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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It Was Time

He noticed the flower-seller on his way to office.

He thought she was smart to be operating her stall near his high-rise.

 

He had employed a thousand employees.

There was always some celebration at office.

 

Picture Prompt- Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Today was special.

It was his daughter Rizzy’s birthday.

He felt like buying roses for Rizzy.

Maryada Purushottam Shree Ram Airport And Shree Ram Mandir At Ayodhya

It is great that the Shree Ram Mandir and the "Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram Ayodhya Airport" will be a reality soon. 

Feeling truly blessed that this proud moment will be possible for all of us in January 2024. 

Source: @MeghUpdates on X

Just like for many other Indians, this means a lot to me. 

In 2017, I had the chance to visit the Maya Devi Temple at Lumbini, Nepal. 

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2017/05/budhia-singh-at-nepal-day-2.html

It struck me that they were so certain about the exact location of the place of birth of Gautam Buddha. Inside the temple, they had marked the designated area as the "birthplace of Gautam Buddha".

In contrast, some top lawyers and politicians of our nation were/are not even willing to accept the existence of Shree Ram or that He was born in Ayodhya! And this despite the Ramayana epic clearly stating that Shree Ram was born in Ayodhya! 

Scientists have calculated Shree Ram's date of birth.

As per this report published by Zee New India in August 2012-

https://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/lord-ramas-date-of-birth-scientifically-calculated_796118.html

Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi: New findings have once again proven the existence of Lord Rama, with his exact date of birth getting a scientific credence.

As per the Institute for Scientific Research on Vedas (I-SERVE), planetarium software has ascertained the birth of Lord Rama as 10th January 5114 BC in Ayodhya. As per the Indian calendar the time of the birth is in-between 12 noon and 1pm, Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month.

According to Zee News exclusive, the institute has also claimed success in substantiating many other ancient events in Indian mythology that supposedly took place before 2000 BC by using the planetarium software.

The planetarium software is also used by NASA and Nehru planetarium to find out the position of various planets and stars in the universe.

The scientist of I-SERVE claimed that they zeroed down on Lord Rama`s birth date by studying planetary positions as described by Valmiki in the Ramayana.

The scientists also said that new scientific tools and techniques like planetarium software, computers, space imagery, underwater explorations, and radio carbon dating can clearly validate the existence of characters and events which are described in Ramayana.

It is just not about the date of birth of Lord Rama, scientists have also proofs which can substantiate not only the existence of Lord Rama as described in Ramayana but also of the incident of the clash of Lord Rama and ‘khardushan’ during the 13th year of Rama’s exile.

Much water has flown down the Sarayu river. Ayodhya has seen a metamorphosis.

Truly excited to read about the progress of the Shree Ram Mandir and airport too.

The Ayodhya airport has a 2,200m-long and 45m-wide runway, with a terminal spread over 8,000 sqm area. It can handle 500 passengers at a time. It will be inaugurated this year-end.

"Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram Ayodhya Airport" is a rich cultural name for the Ayodhya Airport.

Earlier, Donyi Polo, the airport of Arunachal Pradesh, became the first in India to be named after the sun and the moon. As per this report in the Times of India-

Another Facebook Post Removed

 Another Facebook post has been removed this year.

This is any social media user/content creator's fear.

They got your post removed as it is a case of violation

You do not even know how & why that's the reason?

Windows To Bliss

How many have windows to the world?

How many get to see views unfurled?

Many wait for doors to be opened or knocked-

Do they bother why their windows are locked?

What doors can't, won't, & don't, windows do-

But, how'll those who don't value have a clue?

Source: Pexels

Windows have whole new worlds behind...

We need the eyes to see & perhaps find.

Are these windows to new worlds out there?

Or are they windows with the worlds we care?

Thanks to the window I unravel secrets with glee

The window opened the door & way to reach me.

Earlier I was never sure if I could ever do this-

Now I do know there are windows to bliss!

Linking with Friday Writings- You Did It!

What do windows mean to you?

The Art Project

The teacher announced "The Art Project".  

Students were free to choose any medium and topic.

Every student was to present their creation after a week.

Ira knew that her canvas and creation would be unique and special.

She started preparing.

 

It was "Art Project Day" at school.

The Place of Death

 "All I want to know is where I'm going to die so I'll never go there" 

- Charlie Munger

Is it possible to avoid death by not going to the place of death? What do you feel?

Death is inevitable.

Whoever is born, will have to die one day.

Just like our soul was facilitated to this material word and we were born, similarly it will be time for our immortal soul to continue its eternal journey. 

Our lives will end suddenly and this life's chapter will be closed.

Benjamin Franklin rightly said, "Nothing is certain except death and taxes." 

Charlie Munger's quote as shared above, raises a question- if it had been possible for a human to know the place of her/his death, would she/he have willingly ventured there?

Source: Pexels

The Palace Singer

Continuing the story written last month for the Friday Fictioneers-

The Palace Rose Garden- http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2023/11/the-palace-rose-garden.html 

When the first-time travellers reached the living-room, they saw a portrait that looked strikingly like Dia!

"Many artists have visited this palace before", Dia continued.

"In the courtyard of this palace, there used to be performances by singers and dancers.

Can you imagine there was a talented singer who could light lamps with his singing!"

Photo Prompt- Susan Rouchard

Male Gaze and Female Gaze in Hi Nanna: IDHE IDHE

 Last evening, I saw info about the song release of a new Telugu movie- "Hi Nanna".

This new song "Idhe Idhe" is trending on YouTube for music having already garnered 900K+ views, and counting.

The song video is here-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYyDkpv3TOk

Head Turner & Showstopper

The song has the lead heroine- Mrunal Thakur walking in.

She is definitely a "Head Turner".

Like in fashion shows where we have the "Show Stopper", she walks in and captures everyone's instant attention.

Dressed in a black saree and white blouse, she creates magic.

After seeing her, people simply stop and turn their heads and just gape. 

She is unmissable. 

She is magnetic.

She is amazing. 

Male Gaze

It is a sweet melodious romantic song beautifully shot by the team.

The camera has faithfully followed all the characters & captured their expressions beautifully.

But, hey!

What is this?

Why the close-up on her features and lingering there for some time?

The Creative Installations

The shoes were lying in their attic for years just like so many other unused items in their home.

Photo Prompt- Ted Strutz

Discarded things were lying outside their home too– just like an old car, statues, toys etc.

Once-loved items were now uncared…

Rizzy had enterprisingly decided that she had to do something about all those.

Interest Is Interesting

The word "interest" always interests me,

Interest is an interesting word, you see! 

Nothing is possible without interest, I feel.

Interest generates knowledge, action & zeal.

Interest is what is needed by one at first,

Interest acts as a driving force & is like thirst-

To quench this thirst, there is motivation.

Efforts are indications; interest is the inspiration.

Source: Instagram

What Do You Think?

Do you think you can remove all from the group?

Do you think without water you can make soup?

Do you think you can play your dirty tricks?

Do you think no one can see your dark streaks? 

Source: Rumi Quote- Woman's Day

Do you think you are the only one who knows?

Do you think you are all-in-all; the rest are foes?

The Palace Rose Garden

The travellers went to the palace.

"Photography is not allowed inside", their Guide warned.

 

When Dia saw the palace, she walked as though she knew the place. 

Photo Prompt- David Stewart

"A beautiful Princess once lived here", the Guide informed.

This Moment Is All There Is

This moment is all there is.

This moment is full of bliss.

This moment is unique.

This moment is my pick.

Source: Jodi Livon - X

Shubh Dhanteras and Shubh Diwali

Dhanteras constitutes of two words- Dhan and Teras.

"Dhan" means- wealth

"Teras" means- the 13th Day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Kartik (Kartika) Maas (Maasa or month).

13th day is also called- "Trayodashi".

Dhanteras is "Dhanwantari Trayodashi" or "Dhantrayodashi". On this auspicious day, Shree Dhanwantari is worshipped.

It is Dhanwantari Jayanti i.e. the appearance day of Shree Dhanwantari.

Shree Dhanwantari had appeared with a pot full of Amrit (nectar).

Shree Dhanwantari is the Hindu God of Medicine and Ayurveda.

Shree Dhanwantari represents good health and wellness.

"Happy Dhanteras" Wish Messages

The following are some of the Dhanteras messages of respective handles from X (formerly Twitter)-

Indians Travel Visa Free

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

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

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

Tourism plans are being shaped around Indians.

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

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

— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) October 24, 2023

Look at the number of likes this post has earned!

Then There Was Light

It was past midnight. 

She was speeding her car trying to flee.

Goons were hot in her chase.

She was not going to let them catch her. 

She sped through little-known by-lanes in an unfamiliar part of the city.

In a dark stretch, her car suddenly stopped.

What Is The Distance of Nuapatna From Cuttack?

Recently, I read in a couple of research papers that the distance of Nuapatna from Cuttack is 100 kilometres.

Nuapatna is a place in the Cuttack district of Odisha, India, that is famous for a variety of Odisha Handloom with "Bandha Kala" i.e. "Ikat" of Odisha. 

Bandha Kala is the local Odia term for the art of "Tie and Dye" weaving. This art is called "Ikat" weaving.

There are many looms. Many weavers have been associated with this craft for many centuries.

Beautiful sarees and dress-materials and more are handwoven with traditional motifs. They are called - "Khandua".

Both "Orissa Ikat" and "Khandua" have the Geographical Indication (GI) tags.

Nuapatna and Maniabandha are famous for Khandua Sarees & Fabrics.

Five Tallest Statues In The World

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

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

Option1- None

Option2- 1

Option3- 2

Option4- 3

Source: ET

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

Option1- USA

Option2- China

Option3- Japan

Option4- India

When Sheep Jumped Higher Than Goats

When I was small, I liked the nursery rhyme- "Hey Diddle Diddle".

The third line of the rhyme- "The cow jumped over the moon" often made me wonder how it could ever be possible.

The moon is so far away.

Source: Unsplash

Even a little child knows this.

The cow is near and so very dear. In India, the cow is considered to be our mother. Like mother's milk, cow's milk too has nourished us.

How To Claim Unclaimed Dividends, Shares

If you have been an investor in the stock market, you have been receiving dividend income from companies.

But, in case your bank account was/is not linked or you have changed address etc, you may have been missing the dividend cheques.

Having been in such situations, I know that I have missed some payments, especially before 2015.

Recently, I learned about the "Investor Education and Protection Fund" (IEPF).

I was reading the Hindu Businessline when I saw this report- https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/unlock-your-hidden-wealth-claiming-unclaimed-shares-dividends-at-your-finger-tips-now/article67372398.ece

This report in the Economic Times also informs about the same-

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/government-to-launch-portal-for-unclaimed-dividends-shares-by-february/articleshow/101261861.cms?

I promptly looked for the IEPF Web Project and found their website- 

https://www.iepf.gov.in/IEPFWebProject/SearchInvestorAction.do

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has details regarding Investor Services on this website-

https://www.mca.gov.in/MinistryV2/investorservices.html

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has issued a Notification in the Gazette of India dated September 5, 2016, notifying the Rule "Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016." As per this Rule, companies have to identify and upload details of unclaimed dividend on their website.

Accordingly, detailed information is provided for the benefit of shareholders.

Details about the unpaid and unclaimed dividends can be seen on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) website-

https://www.bseindia.com/static/investor_relations/dividend.aspx

Information is shared from 2016-17 onwards. As only the last 5 years data is available.

As per information on the website of the IEPF, Ministry of Corporate Affairs-

Steps to file statement of investor-wise unclaimed and unpaid amounts

1. Download Form 5 INV.
2. Fill the form according to the instructions given in its instruction kit
3. Upload the filled form on the IEPF portal
4. After the Form 5- INV is filled and uploaded on the MCA21 portal, you are required to provide the investor wise details of unclaimed and unpaid amount in an excel file
5. Download the excel template from the IEPF Portal
6. Fill in the excel template with investor-wise detail
7. Upload the excel file with investor-wise details of unclaimed and unpaid amounts
8. After all the details are uploaded confirm upload of unclaimed and unpaid amount details

For additional information - https://www.iepf.gov.in/IEPFWebProject/services.html

More on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs website-

https://www.mca.gov.in/mcafoportal/iepf5Service.do

This blog post has explained in great detail along with screenshots-

https://www.paytmmoney.com/blog/how-to-claim-unclaimed-dividends-shares/

Do hope you find this useful.

Hope you can claim your unclaimed dividends and shares.

The Road To Paradise

<Now>

The road to paradise was filled with snow.

They felt blessed to finally make it though!

They danced a jig forgetting the chill!

Freezing, but being thrilled to be alive still!

The road led them to a place that was nice-

They had named their new home- "Paradise".

Image- Lisa Fox

National Cinema Day

The second edition of the National Cinema Day is this week!

Yes, it will be celebrated on  Friday the 13th (October 2023).

Source: X

Most cinema-tickets will be available at Rs 99. 

Apart from the pricing of the tickets, there will be deals for popcorn, food etc. at some of the counters too.

World Smile Day #WorldSmileDay

May all worldwide always have SMILES!

Express happiness across the miles! Face, language, regions, times may change- But smiles are always within our range!

Identifying The Wrong Is Wrong?

Recently, there was an event that brought great joy to many.

But, a few including yours truly were concerned as they knew what was wrong in the event.

Not only had they known earlier, but they had also taken pains to make it known to others and had tried to ensure action.

How and why did they know what others' didn't and do what others' didn't or wouldn't?

Anyway, despite their efforts, the wrong was accepted and promoted.

Instead of identifying the wrong and taking care to make it right after being informed, no action was taken.

Rather the attitude and belief of all- "Identifying the wrong is wrong!"

The following image is a screenshot that shows the conversation of two social media friends about the same event-

Kendrapara Rasabali - GI Tag of Odisha India

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

Rasabali is a chhena-based dessert of Odisha.

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

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

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

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

International Coffee Day 2023

It was great to celebrate International Coffee Day on October 1st 2023☕️ and to have conversations around coffee i.e. Coffee pe Charcha :)

In India, there are more tea-drinkers and tea-lovers than coffee-drinkers and coffee-lovers.
While "Chai Pe Charcha" are famous, coffee conversations are no less stimulating!

Thanks to Bangalore Times for choosing me as one of the winners of the Coffee Day special quiz they had conducted.

Winners earned an opportunity to be a part of this informative and stimulating event with fellow participants ☺️

5 Quiz Questions - Can You Answer?

Here are 5 Quiz Questions for you. How many can you answer?

Questions:

1. Which nut is used to make Marzipan?

a. Almonds b. Pistachio c. Macademia d. Cashewnut

2. Which planet's moon is the second-largest moon of the solar-system?

a. Earth b. Jupiter c. Saturn d. Uranus

Source: NASA

Shakti Scheme - Free Bus Rides For Women

In a previous blog post last week, I shared about the word "power" or "shakti" and how it is synonymous with men.

The word "Shakti" is also used along with the word "Mission" i.e.- "Mission Shakti".

This is to denote women power as "Mission Shakti" represents women and their contribution. 

We have Mission Shakti in Odisha. Women Self-Help Groups i.e. SHGs are involved. The aim is employment and good opportunities for women to realize their potential and attain goals.

Recently, another political party was elected in a large southern state of India.

One of their poll promises was the "Shakti" scheme.

Shakti Scheme- Source: All About Belgaum

Bomkai Saree - GI Handloom of Odisha

Bomkai is an exclusive handloom product of Odisha.

"Bomkai Saree & Fabrics" have the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Bomkai Saree- Source: Utkalamrita

The Saree's name is Bomkai as it has originated in the Bomkai village of Ganjam district of Odisha.

However, now Bomkai Sarees are being mostly handwoven in the Sonepur district of Odisha.

Thus, they are being called "Sonepuri" Sarees.

Stay Strong!

What is strength?

That we see being exhibited by action-heroes and heroines, right?

Despite being a feminist, I have used the word- "heroes" first and then "heroines" in the above sentence.

Ever wonder how and why the very words- "action", "strong", "strength", "power" etc are associated with men?

Aren't there more action-heroes than action-heroines?

Batman, Spiderman, Antman, Phantom, Superman...

vs

Supergirl, Wondergirl...

"The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone."

Losing Track Of Time

They asked her to focus on work.

She was not the type to shirk.

Serious about responsibilities,

Losing track of time in liabilities.

Her dreams were smothered.

But, she was no longer bothered!

She was head over heels in love!

Losing track of time hand in glove.

Source: Unsplash

Get Over Jealousy

"I went to find a bad person in the universe, and I found none."

- Kabir

Be "happy and joyful" and "never do harm to anyone".

Totally agree with these words expressed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji in this Speaking Tree column- "Get Over Jealousy" published by ET Prime on August 26, 2023:

Sharing Caring Honey Bee

She travelled for many hours-

Voluntary efforts with devotion.

For gardens, she scaled walls & towers,

And gathered key drops & information.

Source: Unsplash

Does Rasabali Have A Hole Like Doughnut?

Rasabali is a traditional Chhena sweet of Odisha.

It is a bhoga/offering at Shree Baladevjew Temple, Kendrapara, Odisha.

As a part of the ongoing month-long promotional program by NCHMCT in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism on regional cuisine, IHM Bhubaneswar presents the traditional regional cuisine - 'Rasabali' a sweet dish from Odisha!#SkillDevelopment #CulinaryFest pic.twitter.com/i8tB1DrgaM

— Ministry of Tourism (@tourismgoi) August 17, 2023

More information about Kendrapara Rasabali here-

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

Source: Mobile News

By now, many are aware that the Geographical Indication (GI) application for "Kendrapara Rasabali" has been submitted and it will earn the GI tag shortly.

Dungaria Kondh - Kapadaganda Shawl

Can you guess the names of the handlooms in this image?

That is me in the centre flanked by two gorgeous women.

Do you know-

My Silk Saree's name?
The names of the exquisite shawls by the graceful women standing to my left and right?

Kendrapara Rasabali - GI Tag

It is heartening to see the interest regarding Geographical Indication (GI) now in Odisha.

I saw a couple of social media posts sharing about the upcoming GIs like- Kendrapara Rasabali.

Having done the initial facilitation of this GI, it gives me great pride and happiness.

In fact, just like the Utkal Mistanna Byabasyee Sangha for Odisha Rasagola GI, the producer-group - "Kendrapara Rasabali Mistanna Nirmata Sangha" was formed after my suggestion, guidance and constant follow-up. 

It may be noted that the GI tag for Odisha Rasagola has informed and inspired many producer-groups to also earn GIs for their own local products.

After receiving query from a local writer, Shri Saroj Mohanty, regarding Kendrapara Rasabali GI in 2020, I had created a WhatsApp group to facilitate the process. Some stakeholders had been added by the Admins that also included Shri Mohanty. Rasabali GI information was being continuously shared in the group.

GI Application was filed in December 2021.

The main product-description about Rasabali in the GI application has been taken from the initial 3 lines shared in my blog post (published on July 2020)-

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

Yes, my Blog- "The Explorer of Miracles" finds mention in the Kendrapara Rasabali GI application.

National Handloom Awards 2023

September 20 is celebrated as "Silk Day".

Today we are also celebrating- Nuakhai- an important harvest festival of Odisha.

It's an important day for our rich handlooms & talented weavers.

Source

This blog post has reference to the "National Handloom Awards" for this year (& some previous years) that are yet to be held.

Thanks to Ministry of Textiles initiative for the first National Handloom Day on 7th August 2015. 

National Handloom Awards were handed over.

Handloom-weaving community felt honoured.

Contribution of this sector in the socio-economic development of our nation is immense. #MyHandloomMyPride

National Handloom Day is over on August 7th this year. 

But, Awards were not handed over to weavers. 

Notification for the National Handloom Awards (NHA) 2023 application/submission is not published as yet.

I had first shared about this issue 2 months ago- registration number: PMOPG/E/2023/0135449. 

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2023/07/letter-for-national-handloom-awards.html

However, date for this year's NHA is still not out.

As per reply received on 26.07.2023, NHA dates & details would be shared after guidelines are set.

Interested weavers are still asking- When will they get notification for National Handloom Awards?

Our weavers have spent a lot of time and effort & invested resources for creating unique designs.

Those prized pieces are still waiting to be sent for NHA consideration.

Once a piece is woven for Award, weaver cannot showcase or sell that. 

Money is blocked.

As NHA haven't been held for past 2-3 years, many pieces are lying.

There's loss of morale & patience.

Textile ministry should announce submission dates & details soon so that the weavers can apply. 

This month, the NHA application process should be published.

Requesting completion of all pending NHA ceremonies before end of this year- 2023.

Target must be to hand over National Handloom Awards for year 2024 on the National Handloom Day 2024.

Special Greetings for #SilkDay & #Nuakhai🙏#NuakhaiJuhar🙏

Weavers are waiting.
Grievance registration#: PMOPG/E/2023/0188598
Requesting @TexMinIndia @PMOIndia to pls complete all pending #NationalHandloomAwards process this year.
From 2024, #NHA must be on #NationalHandloomDay pic.twitter.com/5InWKSGL2d

— Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) September 20, 2023

Shree Ganesha - Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

May Shree Ganesha bless all this Ganesh Chaturthi.

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

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

Jaya Shree Ganesha 🙏🎊

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

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

Who does not want obstacles to be removed?

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

Pattachitra

Odisha Pattachitra

How To Get Back Lent Money?

Have you ever borrowed or lent money? 

Those who have done so, would have realized how tough it is to retrieve.

How many borrowers actually follow you up to return the money they owe?

When the amount is "small or insignificant" meaning when the figure is within 1-3 digits then it is expected to be forgotten!

The expectation is not too different in the case of a four or five figure loan too!

The same thing applies for books.

I am yet to get back many of the books I have lent. This outcome is independent of the nature, size or cost of the book!

Borrowers have been reminded multiple times and yet they do not feel it necessary to even answer messages or calls.

Came across this interesting headline and news report published in today's edition of Economic Times (ET) -

Likely to miss monthly repayment? Don't worry, SBI will send you a chocolate

Which borrower wants a chocolate?

Will gifting a chocolate make borrowers return what they owe?

India's largest bank, the State Bank of India (SBI) certainly thinks so.

Source: ET

Answer This KBC 7 Crore Question

The popular Quiz-show Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by the inimitable Sri Amitabh Bachchan has found its first Crorepati for its latest season- KBC-15.

Jaskaran Singh answered all the questions he knew and bagged one crore.

He could not answer the last question though.

Courtesy: Sony TV

Regular viewers know how tough it is to first make it to the show, then the hot-seat, and thereafter, answer all the questions correctly and consistently thereby securing such a huge amount.

Some highly intelligent persons have faltered after crossing and reaching such levels and lost all the amount "won".

Patachitra - Traditional Art of Odisha

 "Patachitra is the cloth scroll painting tradition from Odisha, dedicated to mythological and religious themes in Indian art. Bold, strong outlines, vibrant colours like white, red, yellow and black with decorative borders."

Apart from cloth & other materials, a locally-prepared canvas called Pata/Patta is also used for this amazing art style.

It is great to find correct information regarding the various arts of India in the report by India Today-

10 Distinct & Ethnic Paintings of India.

Abhimanyu Samantasinghar Marg - Bhubaneswar Road Renamed

Yesterday, eminent writer and artist, Shri J.P.Das, shared a Facebook post with an image regarding renaming of a road in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

A particular road that was previously named as "Abhimanyu Samantasinghar Marg" is now known as "Saint Mother Teresa Marg."

How did this happen? 

When did this happen? 

Information is usually not known unless shared.

That is how people become aware.

I first came to know about the incident in 2018 from Shri Prakash Nayak, one of the activists who had raised his voice against the issue.

But, when did the road-name-change happen? In year 2016!

This news-report in the Times of India has more info.