writenow

SWINE'S FLY TEA CART

2009-08-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

His name is Birju Swain, some says Sain ji and others as "Swine" to tease him and his wife. They have a push-cart, selling Tea only and occasionally " Beson Bhunjia". A small board swings continually Swain's Fly Tea Cart( घुम्नेबाला चा दुकान) to avoid any trouble from the Estate department of Mining Colony and Police. This shop is seen daily, near the township Park from 5-30A.M to 7.00A.M and then in the Interstate Bus Stand till evening. His shop is very famous and outsells all other tea cart's although at present he is facing a whispering campaign "Swine flu Chai Dukkan" just by twisting the name of this Tea cart. He sells varieties of teas. Traditional CTC tea boiled in Milk, Steaming hot water sprayed on tea stainer containing tea leaves and special Herbal black tea. The last variety is prepared with Tulsi-adrak-Basak and fresh Honey. With the spread of the rumor of Swine Flu this tea is now in hot demand. To counter the whispering campaign by his competitors to day he has hung another Ad ' For 4 cups of tea and 1 plate Giloua( गिलौया)Pakoda, only one face mask free'. A famous Yoga Baba advised in TV that Chewing Giloua stems can save you from Swine Flu. The purpose of giving this Ad was perhaps chew Giloua Pakoda and combined with Face mask do not Panic and throng as many numbers as you can near my Tea Shop. There shall be no spread of this deadly disease. I asked for 4 cups for me and my friends. While tasting the Pakoda one of my friend told" have you seen ...Baba advising chewing the stem of this herb? I heard this is available in the forest. Can you get me one?" My site is inside a deep forest and I go there daily. I said " I do not know this herb. My friends gave me one during morning walk in the Park but I think I have now some throat problem? " गले में खराश? यू हवे sore throat " Coincidentally I have some difficulty with drinking hot herbal tea and I coughed. This was a peak rush hour and people near me overheard me . Before I could look back, the crowd near the Tea shop melted thin and disappeared. Some people snatched some face mask without any order. The couple gave me a deadly look only. The lady threw a couple of masks although I deserved only one. My friends separated at a far distance from me and yelled" Dr. Biswas, go to your house and stay there only and use the mask." News particularly rumors spray here more than supersonic speed and I saw that before reaching my residence.

I was reaching near to my residence and could identify my wife who was waiting anxiously at the gate. She prepared some mask last night for the children's drama for the Independence day programme and picked up the funniest one to place on her otherwise beautiful face to save herself. Whether up to the specified micron thickness or not after all this is a mask and a must wear when the most absent minded creature of the world she ever saw( this is my decoration ever since my marriage) is the first patient of the colony. She opened the gate and a phone call saved me from the german'Gestapo' type interrogation. Doctor Chaturvedi a reputed senior Physician with a roaring practice was calling " Dr. Biswas tell Mrs Biswas to prepare those Nice Mughlai Parathas for me. I have few patients right now but I shall be at your residence positively within half an hour. " With mask on, I communicated this to "her highness". The news of his arrival made her relieved. She pointed that armchair for me and left for kitchen. Well thank You Doctor for saving me from Immediate trouble but I understood your message. If you come to my chamber I shall loose 10-20 patients for the day. It is better to have a visit fee along with Mughlai Paratha. It is true, she makes one of the best Mughlai Paratha in this colony. Dr. Chaturvedi is a reputed senior physician with a roaring practice.

An hour later when I opened the gate for him his first words were "Remove that mask and let me have a look at you." He pulled a chair and sat beside me and started checking me.
" Since when you had that throat trouble?"
" An hour before. I am now feeling as if few needles are pricking my throat."
" You have a clear chest. But that smell in your esophagus ... Did you eat any thing, any chewable thing"
With my elephant's memory(I have a body like that also) I tried to scan well beside that herbal tea ..." well I chewed some Gioloua from the Park."
" Are you sure that was Giloua and why did you chew that?"
I refereed to that Tv Show in a News Channel prescribed by a Yogi Baba for a prevention cum cure for Swine Flu. " Do you have a sample of that?" I fished out from my pocket and showed to him. He covered that with a tissue paper and threw it to the dustbin. " Never Mind Dr. Biswas. I know that herb. This one is not that and you are allergic to that. Your tongue and esophagus have been affected. Who else collected that?" I answered " a lot many who claimed to know that collected from a corner of the Park. I followed them. They also chewed that."
" I may have few more patients like you if they are not immune to that herb."
My wife arrived with the the trolley, the aroma of Mughlai Paratha broke the dam of saliva and filled the mouths of both of us. . She studied our face reactions and appeared to be relived.
"Good Morning Mrs. Biswas. I have good News for you. This is a simple case of throat allergy. Will you please pass that Tamarind sauce to Dr. Biswas?" My wife unwillingly passed that to me. " Take a spoonful of that and pass it slowly through your mouth"
Within a minute that needle pricking reduced. Doctor Chaturbedi said" Are you better now?" " Oh ! yes now somewhat better than before. " Doctor Chaturvedi handed me a small vial of Physician's sample " If I may use your wash room then we may proceed. Myself for washing my hand before having these Parathas and you may gurgle a bit with this medicine." Putting the tap waters at full speed I whispered to Doctor" Thank for not disclosing that chewing episode to her." He whispered back" I saw her yesterday buying new Broomsticks " We both laughed loud and heard the ringing of bangles behind the door. May be with the sound of tap water she heard only our laughs.
When I returned, Doctor Chaturvedi finished one Partha and was enjoying the remaining half of another Paratha with a dash of homemade sauce. My wife was insisting for another but he refused." Another time Madam. My patients are waiting."
"Well Doctor if you may please spare few moments"
" Yes go on but till I receive another call from my assistants in my Chamber"
" How were you so sure that I am not having that disease?"

" Trade secrets. But I may tell you we observe certain physical symptoms. When an unknown virus infects your body the immune systems are on the full swing action drawing more energy from the body. People usually limp or spit throwing out the dead cells forming mucus on the throat.On my arrival the way you got up and opened the gates for me, your physical reactions do not suggest that. I checked further and found the system of your body working at normal pace and then I detected those marks of allergy. I tell you one thing. Children, senior persons and persons already having some illness of are more prone to this attack of new virus. Because their immune system is already engaged with fighting out the existing and have less energy to fight for a new arrival and that too unknown."
I asked " what is so special about this unknown?"

Doctor Chaturvedi replied" When Cholera, Typhoid was new, many people died. As time passed, the defence mechanism identified the germs and produced 'Antibody'. This virus is new, with time, body shall identify this virus and keep the required antibody prepared. The virus itself is not very strong. It may affect only the people, whose defense mechanism is already weak and most unlikely for you to become an easy prey. What is required is not to panic and get treated by a Doctor and not taking any unidentified object for Chewing as you did."

As he was opening the door of his car I saw a vehicle marked 'PRESS' stopped. I know these people, they are from the local news channel "Dainik Tehlka". My news of H1N1 virus attack spread well. Upon being discouraged by the Doctor, they left immediately. I was an object of tremendous 'News Value" being the first case of Swine flu and an attractive material fit for a Front Page story. But Now I am just an ordinary simple man.

ON RETURN FROM SCHOOL.

2009-08-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

Unlike others, they come back home from school not in the crowded school bus but through a shortcut and reach only little later than the Bus arrive their township. The journey on foot is more exciting to them and provided more pleasures and mischiefs. Today is one such day.The four boys are Shyam, Nitya, Deva and Kartik. They yell and shout so much that people crossing them and living in the houses falling on their path know their names. They were crossing a lane. A big garden-house, surrounded by barbed walls and a long front gate is on that lane. The owner visits frequently from the adjoining town leaving the Charge of the house to a caretaker. His afternoon siesta hours coincide with the return timings of these boys. The four boys looked at the empty guava trees and as if sighed so high that few leaves from the tree fell to the ground.
Deva said" Only yesterday this tree near the boundary was full. We only picked up 6"
Nitya" That toothless 'Maali' ( Gardener)must have sold all the guavas to buy 'Bhang 'for his siesta" Shyam and Kartik now angrily threw few stones which failed to break his sleep but his new "desi" dog promptly reacted and barked loudly and came near the big long gate. The closed gate makes them safe and they made some ill postures making the dog to bark more loudly. That was sufficient to disturb the intoxicated afternoon siesta. The watchman came limping near the gate giving the boys time enough to hide near the other sides of the wall. Finding none, the dormant Vesuvius in him became active through his mouth venting out the filthiest possible swears in Hindi. The boys rather enjoyed this from their hideout. The watchman and his dog disappeared. Nitya said "One of you take out your color pencil box. I have an idea. I read an ad of the house owner at the Front wall just near the gate. That need to be corrected." The ad was written with deep orange color in Bold captions. " TO LET .
THIS HOUSE"
Nitya took out a matching color pencil and filled the gap between To and Let with an appropriate Vowel. After reading the 'corrected' version of the Ad they laughed loudly and left quickly. But they stopped near the adjoining crossing and Shyam said " Stop here for a moment. Look, Satya and his group has just arrived. This Ad was given yesterday, nobody read. Now see they are looking at the empty trees and reading the ad ( the add now read as TOILET....)"
"Aare Deva! look Satya and party took the ad seriously and they are performing an appropriate action." They were sure of future recurrence of the activity done by Satya and team just now by the next team following. Who knows even elders passing this garden house may also join? Why Should the 'Malli' fellow eat these guavas all alone? Let him smell the stink also.

They are now entering the township and before dispersing to respective houses sat on a bench at the Bus as if just like all other 'good boys' just came down from the Bus and taking a rest. Shyam was looking minutely at the garden of one residential Quarter. Few corns are hanging down the fence. " The uncle- auntie of that house left for a walk. Nitya, these corns should not go waste. Let us pick them. The gardeners in the park have now put fire on the garbage. That is the best place to roast them. Who wants those Maggie's every day?" The boys picked a good number of Corns. They peeled the corns and threw the green leaves deliberately just near the gate. Uncle and Auntie after they return from their walk may make loud " Hai- hai" and they may enjoy the same from the Park. They left for the Park for their next activity.

" Kartik do you know the simile.. for Kitchen?"

Deva Said "Pantry"

" Are you sure Deva? Mam shall beat us if it is wrong."

" I am sure. That is the place where Moms of every House tries some thing on Pans."

" Most of which are boring like Maggie's?"

" I do not Know my friend."

CHITRAKUT WATERFALL

2009-07-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

CHITRAKUT WATERFALL- NIAGARA OF INDIA

Driving 300km through NH 43 from Raipur, the capital of Chhatisgarh, we reached Jagdalpur at about 2 P.M. It was a fortunate clear sky in the month of july in Chhatisgarh. We took this oppurtunity to see some steel grade limestone deposits around Jagdalpur of Chhatisgarh . As we were planning to work on the Limestone deposit on the following day we were looking for a good hotel In Jagdalpur a district city of Chhatisgarh. Besides many budget hotels there are 4-5 good hotels at Jagdalpur. We stopped near Rainbow hotel just at the heart of the city and there I had a different idea. I told my counterparts" If you want to see the real rainbow on the Niagara of India it is Chitrakut and just 30 km towards Northwest through a equally good road of NH 43. There is a good resort just by the side of the waterfall. It shall be a full moon light and you may view the waterfall as long as you want. Further more our limestone deposits arealso near to that" The idea sold like hotcake and we immediately started. Half an hour later we were hearing the roaring sound of waterfall even from 2 Km away. Reaching at the parking lot about 500 m away from the fall I put my raincoat and gumboot and I told them "if you do not mind wetting your dress and spoiling your shoes you may dress like me, choice is yours." Looking at the sky with little cloud some preffered not to dress like and repented later on. As we reached near to the fall, the drops of water were already wetting few of us but those who followed me enjoyed a wonderful scene. The river indravati fed by the huge catchments of rainwaters both from Orissa and Chhatisgarh is in it's youthful energy. The place near the fall is about 300m wide and forms a horse shoe shape just before the fall.

The water was falling to a vertical drop of 100feet and a nice rainbow was formed in the sky by the combinations of continual sprayed droplets of water and the falling lightrays of the setting sun .
The full moon flooded the sky and we continued till late night seeing this fall from our rooms from the resort. I saw this waterfall so many times while propecting for limestone deposits. But as our work mostly take place during winter I saw the calm waterfall. The seven distinct falls from this horshoe shaped opening is clearly seen at that time.

Approach:

1. From Raipur end: Raipur being the state capital of Chhatisgarh is well connected by Air and Rail on Bombay-Howrah route Via Nagpur.

From Raipur through NH 43 the district headquarter of Jagdalpur is 300 Km. From
Jagdalpur it is only 30Km. Lots of Volvo delux buses ply from Raipur on Raipur- Bailadila route. This route offers spectacular view of the forests betwwen Dhamtari and Kanker. Between Kanker to Keshkal the drive through a spiralling high way through a hill is spectacular.
2. From the Vizag end: One may also follow train route of Jagdalpur from Vizag, the Coastal city of Andhra pradesh. Vizag is well connected by train and Air. This is a spectacular journey, the train route follows the highest broadgauge tracks of the world passing through 28 tunnels. Delux buses also run from Vizag to Jagdalpur.
From Jagdalpur it is advisable to hire a private car or Jeep on contract basis.
Stay: Jagdalpur has both budget and luxary hotels. People prefering to stay at Chitrakut may either stay at the Luxary resort just near the waterfall or few more hotels which are also at walking distance. But from these hotels the spectacular view of waterfall partcularly at night is not possible. The lighting arrangements are there to view this but nothing comparable to naturall lighting of fullmoon days. on full moon days the lighting system is kept shut.
Other places to visit near to this: There are seven such places around Jagdalpur. Three of them are very near to Jagdalpur within a radius of 35-40 Km. The rest may take 3-4 hours to reach by car. All places are connected by good road.
1.Maharaja palace and also known as Bastar palace at Jagdalpur and museum near the palace is worth seeing.The Bastar Palace, one of the splendid creations by the King Dalpat Deo of Kaktia manifesting superior art and architecture of yesteryears. In 1936 Maharaja Pravir Chandra Bhanjadeo became the first oriya ruller. He was killed in a "police action" on 25 March 1966 when he revolted against the Union Of India for the rights of tribals in his erstwhile principality, hundreds of tribals got killed in that police action defending their Maharaja, who ultimately succumbed to 13 bullet injuries in Baster Palace.
2. Dalpat Sagar lake: spread over 400 hecters in the town built by Maharaja Dalpat deo Kakatiya is also worth seeing. The evening sunray falling on this lake and the return of series of boats of fisher men and their songs of local fairy tale of Maharaja makes agreat relaxing evening. You may also enjoy the boating in this lake.

3.The Tirathgar waterfall :
This is in the kanger valley National Park and another spectacular fall, about 45 Km from Jagdalpur.
4. Dantewada Temple:

This at a distance of 87 km from Jagdalpur at the spectacular confluence of Dankini and Sankhini river.Parts of the dead body of Goddess Sati were scattered to fifty-two different places, which were consecrated as Shakti Pithas by different names. It is believed that a tooth of Sati had fallen here and Danteshwari Shaktipith was established. Resurrection of the present construction of temple was done before Independence of India. The temple is divided into four parts such as Garbh Griha, Maha Mandap, Mukhya Mandap and Sabha Mandap. Garbha Griha and Maha Mandap were constructed with stone pieces. It is said that several statues were brought from Barsur and were established here. A Garud Pillar has been erected in front of entrance of the temple, which was brought from the temple of Barsur.Chalukya rulers were the dedicated devotees of
5.Barsur : 75 KMs from Jagdalpur on the way to Dantewada a small town Geedam is situated, 24 KMs towards North of Geedam village Barsur is located on the banks of Indravati. The present small sleepy village was once the capital of Gangawanshi rulers in 840 A.D. It is believed that there used to be 147 temples and equal number of ponds here in the towering days of Barsur. Some of the temples worth mentioning are Mama-Bhanjaa temple, Chandraditya temple, Battisa temple and a mammoth statue of Lord Ganesha. Apart from these temples one vast pond of pre-historical days is worth visiting.
6.Bodhghat Sath Dhar : - 6 KMs from Barsur, river Indravati divides into 7 parts to form one small waterfall. This spot, fully covered with dense green forests stands to explain the beauty of the combination of the river, water and the mountains. With all its beauty and peaceful locality Sath Dhar is an idle picnic spot.
7.Kutumsar cave and the musical Kailash Gufa: Both situated in the Kanger Valley National Park, stand at 38 km and 40 km from Jagdalpur respectively. The Kutumsar Caves which are 1327 meters long display magnificent formations of stalactites and stalagmites and are probably the darkest of their sort, 35 meters below the ground level. These are possibly the world’s second largest caves formed naturally and house five natural chambers and quite a few blind wells.
The Kailash Gufa is situated on a small hillock and looks similar to the Kutumsar Caves. A 100 meters long cave, it is also pitch dark and has a narrow entrance. Discovered in 1993, the cave houses stalactites and stalagmites galore. There is a special stalagmite formation which can be seen at the end of the cave in the shape of a Shivlinga. The reverberations caused here are strangely musical.
People coming from Vizag end enjoying the serene beuaty of the hills,valleys and tunnels may stop over at Arraku for a night to see this wonderful hillstation.

35 km from Dantewada, Bailadila is the largest mechanised opencast mines of iron ore where N.M.D.C is currently mining. Essar and Tisco are also likely to put up their mines shortly and at present detailed exploration is going on. Myself and my team are working on this. We enjoy the beauty of this place and quite often take rest beside this fall.People interseted in seeing these may also visit. Permission to see the mines may be obtained from N.M.D.C Authorities.

WHAT AN IDEA SIR JI!

2009-07-05T23:50:00.000-07:00

It lasts for usually for 35 minutes if not delayed by proper signals and handling lever problems of level gates. It blows entirely hot for many times, seldom cold but occasionally enjoyable when it is a mixture of both. I am picked up by my Nissan for the forward journey to Saltlake but it is the local train journey which I prefer and enjoy while returning to my flat at Barrackpore.
I usually prefer the super packed up Kalyani Local of 6.30P.M and deliberately reach the platform just at the optimum time of 5 minutes before the leaving. Time earlier and later than this I miss many things. Pushing a bit and taking the elderly man's advantage I placed myself standing near the door. Just a minute before leaving the great push placed me luckily in the corridor just below a fan. The train started moving, the people standing near the doors extended their hand to pick up the some passengers running in the platform to make the last minute dangerous effort.
One young man sitting just near to me offered me a seat but I pushed another deserving one. Another young man went further. He vacated his seat giving more comfort to the sitting rest but stood near the window blocking the fresh air.
one of his friend said" Nothing unusual, his party is also vacating Bengal."
" This is our policy. We are ready to suffer for the comfort of others. Our party's defeat is temporary one"
" That was not a temporary one, it shall continue. You lost because you people desperately started snatching the fertile lands of the Villagers. You people thought that you can force the villagers to bow down before you, but they braved the booth jams and kicked you back."
" Oh why can't you people keep cool man. Saurav never mind these naughty bums. "
" No you see those EVM machines are...."
It is too hot here and not very interesting to me. The train left Bidhannagar and with a greater push I was shifted to another position in the corridor. This time I was in between two sitting rows facing opposite to each other. On my left were kids returning from the same school and on my right there were young boys and girls probably from the same college.
" You know today the smartest boy Subham was caught."
" Subham! How come?" " You know he wrote in his home work copy We get milk from packets. I corrected him. I told him the cows give us the milk and while milking the milk in the bucket is hot. He corrected and went a step further. He wrote we get milk and Curd from the Cow. Mam asked him to explain. He said that while milking the milk is hot. So if a piece of tamarind is fed to cow you can straight way get the curd." People standing with me also laughed a lot.
In the other side in the row of young boys and girls also there was an IDEA MASTER.
" One should propose a girl taller than him. You know why? In future there shall be peace and love in their small nest. Her yells will be over your ears. She has to lower her neck to talk to you and you know that is only when they whisper and blush."
with common roars of laughter some one from them said " What an Idea Sir ji!"
Stoppage "Sodepur" came and the crowd became little thin. Two more stoppages to Barrackpore and I was proceeding towards the gate. I had a glimpse of a middle age person who was still running in the platform. The young men near the doors picked him up. The man instead of thanking was roaring. " Aare what sort of people you are? "
" We only helped you Dada and you are angry."
" Why should I not be. I was only two compartments before you. I could jump out of the Compartment at the last moment and I was running so that I do not fall. Now for the sake of you people I am back in the train."
A gentleman known to him came near to him controlling his laughter and consoled" Dada get down at Barrackpore, you shall get an empty up train. "
"I shall be more than half an hour late. And these flowers from Mallickghat, with so much heat they may get spoiled."
" Flowers for Boudi. Dada I forgot. Wish you a happy marriage anniversary. Dada be a little late carry a big packet of famous Biryani From "Dada Boudi" Restaurant just near the Barrackpore Station. Boudi shall forget her tempers and be too happy."
" That's an Idea"the man now no longer grumbled. While he was at the platform the young men who lifted him from Sodepur Said" Happy Marriage anniversary Sir. Show this token card at "Dad-Boudi". We contacted the manager from our cell. A gift packet is getting ready for you. Please accept our gift of Special Biryani in Hot pack ."
Proceeding to No 14 level crosing gate I looked at a big hoarding and mumbled " WHAT AN IDEA SIR JI!"
( you may read also From conversations in a local train: A lovestory to begin.

Digha visit with GG

2009-06-20T03:57:00.000-07:00

My old friend GG now a scientist at NASA read my last Blog "four points each" and telephoned and e-mailed me reminding his another "brain wave" in which we also got involved unknowingly. But we all enjoyed it.

This incident dates back to summer of 1971 when we were in 3rd year. GG and others were taking training at Kharagpur Rly. workshop and I was at GSI office at Kolkata. Including Weekdays there were altogether 5 holidays so I came back to Campus. GG and others came to my room, they already fixed up a plan to go to Digha, I must agree. Digha is the nearest Sea beach about 70 Km from Kharagpur. A professor of Aeronautical Engineering dept.(GG's dept and very close to GG) gave the key of his house and Car to GG while going to his native place during summer vacation. We planned to go to Digha in that Volkswagon car and I was literally pulled out from my room. At noon we reached Contai(Kaanthi) and were taking lunch in a road side "Dhaba". Some people returning with families from Digha told us that all hotels are full and room rents are as high as Rs 1000 or more. Food and water are also scarce and very costly.Even mud built houses of Fishermen are full." In that age nothing appears formidable and we as usually shrugged. At least we may sleep in the car in the night, enjoy the day and should go back in the evening. After a few Kilometers the traffic moved at snails space. The single lane road was jammed with incoming and outgoing traffic. Many out goers commented 'No room any where even in the beaches of Old and New Digha." GG driving the vehicle was silent and cool, the rest were not and were discussing the alternatives. We reached Digha and found things are true. With influx of so many tourists there was no point in looking for any kind of accommodation. One of us, Arijit became sick suddenly and threw up, possibly due to tension. Our problems got more complicated then. Staying inside the car and keeping the whole night awake may further worsen the situation. GG now broke silence" If you guys have finished chalking out alternative accommodation and looking for a possible and rent free decent stay, make a single and solid promise that you shall keep your mouths shut and open your mouth when I say. Till your stay you shall only call me by my Nick name."

"Yes boss but what's all these ?"

"You shall come to know everything but are you making that promise or not ?" Our inner strength was diminishing. A decent stay was most welcome, Besides Arijit we all deserved a wash and freshen up. We all agreed to him. We crossed the New Digha and was going towards Orissa border. Now the road was clear and after 10-15 minutes drive we stopped near a tea shop. GG asked the tea shop owner the path direction for a village called "TaalBagan" which was 2 Km further. As directed he left the main road and followed a dirt road and stopped near a shop. A gentleman was on a bicycle and just stopped there. Seeing our Volkswagon, he came forward with a smiling face. "Sirs, it will take less than few minutes. I was getting anxious." The gentleman asked us to follow him and we entered a two storied house with a sprawling big garden at the front. We were looking at each other and GG gave us a stern look reminding us our promise. The gentleman was possibly a caretaker of the house took care of the luggage. GG told the man " We all four shall share the big room in the upstairs."

He said " Yes sirs. I arranged like that only."

There were three rooms in the upstairs we all settled in the biggest hall type 4 bedded room. Through the window we saw the attached two diametrically opposite facing ponds of the house. Cool fresh flow of wind was flowing through the cross large windows of the room. The caretaker appeared with a bunch of coconuts and right then a coconut water drink was just needed.

" Sirs, If you plan to take bath right now I apologise. The generator is not working properly. You may have to wait for about an hour. Our people shall fill the tank by that time." GG nodded " We shall take bath in the in the backyard pond." "yes sir. The other smaller pond is for..." That is for cultivation of Prawns. You get a good yield?" He replied " Sir, Production just started Not yet up to the mark." He ushered us to the bathing pond , kept few towels on the concrete stepping and said just before leaving.

"Enjoy your baths Sirs. I shall arrange a Petromax light( Kerosene Pump light) there."

" Do not take the trouble. Full moon shall appear very soon."

Except me all others were excellent swimmers. I took few dips in the water and came back and others were continuing their swimming but gave up soon due to darkness. The thick clouds forbade the Moon to appear. The caretaker ushered us to a tin shaded petomax lit big room near the pond. His men brought Tea in big thermos and Hot Pakoda. One of us said" OH! This is all for you GG, had you not..." GG forbade and said in a hushed voice" do as promised, I shall tell you everything a little later." O.K who bothers. The rain started soon and the music of droplets of rain on the tin shade compelled one us to sing few songs and lastly one chorus.

As we were going to our room in the upstairs, The caretaker appeared " Sirs, any thing from the Cellar and what shall you like for the Dinner?" GG quipped" Four bottles of beer and snacks. if it is not otherwise inconvenient for you then Khitdi(Rice and Lentil cooked together) and fried fish shall be the best." Done Sir. It shall be ready by one and half hour."

One petromax lamp was placed at the corner. The rain was continuing, I opened two cross windows partly and said, " GG, excuse me, I shall give you people company for the snacks , You know I do not.." GG signalled and I closed my lips. One boy arrived with a bucket of Beers kept in cold water and and another boy arrived with a big plate of heapful fish fry and Potato finger chips. As they left GG now said"While we drink I shall tell you everything, but less share for Snacks for non drinkers."

Finishing his mug GG handed us an Airmail envelope from his hip pocket. The letter addressed to identical name of GG with partial correct address. There is a Taalbagan near our campus but other part of the address was overlooked and was delivered to GG. One Mr. Pattanaik from US wrote" GG ,my four friends scheduled to arrive on 13th of June have cancelled their plans and may arrive during Durga puja Holidays. If you have purchased things like Beer etc for them as I told you in my last letter do not return but keep for them during Durgapuja. They like beer very much.
We read the letter, unknowingly I gulped by mistake beer from one of the mugs and was about to throw up. GG pushed a Fish fry in my mouth and the bitterness in my mouth and throat went away.

One of us asked GG " Yes now tell us your part. We shall decide thereafter."

" I opened this letter by mistake and I did so because the name of the addressee was the same,I did not look further down the details of address. I read the letter and then only I knew it was not for me."

I said " When you got this letter and then why you did not redirect this letter?. Possibly this time it would have reached the correct addressee. "

GG said" I got this just before leaving and I thought if I post it at Digha. it may reach correct destinations. We reached Digha and found no accommodations and Arijit became suddenly sick. Then I decided to avail this accommodation which by all chances may remain vacant."

One of us said" Are we not staying here as Impostors?"

GG said " No. We have not yet told that we are the friends of that Gentleman. We came to this village and the caretaker took us here without asking our names . It is true he assumed it so."

One of us analyzed " I assume what GG is saying is correct. GG had a prior information of the accommodation through a wrong delivery of letter . Seeing Arijit sick and finding no accommodation he took this chance. He drove upto the village. In villages cars seldom come and on hearing the sound of automobile, the caretaker also named as GG came out and he assumed us to be the guests and we reached here. True we have not posed as impostors but we made the caretaker to think that we are the proposed guests and had we told him the truth he would have refused. With this continued rain, we would have been in lots of trouble. But it is better we now tell him the truth and if he asks us to leave we do so."

As we all got up GG said " He has left half an hour before to his village. Normally, he leaves after the guests take their dinner. But since it is raining he has to leave early and I said O.K. I tipped him Five hundred which he refused once but took it ."

Arijit said " Possibly he did it for my sake, let us forget it. " We all joined saying "Forget it. Tomorrow we shall see." one of us put his tape recorder on and we danced together. We had a hearty dinner of hot Khitdi, Prawn curry and Fried fish.

The rain of the night continued next day and upgraded into a 3 day long depression. The Causeway connecting Main town Digha and this village was about about to be flooded. We were compelled to leave in early morning without meeting the caretaker GG.

Four points each

2009-06-18T05:28:00.000-07:00

I was Tagged by Sucharita in her blog Past Continues to write this blog.
Four unforgettable dreams .
1. A reverse exodus: The busses, lorries, bullocok carts, special trains moving to and fro towards pre-exsisting borders of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan are overloaded and as if pasted byFevicol, people are returning to their old home. Despite red eyes from super powers, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are now reunited making New Super India. The Hockey, cricket,football teams have become formiddiable. Super India is now a member of OPEC. Despite ban, many countries are coming to us for tread traeties. Our Satelites have just reached Mars and recently one satelite is hovering over india seeking a place to land. It is from a different solar system, saying Billion years back they came here. Our scientists are trying to....
2. Shown during a commercial break:Nano rice, wheat, vegetables, oil are available at all supermarkets and malls. You need a small container to buy your monthly grocery.If you are four in family, only four grains of rice and few green dot like vegetables are enough to fill the belly for the dinner. The cooking is done from a nano gas cylinder and is complete before the serial naming kkkkkkkkkk. starts.
3. My GPS (global positioning system) instrument and Brunton not working. I am detached from my field mates during a reconnaissance survey exploration for Iron ore and I am sure the hill in this Island is full of Magnetite. The sun is about to set and a big white house is seen on a small hillock. A huge rusted iron gate prevented me to enter. The sun has set just now and moon is yet to appear. I cleared the bush near the entrance and found a lever like thing. Playing with it suddenly the lever moved and the gate opened. As I crossed the main gate blinkering lights came from nowhere and tiny people arrived with bow and arrow. A huge fountain of water started working and from this cover these liliputs sprayed arrows and I felt ant bites and pain became unbearable.

I found myself in my tent, the generator stopped and mosquitos are bitting me and hearing my wails my other mates from the nearby tent rushed to my tent and trying to wake me up by blinking their torches.

4. This is the saddest dream. It was pitch dark and I sat under a tree. The leafs of the tree are yellow and falling continuously. Suddenly some where a fire stated there was both light and heat. I found it was a funneral pyre. I was scared, I tried to shout for help but failed. This was the saddest dream in my life and it came true. Four days later there was a telegram for me" Father serious, Come soon." I reached home and after one day my father expired and that night I sat under a tree with falling leafs(it was the month of November). When the pyre was lit I came back to that tree and chill flew in my spine, I saw exactly this in the dream only four days before.

Four moments of Laughter in my life:

1. The local train just moved from Belgharia and people near the door lifted a running man. On boarding the compartment he angrily said I wanted to get down at BelGharia. I was one compartment before and could get down at the last moment .I was running so that I do not fall. Now I have to go back to Belgharia for the sake of you people.
2. "Snakes" in a tea shop. Read my last Blog :A big adda.... And Cold Snakes
3. Prof. S.G.M. In geochemical lab of IIT Khargpur: Absentminded he came to class wearing a ganjee, (left his shirt in his chamber) and wrote on the board " USE ONLY DILUTED REAGENTS INCLUDING DISTILLED WATER" We were confused at firstand broke into laughter after he left the class.
4. Prof. Chandiramani, the then President of Technology students Gymkhana I.I.T Kharagpur in his thanks giving speech on the Hallday of Lala Lajpat Rai Hall(Lallu hall )said by slip of tongue, making his wife embarrassed and leaving the stage shyly( he left few connecting words)" Thank you all. I enjoyed my dinner and wife too ."

Four Unforgettable persons.

1. My friend GG. (He is a world reputed scientist now, working at NASA. Full name not disclosed): He had a brain wave and compelled us to join with him to the followings:
A. Enjoyed a dinner of a marriage ceromomny of campus being uninvited
B. Posed as beggar in the crowded Gol bazzar of Kharagpur Town and we all earned Rs 25(in 1974) and enjoyed a dinner at Chhedy's.
C. Upon being refused a romantic Character in a play, sucessfully proposed and convinced the Director of the play(years elder to him) that he is in with love with her. (we helped very little and was unaware of this fact that this is a drama).
Just before the Grand Viva he pretended to become mad completly. He went to the chambers of many Professors telling them all they taught is useless, told the warden of Sorojini Naidu Hall( ladies hostel) to allow the lovers to meet, broke some glasses and widow panes etc.. However he did the grand Viva very well. The warden of our Hall told us to rescue him to his home. Only at Kharagpur Platform we knew all he did was a drama only.

2. Nair Babu: Officially he was my assistant, but he was more than my guide and friend. I was fresh from the college. He taught me all the technical details of Geological Mapping , Sampling, eye estimation of grade and tactful behaviour to manage things

3. Acharayaji: Nairbabu once took me to him. He lived inside a cave of a hill and people used to say that he ate seldomly. To me he appeared a Philsopher. He explained to me the meaning of colors and God. He said" If you do not tune your radio you are unable to hear Binnaca Geetmala. Tune your mind you may be able to hear from god." He refused any future telling or giving medicinesor performing any miracles. He only said " All the bad thing happening around you is only the god is trying to communicate something to you so that you may correct the trajectory of your path." I shall mention about these two persons in detail in my Novel (in pipeline)"From the Diary of a Field geologist."

4. Manglu Sardar. Our recent field guide. He is also a geologist passing from the university of Nature. We learnt a lot from him. He listens eagerly from us. He once commented on a short story Of Sarat Babu.(Read My Blog On this).Upon seeing the Dance Drama Of Shyama He pointed out several technical flaws and Said on Shyama" That Beautiful Woman is actually a 'Dahin'(wicked soul performing black magic)

Four food items I liked most:

1. Kacchi Biryani: In this Biryani both raw rice and meat are cooked simultaneouly the aroma of cooked Biryani becomes the envy of neighbours. I tasted this at Hyderabad and Lucknow. I do not know the recipe. Any reader patiently reading upto this may throw light.

2. Fish cooked in a green Leaf. We usually take rest from our field work by the side of a Streamlet. With the soft cotton Napkin( Gamchha) we catch small fishes also. After cleaning, put these fishes in big green leafs and burn the leaf slowly. The leaf burns completly and the fish is completly cooked. only salt and if you so want put drops of mustard oil.

3. Duck roast: ( a tribal Preparation modified by me)only slit the back and take out the intestine. Marinate it with curd and ginger. Put some half cooked and fried onion-Cumin-garlic paste inside the belly and sew the opening. Rub oil or butter on the bodyand leave it for 10-15 minute. Take two earthen dish of equal size and just grease it with oil. Put duck on one and cover it with the other. Seal the joining of two dishes by moistened soil. Dig a hole on ground and put charcoal on the bottom,keep the eathen dish and now fully cover it with charcoal and ignite charcoal from all sides. After half an hour the aroma shall tell you the duck roast is "done".

4. Murri-telebhaja-mixture and tea( puffed rice, small onion pakodas etc). Four of us: one poetess, one short skit writter(my friend GG), one short story writter and one long story writter (myself)used to meet with recent write ups of each of us on Saturdays and this was the food item. I still like it between myself and my wife.

Four mineral exploration reconnaissance traverse which was full with thrill and fun.

1. Saudi Arabia:. 400km from Riyadh, near Khaniguayah, this was otherwise a unfeasible site for Zinc mineralisation. Myself and my team found out signs of small pockets of very rich Copper and Gold minralisation. This made this deposit as a combined zinc-copper-gold mineralised belt making it economically feasible.

2. Guyana, West indies. Near Makatau river and Brazil border a iron ore mineralisation discovery by myself and my team. We were nearly lost here. In the deep Amazon forest GPS did not work. Rations fell short and our local guides caught two big birds and huge potatoes. Just roasting them on fire we survived for two days and finally found the Makatu river and came back to our camp. Besides George Town,the capital rest of it was full of forests and infrastrucure like road link, electricty absent. I enjoyed the real Pizza by our Italian Cook and best quality Rum. Also enjoyed the Piccadaly Circus of London on the way.

3. Iran: Tendays reconnaisance work and sucessful location of two Magnetite deposit and one limestone deposit was full of thrill and fun. Our team enjoyed this work.

4. Indonesia: The toughest field work that I ever did. The forests at Sumatra is very thick.The forest where we were moving suddenly caught fire and we ran for life. Finally we located a nickel mineralisation which has prima facie evidences to continue further exploration.

Four unforgettable moments of life:

1. Meeting with Indira Gandhi: In 1976 at The OAT of I.I.T Kharagpur I received My Graduation and Post Graduation degree from her hands. She smiled at all of us said "Congratulations, Mr. Biswas"

2. Dinner with Dr. Abdul Kalam Azad at ISM in 1998.(Indian School Of Mines) Dhanbad. He became President of India shortly after that. He met with all of us in the dinner receiving degrees. He enquired from me about my PH.D work and discussed with me for about 5-10 minutes. I was stunned by his deep knowledge in my subject.Next day by alphabetical order and doctoral degree order I was the first to receive my Ph.D from his hands.

3. A narrow escape from a road accident. We were to attend a marriage ceremony and on the National Highway there was a near head on collission but alittle swarve has otherwise saved us the vehicle was badly damaged. we received only scratch type injuries.

4. My last meet with my mother: I was leaving for Saudi Arab, my first assignment of abroad. She came to meet me at Barrackpore. Her last words were " Do a good job and take care. I shall be managing them(my wife and two children)" She was maintainig a very good health. Nine months later she expired suddenly. I did not believe that was my last meet with my mother.

A big adda with HotTea and cold 'Snakes'

2009-05-08T04:30:00.000-07:00

I am not In Singapore or any other adjoining country where live snakes are showcased and wait for the customer's choice. This is a crowded teashop near No. 14 railway gate of Barrackpore Station. Barrackpore is a suburb of Kolkata being about 35 KM away from Main Kolkata. The teashop, I am talking, is one of the big Teashops providing sitting accomodation with Fans and TV(donated by a generous regular customer). Two huge kettles are always put on the earthen stove which constantly fumes out the steam. This hot water is pour on glasses through tea stainers containg the dust tea leaf and then milk and sugar is added depending on the order of the customer. One boy supplies the tea and another gives 'Snakes'i.e. cold biscuits from the big glass Jars.The word 'Snakes' are marked by bold with black paint on each jar. New customers point out the spelling mistake, suggest the owner to correct it as 'Snacks'. The regular ones enjoy the spelling mistake and each time and breaks into laughter and tells the owner "Bishuda, Tomar thanda snake e bish aache ki nai( are your cold 'Snakes'.poisonous or harmless). Bishuda giggles and opens his fronttoothless mouth,"Snake Paichhen to dhoirah Khan, benche thakile paise diben( enjoy the snake and give me money if you remain alive after this). Sometimes the owner Bishuda explains that one mischievous painter while making the annual painting made this mistake. The paint can be removed by kerosene but he is afraid that the 'snakes' in the jars may smell. Now he does not have much time to talk or giggle. Locals from Sealdoh are coming one after another and many people want to have a stop at Bishuda's teashop before leaving for their destinations. Six child labours are now pressed into service. While two washes and cleans the dozens of used glasses, two others serve tea, one senior boy along with Bishuda make tea and another one the 'Saap Walah (snake Charmer)' (as people now call him) moves with the glass jar, serves snacks. It is not only the good but cheap tea costing only Rs 1.50 and 'snakes'but also the discussions that goes on here starting from Politics to movies to sports. One young man named Sandip arrives after 7.30 P.M with his gang of 4 and few others also joins. His narrations and comments on any topic keep others spell bound. You may feel that Bergmann,Spillberg,Satyajit Ray. P.K.Mukherjee, Baichun Bhutia should have consulted him before doing their great activity and Greig Chappel should have been his student before taking over his India assisignments.
On sundays, particularly from late Morning to Noon, the picture is different. The regular ones start coming and wait for 2nd round of tea till Sandip arrives. Bishuda besides cold 'snakes' offers hot 'Ghugni' and bread toast. TV is audible and people enjoy viewing it or reading Newspapers and 'addda' in which Sandip is the center person.
That Sunday was just like that. Sandip Just now discarded both Manmohan Singh and Advani as next Prime Minister and was busy in eating 'Ghugni'. His Tea like many of us was getting delayed. He Yelled for it once more and Bishuda was giving normal replies" just a minute". Sandip with his problem solving quest looked at the tea supply Chain and quipped" Bishuda, chhotan, Lakka, Tara, your "Sishu bahini"(Child labours) are all on leave today" Bishuda heaved a deep sigh and said" They shall remain so. Yesterday, Municipalty babus came and warned for employing Child labours. I am on the lookout for adult employees. Give me some time." Bishuda's reply now has drawn everybody's attraction and evidently that became an issue and very soon a light strom in all tea cups.
"Now is the time for them to play and go to schools"
"How do you think the already overcrowded schools shall accomodate these dropouts from teashops, restarants and workshops. They shall be accomodated by the underworld people."
" Yes crime rate shall increase. These kids tasted money and they can easily be lured."
"Furthermore, tomorrow, Bishuda shall have to employ adults and his overhead shall increase and so the price of Tea."
Sandip was only listening and siping his cup of tea he was concentrating more on seeing the a repeat telecast of a reality contest show on a TV channel. It was a contest for child singers. Now-a-days there are several TV channels telecating these reality shows in the prime time. The camera is also focussing on a child talent who despite the heat of the contest was sleeping, possibly the time of the telecast coincide with her time to sleep.
The discussions were gradually fading and now Sandip broke his long sielence," Now Bishuda has a problem affecting us and there is possibly a solution." And now everybody stopped their discussions to listen to him" I have heard all these child labours to sing and we shall get more once we advertise a Tea selling singing competition. Abhijitda shall refine them with little training for singing and Somitda shall do the grooming. Tea companies shall come up with sponsorship for prizes. Panel of Judges will be among us and besides this people drinking tea may caste their votes on a slip to be purchased from Bishuda which shall not be more than the price of tea.People shall show this coupon and get a cup of tea free. Now no inspectors from Municipalty can object. Because they are not Child labours but child singers promoting tea as well as their talents and good grooming" People started smiling , gigling and Laughing loudly but some took it seriously.
"Yes ! these channels are doing the same thing. Singing is also a work. These TV channels are engaging Children for mass entertainment."
" You negative thinkers can't see that they are provided a very high platform for showcasing their talents. Free Grooming,training by experts and comments of these judges; each being a proved person in their field, are invaluable to all these budding talents."
" The Tv channel do not give any episode fee. Only fooding and Lodging are provided."
" The channels are simply putting child-labours for earning at their end. The children are not only deprived for playing games, they remain absent from their schools."
"Main thing is the greed of the Parents. Tell me which way they are different than the Parents of those child labours for this tea shop. At least here there is genuine need for money. But except a few most of the TV-Channel child labour's parents are doing this for a fake fame."
A middle aged man now told" There is nothing wrong if children gifted with talents take part in competetion music or any other thing. But let it not be on a commercial scale. let it not hamper their other normal activity. If done then do not stop Bishuda alone for engaging children in his shop."
Sandip broke his sielence"So Bishuda ask your Sishu-Bahini(Child labours) to come back and we shall hear the singing of them along with these channel show. If the Muncipalty babu's come ask them to use the remote button. In some channels they may see children singing competion."
Bishuda's closed his tea shop and now sells Hot Allochop near Talpukur Bazar just near a Big TV shop. His wife smashes the boled potatoes and marinate it with masala and his son coolects the money. Nether Bishuda Nor his son wears shorts. Let not the Municipalty Babus by mistake catch them as Child labour. People wait in a quee to buy AlloChop and watch the TV of the adjoining TV shop mostly showing the telecast of reality show of Children performing singing or telling Jokes.

A MEET WITH MY WOULD-BE

2009-04-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

It was late morning when I came to your house. Now it is late afternoon. The weak and tired sun rays from the western hill are as if slowly jumping out of the grills of window. Keeping back the deeds of the house in the table I came out of the guest room and called the house keeper. There is an hour for the train I shall better wait in the garden.The house maid said that she already placed a table over there and if I would like my tea over there.
I run a small property agency. Besides the receptionist, we are a two member team, myself and Bratin. Bratin, a civil engineer, understands the technical side and moves in outdoor.I also gathered a little bit, out of compulsion during years of struggle for existence and the rest from Bratin. We have a reputed NRI artist client.He wants to settle in a proper house. The location must meet his temperament and suitable for his further creations. Although difficult, we located few houses. this house at Galudih, near Tatanagar is one of them. Bratin has suddenly caught chicken pox and it may take time to heal up. Galudih is not far off from Calcutta a few hours train journey. And If I delay the issue this suitable house may go out of hand.

Few local tribal, some were my co-passengers.

As the train left the platform of Galudih, I found only few local tribal, some were my co-passengers. As per the house owner's description "Tagore house" is at a walking distance from the station. But it appeared that none has ever heard such a house here. Some one going towards station master's house came to my rescue. He heard the name, reacted like other's but told unlike other's " You are from Calcutta and you are looking for... Oh! few people know it by that, people call here as Tiger House." Rolling his both green and red flags he pointed with one of them" You see that house on the small Hillock. We reach there by short-cut within minutes. There is a spiral drive way also."
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"Tagore House" House on small hillock

Looking once again at me he said, "That house belongs to Thekedar Sahab(Civil construction Contractor). His pick-up Jeep shall arrive just now to pick up those materials. If you are his guest, you better go by that Jeep.

The driver clicked a button on a remote panel and the gates opened automatically and closed after we are on the 'S' shaped red soil driveway road cutting across the gardens and lawns on both side. A cool flower scented breeze from the lotus pond beside the Portico welcomed me. While few gardeners were unloading the containers, one of them ushered me to the drawing room.
You arrived within seconds and greeted me. After initial exchanges we settled quickly.Ten years back you came here and seeing the site you had an idea to set up a resort. The property belonged to an Anglo-Indian lady who sold it a throw away price before going to settle in Australia. The whole set up was in a dying state. The hill house, the old artesian aquifer, the garden and the pond were gradually revived one by one. Meanwhile the proposal for world Bank funded dam came up and you won the bid to build a part of the dam. The idea of resort business was kept aside. This house became occasional rest house for few selected friends and few movie outdoor shooting locations.The garden, a poultry in the adjoining area, is yielding some revenue.
While all this talking was going on, I felt as if you were trying to relocate something in your memory, some thing out from this topic. Looking at your watch, you got to your feet and said "Unfortunately today is the final measurement day of the part of dam area built by us. The engineer-in-charge may arrive at any time in time at the site. I am compelled to go there." Handing me a big file cover you said" This file contains the original papers of this property, Tax receipts, recent searching results by other parties. Please go through all these. You are at liberty to visit all the part of this property and every rooms of this house. Meanwhile the only train going back to Calcutta is in the evening. You declined breakfast offer but have lunch here please. We have every thing fresh here, starting from the kitchen garden to poultry at the back yard and Pond at the front. Please excuse me for few hours. "
I walked almost about one kilometer in length and about half a kilometer in breadth. A rest in the palm tree shaded pond surrounding the gardens was very much needed. One of the gardeners arrived with pairs of green coconut. Sipping the coconut water drink I felt relaxed. Sitting from here I took another look at the house. At the roof top there is a single big circular room with glass windows. I must see this room before settling down in the guest room and checking the papers of the house.
From this roof,in the background of the hills on either side of the river and the partly constructed dam , the moving dumpers and people working there all appear like small battery powered toys. On all sides of this terrace the distant series of hills are visible and appears to be straight out of a landscape painting.The single room at the central part of this floor has a slanting roof and number of glass windows on all sides. The mounted slanting drawing board occupies the central part of the room. At another corner, a vertical artist's drawing board is kept with a blank canvass. On opening cross windows on both side of the wall, the wet breeze from the lotus pond filled the room with flower scents from the gardens. I was sure my client would certainly like this house. The outside terrace contains unending series of nature made landscapes which may inspire his mood. A strong gust of wind suddenly entered the room. Before I could close one of the windows, some paper bunches fell of from the self at the corner. Closing the window, I was collecting the bunch of papers to put back to the self. Few sketches of the side view of a young woman came in my hand, there are some landscape paintings too all marked as 'Shantanu'-the owner of this house. A good artist in my opinion.

'My would be'

That pencil sketch was marked as 'my would be' and the subject is some face as if known to me. I stopped my spilt second's glimpse and kept back the folder in its own place. Accidentally and unintentionally I intruded into some one's personal life and I felt sorry for it. In quick but careful steps I came down to the ground floor and decided to concentrate into the legal papers of the house.
The first para of the title page of the deed was the legal identification of the previous owner and followed by the Identity of the present owner, the then buyer of the House Shantanu Ghosh, son of late.... and residing at.... Sipping a part of water from the glass I calmed my thumping heart and read once again the title page and stopped reading the deed. The sketches I saw in the terrace room could be mine.My mind was reeling back.
You were trying and possibly were successful in placing me while we were talking only a few hour's back, but I could not. It was not possible for me. Ten year's back I just saw a glimpse of you.
That was an evening of winter. This was an important part of the 'arranged marriage system', you came to meet me. I just passed my law exams and my name is Soma.That is all I replied. No other questions were asked either by you or your companions. I had the feedback that you are a civil engineer employed by State govt. I left the drawing room and half an hour later the whole family was celebrating the news with my relatives that the "boy liked". My aunt, the only elderly lady in my house after my mother expired, asked whether I agree to this proposal with a saying " We the women here are like water and take the shape of the water pot."
A month later, colder than the last meet, I was waiting for you with a traditional bridal dress and make up. Your arrival at our house got delayed. Your house was not far-off but no one was answering the telephones. Some one rushed to your house and brought a sad news at midnight. Shortly after the groom's party left, your mother had an heart attack and she expired. The grooms party came back, marriage by religious reason was postponed. After the rituals were over there was another bad news. You suddenly disappeared and there was no trace of you. There were attempts to locate you by your relatives and from my family but it was in vain. My father was once again looking for a suitable match but it was difficult to get married a girl whose proposed marriage broke up following a sad event. My father with his broken heart expired after a year and I took over the responsibility to bring up my brother and sister. In all these years I had nothing but struggles after struggles and now a feeble glimpse of success.
The house maid called me for lunch and she apologised on behalf of you that you were held up at site and your return is indefinite. I did not want to expose my present mental state and despite unwillingness from the belle I tried to take something. I could not take the lunch but took a few spoons of curd and rice and went back to my room. This time I concentrated on reading the legal papers and was on a responsible duty.
Looking at my watch I was about to leave and was just near the main entrance-exit, your vehicle was coming with a loud horn and halted with screeches on tyres.Hopping down quickly and with usual words of apology you said " Train would be late by an hour. May we spend a little time in just having Tea. If you decline I shall understand that you did not forgive me at least this time." While you excused for a quick wash and change I settled in the same location at the garden controlling and extinguishing the fumes and pain inside me from your last words of "forgive me at least this time". I forgot the old scar inside me long back. A sudden death had stopped you to marry me. You ran away and began something else and I was also compelled to do something else. I preferred carrying out the responsibilities than marrying but what stopped you to marry? Why you limited yourself in just drawing few half face sketch of a girl having some similarity with me? what stopped you in coming back to me? Like many others, you took me as inauspicious. Through corners of my eye I saw you coming and tried to become a professional real estate agent.
" I was satisfied with this complex and checked the papers also. I shall let you know the final deal in a few days time." The housemaid placed big sandwiches and tea pots.
After she left you said slowly," That is O.K with me. I shall be at Calcutta soon to complete certain formalities with my dam building client, you may call me then." Munching a part of the grilled sandwich, a few words certainly slipped off my tongue," Why do you want to sell off this nice property?. Are you planning to run away somewhere else this time also?". Wrong ! Wrong! I bit my lips and cursed myself but by that time the arrow has left the bow and hit the target. A swarm of sadness came to your eyes and it flushed your face for a while.
Before I apologised you quipped" Ten year's back this place was almost dead. Now it is revived and back to it's own pace. It may stagnate if I continue here. Time has come to hand it over to some one who is also creative. He may add another stream of growth. I shall go to some place else to start something new or revive the dormant existing. This place stagnated and then it stated decaying and was dying. I learnt this lesson from this place. The same thing happened in my family. It was a stagnated environment from my childhood days and then death started in a row. The old Banyan tree died first, followed by my grandfather,my father,brother and sister. I was about to start a new life with you but my mother died which you knew very well. I tried to counsel myself that my new life may change everything. But I was scared of death, mentally ill and unfit to become your life partner. Something inside told me to run and run and I came to this place. When I learnt this lesson of life and cured myself it was too late to return to you." I was silently hearing the words of a person who was my 'would be...' and stagnated as "would-be'.
The first bell of my return train and announcements of the arrival were clearly heard from here. I took my bag and rose to my feet. It is five minutes walk, possibly more quicker while walking down the slope and I politely declined the 'vehicle drop' offer. Just near the gate, I stumbled onto something and was about to fall. Walking behind me, you extended your hand and saved me to fall. Like this we could have walked in our life but it did not happen. Tears now rolled out from my eyes, no dam could prevent that, not even this Dam engineer, my ever 'would be'.

Before entering the Galudih outer signal post,the train was crossing the Bridge on Subanarekha River and the whistle started blowing loudly as if the postponed Sehanai of my marriage is now playing a tune, after ten years, at this station platform.

(Sketches are drawn by my wife Susmita after narrating the story to her several times )

Smith"s dielemma

2009-04-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

The sole credit goes to him, our overseas expert Dr J.J. Smith, a reputed geochemist(his name is altered here for some reasons). We were enjoying our work and now it is more lively because we implemented his suggestions and shall continue to do so. We all work in a multinational exploration company, globally exploring the economic mineral deposits. Currently in eastern India we completed a preliminary part ending with geochemical sampling where we invited Dr J.J smith to guide and advise us. He preferred calling us by the first name and vice versa.

A view of the part of the work spot

Our day began at 5.30 A.M, walking for about 8-10 Km by traversing two hills separated by valley in between. After a while, departing from the common traverse, We used to get divided in small groups. Each group consisted two tribals for digging work as well as guiding us the path to return to base camp. A pit for geochemical sampling at hill top.

A pit sampling begining

Smith suggested that everyday after completing the work in first hill we meet at a common point, the small fountain flowing in the valley, for a break. During work let us avoid talking as far as possible and use more signals. But at this common meeting point we discuss not only the work but also some recreation along with some food. The next discussion should be after climbing the second hill and meeting at the camp. This made our entire work lively and less tiring.

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A Hill fountain in Valley Common meeting point after part I work

This being his fourth visit to India, Smith was little fluent in Hindi and soon became close to the entire team including the tribals. He had genuine interest in our social systems and culture and a part of our discussions consisted to answering his queries. In one such session he asked one unmarried tribal about his plans to get married. He answered " It is difficult to get married in our society." Smith said " if you pardon me please tell us the hurdles." A senior tribal accompanying us told " The boy and girl meet each other in Carnivals held during the festivals. If they like each other, the community chief calls them and confirms the mutual consent. Following this, the boy have to pass a test. He has to lasso a running bull or Buffalo before it crosses the village boundary and then garland it. This is part I. The part II is the boy's family shall take this animal but shall compensate the village chief with two such equally good animals and feed the whole village. Many are able to pass through part I but fails in part II for poverty. As a result few in a family are able to marry. Smith was seriously noting the narration in his pad.

Back in the camp Smith was assured by us that this procedure was limited to tribal of this area. I told him that Tribal from other part of India may have other methods.

Following our common dinner he asked "Tell me , How, you, the non-tribal get married." The geostatistian of our group told " There are two modes. In the universal mode they meet each other, fall in love and decide to marry by conventional method with the approval of Parents or just simply they marry through a Marriage officer with or without the approval of parents. In Mode II, The parents or elders, mostly from the girls family, approach a suitable groom's family either from known circles or matrimonial advertisements. The groom's family who continually receive such proposals further shortlist the possible brides keeping in view the criteria the family fix up in which the groom may have some say. Following this the elders of the groom's family further interview the bride and bride's family and further shortlist the possible candidates. Now the bride and the groom meet each other and let the parent's know their choice who upon further discussions fix up a date of marriage. But there are also several derivatives of Mode I and II and Mixed modes also." Smith noting down seriously said appreciatively " My heart is filed up with great respect. But tell me what is the frequency of Mode I and Mode II ?" None of us in the group which is a mini-India have ever thought on this so seriously. But we discussed among ourselves counting the no. of marriages we happen to know. The total no. of marriages that took place in the known circles including their own are more than 200 and more than 70% marriages fall in "mode II." The next day being week end and we all shared our story books and movie Cd's. Smith took a no. of Novels(Hindi and translated into Hindi) and Indian Movie CD's with subtitles.

Work proceeded rapidly in the following week and we completed the work including packing, processing and elementary analysis at our mini lab in the camp one day before schedule. At the end of the camp fire, Smith returned all the novels and Books and said " If all of you are not going to be busy with packing's may I have a few minutes with all of you." We all nodded affirmative. Looking at our anxious faces he said " It is nothing technical. I am referring to our discussions of the last week about your social systems of marriage. I have gone through all these novels and seen all these movie Cd's. The novels are from well known novelist as you say and some of the movie CD's are the work of international reputed directors. They well represent your social systems from age-old times to recent and from many states of your country. In all these, the marriages took place mostly through Mode I. Your opinion poles are also from several states and varied age group and this sampling is also quite representative. The opinion poles that you gave me say that marriages are mostly through Mode II. I am in a dilemma and confused. Why your opinion poles are different from the Novels and movies dealing with your social systems." Looking at our silent faces with wrinkles in foreheads he said " You may take your time and may e-mail me later on. Good night folks."

Dr. J.J. smith sent his report on the geochemical finding but we could not reply him on his last personal query and are still trying to find out an answer. Do you have an answer to his quarry?

From Conversations in a local train: A lovestory to begin.

2009-04-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

For a Fortnight, I am a city dweller in Kolkata along with a part of my team. During the last reconnaissance survey we located a new iron ore mineralised area and now some primary confirmatory lab. tests are to be performed for making further decisions of prospecting. While my team stays at the saltlake guesthouse, I commute from my flat at Barrackpore, a suburb town of Kolkata,by local train. The live comments of the commuters on the daily happenings and the lectures of the Hawkers soliciting to buy their products make my journey, from Barrackpore to Bidhannagar(the nearest boarding point for Salt lake) and back, very interesting and thought provoking. For safe and quick boarding into compartment and landing at destinations I learnt to become a flexible object to "crowd pressure".

But today, the waiting crowds for boarding from the Bidhannagar station was much more than usual. The previous technique as applied by me in other days did not work. Missing my usual galloping "Shantipore" local , somehow rather I could manage to board an all stoppage "Gede" local to Barrackpore. By now overhearing from the conversations I learnt despite the market recessions some companies, at the close of the financial year, are making bulk recruitment. The crowd, dominated by job aspirant youths, was divided into two categories"haves"and "have nots"i.e. Those who pocketed the "Appo-letters" and the angry faced"sorry this time" the rest.

The great pushing power instantly transferred me from the entrance to corridor of the compartment. "Lady Luck" has been kind enough to place me the coveted position of "under the fans"position. I had a glimpse of the two rows of of sitting accommodations facing each other. Both were occupied by more than the capacity. Four all fatty elderly gentlemen occupied the row left to me and five young girls chirping continuously occupied the opposite row. Each girl was trying to let the whole compartment know how they outsmarted the "boys" competing for the posts and they bagged all the jobs except one. The train started moving and some young men pushed sideways and soon they managed to stand between the rows of benches. The cool airs from the windows are now blocked. The chirping group immediately opposed this blocking.

"Why all of you are here only, You are choking us to die."

The youth standing next to window snarled" You are lucky to be seated, people standing here are managing with this"

" If we are lucky today that is none of our fault and that does not limit us not to have air."Hearing this reply from the girls one of the youth standing in a farthest corner said " you and your group should have taken little effort to walk one compartment further and gone to Ladies compartment, you are trying to eat the cake both the way"Another joined " Why should girls have all the fun?"(copying the tone of a popular TV ad. Jingle).

Opposing strongly the young lady sitting next to window flared up"Come and sit here and have some share of the fun we are enjoying and shall continue to do so." The youth sweating and standing next to her said dryly" You may be having great time with those appo-letters but these were meant for us at least they advertised like that and at the end of the day...." The youth at the furthest end of the passage shouted with his shrill voice" They told us before the GD the office posts are for the girls and the outdoor jobs are for the boys. But at the end, except Ritu, all were girls. Well! after all Ritu maintains a long hair and unlike us he has a sweet face so he could made it to the final round, the session with the H.R."
These hot discussions soon attracted other co-passengers. Discussions, comments and suggestions came flowing one after another. By now people are aware of the fact that these boys and girls attended an interview today. The girls bagged all the jobs except one. The elderly gentleman sitting in the opposite row and dozing often now straightened up " I work in a small refrigeration agency for servicing, maintenance and repairs of branded products. Ladies maintain the front office as well as well as the outdoor jobs including attending the clients problems at their premises. Both the boys and girls received on the job training and clients give us good feedback when girl attend the the problems" With applause from the opposite bench the gentleman carefully remained silent about the performance of the "boys" in his company.

The discussions soon turned around with related topics like "Survival of the best", " economic islands"etc. Someone said" I am in H.R. I find it difficult to distinguish the shortlisted candidates after we conduct on the spot tests. The failures or successes depends whether it is the candidate's day or not." His friend said " when the jobs are scarce and you find all the candidates almost at per you make another criteria. Take the family employment status into account." The H.R man scratching his head said" I do not get you there" His friend replied" out of the two otherwise equal candidates, take the one in whose family no one is employed or earns significantly to maintain the family" Another elderly gentleman, now nearing his destination, vacated his seat and made room for one of the youths said "He made a good point. The candidate so chosen shall work better than the other for the survival of his family." Girls sitting and enjoying all the conversations now broke the silence" Excuse me sir. You are possibly encroaching into the right to earn and do you mean to say that in today's nucleus family both the husband and wife should not work.?" The gentleman now joining the queue towards the exit passage said in a loud voice " Many of your rights are now only in the pages of that constitution book. Do you protest there? Further, an unemployed man, when employed, possibly may marry another unemployed woman. But do any one of you with fresh appo. letter in your pocket shall agree to marry another unemployed man?" The gentleman was pushed out in a moment to his destination point leaving the girls silent.

I was lucky at the next station to sit beside the "today's angry young man". During the heated conversation, I came to know his name as well as the name of the girl sitting opposite to him as Sudeb and Krishna. I saw them gazing at each other with exchange of smiles. Let this happening mature further to a "love -Story". If I assume Sudeb to continue as unemployed I do not know who may propose and who shall give the approving nod. Do you know?

A review of Sarat babu's "Mahesh" by a Tribal.

2009-03-19T23:07:00.000-07:00

This evening is unlike the other when we only relax and review our achievements and physical wounds while doing this reconnaissance part of mineral exploration. We have completed this phase and shall proceed to our base camp leaving beside this camp for use in the succeeding phase.

our Small camp beside a river

our local friends, the tribals stayed back with us for this evening. The campfire started with entertainment programmes from both ends and a multi-cuisine dinner cooked and enjoyed by all. At the end we all sat beside the fire and were recollecting our hard days of covering this tough terrain consisting of steep hills and valleys.

The river beside our Camp
The chief of tribal, Manglu Sardar, was little drunk as usual in this occasion and was often saying incoherent words. One of us being inquisitive asked him to share his thoughts. He said " The story of Gafur Zola and his pet bull Mahesh once told by some of you is good but needs to be amended in view of some hard technical facts." Talking among us we soon recollected the story told by a good narrator who also speak their languages also.

We are exploring for Iron ore in a new location unknown before and trying to narrow down the target area by preparing a local geological map of the area. The iron ore occurrences have been detected by us.

Iron Ore located during reconnaissance

The area is in a remote corner and we are lucky to have a single road passing by the hilly terrain connecting the external world. Our day begins at 6.30 a.m in early morning and we get divided in small groups with assigned tasks for each group.

Small path connecting the world outside.
Tough terrain of Exploration. A small exploration group starting for work.

Completing the days work we all meet once again near the main fountain of the area. We just drag our exhausted body and soak till we shiver by the flowing cold water of the fountain.

Main Fountain, meeting place and cool bath after work

A small group which stayed back in the camp for sample preparation job cook the lunch for us by the side of the fountain and call us repeatedly. The heap of rice mixed with lentils and roasted potatoes consist the menu and sometimes fresh fish roast covered by leaf refill our energy. Till it gets dark we either play "Golly-dunda" or Bow and arrow practice under the coaching of tribals.

Bow and Arrow game with our coaches in the evening.

Some days we are too exhausted which either the cool bath or the late lunch or both together fail to remove. We go back to our shelters and sit in the open field and our story telling session starts from each side. The tribals tell their folklores, their social customs and hunting stories while we tell our social customs and sometimes a story. In one such session the Short story "Mahesh" by the famous Novelist Sarat Chandra Chattopadyay was narrated by one of us. The well known short story in very short goes like this. A poor peasant Gafoor Zola had a pet bull Mahesh. Both of them are old and Mahesh after eight seasons of ploughing can no longer plough the field. It was difficult for Gafoor to have rice enough for himself and his daughter Amina. One day while Gafoor was returning home in empty hand found the hungry Mahesh eating the last stock of grain and a part of the dry paddy grass covering the house roof. Being overpowered by anger he beat his pet Bull who died on the spot. Next morning Gaffor left his house along with his daughter to a small town to become a jute mill worker which earlier despite his starvation refused to take up. The story written few decades back touched the hearts of the tribals and they listened the narration with deep sighs and left silently. Our Manglu Sardar was referring to that story. Manglu said" That story is for people like us but please tell Sarat babu to make few amendment's." One of us amusingly quipped " well! please carry on."

Manglu said " No peasant maintains a single bull, they are maintained in pairs because ploughing can not be done by a single bull. There is no mention of another bull living or dead. Was he really a peasant? There is no mention of another bull by Gafoor living or dead. This is unnatural for a person loving bulls so much. Secondly no bull can do ploughing job for eight years. At the best it can continue up to four years. Lastly I assume that another bull existed but died due to draught and starvation. How many people in Sarat Babu's village died in that year due to the same reason? Stock of human food exhaust faster than animal food." Manglu now broke in tears "only two year's back, my two children starved for day's together and died before me. Gafoor is better off, he could become a jute mill worker but we do not have so. You are going back to town, can't you tell govt. to do something so that our children do not die." People tried to sedate him with drinks still available for the last sip.

The dimly lit fire was no longer there; the moonlight shall be late this evening. We helped Manglu to rise and walk. We have no means to communicate this tribal's review to Sarat Babu. We proffered and have to walk a little in darkness to reach our camp. None of us dared to switch on the torch lights but kept it in our pockets.

Bon Voyage! We are leaving now.

FEATHERS OF JUNGLE FOWL

2009-02-14T05:36:00.000-08:00

In the background of the setting sun, the man standing motionless in the foothill jungle is not a silhouette. He is a local tribal, returning to his house up in the hill at the end of the day. A small white cloth around his loins is the only respect for this late December chilly wind. The other two people at the watchtower of the hilltop forest rest house are Smith and Arup, one Indian and another a foreign national. They were trying to capture through their movie camera, the valley and the far-off hills in the background of setting sun. The mist and the late afternoon fogs were disturbing them frequently and they were about to give up. Smith whispered, “ Look at that silhouette figure we just saw few minutes ago. He is now sitting on the ground and is pulling something.” Arup hid his smile “ This is the time for the birds to return to their nest. He has placed a trap long before. He is now pulling the cord of the trap to catch the bird live.”
Zooming at Budhia, Smith started his video camera and was soon disappointed. “He is now nowhere”
Arup said “ Well! He must have gone to those bushes and tall tree, he may be seen soon in this slope of the hill”
Arup was correct. The tele-lense tracked him down the hill slope. Although Budhia was in his early fifties, the powers in his muscular body were negotiating at ease against the steep curves of the hill slope. He is now seen carrying a bamboo pole on his shoulder. The baskets tied at the both ends of the pole were swinging vigorously. Smith was busy in capturing all these in his camera and said, “ Oh lovely! His both baskets are loaded with big birds.”
Arup looked at the monitor of the video and zoomed the birds “ These are jungle Fowls.” Massod, the guesthouse keeper brought the afternoon tea and was laying the table at the Lawn. From the view point tower Smith signaled him to bring the tea over here. Massod gets generous tips from Smith in cash and full liquor bottles in kind. In this guest house foreigners are very frequent. Masood can speak English by connecting fragments of words but he can understand very quickly. The eyes of this neck less plump man rotate like a radar and can read a face quickly. As he was pouring tea Smith asked “ What is there in Dinner?”
Masood replied, “ Fresh Fish roast Sir. Big fish, river. If you no like, then Chicken ”.
Smith quipped, “ No Chicken, I want Jungle Fowl”
Massod bowed “ Sir tomorrow lunch I try, Evening no available”.
Smith signaled him to his video monitor, “Look here are they and plenty of them. Get this man, he has not gone far off by now.” He threw a five hundred rupee and signaled him to go. Masood halted suddenly “ if he ask for a bottle along with money”
Smith shouted “O.k. you miser give him that also but make it fast.”
Arup was silent he stood up and started for leaving the room “ I am leaving for the drilling site, possibly you want to stay back”
Smith nodded affirmative.

Massod was only worried about the bootleggers of evening time who may easily lure Budhia to exchange the whole catch for just few bottles of Mahua (a country liquor). Although difficult for his heavy body even walking fast he did as much as possible. Seeing him on the turn of the spire road approaching the guesthouse along with the catch of the day he was relieved.
“ So you thought you can sneak away from me without paying the interest of loan. You worked for more than 2 weeks in the mines, got your payment on 1st itself but since then you are evading me.” Masood pretended to be very angry.
Budhia replied “ Ask you collector, Samsul. He caught me at the gate. He made me drunk and ran away with the whole pay packet. I am hounding him but he disappeared.”
Masood told dryly “ That is the matter between you and him. But I want my money right now.”
Budhia prayed before him “Give me some time, tomorrow is the market day. I may get some money.”
Massod laughed, “ If you are thinking of selling these Jungle Murgahs (Fowls) in the Haat (weekly market) Ranger saheb is also coming tomorrow.”
Budhia was angry now “ I sell the Jadi- Buttis (medicinal herbs) not these birds. I know none else but you laid this trap for your guests at the guesthouse. I wanted to release the trap but accidentally I pulled the wrong cord. Right now if I release these birds they shall be the easy prey of the wildcats. Tomorrow morning they shall fly in the sky”
“ Wrong or right, you only have pulled the cord and my two guests recorded that in their video camera. But if I serve the roasts of these fowls for their dinner they cannot show your photograph to Ranger Sahib. But if you release these fowls this evening or tomorrow morning they may fly in sky but you shall be in trouble. Ranger saheb after seeing your clippings shall put you behind the bar.” Budhia put down the bamboo pole and the cages on the ground. He now realized that along with these birds he is also trapped. Massod looked at him and poured some honey of kindness “ O.K I shall see to it that the guests pay me a good tip and I promise the expected tip may clear a good part of your interest.” Masood took the two cages and fearfully looked at the Bamboo pole lying near Budhia. He released one big bird and took out a liquor bottle and signaled him. “ Take this bird for your father, good for asthma. And after the whole days hard work you deserve this bottle. This English daru (Liquor) is good for relieving the pain.” And he left quickly towards the guesthouse.
Moping the beads of sweats from his forehead, Masood sat on the walls of the culvert before the portico of the guesthouse. He touched the feel of Rs. 500 note and the remaining bottle inside his loose dress. There was one more half filled liquor bottle lying hidden here. He saw Sombari and Manglu waiting for him for the daily wages. Sombari is the cook and his husband Manglu is the gardener. He yelled for Manglu.
“Manglu, take these birds, Dress one big and one small bird for roast. Sombari shall do the rest. Smith saheb is very happy with you and he has left that bottle and this fifty rupee for your tip.”
Seeing the glistening eyes of Manglu “ Keep one bird for you, have a nice evening, Sombari shall stay back.” Manglu stared at Massod but obediently followed him. Masood calculated fast. He has to keep his promise for the perfume bottle and mirror that Sombari was demanding for long. This investment shall keep her going for the post- dinner entertainment of Smith. Calculating the quick and good return. Masood was very happy.

Draining the last drop of whiskey that Masood gave him Budhia was boiling with anger. He should have checked the bottle. Masood is an usual cheater. This time also he must have mixed either water or Mahua flower wine with this whiskey. Two years back he took two thousand rupees from Masood for marrying Sombari. But Masood double-crossed him. He gave five hundred rupees more to Manglu, the gardener of the rest house. Sombari’s father preferred Manglu for obvious reasons. Budhia was invited to attend the marriage. He sent his father along with the red sari and silver bangles that he purchased for his proposed marriage with Sombari. After her marriage he saw her several times wearing that Sari and the Bangles going to guesthouse in the evening. Budhia knew her evening assignments in the guesthouse.
He was about to release the bird still tied by a small rope. It is already dark. The bird cannot fly. It is an easy prey for the wildcats. He has a rare herb in his house. The bird roasted with that herb give a good relief for asthma patients like his father. Remembering his father’s face he decided to keep the fowl and got to his feet.

The herb medicine mixed with fresh honey did excellent job. The hearty meal and clear breathing made his father sleepy and he put him in the cot covering his body with a small blanket. The room requires mending, the cold wind enters the room through many holes in the walls but he cannot help. The fireplace was empty; Massod’s men took away the firewood making false promises to his father. He could find some, hidden in one corner and an earthen pot. He selected some herb and mixing it with the rest of firewood in the earthen pot made it a firepot. He kept the firepot under the cot but preferred to sleep outside. The smell and the fume of herbs burning slowly with the firewood are not good for him.

He made a small fire over a small heap of dried leaf and took out a good old bottle of Mahua Flower from his cellar and drained the content in two gulps. The colorless liquid together with the is sufficient not only to keep him sealed from the blowing cold wind but also the whole day’s episode. But he found no success in the later one; rather the past started circling like a movie reel.

He knows this forest like the back of his palm and likes moving in the forest than working in the mines. Upon a self-compromise, he works in the mine for that number of days sufficient for the food for his family. Rest he moves in the forest from dusk to dawn. The tall trees, shrubs and medicinal herbs growing underneath, birds, jackals are his friends. He picks up the medicinal herbs and the roots and sells them in the weekly market. The locals call him as Vaidyaji (herbal doctor). Budhia enjoys the recognition. The small hill river meanders around this forest for seven times. These places are the rest shelters for him. He likes the corner near the small waterfall, the birthplace of this river and very often takes the rest for a while. The jungle fruits, arrowroots, occasional huge potatoes are good enough for recharging his stomach. The recent mining has spoiled this forest. The river is drying up: the tall trees are dying. The birds, beers and the jackals are vanishing one after another. The simple tribals like him are all captives of people like Masood. The thought of Masood made him angry. He threw the empty bottle. The remaining drops of liquid flew to fire and the fire flared up. He heard a groaning sound of his father and sprang up. The firepot extinguished and the room was very cold. The old man was almost in a state of breathlessness. Budhia fished out two herb roots, made a paste in the earthen mortar quickly and placed it in the tongue of the old man. The old man was little relieved. All the old man requires now is the fire. Budhia ran towards the guesthouse to get some firewood.

Budhia found Masood in the kitchen snoring heavily but no heap of firewood. He moved from there towards the backyard store. Possibly the firewood stocks are lying there. He was about to stumble on something near the Sofa just opposite the closed bedroom of Smith. He recognized the stumbling objects as the same red Sari and bangles that he gifted Somebari on her marriage.
The full moon of the midnight has flooded the backyard. There were two big heaps and a single heap of firewood. Some one as if decorated the single heap with piles of feathers peeled fresh from the flesh of Jungle fowl. As he approached the heap he found another tiny feathers heap. It could be red; moonlight has partly obscured the color. He did not stumble on it this time. The backyard is just opposite the bedrooms of the guests. The sound of moans and another shrill sound was entering his ears. His trained ears of jungle were baffled at first. It appeared as if a Hyena has just de-skinned a big fowl. He picked up the small heap of firewood adding the last one found just now. Running towards his house he thought, “ This heap along with these feathers and skins of Jungle fowls shall burn the best, it shall give my father more warmth.”

Adjust the body clock, a successful attempt for leaving smoking

2009-02-13T02:14:00.000-08:00

Just before you go to bed, suppose you want to wake up by 4 am, concentrate for a few minutes and tell your mind repeatedly to wake you up at 4 am exactly. Surely, if you concentratedly tell, you sure will automatically get up, as if some body awakened you. Depending on your wish, you may reset, reduce and delete the frequency of any non-narcotic habit, which has now formed a part of your life. Suppose, you have a habit after you take tea every time. You have to go out and hide in a corner because law now bans doing that publicly. This habit also calls you compulsorily, after your meals, at the end of your meeting, begin thinking, your phase of worry, anxiety and emotional disturbance. You may add to your list the other situations when something inside you compels to take resort to that habit. You know by now that it is all about the useless sermons of leaving smoking. By now, possibly you may stop reading this article further, like I used to do. But before you switch to another blog article, spending a few minutes with me may not be totally useless. Remember your last harassments for smoking in the public place, anger of your dear ones and choking conditions in the smoking rooms of airports, Knocking of the bathroom doors of train by GRPF to catch you red-handed and your last promise to stop smoking. You could not do so. Possibly you did not adjust you body clock. My 20 friends and myself did it successfully to the extent that we today are permanent non-smokers. Want to get rid of the harassments and join us or at least want to know how we did it? Then read further.

Are you a "night owl" or an "early bird?" The answer depends on a biological "clock" in your brain. This molecular clock controls many natural body cycles -- from the time you wake up each morning to rhythmic changes in body temperature and blood hormone. This is known as body Clock. Scientists have learned that special genes control these clocks, which can be reset by mental and external conditions. Knowledge of these clocks is leading to an improved understanding of biological cycles and new ways of treating disorders such as insomnia. Your main body functions like sleeping, awakening time hunger etc can be reset but with the associated habits can be reduced and finally be deleted, which is true in the case of Non-narcotic habit like smoking. Actually your body clock has been taken as hostage by your habit of smoking like the Extremists do and ask for a ransom. Here this extremist is smoking habit and through body clock it is sending messages to your nervous system that with the current level of nicotine in your blood the task asked for shall not be performed. So the demand of ransom is met by lighting a cigarette. This destructive extremist has a clear picture of your body traits and sets the alarms in your body clock at various intervals and at various physiological and physico-chemical conditions. As you finish your lunch or tea, start your thinking or your worries baffle you, there is a change in your body temperature, blood pressure or hormone secretion and the alarm rings with a ransom message “light a cigarette otherwise the body will not function/ you shall feel better” etc.

How to fight it out? My experiments with the truth of body clock:
I was a smoker and made many attempts to get rid of it. Sometimes I failed; sometimes I was temporarily successful for some period. Lastly I tried with body clock techniques and I was successful. An eager friend soon shared my knowledge and his success led to form a group, which worked out with cent percent success of leaving smoking. We discussed and proceeded systematically and here is how we are going. We divided our existing smoker friends in three categories and started working on it. Lastly I thought to blog it out to share it for a larger platform.
Case 1.For persons of strong will power.
If your will power is very strong then just like good batsman disturbs the line and length of the bowler i.e. do not pay heed to the alarm say “get out”. After ringing for few times in the day you will see the ransom note in demanding voice has come to begging terms asking you to smoke. You may have a headache by now. There are three SUGGESTIONS.
1. Inhale and exhale heavily. 2. Press the both ends of your forehead and release 5 to 10 times. 3. Meet your doctor friend and tell him everything he may give some medicines for few days to continue. In fact when you smoke you do the same inhaling and exhaling but with an amount of nicotine and carbon monoxide. While inhaling and exhaling only with fresh oxygen you are doing the same thing with no harm for your body.
Case 2 For people with moderate will power(I belong to this): We have to proceed tactfully.
A. Induct all the fear elements of smoking in your mind repeatedly. (Many left cigarettes because the fear element only was sufficient for them)
Examples
1.Remember the warnings of your Company’s doctor friend while showing your chest x-ray during the last cough and cold episode.
2. Your above X-ray reports denied your entry to factory and Mines premises and your colleague visited the site earning more points and ahead of you for getting premium increment points.
3. Your recent harassments in the public place, the rejection at the intimate moment of your dear ones for the smell of your mouth.
B. Identify the major times of call for smoke, say it could be your after every time you take tea, meals, going to toilets or the emotional bad times.
C. Take one by one. Like a tiger You may target the weak ones first and the strong desires last. Do not say outright “No” to the ransom note of smoking from the body-clock, put it on a snooze note as like your mobile alarm. If you are successful in breaking one alarm time today, tomorrow another along with the first. If you have successfully avoided the smoking after getting up, tomorrow the next is the after breakfast (if this happens to be existing). Each time fill this clock-time by some other activity. After you get up switch on the TV or music or telephone someone or if you so want to Jog and Jog. Next day you will see for yourself after you get up you are putting on the TV not the Cigarette. You are convinced and gradually you will reduce your smoking. And soon smoking habit shall be a past.
D. In case of strong headache first try the step 1 and 2 for the Case 1 people and you will see head ache reduces. At this time your smoking habit is no more in demanding terms but there shall be other kind of auto-suggestions like “a little smoking is not injurious”, “ that gives you a male-look”, “ got stuck up in this urgent report, smoke now, you will be charged”. Just ignore all of them. If your headache persists visit your doctor friend you shall be all right. You have killed this extremist like habit and your body clock is now free like the Taj Hotel from the extremist operation.
Case 3. For People with very low will power. They believe they can never get out of this habit and need the help and counseling from others particularly from Case2 group who are mentally nearer to this group. To motivate them the following attempts made by us were successful.
A. First let us not talk about leaving smoking to them but enquire from them the major body clock alarms for cigarette. Fill one of the alarms continually for days together with some other activity. When one of their body clock alarms is set free then start convincing. He may still say “no” to you but shall be only eagerly watching you.
B. Induct the fear element in his mind and then tell the process to reduce first as discussed above.
C. The next steps are same as case 2 group but he needs to be monitored. He may revert back to this habit. Without coaxing, once again convince him and find out which body clock is still to win. Because there may be sudden hidden body clock, which has now surfaced out, or some autosuggestion convinced him. We are his friend and we got to do it. It may be so his new fill times are not interesting.
In Summary the steps are as follows:
1.Evaluate your mental category e.g. whether your will power is strong, moderate or weak.
2.Identify the body clock alarm times e.g. after break fast, lunch, boss’s call, period of worries etc.
3. Depending on the mental category plan your attacks and intensity of attacks.
4. Depending on your mental category intensify the fear element. Remember many-left smoking after the first indication of heart attack or cancer. But by that time smoking has completed the destruction. Fill the alarm time by new things. This fill time must be very attractive to you.
5. The physical discomforts are temporary; you may try the tips given e.g. deep inhaling and exhaling, pressing the forehead corners and lastly visit your doctor friend.

The power of the body clock is immense. It can change a person; it may modify some of discomforts to comfort. Not only smoking you may get rid of any non-narcotic habit permanently. To start with, you first do the experiment on yourself. Upon being successful first form a small group preferably with group 2 people. With group 1 people the reactions of others are that it is too easy for him/them to do so. With group 3 people it is very tough to get a success alone. By initiating you get a double edge. You automatically induct a fear element in your subconscious mind not to revert back to that habit because people may laugh at you for doing so. We are now experimenting the wonders of body clock with persons of blood sugar and overweight having tremendous affinity for sweets or alcohols. Please share this experiment with your smoking friend and tell me the flaws. We shall be benefited with your suggestions and comments.

Happy New year 2009

2008-12-27T20:03:00.000-08:00

LET THE BEAUTY OF NATURE
SOLACE
THE MEANDERS OF LIFE,
LET ALL OF US AIM FOR,
PEACE, PROSPERITY AND DEVELOPMENT.

MORE BLOGS THIS YEAR 2009
WISH YOU AND ALL YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS
A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

DR. PRADIP KUMAR BISWAS
SUSMITA BISWAS
JUNIA BISWAS
SOUDIP BISWAS

THE UNSUCCESSFUL PLOT

2008-11-29T05:16:00.000-08:00

The Taj and Trident hotels and the Narriman point complex have been sanitized now. I am still continuing with my respect and prayers for the all these brave souls countering a plot to destroy our country. Some of them sacrificed their life; some are in hospital recovering speedily from the physical and mental wounds. They are the brave members of our surveillance, defense, firefighting parties, Commandos, media persons and last but not the least the hostages who transformed their muscular nerves to steel. Besides creating a world wide massive terror and panic the aim of this pot was to destroy the reputations of our surveillance and defense skills, hospitality etc. The extremists wanted the Indians to bow down before them possibly by freeing their counterparts and paying a ransom. They wanted to scare our foreign guests to cancel their visit to India as a tourist or businessman. But it turned out to be a different thing. The whole world saw through the lenses of brave media persons the skillful, methodical and professional approach and the neat actions of our defense forces. These are not our words of appreciations but came from the mouths of the ex-hostages of the terrorists. Some of them are our guests from other parts of the world. The resultant effect of this episode is the sudden surge of patriotism in the whole country. Let us take an oath before the funeral pyre of the recent martyrs of the country, the oath of awakening ourselves. Like the first rule of safety, do an act of co-operation whenever we see something suspicious be it a baggage or some persons are trying to take photograph of vital installations. If we see persons with heavy baggage and entering public places and escaping unnoticed although the metal detector yelled a lot, bring it to the notice of security personnel. I saw in railway stations the person trying to escape the metal detectors or even it beeps, the security personnel is not alert.

In these Bombay happenings, I have certain questions and may someone be kind enough to enlighten me. Can two or three persons enter a building like Narriman House or five-star hotels like Taj, being unnoticed, carrying heavy baggage of ammunitions and foodstuffs sufficient to fight for 60 hours? The persons were described as lean and thin. Even if we double the persons is it true that they entered being unchecked? If they made a forceful entry can it be without any scuffle or blood shedding? Was there any alarm system in Taj or Trident?

writenow: My Story

2008-11-17T22:32:00.000-08:00

writenow: My Story

My Story

2008-11-13T03:04:00.000-08:00

My story started 57 years back in a district town of West Bengal Midnapore, well known as a birthplace of many Martyrs and freedom fighters. I was a born left armer but the elders in the family disliked my unusualness and I was forced to become a right armer. But this forceful physical modification could not change my mental condition. I was different in many aspects from the rest of my family members. Unlike other members of my family I suffered from various illness, mostly arising out of intestine and stomach disorders. My father was a police officer and mother, a housewife. Upon his transfer we moved almost every 2nd year, from one town to another. The residential bungalows were big, surrounded by garden. In most of the days I used to wake up in late mornings when my brothers and sisters left long for their schools. The big kitchen where my mother used to spend most of her times, was at one corner of the house, far-off from the children’s bedroom. I did not have much strength to roam in the garden for long. My aunt(my father’s widow sister ) often used to visit us. Her stories were about our ancestors who drove away the Marathas and later on took active part in freedom fighting against the English. These stories coupled with my medications ignited my dream sequences. However my aunt later on corrected them “ No .never they fought on elephants back, it should have been cavalry and gun carriages. You know…” As age passed by the fight scenes of the dreams changed into the interactions of various characters among themselves with their social, emotional problems and beliefs. Some of them exists truly others I have never seen. I tried to narrate my dreams on my own but with fewer freedoms. They protested strongly in the next dream and finally I had to become their stenographer. My profession of geology and mineral exploration gives me a scope to come across various parts of India and abroad. In this page of blog, I shall try to present some of my stenography dictated by the various characters in varied background of nature. The characters vary from tribals to high-ups in the society but all of them are what they are. I have no scope to alter them.