"My sister Rani is missing,"
Lini shared with the police-officer.
"Since when? When did
you see her last?"
"Yesterday, Rani had
spoken to me and said that she was at the Tram-station. She was coming
home."
"What time had she
called?"
"2:20 PM."
"We can check the CCTV
coverage."
 |
| Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields |
𝘼 𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙖𝙢𝐚𝙠𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙣𝙖 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙖 (Teacher) & 𝙎𝙬𝙖𝙢𝙞 𝙑𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖 (Student) -
It had been a terrible year for Mary.
She had lost her entire family some months ago.
Mary had not quite recovered from the shock.
Her neighbours tried to pay her visits.
They could see she was a far shadow of her former bubbly self...
Christmas cheer was all around.
But, the whole street knew that Mary was not going to celebrate Christmas that year.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Dale Rogerson |
There was a severe thunder-storm.
The day seemed like night.
There was no electricity.
She could barely see anything.
Photo Prompt- Dale Rogerson
The tree in the backyard
crashed on her cottage.
There was dust everywhere.
Strong winds were on her face.
She fainted...
---------------------------------------------------
"Now, slowly open your
eyes..."
Everyone in their neighbourhood
owned a car.
Little Eva too owned one- a
small old toy-car.
Eva always dreamt of cars.
But, they were so poor…
Even if they did get a car,
paying for the fuel would be a challenge.
Eva’s dream car just used air
as fuel!
While others built
"castles in the air", Eva built cars in the air!
Photo Prompt- Brenda Cox
“You want to become an actress! Have you seen your face in the mirror?”
She
remembered the production-house’s casting-agent’s jeering words.
How he
mocked her!
“I am
beautiful the way I'm”, she assured herself.
She read
the first draft of the book she had written.
It was
titled- “I Am Beautiful”.
It was a self-help book.
In fact, it
was actually a “note to self” book she had penned for herself.
It was an important meeting.
He was
engrossed in the presentation.
He had
forgotten that he had to pick-up his son from kindergarten...
When he realized,
it was already late.
He rushed
to the kindergarten.
His wife used
to pick-up earlier.
He went
running inside.
His son
wasn’t in the waiting-room...
A frantic
search...
 |
| Image: Roger Bultot |
India has a rich cultural heritage.
Each state has regional specialties.
There are many traditional products and local goods associated under various categories-
1. Agricultural
2. Food Stuffs
3. Handicrafts
4. Manufactured
5. Natural
India has many registered "Geographical Indications" - GIs under the above five categories.
India has hundreds of registered GIs.
All these products are unique and special.
Some products are famous, others are yet to be known.
CGPDTM- Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks is conducting a Public Poll:
"Most liked Geographical Indication of India".
This is under the DPIIT- Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India.
All can participate & select their choice under the given 5 categories.
It was a bright sunny day.
He was driving
fast to be on time for the lunch-meeting scheduled in the neighbouring city.
After he
had reached the outskirts of his city, he got a call that the client had
rescheduled the meet to the following weekend.
He stopped
his car and decided to check out the new restaurant that had opened in that area.
The place
looked great.
Image: David Steward
He made a mental note to get his wife there the following day for a lunch-date.
"These lamps are
exquisite!"
Lisa admired the old
lamps that she found in the attic.
"These were used by
your grandparents. They didn’t have electricity in those days..." Lisa's
mother answered.
Lisa's face lit
up!
"Could we please
have lamp-light dinner tonight, mother?" Lisa proposed.
"First, let’s check
if these are still functional", her mother said.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields |
Today happens to be actress Kareena Kapoor Khan's birthday.
Recently, I re-watched her two decades old superhit Hindi movie- ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghum’ (K3G).
K3G was one of the early movies in her illustrious career.
Kareena Kapoor's performance in this blockbuster emotional family-drama by Dharma Productions is memorable.
She plays an ultra-modern, glamorous and smart college-going girl- Pooja or Poo, who lives in London with her sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and relative.
Poo does not like to be addressed as "Mausi".
The following are two scenes from K3G movie:
Raju was visiting the village fair after ages.
There were many shops selling interesting fare.
Raju's eyes fell on a bicycle.
It had many precious memories.
 |
| Photo Prompt - Alicia Jamtaas |
Containing his excitement, he asked the price.
The shop-owner quoted an exorbitant amount.
EVIL WOMAN Seema Patra, TRIBAL WOMAN Sunita, & SON INDIA Ayushman
We were/are rejoicing that a highly-qualified, experienced, and competent “Tribal Woman”, Droupadi Murmu Madam, has now been elected as our nation’s President, (More in my posts- Vocal For Local - President Droupadi Murmu, President Droupadi Murmu - Tribal Woman and More, Droupadi Murmu – Much More Than Her Tribal Woman Identity).
But, it is shocking to see the gross treatment meted out to another tribal woman, a domestic help named Sunita.
The former’s struggles and accomplishments are awe-inspiring; the latter’s experiences are numbingly jaw-dropping.
While so many citizens hailed and celebrated Murmu Madam’s selection and election, many voices express their stern condemnation to Sunita’s ordeal caused by her employer, Seema Patra.
Who is Seema Patra?
Jharkhand's ex-IAS officer's wife and BJP ex-politician - State Convener, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Jharkhand BJP (She has been suspended by the party now).
“Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” - a seemingly strong woman, who supposedly stands up for the causes of women, correct?
The largest democracy got its 15th President on 25 July 2022.
What comes to your mind
when you think of the new President?
First “Tribal President”?
“Second Woman President
of India”?
“Tribal Woman President”?
President Droupadi Murmu is much more.
Murmu Madam is not just representative of the 8.6 % tribal population
of India, or the 48.46% female population of India (Figures as per the 2011
Census); rather she is India’s President.
In the nation where a Chaiwala
is the Prime Minister, the President is this self-made citizen belonging to “the
poorest of the poor family” from a “small village”, and ex-Teacher, Councillor,
MLA, Minister, and Governor!
 |
| Credit: ANI |
I shudder to read news-reports these days.
In today's world, there is a lot of hatred and crime. People mindlessly indulge in shooting, stabbing, killing... Many times, I feel human-beings behave worse than beasts.
"The difference between the reason of man and the instinct of the beast is this, that the beast does but know, but the man knows that he knows.” - John Donne (Poet)
What is the use of knowing and knowledge?
Some human-beings easily get "offended" and forget "reason".
In the words of prize-winning author, Salman Rushdie, himself a recent victim:
“Nobody has the right to not be offended. That right doesn’t exist in any declaration I have ever read. If you are offended, it is your problem, and frankly lots of things offend lots of people.
I can walk into a bookshop & point out a number of books that I find very unattractive in what they say. But it doesn’t occur to me to burn the bookshop down.
If you don’t like a book, read another book. If you start reading a book & decide you don’t like it, nobody is telling you to finish it.
To read a 600-page novel and then say that it deeply offended you: well, you have done a lot of work to be offended.”
Human-beings are social creatures. They must be together.
Like John Donne said:
"No man is an island, entire of itself.; every man is a piece of the continent."
Yet, why do human-beings forget that they need to "BE HUMAN"?
I always sincerely pray and think of this line from the Rig Veda -
“May noble thoughts come to us from all directions.”
 |
| Source: @bharat_sanskrit |
It was Bini's first visit to the
'Palace Museum'.
The portrait of the bowl of
seashells attracted Bini.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields |
As she observed intently, she
was surprised to hear the waves of the sea!
Bini saw sand and sea-shells
all around and realized that she was teleported to the same beach where she had
spent her childhood!
Bini was very excited.
"This table does not suit us. Please return it."
Niki told her son, Sunny.
The mother and son were about to launch their cafe.
Sunny had sourced second-hand furniture to cut costs.
Sunny's idea was to create wealth from waste.
He had bought an old table-counter with chairs.
 |
| Prompt- Roger Bultot |
Malli had completed her driving lessons.
She soon realized how terrible she was at driving.
But, the newbie driver wouldn't give up.
She would try to drive their old car in the less-populated part of her city during the less-crowded time of the day.
That day, she did not know how she drove the car on the footpath.
 |
| Prompt- Sandra Crook |
Ratha Jatra is a world-famous festival of Puri, Odisha, India. Each year, the divine siblings- Shree Jagannatha Mahaprabhu, elder brother, Shree Balabhadra, and sister, Devi Subhadra, make their annual journey from the Shree Jagannatha Temple in giant wooden and decorated chariots called Rathas and visit their birthplace- Shree Gundicha Temple.
It is also called Rath Yatra and Ratha Yatra.
Ratha Jatra is now celebrated worldwide. The dates vary as per the tithi. This year, the journey of the deities began on July 1st. It ended on July 12th on Niladri Bije when the deities entered the Shreemandira i.e. the Puri Shree Jagannatha Temple.
As per the centuries-old ritual, each year, Shree Jagannatha appeases His wife, Devi Lakshmi, by gifting Her Rasagolas along with many other presents like saree, jewellery etc.
Before 2015, many were not aware of the cultural link of Rasagola (Rasgulla) with Odisha.
The Department of Posts had issued a "Palanquin Carried Special Cover for Rasagola" on Dola Purnima, 2018.
Shree Jagannathaji Ke Vyanjan Mein Rasagola i.e. Rasagola in Shree Jagannathaji's Cuisine-
http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2018/04/palanquin-carried-special-cover-for.html
It was covered by many media.
Mira was visiting USA for the first time with her parents.
As they were passing by the countryside, Mira was surprised as she could identify the place.
She made her parents stop by an inn near a tree and greeted the elderly shopkeeper by his name!
Then, Mira excitedly gave directions-
"A left turn from here and we will reach 'Silver Bells'".
"Have you been here before, Mira?" her parents were startled.
 |
| Photo Prompt- Bill Reynolds |
Woh Neeli Chitthiyaan - Those Blue Letters
Hindi and English
Dedicated to “Inland Letter”
Poem in Hindi - Received via WhatsApp
Woh Neeli Chitthiyaan
वो नीली चिट्ठियां
वो नीली चिट्ठियां कहां खो गई
जिनमे लिखने के सलीके छुपे होते थे
कुशलता की कामना से शुरू होते थें
बड़ों के चरणस्पर्श पर ख़त्म होते थें
और बीच में लिखी होती थी जिंदगी
Today is a such a momentous day for our India!
We proudly welcome a great and truly deserving woman to the top office. An emotional moment for all of us.
Smt. Droupadi Murmu, an educated, dedicated, resilient, empowered and inspiring woman, has been sworn in as our country's fifteenth President.
She is our country's First Citizen and the commander-in-chief of Army, Navy, and Air Force.
She is a symbol & triumph of hope, courage, sustainability, humility, and the power of education.
Her entire career and life's story is so inspiring. Despite personal loss and having lost both her sons and husband, she never gave up.
She continued working for social causes like a true karamveer.
When Lizi came to her senses, she found herself sitting at a table in front of a half-filled glass.
Many unknown faces were staring at her.
They asked, "Are you okay?"
 |
| Photo- Fleur Rind |
Lizi nodded.
"Tell us what happened exactly."
Lizi shared, "I was driving my car when I felt very thirsty. I recollect seeing the 'Stop' sign-board on the lane. I do not remember what happened next."
"Which street was that?"
Ratha Jatra, the anuual journey of Shree Jagannatha and His siblings, is celebrated with great happiness at Puri Dham, Odisha, and in many places worldwide where there are Shree Jagannatha Temples.
It is also called- Rath Yatra and Ratha Yatra.
 |
| Bahuda Jatra 2022 ; Source- SJTA |
The return journey is called Bahuda Jatra. Bahuda Jatra, also called Bahuda Yatra, was celebrated today.
Many people wrongly think that the deities enter the Temple immediately after they undertake the return journey.
The following is a stand-alone story. But, in case you would like to read the previous parts, here they are-
Part-1- Are You There?
Part-2- Bewitched!
SPELLBOUND!
Peter knew that his daughter Anna
had turned into a mannequin.
He did not know when and how
the spell would end.
Anna's phone rang.
Her friend, William, had
called.
Peter explained the situation.
William arrived.
He had got a giant
spinning-wheel.
Peter looked quizzically.
Photo Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
"The spindle had cast a
spell on Princess Aurora- Sleeping Beauty. May be it will revive Anna."
William tried pricking the
mannequin's finger.
The following is a stand-alone story.
But, if you do wish to know the background, do read the previous 100 words story, the Part-1- Are You There?
Peter looked at the mannequin
that resembled his daughter Anna.
It stood motionless while
Anna's phone was ringing on the table right in front of it.
He was convinced that Anna had
turned into a mannequin.
He remembered the fairy-tales
he had read when he was small.
Princesses came under magical
spells, the effect of which wore off later.
 |
| Photo Prompt - Jan Wayne Fields |
Who or what had triggered this
in the first place?
It was late.
His daughter had still not
returned from work.
He called her many times.
Her phone went unanswered.
It was quite unusual of Anna.
Peter was worried.
He went looking for Anna.
 |
| Photo Prompt- John Nixon |
Anna ran a second-hand store in
the mall.
The door was open.
Today, Deba Snana Purnima was observed at the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri, Odisha, and also in many Shree Jagannatha Temples in India and the world.
On Snana Purnima, Snana Yatra or Snana Jatra or Deba Snana Purnima rituals are held.
Gajanan Besha or Hati Besha is done.
The bathing ceremony of the deities of the world-famous Puri temple is held and then they are dressed in elephant attire.
Snana Purnima is the day believed to be the tithi birthday of Shree Jagannatha.
Solapith is an intricate and beautiful heritage craft of Odisha.
It is one of the 50 approved crafts of the Government of Odisha.
Solapith is linked with Odisha's Shree Jagannatha culture and traditions for centuries.
How wonderful deities look when they use their special Solapith head-dress that gracefully sways as they reach their Rathas!
 |
| Source |
A prestigious international film festival like the Cannes means a lot to many- for the celebrities, the media and the paparazzi, the brands and sponsors, the participants and guests, and the general public.
 |
| Anne Hathaway |
Some top actresses of India were dressed in elaborate gowns and looked like western fairy-tale princesses.
Cinderella must have looked like this at the ball? Which of the following is your favourite?
Last week, I had shared how an upcoming Hindi movie's team did not feel it essential to showcase the sixth classical language of India - Odia, though they had well planned, projected and shown almost all the other official languages of India.
India has 22 official languages.
This week, it is great to see the Indian Bandhgala of the Information & Broadcasting Minister, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur.
It is a wonderful concept and showcases "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat"- One India, Best India.
India boasts of 'unity in diversity".
There are six buttons where engraving has been done in six regional languages namely-
 |
| Source |
Taani was missing.
Her family had last seen her in
her own room.
They were sure that Taani had
not gone out of their home.
-x-
Taani was working very hard on
her college-assignment.
She had not slept the night
before.
All she wanted was to complete
her work and then take a break.
It is always terrible to learn about the death of celebrities. Though we have never met them, we feel a sense of loss. Sometimes, those who are too involved with the celebrities, are inconsolable. This is about the real-life.
Even the reel-life death totally shakes people.
I remember the death of the character "Mihir" in the episode of TV-soap opera- "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi." The regular viewers were so shocked and many cried such a lot that everyone had puffy-eyes the next day. The loss was personal as though as family-member was no more. After all, the daily soap and its loved characters had become a part of every family and everyone watched daily.
Today, it was sad to read about the death of a Bengali TV-actress- Pallabi Dey. Though I never knew of her before nor have never watched any of her shows, still I feels bad that we lost a young, beautiful, and talented actress. This is how the news has been covered by the Economic Times, Pananche-
Some Quiz Questions about the Official Languages of India
1. How many official languages does India now have?
2. Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the official languages?
3. At the time of writing the Constitution of India, how many languages were mentioned?
4. Is Hindi the "National Language of India"?
5. Is Hindi an official language of India?
6. Is English an official language of India?
7. How many classical languages are there in India?
8. Which was the last language to earn the classical language status?
9. Which was the first state of India to be formed on linguistic basis?
10. In which year was the first state formed on the basis on language?
Do you know the answers to the above ten questions?
Consider this case-
There is a school excursion. The
headmaster had invited most of the students for the outing.
All the invited students had a great
time together and were a part of the group video. That was shared via social
media by the star student and generated great excitement.
However, the few students, who had
not been invited for the excursion, saw the video and felt hurt as they had
been left out. Why did the headmaster or the teachers not include them?
They were not sure whether this had
been done intentionally or unintentionally by the headmaster. Why did the
headmaster or staff treat them differently than the rest of the class?
The ignored students and their
supporters publicly confronted and complained to the headmaster, the staff and
the star student involved. The aggrieved students threatened that they would
adopt non-cooperation and boycott classes.
Seeing the quick condemnation,
social media outrage, and the deluge of posts regarding this issue, the
school-staff including the headmaster feared the loss of face and revenue i.e.
school-fees. What if the ignored students really decided to quit school?
We keep receiving surveys to be filled from time to time. Have received many over the years- from marketing agencies, banks, food delivery partners, students, companies etc. Our responses and answers are valuable for them.
I know the importance of surveys and have personally got many questionnaires filled as part of my research for my PhD work. Feedback from the genuine sources and local respondents is very essential for study.
As the mailbox of my Gmail account was full today, I got a warning.
I would be unable to send or receive mails till I took the necessary action.
It has happened many times in the past and every time it happens, I end up spending a lot of time trying to delete old mails and to free up space.
The other option is to purchase extra space. To avoid doing that, I chose the tough option and start deleting past mails.
While deleting old mails, many of which are still unread, I get a chance to review and reflect.
As I had received a lot of surveys, many of which had attachments, I thought deleting them would be a great idea now that their purpose had been served.
While searching, I found this "UN survey" email too sent by my sister in the year 2008!
The following is the "joke" that she had forwarded a good 14 years ago-
Always glad & grateful to voice & rejoice.
Someone's choice is someone's "noise".
I still indulge, share & revel in my joys!
They do not know what you've done or what you do.
They have never met or known you & have no clue.
They have no idea of your causes or the reasons,
Still, they are your expert judges in all the seasons!
They instantly pronounce you guilty in their court!
They resolutely, blindly, obsequiously, & unfairly support-
The party whom they know or who has them engaged.
Just the ambience is needed for their drama to be staged!
What will happen if I write no words or post?
If my blog is calm like the deep sea without waves?
Will anyone bother; or just treat like a ghost?
Does anyone ever miss the light inside caves?
To acknowledge light, one must have known its absence.
For those who love darkness, what importance has light?
'The blind men and the elephant' could not make sense-
As they never understood the real worth and value it right.
For this year's April A2Z theme, I had been planning some topics.
My last year's theme was #RasagolaA2Z where I had shared posts about Rasagola.
Rasagola is a delectable dessert that originated in Odisha, India. The main ingredients are cottage-cheese and sugar-syrup.
Also called and pronounced in several different ways viz. Rasgulla, Rasagula, Rasogolla, Rosogolla etc., Rasagola is called the 'King of Sweets'.
We have been celebrating a day for Rasagola or Rasagola Day as- "Rasagola Dibasa #RasagolaDibasa" on social media from 2015 Nabakalebara Ratha Yatra onwards.
It helped in creating awareness about the connection of Rasagola with Odisha and also about the centuries-old ritual- Niladri Bije of Odisha. Our celebration and promotion also generated interest for the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
