Flying high

Today's headline, made me to write this blog. Last time that I travelled back home, for the first time, I happened to have a lady Pilot. As far as I remeber her name was Preeti, Sirname I have forgotten. I was so happy that day to hear a Women pilot. More delighted to see Women emerging in every field.

However, today the headline made me to fear, its not for the lady pilots, but for the fake certificate that was caught after finding a women pilot, landing wrong way. More so worried, because its INDIGO airlines to make headline. As Indigo is the cheapest and daily two flights to BBSR, for which I preferred it. Though, I did not like there service very much, I was happy to get flight in reasonable rates.

Don't know what to say about India's development with fake that is everywhere. When I was a in Std 6th, my teacher once said to whole class that we need to score high to get admission in college. I was worried the whole day, as I saw everyone going to college. I was worried to know how could everyone get more than 80% score. Well, I had no knowledge of Science, Commerce and Arts at that time. Never knew according to college and subject the score varies. When, I completed my engineering, came to know that you can get job with fake marksheets too. There is fake in everything from being employed to your scores in school and colleges.

Today, the height of fake is getting Pilot license with fake certificate of passing the test. Don't we fear of taking lifes of so many people that board a flight. What is our safety in these things? I fear the roots of fake is in everything. Someone, making hard attempts to get it and someone with fake attempts. Great comparision all together. Only thing that matters is who is caught first. There is no use pointing to any proffession and people, as this is something widely known. And no use fearing being an Indian by blood. Is not it??

But, yes Indian making healine for fake is something that I really hate. I want to see Indian praised everywhere, not looked down upon. I want to see the newspaper heading with Indians as winners in every field. Its not that Indians are not prasied or honoured for their acheivements, but some of us are pulling the efforts of many who have acheived fame for our country. Why cant we take inspiration from people who acheive after a long struggle than finding short-cuts to acheive the same glory? Do we lack inspiration and motivation to struggle a bit more, that we try the short-cuts in every sphere? Please think seriously, what we will give the next generation, ways to find short-cuts or can we motivate them to struggle and put in enough efforts.

Wishing you all the Centenary year for International Women's Day

Hi Readers,

 Wish you all the Centenary year for International Women's day. Don't know what could be a better starting for this post, so just jotting down few facts about IWD. I was not knowing why we celebrate this Day and how the celebration came into existence till today morning. Not sure if some of you are like me who just go on celebrating such days, without even giving a thought about its existence. So, I thought its better to jot down few things of its existence to help people like me.

International Women's Day celebration started in 1900's and came to mass celebration worldwide from 1911. And from that day on this is celebrated every year on March 8th. Thus, making century this year. This started with first international women's conference that was held at Copenhagen in the year 1910. In this summit it was proposed to conduct International Women's Day , which was then celebrated every year from 1911.

At first this Day came into existence to propose and work for well being and social upliftment of women worldwide, and also to recognise Women who made a difference and achieved for not just themselves but for the world.

In today's world, this day is official holiday in many of the eastern European countries and Soviet Union countries. In many parts of the world, its celebrated in a way similar to Mothers Day and Valentines Day.

Now, lets talk how we celebrate it in India. Adds coming up in TV informs us about this Day. Official mails from HR team also informs us about it. There is few celebration and rewards and recognition ceremonies especially for Women held in companies. Apart from that men and women wish women this day. However, there is no exchange of gifts and other celebrations like Valentines Day or Mothers Day.I wish there should be something to reward and recognise the WOMEN who are working and contributing towards social causes.

I remember my first Women's Day celebration in IBM. Now, going to share that with you all. The mail from HR stated to wear only yellow, green or purple colour dresses and gather in the cafearia in the morning hours. Well, my team asked me to come in Saree and as a new joinee I had no idea what to do, though I had no saree with me at that time. So, I ended up wearing my favourite yellow Salwar Kameez to office. There, was a group of HR team (Women HR only) who were organising the event. We had some foreign delegates (IBMers from US) as the chief guest. All these ladies who spoke that day had more than 25 yrs of experience with IBM. They all narrated their journey in IBM. Some of them made it too interesting by adding their experience in overcoming hurdles specially to balance both professional and personal life. At that moment, I was just a month old in IBM and had no knowledge how difficult it could be to balance everything.

Though I learnt very few things from them, but had wonderful time watching my colleagues and getting inspired by their persona. The celebration ended with snacks servings along with gifts. Now, lets talk about today's celebration. While entering office the security personnel wished me "Happy Women's Day" with a rose gift. I missed the last years chocolate  as I was late. :(  Then got many invites from HR team for the days celebration that had funny competition of dress designing and mehndi competition. Wah Wah, it sounds so silly to mark these occasion. However, it was literally fun to watch the participants and get involved with them. I ended up giving away the prizes to winners of Mehndi competition. Ha ha ha.. Don't know if ever I can really give away prizes for some good cause though. I was really happy to give away them as I believe this was a great opportunity for me to do so. Ha ha ha..

Anyway, the Day is coming to an end and many ideas are popping up in my little mind which says to make this Day, much more beautiful, do something to make a difference.However, there are many if and buts also.

I eventually thought to dedicate today's post to some women achiever, then thought that will be like dragging too much this Women's Day. Got confused as to what to write and ended up writing this silly passage.

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Blissful life

Today morning, while reading the quote of the day, I was struck by the statement. The quote was " Balance in life is the way to achieve a blissful life". This sentence is very true and yet I feel so very hard to achieve.

Well each and everyone of us tries to achieve balanced life. However, for some it might be the easiest thing to achieve, still for some after many attempts, this seems to be too far. The search of happiness, contentment, satisfaction always goes on. Its easier for us to point out to someone for not making enough efforts. However, do we really know, how many times the same person has tried and failed.

Suddenly, my eye caught another quote, while I was deeply involved in thinking about this. The quote said, " Time and god are the best healer." Yes, its true, whenever we reach a point where life seems to be an end. We break and almost feel we can never make a move, however, when we try crawling, sometimes latter we learn to live in that pain. Time does not heal the wound, just gives us strength to bear the pain.

Today, almost all day long I was thinking about this quote. Few minutes ago I happened to read the editorial column of today's newspaper. Guess what? The article posted there was "The Gateway to Bliss". Many a times, the same thing has happened that when I try to reason out something, that I don't understand or probably something that lingers in my mind, I get the simple answers in editorial page of newspaper. I wonder how someone knows that today I will think about this and writes the entire story just meant to help me.

Sometimes, I feel somewhere really God is there, who is connecting to me through these editorial columns. LOL... it sounds silly but what do I refer this as. Why do this happens to me so many times? Anyway, still the paper could not clear all my doubts regarding BLISSFUL LIFE. But, made me smile by looking at the article. I must say I am still not grown up to understand the concept of enlightenment, giving away attachments, unconditional love and all.

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A visit to Puri last year

Last year on my trip back home, we had plans to visit Puri. I do not remember exactly how many times I have visited Puri. However, this remains my favourite trip back home. Almost every time we start our journey very early in the morning and make sure we reach Dhauli by 9 AM. The calm and silent environment of Buddhist monastery and the Stupa attracts many crowd. I love the view of river Daya and Bhubaneswar from the hill top. This is the place where the famous ruler " Asoka the great" had transformed himself after winning the battle against Kalinga. He then took up Buddhism and channelised all his energy in spreading Buddhism, peace and tranquility.

There are many rocks with inscription of Asoka's administration. The famous among them is the rock with elephant figure with the inscription of Asoka. The place is in a hill top and thus, the sun rays in morning along with the cool breeze makes you feel the calm and serene environment.

Then we directly went to Puri without halting at Konark. Since, it was Karthik Masa, there was huge crowd. And the traffic police diverted us towards the sea beach instead of entering the Bada Danda. Somehow, we managed to get back near the temple but had to park our vehicle a few meters from Jagannath temple.

This was noon time, however clouds had covered the sky and there was no Sun and hence climate was looking perfect to us. By the time we reached Puri temple, rain had started. There was low pressure and this had developed into rain. The water droplets were too cold and there was no place to hide. We all predicted the rain to stop in an hour, so after keeping our foot wears we went inside the temple. My younger brother had kept all the four or five mobile phones. And there was a strict checking of phones. The police caught him. And he replied to them promptly, however, they did not allow us to carry mobiles inside. By this time we were all completely drenched in rain. So, my maternal uncle and my brother stayed back. Me along with my Dad and Mom entered the temple premises. The rain water had by then collected in the entrance room. And it was reaching our waist. Somehow we managed to cross the room among so many devotees and made our way through the 22 steps towards the temple. There is another gate like structure at the end of the 22 steps. We had to enter that too. There also water had collected,as the priest were not allowing anymore people to enter the main temple, it was crowded.

It was too bitter to stand in cold water, completely drenched and that too there was no place for standing properly. Gradually, the number of devotees in that room started to grow. There was a newly wedded couple, one group of Sri chaitnya devotees, few elderly women. Few widows who had come for Habisha(ceremony to appease Krisha in form of Jagannath mostly done by Bharmin Widows). I had hold my Mom in one hand and my Dad had hold another hand of mine. Somehow, I was afraid, as my Mom is too thin, and I worried if someone stamps her feet, then it might break. She had one hand sandwiched between two other people. And my main fear was she might get hurt. The flow of water went on increasing as there was no passage for water. All the devotees were praying loudly so that the rain might stop and they could have a glance of the Lord. However, we three almost at that time decided not to wait there and return back. We could not see our beloved Lord, however we were happy to be not part of any stampede. Coming out of that crowd and that room was not so easy either. We were at the middle of room by the push and pull of people. Somehow, all three of us made our way back. The rain had no sign of stopping.

There was no way to visit the Anadbazar also. So, we decided to purchase the prasad available outside. Then again we came back to the first and main entrance. There is an idol of Jagannath in this room. We bowed before him and came out of the temple.

After, coming out my brother and maternal uncle told about an stampede in the main entrance which injured some elderly person. They were also very anxious about our well being. The rain had caused so many problems that we were not able to get our foot wears from the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper wanted us to wait for the rain to stop so that he can search where it lies. Finally, after an hour or so the rain slowed down.

However, the crowd increased even more. So, we decided not to enter the temple premises. My mom told its good to visit Jagannath temple in the month of Karthik. And we have come to Puri, so it will give us same benefit as it was to after we see the Lord.

Then we went to the sea beach. Too hungry and feeling too cold because of all wet clothes. We had not taken any extra pair of clothes as it was one day, to and fro plan. In the sea beach we had to give an coconut offering. So, we did that and then ate hot and spicy chat. Still, it was not sufficient for us to overcome the hunger. Then we made our way back to Cuttack and on the way searched a Dhaba. For me it was only after my engineering day that I had been to Dhaba, I was much excited. However, the Dhaba was not up to expectation. The food was normal, I must say below Dhaba standards, however, I was too hungry. When in hunger, everything tastes good.

That was an awful travel with all wet clothes. Feeling chill and even not able to get some crunchy snacks,which can make you feel hot inside. I always loved pakoras along with tea or coffee at home. During rainy season this was something that I always demanded. Thankfully, we reached Cuttack soon. Never, had felt so better reaching home after  visiting Puri.

Missing you Kunu

Don't know how to express the feeling, I am just making an attempt to express it as best as possible. My first friend in  Cuttack was you Kunu. We became friends as we both were of same age and same batch. I miss the days that we spent together chit chatting about our colony girls and boys. I miss the view from your roof top, the garam gossips that you used to keep ready to be served.

I could still feel the same laugh of yours when I first attempted to ride a cycle. I can sense the same excitment with which you made me to taste the Bannana cutlet prepared by you. Don't know what made you to go so far that I can never see you again. And why did you choose this Maha Shiva Ratri Madam, every year you make me remeber you on this day.

 

Last year, for the first time after your depart I went to your home. I always avoided to visit your home, as I know its painful to see Aunty in tears. I know she can never resist my presence and I will always remind her about you. Still, one day I had to face her.She misses you badly. Even though she had got an eye operation done, she was unable to control tears. And I had a strange feeling that you will come from other room and greet me with much excitment.

You remeber the Ganesha Puja and the Kudurukuni Puja at your home. I miss the puja's, our decorations and then getting Puri with Dum aloo for fasting.Those days were so wonderful. Never thought of one day I will be alone and only I can remeber them.

What do I say to you? Should I be angry or sad? Should I be happy thinking you most have got another life? Don't know what to do with these stupid feelings. However, I really miss you.Earlier, I always had plans to visit you during my stay in Cuttack. But, now I am lonely. I don't have to plan visiting you. I don't have to think of the gossips and I don't have anyone now to flood me with information of our colony.

I miss you dear. And just can pray to god that he should be able to help you where ever you are. He should not make life so complicated for you that you need to take another wrong decision.

"Katak" --- Cuttack

Where do I start? I am confused may be lost. Readers forgive me if I appear to be lost somewhere in middle.

I came to cuttack to stay for a longer time in 1997, may be July or August. At that time my father had got a transfer from Munger to Cuttack. First few days, we stayed with one of my father's friend. It was the State Bank Colony near Shelter Chhak. And my journey with Cuttack, thus started. As me and my brothers got admission to DAV, my family chose to stay in Abhinav Bidanasi (CDA colony). Eventually, we all liked the place so very much that, my father decided to settle down in Cuttack than in Bhubaneswar.

Before coming to Cuttack we all had a view that Cuttack has only galis(narrow and clumsy roads). It is no better than Bhubaneswar. Well, Abhinav Bidanasi(CDA colony) transformed our view altogether. Unlike the old city of cuttack, there are few places where Cuttack is expanding and these are planned. And most importantly, Cuttack has everything that you need at about 2kms of your reach. Unlike Bhubaneswar where you need a bike to get your basic necessities. These were the things for which we all decided to settle here.

I have no other way feel for Bhubaneswar or any other place, now I don't even feel them as two different cities. Yes, its true when you settle down somewhere or stay for about a yr or more at a place, the feeling of "Its mine" automatically comes. I feel the same attachment for all those places where I have been with my family. I still feel my longing for Munger and Jamalpur, though I know that I will hardly visit them again in my life.

Cuttack is where my family unites each year from 1997. So, the attachment is much more with it than with any other place. This attachment only drove me to write about it first over any other place.

Cuttack the former capital of Orissa, a more than thousand year old city. Yes, the clumsy and narrow roads taking you to Sahi's is what the eternal part of Cuttack.

Now, lets start with the name of Cuttack. Katak is the only name which when reversed pronounced the same. The word means Army cantonment and the capital city. Thus, the name itself justifies it.

According to history, the city was named Abhinav Baranasi meaning new type of Varanasi. As Varanasi is situated between Varuna and Assi rivers, Katak is situated between River Mahanadi and Kathajodi. Thus, it derives it name as Abhinav Baranasi. Well, for all those non Oriya friends, in Odiya both 'Ba' and 'Va' are pronounced the same. So, instead of Varanasi it becomes Baranasi.

Cuttack became the Capital city of Orissa after 10th century in period of Somavaransi dynasty. Cuttack rapidly got its importance after the Chodagangadeva rule during 12th Century AD. The formation of Barabati Fort took place during this period by the Ganga ruler Anagavimadeva III. The remains of the Barabati fort is visible near Barabati Stadium. The gate of Fort can be seen that lies few metres apart from Barabati Stadium. The reminance of the nine storied fort is present near the Mahanadi river.

Then, Cuttack passed on to the hand of Mughuls and then to Maratha's. From then on this city flourished as the trade and commerce head of the state. The Stone Embankment of Cuttack by Baimundi in 11th century is an wonderful example of engineering technique applied to stop the water from Mahanadi to enter inside the city.

At present, you can see the Army cantonment and district magistrate and other high official residency inside the Barabati fort. One part of it is used every year for the famous Bali yatra ceremony. Unlike other parts,this place still remains to be silent and cool place of Cuttack.

Now, that you know little about the history of Cuttack let me take my privilege to make you know about the deity of Cuttack. The Cuttack Chandi temple that lies near about 1km from Barabati fort, with Maa Chandi as the presiding deity of Cuttack city. This is one of the oldest and most famous temple of Cuttack.

Cuttack is birth place of many freedom fighter, the most famous of them being Subhas Chandra Bose. He was born in Odiya Bazar Cuttack and studied in Ravensaw Collegiate school. The house of Subhas Chandra Bose is now converted into a Museum.

Now,let me tell you about some of the festivals for which Cuttack is renown. Cuttack celebrates the Durga Puja with most number of Durga Pandals after Kolkata. The main attraction here is the Pandal being decorated with Gold and Silver. Cuttack is worldwide known for its silver filigree work. Cuttack exports the silver filigree jewellery and articles. And Durga Puja remains the main show of this art. The artisans engage them self much ahead  of Durga puja in preparation of the silver and gold decorations. This way, they showcase their art and receive order from not only Orissa but other states and countries. Every year the number of Pandals cross 150 and most famous of these Pandals remain Chandni Chowk, Alisha Bazar, Sheik Bazar and Choudhury Bazar. Thousands of crowd each year flung to the city to have a glance of the most pump and show way of celebrating Durga Puja.

The next major attraction is Bali Yatra, which starts on Karthik Purnima during the month of November. This Mela is set up in remembrance of the yatra done by our ancestors to Bali, Sumatra and Java islands of Malaysia for trade. They used to sell the articles that they brought from these Islands on there return. On this day, people take a bath in river Mahanadi and float a paper boat, early in the morning. The Mela is an exhibition of art and crafts. It stretches from Barabati Stadium to the river Mahanadi in one side. And the other part remains inside the river basin. People visit here to taste the thunka puri, dahibara aloo dam and other eateries. The trade of household commodities is in large.

The most famous eatable remains the Dahi Bara and Aloo Dam, which is combination of three things, namely, the Curd Vada, the Dam Aloo and the Ghuguni prepared with yellow matar. The chatpatta tangy and spicy taste is unique and this remains the most famous and lovable food of Cuttack. In addition to this, the Chats and Gup Chup are widely available and loved. Apart from this the Chhenna Poda, Rasagola remains the most loved desert of Cuttack.

Still after writing this long passage,I feel I have not written completely. May be I am forgetting to add some more. Well, as my journey and understanding goes, I will portray it hence forth. But, yes with this I am going to put an end for today.

Hot Summers with Sizzling Ideas

It was little difficult for me today to get an appropriate adjective to describe Summer. Its time for people in India to prepare for the upcoming Summer'2011. How do you celebrate this season? How many of you actually like Summer?

I just finished reading someones blog and the word Summer stroke me with an Idea to portray it in my blog. As a kid, I wrote Spring as my favourite season, now when I sit back and think, I do not find any best answer why I liked spring. Instead, I find many ideas to why I should have been fond of Summers over any other season.

So, here I dedicate this to Summer. Well, yes Summer is hot, longer and the scorching heat is never something that anyone would love about. However, what about the ice-creams, barf ka gola, cold drinks, kulfis and many more ? I am fond of all these and additionally I love the juicy mangoes.

As a food lover, this is the season that makes me love the traditional dishes made especially for summer. Be it the Pakhhal Bhaat (watered rice) with Besar Machha Bhajja ( Spicy fried fish) or with badi chura and aloo chatni, or the Aam ka Panna (Cool Raw Mango juice) or the Khatti Aam ki Chatni. There are so many traditional dishes to name that especially are made in summers.

As a kid, I loved summers just because there was the longest holidays for 2 months. Aha! Who don't love vacations, and visiting one's own village or any hill stations. During my schooldays, we always made trips to hill stations. And that was something that made me wait for Summer's to come. I loved the homemade ice-creams made by mixing milk with squash. My mom used to set ice-cream everyday. And I had learnt to prepare custards by the time I was in 8th. So, everyday there was ice-creams and custards along with Mangoes.

The last year summer is also remarkable as I had lots of Mangoes. There was not a single day of Summer when I did not had my favourite fruit Mango. Be it in the raw form or ripe. We prepared the Aam ka panna everyday night and stored it in freeze to sip the cool drink the next morning along with breakfast. In the weekends it was time for Aam ki chutney to be added with other dishes.

Its not just that there was this traditional cool drink from mango, we had lots of Rooh-Af-Jah, Khash ke Sarbat along with many varieties of squash and buttermilk. There is another good thing for all food lovers, be it the traditional dishes or modern, the amount of oil and spice takes a back seat in this season.

So, for me this Summer is going to be too exciting as I am getting ready to explore new dishes that consume less oil and spice and would satisfy my taste buds. I am ready to have lots of Mangoes and if time permits I would definitely make a trip to some place. But, yes the truth is now I don't get 2 months Summer Vacation.!!!!!!!!

So, buddies now you also plan something exciting to make this Summer too Hot to resist. And don't give a damn to the scorching heat.

Wish you all a very Happy Summer Season!!!!!!!!!!