tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116803234061376042024-03-05T13:14:33.813+05:30My LifeSonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-89881779243074717422021-11-26T22:12:00.003+05:302021-11-29T08:25:34.515+05:30November makes me emotional<p>As I
stand just a few days away from that fateful one in November 13 years ago when my life changed in more ways than one, a lot of emotions are rising in
my heart. This month had always been special because it gave me my <b>soulmate</b>.
Yes, I never believed I would utter this word but that’s true – life and the
universe brought love in my life quite suddenly and then some turns of events
strengthened that tie to an unbreakable bond cemented by our marriage vows.</p><p>At
times, it still feels surreal to have completed almost 13 years of marriage. The
funny thing is that I believed I would never get married, and he didn’t even
give his own marriage a second thought because he believed it would happen when
it had to. Neither of us is what you call a typical husband/wife material and I
shudder to think what would have happened if we hadn’t come together. To date,
we’re more friends than your typical couple. We laugh, we fight, we work
together as professionals, call each other names, and then we talk it out to
settle scores and even our differences.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We didn’t
have it easy though, and ours was a roller-coaster journey that could become an
interesting read for many. We came close to calling it quits and yet, never let
the other go even when we were hurting. We had been there for each other through
thick and thin, and despite our fights and differences, we always knew if it
comes down to the ropes, we can always depend on the other to have our back. And
perhaps this trust, respect, belief, and above all – unconditional love, is what
has kept us going. Though November 29 is still a few days away, I thought I
would get these emotions out of my system. And what better way to do it than
revisit my old love – this blog that had nurtured my writing and been privy to
a lot of things.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So,
to wrap up, I just have to say this – when you find love, hold onto it tight
and never let it go! And of course, a big THANK YOU to the universe and God for
making me believe that love conquers all!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Feel interested in knowing the story behind how I got hitched? Visit <a href="https://worldofsonali.blogspot.com/2009/01/thanks-rediffiland.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p>Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-10919714874670104552015-04-01T15:33:00.000+05:302015-04-01T15:33:18.544+05:30Going the entrepreneur way - full steam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Though it was a long cherished dream of mine, it all finally happened last month when I launched my website and took the important step of being a full time entrepreneur with my small team of writers and editors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZbj7AMQ6W55cWv3HEjJiWpMwYyKyFl036ZNMzuLsvCyF_QzsHZOL6gsdMiVad7v86JN9sS2eZZgWOoPBBSclx7zwF3fW0ErWCXIJwQ0V52DaxaNzF4sAENtbof_DlApwDyKyxCKS7PlL/s1600/Creative+Content+Writers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZbj7AMQ6W55cWv3HEjJiWpMwYyKyFl036ZNMzuLsvCyF_QzsHZOL6gsdMiVad7v86JN9sS2eZZgWOoPBBSclx7zwF3fW0ErWCXIJwQ0V52DaxaNzF4sAENtbof_DlApwDyKyxCKS7PlL/s1600/Creative+Content+Writers.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hope you will visit me at <b><a href="http://creativecontentwriters.in/" target="_blank">Creative Content Writers</a></b> and let me know your feedback/comments. You can also like my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HireCreativeContentWriters" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> or connect with me via <a href="https://twitter.com/writingchamps" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://plus.google.com/+CreativecontentwritersInIndia/about" target="_blank">Google+</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/contentwriters1/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-content-writers" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>. </div>
Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-56573983134036363892014-05-24T15:46:00.000+05:302014-05-24T16:05:10.795+05:30Rendezvous with IPL players<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Yesterday’s
9.55am flight (Indigo) from Kolkata to Bangalore had a pleasant surprise for
its passengers’ in store. That’s because we had the IPL team of <b><a href="http://www.royalchallengers.com/team" target="_blank">Royal Challengers Bangalore</a></b> as our co-passengers. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Starting from international star
players like Yuvraj Singh and Muttiah Muralitharan to Parthiv Patel, Ashok Dinda,</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Mitchell
Starc and Varun Aaron, I spotted quite a few of them. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ghXzb4OjtGhRHMTyPdOp9XjrULmT_HoLKNRRMGEkOyHyc-9P8eAC31KiWWgUT5AMeULp2CNc4povwSaxPICIxm47axn1jXaW0EZzA-FKRp076oocsgfzzz8ehG6Zts6-yxvYGaxBhl1O/s1600/IMG02562-20140523-1201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ghXzb4OjtGhRHMTyPdOp9XjrULmT_HoLKNRRMGEkOyHyc-9P8eAC31KiWWgUT5AMeULp2CNc4povwSaxPICIxm47axn1jXaW0EZzA-FKRp076oocsgfzzz8ehG6Zts6-yxvYGaxBhl1O/s1600/IMG02562-20140523-1201.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Most of the
passengers went crazy, clicking selfies and pictures of their wives and kids (who
were made to stand beside the celebrity passengers). Some even abandoned the
basic etiquette of requesting and taking permission from the cricketers before
clicking with gay abandon. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ngBIxH24AvEB9B8wPjOAZlHEpaibher5Z184JoRNdmJOU68n2CU_o9TExA-SGwZygVCaSQ6VR9So49NgU3teLGOCESFUW3qYeSft95iva5_W4v04YoeAbUe0q4kFomTv8gYh2lAee45X/s1600/IMG02560-20140523-1201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ngBIxH24AvEB9B8wPjOAZlHEpaibher5Z184JoRNdmJOU68n2CU_o9TExA-SGwZygVCaSQ6VR9So49NgU3teLGOCESFUW3qYeSft95iva5_W4v04YoeAbUe0q4kFomTv8gYh2lAee45X/s1600/IMG02560-20140523-1201.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I, for one, got autographs of 5 players (it surely
did help to have Varun Aaron seated next to me, whom I asked and who agreed to
get autographs of his and some of his teammates seated in the next two rows,
for me). The images were clicked by another of my co-passengers on my request
(I felt too shy to click myself, thinking I may irritate the players, most of
whom looked tired and wanted just to have a good sleep on board the 2.5hrs
flight). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Though I
don’t follow the IPL, it was indeed an experience watching these guys from such
close quarters, listening to their cricketing talks and being privy to some fun
moments (one player disturbing the other’s sleep trying to tickle the nostrils
with a piece of paper, a humorous discussion of the difference between a tiger
and liger, etc). </div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Despite the
frenzy surrounding them and complete loss of privacy, these cricketers smiled
and allowed almost everyone to click pictures/selfies and get autographs. I had
been to Eden Gardens for a few times in the past but never did I have the
chance to witness such a close company of those, whom we called our “Cricketing
Gods”.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Phew! What an
amazing experience I had!</span></div>
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Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-63551031450247216072013-08-30T16:20:00.003+05:302013-08-30T16:22:41.913+05:30Unexplored Travel destinations: The Indian Middle Class guide to a fun-filled vacation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In a diverse country like India, choosing unexplored travel destinations isn’t much of a problem, especially if you want to give the crowds a miss and look forward to a fun-filled vacation in the lap of nature to beat the blues. However, for the Indian middle-class, a fun-filled vacation means where he can have loads of things to see and do, and yet not break the bank while paying for accommodation and dining. So, here are 3 destinations that can give the middle-class Indian his money’s worth:</div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Nawalgarh
(Rajasthan):</b> If you have planned a trip to Rajasthan and yet want to head
straight to a place that lets you get a glimpse of the old world hawelis
without the crowd and din of big cities, Nawalgarh is your ideal bet. Drawing
its name from its founder - Thakur Nawal Singh, Nawalgarh is often dubbed as an<b> </b>"open air art gallery" and
the "land of havelis" that draws tourists by hordes - families,
couples, singles et all. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTurbv4pvt6vx16U_krCpeioytXrW3T_j2Hr9dC5lmSFRYjkGYV3SXWN9OJJF8EitPg3DkKFK6XV6qPhCv4SeSj2fQSI0Wht6gCcpJHdvuWflM8lCOib_puhzJYhGbzlxM-Fb7kmafzfjq/s1600/morarka-haveli-museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTurbv4pvt6vx16U_krCpeioytXrW3T_j2Hr9dC5lmSFRYjkGYV3SXWN9OJJF8EitPg3DkKFK6XV6qPhCv4SeSj2fQSI0Wht6gCcpJHdvuWflM8lCOib_puhzJYhGbzlxM-Fb7kmafzfjq/s320/morarka-haveli-museum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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During your trip to this city, take in the
beauty and old-world charm of the various havelis – both big and small, dotting
the place. Some notable ones that should feature on your travel itinerary
include the Roop Niwas Palace, Hira Lal Sarowgi Haveli, and the Aath Havelis.
You should also set a date with the Nawalgarh Fort, the south eastern part of
which displays some of the finest frescos belonging to the Shekhawati region. You
can reach here from Delhi and other cities of Rajasthan (Bikaner, Jaipur, Kota,
Ajmer, and Jodhpur) by bus. For accommodation, you can choose from <a href="http://www.heritagethikana.com/">http://www.heritagethikana.com/</a> and <a href="http://www.touristpension.com/">http://www.touristpension.com/</a>. Lodging
would cost anywhere between INR 1200-1500 per night (a family of 2 adults+1
kid), and 3 meals a day (per person) would set you back by around INR
900-1000. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Kolad
(Maharashtra):</b> This small village in Maharashtra’s Raigad district is your best
bet if you are eyeing an action packed vacation. Kolad’s key attraction is
enjoying whitewater rafting at Kundalika River. Friends, families, singles –
everyone can get a chance to enjoy a wide variety of other activities as well like
river crossing, trekking, and kayaking during your Kolad trip. For nature
lovers, the splendid marshlands and valleys, against the backdrop of the magnificent
Sahyadris, which would enthrall the sore eyes and refresh battered souls, are a
treat for sure! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AZdXWs-IO7NHMlzemSj95NyhGYi1cdXqgznOQxoxFFyOKb_uXLgywQ2h1I52dldty_KLBr3fcX7CMOrfrMNCorfitYWrshPm-ABfq53MiIXpGS3FQQzB3GYoW-BQtiNwEzRgv-ruP-6y/s1600/rafting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AZdXWs-IO7NHMlzemSj95NyhGYi1cdXqgznOQxoxFFyOKb_uXLgywQ2h1I52dldty_KLBr3fcX7CMOrfrMNCorfitYWrshPm-ABfq53MiIXpGS3FQQzB3GYoW-BQtiNwEzRgv-ruP-6y/s320/rafting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can reach Kolad from Pune (157 kms) by
road in about 2 hrs and 10 minutes. Though there are many budget lodging
options, the one rated as the best is <a href="http://www.kundalikarafting.in/">http://www.kundalikarafting.in/</a>. A 2
Night/3 days package would cost anywhere between INR 2100 to 4500 per day per
person depending on the time of your visit (weekday or weekend) and how many
persons are in a group (rate varies as per double occupancy/triple or quadruple
sharing basis).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Masinagudi
(Tamil Nadu): </b>If a vacation in the jungle where you get a chance to see<b> </b>the wildlife of that area from close
quarters, excites you, this is the place to be. Starting from van safaris into
unspoilt sanctuary areas, and bird watching, to taking a tour of the elephant
camp, and a trip to the local tea/ pepper/coffee plantation, you can enjoy all
these and more during your Masinagudi sojourn. You may even plan a full day
excursion through the twin sanctuaries of Mudumalai and Bandipur, along with a
visit to Gopalswami Betta, which is a hill whose peak plays host to a historic
temple. Families, elders, couples, singles – everyone will have something or
the other to look forward to once they reach Masinagudi. <b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkm_ca95jRI14Gic3Fd7xZtV2WtWru0VwRZ2rbs2ClJEtaSGfgTPGGLqD0aESsno0utNh1tSoD1hgbW76ga1BNzXD0ofvxWnZje0BDefYuvQry9waatRDJrH3BLEthOSP1lhi866kMAEIl/s1600/masinagudi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkm_ca95jRI14Gic3Fd7xZtV2WtWru0VwRZ2rbs2ClJEtaSGfgTPGGLqD0aESsno0utNh1tSoD1hgbW76ga1BNzXD0ofvxWnZje0BDefYuvQry9waatRDJrH3BLEthOSP1lhi866kMAEIl/s320/masinagudi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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From Coimbatore Airport, about 123 Kms from
Masinagudi, you can reach here easily via road. Ooty - 28 kms away, though, is
the nearest city from Masinagudi. There are many accommodation options at this
place to suit your budget. You can stay
at <a href="http://www.glenviewresorts.com/">Glen View Resorts</a> (rates
vary between INR 2115 and 5828 for 2-4 persons), or <a href="http://bamboobanks.com/">Bamboo Banks Farm Guest House</a> (rates
4000+ for couples and families per night), both of which are highly rated on
TripAdvisor. Another good place to stay at is <a href="http://www.masinagudi.com/">http://www.masinagudi.com/</a>. At Masinagudi,
3 meals a day (per person) would cost you anywhere between INR 900-1000.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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India has many more of such hidden gems that offer tourists an
uninterrupted, leisurely and calm experience, which most popular tourist
destinations these days can’t. So, plan tours to these unexplored destinations
and we’ll return soon with another set of attractions that are still not
battered by stream of tourists and let you enjoy your own slice of paradise! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Photo
courtesy: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.rajasthantrip.com/nawalgarh-tourism.html">http://www.rajasthantrip.com/nawalgarh-tourism.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.kundalikarafting.in/">http://www.kundalikarafting.in/</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sankalpindia.net/drupal/sites/default/files/masinagudi2.jpg">http://www.sankalpindia.net/drupal/sites/default/files/masinagudi2.jpg</a></div>
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Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-12151576803877159632013-08-20T20:10:00.000+05:302013-12-05T15:41:03.299+05:30My Mom: RIP My Hero<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Life, as I knew it, would never be the same again without my
mother. Maa, mommy, mom…she had many names with which I addressed her…. And
when silver stripes of hair (which, quite magically, were very few even at the
age of 60+) started making a peek-a-boo on her head full of black hair, I even
joked often calling her<i> budiya</i> and
told that she should get a bob cut to spare her increasingly thin choti…. </div>
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Amazing how I get a rush of so many memories the moment I
think of her….It all seems so surreal even after a fortnight of her demise…</div>
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<b>Seeking refuge in
Geeta<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya</div>
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navani grhnati naro parani</div>
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tatha sarirani vihaya jirnany</div>
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anyani samyati navani dehi
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This verse of Geeta tells: <i>Just as a person changes clothes,
the atman (soul) too gives up an old body to accept a new one. </i></div>
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We all know that death is the ultimate truth but it still
hurts to lose a loved one, especially if the person you are forced to bid adieu
is the one in whose womb you had spent 9 months, who taught you your first
words; who cared for you when you were so vulnerable and young; who was your
best friend and confidante until you built your own world with your work,
friends, husband et all; YES, it is your mother who shields you throughout your
life from every tempest, with whom you are likely to have your fair share of
fights and yet love her so much that nothing in this world or any other would
match it….</div>
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Perhaps you wonder why put all these thoughts on a blog when
it’s such a personal loss that should be coped up with in loneliness? Well, the
answer lies in the fact that my way of coping is via what I do best - write.
Being a content writer by profession, I have been keying-in hundreds and
thousands of words for years’ now, for my clients’ projects, but this time, it’s
a trip down memory lane to remember the lady who did such a marvelous job of
bringing us up (me and my two sisters), and making the household run like a
well oiled machine...so much so that we never spared a thought of the herculean task she
did….until now. </div>
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<b>My unsung hero, this is how I remember you, Maa…. </b></div>
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<b>Childhood incidents<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I wasn’t a very naughty child but often had some
quirky ideas. One day, I decided to test if my parents, especially my mom,
loved me, and if she did, how much. I did a quick survey of my mother in the
kitchen, went to the neighbor’s house facing our front door (the two doors used
to remain open throughout the day as we kids would hop in and out of the
houses), came back and promptly slid under the divan. The divan, covered with a
bed sheet that almost touched the floor, concealed me without any problem,
though the cobwebs under it were giving me creeps. I don’t know for how long I
lay there without making any sound when I heard a commotion….Voila! I was
finally missed and everyone was running here and there, calling my name, while
I was crouching under the divan, acting as the silent spectator of the
hullabaloo. I don’t know whose fertile head had the idea of checking under the
divan, but when I was discovered in such a state – harmless and smiling, my
mother finally heaved a sigh of relief. Gosh, she loves me - I uttered under my
breath to myself… </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The movie <b>Khubsoorat</b> (With Rekha in the lead)
was a rage in the 1980s. Though I was just 4 years then, I loved the song </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">sun sun sun didi tere liye ek rishta aaya
hai</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">….and used to dance with it….most often, my steps started on the bed,
from where I jumped on the floor, danced some more, and used to rush to the
bathroom or kitchen, only to come back to the room to finish off the
song-and-dance routine. One day, in my enthusiasm, I rushed to the kitchen,
where the angithi (a portable, traditional heater that’s loaded with lighted
coals, and used for cooking) was placed, and almost collided with it. The
slight brush I had with the burning coals burnt my skin on the thigh and leg
badly, and then it was all upon my mother to patiently treat my wounds with
some home-made medications (given by the neighboring aunt) that finally healed
the wounds and let the scars fade. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I was fortunate to grow up at a time when
neighboring aunts and uncles were nothing short of an extended family. Perhaps
that we were all Bengalis and lived outside West Bengal strengthened the bond.
Well, one fine afternoon, after getting down from my school truck under the
watchful eyes of Tumpa Didi (she – the daughter of a Bengali couple staying
close to our house, was my self-appointed guardian), I had this sudden urge to
taste delicious egg curry cooked by her mother (which Tumpa Didi had told me
during our journey back home). So, I merrily went to her home, washed up my
feet and hands and gorged on the food, forgetting all along what my mother
might have been going through when I failed to return on time. I wasn’t beaten
when I returned home (or was rather rescued once again, somewhat, as I was presumed
to have been lost) but the tongue-lashing that I got from my mother and then my
father made me realize what a silly thing I did - all for the sake of egg curry (It was tasty
as hell though)! </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I was in class IV/V. We had a routine of playing
hide-and-seek during our lunch hours at school, and during one such routine, I
was running without a care to hide and avoid being spotted by a friend, when I
slammed into a pillar, and then for a few seconds, I literally saw stars in the
day. My friends came rushing and took me to the Principal’s office. By then, I
was crying and saw that my white shirt was dotted with blood marks oozing from
my forehead. I was seated then on the back seat of an office peon’s cycle, who
took me to the doctor’s chamber. The doctor sewed my forehead up but never gave
me any sedatives. So, I cried and shouted my lungs out. I was given a few
medicines, and taken back to school. I was adamant not to return home early (I
was afraid about facing my mother in such a messed up condition) and so
attended classes till the end. When I finally came back, my mother was shocked and
just consoled me about my injuries. I, though in pain, was happy for not being
scolded.</span></li>
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</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Maths and Mom were poles apart. At least, my
mother made me think so. My father was in charge of my mathematics education,
but I always felt a bit uneasy whenever he was out of town (which was quite
often, as he had to tour the country on factory deputations). Though I managed
well, doing the homeworks on my own sometimes and copying them from friends
when I couldn’t, there was one day when I was sulking as too may sums were
given as homework and I wanted to get them all done at home. My mother, seeing
my plight, asked for the maths book and a rough copy to have a go at the sums.
I was thrilled and a bit apprehensive, all at the same time, but when the
answers matched with those given at the end of the book, I was overjoyed. </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Why do you pretend that you can’t do maths,
maa?</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> - I had asked my mother that day. She said nothing and smiled sweetly.
That day taught me not to underestimate my mother any more.</span></li>
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<b>All roses and no
thorns?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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After reading my childhood memoirs, if you thought that my
relationship with my mother was all roses, think again. Like most of you, I too
had my fair share of angst, fights, and misunderstandings with her, the major
one being about my marriage. I never wanted to wed and she was hell bent on
getting me married. Thankfully and quite funnily though, I found <b><a href="http://worldofsonali.blogspot.in/2009/01/thanks-rediffiland.html" target="_blank">Dhiman</a></b>, with
whom I thought I could share the rest of my life, and my mother was perhaps the
happiest person the day I declared that I was going to get married, finally!!!<br />
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<b>Will the feeling of
losing her ever sink in?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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More than a fortnight has passed and I still couldn’t
believe it all, let alone allowing the feeling to sink in. But I guess that an
elderly aunt was right. When I told her how I was afraid of living with this
void that’s now a lifelong companion of mine, she told:</div>
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<i>The void her passing
has created in your heart will ease with time, as all your memories of her
become alive and fill that void, and she will continue to live in your memories for the rest of your life…. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Rest in peace, my dear Maa.</b></div>
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Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-52877838439531624842013-01-12T21:14:00.003+05:302013-01-12T21:17:41.552+05:30Izzat at stake for women and girls in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My blog has been sitting idle for long and so I thought that this New Year, it’s the right time to revive it with some thoughts.<br />
<br />
The most disturbing and scaring thought that has been nudging me lately is how girls, and women are at the mercy of few idiots and sick minds. What surprises me is how the rest of the public gets busy organizing candle protests and shouting slogans being surrounded by the crowds, but those same persons sit like blind dolls when someone is pawing a women on a bus, throwing expletives, or trying to molest a woman in broad daylight.<br />
<br />
I even shudder to think when I read reports of how infant girls are raped and then left bleeding in some obscure corners or open field. Amidst all the hoopla surrounding what’s the best punishment for rapists and those inflicting such inhuman acts, my vote goes to public humiliation and flogging as death sentence would be hard to come by, especially with our impaired legal system, which snores and proceeds at a pace that would even shame a snail!!!!<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I think parents of girls should encourage their kids to learn self defence tactics. For those like me who are burdened by their love handles and bundles of fat, the best remedy is to get equipped with safety pins, screwdrivers, pepper sprays, and anything and everything that can inflict pain on an approaching person having a malicious intent, before stepping out on the roads.<br />
<br />
But the million dollar question is - will such incidents stop? Only time will answer.<br />
</div>
Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-77022429374651904952010-02-10T10:40:00.000+05:302010-02-10T10:46:29.518+05:30Paypal sucksIf you still don't know, here's why this post. Paypal has suddenly stopped payments to and from India, without any notification or any responsibility to answer our queries, who have been struck by this sudden development out of the blue!!!<br /><br />I don't know where to take my rage but it's pretty disgusting to have payments reversed all of a sudden, and sitting in the middle of nowhere thinking hard when I am going to get my hard earned money. Paypal not only reversed 4 of my transactions but even sent back the money that I had transferred to my bank account-!!!<br /><br />You suck PayPal for sure!<br /><br />Thumbs down to you....<br /><br />As an afterthought-was curious what Paypal thinks about this crazy idea of making life hell only for Indians??? Any idea???<br /><br />Read a related post at http://techie-buzz.com/annoyances/paypal-sucks.html - I agree totally with Keith, and a thumbs up to all the well suited profanities too....Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-42405299412696799132009-10-08T20:03:00.000+05:302009-10-08T20:16:29.261+05:30Durga Puja-Chaltabagan Lohapatty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU28oSMz9dL3LfANJ_wRf2Vi5b5Av0ntZOkEtU2e8WDeeKrDPCSfy0yGG4Tdeuvt0lPBapfidBoSHj-OKgDmpixVbeJZN9k-puPzL3LyncqByK07xrjqfigv3lIYe47g67Y4_zZaYWaA5/s1600-h/Puja-2+092.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU28oSMz9dL3LfANJ_wRf2Vi5b5Av0ntZOkEtU2e8WDeeKrDPCSfy0yGG4Tdeuvt0lPBapfidBoSHj-OKgDmpixVbeJZN9k-puPzL3LyncqByK07xrjqfigv3lIYe47g67Y4_zZaYWaA5/s320/Puja-2+092.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390240507587039554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO2F9yp2O6fmXqHxj9arfDI9ak71qo6Vz6A7fdmMzANiS2uY4bR7RHUTBxoDYAJ_QRf_5vYkkbEDS4guj_28XvnEXAnkYH-pulv9bCqdy6KNGLOZ2f0ylH5_cddqIV7eHXAcwDkh047DR/s1600-h/Puja-2+091.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO2F9yp2O6fmXqHxj9arfDI9ak71qo6Vz6A7fdmMzANiS2uY4bR7RHUTBxoDYAJ_QRf_5vYkkbEDS4guj_28XvnEXAnkYH-pulv9bCqdy6KNGLOZ2f0ylH5_cddqIV7eHXAcwDkh047DR/s320/Puja-2+091.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390239581968396466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AFGcVsgFihdN98vmCILbr8B4J02G8CTijPPCZxooOz_F4dk5PuUTSPUDCI6PZ057Sqx3blROry_UeU6utG8OTfltEE4wekjp0nfp18MVhL6jO0p3M-RroBMF0UfMamWwq1kUyleXF7uK/s1600-h/Puja-2+089.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AFGcVsgFihdN98vmCILbr8B4J02G8CTijPPCZxooOz_F4dk5PuUTSPUDCI6PZ057Sqx3blROry_UeU6utG8OTfltEE4wekjp0nfp18MVhL6jO0p3M-RroBMF0UfMamWwq1kUyleXF7uK/s320/Puja-2+089.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390238265032109346" /></a><br />The pandal is a replica of a South Indian temple. This Puja was declared the <strong>Puja that cares</strong> by <strong>CESC</strong> and <strong>The Telegraph</strong> under <strong>True Spirit Puja</strong>. Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-14155291231449558572009-09-26T20:50:00.000+05:302009-09-26T21:12:07.868+05:30Durga Puja image-4<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZz5m3b9Uh16DyjmDSSNPvUFFpLrt8lLJGyQtObbp15hKIBcJtsbzBit5h_MUjh-WNcbOZ6LAcsEg3-tBS6TUycW7AZoNK60fffcTFgOHSiSvMoKDmh4p7rIcIqR4oM4P7OkrMFvUw1t7/s1600-h/Puja-2+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385800570783465794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZz5m3b9Uh16DyjmDSSNPvUFFpLrt8lLJGyQtObbp15hKIBcJtsbzBit5h_MUjh-WNcbOZ6LAcsEg3-tBS6TUycW7AZoNK60fffcTFgOHSiSvMoKDmh4p7rIcIqR4oM4P7OkrMFvUw1t7/s320/Puja-2+026.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pandal and Idol of <strong>Salt Lake AG Block</strong>. This pandal showcased the various stages of the makling of these idols at <strong>Kumartuli</strong>. The theme is clearly described in one of the images.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O0RXFzwYTCfEKTjupe8J-bcuaM6l2uwglERuJGEZPGpSqlKctZvQyOb1fDsczAqYjVdZaKjfBYaSPw-XYDdtN8U3992o1NmWAbV8ofUMrD1XiwLdgxVn11eZiPUjSSzUeFNQQBPwVv1N/s1600-h/Puja-2+025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385800561859650738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O0RXFzwYTCfEKTjupe8J-bcuaM6l2uwglERuJGEZPGpSqlKctZvQyOb1fDsczAqYjVdZaKjfBYaSPw-XYDdtN8U3992o1NmWAbV8ofUMrD1XiwLdgxVn11eZiPUjSSzUeFNQQBPwVv1N/s320/Puja-2+025.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitz5ZJM2ACCUyCDvzfqbCAXNGxxMAKGC-q048z8Ek76nkgWOKNamOKbFN4rZ7RbGO5KEer5kmZywOHGr51n7PPiluMCfuUpTDksBe6M21cB6cRYOA42vpmXF_pNDHfO901dMJsiXV1G453/s1600-h/Puja-2+023.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385800550490104610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitz5ZJM2ACCUyCDvzfqbCAXNGxxMAKGC-q048z8Ek76nkgWOKNamOKbFN4rZ7RbGO5KEer5kmZywOHGr51n7PPiluMCfuUpTDksBe6M21cB6cRYOA42vpmXF_pNDHfO901dMJsiXV1G453/s320/Puja-2+023.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaeXJwBa0y1T4ntCC6NaBpJ5Za363T8zvGhVpfYkw2xuGPoUr-8JHuBj-RDuoPA9FK-Y2XquFyD1O6Rgs8U5XXj2KCJZdYjfZalvUBqsN1zsrzF3zxStxkMnHKBSGMScw1rtGx8yy42iK/s1600-h/Puja-2+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385800539199471778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaeXJwBa0y1T4ntCC6NaBpJ5Za363T8zvGhVpfYkw2xuGPoUr-8JHuBj-RDuoPA9FK-Y2XquFyD1O6Rgs8U5XXj2KCJZdYjfZalvUBqsN1zsrzF3zxStxkMnHKBSGMScw1rtGx8yy42iK/s320/Puja-2+024.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvEFJWPXmnmD58dzexvYN6sJ3AZmZuST3GjDtA91yGYsdBx2cVPpuE-G_qIYnVcm2_nk6rT6Snnf-7G17tbLOJ2mxJjPENrwUENe9mzXahyqnQnmqa0T8gk09eZQ4OX1aQZtnuIThUbFv/s1600-h/Puja-2+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385800531839691266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvEFJWPXmnmD58dzexvYN6sJ3AZmZuST3GjDtA91yGYsdBx2cVPpuE-G_qIYnVcm2_nk6rT6Snnf-7G17tbLOJ2mxJjPENrwUENe9mzXahyqnQnmqa0T8gk09eZQ4OX1aQZtnuIThUbFv/s320/Puja-2+022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div>Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-32762583610294174402009-09-26T20:22:00.000+05:302009-09-26T20:49:38.234+05:30Durga Puja image-3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHiJ5wIzFQSUQIq5SD0TIg6QWw4YeSO9BylSLcleJ-hPY9W2nc64thWig2C4kUMcCSPna3Qt3GOiQPu7gg17jZW05xYsooTwSCgvLEJcsk7i9y6pJt3I0-C0_MY71PrZxZdksSiIeoHr_/s1600-h/Puja-2+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385790804580977906" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHiJ5wIzFQSUQIq5SD0TIg6QWw4YeSO9BylSLcleJ-hPY9W2nc64thWig2C4kUMcCSPna3Qt3GOiQPu7gg17jZW05xYsooTwSCgvLEJcsk7i9y6pJt3I0-C0_MY71PrZxZdksSiIeoHr_/s320/Puja-2+012.jpg" border="0" /></a> Durga Puja Pandal and idol of Salt Lake, BE (East). This pandal had the <strong>China Town</strong> as their theme. Look at the mesmerising set-up that gives the real China Town a competition good enough!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCCdBHhWDfCMaGmzRXJ-7PC1Mfvu8tcywqvtVMcIgQXSgBU2FtOkJxKCOReD5fupKM8MbW643QE9qyozieVBsqSq_jOXa9p3hvMcI6UW3VleznneQlMcXUb-tDWaq6ZRuF-cDVp80U2Kt/s1600-h/Puja-2+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385794253321336258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCCdBHhWDfCMaGmzRXJ-7PC1Mfvu8tcywqvtVMcIgQXSgBU2FtOkJxKCOReD5fupKM8MbW643QE9qyozieVBsqSq_jOXa9p3hvMcI6UW3VleznneQlMcXUb-tDWaq6ZRuF-cDVp80U2Kt/s320/Puja-2+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTH3Awqgfl78H-kBZ6jiUOGiZcwPfTQzvjlGBqgvsHRCZog5xB41Tj8S2ZozdqojKWcSSszzklIYOUtHXxVKBo1hXwxW6JFwlTk9M7bGE6Vzm6zdm9kPb6q7kDnHk-6VMX5C8EBFlrgxG/s1600-h/Puja-2+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385793406789995986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTH3Awqgfl78H-kBZ6jiUOGiZcwPfTQzvjlGBqgvsHRCZog5xB41Tj8S2ZozdqojKWcSSszzklIYOUtHXxVKBo1hXwxW6JFwlTk9M7bGE6Vzm6zdm9kPb6q7kDnHk-6VMX5C8EBFlrgxG/s320/Puja-2+017.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPEIO01dSlZUvqADk5SWSv7Q4jQCs4FiDtwul-j8rmffq1QHdIbUzo8BfP_AMjrbCU1Wo3oE1q3B0nyWpoaapQ2vQPHdxBhEkpFQBFn12pt0mriyM_eIcAMpXazF1dQPWDp4P_49gDndh/s1600-h/Puja-2+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385795210581675746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPEIO01dSlZUvqADk5SWSv7Q4jQCs4FiDtwul-j8rmffq1QHdIbUzo8BfP_AMjrbCU1Wo3oE1q3B0nyWpoaapQ2vQPHdxBhEkpFQBFn12pt0mriyM_eIcAMpXazF1dQPWDp4P_49gDndh/s320/Puja-2+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOjg5zfns6hNDsNZbns70uyXpgqrr92RsWEL7-F3QbpyCdGBKvWGdchpAwVtvF9ylmQLO5abJco7U7Fpx3H1iw2FghNBrH7PqJRUPpuXdn9i-_YMHd-Sq1c5COeITviypZxEOLlFtADqK/s1600-h/Puja-2+015.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div></div></div></div>Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-33882550170307985122009-09-26T20:08:00.000+05:302009-09-26T20:22:04.455+05:30Durga Puja image-2<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_smvuZXnnlsSLlQ2lERQcAxUUfy0cLniIpTs9766Z6FMcbwgSYwk2HbkDhswI9cVoI3AQV-EKhLJSm1Fyjk2gZJ9dCbvYIaa5JB56_SiTYSTE8-z705yTGugttFxfBfe2vCvuYyf9r_j/s1600-h/Puja-2+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385787748519429202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_smvuZXnnlsSLlQ2lERQcAxUUfy0cLniIpTs9766Z6FMcbwgSYwk2HbkDhswI9cVoI3AQV-EKhLJSm1Fyjk2gZJ9dCbvYIaa5JB56_SiTYSTE8-z705yTGugttFxfBfe2vCvuYyf9r_j/s320/Puja-2+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg2ny2kd2dZEupDQODUZ6Osr1QUnbv3pxRGXj13lp1ctkG6kYDMAc-kHTpKI5501ie6BD3iFshtTGQ6F0ZXmjMhGHmSfQ_6nfJMxhvh0j9ESSUMotI-IoBABr07VtbJ7_0p2SGzZmu0lB/s1600-h/Puja-2+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385786566762650866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg2ny2kd2dZEupDQODUZ6Osr1QUnbv3pxRGXj13lp1ctkG6kYDMAc-kHTpKI5501ie6BD3iFshtTGQ6F0ZXmjMhGHmSfQ_6nfJMxhvh0j9ESSUMotI-IoBABr07VtbJ7_0p2SGzZmu0lB/s320/Puja-2+008.jpg" border="0" /></a>Puja Pandal of Salt Lake AE Part1 block committee. You can also see the close-up view of the idol of this pandal.</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D_xLowMiuzhqW7Xs01YAshUUb2fTbePuSqoz3cGw0rCq9EKMVGYB68GoFh5j1oEwjhY6dN0_Bu_f0r-OW2MPjmBg4KyP6Fp6lzFqndVtzTf1YSSqI0wjUuTEXdE-Ng_RvOGsPeLonMhi/s1600-h/Puja-2+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385788640643779666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D_xLowMiuzhqW7Xs01YAshUUb2fTbePuSqoz3cGw0rCq9EKMVGYB68GoFh5j1oEwjhY6dN0_Bu_f0r-OW2MPjmBg4KyP6Fp6lzFqndVtzTf1YSSqI0wjUuTEXdE-Ng_RvOGsPeLonMhi/s320/Puja-2+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div></div>Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-39400039720758930662009-09-26T20:00:00.000+05:302009-09-26T20:08:07.140+05:30Durga Puja image-1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyHXEeHb7ruYsS4tyBu6jFb2nnomvReKHny76iEBm0TjIx6xCVukEzXVkrqim5LPTN3AQSFCWL2TWLi89gC4ojEKGJePCNRKN31JxLJ_sFm1uAXJgYvkmoTijj-zTRLP2GrSq9BkkF57p/s1600-h/Puja-2+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385784542935946850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyHXEeHb7ruYsS4tyBu6jFb2nnomvReKHny76iEBm0TjIx6xCVukEzXVkrqim5LPTN3AQSFCWL2TWLi89gC4ojEKGJePCNRKN31JxLJ_sFm1uAXJgYvkmoTijj-zTRLP2GrSq9BkkF57p/s320/Puja-2+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>My free limit on Flikr is exhausted. So, I am now uploading images here. Hope my blog readers won't mind. :)</p><p>This image is of the pandal at <strong>Salt Lake AD Block</strong>.</p>Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-57584580123776290822009-09-25T15:28:00.000+05:302009-09-25T15:30:56.460+05:30Durga Puja - photographsKeeping the tradition of my pandal hopping intact , I have already covered quite a bit of the city, the images of which you can see at my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25898747@N07/"><strong>flickr account</strong></a>.<br /><br />So, I invite you all to pay a visit and leave your feedback there.<br /><br />Happy <strong>Durga Puja</strong> to you all.Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-45748440689236097382009-09-10T11:21:00.000+05:302009-09-10T11:35:56.063+05:30Ghajini bhoot on Radio Mirchi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMrwrtnCmGLc6wtBOLFtX8zm8bKyets20X0XGUh85osi8iMZn1be2jNGAR1H2j0FmZYmkT9FntBcgNQCOki5bjehGrGIwk8aQPMyvmmxfRkA-fIuqHzeXdGqgZePusGMeWZygGn69qr-u/s400/Radio+Mirchi+Logo.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 263px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMrwrtnCmGLc6wtBOLFtX8zm8bKyets20X0XGUh85osi8iMZn1be2jNGAR1H2j0FmZYmkT9FntBcgNQCOki5bjehGrGIwk8aQPMyvmmxfRkA-fIuqHzeXdGqgZePusGMeWZygGn69qr-u/s400/Radio+Mirchi+Logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This is a curious case. As I am an ardent <strong>Radio Mirchi</strong> fan and keep tuning into this <strong>Radio</strong> <strong>FM</strong> channel, as and when I get time, I noticed this case about a month ago (haven't kept the exact count of time though).<br /></div><div>It goes like this - without any notice, the song that's on air suddenly stops and the <strong>Ghajini </strong>song-"kaise mujhe tum mil gayee" starts playing. As far as I remember - it first happened with <strong>Rupsha</strong>'s show <strong>Coffee House Classics</strong>, and then has affected almost every RJ's show on <strong>Radio Mirchi</strong> - be it <strong>Deep's Kolkata Express</strong>, <strong>Neel's Harano Sur</strong>, <strong>Sree's Nobboi Not Out</strong> - et all!<br /></div><div>The most embarrassing part is when this modern song pops up for shows meant exclusively for old classics like <strong>Neel's Harano Sur</strong> or <strong>Rupsha's Coffee House Classics</strong>. Wonder why this bug is yet to be fixed!!!</div><div></div><div><strong>Image courtesy: </strong><a href="http://mumbaiotf.blogspot.com/"><strong>mumbaiotf.blogspot.com/</strong></a></div>Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-16774665489296824342009-08-22T20:04:00.000+05:302009-08-22T20:42:43.682+05:30Ajnatobaas - Nandikar's play<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWhVht6KF4wGSTM31yI-HPB90YkCj137HCaRP47tAyzyGZLWRrm2bwozuDOnw6B9abdimIw1o26bmEkwbEGuNwszopzj7QCV7lzqqLNddBV5JDiZs5-86pAxhYDWiAQV3KypGRFxS17FX/s1600-h/Picture+083.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372803612283519458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWhVht6KF4wGSTM31yI-HPB90YkCj137HCaRP47tAyzyGZLWRrm2bwozuDOnw6B9abdimIw1o26bmEkwbEGuNwszopzj7QCV7lzqqLNddBV5JDiZs5-86pAxhYDWiAQV3KypGRFxS17FX/s320/Picture+083.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Name of the play: Ajnatobaas </strong></div><div><strong><br />Theater Group: Nandikar </strong></div><br /><div><strong>Story: Sukanta Gangopadhyay </strong></div><div><br /><strong>Direction: Sumanta Gangopadhyay</strong> </div><div> </div><div><strong>Directorial Adviser: Rudraprasad Sengupta </div></strong><br /><div></div><div><strong>Nandikar </strong>- the name itself symbolises and stands for unmatched quality in the Bengali theater arena. Being witness to their play for the first time, I am enthralled and wish to return as and when their plays come the next time round near my home's theater. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Ajnatobaas</strong> adresses the plight of the elderly of these days who are often turned out of their own homes by their kin and have to fend for themselves, at an old age, despite spending the best part of their lives to raise their children who become so selfish when they need their help the most - in their old age. The dilemma faced by the old people is played beautifully by the veteran actress - <strong>Swatilekha Sengupta</strong>, but the viewers don't realise what's going on in her life till the very last scene that has a surprise stored for the viewers. </div><div> </div><div>The story is simple and then not simple enough if you delve deeper into the message that it desires to convey. Homemaker Payel (<strong>Sohini Sengupta</strong>) is alone in home one afternoon, when an elderly lady (<strong>Swatilekha Sengupta</strong>) turns up at her doorsteps. Offering the lady a glass of water, the lonely Payel brings her inside into the verandah, and starts chatting, albeit with suspicion. However, she lets her guard down soon and starts enjoying the company of the lady. She comes to know that the lady remembers nothing of her past, and yet feels a bond with her that forces her to allow the lady to stay in till her husband Soumik returns. </div><div> </div><div>What happens next is a twist-and-turn of events, that finally culminate into a message on life, and how the elderly and even the younger generation need to traverse the road of life. Yes, the story is contemporary - giving the apathy that our society doles out to the elderly people. The play touches the heart for sure. Hats off <strong>Nandikar</strong>, for giving me the chance of enjoying a wonderful evening watching this magnificent play of your production house. Hope you keep the flag flying high for years to come. </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>BEST OF LUCK!!!</strong></div><br /><div></div>Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-86815475644381820762009-08-22T19:35:00.000+05:302009-08-22T20:03:18.792+05:30Aapad by Nandipat-a review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjucsJn2-sd8IHDEHS2TC5jAJxHifSgdzZRUvMsQneUWdnrwVjtcp0YOBGPZGe3FVETNQzmkq0xPKNps1mfznYXi1TMNhEs5QXPeA83U6pgciisGxGRDpC3NDy-pe6iytvJBfPH92xNX5J/s1600-h/Picture+081.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372796116290809810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjucsJn2-sd8IHDEHS2TC5jAJxHifSgdzZRUvMsQneUWdnrwVjtcp0YOBGPZGe3FVETNQzmkq0xPKNps1mfznYXi1TMNhEs5QXPeA83U6pgciisGxGRDpC3NDy-pe6iytvJBfPH92xNX5J/s320/Picture+081.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Name of the play: Aapad</strong></div><br /><div><strong>Theater Group: Nandipat</strong></div><br /><div><strong>Source: Bimal Kar</strong></div><br /><div><strong>Play: Rajat Ghosh</strong></div><br /><div><strong>Direction: Bimal Chakraborty</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have heard praises of Nandipat's theater for long but this was the first time that I had the chance to catch up on one of their plays. I had great expectations and needless to say that the 2 hour play (with a 10 minutes interval thrown in between) was rivetting enough to keep me guessing what's going to happen next.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>To tell the story in brief - it's about a rags to riches account of poor grocer Raghunath of Nishipur village. How a chance encounter with a stranger changes his life and why he has to wait for an entire year, suffering the conscience-pinch to finally understand what the event of that stormy night really meant, makes for an interesting watch.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Cast wise, <strong>Bimal Chakraborty</strong> as <strong>Raghunath</strong> is simply superb. He brings the character to life and helps turn a somewhat mundane story into an interesting watch with layers of emotions depicted in the right dosage. <strong>Biplab Naha Biswas</strong> as <strong>Satyadas</strong>, plays another major role, and enthralls with his short presence on the stage.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I also liked the way this play used the stage space, creating a 3-in-one arena: one where Raghunath's shop is situated, the front space with some benches for villagers to sit and gossip, and Raghunath's home at a little distance away from the shop.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In brief, YES, I liked <strong>Aapad</strong> very much but won't spill the beans who or what this aapad (problem) is in the play. You have to see it for yourself and believe me - you won't be disappointed for sure!!!</div><br /><div></div>Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-62322861059662896762009-08-18T21:27:00.000+05:302009-08-18T21:28:23.293+05:30Late marriage-is it so bad after all?There is nothing wrong on going for a late marriage. For a successful relationship, one has to be financially independent. To have you own pay packet becomes all the more important in the recession-hit scenario of the present age. With the rising cost of everyday commodities, it’s no longer the man who needs to shoulder the responsibility of being the breadwinner. Women too have emerged as emancipated human beings who have a career to boast of and can share the responsibility of the home and hearth equally with her man.<br /><br />Marrying late also makes you have a clear understanding of who you are and where you want to head to in the future. Rather than the mushy-mushy romance of the early 20’s, a relationship in your late 20’s or 30’s is based on hard facts and not on dreams. This in turn makes it much easier to weigh your options and plan your future much better.<br /><br />From a personal point of view, I can vouch for the phenomenon of getting married late. Though there have been the usual pressure of getting married from my parents and relatives, I resisted the matter till I got settled into a steady job and felt that the time was ripe for a conjugal life. I’ve married at 33 and am pretty happy the way things have shaped up.<br /><br />To conclude, I just want to say to the people who comprise of our society to let the men and women decide on their own when they want to get hitched. It’s not the duty or moral responsibility of people to put undue pressure on the boy or girl and get them married just because a few of their friends or relatives have done so. Let the choice rest with the person whose life is going to take a new turn once he/she falls prey to the marriage bug!Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-69912372774564127492009-08-18T21:23:00.001+05:302009-08-18T21:26:11.267+05:30Things that I am passionate aboutThere are quite a few things in my life that I am passionate about. To begin with, there is hardly anything that matches my <strong>zeal for freedom</strong>. Without freedom – both physical and mental, living life would be nothing short of a real torture. I need to act sans shackles to live my life to the fullest.<br /><br />Secondly, my <strong>creative pursuits</strong> are something that I can die for. I love to read, write and share my thoughts with the global audience. I still remember the joy of seeing my words being printed in the newspaper for the first time. Since then, I have come across a long way. Still I feel the same anxiety and eagerness even today when my words are published – be it in the online media or the print media.<br /><br />Third thing that I’m passionate about is <strong>traveling</strong>. Though my busy schedule doesn’t allow me the luxury to travel frequently, I try to squeeze out some time to go on short trips - usually during the weekends. Though I have traveled quite a lot - from the rugged terrains, lush green landscapes, forests till the snow-capped mountains and vast oceans, I have a clear affinity towards the water bodies. So, I often try to plan tours to places that are either seashores or have some lakes or rivers nearby. A friend of mine once jokingly told that perhaps my affinity towards visiting water bodies has something to do with my Zodiac sign, which is Pisces. According to him, just as fishes love to remain in the water or close to it, so do I – the true sign of being a Piscean!<br /><br />Last but not the least, I’m extremely passionate about <strong>matters</strong> <strong>related to the mind and spirituality</strong>. I like to meditate and exercise to keep my mind and body fit. I am a strong believer of nurturing positive mentality. So, I try to read good books and meet successful people from various walks of life to motivate myself and keep the fire in my belly burning. I also try to make my own small contributions towards some social causes – the primary one being the task of ensuring education for the kids. I also love to bond with my family members and friends as I feel they help to nurture my life force and make it worth living.<br /><br />In a nutshell, I can say that I am passionate about living my life to the fullest and enjoying the simple things that life has to offer.Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-20206568833965401292009-01-02T12:55:00.001+05:302009-01-02T13:08:25.740+05:30Thanks RediffilandThis post was long due. Some of you might have wondered why there was a long silence at my blog and what I was up to. Well, I got married on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">29th of November, 2008</span>. The blogging world played a huge role in my marriage. How???<br /><br />I met my husband <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dhiman</span> online, not via chat but at the blogging platform of rediff, called rediffiland. He was a fellow blogger who made posts erratically and was basically looking to make some friends online. He sent me a friend request that I accepted. That was the beginning of a journey that none of us thought would culminate in our marriage. <br /><br />That was way back in August 2007. We used to keep in touch via our blog comments, appreciating the other's write up or just posting a message on the message board. Though he had shared his cell number in those early days, I didn't bother to call up. Taking the silence on my part in his usual self assured sense, he wrote back saying he would wait eagerly for the day when I would call him. I just shrugged off the thing and thought: Oh God, here's another of that typical guy looking to make an online friend and then meeting her and…..<br /><br />However, what impressed me during this phase was that he was a cool customer. He didn't bother me unnecessarily and gave me time. Slowly, he started sending mails. Though I had added him in my chat contact list of rediffmail, I hardly gave me him the chance to catch me online as I almost always used to log-in in my invisible avtaar. On those days, I saw that he was always online when I used to log in. (Now I know how eagerly he used to stay online during those hours just in case I was online and we could chat).<br /><br />Things were slow and this continued till Jan'08 end. By then, we were keeping contact via mails too. (Of course, he was the more eager one sending me mails and nice forwards, most of which went unanswered). By this time, I had figured out one fact-here was a guy who was a trusted friend of mine. I gave him my cell number in Feb (not before asking for his cell numbers again as I had not bothered to save his mail where he sent me the same long time back). We met for the first time in March when I went to book a package tour to the Sunderbans. From there, a lot of unexpected events happened (unexpected on my part, off course because the other side had a planned approach that I am aware of now). Finally, I- who had a stance of staying unmarried and had caused much trouble to my parents on this issue, had exchanged garlands with the one around whom my life and dreams now revolve. Want to meet him? Check out his rediffiland blog at <span style="font-weight: bold;">http://extremist.rediffiland.com</span>.<br /><br />And yes, thanks for reading this rubbish stuff till the end.Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-80171591237676854872008-09-28T06:02:00.000+05:302008-09-28T06:26:51.705+05:30Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://swisspuja.com/fotogallery/albums/album03/24_Maa_Durga.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://swisspuja.com/fotogallery/albums/album03/24_Maa_Durga.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Though there is still confusion galore as to when exactly the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Devipaksha</span> begins (some say it's on 28th Sept while some others say 29th Sept is the day), I take this opportunity to wish you all <span style="font-weight: bold;">Subho Mahalaya</span>.<br /><br />The auspicious occasion of <a href="http://www.bangalinet.com/mahalaya.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mahalaya</span></a>, observed seven days before the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Durga Puja</span>, marks the advent of Devi Durga. It also heralds the initial stages of the biggest festival of Bengal and the Bengalis (often called Bongs now-a-days). The pre-dawn hours of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mahalaya</span> when almost every Bengali house keeps the radio in full volume and the chants of mantras, shlokas and songs "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Jago Tumi Jago, Jago Durga</span>" fills the air, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mahalaya</span> becomes synonymous with the invocation of the supreme power, mother goddess <span style="font-weight: bold;">Durga, </span>to descend on earth and make our lives better.<br /><br />However, it won't be until the wee hours of 29th Sept when AIR airs the enchanting and legendary voice of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Birendra Krishna Bhadra</span>, ushering the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Devipaksha</span> along with the devotional songs and chanting of mantras.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript">z930=zpreC(930,48);if(thin){z930=0};z160=zpreC(160,600);z336=zpreC(336,280);z728=zpreC(728,90);z155=zpreC(336,155);zItw=160;</script><div id="abc"><div id="articlebody"><p><script type="text/javascript">z930=zpreC(930,48);if(thin){z930=0};z160=zpreC(160,600);z336=zpreC(336,280);z728=zpreC(728,90);z155=zpreC(336,155);zItw=160;</script></p><div id="abc"><div id="articlebody"><p><script type="text/javascript">z930=zpreC(930,48);if(thin){z930=0};z160=zpreC(160,600);z336=zpreC(336,280);z728=zpreC(728,90);z155=zpreC(336,155);zItw=160;</script></p><div id="abc"><div id="articlebody"><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-15272811073440547442008-08-17T20:23:00.000+05:302008-08-17T21:09:38.885+05:30Visit to Mani SquareKeeping my trend of mall hopping alive, I paid a visit to the recent addition named <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mani Square Mall</span> on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">EM Bypass</span> this weekend. Before I go further, here's a brief note for the enthusiasts (as per the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mall</span> guide distributed for free) :<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Location:</span> 164/1, Maniktala Main Road, 9th floor<br />(Beside <span style="font-weight: bold;">Apollo Gleneagles Hospital)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">EM Bypass</span>, Kol-54.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Floors:</span> Basement+4 floors<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Car Parking space</span>(multilevel valet serviced) : for more than 1500 vehicles<br /><br />This shopping mall is launched by the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mani Group</span>. The best thing about this place is that it stays relatively empty as compared to the other hot spots like City Center or Hiland Park. Perhaps the absence of a nearby housing complex or the approach road (parts of which are still under construction) could be a reason. Nevertheless, with its spacious interiors (the 3rd floor food court is spread across 25,000 sq foot while the dining space measures 50, 000 sq ft), it is a good place to catch up with your friends over a cuppa sans the crazy weekend crowd.<br /><br />It seems that <span style="font-weight: bold;">Spencers</span>-the Hypermart has got a penchant for the basement. Like South City Mall, here at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mani Square</span> too, they have booked a major part of the basement for their store. At Mani Square, you will get almost all major brands under the same roof. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Koutons</span> (basement, also called the lower ground floor), <span style="font-weight: bold;">Westside, Lee Cooper, Woodlands, Levis, McDonald's</span> (ground floor), <span style="font-weight: bold;">Reebok, Nike, Adidas, Turtle, Reid & Taylor</span> (first floor) etc are some of the names worth mentioning. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">E-Zone</span> (that stocks electronic appliances) is a big attraction on the second floor. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nik-Nish</span>, another possible show stopper on this floor, is yet to open its doors. The third floor houses the food court. Apart from sipping coffee at <span style="font-weight: bold;">CCD</span>, you can get a variety of cuisines here ranging from the chaats, deserts, kebabs as well as South and North Indian dishes. A <span style="font-weight: bold;">Scary House</span>, the Indian version of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Horror House</span> on this floor, is still under construction though what it will have inside is still a closely guarded secret.<br /><br />The topmost floor ie the fourth floor is reserved for specialty restaurants. Only <span style="font-weight: bold;">Machaan</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shack Lounge</span> have started their operations and the others listed in the directory are yet to set shop. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Machaan </span>has already been featured in one of the leading Kolkata dailies. The entrance looks impressive with two Egyptian pharaohs standing guard while the dimly lit interiors try to replicate the hunting ground with machaans (that's the theme behind the name of this eatery).<br /><br />All in all, I feel that <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mani Square </span>is poised to be the next happening spot on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">EM Bypass</span>. Once the IMAX theatre (a 3-screen multiplex) at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mani Square</span> is opened for the public, this place will be a serious competitor for the other <span style="font-weight: bold;">shopping malls</span>.Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-8985364424811910922008-08-15T08:44:00.001+05:302008-08-15T09:43:21.055+05:30Happy Independence Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://startanindiancompany.com/Images/India%20Flag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://startanindiancompany.com/Images/India%20Flag.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>On the eve of our 61st<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Independence Day</span>, I wish all my countrymen a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy I-Day</span>. May my nation climb the heights of new glory and be a superpower in the world to reckon with.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Image courtesy</span>: <a href="http://www.startanindiancompany.com/">startanindiancompany</a>Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-60232087416533610752008-08-11T22:06:00.000+05:302008-08-11T22:09:06.534+05:30Community Pujo – My childhood memories<p><b style="">Durga Pujo</b> 2008 is less than 2 months from now. As I was thinking about this festival, I grew somewhat nostalgic. Finally I thought-what better way than sharing my memories and feelings with my blog readers? This thought brought me to the computer keyboard and the following result emerged: </p> <p>First things first: I still prefer to call the greatest festival of the Bengalis as “<b style="">Durga Pujo</b>” instead of “Durga Puja” as I believe that the feel and nostalgic air that spring up every time I utter “Pujo” is amiss in “Puja”. </p> <p>For me, <b style="">Durga Pujo </b>during my childhood<b style=""> </b>was all about new clothes, festivities, savoring the Ashtami Bhog Prasad, participating in various competitive activities and relishing the relaxed rules of my parents.</p> <p>As my father was posted in Muradnagar (near Delhi) during my childhood, I remember the special bonding that those 4/5 days of the Pujo elicited among the Bengali community (of course, we Bengalis were a close knit family otherwise too, but the Pujo days were somewhat different from the routine). We had a permanent community hall with a concrete covered stage, a permanent Bhog-ghar, a long space where durries were spread while we had our Ashtami Bhog Prasad and a spacious place where Devi Durga and her children sat graciously – the cynosure of all eyes. </p> <p>The days of Durga Pujo were different from our other days. This was true not only for us-the children but also for our parents, especially for my mother and the other kakimas (almost every Bengali couple was Kaku-Kakima for us though “jethu-jethima” were reserved for some of the elderly ones). My mother and the other kakimas used to come to the venue during those days quite early in the morning. This was somewhat essential too as the preparation for the Pujo (arranging the flowers and other materials for the Pujo rituals) and Prasad (i.e. peeling of fruits, vegetables etc.) was the bastion that these ladies held with their adept hands. We, the children, were packed off to the Pujo venue by our father later. However, by 9 a.m, the area usually buzzed with high activity: kakimas –some helping the Pujaridada with the rituals while some others gossiping in huddles, kakus busy strategizing the Pujo procedures and the budgetary details while we-the children, making merry of the freedom, away from strict rules of “don’t do this/that” and “don’t go there”. I was quite good in “<i style="">aabdar</i>”, often pestering my father to buy me that almirah-look-alike piggy bank or give me some money to treat myself and my friends to a round of ghugni (sad but true that we didn’t have phuchkas to feast on; the golgappas, rarely available, were no match for the phuchkas).<span style=""> </span></p> <p>Pujo activities were a big attraction to all of us. Everyday there used to be a series of competitions in the afternoon for the women and the kids. It was somewhat sad on the part of kakus as they were never the active participants. Apart from organizing the events and managing the prizes for the same, participation of the kakus were limited to the sidelines – encouraging the participants (I must admit that there was no nepotism in the encouragement. So, it flowed freely – be it for their own wives or children, that pet para kid or some Boudi- there was hardly any difference in the levels of their energies).</p> <p>The Pujo activities were of a wide variety that encompassed conch-shell blowing, lighting as many candles as possible by using a single match stick, putting a thread in a needle and then passing the thread through a selected number of beads, throwing a ring to get it around the objects arranged (needless to say that we were the proud owners of those objects that our ring successfully encircled), memory game, musical chair etc. So, you can easily imagine how busy our Pujo afternoons were-courtesy these interesting activities. </p> <p>Another big attraction was the Pujo evenings when plays, dances and dance-dramas were staged. Usually, plays by these four groups were allotted the second half of the Pujo days- by kakimas, kakus, us (the children) and a joint collaboration of the kakus and kakimas. The first half that lasted for about 45 minutes – 1.5 hours was generally for solo performances or dance dramas.</p> <p>Preparation for these plays/dances/dance-dramas used to begin 2/2.5 months before the actual stage-act. I still remember how I and my friends hurriedly returned from school, rushed through our tiffins and hopped to the rehearsal venue (which was generally the house of the person who had conceptualized the play/dance drama/dance sequence). The rehearsals continued for 2/3 hours. On some days, I resented going to the rehearsals as it robbed me of my playtime. However, a bigger attraction of being on stage with make-up and dresses particularly made for the occasion were carrots big and lucrative enough that got me through the rehearsals. </p> <p>When the D-day finally arrived, I used to feel equally elated and a bit nervous should I miss my lines/dance steps on the stage. Thankfully, that never happened. These and some other incidents are sweet memories of my childhood that I hold very dear.<span style=""> </span></p> <p>It has been a long time since I left Muradnagar and came to Kolkata. However, I have never got the same enjoyment here that I had there. With the passage of time, Para Pujos (in the true sense) have slowly vanished and the camaraderie that those erstwhile days portrayed can hardly be matched by the Community Pujos organized now a days. I feel that most of these theme based Community Pujos are now devoid of the warmth that I experienced in my childhood. In fact, most of these are now arranged with an eye to draw the crowd and win that coveted prize by X, Y, Z channel/newspaper group. Only a few Pujos still continue to hold aloft the torch of what we call the “Para Pujo” in the true sense. </p>Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-82075500761240120702008-08-07T18:48:00.000+05:302008-08-07T19:28:02.738+05:30Beijing 2008 Olympic GamesLike the whole world, I am also waiting eagerly for the curtain raiser on <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://en.beijing2008.cn/">Beijing 2008 Olympic Games</a>.<br /><p>Five tiny creatures act as the <a href="http://en.beijing2008.cn/spirit/beijing2008/graphic/n214068254.shtml"><span style="font-weight: bold;">official mascots</span></a> of this <span style="font-weight: bold;">Olympic Games</span>. Collectively called as <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuwa">Fuwa</a> </span><span>(</span>good-luck dolls), the colors of these mascots reflect the colors of the interlocking <span style="font-weight: bold;">Olympic</span> rings (blue, yellow, black, green, and red). Each of these mascots has individual names: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.geckoandfly.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/beijing_olympic_mascot_2008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.geckoandfly.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/beijing_olympic_mascot_2008.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beibei</span> (in blue, drawing its inspiration from fish and water designs). Chinese people consider fish as the symbol of prosperity and harvest.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jingjing</span> (in black) symbolizes happiness. The headgear of Jingjing draws its inspiration from the porcelain paintings of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Song Dynasty</span> (A.D.960-1234). The green headgear stands for the lush forests of this land and urges people to protect nature's gifts.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Huanhuan</span> (in red) represents the passion of sport and symbolizes the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Olympic Flame</span>.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yingying</span> (in yellow) symbolizes the vast landscape of China.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nini</span> (in green) has golden wings that stand for the infinite sky. Wherever she goes, she will bring good-luck .</li></ul>The mascots names put together as "Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni" read as "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Welcome to Beijing</span>". So, it's over to the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Olympics</span> from tomorrow.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Image courtesy</span>: <a href="www.geckoandfly.com/tag/beijing-olympic-mascot/"><b></b></a><b><a target="_top">Geckoandfly</a></b>Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711680323406137604.post-72085637458529035602008-07-26T11:02:00.000+05:302008-07-26T11:31:19.495+05:30Volunteer for a good causeIf you can spare 2 hrs a week to educate those who have not been lucky enough to savor the sweetness of literacy, you may consider volunteering for the "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Teach India</span>" campaign of "<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Times of India</span>" group. Though a friend of mine has already recommended my name a few weeks back, I haven't heard anything from the organizers yet. So, I sent an application today to stand a chance of doing something good.<br /><br />Now the <span style="font-weight: bold;">important things </span>in case you are interested in this campaign. To volunteer, you can choose any of these options:<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">SMS TEACH</span> to <span style="font-weight: bold;">58888</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Log on to www.teach.timesofindia.com </span>(for me, this URL returned error)</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Send an email </span>expressing your desire to volunteer at <span style="font-weight: bold;">teachindia@timesgroup.com </span>(I did that)<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Last date to volunteer: 28 July, 2008</span>Sonalihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06263838428668522566noreply@blogger.com0