Calcutta mood - Winter!

Finally, it is that time of the year - the Christmas, the New Year... festival time! Holidays!
Yeah, I know, many of you are gearing up for this season. Even Kolkata is getting ready for the "silent night, holy night...". Cakes and pastries are already out - luring people like me! :P (just in case you did not know, I love cakes).

In addition to these, there are Christmas trees, decorative lights, stars. Kolkata is an emotional city. People were mad with excitement when Maradona (with the 'hand of God' fame) arrived in the city. They cried when celebs like Princess Diana or the Pop Superstar Michael Jackson left this world. The same city did not care to have a single look at the badly injured guy who was left to his fate at night near the VIP Road. They embraced the kindness of Mother Terresa (she was an angel, really!). But they also burnt the Eden Gardens stadium when India lost a test cricket match against Pakistan. Every emotion, every mood is on display. People show what they love and they show what they hate! Strong display... nothing hush hush..

But then, no city is perfect! Kolkata is not! And yet... it is the city of hope, city of dreams.. or the "city of Joy" (as is more popularly known). I even loved the name Calcutta. Kolkata is bong, but Calcutta sounded smart! :P [But guys, please don't say Kolkotta/Kolkatta, that is nether here, nor there]... oops I don't want to sound like that authoritarian guy.. what's his name! Oh I forgot! He is not in the news nowadays! [till he decides to create a new controversy]... Forget it friends, as Shakespeare said, "What's in a name!"

So, the celebrations have begun! Although there is a strong indication that the weather would betray the mood! With temperatures hovering on and around 19-25 degree Celsius, it sometimes seems tough to believe that the season is "winter"! In any case, people would still wear jackets, well, even with the chances of perspiration! Farmville fields would still be covered with snow, even for the users from Kolkata! Hey it's winter, man!! (at least going by the calendar).. So, time for celebrations!!!

And also another year almost comes to an end. 2009 was significant for me, for us, for India and also for the world in many ways. 2010 should be interesting as well! I would shortly come up with the pros and cons of the year 2009 and new resolutions for the new year! New hopes... new expectations... new dreams... new realizations...

Until next time......................



Image source: http://video.ilovekolkata.in/seyretfiles/uploads/thumbnails/user_62/santa_3612.jpg

Are we heading towards the dark ages?

My office was attacked by hooligans of the Bloody Jammers' Party today during the 12 hour strike!
Do we have any hope of a secure future?
Read the article here. You decide!
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Politics/Nation/BJPs-Bengal-strike-gets-partial-response-activists-run-amok/articleshow/5284933.cms

You are lucky you are only reading it. My friends faced it!

Sample these:
1) A doctor going to a hospital was not spared the agony. His car was badly damaged and he was verbally abused with the choicest of slang.
2) The DLF building (which houses my office) was attacked by bloody hooligans! Employees were not allowed to get in, even when they stressed the importance of the kind of work we do.. involving 24*7 support. Never before had the IT industry come under such an attack! Think about the kind of impression it gives to our prospective clients!
3) Patients being taken to the hospital were checked thoroughly. They almost had a 'pre-health' checkup in the hands of uneducated, brute, 'lathi' wielding 'doctors', prior to the actual medical checkup.
4) School buses were emptied of children and burnt.

At the end of the day, one of the leaders proudly announced on TV..."Ah... it was a successful strike.." So true. Isn't it?

Are we heading towards the dark ages? I am tired of criticizing politicians... Come on, someone give me a break!

A strike is supposed to be a tool to gauge voluntary people support on a particular issue. But here we saw petty hooliganism by criminals and musclemen, with no regard whatsoever for anyone. In a democratic country like ours, this sort of force and display of muscle power cannot and should not be supported.

Jago India, jago...
Rise India, rise...

Pay for your deeds

Hi friends

The last couple of days had been busy times for me with my dad getting hospitalized for a long ailment. But there were a few things that just left a sour taste in my mouth. Take the instance of the taxi refusal yesterday evening.

My aunt and mom accompanied by me planned to take a taxi to Tollygunge at her place. But the cabbies seemed to have a cunning laugh as each of them whizzed past us without any regret. I got hold of one guy and here is the conversation:

Me: Hey dada, wanna go to Tollygunge, Malancha?
Cabbie: What? Malancha? No way.
Me: But why? You know you can't refuse.
Cabbie: So? I won't go. That's final. What can you do here?
Me: Really? So tell me your number.
Cabbie: [Vehemently] Yes. Take down. WB 04C 10**.
He whooshed away.

I was out of my mind literally, vouching to take the guy to task.

Did some Googling and found the following link:
http://www.kolkatatrafficpolice.org/complain.html

Registered the complaint! Lets see what happens!

Hindsight: It is necessary to instill some sort of fear in these unruly people - those who harass commuters at the drop of a hat! People are afraid of the law enforcement officials and people like these just take the illegal benefit out of the whole affair!

Subho Bijoya - belated

Hi friends

It was a period of silence. But then, what is light without darkness! What is success without failures! What is vibrancy without silence! Never mind, even if the words seem a bit out of place, the meaning is clear - isn't it?

I had a good time by the way. The 4 days of Durga Puja in Kolkata just came and went by. The days, henceforth referred to me as Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dasami were the most enjoyable for me. Lots of pandal hopping, so many prayers to the divine Mother, lots of junk food, adda, hanging out with friends, with family. It was pure fun.

People who have never seen Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, I invite you to my city during the Pujas. I assure you guys - Fun and frolic cannot be any better than during this time of the year. If you are the type, who would rather have a few pegs of Vodka, feel free to do so, with so many bars open. However, mind it - you would be truly mesmerized with your senses on. I clicked some photos with my family. Here they are. Check them out guys (slide show on the right hand pane). I am sure, you would love every bit, as much as I did while capturing the moments. In case you thought, "Oh, I missed out on the fun!", mark next year's calender for a short trip to Kolkata during the Pujas....

Before I sign off, a very Subho Bijoya to each one of you! God bless you!

A legend lives on - Uttam Kumar

This is a tribute to my screen hero, the ever green Uttam Kumar - the first and only true Superstar that Bengal cinema has ever seen. He had expired on 24th of July' 1980. I share with you some of the very best on-screen melodies that this screen god had featured in. Transcending boundaries of culture, language, region and religion, these songs are said to touch the hearts of millions. Let me know if they touched a soft corner of your heart as well.

1.
Song: Ei poth jodi na sesh hoy
Movie: Saptapadi
Singers: Hemanta Mukherjee, Sandhya Mukherjee


2.
Song: Ami je jolshaghore
Movie: Antony Firingi
Singer: Manna Dey


3.
Song: Saono raate jodi
Movie: Devdaas
Singer: Manna Dey


4.
Song: Boro eka laagey
Movie: Chowringhee
Singer: Manna De


5.
Song: Surer akashe
Movie: Saap mochon
Singer: Hemanta Mukherjee


6.
Song: Gaane bhubon bhoriye debe
Movie: Deya neya
Singer: Shyamal Mitra


7.

Song: Jhor uthechhe baaul batas
Movie: Saap mochon
Singer: Hemanta Mukherjee


8.

Song: Dole dodul dole jhulona
Movie: Deya neya
Singer: Shyamal Mitra, Manabendra Mukhopadhyay


9.

Song: Jibon khatar proti patai
Movie: Deya neya
Singer: Shyamal Mitra


10.

Song: Amar sopne dekha rajkonya thaake
Movie: Sagarika
Singer: Shyamal Mitra


11.

Song: Nir chhoto khoti nei
Movie: Indrani
Singer: Hemanta Mukherjee, Sandhya Mukherjee



12.

Song: E ki holo keno holo
Movie: Rajkumari
Singer: Kishore Kumar



13.

Song: Champa chameli golaper i baage
Movie: Antony firingi
Singer: Manna Dey, Sandhya Mukherjee


14.

Song: Surjo dobaar pala
Movie: Indrani
Singer: Hemanta Mukheree



15.

Song: Jai chole jaai (Adieu!)
Movie: Kal tumi aaleya
Singer: Hemanta Mukheree
Music: Uttam Kumar



Friends, there are hundreds of other tracks featuring him, but these are the selected best based on popularity as well as availability. Enjoy the tracks! Never mind if you do not happen to know bengali. I hope the tunes will catch your fancy.

Image source: http://nphoto-media-1.cdn.mobshare.in

Strikes - Keep them coming?

I was watching Rang de Basanti for the 5th time the other day. It was being aired on UTV. The film gives me something new to think about each time I watch it. Even this time, I thought, is India in safe hands? No, I am not campaigning for a political party here. Rather, I am trying to give an overview of what the scenario is before I move to the main topic of discussion. As per news figures, 150 of the newly elected MPs have criminal cases pending against them. Of them, 73 MPs face serious charges. And, lets say, there are quite a few who have been involved in criminal activities, but were never caught. So that enhances the figures even more!

Now, the main topic of discussion: Bengal is having a 12 hour strike yet again! The issue? Political rivalry leading to blood stains. The sufferers? The common men. Time and again, I have hinted that strikes do not solve problems, rather they paralyse the nervous system of the city. But I am nobody. So nobody listens to me. And since nobody listens to me, everybody thinks he or she can call a strike and get away with it. And wait, do you want to know what happened the day before the strike would take place? Have a look at this article. I was watching live video clips of the incidents. The people were smashing the window panes of vehicles with whatever they had in their hands, ultimately setting the vehicles on fire. I was wondering if the 'non-living' buses had any idea what it was all about and what had been their fault! I could derive only one possible benefit. For quite some time now, the government had been trying to take aged buses (more than 15 years old) off the road, but the drive has been facing serious protests from the bus syndicate owners as well as various groups. Today, the number of such vehicles got reduced - thanks to their mass cremation! But apart from this 'derived' benefit, I could really not see any other gains. As is expected, one ambulance was staggered in the traffic jam created because of this on the Howrah bridge. The patient had a tough time and the relatives were anxious (to say the least).

There will be eternal debates on the fact that strike is an weapon of non-violence used to educate the mass and gain support and also as a tool to create pressure. But one is compelled to think, what is it that we are gaining out of it? If you ask me, I gained just one thing. Guess what!

THIS BLOG POST! What else!

Cheers to strikes! Keep them coming! *sarcastic eh!*

Aila goila

Finally the "Aila" has left West Bengal and gone further north but with much reduced intensity. We were fortunate enough that the Cyclone touched on the shores of Bay of Bengal, but did not enter the land, else there could have been mass catastrophe.
I was going through an article in the Telegraph today, which hinted that had the cyclone actually entered the land, it could have created a havoc similar to 1864, which had killed 60,000 people!

Pity those unlucky people, who lost their lives. May their soul rest in peace. *sigh*

'Aila' on in full swing

The monsoon has come in thick and fast in West Bengal and Orissa. The 'Aila' is taking a big toll on the people out here, especially the poor fisherman, some of whom made the mistake of venturing out into the wild sea. As I am writing this post, it's extremely dark outside, with the wind flowing with full gusto.

I left the office today at 4:00 PM riding on the high alert input. In fact most of my colleagues left round about then. But, unlucky me! The bus did not arrive on time and I was left stranded in the rain and wind for one hour. At times, it seemed I would be swept off my feet, but thanks to my 76 kgs of body weight. I was not. However, all this ordeal left be drenched and exhausted, with my dear umbrella having the toughest time of its life! Finally, there was light at the end of the tunnel. And I was picked up for good.

Had a lovely dinner some time back, consisting of khichdi, beguni, fish and a cauliflower dish. But I shiver to think of those fishermen who make a daily living out of the sea and some of whom have braved all odds and taken on the cyclone. May God save them.

Aila :(

"Aila". No, this is not from Mr Tendulkar. This is from the northwest coast of Bay of Bengal. And like many others, I am waiting with bated breath. This could be tragedy for many. Refer to the article below. You would know what I mean!

Reference: http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/cwind.htm
BOB 02/2009/12
Dated: 25. 05. 2009 Time of issue: 1030 hours IST

“Red Message”

Sub: Cyclone warning for West Bengal and north Orissa coasts.

The cyclonic storm “AILA” over northwest & adjoining central Bay of Bengal intensified further, moved northwards and lay centred at 0830 hours IST of today, the 25th May 2009 over northwest Bay of Bengal near lat. 20.50 N and long. 88.00 E, about 140 km east-southeast of Chandbali, 130 km south of Sagar Island and 280 km southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh). The system is likely to intensify further and move in a near northerly direction and cross West Bengal coast near long. 88.00 E (near Sagar Island) today, the 25th May 2009 afternoon/evening. Based on latest analysis with Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models and other conventional techniques, estimated track and intensity of the system are given in the Table below: Date/Time(IST) Position (lat. 0N/long. 0E) Sustained maximum surface wind speed (kmph)25.05.2009/0830 20.5/88.0 80-90 gusting to 10025.05.2009/1130 21.0/88.0 90-100 gusting to 11025.05.2009/1730 22.0/88.0 (over land) 90-100 gusting to 11025.05.2009/2330 23.0/88.0 (over land) 60 gusting to 7026.05.2009/0530 23.5/88.5 (over land) 40 gusting to 50
Under its influence, rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls (≥ 25 cm) is likely over West Bengal and Sikkim during next 48 hours and over north Orissa during next 24 hours. Gale wind speed reaching 80-90 kmph gusting 100 kmph likely along and off West Bengal and north Orissa coasts which may increase from today, the 25th May 2009, noon to 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph along and off these coasts during next 18 hours. Sea condition will be very high along and off West Bengal and north Orissa coasts during the same period. Storm surge of about 2-3 meters above astronomical tide is likely to inundate the coastal areas of south 24-Pargana and Midnapur districts of West Bengal at the time of landfall.

Damage expected: Extensive damage to thatched roofs and huts, minor damage to power and communication lines due to uprooting of large avenue trees. Flooding of escape routs over coastal districts of West Bengal and north Orissa.

Advice and Action suggested: Total suspension of fishing operations. Coastal hutments dwellers to moved to safer place. People in affected areas to remain indoors

Kolkata is hot!!!

"tujhse naraz nahi zindagi, hairan hun mai..."

This is the song I am listening to now. Not sure this is the right song to listen to at this point. It is hot out here in Kolkata, very hot! Yesterday's discomfort factor was 55 degrees. For those who do not know what a discomfort factor means, it is simply the temperature equivalent of the climatic condition taking all other factors like humidity at their comfortable best. I don't know how's life like at other parts of India and the world at the moment. But it's raining fire here!!! Well almost...

And now I am listening to......... "Garam masala.." ;) ;) ;)

Shubo Nabobarsho 1416

Today is the start of the Bengali New Year 1416. So, I take this opportunity to wish all readers and fellow bloggers and friends from across the world a very very happy new year. May you and your family be bestowed with the choicest blessings of Him. Stay happy and stay healthy.

Shubo Nabobarsho!!