Dreams. Expressions. Emotions.

Sandhye Holo

2011-07-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

Sandhye holo, sandhye holo,

Kokhon tumi asbe bolo,

Apekkhatei tandra hara

Thakbe akash taray tara!

Apekkhatei amaar e din

Emni kaate bela

Monkharaper bikel gulo

Bhasay megher bhela

Sesh bikeler kamala rod

Tomar asar pothey

Utala aj moner akash

Tomar apekkhate.

** The first stanza is by Kabir Suman, the second stanza is by me.

Random Thoughts

2011-02-27T05:36:00.000-08:00

A man can choose his friends, but not his relatives.

28 years is a pretty long time, right? It gives you the license to be nostalgic. When suddenly dimensions change, when you move towards an alternate address, when the days going forward are uncertain...how should you feel? It's a feeling of void really, utter void and silence.

You can be romantic when you say "Change is the only constant." It's easy to say. But what goes through the mind of people who are in the change, who face the change, who are forced to change?

An Alternate Address - nice title for a short story, isn't it? Maybe it can be a novel too. Triple A, it will be known as across generations, and make me popular.

Huh!

Don't look for me

2010-11-14T00:27:00.000-08:00

If ever raindrops of love
Come pouring down the sky,
Don't look for me
In the glow of the chandelier;
Even the rays from the lighthouse
Cannot find me amidst the waves.

In a multitude of faces
I will be there too.
But then, I may not be by your side.

The autumn in my heart will grow
With careless affection each day,
The wings of hope will fly
In the search of a greener horizon;

But I will recoil,
Like the serpent in the cold,
In my own den of desperation.

Don't look for me,
Because I am on my own.
Don't look for me,
I am happy in my world.

What happens when...

2010-10-14T12:19:00.001-07:00

What happens when two hearts fall in love? What happens when they silently agree to the vows of submission? What happens when they want to make a permanent mark in the other's heart?

Is it something like this -

It was a magical moment when their eyes met. The seven heavens bestowed upon that eternal word, and in a deep, quiet rain forest, amongst the green foliage, a stupid bird found a new note of melancholy.

The power of Silence

2010-10-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Ronnie badly wanted to tell her "I Love You". The same was with Megs. Both of them felt like never before. They have found the right match, they knew. But yet, they decided to remain silent. It was indeed, a prudent decision. Silence, sometimes, is the most expressive language.

Whom are you waiting for?

2010-10-14T12:17:00.002-07:00

Whom are you waiting for?
I am there, I am there.
Look into my eyes once,
I'll always be there.

Why are you not talking?
Pour your heart out to me.
Whatever you want
You can always ask me.

I'll love you more than
You've ever dreamt of...

Whom are you waiting for?
I am there, I am there...

All about

2010-10-14T12:17:00.001-07:00

What is a movie all about?

Moments captured in frames.

What is a poem all about?

Emotions written on paper.

What is a painting all about?

Imagination engulfed in a canvas.

You be there my love

2010-10-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

When something goes wrong,
When birds forget their song,
You be by my side, my love.

You are the only one
I can rely on,
You are the only sun
I can look upon.
You be by my side, my love.

When the moonbeams
Caress your loving face,
I feel like touching you.
When it's dark and gloomy,
My world's lit up
By only you.

You be with me forever.
You be by my side, my love.

Just because of Poetry

2010-10-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

My whole life happened
Just because of poetry,
I eat, drink and sleep
For poetry only.
Just beacuse of poetry
I have walked miles after miles,
On moonlit nights.

Poetry to me means
A glimpse of eyes that speak,
Poetry to me means
A woman with all her love.

Just because of poetry
I long to live many more days;
Even if it's a sorrowful life,
I would choose to live on
For you, poetry.

Let me be

2010-10-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

Let me be, just let me be.

I am just what I am.
I never feel lonely.
I have my own world.

Whatever is not with me,
Let it not be there;
If I get everything,
I won't have any dreams to live on.

The anchors, the ships
Have started wrecking,
But still I am trying to
Pen up a song to mend it.
No, I don't want to indulge
In any more acts of kindness.
I just want to search for the shore
Across the seven seas.

Don't turn on the lights for me.
I have counted the waves of crowd.
I have mingled amongst the hustle
Of the busy rail station.
The last train won't wait for me.

If any day, if any how
Raindrops of love
Start pouring from the sky,
Don't look for me
In the light of the dawn;
I won't be there,
I won't be around.

The anchors, the ships
Have started wrecking,
But still I am trying to
Pen up a song to mend it.
No, I don't want to indulge
In any more acts of kindness.
I just want to search for the shore
Across the seven seas.

Amaar Ei Shohore

2010-09-18T02:38:00.000-07:00

Amaar Ei Shohore - A song penned, composed and sung by me.

Mon Kharap

2010-09-17T23:34:00.000-07:00

Amader mon kharap guli kobe muchhey jabe? Mon kharaper megh amar pachondo noy. Khushir neel akash anek bhalo. Ami sudhu shanti te banchte chai. Komola ranger sukher chhoyan chai. E ki khub beshi chawa? Majhe majhe buke kasto hoy, mone hoy matha ghurche. 10 tolar ei janala-ta theke anek dur abdhi dekha jay. Kalo megh jakhon akash bhore aste aste egiye ase, mone hoy jeno puro shahar-tar opor mon kharaper chata tule dhoreche. Ekta choto pukur ache ektu dure kothao. Jaygata ei janala thekei dekhechi, konodino jawa hoyni. Pukurtar char pashe gach. Jole tar chhaya pore, dheu guli sabuj hoye jay. Aro dure ekta chhoto mandir. Amar mone hoy okhane sandhyebela ekta matir pradip jwale. Janina satyi kina. Haan amar mon kharap ekhon. Nijer jonno, ar anekdin agekar achena tobu jeno khub chena Kafka-r jonno. Jakhoni Kafka-r lekha gulo pori, mone hoy or kache jai, or haat dhore boli - Franz kendo na, I am with you. I am with you.

Kaagaz Ke Phool

2010-09-17T23:27:00.000-07:00

One interesting trivia. The original story of Kaagaz Ke Phool was written by famous Bengali writer Nabendu Ghosh, who was also the script writer and assistant director of the celebrated film maker Bimal Roy. Nabendu Ghosh had recounted in his autobiography Eka Nouka-r Jatri (The lone voyager in a boat), how he had narrated the story which he had created to Guru Dutt. The only difference was that the protagonist in his story was a film actor, and not a director. Guru Dutt listened to the story but told Nabendu Ghosh that he is not interested to make a movie on this tale. But later he made Kaagaz Ke Phool based on the same story. He never gave the writing credits to Nabendu Ghosh. When Nabendu Ghosh confronted him, Guru Dutt offered him money, to which the betrayed writer refused.

Not much is discussed about Nabendu Ghosh nowadays. However, he was a popular author of his times, who had written famous Bengali novels like Daak Diye Jai and Fears Lane. He assisted Bimal Roy and also wrote scripts for classic movies such as Biraj Bahu (1955), Sujata (1959), Bandini (1963), Devdas, Majhli Didi, Abhimaan, Do Anjaane and Teesri Kasam. He has written stories for movies like Baap Beti, Shatranj, Raja Rani. He has also acted briefly in Do Bigha Zameen, Teesri Kasam and Prahaar. Later in his career, he directed four movies as well, including the critically acclaimed movie Trishagni starring Nana Patekar and Pallavi Joshi.

I strongly feel this information should be circulated and people should know how Nabendu Ghosh was cheated and deprived of the credit he deserved.

Kyun Chahoon Main Usey

2010-09-17T23:26:00.000-07:00

Kyun chahoon main usey
Kyunki rulaa sakti hai woh
Tasabbur mein humesha hi
Yaad aati hai woh...
Dil ye nadaan hai -
Dastak miltey hi uski
Samhalna hota hai muskil,
Khud me hi simat ke
Khud me hi samhal ke
Mujhe tarpati hai woh...
Kyun chahoon, kyun main chahoon
Haan sach mein rula sakti hai woh...

Viswakarma Fervor

2010-09-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

It's Viswakarma Puja today. The city is in a festive mood. As I came out of my home to catch the office bus in the morning, I saw a lot of vehicles to be unusually dressed up. Taxis and Auto Rickshaws went past me, decorated with balloons, banyan trees, and flower garlands. It brought a feel good factor to the day as a whole.

As I was sitting in the office bus window, which sped past the EM Bypass, I saw a wonderful scene. A father and son were walking together. The father was dressed in all new Punjabi, Pajama and Urni. And well, the son too had the same suit. Same color of Punjabi, same Pajama and same Urni, but all in small sizes. They were walking hand in hand. As I saw them, the proud father and the sweet kid, my mind was tinged with a gush of happiness. I wanted to believe that the world is still a happy place. Innocence, selfless love, belongingness, still exist. Exist here, in this troubled world, exist here in my beloved city.

I came to office. There are quite a few Chawls or Jhupris outside my office building, which sell all kinds of food items. From Roti-Sabji-Chicken Curry selling Lunchwallas, to Chai ki Dukaans, to Paan-Cigarettewallas, you can find them all here. Today, many of them are shuttered down. They are celebrating the worship of Lord Viswakarma. Maybe some of them are flying kites. Maybe they are smiling, as the colorful kites soar up the sky and adorn the blues.

Inside office, the colleague sitting beside me was in all smiles. He comes with a fixed shuttle driver everyday. Today the driver has gifted him with a packet full of sweets. As he shared one with me, and I put it in my mouth, the sweet taste also filled my heart with sweetness.

A different day...a day of happiness!

Yummyculous - A tribute to Peter Cat

2010-05-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Peter_Cat_-_Calcutta-191035-1.html

The Japanese Wife - A Lyrical Rhapsody

2010-05-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Pore dekho...

http://www.mouthshut.com/review/The_Japanese_Wife_Movie-191023-1.html

Snippets from Spiderman - Thoughts about yourself

2010-05-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Two beautiful one liners from the Spiderman movies have always filled my mind with thoughts. They have provided succor to my mind, and at times have been the source of strength and motivation. Here's listing them:

1. "Who am I?" - Isn't that one of the most important questions you ask yourself at times? Don't you often ponder what you mean to the world? What do you mean to yourself?

2. "With great power comes great responsibilities." - I ardently believe this. When you have power, you will be admired, right, but then a lot of people will start to depend on you. You have to rise up to their expectations. It's good to be in power, but never ignore your responsibilities.

Have you ever felt the same way? Please share your thoughts guys. Hoping to hear from you all.

Amader Chawa Pawa Guli

2010-03-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

Amra brishti cheyechilam, roddur cheyechilam, cheyechilam bhalobasha,

Amra benche thakte cheyechilam jibonke bhalobeshe.

Amra ekhon anekta path periye ese eimatro bujhechi,

Abhilashi ei jiboner chawa pawa konodino phurobe na.

Tumi ki tobu swapno dekho bandhu?

Samsara

2010-01-22T23:21:00.001-08:00

We walked together –

Moist grasses, lush meadows;

Till you vanished, my maiden,

In the cavern of abysmal gloom.

And then as my silences, my cries

Tore apart the canvas of night,

I went back home with a shattered heart.

You can’t keep a finger on a wound, can you,

When you know it will bleed?

You can’t ask why or can you,

When you know you won’t be heard?

Days have passed and I have learned

To live with my solitude.

And when I look at the trains

Through my window,

I can hear the wheels say –

“Samsara! Samsara! Samsara!

There is no escape.”

** Samsara is the endless cycle of suffering caused by birth, death and rebirth within Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and other related religions.

Social Gaming and Technical Communication

2010-01-22T23:14:00.000-08:00

Technical writing translates complex technical concepts and instructions into simple language to enable users perform a specific task in a specific way. Information is usable if the intended audience can perform an action or make a decision based on it. End-user documentation today aims to be user-centric, responding to the user’s needs on a priority basis.

With growing emphasis on user interaction, since the advent of Web 2.0, online communication today has opened up new doors of user interaction with features, such as social networking and social gaming. A virtual gaming environment in which users can generously interact with each other, and customize their surroundings freely, can be immensely interesting and easily attract people of diverse age groups. If we look beyond the traditional modes followed in technical communication and seek to provide more varieties of deliverables to our clients, we might consider looking into the latest trends in the social gaming circuit. From a technical communication perspective, creation and adoption of a social game can provide us valuable insights on user interaction and audience analysis.

MMORPGs – A unique mode of social interaction

The ongoing craze in the online communication and social gaming world is MMORPG. Massively multiplayer online role-playing game (commonly abbreviated MMORPG) is a genre of computer role-playing games in which a large number of players interact with each other within a virtual game world.

As in all role-playing games (RPGs), players assume the role of a fictional character (often in a fantasy world), and take control over many of the character's actions. MMORPGs are distinguished from single-player or small multi-player RPGs by the number of players, and by the game's persistent world, usually hosted by the game's publisher, which continues to exist and evolve while the player is away from the game.

MMORPGs almost always have tools to facilitate communication between players. Many MMORPGs offer support for in-game guilds or clans.
In addition, most MMORPGs require some degree of teamwork for parts of the game. These tasks usually require players to take on roles in the group, such as protecting other players from damage (called tanking), and "healing" damage done to other players or causing damage to enemies.

Effectiveness of MMORPGs in audience analysis

Not only does social gaming provide new insights on user interaction, it also serves as an effective tool of audience analysis. Game masters can draw conclusions on user behavior by monitoring the users’ actions and responses in the gaming environment. Recent surveys and studies on the behavior of online gamers bear testimony to this fact.

Since the interactions between MMORPG players are real, even if the environments are virtual, psychologists and sociologists are able to use MMORPGs as tools for academic research. Sherry Turkle, a clinical psychologist, has conducted interviews with computer users including game-players. Turkle found that many people have expanded their emotional range by exploring the many different roles (including gender identities) that MMORPGs allow a person to explore.

Many players report that they experience strong emotions while playing a MMORPG. Other researchers have found that the enjoyment of a game is directly related to the social organization of a game, ranging from brief encounters between players to highly organized play in structured groups.

In a study by Zaheer Hussain and Mark D. Griffiths, it was found that 21% of gamers said they preferred socializing online to offline. It was also found that 57% of gamers had created a character of the opposite gender, and it is suggested that the online female persona has a number of positive social attributes.

In the popular social game World of Warcraft, a temporary design glitch attracted the attention of psychologists and epidemiologists across North America, when the "Corrupted Blood" disease of a monster began to spread unintentionally and uncontrollably to the wider game world. The Center for Disease Control used the incident as a research model to chart both the progression of a disease, and the potential human response to large-scale epidemic infection.

For some, MMORPGs can provide valuable lessons that then can be applied to the outside world. However, reliance on the internet or possible internet addiction may also lead to "physical" social isolation.

Think about it – a social gaming environment can help us, technical communicators, to directly interact with our users and clearly understand their needs. Again, a virtual gaming environment can provide us with interesting facets of the user behavior, which might change our whole perspective on documentation.

Reference
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MMORPG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Interaction_via_MMORPGs/

Desi Maal

2010-01-22T23:05:00.000-08:00

I guess advertisements make all the difference. They lure you, make things look glossy, and in the process motivate the way you think. While corporate big fishes spare a fortune on ads, it's not possible for a small scale business or a "chai-wala" to do so. They barely earn the living.

Now, for our generation, the belief is around the lines of "jo dikhta hai, woh bikta hai". It's no wonder that colas and denims are making business in our markets. As far as promoting our desi antics like khadi or nariyal pani goes, the government has failed to act.

Now, we can hope if big companies look into this matter as part of Corporate Social Responsibility and create a brand value for our native items. Only then, there can be some hope.

Imagine Salma Hayek doing a pole dance with a sugarcane stick to promote "Aakher Ros". :D
I bet it will be popular.

Summer Noon

2009-10-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

Amidst all the earthly woes and misery, there stood our garden –

Like a piece of heaven in the mortal lands,

Like an oasis in the scorching sands.

Ah! The smell of summer, the drone of the bees,

The dew drops on cherries and poppies –

Each moment seemed to be seeping into eternity.

And there you had filled my palm with blossoms of paradise.

They are not flowers, they are words, you said.

I had no words –

No, I had no words on that summer noon.

And then it rained, it rained everyday;

The Nor’westers carried me to faraway lands.

I grew cold, shivering cold inside with each passing day.

When I came back, you were not there.

My paradise had perished,

My mellow dream of a summer noon seemed distant and blue.

The fountains were dry; the fairies had lost their wings,

The birds too, had long abandoned their refuge of solace.

Seasons come and seasons go – as I get used to life without you.

Maybe it was not meant to be,

But deep inside I know –

Your words, oh yes, your words

Will be there with me in all summer noon.

Tumi

2009-05-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

Tumi chole jawar pore protibaar

Ek adbhut shunyata ese graas kore amay

Ek nischhidro depression joriye dhore paake paake

Protibaar, tumi chole jawar pore...

Abar jei katha hoy

Asatorko muhurte beje othe telephone

Mone hoy oxygen fire elo dhomonite

Mone hoy ki sundar neel amar akash

Ki sundar kamala amar roddur

Ki sundar ei anabil benche thaka...

Cast Away

2006-01-08T21:08:00.000-08:00

Hundred miles far off
I feel afraid,
That she might be once again
In my room of scented memories -
Listening to the clatter of the raindrops
On the windowpane.
She is temporarily mesmerised -
Which month is it?
Which part of the day?
She has even forgotten my name.
Shifted souls know
Tears are in vain,
Time has elapsed indeed
Sweetly through a fishing net.

INSOMNIA

2006-01-08T20:51:00.000-08:00

Touch me now

I am wide awake

Long, long ago

The beggar's bowl

Has been extended

But the alms

Are yet to come

You have given me

Sleepness Nights.

Bandel - A day at PKK

2006-01-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

Pratibandhi Kalyan Kendra (PKK) , a center for children with disabilities was started in 1974 at Hooghly district, WestBengal. Today the organization is trying to reach out to thousands of children with disabilities, their families and community members in West Bengal and Orissa. The organization has their most active sections in Latbagan, Keota in the Hooghly district comprising a school for children with deafness, a Clinic and Guidance center, Hooghly Badhir Mudran Samabay Samiti Ltd. (HBMSSL) , successfully running designing,printing and tailoring units, and Partner, an organization of parents. On my visit to the centre I subsequently inspected the different units starting with the Clinic and Guidance Centre.

The Clinic

The clinic is a 2 storeyed spacious airy building, quite close to the river. Here I met the in-charge Anindita madam at first . She briefed me about the main areas of services namely -

1) Audiology and Speech

2)Psychology and Psychiatry

3)Occupational and Physiotherapy

4)Guidance Programme for Children and their Parents

5)Support for appropriate aids and appliances

She explained to me the varied aspects of the various disciplines. The warmth of her voice and kindness of words must have soothed many troubled minds in the past. I immediately felt like home . She then guided me to a small classroom where little children with hearing disabilities were being helped with speech therapy by a group of trainers headed by Mr. Mallik . I sat in the classroom amongst these innocent buds as they curiously watched me . When I smiled to them some smiled back, some smiled but immediately felt shy , some were yet to be convinced whether I am trustworthy . The small air-conditioned classroom was characterized by perforated walls and ceilings ."These are done in order to absorb the sound to a certain extent", Mr. Mallik explained to me . I shifted my attention to Mr. Mallik's therapy process . Little ones with Hearing-aid machines in place were at first summoned to sit face-to-face to the aged trainer. They were asked their names at first. Some like Arnab immediately reciprocated but did not have a very clear pronounciation . Some kids did it well. Some others were too reluctant to respond . Kids can be moody at times! I realised the degree of intense patience that is required on part of the trainers . Yet they have to smile . Kids do not like grumpy old men . Smile is indeed a magnificent magnet to pull close these little angels and the teachers here use it well. Mr. Mallik then asked the kids, one-by-one, to close their eyes and repeat what he is saying. Sometimes he even asked them common questions and expected one word answers . Children learned to speak words, phrases and simple sentences . I found that they were taught voice modulation too. Their Hearing-aids were also being checked regularly and, if necessary, repaired. " The batch you are currently watching is one that comes here every Friday.We regularly note their progress and inspect the machines.Each kid is given personal attention.", said Mr. Mallik . I had every reasons to belive him as I saw the entire process before my very eyes. Bidding farewell I went on to visit the Department of Psychology. I met Dr. Suchismita Gupta , one of the Psychologist. Her job is difficult and praiseworthy as she tackles both children and adults.She explained that her area of job included thrapy and psychological testing, behavioral detection, habituation and skill training. Interaction with parents and parent guidance is also important. She has dealt with cases regarding OCD,Autistism,Mental Retardation etc. "The main problem that these people have are communication,socialisation and total interaction .", she said. A young lad about 18 called Abhishek, had come to her accompanied by his father for treatment. Abhishek suffers from OCD, Epilepsy, Borderline. He was not well. I became very sad after meeting him and his father. I tried to converse but he was not quite willing . His father's voice full of grimace and eyes which were never dry made me feel worse . I sincerely pray for his speedy recovery. At least God can find him some solace.

The School

With a heavy heart I then stepped inside the school . The octagonal shape of the building was unique in itself. I was again back among children, little blessed souls! I went into a classroom in the first floor where children were being taught thread making with beads. The middle aged lady teacher informed me that they are also taught household activity,bathroom manners, ability to concentrate, eye-hand coordination, behavioural modification etc. The classroom next to it had slightly older children. The teacher here told me that the students are made to learn primary level communication like names of days and months, own name, parent's name, gender identification, colour identification, basic alphabets, names of fruits and vegetables and straight line geometrical drawings. They are also taught to identify coins and notes, knowing their value, wearing clothes, names of utensils, and even Computers! I was at once taken aback. "You can say ,we provide them with social guidance, which is at times more important than education.", the bearded teacher explained. I visited the yoga classes next. Some kids here had uncomparable skills and flexibility. Then I went into a class on the 2nd floor, where chidren of slightly higher age group(16+) were being taught. As I went in I was greeted by euphonious "Namaskar"s. Their smiles, inquisitive chatterings, and most importantly innocence brought my smile back. I was immediately in love with them. I chatted with them for quite a while, told them who I was and the area of my work. I was amazed to see how quickly they have started liking me.They have so much compassion inside them!

THE Tailoring and Printing Units

My next visit was to the tailoring unit adjacent to the school. A group of adults were busy on their sewing machines .I saw them making pure cotton "Punjabis" mostly white in colour. They were also making cotton and jute bags which were of quality which can ensure market competitiveness. Kariwala industries is one of the clients of these products. Then I went into the office of HBMSSL,the hub of PKK's Printing activity. Here I saw the small Offset machine ,the Silk screening department and the binding department. The binding unit was at work when I went in. Meticulous handiwork ensured the registers, bill books etc. get a tough back I was also shown some specimens of Greetings cards, Invitation cards etc. Rupkala kendra ,Phoenix Yule are among some of the clients of the printed products .

On my way back

It was late afternoon. The dying sun ensured that it will rise again. I realized that PKK in all these years have not only provided children with disabilities, with all sort of technical help, but also extended their area of work to make the adults self-sufficient. They have now an aim, an occupation which will guide them through the rest of their lives. And to carry out all this successfully is more than an achievement. Its very important to extend these state-of -the-art institution based facilities to distant villages where, normally, absence of information and guidance is common. A spontaneous bravo came out from the core of my heart. I held up my hand in the air to bid three-cheers to PKK and toasted for the good health of this magnificent organisation .

My visit to Pandua

2006-01-04T20:58:00.000-08:00

As a Communications Executive my primary duty was to personally visit the various centers working under the penumbra of my organization Pratibandhi Kalyan Kendra(PKK). Accordingly I visited Graham Bell Center for the Deaf (GBCD) situated at Pandua, the block headquarter of Pandua block, Hooghly. Located in a distant underprivileged village called Kamarpara were the office and clinic of GBCD. I was warmly welcomed into the office by the teachers, trainers and some members of the governing body. As I explained to them the cause of my arrival, Mr. Mansur Ali , Secretary of the centre, jumped to my help. He provided me with a pamphlet and the Annual Report 2003-04 of the centre which helped me get an impression about the organization. He also verbally informed me about the history, present area of work and future planning of the center. GBCD, a center for appropriate rehabilitation of the children/persons with disabilities was set up in 1991. 1993 saw them starting the Community based Rehabilitation program for children, and in 1994, the center aimed to a wider foray, extending the program to include all persons. I came to know that the vision of the organization is to create a non threatening, non discriminating environment within the society to provide equal opportunities to disabled persons. The primary objective was to provide vocational training to adult women with deafness. In the 12 years of rigorous formulation and implementation of various programs, the center has indeed worked in grass root level, directly in the community with more than 300 children with all categories of disabilities. The center is now working in 4 Gram Panchayats out of 16 panchayats in the block. The technical support regarding treatment of deaf persons is provided by Hooghly section of PKK. The major existing activities of the center are:

1) Need based Functional Education helping mentally retarded children and children with hearing impairment who can afford to come to the centre regularly.Here, in the clinic they are provided with special education. The ones with orthopaedic problem are provided with physiotherapy sessions.

2) Vocational Training for women with deafness. The adults are trained in embroidery and tailoring.

3) Community based Rehabilitation programme (CBR) , the most important programme presently running at 4 out of 16 Gram Panchayats of Pandua block.

4) Parent counselling and guidance is provided at regular basis.This has the dual objective of making them cope with the situation and also to enable them to manage their children at home.

5) Sarbasiksha , a programme aimed at inclusive education is carried on among the teachers and children of the general primary schools to create awareness and building positive attitude towards disabled children. Mr. Mansur Ali showed me the detailed report of Sarbasiksha progreamme running in 169 villages of Pandua block.I saw the the report of 16 Gram panchayats like Jamna, Berala Kanchmali, Pandua, Simalgarh Vitasin, Sarai-Tinna etc.

6) Self-help groups are being formed for the people who are below poverty line under the Govt. Program of S.G.S.Y. Presently there are 130 such groups with 10 members in each group. The basic occupation in which they are engaged are animal husbandry(cattle farming etc.), paddy -rice related jobs, and a few handicrafts like pottery . I saw the wall-hanging charts listing the activities of groups like Nargis Swarna Dal , Sabuj Swarna Jayanti Dal , Milan Swarna Jayanti Dal among others.

7) The Community Awareness and Resource Mobilization program runs in total 34 villages of 4 panchayats. The center organizes regular activities to aware people of different sectors of the community on various issues of disability. In addition there are various cultural program organized by GBCD in which mentally retarded children actively participate. I saw the photographs of last year's program and was happy to find children enjoying it. I found Mr. Md. Salim ,member of parliament, was a guest in last year's program. Mr. Mansur Ali informed me that their organization constantly keeps vigil on the rehabilitated persons, supporting them against all kinds of social ostracism. I came to know about the instances of people like Tanuja Islam , A. Pramanik, Shahzada (running a perfume business) who are successfully self employed.

8) The field job of the centre are Panchayat based activity cum information gathering, home-to-home interaction with children , visiting schools , forming parents group in the panchayat etc.

Future Plans

1) To organise Block Level Resource Centre

2) Income Generation Programme for the Persons with Disabilities

3) Income Generation Programme for the Women with Disabilities

The Clinic

I then visited the Clinic just next to the office. Its but a two roomed affair with straw - roof, quite like the dark office room. I had in mind meeting the parents and kids and trainers/teachers and interviewing them. The first kid I met was Surajit Mahato , who comes to the center from Magra.The 4 year old suffering from cerebral palsy and lack of neck control is now much improved. His mother is always with him and its due to her able co-operation that young Surajit is now well, as I saw him sitting playfully in the "Corner Seat". In the room where special education was going on i met a lot of kids and parents. The trainers were teaching them basic bathroom and sitting manners, names of birds, animals, fruits and flowers, primary level communication and poems, addresses, own name and father's name. Mrs. Aparna Banerjee , one of the trainers acquainted me with a kid called Suprabho. 4 year old Suprabho has an orthopaedic problem and mental retardation too. He has shown rapid development in response to the special education and physiotherapy. I wish him the best with all my heart. I met Mrs. Mahua Banerjee, another trainer,who has dealt with cases regarding multiple disabilities, hearing impaired, Down's syndrome, partially blind and mental retardation. After a while I went to the other room where a mother was being taught how to stretch and message her mentally retarded girl child's feet in order to make her walk steadily. This was the physiotherapy room. The bricks of half of the ceiling had already vanished. There were some loose bricks in the ceiling which were waiting to plunge to the floor. An electric fan dangerously hang amidst everything. However , no one seemed to be moved. They were engrossed in their respective jobs. Mr. Ali seemed to give little attention to the ceiling and went on in his task of providing physio -tratment to the child. It was like watching a saint in meditation.

In the End

This report will not be complete without switching our vision towards a few issues. It's amazing how people here are working enthusiastically amidst all sorts of hurdles. The main problem of Pandua block is fund-raising which is a very difficult task keeping in mind the distant location of the center. The office and the clinic may be devoid of excellent infrastructural facilities, but the level of physical and mental involvement of the trainers and parents is set at such a high note that they can easily keep aside the economic problems and work together towards the well being of the innocent ones. The effort that all the people involved with GBCD puts in, is, undoubtedly praiseworthy. In this context mention must be made of well wishers like Mr. Parimal Sikdar . I sincerely wish that GBCD overcomes all hurdles in near future. As I bid farewell to all the staff and was going back to the rail station I realized that this experience will make me a better human being. Today I have seen people who love others more than themselves, and they indeed are among the blessed few. Pandua taught me how to love people, how to love - LIFE.

Kaal Dhamal

2006-01-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

Movie Report: KAAL
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Rookie director Soham Shah’s debut venture KAAL is a supernatural thriller based on the background of a creepy national park.
National Geographic appoints ace tiger expert and conservationist Krish Thapar [John Abraham] and his wife, wildlife photographer Riya [Esha Deol] to investigate the reason behind the mysterious deaths caused by man-eating tigers in Orbit National Park, one of the biggest forests in India.

Dev [Vivek Oberoi], with his group of friends and girlfriend Ishika [Lara Dutta], set out for an adventure trip for the weekend. Destiny diverts them towards Orbit Park for an unexpected ride.

The two groups join each other but the same night death strikes. The gang soon loses a member and is set to leave the forest as soon as possible. Now begins a journey ridden with fear, shivers, trauma and bloodshed.

The gang comes across Kali Pratap Singh [Ajay Devgan], who takes the challenge of helping them escape the jungle, which has never been so alive. Together they have to fight the unseen forces.
However, Kali is but a ghost and he is the one actually behind all the killings. He kills those who breaks the rules of the jungle and makes it appear as accidents. As the death toll follows with members of the gang falling like ninepins, Dev finds out the truth about Kali and Dev, Ishika and Krish emerge the only survivors in the end. But Kali is still there in the jungle and….
KAAL, produced by SRK and Karan Johar, at first looks like to be based on the alpha-male concept with man- against- beast struggle as the theme. But soon one finds out its actually a battle against supernatural forces. It succeeds in scaring at several points. The atmosphere is right, the horror is spine-chilling and the story seems to be weaving webs of unseen fear.
Soham deserves immense credit not only for attempting something daringly different, but also succeeding at presenting it efficiently. The film has several sequences that leave one frightened and shocked alternately, thanks to the wildlife footages of National Geographic channel. Some of the scenes truly resemble Hollywood style.
Formerly an assistant to Ram Gopal Verma, Soham amalgamates his two mentor’s styles meticulously. KAAL has that edge-of-the-seat excitement of RGV movies, but the look is as lavish and international as Karan Johar flicks.
Cinematographer Santosh Thundiyil has done an excellent job.

The songs have been placed intelligently. Salim-Sulaiman’s background score is enjoyable.

Special mention should be made of the title track performed by SRK-Malaika, which is simply mind-blowing.

Ajay Devgan finds the right tone for his character but is found to over-act towards the climax. Vivek Oberoi executes the character of a hotheaded hunk superbly. John Abraham is very sexy with his bare chest and bouncing mane.

The girls don't have much to do in the film, except appearing in skimpy clothes.
KAAL is the kind of impeccably crafted film that burrows deep into our psyche and connects with the dark, hidden terrors that lurk there. In a nutshell, KAAL marks the birth of an accomplished storyteller in Soham.
The weak part of the movie is slight lack of pace in the second half.
However, KAAL is an evidence of the changing face of Indian cinema and refreshing changes like this are welcome. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lalmohanbabu

2006-01-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

Lalmohanbabu: Ray’s magnificent creation
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The Bengali culture has been standing on certain pillars in the post-Tagore era. The most well known among them was certainly Satyajit Ray. Ray was not only famous for his films; he was also one of the leading authors in this part of the country.
He started writing detective stories for children in the children’s magazine Sandesh.His sleuth Pheluda was an immediate hit. The private investigator Pheluda solved cases by means of his high intelligence and profound mystery-solving skills. His cousin Topshe was his companion in adventures and narrator of the stories.
But the Pheluda stories would not have been complete without Lalmohanbabu. Introduced for the first time in the story Sonar Kella, the character of Lalmohan Ganguly became so popular that he was made to appear in all the forthcoming adventures.
Lalmohanbabu provided the lighter part to Pheluda tales. He was a comic relief resembling the common North Kolkata middle-aged man of the 70’s and 80’s.A writer of mystery-adventure thrillers for children by profession, Lalmohanbabu under the pet name Jatayu wrote stories having funny titles like Sahara-y Shiharan and Hondurase Hahakar which immediately reminds one of North Kolkata’s own Bot-tala tradition. His address 110,Garpar Road was the house next to where Ray himself had actually spent his childhood days.
Contrasting Pheluda’s sharp features, toned physique and a height of 6 ft. Lalmohanbabu was a short 5’4”, baldheaded, timid kind of person. He was also full of ignorance and made numerous mistakes in his stories. However, he always reacted very sportingly when Pheluda showed him his mistakes and corrected them. His own crime detective Prakhar Rudra, the hero of most of his stories resembled Pheluda’s looks to a great extent. Even though he was much older to Pheluda, Lalmohanbabu always had great respect for him.
Met accidentally in a train compartment in Rajasthan in Sonar Kella, Lalmohanbabu and Pheluda both liked each other and Lalmohanbabu was so thrilled to meet a real detective that he followed Pheluda and Topshe in all subsequent adventures like Hatyapuri, Jai Baba Phelunath, Jato Kando Kathmandu-te etc.
In fact it was he who attributed the title Three Musketeers to their gang. One could never forget his lingo Highly Suspicious. Lalmohanbabu was also very loving and helping. He always visited Pheluda’s place with Mishties. Once, when he got a bonus from his publisher he arranged for a trip to a hill station for the three of them with that money. He also grew to be brave enough. For instance he saved the day for Pheluda in Badshahi Angti by hiding the ring. Again in Joy Baba Phelunath he stood before the knife thrower.
Lalmohanbabu was created as a comic person to make Pheluda look more heroic in contrast to him. He always puts up a smile in your lips with his small nuances when you are reading a Pheluda and his character is almost indispensable in Pheluda stories. What Captain Haddock is to Tintin tales Lalmohanbabu is to Pheluda.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------