Content Creators Beware

They thought they were the darlings of the crowd.

They felt they could express their minds out aloud.

They thought all the votes & likes would gather!

They thought they were cool & smart in all weather!

Source: iStock

The Treasure Hunt

Amy was happy to see what she finally had in her hands.

It was the map that would help to solve all her problems.

Photo Prompt- Kent Bonham

It was exactly what she had dreamt!

She had simply followed all the instructions.

Identity Theft

In this digital age, there is extensive usage of technology. It comes with its own advantages and challenges too.

Identity theft is one such issue.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud.

Source: HDFC Bank mailer

People may misuse our name or other identification details and pretend to be us.

The Final Sacrifice

Twenty years ago, a letter from a village in Himachal Pradesh arrived at the Ministry of Defence. The writer was a school teacher, and his request was as follows. 

He asked, "If possible, could my wife and I be granted permission to see the place where our only son died a heroic death in the Kargil war, on the day of his first death, his memorial day, on 07/07/2000? It's okay if you can't. If it is against national security, I will withdraw my application".

The Department Officer who read the letter, said, "It does not matter what the cost of their visit is, I will pay it from my salary, if the department is unwilling to and I will bring the teacher and his wife to the place where their only boy died" and he issued an order.

A Wonder Or An Omen?

It may be a wonder or an omen- 

Super-brilliant or fake or bloody or foul…

Figuring out such & often- life goes on

While we stand & stare & perhaps howl.

Source: Pexels- Erina Quirino

Vocal For Local

It is said- "As in Rome, do as the Romans do." 

Anywhere in the world, can we speak the way we generally do?

We speak to be understood.

We speak to convey our feelings.

If we are in Rome, Tokyo, Lima, or Timbuktoo, we must speak the local language to be understood.

I came across this article in the Economic Times earlier-

"When In Venice, Do As The Bengalis Do"-

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/et-commentary/when-in-venice-do-speak-as-the-bengalis-do/articleshow/114177255.cms?

In this article, the writer mentions about Rabindra Sangeet too.

But, look at the spelling mentioned-

"Robindrosongeet"

Sri Rabindra Nath Tagore composed and promoted Rabindra Sangeet.

However, the pronunciation and spelling used as as shared in the above news report.

A Brand New Year

There's something about a brand new year-

It kindles hope, sets goals & ushers cheer.

Like all things new, like a new dress or toy,

A new year's fragrance & idea, too, brings joy!

Source: QuoteFancy

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 - Bhubaneswar

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is scheduled for January 8 to 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

17 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) have already been held. The previous one was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. 

Each year, there is a theme for the event. 

The theme of the 17th PBD Convention was "Diaspora: Trusted Allies for India's Advancement in Amrit Kaal."

This is the first time Odisha is hosting this event.

Ramakatha Book and Odisha Connection in Ramayana Circuit

Odisha has several sites linked with the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

However, these sites are unknown; even the famous ones are not included in the heritage map, route/trail, or circuit.

Let us take the Ramayana Circuit, for example.

Significantly, the Indian Government is taking steps to include all the sites related to the Ramayana. This welcome initiative will link and connect many devotees while helping forge cultural connections.

The Railway Ministry has introduced the "Shri Ramayana Yatra- A Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train."

प्रभु श्रीराम से जुड़े सभी महत्वपूर्ण धार्मिक स्थलों के दर्शन हेतु आज से भारतीय रेल चलाएगी रामायण सर्किट ट्रेन। जय श्री राम! pic.twitter.com/VWVE5Bms14

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) November 7, 2021

However, there is exclusion of some sites of Odisha like the Mahendragiri.

Great to find “Shri Ramayana Yatra- A Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train” @RailMinIndia.

But, there’s exclusion of Mahendragiri in the #RamayanCircuit.

Please include Odisha too.
Sites are linked with Ramayana #IncredibleIndia #dekhoapnadesh #VocalForLocal #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav https://t.co/pjlqxxTcGR pic.twitter.com/DIdf5Mbhsq

— Anita Sabat - ଡ. ଅନୀତା ସାବତ (@anitaexplorer) June 21, 2022

Mission Treasure

It was the hottest-ever summer.

Liza had never experienced such scorching heat.

Liza wasn't prepared for what she saw next.

The sea receded at least a kilometer away from their home on the beach!

 

Photo Prompt- Lisa Fox

Notable was the stump of a tree that was visible.