A New Beginning

They reminded me of the umpteen mistakes I have made-
the hurt I have caused by calling a spade a spade!

They pointed out my incomplete tasks & what's to be accomplished,
and also that things this year have not turned out the way I wished...

She Walked That Path

She had visited many lands & had travelled to the world’s edge.
She had lost a lot & had quit material objects in pursuit of knowledge.

The brilliant light of enlightenment was her joy, desire, aim & plan.
People warned- “Don’t even try walking that path! You’re a woman!”

PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright -Björn Rudberg

How To Create Menu Tabs In Blogger Blog

Three months ago, I was delighted to receive the following comment from a Blogger-friend:

"I am fascinated with your blog design. I want to do something with categorizing my blog posts and have them in a menu like you have on top of your blog. Do you have tutorial on how you set up categories? I am really interested in streamlining my blogging. Any tips you can give will be appreciated."- Mary Hill

I had shared the info with Mary via email.
Today when I received a similar query from another Blogger-friend, who wants to display the following Tabs on her Blog just like my Blog:

Poetry
Fiction
Travel
Personal
Social
Movies
Food

I decided it to share the "How To" info via my Blog :)


1. First, we need to add the required Labels in all the posts published in our Blog.
For example, if our post is about Travel, then we need to add Travel as a Label by editing our post.
Similarly for the other posts related to Movies, Fiction, Poetry etc.

Christmas Present

He found her abandoned that cold Christmas eve and sensing a glimmer of life, he brought her home.

He was amazed that despite his blindness, her glaring aura attracted him and filled him with bliss about companionship...

Source

Bread

I went across the border to earn my butter & bread.
Monsters bombed & targeted & hunted down the suspected.

The killings scared, bleak future, web ahead; I'm glad I fled...
My family was relieved to see me back alive; not a bug dead...  

Used with permission- PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Douglas M. MacIlroy

Twitter, Abuse And Swachh Bharat

I love Social Media (SM).

I feel SM has tremendous power viz. the recent Elections 2014.

 

I feel SM needs to be "Swachh" (clean) of the ills plaguing it. 

In this post, I have shared my experience about Twitter (to illustrate SM)! 

Some Twitter-users like me have faced abuse. 

Fake profiles, anonymity & virtual interaction gives a cloak to people to act dirty.

- There are "trolls" that target our tweets, especially those having the trending hashtags. 

- Congratulate a winner & the losing candidate's fans question your choice & whether the result is ethical!

- Post anything against important people- X-Y-Z & their supporters hound you!

- Post appreciation about something good that's happening & haters of that person/policy attack you!

Let me take the example of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. 

What's My Crime? #PeshawarAttack

16th December 2014 morning,
I was snug under my blanket,
Peacefully sleeping and dreaming.
Mom woke me up saying we'll get late...

The first day at school for me- a 5-year-old!
Mom made me wear my new dress.
Also my warm clothes lest I feel cold.
Papa said his little princess looked fresh!

The entrance of the Army Public School in Peshawar. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images; Source

Wish Joy And Warmth!

People ought to have hearts of gold!
Why is everyone's behaviour so cold?

Is it tough to adopt warmth as a habit?
Can't we be warm people, bit by bit?

Unfortunately, many haven't any time to stare,
Won't we try to incorporate some care?

Time is ticking, someone wishes joy now.
Can't we afford some warm-wishes anyhow?

Pic from Poetry Jam

Safety Begins With Me

Simba: “But you’re not scared of anything.” 
Mufasa: “I was today. I thought I might lose you.” 
–The Lion King

My hubby bought a bicycle for our daughter last week.

He also bought a helmet for her.

I appreciated this a great deal and understood his concern for our child's safety.

I remembered cricketer Phillip Hughes recent death then. Had he been wearing a helmet, he'd have been saved.

Also Minister Shri Gopinath Munde would have been safe had he worn his seat-belt...

I also thought of the myriad cases in which youngsters don't wear helmets, speed their bikes, flout traffic-rules... 

Source

In the Hindi movie- Andaz, the hero is happily singing a song and travelling on a bike with his girlfriend (both are not wearing helmets) when they meet with an accident and the hero dies...

Safe Reflection

It was raining heavily. 

I was driving my car on the National Highway to Bhubaneswar.

I was returning home from the Cuttack High Court after having successfully defended a case in favour of my client. 

I was happy & thrilled, yet I wasn't driving speedily.

Normally, I am a very safe driver who obeys all traffic-rules, including maintaining the speed-limit.

I am extra careful when I have to drive on wet roads.

Suddenly, I found a truck headed in the wrong direction, direct on course of head-on-collision with my car...

I had no time even to curse or think- "the roads are filled with idiots".

I applied sudden brake. 

I thought of my spouse and all the important moments of my life played in flashback in my mind...

Photograph by Robert Doisneau ; used with permission from Magpie Tales

Drive Safe

Driving is a responsible activity.
People are yet to realize; it’s a pity.

They indulge in what they think is cool.
No seat-belt or obeying traffic-rule…

Talking over phone while driving,
Listening to songs or trying to sing!

Creative Power

All she wanted was to be calm in a quiet place.
She made her own nest by the bridge near the river.
In her own world, she moved at her own pace.
She never thought her happiness made others quiver!

Pic with permission- PHOTO PROMPT - Copyright – Sandra Crook

Banega Swachh India

'Banega Swachh India’- In Hindi it means– India will be clean.

Will be reality if for a Swachh Bharat we all work & are keen…

'Banega Swachh India' is a positive statement that fills us with hope.

To make #SwachhBharat vision & mission true, we need to cope.

Note- Swachh means ‘clean’ in Hindi

‘Cleanliness is next to godliness’.

‘Charity begins at home’.

Sanitation And Hygiene #SwachhIndia

Sanitation means the facilities and services enabling the safe collection & disposal of wastes- sewage, garbage, wastewater etc. 

Hygiene means conditions & practices necessary to maintain health and prevent diseases through cleanliness. Aristotle used the Greek adjective of hygiene as a noun to imply “health”.

Sanitation maintains the hygienic conditions.  

My Midas-Touch

I jumped with joy when realized I had the Midas-touch!
I was overwhelmed that I'd now be able to do so much!

Household goods became the target of my experimentation...
Applying my mind, I avoided food-items for the transformation!

My TV, fridge, cupboard, bed, shoes... all had turned golden!
My home was a treasure-house- like Alibaba & 40 Thieves' den!

All the Midas-touch excitement had made me terribly hungry!
But, the socially responsible soul in me won over the foodie.

Fancy The Trust!

The best-of-breed fresh MBA had landed a lucrative job that people fancy!
He had impressed all with his knowledge, thought-process, transparency...

Source: dVerse

Hand-In-Hand

As she woke up, she felt great & grand. 
He handed her a bouquet & kissed her hand.

His strong hands had rescued her years ago,
When their boat capsized, he didn't let her flow.

They had exchanged rings & got married that winter.
Hand-in hand; the heaviest snowfall didn't deter.

PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright Janet Webb ; Pic from Friday Fictioneers

Yes or No To Pre-Marital Sex

This Post won a Grand Prize in the IndiBlogger Contest.

Pre-Marital Sex, sexual activity or relations between unmarried persons, is not acceptable, considered taboo & even a sin in many cultures, religions & countries worldwide.

Saying Yes or No to Pre-Marital Sex is dependent on personal attitude, values and beliefs. 

In today's "modern" world, pre-marital sex is fairly common, especially in the "developed" nations. 

Under-developed & developing nations are also catching up.

India, the land that gifted the world Kama Sutra, is no exception.

Udaygiri Caves depicted in Durga Puja 2014 Old Station Square Pandal, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Saying NO to pre-marital sex, means 'sexual abstinence before marriage' or Virginity.

Virginity is considered pure & sacred as per traditional culture and religions.  

My First Interview As A Blogger or Freelance Writer

I was pleasantly surprised and felt honored when Gowardhan Doddi contacted me wanting to feature my interview on their site- careerteacher.in -:

"Your blog is highly interesting ! I understand you are very passionate about writing. We want to have your interview."

Of course, I am very passionate about writing! I have been writing from my school days. We all write at school, right? :D

I was seriously writing stories & poems & sending with hopes for publication. My dream to get "published" has kept me going...

Though I have been into freelance-writing for long, I have started Blogging two years ago. I consider myself a newbie & a learner. There are far more experienced and very famous Bloggers in India & in the world. 

Gowardhan had a questionnaire for me that I sincerely filled up and sent across.

My interview is now on Career Teacher- 

Anita shares what it means to be a Blogger or Freelance Writer in India

Unique Monkey Play Pics

A few weeks ago, we visited the Maa Tara Tarini Temple in Berhampur, Ganjam, Odisha, India.

We were treated to a unique sight.

Some monkeys had united to play together.

They had managed to catch hold of a Saree (an Indian costume worn by ladies).

They were finding the yellow Saree a precious plaything & a useful source of enjoyment!


It was evening and the light was fading.

Still, I couldn't resist myself & clicked some pics.

Top Management Colleges In New Delhi

My father's friend visited our home the other day just to speak to me. His daughter is interested to pursue her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in New Delhi. As I have studied Management from New Delhi, he wanted my opinion about the best MBA College in New Delhi. 

As soon as he asked me about the best MBA College in Delhi, I answered - Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi. I know this as my cousin had studied from there and also from my knowledge from newspapers and magazines.

"Which are the Top MBA Colleges in New Delhi?" he asked.

"Uncle, I have done my MBA more than a decade ago! We need to look for the latest information. These days, answers are available at the click of a mouse-button!"

I logged on to the Collegedunia website.

We can choose from 20000+ Colleges & Universities in India from this site.

Collegedunia

Clean Bowled

[Continued from- The Match-Fixing]

(Story so far-

Facial-hair-sporting Raja has gone to Rani’s place with his family to “see” her and for suitable marriage alliance or match-fixing.)

Rani’s dog started barking seeing Raja. Also, Rani’s brother’s new-born twins started crying seeing Raja. 

It was embarrassing as Rani’s father explained, “They are used to clean-shaven people!”

When Raja and Rani were left alone in a room and were given a chance to talk, there was an eerie silence.  

Raja broke the ice and asked Rani to say something. Rani said, “Stubble reminds me of death in the family. I’m afraid I can’t marry you and then be constantly reminded of death everytime I see your face with the facial-hair…”

The Match-Fixing

Raja was on his way home, returning from his overseas assignment after a year.

His parents were eagerly waiting at the airport to receive him. They immediately set off to a girl’s place for match-making.

“Her name is Rani! Your names & horoscopes match perfectly! This is a match made in heaven!” Raja’s mom said. 

His younger sister, Rosy, didn’t look convinced. “Mom, we should have taken Bhai home. At least he should have been clean-shaven before seeing Rani.”

“We can’t lose the auspicious time for fixing the alliance and the first meeting between boy and girl!” their father said.

Raja said, “This is the first scene in the Hindi Movie- Holiday- when the hero is taken for match-making the moment he reaches the station! Did you watch the movie and get inspired by his parents? Real-life is imitating reel-life now!”

Rosy added, “Don’t forget- The hero rejects the heroine in the first meeting in that movie. I guess the reverse will be true in your case, Bhai!”

Their Mom said, “Rosy! Speak positive!”

Rani's Mr.Right

Rani was great fan of books & movies.

When her family was busy looking for a match for her, Rani prayed that they find her perfect Mr.Right.

She turned to her Gods. For the umpteenth time she noticed that all the Gods she worshipped are clean-shaven- Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva… OMG!

“Dear God, I do hope my Mr.Right is smart and certainly clean-shaven like all the characters I love- Sherlock Holmes, Mr. Darcy, Prince Charming, Superman, Spiderman, Batman…

Superman, Spiderman, Batman

Even like my favorite real-life people like my Papa, Grandpa and Superstar Heroes of the Hindi Film Industry viz. Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan!"

How To...

He was strolling in the lawn of his hotel,
When he saw the pretty girl on her cycle.

How to win over her love & her heart?
He thought & followed, hit by Cupid’s dart.

She entered a library and so did he.
How to catch her eye? Act crazy?

PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Randy Mazie

Connection

I wish to feel the sand beneath my feet,

The kissing sea-waves gifting a treat… 

The sun-rays' warmth on the sea-beach

Without my boots, I connect & reach! 

That's ME jumping on the beach!

Tower Room In A Castle

I love fairy-tales. I have often imagined living in a Castle like a fairy-tale heroine!

The explorer in me wants to travel, loves to travel and has many places on her wish-list to explore. 

Black Forest in Germany is one such place. 

We all might be familiar with the Black Forest Cake and might have tasted it.

Did you know that the name of the cake has been derived from the German dessert that literally means "Black Forest cherry-torte” that originated in Germany? 

As I love Black Forest cake so much, I have plans to visit its place of origin & try it out! Yummy! 
The foodie in me wants to eat such delectable treats!

After The Snowstorm

He was an "outsider", who had established a successful motor-repair shop, built with his hard-work and perseverance.

Copyright – Claire Fuller ; Photo prompt with permission from Friday Fictioneers

His friendly nature and excellent customer-service won him many new customers that was a source of great irritation for the other motor-repair shops.

Wishing to ruin him & his business, they set his shop aflame...

Rhymes Remind Good Times...

I have many fond memories associated with nursery rhymes and stories that I had heard when I was a kid.

I knew many rhymes. During my vacations when we visited my grandparents’ place, I was much in demand as everyone wanted to listen to the superhit rhymes rendered by my sweet voice!

I had many favorites and I knew so many rhymes that I was the cynosure of all eyes!

Some memories associated with the following two rhymes:

WAKE UP...

He pulls the rickshaw loaded with heavy goods.

She washes utensils and clothes & scrubs floors.

He attends to the fiery customer’s & owner’s wrath & beatings.

She inhales the toxic fumes while making matches & fireworks. 

He cycles long distances to deliver newspapers.

She collects steals flowers even from her notorious neighbor.

He carries heavy sacks on his tender shoulders.

She waits in the queue and fetches extra buckets filled with water.

Hyatt Regency Kolkata Experience

We co-cordially invite you for an experiential tour of ‘Food & Beverage’ outletito join us in celebrating our inaugural Culinary Competition.

Kindly consider this as an official invitation for the ‘Hyatt Culinary Challenge’. 

An initiative conducted by Hyatt hotels to engage with people who are passionate about cooking.

The passionate foodie in me was very delighted to find the above email invitation last week. This was followed by a telephonic invitation too and I found myself with some other Bloggers and Social Media influencers in Hyatt Regency Kolkata. 

This was my second visit to Hyatt Regency Kolkata and unlike my first visit that was for a Software Conference, I got to spend more time this time.

We got to experience the Hyatt hospitality. The close-knit team made us feel very comfortable as they took us around for the experiential tour. We observed that apart from great food, Hyatt Regency Kolkata has aesthetic interiors. Needless to say, we went click-happy! 

It was amazing to find 80 labels of wine with the wine cellar on display!

I loved the Bakery section with so many pastries, cakes, fresh bread etc.

One section of the Bakery with yummy fare!

7 Secrets Of The Goddess

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

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

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

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

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

7 Secrets of the Goddess - Book (Cover)

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

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

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

Driving Me Nuts

I really wish I hadn't met you!
Then, no losing myself or feeling blue...

You are driving me nuts- is all I can say.
I find myself dreaming of you night & day.

You are present on every road I find...
Even in every nook & corner of my mind!

Pic used with Permission from Magpie Tales

The Little Santa

Little Mili excitedly came from school.

“Mom guess what? Remember the Story-writing competition I had taken part? I won the first prize- Rs 500!” 

“That’s wonderful, dear! How do you plan to spend it?” her Mom asked.

“Tomorrow is Children’s Day. I wish to buy some Parle G biscuit-packets, Note-Copies, Nataraj Pencils & Erasers and distribute amongst the slum children,” said Mili.

Her Mom had tears in her eyes as she hugged Mili.

It was that Special Children's Day programme on Doordarshan that they had together watched a few days ago that had highlighted to the young impressionable mind of Mili how needy some kids are… Many don’t have access to even basic facilities and requirements like Roti, Kapda, Makaan (Food, Clothes, House) leave alone school or education. That day Mili had asked her Mom how they can help the children. 

Prathamastami - Festival Of Odisha

Incredible India has some incredible festivals.

Odisha, a state of India, has some unique & interesting festivals.

Today is the eighth day in the Odia month of Margashira (8 days after Kartik Purnima). It is celebrated as Prathamastami. (Prathama means first & Astami means eighth day)

Prathamastami is celebrated in Odisha for the wellness, long-life & prosperity of the first-born or eldest child in a family. Gender is not an issue, qualification needed is one has to be the first-born child of her/his parents!

First-borns have some special privileges and are entrusted extra responsibilities in India. Being the eldest has its perks too - rewarded with extra “share” called the “Jyeshta-bhaga” (Part/share of the eldest).

Prathamastami makes the siblings jealous when the eldest sibling gets the attention & new clothes! Who doesn’t want new clothes, good food & special treatment?

Their argument- Why should the first-borns have all the fun? ;)

In some families of 4-5 members, where both the parents happen to be the first-born, a majority in the family is first-born! They celebrate Parthamastami for all their kids so that the younger ones don’t cry or feel left out! 

Blog To Feed A Child - III

We can help eliminate classroom hunger by providing good food to all the children.

Classroom hunger implies much more than a child's hunger when in a classroom... It is successfully addressed and satisfied in many schools in India.                     

Food served in the schools i.e. the mid-day meals happen to be the sole meal of the day for many children as their parents cannot afford food to feed them.

Thus, one of the important reasons why the child is in a classroom in the first place is to drive off hunger.

Blog To Feed A Child - II

Today, November 14^th, is celebrated as Children’s Day in India to commemorate Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth anniversary. 

Globally, Children’s Day is celebrated on November 20^th each year. On the same date in 1954, the declaration of the Rights of the Child was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations. 

The fact is that after so many years of India’s independence and also United Nations' adoption of the  Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, many children, especially in the Indian sub-continent, are yet to experience a good quality of life. 

Many don’t even have access to basic necessities like water, food, clothes & shelter...

Blog To Feed A Child - I

Poverty has its repercussions and a direct impact on hunger & education.

It is sad that millions of children have to choose between hunger and education everyday.

Attending school ought to be every child’s right.  However, the Right To Education & attending school is the privilege of a few lucky children.

Why can’t we ensure every kid is ‘lucky’ this way? 

Is it so tough to ensure that every child gets even one square meal a day?

For a majority, attending school entails missing out on a major part of the day & hence missing to contribute to the family-income. Tiny hands happen to be the helping-hands and support system that need to be “employed” to help sustain their family. Their parents have no option as they too are driven by basic necessities like hunger…

‘Peyt ka sawaal hai’(It’s a question of the stomach).

Mango Vermicelli Kheer

Both my daughter & I love desserts; desserts fill us with glee!

She loves Kheer (Indian dessert- sweet Pudding) & Custard also like me!

One day, I had an idea- a dish that would be a happy combination! 

I added Mango Custard powder to my Vermicelli Kheer preparation!

My family loved my innovative Mango Vermicelli Kheer dish!

Now this dish appears often on our dining-table as per majority's wish!

On popular demand, here's the recipe!

Jaws Of Death

She was a femme fatale; the head of state's desire.

Pic used with permission from Magpie Tales

Actually, she was a spy at the jaws of death & fire.

Queen's Queer Quest

The river-bank had a visitor- a royal guest.
The Queen was working & looked busy.
The onlookers had no clue about her quest.
They felt a Queen's life is fun & easy.

Everyone had a quizzical expression on their face.
What's the Queen searching like one possessed?
Picking pebbles seemed like some queer chase...
Collecting pebbles made the Queen feel blessed?

Happy New Year – Movie Review & Lessons

The multi-starrer Hindi movie ‘Happy New Year’ (HNY) directed by Farah Khan and produced by Gauri Khan, is a typical Bollywood masala movie with a mix of emotions, drama, comedy, at-the-edge-of-seat moments, thrills, action, song & dance sequences.

HNY is about a team of five ‘losers’ attempting to be ‘winners’. They try a heist of diamonds worth Rs 300 crores while managing to secure a place amongst the WDC- World Dance Competition in Dubai. Does their ‘Duniya ka sabse badi chori ka rehearsal’ (the rehearsal of the world’s biggest theft) succeed?  If yes, how do Charlie & his team pull off the plan?

She Danced

She danced wonderfully as she danced from her heart.

She rehearsed sincerely & that set her apart...

She earned praise, medals, awards & many a trophy.

All this was also accompanied by cartloads of envy.

Power of Worship & Prayer

IndiSpire Topic#37- Why do we worship god? Share your reasons for worshipping gods #FaithvsFear 

I pray & believe in the power of worshipping God.

For me, worshipping God = praying.
I feel we can worship anywhere, though being in a Temple, Church, Mosque, Gurudwara etc. certainly helps.

Though I spend very less time in my Puja Room as such, as compared to that spent by the elders in my family, I focus on prayer in that time.
I also believe- 'Work is Worship.'

My Mom used to say, "Give 100% attention to God in the time you pray...What is the point if while praying you are thinking of other worldly things - like the phone-ringing or what you need to cook!"
 

Source

Odisha Sambalpuri Products

I was happy & felt special when Team BlogAdda shortlisted me for the Quikr activity.

I had to shop for Rs 5000 using Quikr and then blog about my experience. 

But, then, I was also very concerned.

This was because of my not-so-good experience with two leading online-shopping sites in the recent past. Shopping with one, I have paid higher price for the products & in the other, I am yet to receive the product I have ordered 5 weeks ago.

Thus, for this online-shopping activity with Quikr, where the time-frame to submit the post was less than a week, I expressed my inability based on the fact that the product may not even reach me! How will I blog about my experience then? 

My concern was proved wrong as I learnt many Lessons from Quikr:

Lesson#1-

Team BlogAdda advised that I should pick product(s) from Seller(s) based in my city or near my city so that the process is expedited & is QUICKER! 

I logged on to Quikr.

Be Indian

Being a proud Indian, I support using Indian products.
I too believe in the "Be Indian, Buy Indian, Use Indian, Wear Indian" concept.

We need to uphold our sense of nationalism & flaunt Indian clothes with pride & style.When foreigners visit our India, they should get a feel of our "national costumes".

Sad that most of our youngsters are casually dressed in western-wear & do not wear Indian-clothes most of the time...

It's also true that many are more Indian than we think. Here are some examples - REAL, REEL & RHYME.

The following are some of my ideas how to share the "Be Indian" message-

On The Bench

She loved him. When she asked if he did too, he was defensive.

She was needy of his love, but he had conditions...

PHOTO PROMPT Copyright- The Reclining Gentleman ; Pic used with permission from Friday Fictioneers

Favorite Playthings- Puppets

Puppets of different shapes & sizes- His creations were His favorite playthings,

He was in charge of their destinies- whether they'll be grounded or have wings...

He pulled the strings as per His wish & the puppets danced to His music.

Letter To Mom This Diwali

Dear Mom, I miss you so much...what to say?
Though God has invited you to His heavenly abode,
I have your memories that dazzle everyday.
Distance may separate, but feelings won't erode...

Photo Prompt for Magpie Tales- Pic used with Permission

REAL, REEL AND RHYME!

REAL

India has ‘Unity in Diversity’. From centuries, India has been open in welcoming outside elements & change, assimilating their culture & enriching its cultural diversity. 

Now, the whole world is in the same process. 

In her book ‘World Class: Thriving at home in the Global Economy’, Rosabeth Moss Canter, a Harvard Business School Professor, writes that cultural diversity is an asset. The key to turning access to cultural diversity into an asset is Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC). Without eliminating differences, ICC helps deal with clashing cultures.

Indian connection proves that the world is more Indian than we think.

People from all over the world come seeking for answers and get enriched by India’s wealth of wisdom.

In mid-1974, a young Steve Jobs, Apple’s ex-CEO, had travelled to India with his friends in search of spiritual enlightenment. They toured extensively in India. There was a transformation in their personality because of the time they spent here. 

Many ‘foreigners’ visit India as they are spiritually drawn & adopt India as their home. They learn and contribute. Sadhus & Sadhvis of ISKCON & those who stay by the banks of the river Ganga etc. are more Indian than we think.

Italy-born Ileana Citaristi, is now an Odissi & Chhau dancer, based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha since 1979. In 2006, she became the first dancer of foreign origin to be conferred the Padma Shri Award for her contributions to Odissi dance. Ileana is more Indian than we think.

Odissi Dance of Odisha, India; Source

At The Graveyard...

When I went there, I could sense the heavy atmosphere,

Under the stars shining bright, tears were falling without fear. 

Self-portrait, Vivian Maier ;  Used with permission from Magpie Tales

Durga Puja - Khan Nagar, Cuttack

Durga Puja, an important festival of Odisha, India, has been celebrated for centuries here.

Cuttack, the estwhile capital city of Odisha, has Pandals whose budgets are crores of rupees.
Yes, you read it right. Not lakhs, but crores of rupees!

The idols are dressed in pure Gold & Silver-Filigree..

Cuttack is famous for its beautiful Silver-Filigree craft items & jewellery.
You must see the intricate designs to believe your eyes.
All this makes Cuttack a must-visit, isn't it?

This year too, Cuttack had hundreds of Pandals as usual.

I had the privilege to visit a few of them, but I could manage to click pics only of one- the Khan Nagar Pandal.

Durga Puja - Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar

Durga Puja is an important festival of Odisha, a state of India.
Durga Puja is being celebrated in Odisha from many centuries.

Durga Puja celebrates the victory of Goddess- Maa Durga over a demon- Mahisasura.

The capital of Odisha is the temple-city- Bhubaneswar.

This year as usual, it had beautiful Durga Puja Pandals.

Presenting some pics from the Rasulgarh Pandal of Bhubaneswar:

Durga Puja - Old Station Square, Bhubaneswar

Not many know that Durga Puja has been celebrated for centuries in Odisha, a state of India.

Durga Puja is celebrated with great grandeur & style here.

This year, I was particularly touched by the Durga Puja Pandal at Old Station Square, Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is called the Temple City of India. One time it had more than 100,000 temples; now there are hundreds...

Note- The following photos and images shared in this post are from the Old Station Square Durga Puja Pandal of Bhubaneswar. The Pandal  presented a glimpse of history with relevant social messages that set me thinking.

Durga Puja - Jharpada, Bhubaneswar

Durga Puja is an important festival of India that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

It is celebrated with great pomp & grandeur in Odisha, a state of India.

As usual, the twin-cities of Bhubaneswar & Cuttack had beautiful Puja Pandals this year too.

Jharpada, a locality of Bhubaneswar, had designed its Pandal like the Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand!

It was great to find the Grand Palace of Bangkok in the Temple City of Bhubaneswar!

Some pics of the Jharpada Puja Samiti for you!

Durga Puja - Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar

Durga Puja is an important festival of Odisha, India and is celebrated with pomp & grandeur.

Odisha's capital is the Temple-city, Bhubaneswar.

Here are some pics of the Nayapalli Durga Puja Samiti Pandal.

Nayapalli is a locality of Bhubaneswar:

Doesn't the palace, oops Pandal, look appealing?

It was past midnight when we reached. Yet, look at the crowd!

Notice the deities Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra & Lord Jagannath strategically placed on the Pandal just above the "Welcome" :

There was lovely lighting on the road leading to the Pandal.

It truly looked like a magical Palace:

This was just one of the Durga Puja Pandals of Bhubaneswar.

Here are some more posts with pics of the Pandals I visited this year in Odisha:

Durga Puja - Old Station Square, Bhubaneswar

Durga Puja - Khan Nagar, Cuttack

Durga Puja - Jharpada, Bhubaneswar

Durga Puja - Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar

Durga Puja - Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar

Durga Puja - Bomikhal, Bhubaneswar

Durga Puja - Unit 1, Bhubaneswar

Durga Puja - Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar