Sorry!. This is written in Odiya. A review of my book Ananya Jamaja is given by Mohapatra Nilamani Sahu (A Kendra Sahitya Academy Award Winner)
http://www.orissadiary.com/personality/writer/MAHAPATRAILAMANISAHU%20.asp
Sunday, December 28, 2008
A Review of Ananya Jamaja
Sorry!. This is written in Odiya. A review of my book Ananya Jamaja is given by Mohapatra Nilamani Sahu (A Kendra Sahitya Academy Award Winner)
http://www.orissadiary.com/personality/writer/MAHAPATRAILAMANISAHU%20.asp
Ananya Jamaja
A collection of 35 Odiya poems by me, will be released on 4th January 2009 9am by The Honourable Governor fo Odisha in Annual Function of Kadambini - an Odiya literary magazine. The function will be at KIIT Campus, Patia, Bhubaneshwar. Mohapatra Nilamani Sahu has been kind to write a forward note for the collection.
The Odiya poetry lovers may find it interesting. And the readers are cordially invited for a glance of the book. Your comments on the poems are also cordially invited.Please note that this is my the first experiment with literature!
Happy New Year, 2009!
Best regards
Hrushikesha
Friday, December 19, 2008
Riots of Billboards
Winter is settling hesitantly in Hyderabad because of harakiri of nature for rapid urbanization. And more, the hectic political activities has pervaded the city for ensuing elections. In addition to all these humdrums of life the quest for inner peace still persists in Hyderabad! The quest takes different routes for the people of different communities and tastes. As the case for India, Hyderabad has a very vibrant pluralistic society. It's natural of following the different search paths by them; though it's unfair to admit the occasional skirmishes among these search parties. Still, it's also not unfair to add that the number of such under-dog activities in on downhill track. The smog that blurs the vision is gradually getting cleared. The net result is the intense desire for the inner peace and self-searching. This drives people to different religious places, discourses and prayer halls.
The city dwellers have become spiritual! Yes, there are self-cut proofs. Just when you move at snail's pace you may find it's because you are nearing some shrines built almost on road for a quick darshan when one is even on wheels! As if this is not enough as a proof, Hyderabadis don't relent from reminding you the same in different ways at different times else one may get bored of the same proofs. These are seasonal stuffs. Seasons bring festivals. Many thoughts bring different political parties. And there are many events for many people. Each of these are important to some of them. It was so before. But, now each of these must be told to all of you, as I think my stuff is the most important for the humankind. And all must know it else, as if this is the only choice less question paper in the main exam! All of them pour out billboards – small or large with all colours, emotions, poses and postures. A society proves itself on its roads and Hyderabad choses billboards thanks to the advancements of printing technology. They put the personal news like birth, marriage, graduation, fatherhood, motherhood and the final - death on banners and billboards! Interestingly, some of them don't even forget to put their educational degrees – a hard owned one!
Currently, when you scan Hyderabad roadside banners, one prominently finds pictures of Ayappa Swamis. The swamis are in different postures – some pretend to be radiating, some looking eagerly at shooting camera. And some standing at a distance, even can be found giggling at their own pictures on banners hung at several cross roads. A swami community compete with another in raising their banners across traffic squares. So, also political parties vie to each other. The net result is riot of billboards!
Do I sound like a critic? I admit, these colourful billboards bring a lot of colors and so life for some. What's the problem? Any commuter must have felt or realized the problem due to distractions these billboards pose, more while driving. Particularly, I face a peculiar problem. Old habits die hard. In my childhood when I used to visit nearby town with little rubbing of English into me I used to read English on billboards . You may say that it's a colonial kickback or a pseudo-superior trait. But I would not like to shy away of my eagerness in learning English. Those days I used to take billboards as my testcases. It's to be noted that in Odisha, those days when very very few even had gone to primary school, there used to be many billboards written in English! I used to read each every posters, banners, mile stones etc. while passing by on a cricky rustic bus. I don't know for that my English has improved or not. But it's certain this habit has put me in trouble in Hyderabad. And also now I feel had I studied my text books so seriously, probably I would have been doing well now. Well, now old habits get on me when I'm on move. As I see a life-size picture of a politician with folded hands greets on a billboard, I can't resist self from not responding – that in early days grand-father taught in his first lesson of life! An impulsive response comes and my hands get off the steering wheel. Fortunately, ever vigilant wife Anjali is always there to pull down and to put me back on the track! Kids giggle of the reminiscences.
Thanks to the Riots of Billboards!
Hrushikesha Mohanty
19th December 2008
The city dwellers have become spiritual! Yes, there are self-cut proofs. Just when you move at snail's pace you may find it's because you are nearing some shrines built almost on road for a quick darshan when one is even on wheels! As if this is not enough as a proof, Hyderabadis don't relent from reminding you the same in different ways at different times else one may get bored of the same proofs. These are seasonal stuffs. Seasons bring festivals. Many thoughts bring different political parties. And there are many events for many people. Each of these are important to some of them. It was so before. But, now each of these must be told to all of you, as I think my stuff is the most important for the humankind. And all must know it else, as if this is the only choice less question paper in the main exam! All of them pour out billboards – small or large with all colours, emotions, poses and postures. A society proves itself on its roads and Hyderabad choses billboards thanks to the advancements of printing technology. They put the personal news like birth, marriage, graduation, fatherhood, motherhood and the final - death on banners and billboards! Interestingly, some of them don't even forget to put their educational degrees – a hard owned one!
Currently, when you scan Hyderabad roadside banners, one prominently finds pictures of Ayappa Swamis. The swamis are in different postures – some pretend to be radiating, some looking eagerly at shooting camera. And some standing at a distance, even can be found giggling at their own pictures on banners hung at several cross roads. A swami community compete with another in raising their banners across traffic squares. So, also political parties vie to each other. The net result is riot of billboards!
Do I sound like a critic? I admit, these colourful billboards bring a lot of colors and so life for some. What's the problem? Any commuter must have felt or realized the problem due to distractions these billboards pose, more while driving. Particularly, I face a peculiar problem. Old habits die hard. In my childhood when I used to visit nearby town with little rubbing of English into me I used to read English on billboards . You may say that it's a colonial kickback or a pseudo-superior trait. But I would not like to shy away of my eagerness in learning English. Those days I used to take billboards as my testcases. It's to be noted that in Odisha, those days when very very few even had gone to primary school, there used to be many billboards written in English! I used to read each every posters, banners, mile stones etc. while passing by on a cricky rustic bus. I don't know for that my English has improved or not. But it's certain this habit has put me in trouble in Hyderabad. And also now I feel had I studied my text books so seriously, probably I would have been doing well now. Well, now old habits get on me when I'm on move. As I see a life-size picture of a politician with folded hands greets on a billboard, I can't resist self from not responding – that in early days grand-father taught in his first lesson of life! An impulsive response comes and my hands get off the steering wheel. Fortunately, ever vigilant wife Anjali is always there to pull down and to put me back on the track! Kids giggle of the reminiscences.
Thanks to the Riots of Billboards!
Hrushikesha Mohanty
19th December 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
An ANSWER TO A PUZZLE
The puzzle: How was the society hundreds of years back, that built beautiful temples in India?
It was 3rd November 2008 evening at Bhubaneshwar. I'm done with my schedule and the rest of the evening was with me. I succumbed to my wishes – a darshan of Shiva Lingaraj. Dr.Prashanta Patnaik accompanied me to Sri Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneshwar. It was a Monday of Karhtik, an auspicious day for many ardent devotees. The temple is fairly crowded. We had a darshan. In every visit to an old temple I learn to appreciate the temple architecture and sculpture. and the Lingaraj temple is a treasure of it. In this visit I found stone carvings are made better visible, probably some agency has taken up a maintenance project.
Dr.Prashanta and me went around the temple watching and appreciating exquisite stone carvings, symmetry in a colossal architecture. The stability of such a huge stone structure is now still baffling. Managing construction activities of such a huge temple is a classical example of excellency in project management that should make, atleast, native business schools curious about.
Probably, to attract people to culture and heritage the forefathers have taken the help of some myths. Dr.Prashanta narrated me one of those on Lingaraj temple. The myth is woven around a a huge bull (Nandi) carved out of a large stone. The bull is adorned with ornaments carved on stone. Every curves on its body looks realistic. The enormous body is slightly tilted to its right resting on its right heap, belly, chest and the right front leg. The bull has a gracious look holding its head with beautifully decorated neck. The stone carved ornaments on its neck are partially hidden by scarfs and garlands offered by devotees. It's like customs and traditions hiding beauty of divinity. Its ears are right up and lively with minute details. People whisper their wants and wishes to bull's left ear for fulfillment. The bull is a divine giver? The left front leg is sculpted so aptly as if the bull is about to get up. At about ten feet distance there is a plant on an elevated stone platform. The plant (a peppal/bela tree variety) has been there for years but its height has been a foot only. It hardly gains in height and stem circumference. The day the bull gets up and eats the plant, is the final day for this world – the myth tells. Whatever, the myth could be but I enjoy a visit to the bull in my every visit to this temple. I salute the sculptor who has carved it out. Hundreds of years are flown, the sculptor is forgotten but his excellency is the perfection of the humanity and shines on!
My puzzle again popped up. Such an excellency the people of this land achieved hundreds of years back. What would have been society of Odisha at that time? Probably, there were prosperity around. People, sculptors, architects and the kings were rich enough to achieve this marvelous signature of their time. But then what made the society to plunge in such an abject poverty? How did the society forget the art of building such temples? Why didn't they excel further? I returned to Hyderabad only rekindling my puzzle.
“India Leaves its Footprints on Moon” adorns The Hindu newspaper's headline on 15th November '08 – a joyous movement for the country. Congratulations are showered on the architects of 'Chandrayan-1' for the excellency. And I got an answer to my puzzle.
We the footpath dwellers now privileged
For the clear view,
No roof there for us to stand in between
Us and Chandrayan!
We the jobless though bemoan
Still, will watch MIP as it's shown
Hoping the same (footpath) atleast for us on the moon!
We were the same ill-fated
That day stood behind
When the Kings built the temples for posterity.
So we kept the promise even bitten by the poverty.
But the kings distanced
Our sufferings remain unheard.
The flagged sanctum tells:
“I see the people who never failed in mission
I see the people who even hardly can make their ration.
But I hope excellency in humanity will prevail soon
For which I am still standing on!
Hrushikesha
17th November 2008.
It was 3rd November 2008 evening at Bhubaneshwar. I'm done with my schedule and the rest of the evening was with me. I succumbed to my wishes – a darshan of Shiva Lingaraj. Dr.Prashanta Patnaik accompanied me to Sri Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneshwar. It was a Monday of Karhtik, an auspicious day for many ardent devotees. The temple is fairly crowded. We had a darshan. In every visit to an old temple I learn to appreciate the temple architecture and sculpture. and the Lingaraj temple is a treasure of it. In this visit I found stone carvings are made better visible, probably some agency has taken up a maintenance project.
Dr.Prashanta and me went around the temple watching and appreciating exquisite stone carvings, symmetry in a colossal architecture. The stability of such a huge stone structure is now still baffling. Managing construction activities of such a huge temple is a classical example of excellency in project management that should make, atleast, native business schools curious about.
Probably, to attract people to culture and heritage the forefathers have taken the help of some myths. Dr.Prashanta narrated me one of those on Lingaraj temple. The myth is woven around a a huge bull (Nandi) carved out of a large stone. The bull is adorned with ornaments carved on stone. Every curves on its body looks realistic. The enormous body is slightly tilted to its right resting on its right heap, belly, chest and the right front leg. The bull has a gracious look holding its head with beautifully decorated neck. The stone carved ornaments on its neck are partially hidden by scarfs and garlands offered by devotees. It's like customs and traditions hiding beauty of divinity. Its ears are right up and lively with minute details. People whisper their wants and wishes to bull's left ear for fulfillment. The bull is a divine giver? The left front leg is sculpted so aptly as if the bull is about to get up. At about ten feet distance there is a plant on an elevated stone platform. The plant (a peppal/bela tree variety) has been there for years but its height has been a foot only. It hardly gains in height and stem circumference. The day the bull gets up and eats the plant, is the final day for this world – the myth tells. Whatever, the myth could be but I enjoy a visit to the bull in my every visit to this temple. I salute the sculptor who has carved it out. Hundreds of years are flown, the sculptor is forgotten but his excellency is the perfection of the humanity and shines on!
My puzzle again popped up. Such an excellency the people of this land achieved hundreds of years back. What would have been society of Odisha at that time? Probably, there were prosperity around. People, sculptors, architects and the kings were rich enough to achieve this marvelous signature of their time. But then what made the society to plunge in such an abject poverty? How did the society forget the art of building such temples? Why didn't they excel further? I returned to Hyderabad only rekindling my puzzle.
“India Leaves its Footprints on Moon” adorns The Hindu newspaper's headline on 15th November '08 – a joyous movement for the country. Congratulations are showered on the architects of 'Chandrayan-1' for the excellency. And I got an answer to my puzzle.
We the footpath dwellers now privileged
For the clear view,
No roof there for us to stand in between
Us and Chandrayan!
We the jobless though bemoan
Still, will watch MIP as it's shown
Hoping the same (footpath) atleast for us on the moon!
We were the same ill-fated
That day stood behind
When the Kings built the temples for posterity.
So we kept the promise even bitten by the poverty.
But the kings distanced
Our sufferings remain unheard.
The flagged sanctum tells:
“I see the people who never failed in mission
I see the people who even hardly can make their ration.
But I hope excellency in humanity will prevail soon
For which I am still standing on!
Hrushikesha
17th November 2008.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
RELUCTANTLY OLD
Crude oil price went up and the everything else in this world became costly. The inhabitants of that barren land have been lucky, but wonder how do they flirt this God given opportunity. It's more of a concern thinking the earthly juice may soon dry up – as the fortune-tellers harp on. The net effect of price rise is my grounding after my short lived love in blue sky. Interestingly, I developed a self-defeating luxury for which I am not made for.
The urge for visiting my native place was getting stronger in the last October. This has been absent not only for my kids but also those of the neo-city dwellers. For these kids, there are no native places but a pretension of it. They don't get intoxicated at the smell of native place. Theirs' is the place that looks good on TV screen. Suddenly, I decided to go home and being grounded chose Indian Railways. Good thing is Indian Railways is now a profit making organisation for which everybody from the Railway Minister to the lineman claim their eminences. A good team work that is praise worthy.
Tending to be green I chose the public transport to reach Secunderabad railway station. APSRTC: Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is one of the few public transport in India having good name for its service. Let me spend a minute on it. For commuting in Hyderabad city, there are three types of buses viz. Ordinary, Metro-liner and Veera. Very wisely bureaucrats in APSRTC have chosen for three, probably being inspired by the importance of three in Hindu religion e.g. Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara are the three taking charge of the total creation.
Ordinary buses are mainly chosen by poor fro its low price. Many a time, while traveling in such a bus you must be prepared to smell sweat soaked shirts of your co-commuters. Never mind, if you find yourself in the midst fo flesh. If you are short and out-of-size particularly overly sized then certainly you are at the receiving end. Metro-liner is fairly better with a lot of free space, a modest sitting arrangement at slightly higher cost. You are for sure for not finding a commuter who breaks his back in the hot Sun. Sometimes, you may get air of aroma from neo deo users. Veera bus is the luxury one and also the expensive one with push back seat to accommodate a passenger with out-of-proportion body. This is the kind of physique, socially, is taken as an index of the development. And Hyderabad is very much on that track. The bright proof - US has agreed to set up a consulate office in Hyderabad. What else proof you need? You yourself even can judge from the growing number of joggers/walkers on Tankbud/Necklace road.
As a Veera pulls into a bay and comes to halt, many shy away for its high priced fare. A person who decides for Veera could be a guy either on comfort searching or at the resigned state. I was among the later category to choose a Veera to reach Secunderabad railway station. I moved to middle of the bus to stand on alley for want of a seat. A feeling of disappointment creeps in if you don't get a seat in Veera. The feeling is alike to that of missing a first class for two marks; or being drained out after purchasing a plot and not being able to construct a house – the pain of a narrow miss. However, for every Indian there is a great history to back up and teach you to adapt. I prepared myself for one hour journey standing on my own leg, of course!
Veera pulled itself on much publicized well transformed road. A stop came and an old man boarded the bus. He looked around desperately for a seat to discover a youth occupying a seat for senior citizen. He walked up to and exercised his right little forcefully as the young guy showed an inhibition. Finally, the guy got up leaving the seat to the old. The young guy stood on alley and the guy standing nearby changed to a happy state, probably due to 'if not me not so others be' syndrome. The young guy at the loss of the comfort and embarrassment was getting tormented and looking for a point to cheer himself. Suddenly, he murmured at the hearing range of the old man commented on his deceptively black hair camouflaging grayed ones. The old man while settling on his comfortable push back seat got a pale face for being reluctantly old.
14th Nov. 2008
The urge for visiting my native place was getting stronger in the last October. This has been absent not only for my kids but also those of the neo-city dwellers. For these kids, there are no native places but a pretension of it. They don't get intoxicated at the smell of native place. Theirs' is the place that looks good on TV screen. Suddenly, I decided to go home and being grounded chose Indian Railways. Good thing is Indian Railways is now a profit making organisation for which everybody from the Railway Minister to the lineman claim their eminences. A good team work that is praise worthy.
Tending to be green I chose the public transport to reach Secunderabad railway station. APSRTC: Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is one of the few public transport in India having good name for its service. Let me spend a minute on it. For commuting in Hyderabad city, there are three types of buses viz. Ordinary, Metro-liner and Veera. Very wisely bureaucrats in APSRTC have chosen for three, probably being inspired by the importance of three in Hindu religion e.g. Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara are the three taking charge of the total creation.
Ordinary buses are mainly chosen by poor fro its low price. Many a time, while traveling in such a bus you must be prepared to smell sweat soaked shirts of your co-commuters. Never mind, if you find yourself in the midst fo flesh. If you are short and out-of-size particularly overly sized then certainly you are at the receiving end. Metro-liner is fairly better with a lot of free space, a modest sitting arrangement at slightly higher cost. You are for sure for not finding a commuter who breaks his back in the hot Sun. Sometimes, you may get air of aroma from neo deo users. Veera bus is the luxury one and also the expensive one with push back seat to accommodate a passenger with out-of-proportion body. This is the kind of physique, socially, is taken as an index of the development. And Hyderabad is very much on that track. The bright proof - US has agreed to set up a consulate office in Hyderabad. What else proof you need? You yourself even can judge from the growing number of joggers/walkers on Tankbud/Necklace road.
As a Veera pulls into a bay and comes to halt, many shy away for its high priced fare. A person who decides for Veera could be a guy either on comfort searching or at the resigned state. I was among the later category to choose a Veera to reach Secunderabad railway station. I moved to middle of the bus to stand on alley for want of a seat. A feeling of disappointment creeps in if you don't get a seat in Veera. The feeling is alike to that of missing a first class for two marks; or being drained out after purchasing a plot and not being able to construct a house – the pain of a narrow miss. However, for every Indian there is a great history to back up and teach you to adapt. I prepared myself for one hour journey standing on my own leg, of course!
Veera pulled itself on much publicized well transformed road. A stop came and an old man boarded the bus. He looked around desperately for a seat to discover a youth occupying a seat for senior citizen. He walked up to and exercised his right little forcefully as the young guy showed an inhibition. Finally, the guy got up leaving the seat to the old. The young guy stood on alley and the guy standing nearby changed to a happy state, probably due to 'if not me not so others be' syndrome. The young guy at the loss of the comfort and embarrassment was getting tormented and looking for a point to cheer himself. Suddenly, he murmured at the hearing range of the old man commented on his deceptively black hair camouflaging grayed ones. The old man while settling on his comfortable push back seat got a pale face for being reluctantly old.
14th Nov. 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
KFC and KPA
Just after Dasahara 2008, I felt an urge to go out for a day. We have not done that for almost headstrong health problems or nuisances that was following us for the last couple of months. My son Vakul also chose to stay back at hostel citing some reasons like he had only one day leave for Dasahara and just after it he had his mid term tests. I knew all these could be pleas for not being assured of good food at home because his mother’s health. Anyway, I also took this for a plea proposing our visit to Vakul’s hostel just after Maa’ Durga left for her heavenly abode with an assurance to visit earth for the next year. It’s really good to have so much circularity in nature; that gives quite a bit of confidence for mortals like me. We reached his hostel. Oh, I forgot; ‘we’ includes me, my daughter and Anjali - my wife. Sister and brother finished their long pending skirmishes and got tired for a good food. Both of them decided for KFC at Karkhana in Secunderabad. I should be honest in admitting that they always have or build up consensus (at least with the minimum common choices) on choosing a restaurant and menu.
We proceeded for that. I had a little inhibition anticipating heavy and silly expenditure. For example, it’s silly to pay hundred rupees for a sandwich. I prefer to bear with a roaring stomach instead of bleeding through nose. That happens when one flies with a low priced ticket. Anyway, in this case I didn’t have any choice. I listened to self telling ‘that would be your the first visit to KFC in Secunderabad.’ We reached. Fortunately, we could get a place for parking. People in this densely populated city don’t have enough place to put their body fully in their huts, forget car parking. We stepped in KFC being lead by ever enthusiastic daughter Anwesha (Pooja and Gelhi). She has sum total three names. And the third one is completely ethnic. Obviously, that name is put by me. For that they say I’m hundred percent rustic.
We stepped into KFC a swanky eatery with heavy lights focusing on heavily colored wall shades, matching furniture and ever deceiving plastic plants. The brightness was making my kids’ hearts floating around menus and offers. Whereas, hearts of the parents like me with shallow pockets must be sinking. I kept recollecting how many big notes could be there in my purse. Quickly, I could calculate the possible amount I would have, ofcourse without taking my purse out. I felt indebted to my grand father for insisting on mental mathematics in my childhood. These things are so helpful in life I never felt that time as now my kids take to my words on face value. Naturally, my kids especially my son being elder one understands my predicaments quite well. Both of them settled for a sum they have adjudged comfortable to me. I felt so much pleased with their understandings and felt unfair to complain of elders make for little ones. My daughter always feels being ahead of her brother. She settled down after scooping out a promise from me for another visit with some bucket chicken – a menu with sumptuous chicken pieces. They picked up the tray. And I took out my purse to pay. The boy at the counter returned some change. Usually, in these brand shops people always feel it’s low for counting money. But, I knew I couldn’t afford to such a trait anymore while just four days back I lost hundred rupees in Brand factory at Jubilee Hill. Here also, I found such a mistake and promptly complained. The supervisor returned me the forgotten hundred rupees. I excused the boy thinking his grandfather might have not taught him the mental mathematics. My kids settled down with food. My wife had little interest in all these except brooding over for kids. And I sat with my old habits – observing people around.
First, my eyes discovered smartly dressed KFC assistants oozing out with extra courtesy – i.e. unbelievable in standard desi dookans. The question obviously came to my mind. Why do they make mistake in bill payments and giving back the returns even after making use of so many calculating gadgets? That day Domino at Gachhibowli, a similar boy just took four rupees extra over the bill without a word. On asking he said he did not have change. But just felt quite right to grab extra four rupees. I thought over it. The answer came. The guys could be very much underpaid and might be even told to earn in this way. If this is true what ethics these business houses of free market economy are setting up here? I pondered. Will it happen in USA at its birth place?
I discovered a painting on wall – a sturdy looking man with a bow tie and a French beard. A brief write up below the painting telling how special the recipe of KFC is and this has been secret for so many years. Wow! What a business tactics. Will it be that way in India? G.Pulla Reddy came out his sweets in Andhra Pradesh and that made him famous. But, he encouraged and inaugurated shops of his competitors. I’m sure some of his cooks (halwaii) must have deserted him and joined his competitors throwing tact of sweet making into winds. Free economy but strangulated at the threshold of its birth place!
I must admit with a pinch of salt that I was the eldest one among all the customers present there. I was feeling awkward among mischievously young around. All were busy in their own world. I got a reflection of KPA ‘Kasinana Pakudi Aloodam’ shop on my village square. Every evening, people used to gather for a plate of hot pakudi and Aloodam. They used to relish with so many musings, lively chats and hearty laughs. The shop used to turn into a media centre – the news strips of many villages were exchanged in evenings over the pakoda plates. One used to offer other – a happy evening after a grueling day. What a contrast here! Instead offerings, here are the denials for the unfortunates when they just appeared as soon as you park your car. These are the spiders from darkness of white tiger of Aravinda Adiga.
By that time, my kids were done with. We had to rush back to drop Vakul at his hostel and then we had to return to Doyens. We proceeded to our parking place. The same scene was around us. I negotiated with some coins and got in to drive on. After a while, I was looking at my kids expecting their weary some faces for the scenes of spiders. I knew from other end, Anjali was looking at me approvingly though she is a captive of kids like any desi mother.
Hrushikesha Mohanty
November 1st , 2008
We proceeded for that. I had a little inhibition anticipating heavy and silly expenditure. For example, it’s silly to pay hundred rupees for a sandwich. I prefer to bear with a roaring stomach instead of bleeding through nose. That happens when one flies with a low priced ticket. Anyway, in this case I didn’t have any choice. I listened to self telling ‘that would be your the first visit to KFC in Secunderabad.’ We reached. Fortunately, we could get a place for parking. People in this densely populated city don’t have enough place to put their body fully in their huts, forget car parking. We stepped in KFC being lead by ever enthusiastic daughter Anwesha (Pooja and Gelhi). She has sum total three names. And the third one is completely ethnic. Obviously, that name is put by me. For that they say I’m hundred percent rustic.
We stepped into KFC a swanky eatery with heavy lights focusing on heavily colored wall shades, matching furniture and ever deceiving plastic plants. The brightness was making my kids’ hearts floating around menus and offers. Whereas, hearts of the parents like me with shallow pockets must be sinking. I kept recollecting how many big notes could be there in my purse. Quickly, I could calculate the possible amount I would have, ofcourse without taking my purse out. I felt indebted to my grand father for insisting on mental mathematics in my childhood. These things are so helpful in life I never felt that time as now my kids take to my words on face value. Naturally, my kids especially my son being elder one understands my predicaments quite well. Both of them settled for a sum they have adjudged comfortable to me. I felt so much pleased with their understandings and felt unfair to complain of elders make for little ones. My daughter always feels being ahead of her brother. She settled down after scooping out a promise from me for another visit with some bucket chicken – a menu with sumptuous chicken pieces. They picked up the tray. And I took out my purse to pay. The boy at the counter returned some change. Usually, in these brand shops people always feel it’s low for counting money. But, I knew I couldn’t afford to such a trait anymore while just four days back I lost hundred rupees in Brand factory at Jubilee Hill. Here also, I found such a mistake and promptly complained. The supervisor returned me the forgotten hundred rupees. I excused the boy thinking his grandfather might have not taught him the mental mathematics. My kids settled down with food. My wife had little interest in all these except brooding over for kids. And I sat with my old habits – observing people around.
First, my eyes discovered smartly dressed KFC assistants oozing out with extra courtesy – i.e. unbelievable in standard desi dookans. The question obviously came to my mind. Why do they make mistake in bill payments and giving back the returns even after making use of so many calculating gadgets? That day Domino at Gachhibowli, a similar boy just took four rupees extra over the bill without a word. On asking he said he did not have change. But just felt quite right to grab extra four rupees. I thought over it. The answer came. The guys could be very much underpaid and might be even told to earn in this way. If this is true what ethics these business houses of free market economy are setting up here? I pondered. Will it happen in USA at its birth place?
I discovered a painting on wall – a sturdy looking man with a bow tie and a French beard. A brief write up below the painting telling how special the recipe of KFC is and this has been secret for so many years. Wow! What a business tactics. Will it be that way in India? G.Pulla Reddy came out his sweets in Andhra Pradesh and that made him famous. But, he encouraged and inaugurated shops of his competitors. I’m sure some of his cooks (halwaii) must have deserted him and joined his competitors throwing tact of sweet making into winds. Free economy but strangulated at the threshold of its birth place!
I must admit with a pinch of salt that I was the eldest one among all the customers present there. I was feeling awkward among mischievously young around. All were busy in their own world. I got a reflection of KPA ‘Kasinana Pakudi Aloodam’ shop on my village square. Every evening, people used to gather for a plate of hot pakudi and Aloodam. They used to relish with so many musings, lively chats and hearty laughs. The shop used to turn into a media centre – the news strips of many villages were exchanged in evenings over the pakoda plates. One used to offer other – a happy evening after a grueling day. What a contrast here! Instead offerings, here are the denials for the unfortunates when they just appeared as soon as you park your car. These are the spiders from darkness of white tiger of Aravinda Adiga.
By that time, my kids were done with. We had to rush back to drop Vakul at his hostel and then we had to return to Doyens. We proceeded to our parking place. The same scene was around us. I negotiated with some coins and got in to drive on. After a while, I was looking at my kids expecting their weary some faces for the scenes of spiders. I knew from other end, Anjali was looking at me approvingly though she is a captive of kids like any desi mother.
Hrushikesha Mohanty
November 1st , 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
ROAD REFLECTIONS
(Note: 1. My fellow citizens may find it novice. It's not for them. 2. My address to 'Sirs' include 'Madams' too. I can have that kind type definitions in C! The picture here is of a road in Japan. Thanks to Goutam. )
Though I'm not a jet-setter still, I had some opportunity to visit some other countries. When one visits a foreign country at the first instance the roads catch your imaginations. Particularly for me a good straight road is of a pleasure. And I believe that's so for my fellow citizens. Sometimes, I feel the road features and features around roads somehow reflects a country. I'm not a social scientist to prove my hypothesis. But, for Indian context being a novice in social science I can say my hypothesis is more or less true. Let me prove it. It will not be like my earlier theory on a social operator on my blog http://mokatha.blogspot.com/2008/09/side-kick-social-operator.html I can't make it mathematical though would like to be that way. Sir / madam, that's the way I'm told you can sell (make) papers (research) in my profession. And I should get into that art sooner rather. But, here somehow that trait does not get reflected. I'll surely try for it later, I have to sir, to live up to my new pay commission. Anyway, let me see how does our roads reflects my society. I'll put seven points only. We in India, like the number seven. In our epics they say 'sa't janam' (born seven times to cross human life cycle) , 'sat phera' (make seven rounds of sacred fire to get in and out of a bondage) , 'sa't bar' (utter seven times to make a promise) , 'sa't saamudra' (Vishnu sleeps on his snake-bed beyond seven seas) etc. So, I'll stick to seven only to be well taken.
1.Hardly, a road in India is straight
That is how we live in our society, Sir. Nobody talks to the point straight whatever way that much watched anchor corners our beloved future makers.
My ex-boss also had another theory for it. He said for this quality only we Indians do very good programming. Somehow, we can make a program work by putting many go-to, if-then-else constructs. Of course he added, that's why we don't make software products.
2. If geographically the road is blessed to be straight, we love to put speed breakers
Sirs, when you visit us must be wondering of speed breakers. You should not and I'm sure you will appreciate of knowing our noble cause for it. We in this country are are very friendly people and we live perfectly and even physically together (though occasionally your press tells you of our bickering. But sir, it's not always true. Believe me.). And now a days you are sending vehicles of varying speeds and we don't want our friend surpass us. At speed breakers we can meet each other again. That is not enough sir. We have made speed breakers in functioning of all kinds of places like institutes, offices.
3.Everything under Sun is on our road
You must have seen cows, buffaloes and play grounds on our roads. And all the types of transports are also found there. That may be puzzling to you. But sirs, you should not. Actually, we are very transparent people. You can see everything we have on our road. Even you will find people in plush colonies eagerly hang their under linens making visible to roads. Let's not talk of vendors and unsold gods http://mokatha.blogspot.com/2008/04/gods-sojourn.html etc.
4.Roads are toilets
Most of the male Indians pee on rads. You may feel shameless. I agree with you sir. But, that is natural to them sir. Probably, that way they can save few minutes or save a coin by peeing by the side of the road. Anyway, ours is a sunny country. We have hot Sun to take care of environmental problem. But, do they do so when do they visit your country? You must tell me on my blog ( put comments).
5.Crazy traffic
This point if you make on traffic of my country I'll agree to you the hundred percent, Sirs. We while on move, try to make use of every inch of unpopulated place on road. You don't know from where a vehicle emerges out and stands at the front. We Indians believe on magics. It's a magic how all of us come back in tact after a cruise on our roads. We all believe on so many Gods. And at least one of them come to our rescue when any of us on road. Sir, this time when you visit us you can see in all the vehicles you hire with a God picture. They are always positioned there ,to help you out. They could be of any religion but they don't discriminate sir, for sure. Please don't get worried, He/She is there always in our country to help. They say that's why still we thrive and an oldest civilization!
6.Bigger the vehicle the mightier on the road
Oh, yes sir. This is true in our desi society too. In our roads, the bigger vehicles really bully the smaller one and so not to tell of the pedestrians. We are hierarchically a disciplined lot, sir. We are just like that, once we are destined to land on this land – so pious this land sir you will n't believe. Ganga Maa chose to land here on our land, even all the prophets too. All of them landed here. If you know some of them landed else where, that will be wrong soon sir when we become the most powerful nation after Bush uncle signs nuclear agreement on 8th Oct. '08.
I'm distracting your attention. Sorry sir. Actually, If you are on foot never hesitant to walk off the road. It's actually the place for you hierarchically disposed off.
7.Deafening Horns
That must be surprising for you if you are visiting us for the first time our swarnaprasu desa. I'm sorry for talking no sense word for you. I also don't understand it standing at cross roads with red traffic light. You will find spider like kids come forward to your cars. I'm going off-course again. Excuse me, sir. But standing at red traffic light you will hear the vehicles around you just blowing horns. It puzzles. It's a habit sir. We like noise. See, all our vehicles are fitted with music systems. That's must. Mine is an exception only. Though I wanted it very much but succumbed to my wife's opposition. I'm sure you also listen to madam.
We desis' overdo and make mess of anything we do. See, our public places, prayer places – everywhere you will see loudspeakers – a lot of sound. Without sound we really don't get kick of anything; even while driving.
Have a fun with our road reflections! In this we all are together – whatever you say of our conflicts based on caste, religion etc. all trashes!
Hrushikesha Mohanty
7th October 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
NARENDRA PRASAD TALENT AWARD - 2008
Based on the Xth board examination and being advised by the Head Master of
Bharat Sevanidhi Uchha Vidyalaya, Maitapur, Odissa - 756 111.
I'm glad to announce the names for the award for the year 2008.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
1. Sri Bikram Keshari Das
For securing the highest mark in Mathematics and being the over all topper of the school.He is presented with a sum of Rs.2000/-
2. Sri Manoj Kumar Mohapatra
For securing the highest mark in Odiya. He is presented with a sum of Rs.1000/-.
I wish the best in your career and a successful life ahead.
Hrushikesha Mohanty
Chairman
Narendra Prasad Foundation.
[ Note: This is the school where I had my secondary education. I loved my days there. After the name of my grandfather I have instituted this award for rural students. I know the pleasures and the problems being hailed from a rural area.I hope future generations will love countryside as well as have a good career. And I also love my grandfather and I wish to be like him!]
Bharat Sevanidhi Uchha Vidyalaya, Maitapur, Odissa - 756 111.
I'm glad to announce the names for the award for the year 2008.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
1. Sri Bikram Keshari Das
For securing the highest mark in Mathematics and being the over all topper of the school.He is presented with a sum of Rs.2000/-
2. Sri Manoj Kumar Mohapatra
For securing the highest mark in Odiya. He is presented with a sum of Rs.1000/-.
I wish the best in your career and a successful life ahead.
Hrushikesha Mohanty
Chairman
Narendra Prasad Foundation.
[ Note: This is the school where I had my secondary education. I loved my days there. After the name of my grandfather I have instituted this award for rural students. I know the pleasures and the problems being hailed from a rural area.I hope future generations will love countryside as well as have a good career. And I also love my grandfather and I wish to be like him!]
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
On Singur
This is my letter to The Editor, The Hindu
appeared on 26th September 2008.
"I wonder why the Nano car is so important to us when our roads are already overflowing and fuel is getting dearer. In all the discussions for making out a case for land-for-industrialisation, we forget the farmer's emotional attachment to their land. It is too much to expect the poor and illiterate farmers to see their future in rehabilitation packages."
Hrushikesha Mohanty
Hyderabad
appeared on 26th September 2008.
"I wonder why the Nano car is so important to us when our roads are already overflowing and fuel is getting dearer. In all the discussions for making out a case for land-for-industrialisation, we forget the farmer's emotional attachment to their land. It is too much to expect the poor and illiterate farmers to see their future in rehabilitation packages."
Hrushikesha Mohanty
Hyderabad
Kandhamal, Me and Media
For the last two days The Hindu has been publishing
very elaborately on the issue. I as an Odiya feel quite
ashamed of it. The happenings there, are bad certainly.
But the way media projecting it is unfortunate. The news
paper headlines make the issue sensational for creating
unnecessary turmoils.
I went through the article in The Hindu, 30th Sept. Page 13.
The bishop who reported through The Hindu was telling that
a Hindu family had protected (gave shelter) him and the nun. And
he believed (not sure of?) that the nun was raped. But, the Hindu has chosen
to make "Nun raped" head line on its front page 30th Sept.
Hindu Hyderabad edition. It should have a made sub-heading
of the human-feeling the Hindu family shown to the bishop.
The dynamics of media is distressing. Everybody knows what
media did with Arunashri case in couple of months back.
Sometimes a paper like The Hindu chooses to follow the beaten track!
Hrushikesha
Dalit Odiya Christians' Plea
On 2nd October 2008, The Hindu Hyderabad edition has put up a picture of Dalit Odiya Christians standing at UN office gate at Delhi demanding refugee status. At a glance it made me happy to know that Dlaits from Odissa have guts to ask for social justice. They could go up to Delhi for negotiating their demands.
But at the next moment it made worried too. Asked myself. "Did they have gone on their own? Sure, are they not playing somebody's game? Why did they choose UN office instead of Ministry of Home affairs? Are they making a case for more money from abroad? Have they lost trust on the Governments both the State and Union?" All these thoughts are disturbing.
They should have been advised to look for a good solution rather!
Hrushikesha
2nd October 2008.
Wish it's not True
My head is hung in shame today. Unfortunately, the news of rape of a nun has been confirmed today by The Hindu. It has quoted some official's statement. The vice has spread into odissa. Whoever it could be, deserve rare to rare punishment. And anybody in the name of a religion must not be allowed to go away with this heinous crimes.
I was proudly telling let Odissa be poor I don't bother but let there be peace and human dignity. Seems my pride is evaporated.
Odiyas are being incited to fight among each other. Let's all understand this game plan and condemn such actions vociferously.
Hrushikesha
3rd October 2008
Conversion
Conversion does exist. For example from Hindu to Buddhism and vice-versa has been there in past. Even in Christianity among different sects it's a debatable issue. 4th October 2008, The Hindu reports Pope Benedict XVI cautioning Roman Catholic bishops in former Soviet republics against aggressive means of gaining converts, an issue that has complicated attempts to reconcile his church with Orthodox Christians.
Change is natural. And time is the scheduler. You and I are onlookers. Why should we make our present the hell? As the Pope tells reconciliation is the call of the day. Let's hear it and act on!
Hrushikesha
5th October 2008
Deadly Mixture
As it reveals now, there has been a deadly mixture of religions and politics since long. It was on fermentation and was waiting to happen. Alas! why were we sleeping since then? Our social scientists need to be pro-active in warning such thing before it triggers. We need social scientists more and our educationists must open up from myths of only technology-based (biased) developments. Wish, this mix will not be made deadly further.
Hrushikesha
5th October 2008
Ethnic Conflict Not Communal ???
Another school of thought on this issue tells Kandhamal is an example ongoing ethnic conflict between tribals and non-tribals. Here, Kandha (a scheduled tribe community) fights with another community called Pano that is a scheduled caste community. Seems people from this community had migrated from plains to hilly area and there has been fight among them dates back. Later Panos have taken to Christianity. The fight among them on God's resources is on till now when Kandhas feel being squeezed off it.
Elsewhere in Odissa should have similar anti Christian conflict if the malice has infected Odissa is true. This suggests to look into this nasty episode from different view too. Sometimes I feel looking the episode from this angle is of worth too. See, now what is happening in Assam - a Congress run state. Bodos fight back Bangladeshi illegal migrant as they feel their resources are usurped by new settlers. Now for development purposes we encroach upon Tribals domain ruthlessly and make them rootless. This generates a lot anguish.
However, this is not to whitewash the crime made by hooligans. From today's The Hindu I understand a lot of criminals got into it made an havoc - there is rape of Hindu lady too as the DGP Odissa has reported.
Going back to my point - I would say the strain of this uneven development is becoming unbearable for people standing on lower steps till now. First priority is to bring them up to start as we say now frequently Knowledge Society.
Hrushikesha
7th October 2008.
very elaborately on the issue. I as an Odiya feel quite
ashamed of it. The happenings there, are bad certainly.
But the way media projecting it is unfortunate. The news
paper headlines make the issue sensational for creating
unnecessary turmoils.
I went through the article in The Hindu, 30th Sept. Page 13.
The bishop who reported through The Hindu was telling that
a Hindu family had protected (gave shelter) him and the nun. And
he believed (not sure of?) that the nun was raped. But, the Hindu has chosen
to make "Nun raped" head line on its front page 30th Sept.
Hindu Hyderabad edition. It should have a made sub-heading
of the human-feeling the Hindu family shown to the bishop.
The dynamics of media is distressing. Everybody knows what
media did with Arunashri case in couple of months back.
Sometimes a paper like The Hindu chooses to follow the beaten track!
Hrushikesha
Dalit Odiya Christians' Plea
On 2nd October 2008, The Hindu Hyderabad edition has put up a picture of Dalit Odiya Christians standing at UN office gate at Delhi demanding refugee status. At a glance it made me happy to know that Dlaits from Odissa have guts to ask for social justice. They could go up to Delhi for negotiating their demands.
But at the next moment it made worried too. Asked myself. "Did they have gone on their own? Sure, are they not playing somebody's game? Why did they choose UN office instead of Ministry of Home affairs? Are they making a case for more money from abroad? Have they lost trust on the Governments both the State and Union?" All these thoughts are disturbing.
They should have been advised to look for a good solution rather!
Hrushikesha
2nd October 2008.
Wish it's not True
My head is hung in shame today. Unfortunately, the news of rape of a nun has been confirmed today by The Hindu. It has quoted some official's statement. The vice has spread into odissa. Whoever it could be, deserve rare to rare punishment. And anybody in the name of a religion must not be allowed to go away with this heinous crimes.
I was proudly telling let Odissa be poor I don't bother but let there be peace and human dignity. Seems my pride is evaporated.
Odiyas are being incited to fight among each other. Let's all understand this game plan and condemn such actions vociferously.
Hrushikesha
3rd October 2008
Conversion
Conversion does exist. For example from Hindu to Buddhism and vice-versa has been there in past. Even in Christianity among different sects it's a debatable issue. 4th October 2008, The Hindu reports Pope Benedict XVI cautioning Roman Catholic bishops in former Soviet republics against aggressive means of gaining converts, an issue that has complicated attempts to reconcile his church with Orthodox Christians.
Change is natural. And time is the scheduler. You and I are onlookers. Why should we make our present the hell? As the Pope tells reconciliation is the call of the day. Let's hear it and act on!
Hrushikesha
5th October 2008
Deadly Mixture
As it reveals now, there has been a deadly mixture of religions and politics since long. It was on fermentation and was waiting to happen. Alas! why were we sleeping since then? Our social scientists need to be pro-active in warning such thing before it triggers. We need social scientists more and our educationists must open up from myths of only technology-based (biased) developments. Wish, this mix will not be made deadly further.
Hrushikesha
5th October 2008
Ethnic Conflict Not Communal ???
Another school of thought on this issue tells Kandhamal is an example ongoing ethnic conflict between tribals and non-tribals. Here, Kandha (a scheduled tribe community) fights with another community called Pano that is a scheduled caste community. Seems people from this community had migrated from plains to hilly area and there has been fight among them dates back. Later Panos have taken to Christianity. The fight among them on God's resources is on till now when Kandhas feel being squeezed off it.
Elsewhere in Odissa should have similar anti Christian conflict if the malice has infected Odissa is true. This suggests to look into this nasty episode from different view too. Sometimes I feel looking the episode from this angle is of worth too. See, now what is happening in Assam - a Congress run state. Bodos fight back Bangladeshi illegal migrant as they feel their resources are usurped by new settlers. Now for development purposes we encroach upon Tribals domain ruthlessly and make them rootless. This generates a lot anguish.
However, this is not to whitewash the crime made by hooligans. From today's The Hindu I understand a lot of criminals got into it made an havoc - there is rape of Hindu lady too as the DGP Odissa has reported.
Going back to my point - I would say the strain of this uneven development is becoming unbearable for people standing on lower steps till now. First priority is to bring them up to start as we say now frequently Knowledge Society.
Hrushikesha
7th October 2008.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
SIDE-KICK : A Social Operator
Hi All
Have a fun with my SIDE-KICK operator!
I list SIX properties of the operator.
i. Reflexive
X side-kick X.
ii. Non-commutative
X side-kick Y not implies Y side-kick X
iii. Transitivity
X side-kick Y, Y side-kick Z the
X side-kick Z.
iv. Trivially Indifference
X side-kick Y for G and Z side-kick Y for G' then
X indifferent-to Z
v. Profitably Cohesive
X side-kick Y for G and P side-kick Y for G then
X Cohesive Y when X,Y shares G.
Vi. Shamefully Repulsive
X side-kick Y for G and P side-kick Y for G then
X Repulsive Y when X or Y exclusively share G.
Have a fun with my SIDE-KICK operator!
I list SIX properties of the operator.
i. Reflexive
X side-kick X.
ii. Non-commutative
X side-kick Y not implies Y side-kick X
iii. Transitivity
X side-kick Y, Y side-kick Z the
X side-kick Z.
iv. Trivially Indifference
X side-kick Y for G and Z side-kick Y for G' then
X indifferent-to Z
v. Profitably Cohesive
X side-kick Y for G and P side-kick Y for G then
X Cohesive Y when X,Y shares G.
Vi. Shamefully Repulsive
X side-kick Y for G and P side-kick Y for G then
X Repulsive Y when X or Y exclusively share G.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The Last Spring
Stood like a lonely palm tree
Far away from green fields;
Stretching arms up
To touch the moon with a hope.
An angel would come one day
With cosmic fragrance
To open her misty eyes
In this field of despairs and hopes.
In an evening of the last spring
While the moon was glittering
In high blue sky,
Mischievous cold and
Sweet tropical warmth were around,
Felt the touch of a shy and sleek
Who fell on and rouse to the occasion
To latch on till the Sun is in horizon.
The breeze of the spring became exotic,
The moon played hide-and-seek.
She winked from a pregnant pond,
Hives of hopes filled with honey
Fell on the ground.
The bees of passions
Started dancing around.
Shy birds flew off and
Anxiety sat in,
Wild wishes set out and
The glowing worms entered through the skin.
Each stung broke the cement of innocence
While the flowery touch brought
The Ocean of wishes.
That spring though the last one there
Still blooms in the jungle of memories
Intoxicating to collect pebbles more and more
At the Ocean, for the museum of the expectations.
******************************************
Hrushikesha Mohanty
( For the last Spring at IIT Kharagpur
written in '89 and this one is the edited one)
Far away from green fields;
Stretching arms up
To touch the moon with a hope.
An angel would come one day
With cosmic fragrance
To open her misty eyes
In this field of despairs and hopes.
In an evening of the last spring
While the moon was glittering
In high blue sky,
Mischievous cold and
Sweet tropical warmth were around,
Felt the touch of a shy and sleek
Who fell on and rouse to the occasion
To latch on till the Sun is in horizon.
The breeze of the spring became exotic,
The moon played hide-and-seek.
She winked from a pregnant pond,
Hives of hopes filled with honey
Fell on the ground.
The bees of passions
Started dancing around.
Shy birds flew off and
Anxiety sat in,
Wild wishes set out and
The glowing worms entered through the skin.
Each stung broke the cement of innocence
While the flowery touch brought
The Ocean of wishes.
That spring though the last one there
Still blooms in the jungle of memories
Intoxicating to collect pebbles more and more
At the Ocean, for the museum of the expectations.
******************************************
Hrushikesha Mohanty
( For the last Spring at IIT Kharagpur
written in '89 and this one is the edited one)
Monday, August 4, 2008
OBLITERATION
(Now)
I resemble to everyone
But myself
In sea of crowd,
Serpentine queues of malls,
Wilderness of personnel rules
And civil society.
I – a file
Placed on personnel department shelf
With a tagged code
A competitive commodity for super companies
But self gathering dust in a forgotten corner.
I – a robot
Dragged through main gate metal detector
At bewitching tunes of Krishna's flute.
Myth inhabits and psyche pervades
Like gopies of Gokul
Lost myself in vacuum – a undefined state.
Who are you? Identify self.
The man at counter shouts.
With my humility I justify self and
ID card comes to rescue, where 'I' sits
Often being mutilated
For on my face being signed
(by security officer).
Is it me - the self?
I resemble everyone
But My-Self?
Hrushikesha Mohanty
August 2008.
OBLITERATION
(Then)
I resemble to everyone
But myself
In sea of crowd with uniform,
Serpentine queues of company canteen,
Wilderness of personnel rules
And civil society.
I – a file
Placed on personnel department shelf
With a tagged code
A uncompetitive supermarket commodity
Gathering dust in a forbidden corner.
I – a robot
Dragged through main gate
At bewitching tunes of Krishna's flute.
Myth inhabits and psyche pervades
Like gopies of Gokul
Lost myself in vacuum – a undefined state.
Who are you? Identify self.
The man at counter shouts.
With my humility I justify self and
ID card comes to rescue, where 'I' sits
Often being mutilated
For on my face being signed
(by security officer).
Is it me - the self?
I resemble everyone
But My-Self?
Hrushikesha Mohanty
before 1994.
Note
I find nothing much has changed in psyche between the crowd at ECIL gate and the young software engineers speeding to their companies now.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
AT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BRIDGE
Not known who blew off the fire
From her well curved eyes;
Not known why she is here
Where everybody cries.
Day begins with benign face
At the foot-step of the bridge
That connects the dark to light;
Alas, the bridge is full of pain and hate
Still, relentlessly she keeps on fight.
Tramps of footsteps passes by;
Hardly anyone listens the cry.
For her,
Hues of sun rise and silvery night
Are alike; do not make any sense;
the face of sympathy and the unkind face
Are alike; but she is full of grace.
Some are born lucky and some earn luck,
But, some are unlucky (for their no fault)
To shed tears on the rock.
Shall we not bother to come out
Of our cocoon
To share little somebody's
Sorrows and pain?
For life exists at
The other side of the bridge
With right to grow
Laugh and sustain.
Hrushikesha Mohanty
This poem appeared in SCOPE; Vol.16, Issue 2, July 1989
Note: For the blind girl who was sitting at the foot step of the bridge near
ECIL bus stand.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
SCALING
Lark was flying to touch the Everest
Came down on its own weight.
Fell into the lap of mighty Himalayas,
Hey! you guys are not special under the sky.
A Marcos with large purse in Las Vegas
Down one day by uprise of mass.
The purse cut holes, dollars went down,
Hai, Emerald where is my crown?
True, the polar bear no more roars,
True, uncle Sam also preaches.
Afghani and Vietnameese are shouting
Yeh! you guys are no more frightening.
But ....
Tedious and boring to be a common.
To live a life with mercy and pain.
So ...
Fly high till the wings flutter,
Try hard for the best of labour.
Live with a peg and a poem,
Ah! those verses of Omarkhyam.
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Note: This poem I wrote in 1990 and the same appeared in the publication of
Electronics Corporation of India, Hyderabad Officers' Association.
Vol.16, Issue 7, Page 8.
Came down on its own weight.
Fell into the lap of mighty Himalayas,
Hey! you guys are not special under the sky.
A Marcos with large purse in Las Vegas
Down one day by uprise of mass.
The purse cut holes, dollars went down,
Hai, Emerald where is my crown?
True, the polar bear no more roars,
True, uncle Sam also preaches.
Afghani and Vietnameese are shouting
Yeh! you guys are no more frightening.
But ....
Tedious and boring to be a common.
To live a life with mercy and pain.
So ...
Fly high till the wings flutter,
Try hard for the best of labour.
Live with a peg and a poem,
Ah! those verses of Omarkhyam.
$$$$$$$$$$$$
Note: This poem I wrote in 1990 and the same appeared in the publication of
Electronics Corporation of India, Hyderabad Officers' Association.
Vol.16, Issue 7, Page 8.
Friday, May 23, 2008
PROGENY
From seven-palm-tree depth of ocean
Tsunami of desires blew up.
Pushed the cloud away
But
Since than the ocean wails
With bouncing waives
To get back.
Teen eagerness and Alexandrian desire
Monsoon cloud eager to pervade
Floats on and on
For gold and glee.
Stag jumped off to a valley of bounty,
Ampule opened to mesmerize.
Instigated to roll on gold to squelch
And amused to squeal.
Wailing ocean embossed on
The amulet hanging on cloud.
Stag saw, recalled and turned squirrel
To climb up the cloud
Drained out to detergent white
And being towed away.
Cloud: with conflicts but consistent
Ocean: wailing but deep and calm
Hugs on bosoms
Cloud melts to drops in ocean.
***
Hrushikesha Mohanty
19th April 2008
Tsunami of desires blew up.
Pushed the cloud away
But
Since than the ocean wails
With bouncing waives
To get back.
Teen eagerness and Alexandrian desire
Monsoon cloud eager to pervade
Floats on and on
For gold and glee.
Stag jumped off to a valley of bounty,
Ampule opened to mesmerize.
Instigated to roll on gold to squelch
And amused to squeal.
Wailing ocean embossed on
The amulet hanging on cloud.
Stag saw, recalled and turned squirrel
To climb up the cloud
Drained out to detergent white
And being towed away.
Cloud: with conflicts but consistent
Ocean: wailing but deep and calm
Hugs on bosoms
Cloud melts to drops in ocean.
***
Hrushikesha Mohanty
19th April 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
FOR YOU
This is not the only line for you
But I can write it many ways.
When tomorrow is in time's womb
I dream of you being farther away.
This is not only a nightmare for me
But thousands of stings pierce into my spine.
When I see roses in my garden fading away
I'm afraid to hope for you being farther away.
This is not only a grey day for me
Wish, there are not many in stores.
When the shady picture hangs on today's horizon
I dearly wait for you being farther away.
This is not only a silver line for me
Hope, it is followed by shower of solaces.
When I trace your foot-steps in my lawn
I find closure of you being farther away.
*******************************
Hrushikesha Mohanty
But I can write it many ways.
When tomorrow is in time's womb
I dream of you being farther away.
This is not only a nightmare for me
But thousands of stings pierce into my spine.
When I see roses in my garden fading away
I'm afraid to hope for you being farther away.
This is not only a grey day for me
Wish, there are not many in stores.
When the shady picture hangs on today's horizon
I dearly wait for you being farther away.
This is not only a silver line for me
Hope, it is followed by shower of solaces.
When I trace your foot-steps in my lawn
I find closure of you being farther away.
*******************************
Hrushikesha Mohanty
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
GOD's Sojourn
Annual Sojourn
The act of going from one place to another is one of the wishful characteristics of the living beings. For all of us, the compulsive traveling for living though often tiring is to be ritually done. However, the lucky ones do have annual pleasure trips. People with reaches, more from western world go crazy for such pleasure trips often throwing conventions and responsibilities to the wind. Indians used to have annual trips in a unique way and for dignified purpose. It was mostly to links to the roots.
Annual Trips
My grandfather had a small saving from his lost world and used it fro his annual trips to Lord Jagnnath, Puri. The convention runs through our family down the line. Many make annual trips to Tirupati, Sirdi or some sacred places of their choices. Basic idea of such pilgrimage is, as I understand, the self is to melt with pinch of salt and ego is to evaporate while standing is to evaporate while standing in a long serpentine queue or among a large congregation of people, that levels everybody in front of the Lord and evokes ecstasy in reminding the roos.
In social domain, with reference to India, the patterns of annual trips keep changing as the time flows on. In traditional patriarchal family system before a lady (married) used to go for a sojourn with her parents and peers. For such journey there used to be a well defined family rules. Though maintenance of these rules are sometimes painful, still the lady was eagerly looking for the arrival of her brother who would negotiate with in-laws for such an annual trip that would reconnect her to the root and recharge her. Now such tradition is on its way out.
At the outset of atomization of family system, apart of joint family used to stay in town/city he away from the rest of the family usually rooted in rural India. After kids’ annual examinations, the splinter family returned fro a sojourn in the village to spend summer vacation. Grandparents were looking eagerly for the trips of grand children. And the kids used to have a time to rejoice with. More importantly they had opportunities to explore the roots. Now such visits are also on its way out for several reasons: splinter groups have preferred to settle permanently away in cities leading to massive urbanization; second generation being mesmerized by idiot boxes sees rural India dull and grey; being heavily burdened with academic rigour they are forbidden of sweet summer vacation.
Lords’ choices
Gods and Goddesses are even eager to meet earthly people and make annual visits and stay with for a short period. For each God/Goddess a visiting day is marked in panjika the annual schedules. People welcome the visits with fervour, spend time with God narrating the happiness and sorrows they have met in the last year, piously beg for blessings for the coming year and finally bid goodbye with a request for the next visit.
The unique such annual trip fondly known as Ratha yatra the car festival at Puri, is of Mahaprabhu the Lord Jagnnatha. He drives through the bada-danda the great road, along with his elder brother Balabhadra Mahaprabhu and the sister Maa Subhadra to their aunty’s house – the Gundichha temple for a short stay. Amidst the journey people hug and eulogize Him, narrate their hearts and even some chides Him for his indifference to the plight of people. The intimacy among people and the God and above all God’s eagerness to reach out people are the hallmarks of Ratha Yatra. We also observe such annual visits of Ganesh Maharaj, Maa Durga, Maa Laxmi and several others. But the changes that have crept in questions the logic of such observations, and are baffling.
Dilutions
Offlate, the spirituality of such observations is hugely questioned. Leave aside spirituality, the other intended positive aspects like cultural, social, environmental gains are predominantly obfuscated. Humble prayers and heartfelt spirituality have taken back seats at the outrageous celebrations with blaring music, un-mindful consumption of electricity, irresponsible processions and unnecessary social flare ups. It’s a big question who needs all these celebrations or what has encouraged organizers to adopt all these or what has lead people to accept or silently bear with all these. Social scientists have been certainly on their job on these issues. However, some of the bizarre scenes of such sojourns do catch attention of commoners and yield agony only.
Stuck in Demand –Supply Chain
One such scene I came across while traveling in city bus no. 226 from Secunderabad to Lingampally. After crossing Kukatpally the bus caught speed thanks to wide road and comparatively thin traffic. This segment of the route is dotted with a large number of nomads making brisk business of several catchy stuffs. Social issue concern with such nomads is certainly matter of serious study. Here I’ll limit myself to their role with the topic I’m engaged with here now.
These nomads have wonderful business instincts and they gear up to make business to cash on seasonal demands and Ganesh Maharaj’s visit to this city – of … bads and … pallys Technology rather than tradition has become handy to meet the demand of a large number of idols. Pre-cast moulds are used to make idols in plaster-of-parish. Nearly a month before Ganesh Puja, one can find thousands of Ganesh idols in different sizes lined up at the both sides of Kukatpally-Lingampally road. Some of these are sold and left idols are piled up irreligiously at questionable places to the vagaries of weather as well as stray animals. Cost benefit analysis has guided these sellers to abandon the unsold idols. Lord is stuck in the mud of demand-and-supply. Where is sensitivity of the worshippers?
Childhood imagery of making Lord Ganesh in our court-yard with straw, clay and natural colors flashed on. Sculptor reverently carving out fabulous figure of Lord Ganesh and kids surrounding him fondly watching and claying their hands in making their idols – are the scenes of the foregone era.
Through the bus window I again looked at these abandoned idols and hummed the hymn:
Bakratunda Mahakaya Surjyakoti Samprabha
Nirbighna Kurume Deba Sarbakaryeshu Sarbad.
Lord - who can vanquish your agony of year long waiting for possible customer? Shouldn’t you decide to stop your sojourns for such insensitivity?
Hrushikesha Mohanty
April 2008
The act of going from one place to another is one of the wishful characteristics of the living beings. For all of us, the compulsive traveling for living though often tiring is to be ritually done. However, the lucky ones do have annual pleasure trips. People with reaches, more from western world go crazy for such pleasure trips often throwing conventions and responsibilities to the wind. Indians used to have annual trips in a unique way and for dignified purpose. It was mostly to links to the roots.
Annual Trips
My grandfather had a small saving from his lost world and used it fro his annual trips to Lord Jagnnath, Puri. The convention runs through our family down the line. Many make annual trips to Tirupati, Sirdi or some sacred places of their choices. Basic idea of such pilgrimage is, as I understand, the self is to melt with pinch of salt and ego is to evaporate while standing is to evaporate while standing in a long serpentine queue or among a large congregation of people, that levels everybody in front of the Lord and evokes ecstasy in reminding the roos.
In social domain, with reference to India, the patterns of annual trips keep changing as the time flows on. In traditional patriarchal family system before a lady (married) used to go for a sojourn with her parents and peers. For such journey there used to be a well defined family rules. Though maintenance of these rules are sometimes painful, still the lady was eagerly looking for the arrival of her brother who would negotiate with in-laws for such an annual trip that would reconnect her to the root and recharge her. Now such tradition is on its way out.
At the outset of atomization of family system, apart of joint family used to stay in town/city he away from the rest of the family usually rooted in rural India. After kids’ annual examinations, the splinter family returned fro a sojourn in the village to spend summer vacation. Grandparents were looking eagerly for the trips of grand children. And the kids used to have a time to rejoice with. More importantly they had opportunities to explore the roots. Now such visits are also on its way out for several reasons: splinter groups have preferred to settle permanently away in cities leading to massive urbanization; second generation being mesmerized by idiot boxes sees rural India dull and grey; being heavily burdened with academic rigour they are forbidden of sweet summer vacation.
Lords’ choices
Gods and Goddesses are even eager to meet earthly people and make annual visits and stay with for a short period. For each God/Goddess a visiting day is marked in panjika the annual schedules. People welcome the visits with fervour, spend time with God narrating the happiness and sorrows they have met in the last year, piously beg for blessings for the coming year and finally bid goodbye with a request for the next visit.
The unique such annual trip fondly known as Ratha yatra the car festival at Puri, is of Mahaprabhu the Lord Jagnnatha. He drives through the bada-danda the great road, along with his elder brother Balabhadra Mahaprabhu and the sister Maa Subhadra to their aunty’s house – the Gundichha temple for a short stay. Amidst the journey people hug and eulogize Him, narrate their hearts and even some chides Him for his indifference to the plight of people. The intimacy among people and the God and above all God’s eagerness to reach out people are the hallmarks of Ratha Yatra. We also observe such annual visits of Ganesh Maharaj, Maa Durga, Maa Laxmi and several others. But the changes that have crept in questions the logic of such observations, and are baffling.
Dilutions
Offlate, the spirituality of such observations is hugely questioned. Leave aside spirituality, the other intended positive aspects like cultural, social, environmental gains are predominantly obfuscated. Humble prayers and heartfelt spirituality have taken back seats at the outrageous celebrations with blaring music, un-mindful consumption of electricity, irresponsible processions and unnecessary social flare ups. It’s a big question who needs all these celebrations or what has encouraged organizers to adopt all these or what has lead people to accept or silently bear with all these. Social scientists have been certainly on their job on these issues. However, some of the bizarre scenes of such sojourns do catch attention of commoners and yield agony only.
Stuck in Demand –Supply Chain
One such scene I came across while traveling in city bus no. 226 from Secunderabad to Lingampally. After crossing Kukatpally the bus caught speed thanks to wide road and comparatively thin traffic. This segment of the route is dotted with a large number of nomads making brisk business of several catchy stuffs. Social issue concern with such nomads is certainly matter of serious study. Here I’ll limit myself to their role with the topic I’m engaged with here now.
These nomads have wonderful business instincts and they gear up to make business to cash on seasonal demands and Ganesh Maharaj’s visit to this city – of … bads and … pallys Technology rather than tradition has become handy to meet the demand of a large number of idols. Pre-cast moulds are used to make idols in plaster-of-parish. Nearly a month before Ganesh Puja, one can find thousands of Ganesh idols in different sizes lined up at the both sides of Kukatpally-Lingampally road. Some of these are sold and left idols are piled up irreligiously at questionable places to the vagaries of weather as well as stray animals. Cost benefit analysis has guided these sellers to abandon the unsold idols. Lord is stuck in the mud of demand-and-supply. Where is sensitivity of the worshippers?
Childhood imagery of making Lord Ganesh in our court-yard with straw, clay and natural colors flashed on. Sculptor reverently carving out fabulous figure of Lord Ganesh and kids surrounding him fondly watching and claying their hands in making their idols – are the scenes of the foregone era.
Through the bus window I again looked at these abandoned idols and hummed the hymn:
Bakratunda Mahakaya Surjyakoti Samprabha
Nirbighna Kurume Deba Sarbakaryeshu Sarbad.
Lord - who can vanquish your agony of year long waiting for possible customer? Shouldn’t you decide to stop your sojourns for such insensitivity?
Hrushikesha Mohanty
April 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
My Battle
My heart flutters,
An army of foes march upon me.
I grip my sword, hold my breath ... I'm to free my doom.
I lift my head & hold it high for if I must die,
Then I shall with dignity.
I meet my foes strong and mighty
Built of my imaginations and aspirations.
I fend off blows, I hold my ground ...
I try to stand tall & strong
To win and win over them
And to dispel the gloom.
What's this ?
My strength is loosened
My hopes are fading
But my foes march on.
My life stands on the edge of the sword.
But wait !
The demons – I'll turn you away
And let my dreams blossom.
Behold !
I will win the battles
With my pen and books.
*****************************************
Vakul Mohanty
2nd Year,
FIIT JEE Junior College
Hyderabad
19th Mrach 2008
Vakul is my son. He is currently(2008) a 1st year student
at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus.
An army of foes march upon me.
I grip my sword, hold my breath ... I'm to free my doom.
I lift my head & hold it high for if I must die,
Then I shall with dignity.
I meet my foes strong and mighty
Built of my imaginations and aspirations.
I fend off blows, I hold my ground ...
I try to stand tall & strong
To win and win over them
And to dispel the gloom.
What's this ?
My strength is loosened
My hopes are fading
But my foes march on.
My life stands on the edge of the sword.
But wait !
The demons – I'll turn you away
And let my dreams blossom.
Behold !
I will win the battles
With my pen and books.
*****************************************
Vakul Mohanty
2nd Year,
FIIT JEE Junior College
Hyderabad
19th Mrach 2008
Vakul is my son. He is currently(2008) a 1st year student
at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Time
Why does the time pass ?
Why doesn't the time stop?
Why does this time make a person happy ?
And then why does it make a person sad?
Why does the time make the end of a life?
Why does this time doesn't stop when we want?
Why doesn't this time wait for a while?
Why does this time run?
I don't have any answer for all these.
If any has
Please make it for me easy.
Anwesha Mohanty
Viii, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Public School
BHEL Ramchandrapuram
Hyderabad, India.
Note:Anwesha is my daughter.
Why doesn't the time stop?
Why does this time make a person happy ?
And then why does it make a person sad?
Why does the time make the end of a life?
Why does this time doesn't stop when we want?
Why doesn't this time wait for a while?
Why does this time run?
I don't have any answer for all these.
If any has
Please make it for me easy.
Anwesha Mohanty
Viii, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Public School
BHEL Ramchandrapuram
Hyderabad, India.
Note:Anwesha is my daughter.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Ananya Jamaja
Note: An Oriya poem written in English script
Mo saahita
Sedina tu bi janmaneithilu.
Muun thili aloka pate,
Aau tu
Thiaa hoithilu mo chhai andharare
Mote daraibaku
Kandaibaku.
Tela jarajara kari
Moa mathare, galare kalatipa dei
Chhanchuni khande chhindai
Moa seja pakhare rakhi
Baau jetebele
Gadhiaku chaula dhoibaku jauthila
Aau pitagama saga lobhare padi
Pheribaku deri karuthila
Tu pada chipi chipi aasi
Mo seja pakhare basi
To damara damara akhi pataku leutai
Bada bada dantaku nikuti
Mote hantasanta karuthilu.
Kanda suni
Mo saanta daudi asile
Tu chhu maruthilu.
Mo sangare janma hoi
Tora kipari ete bada bada danta hela ?
Se rahasya
Ebe bi muun bhedi parini.
Pacharilaru
Tu danta kadamada kari
Kichhi kahunathilu.
Saanta ta puruna loka
Tanku achhapa jainathila to bheka.
Tote bhagaibaku
Se Satyanarayana brata mo pain kale
Tu tikie hatijai andhara pinda re basuthilu.
Muun pujapare, ratire
Chemini barika, Budhiaa maa o Bainshi pieesha ghare
Bhoga dei pherila belaku
Tu mo bata oogali
Garudu garudu kana sabu kahuthilu.
Muun patikari chilamari assilabelaku
Mo saanta lathan dhariPahanchi jauthile.
Tu tanku dekhi dari
Lasara pasara hoi ubhan hoijauthilu.
Tu ete kana sabu janithilu je
Mote bahe kahi bhulau thilu ?
Kana karithanthu mora se andharare ?
Mo hata goda bhangi pakaithantu na
Mo jibha kati neithantu -
Pacharithili tote
Kintu mo saanta dari
Tu kichhi kahinathilu .
Saanta chaligala ra alpa kichhi dina pare
Bapa kemiti akala re achala hoigale, Oo
Tu tara sujoga nelu
Agare basi
kala pataria mahabala bhagha helu
Haai mari to bada bada muniaan danta gudaku
Ajathare barambara mote ganibaku kahithilu.
Mote daraiba paaeein
Mo hata re kendara dei
Kiri kiri hasiba paaeein.
Moa sanga re janma nei
Tora moa upara
Ete ahaanta kahinki ?
Pachhari thili ketethara tote.
Sabuthara boau deithiba
Kala sutare bandha deunria
Mo gala re jhulu thibara dekhi
Dum dum hoi chalithilu
Puni pheri asibaku
Sujoga undi
Darandi darandi.
Ebe
Muun mo kama re loka gahale thilabele
Tu mote apekshya karithau ghare
Sopha upare,
Ketebele
Saffola o sorisha tela sisi duiti majhire
Dali chhaula daba sandhire ki
Moo puruna maruthi kara ra diki bhitare.
Gharaku pheri nirola re basithila bele
Tu luchithiba jagaru bahari
TV ra parada upare
Asarira rupa sabu nei nachu.
Chhi ! Tu emiti rupa badalei
Sarama hina hoi kahinki nachhu ?
Kemiti nachhu
Langala pada nei
Chhanda hina hoi
Aakhire asuyaa ra surama lagai ?
Kete bele tikie thaka re
Nida lagi asuthila bele
Tu gote udbhata joka hoi
Mo dhamani ku ajathaa gudai rakta pampa kari deu je
Muun ananishwashi hoi uthipade
Tu khaata aarakadare thiaa hoi
Khapara dhari rakta sabu pieebaku maagu.
Ki asambhaba tora se jukti
Dei ouni nebaku dabi karibara,
Phula dei
Luchhai kanta phodibara,
Jibana dei
Mrutyu magibara.
Mrutyu mora
Chhaka panjha ra nahin prayojana
Tu ta satya chirantana.
Barang, saathi de
Kama sari chhalijiba
Hata dhara dhari hoi
Gai gai
A janmar achhanda bhara madhura ragini.
Gapi gapi
A janmara abhual kahani
Soie jiba bahala nida re sei amba gachha tale
Dui samadhi majhi re
Chakhande jamire.
Hrushikesha Mohanty
16th March 2008
Mo saahita
Sedina tu bi janmaneithilu.
Muun thili aloka pate,
Aau tu
Thiaa hoithilu mo chhai andharare
Mote daraibaku
Kandaibaku.
Tela jarajara kari
Moa mathare, galare kalatipa dei
Chhanchuni khande chhindai
Moa seja pakhare rakhi
Baau jetebele
Gadhiaku chaula dhoibaku jauthila
Aau pitagama saga lobhare padi
Pheribaku deri karuthila
Tu pada chipi chipi aasi
Mo seja pakhare basi
To damara damara akhi pataku leutai
Bada bada dantaku nikuti
Mote hantasanta karuthilu.
Kanda suni
Mo saanta daudi asile
Tu chhu maruthilu.
Mo sangare janma hoi
Tora kipari ete bada bada danta hela ?
Se rahasya
Ebe bi muun bhedi parini.
Pacharilaru
Tu danta kadamada kari
Kichhi kahunathilu.
Saanta ta puruna loka
Tanku achhapa jainathila to bheka.
Tote bhagaibaku
Se Satyanarayana brata mo pain kale
Tu tikie hatijai andhara pinda re basuthilu.
Muun pujapare, ratire
Chemini barika, Budhiaa maa o Bainshi pieesha ghare
Bhoga dei pherila belaku
Tu mo bata oogali
Garudu garudu kana sabu kahuthilu.
Muun patikari chilamari assilabelaku
Mo saanta lathan dhariPahanchi jauthile.
Tu tanku dekhi dari
Lasara pasara hoi ubhan hoijauthilu.
Tu ete kana sabu janithilu je
Mote bahe kahi bhulau thilu ?
Kana karithanthu mora se andharare ?
Mo hata goda bhangi pakaithantu na
Mo jibha kati neithantu -
Pacharithili tote
Kintu mo saanta dari
Tu kichhi kahinathilu .
Saanta chaligala ra alpa kichhi dina pare
Bapa kemiti akala re achala hoigale, Oo
Tu tara sujoga nelu
Agare basi
kala pataria mahabala bhagha helu
Haai mari to bada bada muniaan danta gudaku
Ajathare barambara mote ganibaku kahithilu.
Mote daraiba paaeein
Mo hata re kendara dei
Kiri kiri hasiba paaeein.
Moa sanga re janma nei
Tora moa upara
Ete ahaanta kahinki ?
Pachhari thili ketethara tote.
Sabuthara boau deithiba
Kala sutare bandha deunria
Mo gala re jhulu thibara dekhi
Dum dum hoi chalithilu
Puni pheri asibaku
Sujoga undi
Darandi darandi.
Ebe
Muun mo kama re loka gahale thilabele
Tu mote apekshya karithau ghare
Sopha upare,
Ketebele
Saffola o sorisha tela sisi duiti majhire
Dali chhaula daba sandhire ki
Moo puruna maruthi kara ra diki bhitare.
Gharaku pheri nirola re basithila bele
Tu luchithiba jagaru bahari
TV ra parada upare
Asarira rupa sabu nei nachu.
Chhi ! Tu emiti rupa badalei
Sarama hina hoi kahinki nachhu ?
Kemiti nachhu
Langala pada nei
Chhanda hina hoi
Aakhire asuyaa ra surama lagai ?
Kete bele tikie thaka re
Nida lagi asuthila bele
Tu gote udbhata joka hoi
Mo dhamani ku ajathaa gudai rakta pampa kari deu je
Muun ananishwashi hoi uthipade
Tu khaata aarakadare thiaa hoi
Khapara dhari rakta sabu pieebaku maagu.
Ki asambhaba tora se jukti
Dei ouni nebaku dabi karibara,
Phula dei
Luchhai kanta phodibara,
Jibana dei
Mrutyu magibara.
Mrutyu mora
Chhaka panjha ra nahin prayojana
Tu ta satya chirantana.
Barang, saathi de
Kama sari chhalijiba
Hata dhara dhari hoi
Gai gai
A janmar achhanda bhara madhura ragini.
Gapi gapi
A janmara abhual kahani
Soie jiba bahala nida re sei amba gachha tale
Dui samadhi majhi re
Chakhande jamire.
Hrushikesha Mohanty
16th March 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Temples of Higher Learning & Social Responsibility
Contrast
There is a say in Oriya “Pokhari re pani thile aaadi ki sitala”i.e. ponds keep its surroundings cool. But, there could be counter examples too e.g. a slum adjacent to plush colony, crazy things around a temple and a huge illiterate mass around temples of higher learning. I could realize it distinctly while I was at IIT Kharagpur in early part of 80s. Many years have passed but the contrast persists. Now even one can see the same. Look at around Universities/Institutes you find a huge mass of illiterate children in near by slums. Indifference is plenty at all levels. The people blessed to enter these temples are usually cut to look up and up so that people around them don't come in their line of sight. The most blessed one are of-course export items!
Justified?
In a sense these institutes are right in their way – that is concentrating on higher education -as that is the reason for funding. Thus, the purists justify the indifference. They are true in that sense. But is it fulfilling?
The sights: children engaged in construction sites in education campus, little kids passing through university main gate carrying a load of dry twigs on their heads with soiled matted hairs, mothers putting kids on swings tied to tree branches and engaged in laying cables for cellular telephone companies and many such, don't sink hearts of high priests then certainly there is something wrong and the trait is not justified.
Sensibility
Particularly, it is essential to sensitize our young graduates for making them socially responsible . Probably, for the purpose the programmes like NSS and NCC are designed. I'm not sure how much impact these have made on student community- certainly not up to desired level; may be due to the way these programs are being conducted.
However, the process of sensitizing students need not hinge on these two programs only. Teachers as well as other functionaries of a University must explore every possible method for the purpose as, I believe it's vital not only to build future but also to realize the self. In academic activities teachers can try in utmost way to bring the students on the top of the temple and ask them sometime to look down to find the unfortunates around the temple looking at the temple with dazed eyes and wandering around the temple and wandering on wishful prophetic words by our seers: “Sa Vidya ya Muktaya”. Where are these words of Gurudev Tagore – where the knowledge is free ........
Not a difficult task for any of us to find out what can we do within our purview just by stretching our bit towards our surroundings. For example, persuading as well as encouraging students to take up social relevant projects as their study projects. This small step by a University will certainly make big impacts by not only providing solutions to social problems thus making students socially responsible, but also assuring a dream to these dazed eyes and then making higher education socially relevant.
In order to be specific, I'm presenting an example for computer science graduates. None or very few take up projects that are relevant to society. Projects like developing information systems for managing a municipality/panchayat activities, habitats, optimal utilization of natural sources, counsellings and several such projects are not only socially relevant but also academically (both in theory and technology point of view) rigorous. Universities to encourage students for looking up social issues into their curriculum should award them with extra credits and provide necessary interfaces. I'm sure one can find such examples for any other subjects. This kind of excuses will bring the younger generation to their roots and also help them to blossom as entrepreneurs born with social responsibility. A telescopic view on development and management of panchayat information systems by its local youth, shows a tremendous employment opportunity - an egalitarian approach for building digital society.
Sparks
Sporadic examples on institutes' interventions on society are of-course available. I'll quote a few I know. Dr.Kota Harinarayana – the hero of LCA project was once the vice-chancellor of University of Hyderabad. He is an amazing personally with varied interests and enormous zeal. Among many good things he did, literacy programme for slum dwellers and villagers is the best one. Students volunteered and teachers guided to slums and villagers thrice in a week to spread literacy. Another programme called 'Community College' he initiated to train dropouts for employability.
Another example, I'll quote from Orissa. Private engineering colleges are usually run like corporates and general belief is that these are in business. Instead of delving into this debatable issue, I'd like to quote a praiseworthy positive example set by Dr.Achyuta Samant the founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneshwar. Dr.Samant has established an exclusive institute KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Science) for tribal students. It's a unbelievable experience to see five thousand tribal students engaged in excelling themselves. There could be some more like these due to few more Samaritans. But, certainly the number is not enough for a country of more than a billion population. In order to sensitize a large number of people, educational institutes should play a vital role. And the most effective method is to integrate social work into curriculum. That integration will lead towards completeness in life as Isha Upanishad tells:
Aandhang tamah prabishanti yehbidyamupasate
Tato bhuya eeba te tamo ya wu bidyaya nha ratahaaa.
“Into a blind darkness they enter who follow after the ignorance, they as if into a greater darkness who devote themselves to the knowledge alone”.{The Upanishad Part-1, Sri Aurobindo, Page21].
Hrushikesha Mohanty
March 2008
Note
This is my personal opinion only.
There is a say in Oriya “Pokhari re pani thile aaadi ki sitala”i.e. ponds keep its surroundings cool. But, there could be counter examples too e.g. a slum adjacent to plush colony, crazy things around a temple and a huge illiterate mass around temples of higher learning. I could realize it distinctly while I was at IIT Kharagpur in early part of 80s. Many years have passed but the contrast persists. Now even one can see the same. Look at around Universities/Institutes you find a huge mass of illiterate children in near by slums. Indifference is plenty at all levels. The people blessed to enter these temples are usually cut to look up and up so that people around them don't come in their line of sight. The most blessed one are of-course export items!
Justified?
In a sense these institutes are right in their way – that is concentrating on higher education -as that is the reason for funding. Thus, the purists justify the indifference. They are true in that sense. But is it fulfilling?
The sights: children engaged in construction sites in education campus, little kids passing through university main gate carrying a load of dry twigs on their heads with soiled matted hairs, mothers putting kids on swings tied to tree branches and engaged in laying cables for cellular telephone companies and many such, don't sink hearts of high priests then certainly there is something wrong and the trait is not justified.
Sensibility
Particularly, it is essential to sensitize our young graduates for making them socially responsible . Probably, for the purpose the programmes like NSS and NCC are designed. I'm not sure how much impact these have made on student community- certainly not up to desired level; may be due to the way these programs are being conducted.
However, the process of sensitizing students need not hinge on these two programs only. Teachers as well as other functionaries of a University must explore every possible method for the purpose as, I believe it's vital not only to build future but also to realize the self. In academic activities teachers can try in utmost way to bring the students on the top of the temple and ask them sometime to look down to find the unfortunates around the temple looking at the temple with dazed eyes and wandering around the temple and wandering on wishful prophetic words by our seers: “Sa Vidya ya Muktaya”. Where are these words of Gurudev Tagore – where the knowledge is free ........
Not a difficult task for any of us to find out what can we do within our purview just by stretching our bit towards our surroundings. For example, persuading as well as encouraging students to take up social relevant projects as their study projects. This small step by a University will certainly make big impacts by not only providing solutions to social problems thus making students socially responsible, but also assuring a dream to these dazed eyes and then making higher education socially relevant.
In order to be specific, I'm presenting an example for computer science graduates. None or very few take up projects that are relevant to society. Projects like developing information systems for managing a municipality/panchayat activities, habitats, optimal utilization of natural sources, counsellings and several such projects are not only socially relevant but also academically (both in theory and technology point of view) rigorous. Universities to encourage students for looking up social issues into their curriculum should award them with extra credits and provide necessary interfaces. I'm sure one can find such examples for any other subjects. This kind of excuses will bring the younger generation to their roots and also help them to blossom as entrepreneurs born with social responsibility. A telescopic view on development and management of panchayat information systems by its local youth, shows a tremendous employment opportunity - an egalitarian approach for building digital society.
Sparks
Sporadic examples on institutes' interventions on society are of-course available. I'll quote a few I know. Dr.Kota Harinarayana – the hero of LCA project was once the vice-chancellor of University of Hyderabad. He is an amazing personally with varied interests and enormous zeal. Among many good things he did, literacy programme for slum dwellers and villagers is the best one. Students volunteered and teachers guided to slums and villagers thrice in a week to spread literacy. Another programme called 'Community College' he initiated to train dropouts for employability.
Another example, I'll quote from Orissa. Private engineering colleges are usually run like corporates and general belief is that these are in business. Instead of delving into this debatable issue, I'd like to quote a praiseworthy positive example set by Dr.Achyuta Samant the founder of the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneshwar. Dr.Samant has established an exclusive institute KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Science) for tribal students. It's a unbelievable experience to see five thousand tribal students engaged in excelling themselves. There could be some more like these due to few more Samaritans. But, certainly the number is not enough for a country of more than a billion population. In order to sensitize a large number of people, educational institutes should play a vital role. And the most effective method is to integrate social work into curriculum. That integration will lead towards completeness in life as Isha Upanishad tells:
Aandhang tamah prabishanti yehbidyamupasate
Tato bhuya eeba te tamo ya wu bidyaya nha ratahaaa.
“Into a blind darkness they enter who follow after the ignorance, they as if into a greater darkness who devote themselves to the knowledge alone”.{The Upanishad Part-1, Sri Aurobindo, Page21].
Hrushikesha Mohanty
March 2008
Note
This is my personal opinion only.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
After giving F-grade*
Lilly shot down moon
Tortoise whisper spreads
Sun hid all flowers
Morning broke the news.
With your higgledy-piggledy rides
On sierra of whispers, I got my last hiccups.
With drooping eyelids you passed-by
At criss-cross points,
To make me feel you never knew me.
Indifference bolted my coffin
I passed away inside to see you laughing.
Indignant piercing eyes, raised eyebrows
Built cold-fire bridge, swamped suspicious scorpions
Fabricated,animated and eulogized.
To dance in dark ecstatic crates tiptoed.
Catalepsy sieged you within
I'm sliced for offerings at your figurine.
Measuring blessed unending saris for Kauravas
Grading for globe-spread with my non-existing third-leg, I'm asked.
You never understood
With languid milk I'm paralyzed.
Rupturing crippling pythons
Blossom, off languishing lattices.
I wait with my flash gun
To makeweigh your imagination.
I'll wait again at criss-crosses
For your hazel nut smiles.
Seething on grade-arrow-bed
I'm waiting you to tick,
Though time stretches limitless at both ends
But Today you must be quick.
____________________________________________________
This poem does not have any direct/indirect reference to
anybody or institution including my employer.
Tortoise whisper spreads
Sun hid all flowers
Morning broke the news.
With your higgledy-piggledy rides
On sierra of whispers, I got my last hiccups.
With drooping eyelids you passed-by
At criss-cross points,
To make me feel you never knew me.
Indifference bolted my coffin
I passed away inside to see you laughing.
Indignant piercing eyes, raised eyebrows
Built cold-fire bridge, swamped suspicious scorpions
Fabricated,animated and eulogized.
To dance in dark ecstatic crates tiptoed.
Catalepsy sieged you within
I'm sliced for offerings at your figurine.
Measuring blessed unending saris for Kauravas
Grading for globe-spread with my non-existing third-leg, I'm asked.
You never understood
With languid milk I'm paralyzed.
Rupturing crippling pythons
Blossom, off languishing lattices.
I wait with my flash gun
To makeweigh your imagination.
I'll wait again at criss-crosses
For your hazel nut smiles.
Seething on grade-arrow-bed
I'm waiting you to tick,
Though time stretches limitless at both ends
But Today you must be quick.
____________________________________________________
This poem does not have any direct/indirect reference to
anybody or institution including my employer.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Stars Grounded
A Big gate stared at me today
With its protruding long tongue
Guarded by branching out trees.
Awkward at stares and giggles of waiving branch
Found few stars hanging.
1,2,3 ...
Kept counting
They appeared and disappeared.
Disappointing to judge how many were there
for sure.
Whatever could be, true
I found them there.
Hope you can see those
On every possible corners
Even daring out in Mid-May Sun.
Take a pause to count
And if you can pocket those
Like Cricket heroes
To cheer on billboards.
Scramble for stars here on grounds today
You need not look high for
Unlike Dhruva's meditation of yesterday
Bend to knees to take those away.
Stars now graze on ground
Where flowers have disappeared.
Dhruva has shied away at falling stars
Seeing those stuck to everybody collars
Who cares for Dhruva of yesterdays
When today itself is anonymous.
With its protruding long tongue
Guarded by branching out trees.
Awkward at stares and giggles of waiving branch
Found few stars hanging.
1,2,3 ...
Kept counting
They appeared and disappeared.
Disappointing to judge how many were there
for sure.
Whatever could be, true
I found them there.
Hope you can see those
On every possible corners
Even daring out in Mid-May Sun.
Take a pause to count
And if you can pocket those
Like Cricket heroes
To cheer on billboards.
Scramble for stars here on grounds today
You need not look high for
Unlike Dhruva's meditation of yesterday
Bend to knees to take those away.
Stars now graze on ground
Where flowers have disappeared.
Dhruva has shied away at falling stars
Seeing those stuck to everybody collars
Who cares for Dhruva of yesterdays
When today itself is anonymous.
Narendra Prasad Talent Award
Bangalpur, Simulia, Orissa 756 126
Date: 18th Februray 2008
Narendra Prasad Talent Search wishes to encourage talents in our area. This programme in future will be run by a Trust called Narendra Prasad (NP) Foundation. For a quick start from this year, I wish to initiate this talent search scheme by instituting an award of One Thousand Rupees to the school topper in Xth Board Examination. It's also decided to award One Thousand Rupees to the students who have secured the highest marks in Mathematics and Oriya in Maitapur Panchayat.
On publication of Xth Board examination result, the school topper and the students who have scored the highest marks in Mathematics and Oriya (at-least with average 60% marks) may write to me in the following format with recommendations from their respective school Headmasters. The School Headmaster is requested to send these applications to my address at Hyderabad. The applications are required to reach me within 30days of the announcement of Xth board result. On the envelope, please superscribe “Narendra Prasad Talent Award”.
Fill up the application properly and send it to me to the following address to receive the award money in form of bank draft.
My address
Professor Hrushikesha Mohanty
41, Doyens Township
Seri Lingampally
Hyderabad 500 019
email: hmcs_hcu@yahoo.com,
040-23011073 /20134009, 09441279339
Hrushikesha Mohanty
Founder, NP Foundation
The Head Master Request to put it on Notice Board & forward
the applications.
Application
for
Narendra Prasad Talent Award
1.Name of the student.
2.Date of Birth.
3.Parent's name:
4.Village Address:
5.School Name & Address
(Attach a bona fide certificate from the school)
6.Address for Communication:
7.Xth Board Examination Percentage of Marks Obtained:
(Enclose a photocopy of the mark sheet
attested by the School Headmaster)
8.Are you the over all school topper ?
9.Are you the school topper in Mathematics ?
10.Are you the school topper in Oriya ?
11.Telephone Number (if any) with STD code:
Student's Signature
Headmaster's Recommendation & Parent's Signature
Signature
Date: 18th Februray 2008
Narendra Prasad Talent Search wishes to encourage talents in our area. This programme in future will be run by a Trust called Narendra Prasad (NP) Foundation. For a quick start from this year, I wish to initiate this talent search scheme by instituting an award of One Thousand Rupees to the school topper in Xth Board Examination. It's also decided to award One Thousand Rupees to the students who have secured the highest marks in Mathematics and Oriya in Maitapur Panchayat.
On publication of Xth Board examination result, the school topper and the students who have scored the highest marks in Mathematics and Oriya (at-least with average 60% marks) may write to me in the following format with recommendations from their respective school Headmasters. The School Headmaster is requested to send these applications to my address at Hyderabad. The applications are required to reach me within 30days of the announcement of Xth board result. On the envelope, please superscribe “Narendra Prasad Talent Award”.
Fill up the application properly and send it to me to the following address to receive the award money in form of bank draft.
My address
Professor Hrushikesha Mohanty
41, Doyens Township
Seri Lingampally
Hyderabad 500 019
email: hmcs_hcu@yahoo.com,
040-23011073 /20134009, 09441279339
Hrushikesha Mohanty
Founder, NP Foundation
The Head Master Request to put it on Notice Board & forward
the applications.
Application
for
Narendra Prasad Talent Award
1.Name of the student.
2.Date of Birth.
3.Parent's name:
4.Village Address:
5.School Name & Address
(Attach a bona fide certificate from the school)
6.Address for Communication:
7.Xth Board Examination Percentage of Marks Obtained:
(Enclose a photocopy of the mark sheet
attested by the School Headmaster)
8.Are you the over all school topper ?
9.Are you the school topper in Mathematics ?
10.Are you the school topper in Oriya ?
11.Telephone Number (if any) with STD code:
Student's Signature
Headmaster's Recommendation & Parent's Signature
Signature
Monday, February 18, 2008
Whimper to Glee
Pristine white cloud floating in open sky
Hanging bats latched on
Spreading dark skinny wings
Paint slur on the cloud
To breed on and on.
Whiskers bristle, timid eyes turned red
The bats dived; sucked
To feed all for plump
To jeer at pygmies far on the ground.
Buckets of energy washing huge billboards
Encircling swarms stuck;
Fluttered wings fell silent.
Cloud set on a tree top to whimper.
Whinchats descended
Pygmies climbed up the cloud
To stop its whinning.
Found the cloud dancing on my lawn
With grasshoppers.
Butterflies wet the wings with glee
Slurs fell off the cloud to get back its shine.
**************
Hrushikesha Mohanty
19th Feb. 2008
Hanging bats latched on
Spreading dark skinny wings
Paint slur on the cloud
To breed on and on.
Whiskers bristle, timid eyes turned red
The bats dived; sucked
To feed all for plump
To jeer at pygmies far on the ground.
Buckets of energy washing huge billboards
Encircling swarms stuck;
Fluttered wings fell silent.
Cloud set on a tree top to whimper.
Whinchats descended
Pygmies climbed up the cloud
To stop its whinning.
Found the cloud dancing on my lawn
With grasshoppers.
Butterflies wet the wings with glee
Slurs fell off the cloud to get back its shine.
**************
Hrushikesha Mohanty
19th Feb. 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
LEAVE ME AWAY
The Dreams of childhood never realized
The cheers of teen age faded away.
My colourful days remained cold
The smiles on lips turned grey.
The smile you gave was so deceiving
I don't know what made me running.
The dearest of my life I paid on the way
But, what I found; Oh! Ph.D leave me away!
Hrushikesha Mohanty
(Written at a distressed moment during my ph.d career
at IIT Kharagpur during a day in '89. This should not
be dissappointing note. Later in my life I enjoyed re-search!)
The cheers of teen age faded away.
My colourful days remained cold
The smiles on lips turned grey.
The smile you gave was so deceiving
I don't know what made me running.
The dearest of my life I paid on the way
But, what I found; Oh! Ph.D leave me away!
Hrushikesha Mohanty
(Written at a distressed moment during my ph.d career
at IIT Kharagpur during a day in '89. This should not
be dissappointing note. Later in my life I enjoyed re-search!)
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Who will Grow for My Pudding
Sundays on Couch
Typically a Sunday is made lazy, by middle class urbanites, particularly those who are yet to catch up a morning walk or yoga session with a hope to make fit of ever complaining bodies otherwise camouflaged with branded garments for evergreen looks. Lazy talks sourced from the sensual media is a ready-made fodder to pull on for long hours on living room couches. For issues ranging from national to international interests there are solutions or at-least suggestions from Bishu babu.
Bishu babu Style
Bishu babu is the first generation rural migrants who could be taken as successful in contemporary society for his employment tag that hangs around his neck taming him for fat salary while I and may like me have pocketed such tags in traditionally government fed torn purses, Of course, Bishu cracks himself with melancholy codes to jack up old timer creaky systems located elsewhere in Globe. But, Bishu is different – sometimes he asks to self a question, “who am I?” atleast as a Jackie Chan. For listening to his answers I'm usually invited. In a Sunday morning on a soft invitation on my cell I dropped at his place, warmed up with a tea for a lesson on migrants from Bangalpur. I picked up to make the session more involving with the following narration.
Instigating Bishu
In last December, I and Ratanda were chatting in restaurant at Bangalore in prospect of a good food for dinner. With my experience at Hyderabad I bated for Bangalpur migrant there. To my good luck, we spotted a smart boy with a diploma in hotel management. He was with all required etiquette for the evening in a plush hotel. He was better placed than unskilled migrants but certainly not paid enough for his work, I could get it hesitant grumblings. Anyway, he was eager to offer a compliment dinner which we politely denied with thanks. I encouraged him to start a Dhaba-chain along Puri-Balasore national highway and reminded him to invite us for the inaugural dinner. Casted a doubtful smile, and went away discharging all newly acquired modern etiquette – an interesting difference.
By this time Bishu was impatient, his words have started dancing on his lips and alike many desis to other speaking, Bishu raised his voice and tried to catch my hands – indicating that was enough. This is Bishu's intimate style of communication – a stranger (non desis) may find it intimidating. I felt wining ensuring a next round of tea.
Now Bishu got the token to talk and went on saying this
Surge Aheads & GL Seekers
Narrates Bishu, “ Do you know ? Currently there are two types of migrants from Bangalpur to Bangalore (could be Hyderabad, Delhi and Chennai). One is Surge Ahead type- members usually featured with B.Tech/MCA degrees flock to these cities (instead of Varanasi) to realize “I”; start with signing up at SAP/Mainframe etc. training shops. They are assuring, confident and aggressively forward looking.” Bishu summed up “ It's a pan-Indian phenomenon”. I don't know why did he stop with India. He could extended the scope of the statement to SARC countries / Third World Countries. There are times, Bishu misses the points.
Bishu, furher added to his analysis on second category of migrants from Bangalpur. They are mostly unskilled aging 12 onwards. Some of them could be fortunate to finish 10th class. They flock together, maintain social network (thanks to cell phone revolution in India) mostly for horizontal movements from one city to another seeking opportunities. They are underpaid evenafter topiling for streched hours as seurity guards/sales persons/waiters/plumbers etc. Off the workplaces, in a dingy rooms they dumped themselves in a way to make air and light even ashamed to peep in. Impoverished area and unethical associations take heavy tolls on their health – cold hand of end stretches forward to pluck out.
“Agree” I acknowledged to Bishu's narration just to be assured of the second of tea.
Honey's not for You
Aparajeeta entered into living room and cups of teas were there with enough of namkeens to pull safely for usual late Sunday lunch. She is determined as usual for a checkmate to Bishu's verbose. Sometimes I wonder whether the couple has this strategy to make the talks animated. She added,”Do you know why the people leave Bangalpur?”. “Yes, I know – to make their livelihood.” added Bishu. She, ofcourse, didn't take it – as usual. “Yeah, that's one of the reasons. But many of them come for adventures, allured by media visuals on upcoming cities and then get trapped. Looking back for them becomes a prestige issue. Living on village resources is insufficient and for some uninspiring. “
Bishu traditionally sees things magnified as an traditional guy takes up 'malika' to forecast doomsday due to a thud of a huge asteroid on 13th June “amabasya” night. He got charged and told almost blaming Bangalpur migrants, “If everybody leaves countryside, who will grow food for us:”. Seems, a few have right for good life (GL) like Bishu, Aparajeeta and me in city. Though I'm not sure of LG for GL
Missing Points
Now, Aparajeeta reminded of the grim warning of the minister of agriculture on ensuing food shortage in India. And she didn't forget to acknowledge the sincerity o ftheminister for the statement in the midst of his busy schedule with cricket. I agreed to her. I found siding to Aparajeeta is beneficial to instigate Bishu and at the same time to ensure good snacks with teas.
It was getting late. While leaving I heard Bishu murmuring of some names like Swaminathan and Sainath. I know like me Bishu usually late to recollect right facts at the right time being little emotional.
Legends:
1.Bishu babu: 'babu' is a suffix used in Oriya as 'Mr.' in English. 'Babu' also has quite expanding meaning in Oriya.
2.Biswajeet (the conquerer of world) used as a neme here is shortened to 'Bishu'
3.Bangalpur – a typical Indian village in eastern India.
Typically a Sunday is made lazy, by middle class urbanites, particularly those who are yet to catch up a morning walk or yoga session with a hope to make fit of ever complaining bodies otherwise camouflaged with branded garments for evergreen looks. Lazy talks sourced from the sensual media is a ready-made fodder to pull on for long hours on living room couches. For issues ranging from national to international interests there are solutions or at-least suggestions from Bishu babu.
Bishu babu Style
Bishu babu is the first generation rural migrants who could be taken as successful in contemporary society for his employment tag that hangs around his neck taming him for fat salary while I and may like me have pocketed such tags in traditionally government fed torn purses, Of course, Bishu cracks himself with melancholy codes to jack up old timer creaky systems located elsewhere in Globe. But, Bishu is different – sometimes he asks to self a question, “who am I?” atleast as a Jackie Chan. For listening to his answers I'm usually invited. In a Sunday morning on a soft invitation on my cell I dropped at his place, warmed up with a tea for a lesson on migrants from Bangalpur. I picked up to make the session more involving with the following narration.
Instigating Bishu
In last December, I and Ratanda were chatting in restaurant at Bangalore in prospect of a good food for dinner. With my experience at Hyderabad I bated for Bangalpur migrant there. To my good luck, we spotted a smart boy with a diploma in hotel management. He was with all required etiquette for the evening in a plush hotel. He was better placed than unskilled migrants but certainly not paid enough for his work, I could get it hesitant grumblings. Anyway, he was eager to offer a compliment dinner which we politely denied with thanks. I encouraged him to start a Dhaba-chain along Puri-Balasore national highway and reminded him to invite us for the inaugural dinner. Casted a doubtful smile, and went away discharging all newly acquired modern etiquette – an interesting difference.
By this time Bishu was impatient, his words have started dancing on his lips and alike many desis to other speaking, Bishu raised his voice and tried to catch my hands – indicating that was enough. This is Bishu's intimate style of communication – a stranger (non desis) may find it intimidating. I felt wining ensuring a next round of tea.
Now Bishu got the token to talk and went on saying this
Surge Aheads & GL Seekers
Narrates Bishu, “ Do you know ? Currently there are two types of migrants from Bangalpur to Bangalore (could be Hyderabad, Delhi and Chennai). One is Surge Ahead type- members usually featured with B.Tech/MCA degrees flock to these cities (instead of Varanasi) to realize “I”; start with signing up at SAP/Mainframe etc. training shops. They are assuring, confident and aggressively forward looking.” Bishu summed up “ It's a pan-Indian phenomenon”. I don't know why did he stop with India. He could extended the scope of the statement to SARC countries / Third World Countries. There are times, Bishu misses the points.
Bishu, furher added to his analysis on second category of migrants from Bangalpur. They are mostly unskilled aging 12 onwards. Some of them could be fortunate to finish 10th class. They flock together, maintain social network (thanks to cell phone revolution in India) mostly for horizontal movements from one city to another seeking opportunities. They are underpaid evenafter topiling for streched hours as seurity guards/sales persons/waiters/plumbers etc. Off the workplaces, in a dingy rooms they dumped themselves in a way to make air and light even ashamed to peep in. Impoverished area and unethical associations take heavy tolls on their health – cold hand of end stretches forward to pluck out.
“Agree” I acknowledged to Bishu's narration just to be assured of the second of tea.
Honey's not for You
Aparajeeta entered into living room and cups of teas were there with enough of namkeens to pull safely for usual late Sunday lunch. She is determined as usual for a checkmate to Bishu's verbose. Sometimes I wonder whether the couple has this strategy to make the talks animated. She added,”Do you know why the people leave Bangalpur?”. “Yes, I know – to make their livelihood.” added Bishu. She, ofcourse, didn't take it – as usual. “Yeah, that's one of the reasons. But many of them come for adventures, allured by media visuals on upcoming cities and then get trapped. Looking back for them becomes a prestige issue. Living on village resources is insufficient and for some uninspiring. “
Bishu traditionally sees things magnified as an traditional guy takes up 'malika' to forecast doomsday due to a thud of a huge asteroid on 13th June “amabasya” night. He got charged and told almost blaming Bangalpur migrants, “If everybody leaves countryside, who will grow food for us:”. Seems, a few have right for good life (GL) like Bishu, Aparajeeta and me in city. Though I'm not sure of LG for GL
Missing Points
Now, Aparajeeta reminded of the grim warning of the minister of agriculture on ensuing food shortage in India. And she didn't forget to acknowledge the sincerity o ftheminister for the statement in the midst of his busy schedule with cricket. I agreed to her. I found siding to Aparajeeta is beneficial to instigate Bishu and at the same time to ensure good snacks with teas.
It was getting late. While leaving I heard Bishu murmuring of some names like Swaminathan and Sainath. I know like me Bishu usually late to recollect right facts at the right time being little emotional.
Legends:
1.Bishu babu: 'babu' is a suffix used in Oriya as 'Mr.' in English. 'Babu' also has quite expanding meaning in Oriya.
2.Biswajeet (the conquerer of world) used as a neme here is shortened to 'Bishu'
3.Bangalpur – a typical Indian village in eastern India.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
DOESN'T HE LIKE ME?
Doesn't he like me ?
Why he never said me Hello ?
Why did he always ask about my brother
Even I was in-front front of him?
Why didn't he ever asked of me?
He didn't do so
Because he never liked me?
But why? But why?
But why he didn't like me?
What did I do to him?
Did he not like me
Just because I was a girl?
Anwesha Mohanty
VIII, Bhratiya Vidya Bhavan Public School
BHEL, Ramchandrapuram
Hyderabad
(On being asked by her maternal grand father)
Why he never said me Hello ?
Why did he always ask about my brother
Even I was in-front front of him?
Why didn't he ever asked of me?
He didn't do so
Because he never liked me?
But why? But why?
But why he didn't like me?
What did I do to him?
Did he not like me
Just because I was a girl?
Anwesha Mohanty
VIII, Bhratiya Vidya Bhavan Public School
BHEL, Ramchandrapuram
Hyderabad
(On being asked by her maternal grand father)
The People who Know Me Don't Know Me
The People who Know Me
Don't Know Me
People say I'm not emotional
People say I have no feelings
People say I don't care for others.
People see these things and play with me.
People see me from outside
And assume I'm a happy girl.
But
No one has peeped into me
I'm a doll with unhappiness.
I'm the box which can't open
Even if you try to open.
I'm the door which is locked
And can't be open.
That's why I say
The people who knows me
Don't know me.
Anwesha Mohanty
VIII Standard
7th Feb. 2008
Don't Know Me
People say I'm not emotional
People say I have no feelings
People say I don't care for others.
People see these things and play with me.
People see me from outside
And assume I'm a happy girl.
But
No one has peeped into me
I'm a doll with unhappiness.
I'm the box which can't open
Even if you try to open.
I'm the door which is locked
And can't be open.
That's why I say
The people who knows me
Don't know me.
Anwesha Mohanty
VIII Standard
7th Feb. 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Saa'nt (GrandDad)
Hrushikesha Mohanty
Saa'nt - the image of past
Sometimes creeps in
To tease
While I'm on wheels to catch up a schedule.
- the image sneaks in and teases again
When the day has squeezed me
And my limbs are numb.
The day taught me" - I put forth
As ever reluctant kid of the past
for his all pastering and cozings.
The image fades away
At the mound sheltering him.
Alas!
I'm denied to dream.
*****
Saa'nt - the image of past
Sometimes creeps in
To tease
While I'm on wheels to catch up a schedule.
Hey! Child -
Skipped breakfast again ?
- the image speaks.
Wait Saa'nt,
I have a lecture at 8.30am
- Leave me to run.
Run, Run, Run - why ?
- the image sneaks in and teases again
When the day has squeezed me
And my limbs are numb.
Saa'nt, what should I do ?
- this's the game of life
The day taught me" - I put forth
As ever reluctant kid of the past
for his all pastering and cozings.
Look at the mango trees
You looped and swung.
Remember the festives
Made you crazy.
Take a break, I'll tell you
Some more stories of Life
The image fades away
At the mound sheltering him.
Alas!
I'm denied to dream.
*****
Education in My Village
Education in My Village
Hrushikesha Mohanty
Bangalpur, Orissa 756126, India
26th January 26, 2008
Thirst for knowledge has always been with us as the history of our ancient civilization records. There have been individual excellences of high caliber and their contributions glitter in knowledge reserve of human kind. But, these islands of fertile knowledge have not put our country at the highest pedestal of learning. Leave aside knowledge, even elementary education has not reached to the vast majority of our people. A visit to my ancestral village makes me humble, my pride takes a beating. When I take my guests from abroad around our heritage sites particularly in my home state Orissa I keep telling like any other Indians of the golden heritage we have. Visitors sensing host’s eager and anxiety of-course, kindly acknowledge and sometimes come out with high praises. But, all these melt down when they sharply ask an explanation on current precarious state of affairs of our country. Some of them come forward to alleviate my helplessness adding that India by this time should have been in a position to provide primary education to all of its children particularly when it’s boasting of its space and nuclear programmes as well as supremacy in information technology sector.
Revolution
It’s not true that nothing has been done for primary education. A lot of water has flown under the bridge of primary education; the government plans and programmes are always there. All these have made some impacts but not enough for such a large population. What could be missing? People participation? Yes, I think so. The programmes fail or don’t make a dent due to lack enthusiasm of public. Public don’t see self in it. They don’t realize their roles in it. It’s unfortunate but true that many in public have distrust on government programmes. They think all these are for somebody to grease their pockets. The government machinery is not well equipped to carry out all these programmes. The same officer in ex-officio position heads several activities. And finally an officer resorts to meticulous file maintenance to prove his/her efficiency. Several social scientists and government thinkers have researched on to find causes of such failures. However, as a layman I feel a social problem of such dimension requires a social revolution.
Retailing
The absence of such revolution creates a space for smart public institutes that has already trenched in urban areas. Government apathy to primary education has made government schools an anathema. At-least, in urban area an admission to government school is generally meant as a passage to unsuccessful career. Parents take pride in putting their kids in glittering public schools which are not necessarily a panacea for quality education. In rural areas school education is at its nadir. The school where I had my schooling once was one of the best schools in the district and many among its alumni are better placed. But, the same school is now at its worst with very few teachers, cramped sitting space and poor board results. Private education enterprises will sooner or later fill this void by setting up chain of schools. I don’t want to undermine this private effort on retailing of education at several outlets. I should not be misunderstood on doubting efficacy of this effort in terms of its social impacts just weighing purchase power of consumers (parents) from these outlets.
Philanthropy
Not long before, in between 1970-80 there were a kind of renaissance among villagers and they got together to build schools and colleges in their locality. Everybody, poor or reach contributed in the form land, money, a stack of straw or his/her manual labour. I myself in my schooling days carried bamboos and straw stacks with my school mates from villages. Villagers used to seat together at the village common place to discuss on welfare of the school. There used to be boarding and lodging facilities for outstation teachers. And these teachers used to take care of students both day scholars as well as hostellers. This living with teachers and friends was beneficial in personality development, for imparting both formal as well as non-formal education. We used to grow our vegetable gardens, seasonal flower plants. There was a thrill to see your plants blooming and bearing fruits. Now, at this stage of my life I realize the usefulness of those activities though that time sometimes some of us used to grumble due to laziness. Particularly, its importance is now getting magnified when I see my kids’ sedentary life style and their tryst with text books. Of-course, for every kid his/her school has some specialty. But, ours is certainly different. Every brick and plant of the school talks to us when we pass by it even now. Every visit to the native place brings a nostalgic memory of the school days. The days were made beautiful by collective endeavors of people of the locality; they made their own schools; own them and saw it growing. But, alas the people of the same locality now show a peculiar indifference. These are no more their schools. These are either government aided or fully own by the government. Obviously, there has to be babus as well as netas for governing these schools. The result is disastrous.
Education in rural areas is a forgone conclusion; atleast in Orissa as I see now. Serious parents want to put their kids in urban schools. Of-course, many of them have left villages for livelihood. Economic boom of India as well as sustained disregard to agriculture have made Indian villages ghost hunting ground. I only see shadows of yester years when I visit my village in recent days. This is an issue of importance too. We will have it in another posting.
Livelihood
Something has gone wrong. There are many reasons and many commissions/committees have studied on it. And many of us can start enumerating these from our common sense. One issue I should mention which I feel quite urging - the relevance of education is somewhat got blurred. The bonhomie people have on education as I mentioned earlier just evaporated when they saw many of these kids in 1990-2000 were hanging around unemployed. Instead of supporting old parents the educated mass became a social burden. The direct mapping as society till now defines is education-white collar jobs. This notion somewhat killed the drive for education particularly in rural areas where educated kids found them unfit for earning livelihood. Love for education is idealistic obviously when there is fire in stomach. Bringing many to the fold of education will be comparatively easy as well as fast when a kid learns art of living in primary and then techniques to earn livelihood in secondary education itself. Particularly, it’s true for poor parents who can’t wait for long to get support from their kids.
Boot-strapping
I probably alike many of you wonder what can I do? Bringing back glory of education in rural areas requires bootstrapping. Every individual (particularly the first generation deserter like me) needs to look back and see what you can do to hear again the chants of “BarnaBodha” and “Panikia” at the village school and to see the kids giggle around that old banyan tree.
Note: The views are my personal only. It has nothing to do with my employer.
Currently located at Hyderabad, India.
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