Avenue, Ballygunge Gardens, Kolkata, West Bengal.

How to Reach: - Nearest Metro :- Kalighat/Jatindas Park. Autos are available from both the metros.

Autos are also available from Park Circus.

From South, Autos are available from Garia, Baghajatin and Jadavpur to Golpark. It’s a two minute walk from Golpark.

Gariahat Market, located on the southeastern flank of Gariahat crossing, was set up in 1937 by the Calcutta Municipal Corporation (now KMC).

Previously, there wasn't any parking facility inside the market and only about 50 cars could be parked outside the compound. Only fish, vegetables and fruits were sold there.

But with the passage of time, the market gradually extended with new shops on the Rashbehari extension that came up in 1947. The parking area has also been extended now and can accommodate up to 150 cars at a time.

The market has also extended towards the Golpark side with sweet shops, electronic goods, jewellery shops, etc. On the southeastern flank, seven new blocks have been added. Hawkers occupy a pretty good number of the shops; some estimates put their numbers at 3000.

The Rashbehari avenue extension is mainly known for its exquisite Kurta-pyjama and sari shops like Adi Dhakeshwari , Select Stores, Benarasi Kuthir, Vasudev Tolaram, Indian Silk House, etc. Most of these shops are there for over 50 years. Footfalls on weekdays are anywhere between 4000-5000 whereas on Saturdays it may go up to 7000.

The new extension in the Golpark area is famous for its gold shops like Senco Jewellers, Anjali Jewellers, Gini Mansion, PC Chandra, Tanishq, etc

Shoppers and visitors to this Gariahat Market are mainly from the middle and upper-middle class. A good number of foreign tourists also visit the market and they are mostly from neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

NEW MARKET (NEW COMPLEX)

Where:-Lindsay StreetHow to reach: - Few minutes’ walk from Esplanade Metro.

The new complex at New Market was opened in 1996 with a five-storied complex offering 75,000sq.ft of retail space. There are over 200 shops on each floor.

On weekdays, an average of 2, 00,000 consumers visit the market and the numbers drop by half on weekends. The main shops are Strawberry (garments), Nahoums (oldest confectionary store), B Motiram (jewellery), Little Shop (kidswear), Chamba Lama (artificial jewellery), Geeta Circle and Sahu. There is parking facility for 250 cars.

Contact details of few famous shops in New Market are:-

Chamba Lama

Block F 58-60, New Market, Kolkata – 700087.

Phone: - (033) 22526408

Nahoums

The Jewish confectioner Nahoum's in the New Market holds a special place in Kolkata confectionery. Founded in 1902, Nahoum's moved to its present location in the New Market in 1916. It was run today by the original owner's grandson, David Nahoum until his death on April, 2013.

Block – F-20, New Market, Kolkata, WB
Phone: - (033) 6526 9936

Strawberry Kids Store

Shop No. A 6/4 Lindsay Street
New Market, Kolkata -700087

Phone: - (033) 22529081

B Motiram

Address: A29-30 & B52-53, New Makert, New Market, New Market, Kolkata, WB 700087

Phone: (033) 2252 1354

CHANDNI MARKET

Where: - Chandni Chawk St, Bow Bazaar, Kolkata, WB

How to Reach:- A few minutes’ walk from Chandni Chowk metro station or Esplanade Metro Station.

Located on Dharmatala Street near Esplanade in Central Kolkata, Chandni Market is spread over an area of 2, 00,000sq.ft and houses over 1,200 shops, mainly dealing in electronic goods. The market stocks metal products and commodities, hardware, paints, clothes, steel trunks/ suitcases, electronic components, audio/ videos, housing/ cabinet etc. Some of the major shops are Nav Ratan Service Centre, Ambar Electronics, Sargam Electronics, Arihant Electronics, Navy Cap Store, Hello Service Centre and PN Mukherjee.

On weekdays, an average of 500,000 consumer visit the market whereas on weekends the numbers are around 100,000.The market has a parking facility only for two-wheelers, the number of vehicles touching 2,500 on weekdays and around 1000 on weekends.

Chandni Market is famous for all small electronical items/gadgets & old reusable electronical products

BURRABAZAR MARKET

Where:- Barabazar,Kolkata.

How to Reach: - A few minutes’ walk from Mahatma Gandhi Metro Station.

Kolkata has one of the biggest wholesale markets in Burrabazar. This oldest wholesale/retail market is located on Mahatma Gandhi Road and it covers over 250,000sq.ft of land area. Burrabazar is the ideal place for wholesale shopping in textiles, groceries and other food items. There are also a good number of renowned retail shops like Jeevan Das Hosiery, Pranjeevan Readymade and Thakurdas Store where consumers can readily buy products at the wholesale price. Food outlets like Rallis, Haldiram, Tewari's, etc also attract all groups of consumers.

The market has around 15,000 shops and on an average 4, 00,000 consumers visit the complex on weekdays and the footfalls goes upto 150,000 weekends.

COLLEGE STREET MARKET

Where:- Five minutes’ walk from Central Metro.

How to Reach:- Ganesh Chandra Avenue to Mahatma Gandhi Road Crossing.

College Street Market is probably Asia's No.1 book market and is a place where one will get almost all kind of books in market spread across 2.5 kilometres. It is also known for its collection of leather goods, footwear, saris, musical instruments, and food and grocery shops.

The market has a shop area of 75,000sq.ft and houses more than 150 shops and 1000 publishers. Major shops include International Book Trust, National Book Store, Dasgupta & Company, Hindustan Library, Nirmal Book Agency, Chakravorty & Chatterjee and 1000 small hawkers who take away about 5,000sq.ft of the shopping area.

On weekdays approximately 19,000 visitors come to the market while on the weekends the numbers increase to around 25,000.

HOW TO GAMBLE LEGALLY IN INDIA?

2013-11-19T21:58:00.001+05:30

Legends like Rahul Dravid and Adam Gilchrist are of the opinion that gambling should be legalized. Oh, yes!! Our government will earn crores of revenue and black money can be restricted to a certain extent, but is betting entirely illegal at this moment?

The law

The Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits running or being in charge of a public gaming house. The penalty for breaking this law is a fine of Rs.200 or imprisonment of up to 3 months. Additionally, this Act prohibits visiting gambling houses. A fine of Rs.100 or imprisonment of up to one month is the penalty. The Information Technology Act 2000 regulates cyber activities in India and prohibits publication or transmission of information that can corrupt people. This includes online gambling and the punishment for such activities is much more serious than for offline gambling operations – the fine is Rs.100,000 or imprisonment up to 5 years.

Then how is betting legal?

Horse racing and dog racing is legal in India. In India, you can bet on skills of horses and dogs, but it is illegal to bet on the skills of Virat Kohli.

Casinos in legal in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Sikkim and Union territory of Daman. There are twelve casinos in Goa, most of them are floating. The Goa government earns around, 100 crores from these casinos every year.

Lottery is legal in India, but it is controlled by the government, any agency who wants to conduct a lottery should be authorized by the government.

Sikkim permits online lotteries operated by Playwin, which takes bets from players throughout India.

INTERVIEW OF RIITIK BABBAR

2013-11-17T18:26:00.000+05:30

Meet Riitik Babbar, an author, who talks about his upcoming book "Unsatisfied Satisfaactionns" which would get released this December… The book has an intriguing title and an exciting synopsis, and you would feel like grabbing a copy!!

Q.1.Unsatisfied Satisfaactionns is your first book so, what are your expectations from your book?

A: Well, being my first novel, I am not expecting to reach stars but I have penned down this book with so many emotions, feelings which I would like my readers to feel. They would decide if my work is worth of appreciation or not. I am just expecting that the readers get to connect with the book and it spreads the importance and true meaning of love around.

Q.2. Tell us something about your upcoming book (Unsatisfied Satisfactionns)?

A: What is the first idea comes in your mind when you hear these two words? I believe that, if a person still loves his/her partner who has left that person long years back and still they both feel satisfied somewhere thinking about each other’s happiness and well-being. We all at times end up breaking up our most beautiful relations. Of course, reasons can be different but the journey of feelings remains the same. The book is about tugging at those emotions which a couple feels while being separated from each other. But, what actually made them to do so and what lead to their satisfactions in life is what worth reading in the book.

Q.3. Share your memorable experience of writing your first book? How difficult it was?What problems did you face being a debutant?

A: Well since the story had come out of my personal experience and the events were and would be very much fresh in my mind, I did not face the difficulties of aligning a perfect picture or story for the readers. This is something which we all feel but often fail or rather skip expressing due to our circumstances. Life is running n so are we with after all. Honestly, it took me only 18 days to pen it down. But, I can tell you this one instance which happened during writing. You know after penning down first few chapters of this, I got skeptic of writing further. I had preserved these feelings since so many years and revealing them to the whole society was appearing as a big risk for me. I showed the written chapters to one of my friends, she only forced me to write ahead and share the story and tell the world that till what extent true love can take you and how it can topple your whole life with time.

Q.4.The title of your book is an oxymoron, why did you choose such a title?

A: I could not think of any other title suiting the emotions, purity of feelings. I simply could fetch the whole essence of the content of my story in these two words of the title.

Q.5. How was your experience with Author`s Empire India (Publisher)? How difficult it is for a debutant to find a publisher?

A: This is the only thing, which took me weeks to decide and get the best one in the market to make your dreams true. Writing is still easy, if you can play with your imagination and thoughts but looking for the best publisher to print your thoughts is the most difficult option for a debutant. Even if the content is such, which can lure any publisher still there are many who don’t consider and value it. I am glad that I could find one of the best publishers in the country “Author’s Empire India to work with and specially Kunal Marathe for being like a friend more than a publisher to me. The whole team has been great since the day I had connected my project with them.

Q.6.Is writing books your hobby or you want to take it as a profession?

A: I am an avid reader, blogger and now a writer. I never thought of writing a novel. This showed up as a way to meet my ownself again. For me, writing is a passion which actually helps you in boosting your confidence, when you are down. It helps you to show your intrinsic emotions. I've surely attained a new perspective while writing it. But for the time being, I am not thinking to take it as a profession. However, I don’t believe in sketching out plans. They anyways don’t work for me so; let’s see where God would take me.

Q.7. Apart from writing, what else do you like?

A: I love interacting with people and knowing their cultures. I have made good friends from different parts of the country. I love football; I follow all the big leagues of the world. I love reading and I try reading different genres to understand different patterns of writing and imaginations. I am also connected with an NGO “Science of Spirituality”.

Q.8. is your book a true story or fiction?

A: It’s my true love story. I have amalgamated it with a bit of fiction so that it does not get away with the message which it leaves on reader’s mind when the book ends.

Q.9.What message would you like to give to budding authors?

A: I would just say one thing; keep chasing your dreams of being a successful author one day. It’s the efforts which would not let you down. If you think good and trust your skills, you would find success coming your way surely.

About the book :

Unsatisfied Satisfactions, a confusing combination of two words, are the feelings when someone close to you, whom you loved the most, is no more in your life but you are still satisfied thinking about that someone’s wellbeing and happiness. You bequeath your happiness to see that person satisfied.

Riitik, a common boy from a Punjabi family, fell in love with Niyati who belongs to a Brahmin family. After a good, unforgettable time spent together and having one of the best love moments anyone could think of, they dreamt of being together to measure every thick and thins of life. They thought that nothing in the world was strong enough to put them apart. No other relation was more important to them than theirs. And they were meant to be for each other truly, madly and deeply.

But then, destiny, which made them meet first, played its game again and things changed with its one Masterstroke.

About the author:

He completed his school from St. Martins, Delhi and graduated from Delhi University in 2006-07. After pursuing a course in Travel and Tourism he started working with travel firms and went on to hold more than five years of experience in the same sector. But, fate had other plans and he ventured into Market and Research industry. It has been two years working with MR professionals now. After gaining a plethora of work experience and satisfaction from his professional life he had never thought that he would become an author someday.
Riitik Babbar currently resides in Delhi and is working for an ITES KPO in MR industry.

Pre-order it :-

Flipkart: http://bit.ly/UnsatisfiedSatisfaactions_FlipkartHS18: http://bit.ly/UnsatisfiedSatisfaactionns

TAXES AND CHARGES OF YOUR RESTAURANT BILL

2013-11-14T01:16:00.000+05:30

Recently, I had a dinner with my friends at a well known restaurant at Kolkata, and believe me the food was not even worth of the taxes I paid for it. Sometimes, we don`t even realize that we are paying more taxes than we should.

Here, I am trying to simplify the taxes and charges you need to pay in India and make sure that next time you visit a restaurant don`t pay even a penny more, even when it’s your first date or your wedding anniversary.

These are following charges levied on your bill amount:-

Service Charge

This is charged by the restaurants for the services rendered to you. Eg: - You are getting your food delivered at your table. According to a recent trend the charges vary from 5-10%. This is equivalent to the tips people usually give to waiters. Though this amount is exclusively for the services it does not represent the full of value of all services rendered by the restaurants.

Tip: - If a restaurant is charging service charge from you, then don`t pay the waiters.

Service Tax

Don`t get confused with service tax and service charge. Service tax is same in all states. It is 12.36% on the 40% of the bill or 4.96% of the bill (Including service charge). The restaurant must be air-conditioned for charging the service tax.

Example:-

Bill amount: 500

Services Charge: (Assuming 8%) 40

Total 540

Service Charge: (4.96%) 27

Total 567

Value added Tax:-

VAT (value added tax) is state specific. The rates are as low as 5% and as high as 20% depending upon the states. Moreover, VAT for food items and drink are different. Many restaurants club food items and drink and charge a flat rate on the total bill. In such cases, it is good to ask for separate bills for food and drinks. On an average, the rate of VAT is 12.5%. Vat is calculated on actual bill amount plus service charge.

Example:-

Bill amount: 500

Services Charge: (Assuming 8%) 40

Total 540

Service Charge: (4.96%) 27

Total 567

Value added Tax (12.5%) 68

Total 635

Cess

If service tax is levied at 4.80% on food and beverage, the restaurant levies an education cess of 2% and an education S&HS cess of 1% on the total bill.

Charity

This is a voluntary payment and the restaurant should take your permission if they charge extra for charity.

Conclusion

If you don`t want to indulge in these complicated calculations. Then it’s simple, if you are paying more than 29.19 or 30% of the bill as taxes, then if you are genuinely getting duped and hoodwinked.

LIFE OF A PROSTITUTE : WILL THEY SEE A RAY OF HOPE?

2013-11-10T16:27:00.000+05:30

Prostitutes of Sonagachi

Change – Our city has witnessed the “CRY FOR CHANGE” a million times but have we really seen the change in our society is debatable, but I can assure you that we have not seen any change for those who are unfortunate, underprivileged, disadvantaged and neglected people of our city. I am talking about the residents of the Premchand Boral Street, one of the Red Light areas of the City. Amidst the fume from the jewellery-crafting cubicles, rickshaws, garbage dumps and dilapidated buildings, garishly dressed women start lining the street every day even before evening sets in.

Kolkata has three famous red light zones, viz.Sonagachi near Liberty Cinema hall, Prem Chand Boral Street commonly known as Harkatagali near B.B. Ganguly St. and College St. Junction and another is at Kalighat,near Chetla Bridge but have we ever thought of the welfare of the areas? No, because the politicians have their share, the local police have their share but they don`t bother to maintain law and order in these areas.

A Ray of Hope

On 1^st November, Hamari Muskan, A Non-governmental Organization, had organized an event at the St. Joseph College for these neglected residents of our city. The chief guest for this event was Helen LaFave, Consulate General of United States of America. The event started with a play by the residents of Premchand Boral Street, titled “Amader Galpo” directed by Suptara Lal. It has been depicted from Ramayana and Mahabharata.It also depicts the pathetic life of girls in our society. Helen LaFave, also inaugurated a photography exhibition, which had photos clicked by children under the guidance if Leena Kejriwal. There was also a recitation by 5 year old kids and a play of Upendrakishore Roy Chowdhury’s Kanayer Kunj. At, last the awards were given to the brave hearts. The event was conducted by the Creative Director of The Telegraph In Schools, Biswanath Dasgupta.

LETO GAAN/JATRA

2013-10-29T18:57:00.000+05:30

Folk song, variant of JATRA, combining dialogue, song, dance, music, and usually performed in the Burdwan /HOOGHLY/BIRBHUM area of WEST BENGAL. NEAR EXTICNT.

Leto performers are classified as sakhi (friend), sangdar (clowns), pathak (reader), and dancers. Adolescent boys perform the part of women. Leto themes include social activities and daily rural life as well as myths, legends, and historical figures and events. As a teenager, KAZI NAZRUL ISLAM belonged to a leto group and wrote Rajputrer Sang, Chasar Sang, and Akbar Badsha in the leto style.

Leto contests are common. Each group is led by Goda Kavi, the master poet. Leto sessions usually take place after the winter harvest when farmers have some respite from work. Leto gan is purely for entertainment. The genre is mainly popular among Muslims, although people of all religions enjoy it.

FACE TO FACE WITH MAMATA SARKAR

Q.1. Tell us your experience about Leto Gaan?

Ans: - I am practising Leto Gaan for over 40-45 years. I am doing it since my marriage. I have learnt it from my husband. Now, I have a team of 10-12 people and we practise Leto gaan. My whole family is involved in Leto Gaan. Leto gaan is a way of living for us.

Q.2. this art form is nearly extinct. So what have you done to revive this culture?

Ans: - We have asked for help from the state government. The government has helped us a lot. I don’t have a son or husband. Government has helped us to promote this culture. Nowadays, there are very few Leto groups. No one searches for the Leto groups.

Q.3. Do you think only few people are coming forward to perform Leto gaan?

Ans: - Yes, no one is willing to come. They don`t get work. What will they do joining it? When my husband used to perform there were no women but now women participation has increased.

Q.4. you mean the present situation of Leto is very terrible and decaying?

Ans: - Yes, this culture is decaying in the present times. No one is trying to save this culture. We are trying our best but I think that is not enough. The popularity of Leto gaan has decreased in recent times. There are very few programs which happen nowadays. We have to resort to 100 days of work under MNREGA Scheme.

Q.5. what is the message for the readers?

Ans: - We should know about Leto gaan. There are very few people who know this art.

ALKAP : A DYING TRADITION

2013-10-27T14:30:00.000+05:30

A traditional form of mass communication from Murshidabad, Alkap was used to raise awareness about social injustices and taboos. Today, however, the lack of financial support and influences of popular culture is rendering the original Alkap almost extinct. Alkap is a folk song and a dance tradition of Bengal. In this form, performers just have a notion of the plot and the actual performance takes place as an improvisation in the manner of Italian "Commedia del Arte." The performers are divided into two groups that evokes a verbal argument and when the limits of oral exchange is reached, the play begins to evoke a sexual humor. Traditionally, the plays were often performed outside the jurisdiction area because of the sexual connotation within the play. Today the roles that men traditionally played in the plays, by cross dressing as women are slowly being taken over by women and traditional tunes are being replaced by Bengali film songs- rendering the original Alkap almost extinct.

Alkap is a form of Bengali folk performance popular in the districts of Murshidabad, Malda and Birbhum in West Bengal and Rajshahi in Bangladesh. It has also spread to the adjoining areas of Jharkhand and Bihar such as Dumka and Purnia. Kaap means ‘kavya’ (verse) and Aal is part of the verse. Alkap is an amalgamation of music, dance and theatrical presentation. An alkap group of ten to twelve performers is led by a sarkar (master) or guru (leader) and includes two or three young men called chhokras, one or two gayens or singers, dohar, choristers, and musicians. Alkap is presented in five parts: Asar Vandana, Chhora, Kaap, Baithaki Gaan and Khemta Pala. The programme is a satirist reflection of rural society and puts the focus on the prevailing socio-economic condition of the rural masses

KARUNA KANTA HAJRA, a 60+ legendary alkap actor, singer performer and guru has started his performance at the age of 12. Over the years he not only kept the tradition of this folk art alive through his outstanding performance, but wrote acted directed various Alkap plays on burning social issues to raise awareness among rural masses of Bengal. Most of the performers of Alkap come from the uneducated poor marginal farmers and day laborers. Karuna babu not only trained these performers the basics of this art form but educated them about various social problems, be it illiteracy, lack of hygiene among rural classes, communal harmony, habitat and environmental destruction, erosion of moral values.. etc through his plays. In his group MAA KALI ALKAP, he used his family members, especially female members to take part in this special art form at a time when women were not allowed to participate in Alkap. At present this legendary guru, who dedicated his whole life to promote Alkap, is living life in abject poverty.

FACE TO FACE WITH KARUNA KANTI HAJRA

Q.1. Tell us about experience of fifty long years?

Ans: - An artist has to face a lot difficulty and pain in his life. This is a family tradition which is continuing generation after generation. Everyone calls our family as “Alkap family”. My sons and daughter has also doing Alkap. My age is now 63+, so I won`t be able to carry on for a long time.

The culture of Alkap is that boys are dressed as girls.

Q.2. Alkap shows the social and contemporary problems of villagers, so what are problems that villagers face nowadays?

Ans: - The difficulties in farming, the sadness of villagers. We don`t get facilities in cities like we get in villages. In olden days, women were tortured a lot. I don`t know about cities, but in villages women used to face a lot of problems. Men used to beat up women, we used to practice Alkap with these issues but now we have changed our issues. We now promote education among women. Women are a very important part of our society.

Q.3. Tell us something about the problems women face in villages? Recently rape cases have risen, so what is the situation in our village or town?

Ans: - Yes, rape cases do happen in villages but they are very few.

Q.4. Tell us the problems of the training process?

Ans: - Yes, we face a lot of problems. For example: - When a new boy joins a group, we have to make him bald, we have to dress him like a women, he has to wear sari, he has to go through a lot of makeup; so very few people join this art.

Q.5. Do you face any kind of monetary problems?

Ans: - Yes, we do face a lot of monetary problems but that does not mean we will forget our culture.

INDIAN TELEGRAM : A REVIEW

2013-10-26T07:27:00.002+05:30

What is a Telegram?

A word Telegram comes from the Greek word Tele which means “distant: and graphein which means “To write”. Telegram is a written message transmitted by using an electric device and a huge web of wires. It is used for long-distance transmission of messages without physical exchange of an object bearing the message.

The Indian Telegraph act, 1985

The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 is a law in India that governs the use of telegraphy, phones, communication, radio, telex and fax in India. It gives the Government of India exclusive privileges of establishing, maintaining and working telegraphs. It also authorizes the government to tap phone lines under appropriate conditions. The latest amendment was done in 2003.

History of Telegram in India

The Indian telegraph department had the sixth largest inland traffic in the world and third longest mileage for telegraph transmission. This is an account of the glorious history of Telegrams.

1850 – The first experimental electric telegraph line was started between Calcutta and Diamond Harbour

1851 – It was opened for use of the East India Company. The posts and Telegraphs department occupied a small corner of the Public works department at that time

1853 – The construction of 4,000 miles (6,400 km) of telegraph lines connecting Kolkata (then Calcutta) and Peshawar in the north along with Agra, Mumbai (then Bombay) through Sindwa Ghats, and Chennai (then Madras) in the south, as well as Ootacamund and Bangalore was started.

1854 - A separate department was opened and telegraph facilities were opened to the public.

1856 – The Telegraph line was expanded to 46 receiving stations.

Pre 1901 – Cable Telegraph was in use.

1902 – First wireless telegraph station between Sagar Island and Sandhead.

at Khadki and Daund. Inaugurated by Lord Irwin on 23 July by exchanging greetings with King George V.

1927 – Radio-telegraph system between the UK and India, with Imperial Wireless chain beam stations

1939 - India had 100,000 miles of telegraph lines carrying 17 million telegraphic messages a year.

1953 - On the occasion of the centenary of the Indian telegraph system, the posts and telegraph department published a book called Story of the Indian Telegraphs: A Century of Progress.

1980s – The Telegram services in India at its peak. Over 1, 00,000 telegrams send from the Delhi every day.

1981 – The Indian Telegraph adopted Store and Forward Transmission (SFT) system. The SFT appended a destination code to telegrams so that they could be relayed without human intervention.

Early 1990s – The Indian Telegraph adopted store and forward message switching system (SFMSS). The SFMSS removed dependence on physical wired links by using overhead transmission towers, set up 40km apart.

Early 1990s – Separation of Postal and Telegraph Services.

2006 - The Web-based telegraphy message system (WTMS) was developed. WTMS uses the Internet for fast and accurate delivery of messages

2013 – State-owned BSNL announced on 12 June 2013 the discontinuation of telegram services from 15 July

A wealth of important announcements has been delivered by means of the telegram. No more so perhaps than the 230-word message sent in October 1947 by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to his counterpart in London, Clement Attlee, informing him that the disputed state of Kashmir had been invaded by Pakistani forces and requesting Britain’s help.

“We have received urgent appeal for assistance from Kashmir government,” it read. “We would be disposed to give favorable consideration to such request from any friendly state.”

4. Man behind Indian Telegram -

William Brooke O’Shaughnessy

William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, the enterprising Irishman, whose life was marked by several innovations, including the Indian telegraph.
O’Shaughnessy would overcome birth into a poor family—in 1809—by excelling in his studies and winning a seat at the prestigious University of Edinburgh. He graduated in medicine in 1829 and then, failing to win a license to practice, opened a private forensic toxicology laboratory.
The doctor’s good work eventually earned him an invitation to join the Bengal Army in Kolkata in 1833 as an assistant surgeon and subsequently, as a professor at the Calcutta Medical College.
Six years later, the doctor would make his next landmark medical discovery. During a meeting of the Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta in 1839, O’Shaughnessy read out his paper, On the Preparations of the Indian hemp, or Gunjah.
In 1841, during a brief trip back to England, the doctor took back with him samples of hemp to be planted at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. Once again, the medical profession took note. Hemp was heralded as a wonder drug and physicians on both sides of the Atlantic experimented with concoctions made from cannabis.
When O’Shaughnessy returned to India in 1844, it was as a Fellow of the Royal Society. With two key discoveries and several medical textbooks behind him, he then focused on his non-medical pursuits.
While an official career move meant that O’Shaughnessy was now assay master at the Kolkata mint in charge of developing a single system of coinage in India, he also dabbled in telegraphy on the side.
His efforts would bear fruit in 1851, when he was officially asked to lay an experimental telegraph line, the first in the country, between Kolkata and Diamond Harbour. It was a success and the doctor was made the first superintendent-general of telegraphs.
The doctor finally left Indian shores in 1860, retired from the medical services in 1862 and disappeared from public eye. He died on 22 January 1892.

The doctor’s first brush with fame came in 1831, when he published a landmark letter in The Lancet, the medical journal, outlining the results of his tests on blood samples from cholera victims. O’Shaughnessy suggested that cholera patients suffered from extreme dehydration and lack of salts in their blood. A more detailed paper would follow that would revolutionize treatment of the disease. Today’s commonplace practice of using re-hydration salts to revive severe diarrhea patients can be traced to O’Shaughnessy’s pioneering work.

In just the first two years, under the doctor’s watch, more than 4,000 miles of line was laid. O’Shaughnessy was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1856.

100 Years of Indian Cinema

2013-10-26T01:48:00.004+05:30

Indian Cinema is now 100 years old. There are few Bollywood movies which revolutionized Indian Cinema. These are some of them.

1. Name - Raja Harischandra (B&W)

Released - 1913

Director - Dhundiraj Govind Phalke

India`s first indigenous silent feature film released on May 3, at the Coronation cinematograph, Bombay. The film had titles in Hindi and English and ran initially for an unprecedented 23 days. The film narrated the story of the King Harishchandra who never told a single lie. The cast was drawn from a single lie. The cast was drawn from non-professionals and although Phalke wanted to cast women in female roles, no women agreed to perform. Phalke made a remake of this film in 1917.

2. Name - Prem Sanyas – The light of Asia

Released - 1925

Director - Franz Osten

Franz Osten, director of the German film production company Emalka made this film with the partnership of Himanshu Rai of Bombay Talkies. The film was based on Edwin Arnold`s Poem “The light of Asia” about Gautama Buddha and narrates the story of Buddha from the time of the birth to hid spiritual awakening under Bodhi tree. Himanshu Rai played the role of Gautama and an Anglo-Indian actress Renee Smith (Seeta Devi) acted as Princess Gopa, Gautama`s wife.

3. Name - Alam Ara (The light of the world)

Released - 1931

Director - Ardeshir Irani

India`s first second film produced by Imperial Film Company was released on March 14 at the majestic cinema in Bombay. The film was made at a cost of Rs. 40,000 and starred artistes like Master Vithal, Zubeida, W.M.Khan, Prithvi Raj kapoor, L.V. Prasad and Yakub. The film is a period fantasy and established the use of music, song and dance as the mainstay of Indian Cinema.

4. Name - Kismet

Released - 1943

Director - Gyan Mukherjee

The Super hit film which ran for 3 consecutive years in the same cinema in Calcutta is an early example of a pre-partition ‘lost and found’ movie. The cast included Ashok Kumar, Mumtaz Shanti, Shah Nawaz, Moti, P.F. Pithawala, Chandraprabha, Kanu Roy, David, Kumari Kamala and Jagannath Aurora. Bombay talkies produced this film.

5. Name - Mother India

Released - 1957

Director - Mehboob Khan

Mother India has come to be regarded as the quintessential Indian film, a new national epic, in particular in its treatment of the essence of the Indian women. It remains hugely popular and was the first Indian film to receive an Oscar nomination for the Best Foreign film. It has a powerful storyline, top stars (Nargis, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar, Raaj Kumar, Kanhaiyalal) and great music by Nausad as well as spectacular visuals. Mother India is the remake of an earlier film Aurat (1940) by the same director, Mehboob Khan.

6. Name - Sahib Bibi aur Gulam

Released - 1962

Director - Abrar Alvi

Taken from a classic Bengali novel by Bimal Mitra, the story is set in the 19^th century zamindari mileu of the Choudhary household. It is seen through the eyes of the lower-class but educated Bhoothnath (Gurudutt) who arrives in colonial Calcutta in search of employed. The performance by Meenakumari, Waheeda Rehman, Gurudutt were the highlights of the film.

7. Name - Sholay

Released - 1975

Director - Ramesh Sippy

Massively popular adventure film shot in 70mm. India`s best known ‘curry’ western patterned on Italian westerns with admixtures of romance, comedy, feudal costume drama and musicals. The film also stands on the performances of the five major artists – Dharmendra, amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malani and Amjad Khan. The film`s greatest foundation is its script and dialogue by Salim-Javed.

8. Name - Qaymat Se Qaymat tak

Released - 1988

Director - Mansoor Khan

The biggest box-office hit of 1988 which gave life to glossy teen romances shot in advertising styles. The film combines a Romeo and Juliet theme with the standard Nasir Hussain pop musical. The Aamir khan – Juhi Chawla starrer rapidly became a cult among the college crowd. IT got the National award for Best Popular Film.

9. Name - Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Released - 1998

Director - Karan Johar

The film is developed around a college romance, with the hero, Rahul, forsaking his tomboy of best friend Anjali, with whom he has never associated any romantic notions for the more sophiscated any romantic notions, for the more sophisticated Tina. After Tina`s death, he brings up whole life. Unbeknown to him, Tina left their daughter, named after Anjali, eight letters, one to be given to her each year on her birthday by Rahul`s mother. The letters reveal that Tina realized that Anjali was in love with Rahul, who could have fallen in love with her, and she asks her daughter to reunite her father with Anjali, who becomes her life goal. The film is blessed with brilliant performances by the premier artiases-Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukherjee, good music and excellent choreography.

The film won National award for Best film with Mass Appeal and Aesthetic Value.

10. Name - 3 Idiots

Released - 2009

Director - Rajkumar Hirani

Vital issues like career aptitude and a progressive approach to education were spotlighted by Hirani in his film with his assured mix of emotional and hilarious moments. The film remains the industry`s first film to rake over Rs.200crores in net collections.

"Like it happened yesterday" by Ravinder Singh

2013-10-23T04:26:00.000+05:30

Name : Like it happened yesterday

Author : Ravinder Singh

Publisher : Penguin India

Price : Rs. 140

Ravinder Singh, author of best-sellers like I too had a love story and can love happen twice? comes out with another book called “Like it happened yesterday”. It is a fiction and portrays the exquisite expedition of our school days.

It is a realistic and sensible novel and you can associate many episodes with your childhood. He also talks about passionate questions regarding ’how a child takes birth’ which had given him sleepless nights. The book portrays the joy and ecstasy of the growing up, your first crush, board exams, good and bad company, the pain of injections, black and white television, childhood fantasies, strange discoveries and parental pressure. It’s an action packed book and the plot moves at a reasonable speed. The characters in book are strong, realistic and appealing. One can easily relate to the characters in the novel. It is an easy read and it is not only targeted towards the youth but also every individual who wants to go back to their school days.

You can`t expect much from the book. There`s no trill in the book,it has a formless conclusion but you can still have a wonderful journey of your childhood with Ravinder Singh.

Ravinder Singh`s works like “I too had a love story” and “Can love happen twice” will be always close to readers heart but this is a book which is meant to be read and forgotten in a few days. The book is presented in an exceptional manner. It has a magnificent cover picture designed by Getty Images. If you want to go back to your good old days of your school life, then grab it and refresh your mind.

Ratings: - 3/5

About the author:-

Ravinder Singh, the bestselling author of I Too Had a Love Story and Can Love Happen Twice? has now come up with his third book Like It Happened Yesterday, based on his childhood that he has spent in Burla, a small town in western Orissa. Ravinder Singh had started his career with an IT company but his destiny brought him into writing. He is currently based in New Delhi and has chosen writing as his full time career.

Purulia Chhau - West Bengal

2013-10-22T08:25:00.002+05:30

The Chhau dance of Purulia district is one of the most vibrant and colourful art forms. Emerging from martial practice, the Purulia Chhau is a vigorous form of dance drama that draws its themes from the two great Indian epics, The Ramayana and The Mahabharata.

Masks and elaborate headgear are the ornamental apparels of the Chhau dancers. The dance is believed to date back to over a century, though the specific date of its origin cannot be definitely ascertained. The dance was patronised by the royalty and landlords of the region. Since its inception, the members of the Mahato, Kurmi, Bhumija, Deowa, Bhuama and Dom communities have sustained this dance form. The dance is an essential part of the Gajan Festival, a festival that celebrates the glories of Lord Shiva. Today, the dance is no longer restricted to one particular time of the year.

Face to Face with JODHARAM KUMAR

Q.1. Tell us something about the popularity of chau dance?

Chau dance is popular all over the world. I have been to china in the year 2009 and France in the year 2007. This dance form has started over 100 years ago and now it is popular all over the world.

Q.2. the chau dance of purulia is much in demand.Is there any specific reason for it?

The chau of purulia is much in demand because of its “Mukosh” The weight of the “Mukosh” is 14 kgs. We do it in a traditional way.

Q.3. I see some young students in your team. So, it is difficult to teach young students?

Ans: - The students are very dedicative. They do their studies, they do programmes at night. They also do farming. So, it is not difficult to teach but yes it takes a lot of time in teaching this chau dance. It takes atleast six years for a person to get the basics of this art form.

Q.4. the students are involved in a lot of activities. So, when do you practice for it?

During summer we practice it in the evening at 4 p.m. while in winter we practice it early in the morning at 4 a.m. In our village, we don`t get 24 hr electricity but we have to fight those odds and move forward.

Q.5. Do you have any financial problems? Does government help you in any way?

Ans : - It’s were difficult to make a living out of art form. We don`t get any help from the government financially. After crossing 30, a person faces a lot of problems in doing chau dance but when a person is in the age group of 15-30, he can do it easily. So, government should give something to the artists who are above 30 years.

BOHURUPEE - WEST BENGAL

2013-10-21T22:38:00.000+05:30

BOHURUPEE SUBAL DAS BAIRAGI

Bohurupi literally means to imitate different kind of forms that make a man of special character. It’s a rural art that has been prevalent for almost 200 years. In an era of glamour and grandeur, this oldest form of art is still breathing at the hands of some doyens in this field. Among them, Shri Subal Bairagi, is perhaps the last living legend. With his meticulous touch of fingers, various entities mostly mythological as well as historical emerged lively in the body of this legendary artist, who at the end of the make-up visit various places including temple area to earn something to support his family.

A class IV drop out, Subal babu’s inspiration was the famous SRINATH BOHURUPI, a famous fictitious character in Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s popular novel Srikanta. Over the years Subal babu trained many youngsters in this rural art form, but now this septuagenarian artist laments that, once a popular entertainment in the rural areas, is now on the brink of elimination mainly due to apathy and disregard of the local administration and continuous oppression of superficial entertainment. But where unpredictability is part and parcel of their ill-fated life, a glimmer of hope of earning some money through the revival of this ancient folk art is still an inspiration to these hapless fellows to ensure their honorable livelihood in the future. Only this hope resonate in their minds again and again that make them grit and confident to subjugate odds in their life.

FACE TO FACE WITH BAHURUPEE SUBAL DAS BAIRAGI

Bahurupee Subal Das Bairagi

Q.1. How did you got inspired to be a Bohorupi?

Ans: - I had read a novel called Srikanta and I was inspired by the character of Srinath Bohurupi in the novel. After that I decided to take up Bahurupee as my career. To learn this art you need to be an all-rounder. One needs good education, good training to learn this art.

Q.2. Do you get enough support from the government?

After the CP(I)M govt. came to power, we got recognised and we could give stage performances. Before we could not do anything we used to roam about in villages.

Q.3. Tell us about your life when you were young?

Ans :- Earlier I used to be in Jatra groups of Kolkata. I used to perform roles of women but later I left it because of poverty. I am a person from a very poor background. I had lost my father a very young age. With this art form I have got a lot of love and respect from people and from government. I have done programs at many places like Washington, London, Germany and Russia, Bangalore, Jaiput, the whole of West Bengal. I am still practising it.

Q.4. Are young students coming forward to take up this art?

I am sad about it that no one is coming forward to take up this art form. This art is very tough. It needs a lot of patience. I am carrying on this art for a long time and will carry on in future. This is my profession, my pride and my respect. This is a very beautiful art form. This is nothing small. If there was a school then, I would have taught it. I don`t have the money to make a school but if someone comes forward I will definitely help out but one needs to be committed and determined about learning this art. One needs to be addicted to this art form. Many people ask if I have any student or not but I say them that I am still a student. I am still learning.

Q.5. What is your take on reality shows?

I have gone to various TV shows and reality shows but there is lot of politics happening there.

Q.6. Do you find it is difficult to carry on this art form at this old age?

Now it is very difficult to carry on. I am now 72 years old. It is very difficult to carry on now. My family members and relatives are always excited and eager to see my performance at my old age

SPICMACAY`s 1st International Convention at IIM-Calcutta

2013-10-21T13:53:00.002+05:30

Auditorium at Indian Institute of Management

On 19^thMay 2013, I entered the exquisite campus of Indian Institute of Management, Joka with my colleagues. The enthusiasm was at its zenith when we were passing through the magnificent lakes and attractive teaching blocks. We headed towards the Ramanujan Hostel where we did our registration and here we get our delegate card. It seems very exciting and exhilarating to be a one of the two thousand delegates coming from all over the world at the 1^st International Convention organized by Spicmacay but life of a delegate is not as simple as we considered it to be. We were not allowed to use mobile phones or any electronic gadgets during the convention time (3:45 – 10:15). We could use our mobile phones only after 10:15.

A typical schedule followed by the delegates

Timings	Assignments
03:45 am	Wake up
4:00 am – 6:00 am	Naad Yog
6:00 am – 7:00 am	Hatha Yog
7:00 am – 7:30am	Sharamdaan
7:30 am – 8:45 am	Personal Time and Breakfast
8:45 am - 9:00 am	Movement Time
9 :00 am – 12:00 pm	Intensives
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm	Lunch
12 :45 pm – 01 :00 pm	Movement Time
01 :00pm – 5 :00 pm	Folk/Threatre/Cinema Classic/Talk
05:00pm – 5:45 pm	Dinner
5:45pm – 6:00 pm	Movement Time
6:00pm - 7:45 pm	Concert
7:45pm – 9:45 pm	Concert
9:45pm – 10:00 pm	Light Snack
10:15 pm	Lights off

For the next seven days, we had to wake up at 3:45 am and do Naad Yoga and Hath Yoga. There were five different kinds of yoga with five different gurus. The different gurus were :-

. Ustad Baha`ud`din Mohiuddin Dagar – Rudra Veena
Shri Subhumoy Bhattarchya
Dr. Prem Sagar
Vidushi Kapila Venu – Yoga through Kottiyatam
Professor P L Dhar – Mindfulness
Swami Tyagraj and Swami Yogapratap

Governor of West Bengal at Opening Ceremony

After three hours of yoga we had to do Shramdaan. Many of you would wonder what this shramdaan is. It means you have to pick items waste items from the Indian Institute of Management Campus and dump it in proper dustbins. Next, we got personal time bathing, washing our clothes and getting ready for breakfast and then the intensives.

Exactly at 9 am each delegate has to take part in any one of the 38 intensives available on Indian art and craft form. There were eleven types of dance forms, seven forms of Vocals, Eighteen types of Craft forms and many others like Mindfulness, Puppetry, Yoga and Pandwani. These three hours long intensives were practiced every day and on the final day each group gave a presentation of their work on stage.

A foreign delegate

After lunch, we had to attend concerts which included Folk songs, theatre and talk on painting. One day we were shown Bhuvan Shome by Mrinal Sen. We had to again attend concerts from 6 pm – 10 pm. Life became little more difficult because we were not enjoying the concerts but also covering it for TTIS. It was not an easy job and it was one of the most difficult assignments I have ever done for TTIS.

When I used to return to my hostel room around 11 pm every day, I had to call up other reporters who were covering this event and make a note for everyday`s progress and plan for the next day. I hardly got any sleep for these few days but I won’t deny that I would not forget this week ever in my lifetime.

AN INSPIRATIONAL BIOGRAPHY OF SAINA NEHWAL

2013-03-08T23:35:00.001+05:30

HOMEGROWN CHAMPION

Name : Saina Nehwal : An Inspirational Biography
Author : T.S. Sudhir
Publisher : Nimby Books
Price : Rs. 250

Coming from a middle-class family, Saina Nehwal fought with devotion and courage to reach the place where she is now. This book is the story of the Haryana Girl, who became a sensation as an international badminton player. This is the first biography of Saina Nehwal, came out just before her winning the Olympic medal. It is written by journalist, T .S. Sudhir of NDTV. It has an amazing cover picture. The book of 231 pages in available in paper-back option.

The language is easy to catch. It has a modest beginning but in the later parts you are sure to get goosebumps. Saina, who was born in Hisar was only eight years old when her father was relocated at Hyderabad to join the NG Ranga Agricultural University. With months of landing there, the girl caught the eye of badminton coach at the Lal Bahadur Indoor Stadium. The book also tells us about the badminton infrastructure available in the country. The book has given special emphasis on the year 2010, which was Saina`s most successful year. Saina is seen as a role model for thousands of girls wanting to make it big in badminton and other sports. This book is also an account of her rise as a champion with the selfless support of her parents - Dr. Harvir Singh, an agricultural scientist, and Usha Rani - and the dedication of her coaches. The story also unfolds against the backdrop of Indian badminton fighting against the backdrop of Indian badminton fighting to earn its place in the country which worships only cricket.

The whole book appealing to the readers and you should grab it if you have fascination about sports but you don`t need this if you have followed Saina Nehwal minutely from the time she came into limelight. The book was released before London Olympics. Had it been released after the London Olympics it would have been more relevant as Nehwal got her biggest achievements in the Olympics. The Price of the book is less and affordable.

Ratings :- 3/5.

IT HAPPENED IN INDIA - KISHORE BIYANI

2013-03-07T20:47:00.001+05:30

STRUGGLE TO THE TOP

Name : It Happened In India
Author : Kishore Biyani with Daipayan Baishya
Publisher : Rupa & Co.
Price : Rs. 195

It Happened in India is written by Kishore Biyani also known as the Rajah of Retail is the founder of Pantaloons, Big Bazaar and Central. This book of 280 pages is an autobiography of Kishore Biyani who was born in a middle class trading family and started his career selling stone-wash fabric to small shops in Mumbai and years later, he founded Pantaloons, Big Baazar and Central.

The Book has an amazing cover designed by Idiom and one can`t stop staring at it. The Book also contains views, comments and judgments by Kishore`s colleagues, associates and acquaintances. The Book starts with the concept of Sabse Sasta Din and its success followed by the launch of Pantaloons and Big Bazaar. The Book not only mentions Kishore Biyani`s success but his failures also. He had produced two films to promote the brand pantaloons but both the movies flopped at the box office.

The Book also mentions about the secret of success in the retail sector, the future challenges and competition. One should grab this book if he/she is interested to know about the rise of retail sector in India. The Book has been written keeping in mind the youth of India. The detailed Book is clearly a work of painstaking passion. The book is written in a simple and demotic language and it is very easy to catch. This book is very inspiring for the youth of India. It is also informative and educative to a certain extend. It conveys a message to the readers and it is appealing for the youth of India and anyone who is associated with the retail sector but few areas of the book is a bit weak and a lot of views and comments of other people makes the readers confused. The subject matter which was written by Kishore Biyani should have been more but the overall it is a good read. This book may be useful for those who want to set up outlets for selling products in India. The Price of Book is quite less and affordable.

Rating :- 3.5/5

Book Review - “Till the Last Breath” by Durjoy Datta

2012-11-05T01:20:00.002+05:30

Finally, Durjoy Dutta, who needs no introduction, comes up with a Book which has a short title. Published by grapevine publishers, the Book has a decent cover page. Well, I must say this is the best work of Durjoy Dutta.

The Story deals with five major characters – Arman Kashyup, a genius doctor, Zarah Mirza, another doctor and two patients Pihu Malhotra and Dushyant Roy, both admitted in room no. 509 and Kajal Khurana, Dushyant`s ex-girlfriend. Every chapter of the book is named after any of the five characters.

Pihu Malhotra, who is a brilliant first year medical student, is suffering from a Lou Gehrig`s disease, which is incurable. It leads to a painful death. The second patient of room no. 509 Dushyant is a twenty-five year old drug addict whose organ system is shutting down. Both the doctors Arman and Zarah put their medical licenses at risk.

Dushyant was hostile towards Pihu but she was a brilliant medical student and diagnosed Dushyant`s disease, which well known doctors like Arman and Zarah couldn’t do. As time passed by there is a bond between Pihu and Arman, they go for a date. Zarah is also attracted towards Dushyant and she reveals few of her secrets to Dushyant. Will the patients be cured by the brilliant doctors? Will the doctors lose their licenses? Grab your copies to know about it.

The Book has a lot of twists and turns. It’s really interesting and a complete page turner. I completed it in less than six hours. Though, I was a bit disappointed by the bad paper quality and some major printing mistakes. I would rate it 3.8/5. Go for it guys!!! Worth reading!!

Daydreaming

2012-10-30T16:15:00.001+05:30

Daydream is a vision fantasy, especially one of happy, pleasant thoughts, hopes or ambitions, imagined as happening, and experienced while awake. There are many types of daydreams, and there is no consistent definition among psychologists. The public also uses the term for a broad variety of experiences. It is found that people who experience vivid dream-like mental images reserve the word for these, whereas many other people refer to milder imagery, realistic future planning, and review of past memories.

While daydreaming is a lazy, non-productive pastime, it is now commonly acknowledged that daydreaming can be constructive in some contexts. There are numerous examples of people in creative or artistic occupations, such as composers, novelists, and filmmakers, developing new ideas through daydreaming. Similarly, research scientists, mathematicians have developed new ideas by daydreaming about their subject areas.

Recent research showed that most daydreams are about ordinary, everyday events and help to remind us of mundane tasks. Research also showed that over 75% of workers in "boring jobs" such as lifeguards and truck drivers, use vivid daydreams to "ease the boredom" of their routine tasks. According to the research, less than 5% of the workers' daydreams, involved explicitly sexual thoughts and that violent daydream were also uncommon.

Other recent research has also shown that daydreaming, much like night-time dreaming is a time when the brain consolidates learning. Daydreaming may also help people to sort through problems and achieve success. Research with fMRI shows that brain areas associated with complex problem solving become activated during daydreaming episodes.

If we were a bit optimistic then daydream is period when we think pleasant things for a period, usually about things that you would like to happen. It is a wishful creation of imagination.

Interview of Leema Dhar (Author of Best-Selling novel "Till we meet again")

2012-10-25T09:15:00.000+05:30

Leema Dhar (born 1993, Allahabad), 2nd year student of Humanities in Allahabad University; completed her ISC from St. Mary's Convent. She left her AIEEE for her creative passion. Her debut fiction, 'Till We Meet Again' is a National Bestseller. Her first anthology of Hindi poems was 'Kuch Lafz Naqab Mein' (2007), second in English 'For the Hundred Tomorrows' (2010). She was nominated consecutive second time for Hindustan Times Women Achiever Awards (2011 & 2012). This is her second fiction that's thrilling yet has a pinch of romance in it. She's currently working as a freelancer in numerous creative projects.

Besides enjoying creativity, her interest lies in psychology, an avid reader of romance and thriller. She loves singing, painting and travelling and along with becoming a writer, she wants to be one of the finest travelogues. Her greatest inspiration has been the Andaman Islands, giving her an inexplicable life, the darker hue of love.

Read the Interview of Best-selling author Rochak Bhatnagar

Read an exclusive interview of Leema Dhar

Q.1. Your first book "Till we meet again" is a Best-seller, So what do you expectation from your second Book "Mom and I love a terrorist: Can Love Happen with a man in Dark"? What is your reaction on the response on your second Book, till now?

A1. I never expected that the ‘Till We Meet Again’ being my debut fiction, would become a National Bestseller so soon. I’m glad that I've been able to create an impact on my readers, and they prefer platonic love over physical love or sex. When I started writing this novel, I’d one thing on my mind running on ‘Will today’s generation accept stories that are platonically romantic and have a pinch of haunting element in it?’ But now all my doubts have been cleared as I’m getting huge and overwhelming response not only for my first novel but my next fiction too- ‘Mom and I Love A Terrorist’. I knew that if my readers have liked my first fiction, they’ll surely enjoy the journey of my next fiction too. It’s kind of a serious fiction with a pinch of romance. It deals in issues of a terrorist and the society. I’m happy to get a wide response of people of India and other countries too appreciating the fiction that has the catchy title with it. The fan mails and communication have been great up-til now and the sale is picking up its peak. It’s been a journey worthwhile.

Q.2. Share your memorable moments while penning down the Book "Mom and I love a terrorist"

A2. Terrorism is the most burning topic in our society. Bankura, being our ancestral home, the Maoist attack and rebellion movements are flooding Midnapur to Bankura - Purulia. I visit Kolkata thrice a year. My staying there with my aunt (paternal sister, Ms. Reena Chakroborty, the public prosecutor of Bankura); I've seen lots happening in the region in the field of Maoism, even the Gyaneshwari blast haunted me over the months. It was totally subdued in my subconscious mind, and it suddenly took a turn when I visited Andaman Islands. The essence of my second fiction ‘Mom And I love A Terrorist’ is both literary and popular. So that it attracts readers of both classes. The first time I came up with the idea of jotting a story based on Terrorism, I was in Andaman. So the story is basically set up in the backdrop of this beautiful Islands. Andaman, by far has been a place that is close to my heart somehow. While I was busy traveling and sightseeing there I realized how much I was in love with the sea and the horizon, the seclusion of the island and the peaceful aura that it's surrounded with. My journey to the island has been the most memorable uptil now. I remember telling dad (who is also a best selling Bengali author, popularly known as 'Kaalpurush') ‘I feel I’ve been here before. As if I’ve known living in the seas and skies for long’ While the other tourists stayed away in fear, I had shaken hands with the tribal men ‘Jarawas’ and they smiled back for some unknown reason! Andaman has been the second inspiration (dad being my first) which will stay with me for a lifetime.

Q.3. You had a creative passion, from a young age, so who would you like to give credit for your success at an young age? Tell us some memorable incidents of your childhood?

A3. I’d started writing at the age of three, when I was too young, so undoubtedly the credit of making ‘ME’ who I AM today goes to my lovely parents, mom and dad. While I inherited the gene of becoming both a poet and an author from my dad, Samir, I’ve been blessed with the innocence and calm philosophies of mom, Mausami, Assistant Teacher in St Mary’s Convent, Allahabad. If I’m a name today, then they are the pillars on whom I stand! My universe revolves around both because they’ve been the ones who willingly acknowledged my decision of leaving engineering and entering into the creative world, when most people told me ‘This is a risky profession!’ They trusted me with my writings and have brought out a completely different ‘Leema’ today.

I’d been a complete introvert when I was small. I recall an incident when few of our relatives came to my place, and I locked myself up in a room for three hours (in spite of mom begging me to come out) until they left. Then dad came up to me and said ‘If you want to become a writer, you should learn to interact with people. Because though a writer works in seclusion, they work towards the upliftment of the society. Your world is waiting for you', and that was the time when I realized its time I should take up what I wanted too and give it my best. I remember I never asked for any pocket money from my parents, because each month I spent at least a thousand for buying books that I love to read, so somewhere I knew I would be short of pocket money! However, the whole journey from my childhood to now has been close to my heat because I’ve seen my transformation as a poet to a fiction writer.

Q.4. You started off by writing poems, in both English and Hindi and then wrote two fictions in the same year. Would you like to concentrate on poetry in future?

A4. The sad demise of eminent and towering personality Sunil Gangopadhyay, in Bengali literature, came to me as a shock as I was so impressed by his poems (Poems for Neera), fictions, short stories, etc.; he started off as being a poet and then moved off to write fictions and more. My dad regularly discusses about his stories and writings.

And I must say that there’s no mankind without poetry. A change from a poet to a fiction writer has been a metamorphosis for me and later realized that due to my knack in poetry initially my prose in fiction has a lyrical flavour in it, the reason why the readers are fond of my fictions so much. There’s this benefit that an author, by his works, can create their own readers who are a mix of both common men and literary class, but the essence of poetry is basically understood by critiques and people of high literary knowledge because a poet conveys various emotions at the same time. In fiction you’ve the scope of conveying your emotion and feelings in a broad way that appeals to the mass. Though, I would love to continue my love for poetry in future too.

Q.5.. Do you have any plans to pen down a book in Bengali?

A.5.. At present I'm just concentrating on my English fictions as it has a vast readership as compared to any other languages and frankly the command that I have in English is enough for me to write flawlessly as far as my effort is concerned. My dad always asked me to focus on one particular language to enhance creativity. So, I can say at present Bengali is not my cup of tea. Though I've received several offers for the translation of my debut fiction in Bengali, I'm getting mails from my Bengali readers to get it translated in their language. So, in near future I'll surely decide for my works to be translated in Bengali, one of the sweetest languages in the world.

Q.6. Tell us something about your upcoming fictions?

A.6.. The third fiction that has already been finished is tentatively titled ‘THE GIRL WHO KISSED THE SNAKE’. It’s a wild revengeful story with added romance, where the readers would love and hate the protagonist at the same time. I’ve tried a completely different genre this time that shows both the soft and evil part of love and revenge. I hope this will get the same appreciation from the readers as my previous two fictions. The fourth fiction that I’m currently working on is a pure literary work (title yet to be decided) its deals in both practicality and fantasy.

Q.7. Your first fiction was published by Diamond Books and second one by General Press, so tell us your experience with your publishers?

A.7. I’d initially begun with a painful journey when I started getting rejections and rejections earlier this year. But all of a sudden my life took a 360-degree turn when I got seven proposals for my debut fiction ‘Till We Meet Again’ altogether. In the middle of May I was about to sign a contract with an esteemed publication house in Mumbai, but then I got a sudden call from the CEO of Diamond Books, Mr. Narendra Kumar Verma, who convinced me over the phone with half an hour chats, and I ended up signing with his esteem publication without a second thought. He’s a great mentor for the budding authors. He gave me the platform to start my journey with ‘TILL WE MEET AGAIN,’ which is now history.

I had a memorable experience while working with General Press, for my second fiction ‘Mom and I love A Terrorist’ for which I got several offers. But CEO of General Press, Mr. Azeem Ahmad Khan, known as a great mentor for young authors, offered to publish my book within two months. His generosity and guidance have made me reach both the common people and the literary class.

So, I’m obliged that both Mr. N.K. Verma and Mr. Mr. Azeem Ahmad Khan have parented my creativity in their own way.

Q.8. You wrote two books in a short span, would you like to take writing as your core profession?

A.8. Undoubtedly, Yes! I’d finished my debut fiction at the end of last year and the second by the end of May this year. I’m in a full mood to create stories based on reality and imaginations and give my best to surprise my readers each time. In fact, I’ve taken up English Literature and Psychology as my subjects in graduation as both would provide vital for my works in the future. As an avid reader of contemporary fictions and some of the literary works by great writers, I would dedicate my complete being to be a writer.

Q.9. what is your passion apart from writing?

A.9. I love reading. As I mentioned above I’m an avid reader of books of different genres. I’m aspired to become one of the finest travelogues too and if possible a psychologist too!

Q.10. How has life changed after the success of your books?

A.10. Success is a broad term that's closely associated and is directly proportional to commitment, dedication and responsibility towards your readers who expect you to surprise them each time with your works. As a writer I think success will automatically arrive at your doorstep when you work sincerely. So, I'm just focusing on my fourth coming projects one by one and accepting few works of freelancing for writing columns. Though, I hardly sleep for four hours a day, I'm still enjoying each moment because this is all I've ever wanted to be. And over and above I'm grateful to God that he's been compassionate towards me that I'm still grounded and try to give my best with each of my fictions.

Q.11. How do you deal with your critics?

A.11. I've never thought about the critics. So I never really had to deal with them. As a writer one should accept both the positive and negative responses A writer expresses his emotions through his books. And beyond that once the book is out I prepare myself to welcome any kind of feedback and keeping the significant words of critics in mind, I try to work better each time.

Q.12. Who is your Favorite book and author?

A.12. I’ve grown up reading Ruskin Bond. ‘Friends in small places’ and ‘Angry River’ are my favourites and of course ‘THE NAMESAKE’ by Jhumpa Lahiri that’s been an inspiration for me with its wonderful narration. Currently, I’ve enjoyed reading the vampire ‘Twilight’ series by Stephanie Meyer and the erotic trilogy ‘Fifty shades of Grey’ by E.L. James.

Q.13. Any message that you like to give to the budding authors?

A.13. First, those keen to entering the creative field, should know that this is a 'big bad world'. It’s initially full of rejections and disapproval and if you lack faith in yourself and family support then one may even land up in depression. When I left engineering (AIEEE) to enter this field, many people then told me that I’m on the wrong way. However, God has been kind enough to prove them all wrong! A little bit of belief in self, dedication towards work and honesty in your dreams can make you reach heights. Once established, one must continue working if they plan to take it up as a core profession. Frankly, enough, I don’t remember sleeping more than three four hours a day after my two fictions were out in the market; establishment comes with responsibility, and I’m used to it now, so now I’m focusing on my writing and along with that my mainstream studies. Being a writer is being the voice of people. So one should work, not only for fame and money’ but for society and people and live each day with a world of thoughts and imaginations. Being a writer if not different, it's just observing differently. So, hold on to your breath and start off with the ride. Those keen to become an author, can reach heights if you trust yourself and convince your family for the support. You are sure to live up to expectations and live your dreams! Wish you good luck!

If You liked this interview, then please leave a comment for Leema

In Conversation with Rochak Bhagnagar (Author of "Love happens only once, rest is just life")

2012-10-05T00:49:00.001+05:30

Q.1. Tell us something about your childhood days?

Ans : From my childhood only, I was an ardent reader. From what I can remember, I have lived my ‘bachpan’ in the era of comics. I used to read Chacha Chaudhry, Billu and Pinki comics. Famous Five, Hardy Boys and Harry Potter series were my all time favorite too.

Q.2. Share your memories while penning down your book `Love happens only once, rest is just life`?

Ans: I think two things have influenced me to write. Firstly, as a child I was an ardent reader. I was writing the novel since the last one year, but I did not have any specific desire of getting into the writing business. When my friends were busy chatting and bunking lectures to watch a movie, I was penning my novel. I just wrote the incidents that came to my mind randomly. I got my inspirations from everything around me, all the people around me, almost everything I saw and observed. I apprehended everything around me and let my pen run loose. And finally the day came when it came into the market and it felt like I have achieved everything in life which was bigger than any achievement.

Q.3. How has life changed after your success ?

Ans: It is always exciting to see your name as an author on a book and your work being read by the world. Isn’t it? So the feeling was too good, holding my book in my hand. The happiness could be compared to that of a mother holding her new born baby! I do get a lot of mails from eager readers from across the country. My friends treat me like a mini celebrity!

Q.4. Finding a published for a debut novel is indeed a tough job? How did you deal with it?

Ans : Being a debutant writer, I was a bit hesitant about the acceptance of my writing. But, I actually enjoyed the experience of penning the novel. It took me over six to eight months to get a publisher. But it’s relatively easy now with too many publishing agencies cropping up in India.

Q.5. Who is your inspiration?

Ans: My parents. My mom and dad, for their never ending love and instilling in me the confidence that I could achieve anything I wanted. The strength and courage they provided me throughout my growing days have led me to become the person I am today

Q.6. Are you working on your next book?

Ans: Yes. I am working on my second one, a sequel to ‘Love happens only once’. Let’s hope for the best!

Q.7. What kind of books do you generally read? Who is your all time favorite author?

Ans: Well taking up the name of any one particular author is a bit difficult. But, I would never hesitate picking up books by Dan Brown.

Q.8. Is your book a True story or a Fiction?

Ans: Now that’s a tough question! Well its part true, part fiction.

Q.9. Well, how do you deal with critics?

Ans: It is always good to know what people think about your work. If they don’t have an opinion, then that means you are not being noticed. I try to address each critic in the best manner possible. Fortunately though, most of the opinions on the book have been positive. Of course, tastes vary and not everybody likes the same thing. People have different likes and dislikes. Some may like it or some might think I have wasted my and their time.

Q.10. Any message for our readers?

Ans: Journey of life started with a full bag of luck and an empty bag of experience. The goal is to fill the bag of experience before the bag of luck gets empty. Get down and start writing. And never try to write something that does not come from your heart. Don’t care about the future, live your present to the fullest.

Buy this book from flipkart :-

http://www.flipkart.com/love-happens-only-once-rest-just-life-9380914183/p/9789380914183?pid=9789380914183&ref=3797d343-01d7-4a51-a11c-36c633b583f0&srno=m_1_1&otracker=from-search

Stories that touch your soul

2012-10-01T03:14:00.000+05:30

Hi, I am Tanusha,

Well, to start with I am from loreto convent School, Entally. I have a bro and a sister. Sister is married and is staying in Delhi with her spouse with my mom and bro is studying in Delhi. My daddy works in Dubai. He is a camp-boss there. Hence, I am staying in alone in kolkata, so I was put in loreto boarding and I have a sole touching story to share.

It was Tuesday and we were woken up by the matron in the morning as usual. My bed partner,Juliana and I struggled to open our eyes while the matron kept ringing the bell besieged our ears, but the moment we heard the mistress door knob open we jumped off our beds to show as if we were the first to get up and obeyed the bell, which seemed like a funeral bell. We made our beds and ran down, entered the dressing room. Oh no !!! Not again. It was winter and we had to have bath with the chill cold water early in the morning at 5 a.m. It took a lot of courage to go underneath the shower, took Jesus and Mother Mary`s name and managed to gather some courage and rushed under the shower. Soon we were done with the bath.

Now as I came out there friend Juliana Samuel in short Julie.. busy searching something in my box. I went there with a giggle `What are you trying to rob from my box, huh???` She answered with a slight tensed face `I had kept my clips in your box yesterday, don't you remember? I cant find them` and then with a slight smile closed my box and took out her clips which was under the newspaper( Thats were I had replaced it, so don't think I am a robber).
Soon we were out by 6, then we rushed for the morning mass, as pillu oops Phylli - Principal cum Mistress was waiting outside the church for us. The mass was so boring that I literally dozed off to sleep, but since sleeping was not allowed. I tried to drive my mind into some interesting thoughts. That time some stupid thoughts struck my mind, like where is this so called heaven? Does it really exist? Where do souls go after living there body? As I lost in all those thoughts the mass seemed to get over faster ever (Even though it ended at the usual time)

Soon after the mass, we rushed for breakfast, it was as usual a banana and a bread. Yuk!!! managed to gulp it down my throat, as I was the table head and had to set a good example for my table juniors. Soon it was time for school and then with a sense of friendliness and responsibility, I picked up Julie`s bag, went up to the class-room and there was this Jessica waiting for me with her friends. She was totally crazy about me and was famous for being the naughtiest girl in our school. She was damn cute and was very rich but unfortunately she was a girl, so there was no chance of accepting her. The funniest part is last valentines day she gave me a teddy and lots of chocolate :) OK wait, why am I discussing about her? It is my story. OK, so soon after she went for assembly and there Julie and I and other captains shouted at the top of there lungs to make pupils quite. Being A Captain was a headache, but as far as we enjoyed the advantages( To be more informal we enjoyed doing mischief and were never caught for it). Then we entered our respective classes, soon I got discussing about what happened in those boring serials. Yuk!! I hate serials and then discussing about the girl who stinks like a pig all the year round the moment she passed us by (I wonder if she ever touched water in her life.) and then about the cutest and the hottest teacher Ms. Tina Basak. Sometimes i wished I was a boy then for sure, I would have gone and proposed.

Well, my friend circle is quite small, we are just the eight of us. Only Julie was in the other section so every time she would come to our class to chat with us after every bell (She also got punished several times for this.) Now school got over, bade everyone good bye, including Sneha-another crazy friend of mine. Then went up to the dormitory where we usually sleep. We went there to change our clothes, then went down to the dressing room, had a wash and rushed for tea and there was this Jess continuously staring at me. Arghhh !!!! it was so damn awkward and the worst part was when my table kids would tell me, "captain Jessica is looking at you." It was very awkward to have classes junior to me saying these kind of things, but never mind I was frank with them. Soon after tea it was study time and the only when I could get "Chutkara" from crazy looks, but it was so boring that my head almost banged with the desk as I was feeling drowsy. I had no home-work that day so was sitting idle with the chemistry book(That subject was a sleeping pill for me. It would drown me in its corrosive acids and basses.) The moment the bell rang I was the first one to jump up my seat and and run out because it was games time.

But Oh god not again !! She was looking at me. I started talking to myself, "Stupid lesbian !!!" What did she find in me? Y me only? I am not so attractive also that even a girl can go such crazy about me. I was thinking about the amount of love lecture she and Sneha gave me. That day our games teacher allowed us to play throw-ball. I noticed Jess looking at me from the opposite side. She was getting more attracted and she gave a bright smile and I could she her getting more attracted towards me. So, I concluded that maybe she felt for me because I was like a Tom-boy. After games we had our rosary and then we went for dinner.

Now soon after we finished our dinner, my mood was off because I had got scolding from our principal because I didn't had my dinner and gave it to my table kids to have it. So, in order to hide my tears from my friends, specially Jess, I went near the class six class-room as it was totally dark there and no one could see me. There I sat down on the railing, my eyes were full of tears, I missed home. I longed to get back home and I guess nature was sad with me too. It became stormy, wind was blowing ferociously, as I was lost in my home thoughts and my eyes got blinded with tears. I lost control slipped and feel off. It all happened within seconds, but within those few seconds I managed to wonder what was happening !!!
My body fell with a thud on the ground. I became unconscious with the excruciating pain. After around ten minutes, I managed to get up and dust all the dust that was all over me and was trying to revive from the shock and the fear that i just got from the accident. Its inexpressible of what I was going through that time. I was literally shivering from shock !!! I rushed to the infirmary to get some aid om the nurse but unfortunately, it was late and it was locked.
    Soon I rushed to the wash-room and gave a text to my mom, to tell her the thing that just happened with me.Within three minutes a message beeped "What??? How did you survive?? Did you get a lot of hurt?? Is it bleeding?? Did you go to the nurse??? Its paining a lot na??
Baby, who told you to sit on the railing??? :-( The sad face made me more upset. I answered the question one by one but when it came to answer the question "Is it paining??" I realized that even though I was bleeding very badly there was no pain, not even a pinch, the situation had made me go cold because it was quite unusual to have no pain even though you are hurt. I ran up-to the study hall. I was late, but my good luck no one was minding the class. I went and sat in my place silently, expecting everyone to look at me in shock and ask `Omg!!! How had this happen` but to my surprise no one looked at me any neither took any notice of my wounds because they were all busy in there books. At that time I just wished Jess could see me but it was my bad luck that she was studying in other class because she was one class junior me. Soon our principal came to mind as usual. At 1st she kept quite and then suddenly shouted out a question that made me fall from my chair. Where is Tanusha???
The reply that followed was terrific, `We don`t know, we didn't  see her since after dinner`. At that time I felt like shouting out top of my lungs and say `Hey, whats wrong with every one??? All went blind or what??` Cant they see a big hulk sitting here on the chair???
   I tried calling Julie but she also ignored me, in-fact took no notice of me. I tried holding her hand but it went through and through her hand  !!! I got up and ran back to the place I fell, and when I looked down there was my body falling cold and dead !!!

Interview of Idol Makers (KOLKATA)

2012-09-27T01:19:00.000+05:30

Q1 When do you start making idols ?

Ans :- We start making idols from the Day of Rath Yatra.

Q2 Why do you start making idols from Rath yatra ? Is this is a rituals that is followed ?

Ans Yes it a ritual which is followed for ages.The entire process of creation of the idols
from the collection of clay to the ornamentation is a holy process,
supervised by rites and other rituals. On the Hindu date of Akshaya Tritiya when the Rath
Yatra is held, clay for the idols is collected from the banks of a river, preferably the Ganges.
After the required rites, the clay is transported from which the idols are
fashioned

Q3 . How many idols do you make in an year ?

Ans . I generally make 30 to 35 idols in an year .

Q4. What is toughest part in making an idol ?

Ans. We are making idols for the last 21 yrs so we have mastered ourselves in all activities but
This is a very lengthy process that requires diligence as well as skill. It requires patience to touch the ultimate perfection in idol making.

Q5. what is the first thing you do during the process of making idols ?

Ans. The bamboo sticks are used to make the internal structure of the idol and provide it a basic shape. Then the structure is made using straw and jute ropes and strings to keep it in place.

Q6. Here i can see many of you are working ? So is there any Division of labour in making of idols ?

Ans. The artisans are grouped for different functions because the creation of idol by a single artist would become an extremely tiring and lengthy phenomenon. So, some of them get engage in making the skeleton from bamboo and straw while the other group mixes clay and applies it. The most skilled of workers make the head, palms and feet of the idol. The application of clay is done in three steps.

Q7. What are these three steps ?

Ans. The first step, clay coat solution is made in way that it has high percentage of water to fill the crevices of the idol's straw structure. The second layer needs caution, as it is responsible for the fine finishing of the idol. Here, the clay has to be very smooth and sans any impurities. Palms, head and feet are attached to the idol at the second stage of clay application. The third stage is the stage of application of thin coat of clay, applied by using pieces of cloth, to strengthen idol and fill up any cracks that may have develop after drying. The statue is finally painted with the white base earth color and then yellow color. The last earth color is that of red blood. At last, the features like eyes and nose are given detailing, by using color. The image is then dressed and ornamented with jewels.

Q8. Why are the eyes made in the day of Mahalya ?

Ans. Eyes were made on the Day of Mahalya but that ritual is not followed now because we have a lot of idols but yes this were followed by our ancestors.

Q9. Do the artisans fast for a day Before the Making of idols ?

Ans. Yes we fast for a day Before the making and eat Vegetarian food.

Q10. At last what pandals you will tell our readers to visit ?

Ans. Well i will first tell all your readers to visit the puja pandals made by our team and all other Famous puja pandals of West Bengal

Interview of Purba Chakraborty

2012-09-26T16:38:00.000+05:30

Purba Ckakraborty is the author of the book Walking in the streets of love and destiny .

Book Summary of Walking in the Street of Love & Destiny

For a girl, who is more important?
The guy who taught her to love or the guy who taught her to dream?
In today's modern world, Prachi is too lucky to get love in the two purest forms- Arvind, her childhood sweetheart and Sahil, her magician. Both loved her beyond boundaries and sacrificed their every happiness just to see her smiling but should love be always in limits? Does Prachis life really become both beautiful and ugly when destiny brings two jewels in her life?
This is a story of Arvind, Prachi and Sahil and how love and destiny shuffles their pathsdo they meet in the streets of love and destiny or their paths get separated forever?

Interview

Q.1. Share your memorable moments while penning `Walking in the streets of love and destiny`?

A.1. Well there are a lot of memorable moments while penning "Walking in the streets of love and destiny". First of all since I am a lazy bug, I used to laze around for days after finishing 2-3 chapters and one my friend used to nag me so much telling that the world will destroy in December 2012 and I would be writing even then; his repeated nagging worked as the driving force and I finally completed it. Another memorable moment was when I decided to change the plot of my novel after writing six chapters. At first I was writing the story of a romantic couple facing a long distance relationship but then I abruptly changed the plot of it to a triangle love story where the girl is torn between her life-partner and soul-mate. The reaction of my friends at the changed plot was too memorable. I still remember their shocking and astonishing faces.

Q.2. If your book is adopted as a film, who would like to play as the main characters?

A.2.Wow...I am a complete movie buff and this question of yours have already put a smile on my face. If it is adopted as a film (by god's grace someday) , I would like Priyanka Chopra to play the role of the protagonist of my novel, Prachi, Ranbir Kapoor to play the role of Sahil and perhaps Shahid Kapoor would be cool in the role of Arvind.

Q.3. What was the first novel that you had read? What kind of books are there on your bookshelf? Who is your all time favorite author?

A.3. The first novel I remember reading during class eight was "Three men in a boat" by Jerome K Jerome as it was included in my academic syllabus. Prior to that, short stories and poetries generally caught my interest.

My book shelf is a mixed population of books starting from Paulo Coelho's inspirational novels to Chetan Bhagat collection to the romantic novels of Nicholas Sparks and Cecelia Ahern. It also comprises the entire mystery collection of Satyajit Ray, the series of Sherlock Holmes and anthology of short stories by Rabindranath Tagore. Not to miss, it also comprises the various contemporary novels penned down by Indian authors in recent times.

My all time favourite author is Rabindranath Tagore and Paulo Coelho.

Q.4. Finding a publisher for a debut novel is not easy, how did you deal with it?

A.4 True! That's the most difficult part for a writer to find a publisher and to judge whether he is the perfect publisher for your book. However I mailed some publishers after doing some web research and got a call from the Diamond Books within 5 days. I just trusted my instincts and grabbed the first opportunity.

Q.5. Are you willing to take writing as your core profession?

A.5 Not right now. I would love to keep writing as my endearing hobby and my heart-healing passion as long as my studies are there in the track. Later may be...if it is written in my destiny!

Q.6. Tell us something about Purba? How are you as an individual? How were your childhood days?

A.6 Purba is a social butterfly. I am fun loving, a big dreamer, love my friends and their company, believe in doing something productive everyday and to live each day as it is your last.

Strangely I was a little introvert sort of girl in my childhood, very quiet and obedient to all and not so much naughty. As I grew up, I turned exactly the opposite. However one thing remained exactly the same and that is my passion for reading and writing.

Q.7. I guess you are pondering over your next novel, if yes , then us what it would be?

A.7 Yes, I have started writing my 2nd novel and currently pondering over my 3rd novel too. Well after writing a romantic tragedy, I am currently writing a romantic comedy for teenagers based on social networking. My 3rd novel has Alzheimer's Disease as the core subject.

Q.8. The credit for your success at this early age goes to?

A.8 My Dad for teaching me to trust my instincts and for telling me to never ignore the call of your heart.

Q.9. What are your passion apart from writing?

A.9 Apart from writing, I have a terrific passion for singing and composing music. I write my own lyrics, compose my own music and make my own song. I dream to be a successful self-composing singer some day.

Q.10. Is everything in your book just fiction or derived from any real life event?

A.10. A lot of incidents are derived from my own life but the story is a complete work of fiction.

Q.11. Your message for our readers.

A.11. Listen to the call of your heart, follow your dreams and keep smiling! Life is short, live each day as if it is your last without any regrets. Love and be loved!

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