Dull Being Away

Before Durga Puja, BaAu (mother) made a call to me and asked, 'When are you coming home?' She knew what could be my answer. Hyderabad does not celebrate Durga Puja as done in Odisa. It's vacation here only on Dasara day. Every year, I can not go on leave to celebrate Durga Puja or Raja Sankranti at native place. I can not celebrate those festivals in Hyderabad with the same gaiety being away of native place. Life is dull and dry being away. And there is of-course, the change modernity has brought to life.

Agriculture had a special impact on our culture. Soon after the thunders of rainy season, autumn comes with clear blue sky adorned with white patch of floating clouds, the ripples of hopes on green paddy fields, cold wind drenched with scents of wild jasmines accompanied by laughter of Kasatandi. How beautiful is the nature! Ecstatic farmer with all hopes and benevolence prays to mAa Durga to descend!

This is the culture laid since ages, people observed with gaiety and spirituality. There have been many political and religious thoughts at different times. But, the relation between people and nature has remained intact. See, how this relation has remained intact in West Bengal and Kerala though people of these two states have been inspired by Communism. But, they celebrate Durga Puja and Onam with undiminished enthusiasm. Likewise, why should the change in our profession will change the 'Parban - the celebration of Parban - Durga Puja?' Parban is so much associated with the Nature. How can this change in profession will snap our ties with Nature! Being away of Nature, we will not get its beauty surfing on channels of that idiot box in living rooms.

Let's take care of the Nature, laugh with Kasatandi and celebrate Parban. How am I celebrating? I have written poems for Odia megazines Puja special issues. And will hop Puja pendals of Hyderabad Odia and Bengali communities. Ofcourse, Puja in Odisa will be always in my mind. You being in Odisa, are lucky to celebrate Puja with dears and nears. Enjoy Puja with a lot of gaiety. With best wishes on Durga Puja.

Note:

Kasatandi is a kind of long hairy broom like white flower with long stuck generally found grown on a kind of grass in Autumn particularly on the banks of rivers.

Certainly, the spirit of my Odia article is not in this English translation. Atleast I'm not satisfied with.

Bahare Jibanata Nukhula

Dear All

This is my interview to Surjyaprabha Odia Daily Newspaper
for its Durga Puja special 'Parvana'.

I'll put its English version soon, sure.

Sorry for now to my non-odia blog readers.

regards
Hrushikesha

Tume Phriba He Dine

Dear All

This poem is published in Surjyaprabha dated 13th September '09. The poem deals with pathos of native place that is being deserted consistently. The mother village talks of affection, she had for everybody. Wonders, what wrong she did so that kids once left don't feel for returning and remembering making different pleas (I'm too busy for a visit). But, she has not left the hope of their returns!

Hope later I can translate to English.
Here is the poem in Odia ....

Odia Essay Competition

NARENDRA PRASAD FOUNDATION

Odia Essay Competition
on

“Natural Resource and Self Employment : A Simulia Perspective”

Narendra Prasad Foundation intends to organize annual Odia essay competition for students studying in High Schools located in Simulia block. The objective of this competition is to inspire students for creative thinking and writing in mother tongue. From each school, being recommended by the corresponding Head Master, three students of Ninth/Tenth class can participate in this competition. All the essays will be judged by three experts and the First, the Second and the Third essays based on merits will be selected for award of Rs.3000/-, Rs.2000/- and Rs.1000/- respectively. The selection by the Jury is final.

Eligibility: Regular students of any recognised school located in Simulia,
Balasore, Odisha.

Manuscript: Should be hand written in on one side of A4 paper. The length of the essay should not be more than 20 pages.

Important Dates:

Last date for receiving essay : 31st December 2009.
Declaration of Award Winners: 30th April 2010
Presentation of Awards : 14th June 2010

Jury:

Sri Bankimchandra Moharana, Ex-Headmaster Bari High School, Simulia, Odisha
Professor Ramesh Chandra Pradhan, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, AndhraPradesh
Sri Navin Das, Managing Editor, Surjyaprabha, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha

Please send essay in Speed post/Regd Post to:

Professor Hrushikesha Mohanty
Department of Computer & Information Sciences
University of Hyderabad
Gachhibowli
Hyderabad 500 046.
Cell: 09177849360