DURGA PUJA - WITH THE MESSAGE OF "THE WORLD IS ONE FAMILY"

Durga Puja is all about family gathering and family value. The entrance of Maa Durga with her family members her husband Shiva, two daughters Laxmi and Saraswati and both her efficient and talented sons Kartik and Ganesha with the Chandi Pat on Mahalaya,Maa Durga enters the world, come down to us. This is what Bengali’s feels with the Durga Puja,the occasion is the greatest of all festivals in Bengal, Every member of the family comes to their native place to celebrate the Puja,that’s the sprit of Durga Puja,that it is celebrated with all family members together.
I came to know about a Durga Puja in Kolkata which has been celebrated for 15 days fullfledgedly including Saptami, Aasthami and Navami…and the 12 days before Puja is celebrated in same spirit with that of main 3 days…I made my way to the house popularly known as “Das Bari” in the locality.The guardian of the family Shri Pradip Kumar Das, a businessman guided me with all details of the Puja and I started writing all the information in my reporters dairy…Das family for the first time has organized this Durga Puja,but they didn’t wanted it to be just an ordinary Puja,they made all necessary arrangements for the Puja themselves and started preparing for this Maha Puja for last 2 years, Son of the family Prosenjit was sent to Banaras to learn Puja paddhati for one and half years after completing his education, daughter Moumita Das, by profession a doctor also visited all the spiritual places in India to collect needed items for the Puja,every single member of this family has made individual contribution in someway or other. An Ideal puja in my view which Durga Puja itself symbolizes collectiveness and togetherness.
After shooting the whole story I interviewed almost all the members of family they were so kind enough that after Puja all the family members younger and elders with sweets come to us to bid us adieu, it was really a great experience for me, the dearness and togetherness they had showed us,I was really touched with their kindness.
The country today is in need of this spirit of togetherness and collectiveness not only our country but the whole world should go with this principles as national ideal. Each and every blast in the recent past has been targeted just to break this unity and bondage among the people, and this is what we shouldn’t compromise with.
The whole world should became the Das family.With this Durga Puja, we should make a promise to ourselves that whatever is done to diversified us we cannot compromise with our unity, we will keep this unity and bond of love intact till the last, this has been the spiritual and national ideal of our country from the time immemorial and we being its citizen has the responsibility to maintain this ideal of Love & brotherhood.

Joydeep Dasgupta / 26th September 2008 / Kolkata

Within Five Minutes, Series of Bombs Going To Rock Your City!!!

Militants had targeted Bangalore in the south, Ahmedabad in the west, Delhi in the north and now the target is east and the biggest city in the east is Kolkata and for this only anything which seems strange became the matter of panic in and out of Kolkata city, I had just back to my office after doing a soft story from Kumartuli on the eve of coming Durga Puja,when I get to know that a high intensity bomb has been found in the busiest railway station of Eastern India…Howrah…I alerted my cameraman that within 5 minutes the game of serial blast will begin as in earlier blasts pronounced by so called “Indian Mujahideen”…We made a rush and when I found that all Journalist whether be print or electronic are rushing towards Howrah Station…my colleagues alerted the O.B Van to follow me for Live Coverage of the event…We within 15minutes reached the Howrah Station…I made a rush towards platform number 21 where the bomb was found…I soon found a large mob and police are trying to identify the object…Journalist camein rushing and are in their respective mobile phones always active giving and seeking information…everyone in the spot was panic and both the platforms 21 and 22 where made vacant so to prevent any dealiest incidents…to my horror I felt whether there is any bomb in the two box covered with red cover,if there is bomb then this is the right time for it to explode and harm maximum people for which it has been planted…after a bit of enquiry I found that the though both the boxes contains explosives but they are not planted but where misplaced by Indian Army,it has been booked with Indian Railway…and the train Bhadrak Passenger Train from Bhuvneshwar in Orissa had carried this boxes via Balasore to Howrah Station…although the boxes where meant to be downloaded at Balasore Station but nobody came forward for it and it made its way to Kolkata’s Howrah Station, where during evening check up sniffer dogs alerted RPF personnel of this explosives…my Delhi office told me to give phono on this information and from my side I clarified what all this bomb was all about. My cameraman took some visuals and some byte and we made our way to office… The whole incident made me feel that how insecure people has became this days…Is our life has became so worthless today that even box of explosives made us feel insecure and may we fall prey to terrorist organizations. If there were any time bomb planted by Indian Mujahideen then why don’t it exploded in time and why this fear of death has made us insecure to live in this beautiful world…Why this beautiful creation of nature has been targeted from its birth…Why some people do not believe in peace and peaceful life…Why for the selfish interest of few people large section of the society suffer…All this questions are needed to be answered…We had to asked ourselves repeatedly such questions…We are the beautiful creation of nature and we are also responsible to maintain the beautiful nature of the world.

Joydeep Dasgupta / Kolkata / 23 September 2008

WORLD OF BEAUTIFUL PEOPLES !!!

It has been a rare occasion for me to enter into a world which is of so called Beautiful peoples…Lights…Camera…Cocktail all around…Flash lights of Still Cameras downpouring on the so called beautiful people and the occasion a fashion show…Beautiful divas…models and ofcourse designers where all around media people to give interviews and posing for photographs…As soon as the announcement sounds on the mike which cannot be seen in this sophisticated 5 star hotel…everyone enters a huge hall also packed with people pretend to be beautiful sitting…some designer although with dress looks male but there behaviour and movements somewhat of female…anyhow I was watching all this and judging with my editorial mind…What is This…anyhow I have to cover the event and to file story…lights where putoff…music and lights on the ramp and announcement…Ritu Kapur’s Bridal Collection !!!...I fix up my mind on the ramp saying my cameraman to be alert and not to miss every bit of shots…I make myself comfortable around this uncomfortable world of mine…Beautiful Models with beautiful customes on ramp…I became engrossed in them…my world drowned into this sweet beautiful world …one after another designers showcased there collections…and models with hard makeup were sweating with hurriedly wored designs…I felt pity for them…They are struggling to make big in this glamour world…rich people around with their beautiful wifes beside watching models from every corner…I was saying to myself…Is This the World of Beautiful people ??? Anyway after 2 hours of catwalk…I came out with my cameraman to find some designers outside in the lawn having drinks…As soon as I went near them they came chasing towards me and they themselves started introducing themselves and there designs I urged to have patience till my cameraman make himself ready with camera angle lights Audio Video…I asked questions and they answered gracefully some of them even took my number…I also gave them anxiously and asked myself “Yaar tu to saala sahib ban gaya”…
In the core of my heart I was feeling something else "Is This a world of exhibition where people exhibit themselves…Everyone here is for getting something…Designers to get contracts from businessmans…Models to get big breaks…audience to have the happiness of eyes and Media for News"…I took a couple of juice pegs and went along with my crew towards my home…as it is already late at night and the story is to be filed the next day…

Joydeep / Kolkata / 11th Sept 2008

COLOURFUL WORLD OF THE BLINDS

Blindness is not a curse; it is also a way of a meaningful life. This words are today proved by hundreds of blinds in the city of joy Kolkata only because of a person who never wants any recognition and whose activities never find expression in any TV Interview or in any Newspaper article…Our Hero here is Subhashish Ganguly, who never want any recognition from society or government, but for him his art is what he teaches to his students all of them are blind…We had seen the film of Sanjay leela Bansali “Black” but do we really want darkness in life…No, but do we ever thought of the blind man whom we had seen in any railway station or in any busy road crossing, but here is someone who can really feels for the blinds, here the teacher not only takes the responsibility of single blind student but here his students consists of nearly 100 or more than that.
Subhashish earns Master Degree in Theatre art from Rabindra Bharti University, but chooses not to join any job but to continue with his interest of Acting and performing art and in the course he joins Theatre groups in the cultural Capital of India Kolkata, the group teaches the performing art to various groups and do their beat of Stage plays. It is the year 1993 when he was chosen to taught a group of blind student in Calcutta Blind School, that his life takes a turn and which he recognizes as the turning point of his life,after the assignment was over and he was about to go…Some blind students urges him to form a Theatre group out of them, through which they can express their thoughts and which can be the platform for their expressions and accordingly he form an informal group…From then on young Subhashish teaches them all if and buts of Drama,Theatre and everything of Performing Art…In the year 2006 he forms a full fledged Theatre group “Anno Desh” Theatre group of the blind, for the blind, by the blind…Now almost after 15years of long journey, their beloved Master Mosai or Masterjee is the hero of the blind heroes.Subhashish is more than a contented man today, because he knows that although the World recognizes him or not but his students recognizes him as the Masterji…

Joydeep Dasgupta / Kolkata / 12th August 2008

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA...PATHFINDER OF THE MODERN YOUTH

Many of us know Swami Vivekananda, as the Sanyasin ,who represented Indian Vedantic Tradition in the Parliament of Religions, Chicago in the year 1893.But do we know why his Birthday 12 January is celebrated as the National Youth Day…

“Stand and die in your own strength. If there is any sin in the world, it is weakness; avoid all weakness, for weakness is sin, weakness is death”. These are the burning words of this great saint of India, which even can bring life to a dead man.

Swami Vivekananda has great expectations from the youth of the country. His message mainly revolves round the life of each and every youth. His words and deeds are mainly targeted to the youth. He often use to say that “My faith is in younger generation, out of them will come my workers. They will work out the whole problems like lion”. His words like wild fire are still inspiring the youth community around the globe. He lived as youth and also left this world as a youth, he is the complete embodiment of the youth.

Swami Vivekananda is full of youthful qualities, which has been described by his biographers in this way “His mind full with hundred soaring visions, heart soaked in affection, Courage boundless, Inventive genius astounding, working capacity unrekoned and enthusiasm irrepressible----Naren was peerless even from his childhood, above all his spontaneous inclination towards God”.
This is the shinning qualities of Young Vivekananda. The World recognised this inspiring genious,when he appeared in the Parliament of Religions held in the year 1893 at Chicago.Lateron this qualities of Young Vivekananda convinced the Government of India to declare his birthday 12 January as the National Youth Day.

Swami Vivekananda, a great inspirer who laid an unusual life of a Sanyasin’instead of Prayer and Meditation he had chosen to play the role of a torchbearer to make people realize his or her real nature, the divine self “All power is within you ; you can do anything and everything. Believe in that; do not believe that you are weak. Stand up and express the divinity within you”…

He represented Indian Vedantic Tradition in the west at the time when the whole nation was weeping under the clutches of foreign hands...”Arise Awake for your country needs this tremendous sacrifice. It is the Youngman that will do it. The young the energetic, the strong, the well built, the intellectual, for them is the task”…The effect of his words was such that transform many youth of the time, some of them are Subhash Ch Bose, Bal gangdhar Tilak, Aurobindo Ghosh, Sister Nivedita and Mahatma Gandhi. This doesn’t mean that his message has inspired the youth of that time, but these messages still has that charisma which can inspire thousands of youth not only in India, but also around the globe…

Swami Vivekananda has only one mission in his life and that is to inspire our youth to bring back the lost glory of our motherland. He wanted the youth of our country as lion. He himself was a lion and come this earth to transform every youth into lion.

“Arise Awake and Stop not till the goal is reached” are the words of this great son of bharat Mata, which reminds us of continuity…continuity of both words and deeds. It is not possible for me limit this great person of this great country in such few lines and pages. I had just tried to chalk few points of this great person, who still wants some action from us particularly the Youth.


Joydeep Das Gupta
Sahara Samay…

MAJULI...THE LOSING PARADISE

Majuli world’s biggest riverine Island and a hub of sublime vaisnavite activities dating back to the 16th century days of great vaisnavite exponent “Sankaradeva”of Assam is fast corroding and tethering on the brink of oblivion. The island is dying slow but sure death due to its gnawing up by swirling Brahmaputra.
Far from the busting Jorhat town floating amid mighty river Brahmaputra is the pictureous Island Majuli.From Jorhat, one can easily fetch a bus for Nimatighat, accordingly I along with my co passengers reached Nimatighat just after half an hour journey from Jorhat town. The first thing I notice after reaching the Nimatighat was the vastness of the abysmal Brahmaputra.I soon boarded a steamer, sailing past the wobbling Brahmaputra water leaving behind the only seen mainland Nimatighat approaching the Majuli island. It reminds one of the aces poet Cole ridges “The rhyme of ancient mariner” where the lone mariner sails across en pasant “Water water everywhere, not a single drop to drink”. After 45 to 50 minutes steamer ride, when the steamer was anchored on the Kamalabarighat on the Majuli Island, the evening sun was touching the waves of mighty Brahmaputra River.
With the glimmering sun was seemingly sinking in the sprawling water of the river twittering noise of the birds returning to their nest was a resonates in my ears, as they were returning to their nest, I also started searching for a nest for my stay in the Island. The two main localities which offer hotels and guesthouses in the Island are Garmur and Kamalabari, even some Satras offers guesthouse facilities to the visitors.
The next morning, I decided to visit Satras or gurukuls, which are famous as vaisnava monasteries in Assam and are closely associated with Assamese culture, art, and music. There are altogether 22 Satras in the Island, preserving rare artifacts, manuscripts and most important of all the vibrant culture of the land. The Satras frequently organizes dance, music and drama festivals called Bhavna.
I visited some Satras with historical and spiritual importance among this Aunihati Satra attracted me the most. It is biggest satra in the Island. Established in the year 1653A.D by the great Ahom king Jayadhaja Singha, who treaded the path of vaishnavism in the later part of his life. The Aunihati satra has many branches spread in different parts of Assam. The main idol of Lord Krishna ,placed in the Garva mandir, Sanctum Sanctorum of Aunihati satra was brought from Jagannath shetra in Puri.The satra also has an inbuilt Library, with rare collection of books, which includes “Hastividyarnaba”, Vedas, Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata etc written on Sachi, Hingul, and Hetal leaves. The satra also has a unique museum, preserving some rich manuscripts and a copious collection of artifacts some even dates back to the 15th and 16th century. Some of this eye catching artifacts include 200 year old Ivory tooth, a 39 inch paduka (sandal), brass plates, some pitchers, musical instruments and weapons, which reminisces of one about the significance and glorious tales of the Island.
The Island is not inhabitated by a particular sect or tribe, the cultural uniqueness and ethnic diversity of the Island has attracted people from all over the country to settle themselves. Mystical Majuli, the melting pot of diverse ethnic groups has existed for centuries. Various communities such as Assamese, Bengali, Marwari, Mising tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.Assamese tribes such as Deori, kachari, Ahoms and others had made this Island their permanent habitat. The religion being the binding force behind this unity. In an age of communal disharmony and political unrest Majuli sets an example. Religion in other words has always been the raison d, etre.
The idyllic environ with the religious ambience seemed to have lured many a traveller not only of vaisnavite cult but also of other faiths. This mystic Isle, which has been the hub of all vaisnavite rituals and a mosaic of various ethnic communities attracted the attention all over of the world. Caressed by the mighty Brahmaputra, Majuli Island has always been known as the mélange of art, culture and tradition. The vast repertoire of culture has manifested through the centuries of and contributed much to enrich the Assamese culture atlarge. Majuli speaks of the heritage of the bygone era and rare document found here is treasure trove of vaisnavite culture. But the island is fast corroding and eroding by the raucous Brahmaputra.This river becomes violent every year during rainy season only to wreak havoc on the island which is nibbled up by the river every year.
Its not only the erosion of a land, but also fading away of a vibrant culture. It seems as if with the nibbling away of the island soil, treasured culture is also being washed away. Its time to take up adequate measure on war footing.
The very next day, as the resplendent sun ascends from the rippled water emanating dappled rays, it was my turn to bid Majuli adieu. It was a nostalgic sojourn for me and I made a promise to myself, I would be feel great to do at least something for Majuli after returning to my home.

JOYDEEP DAS GUPTA, SAHARA SAMAY

SAY! WE DONT'T WANT THE DEAL BECAUSE...

The first thing that came into my mind when I come to know about the Deal that the UPA govt is doing with United States of America is of Permanent Settlement which during the British rule in India was being introduced by Lord Cornwallis.In the draft of the Deal it is written that in exchange of their supply of nuclear technology and fuel they’ll have the access to our nuclear plants whether be civilian or nuclear. The word Access means a lot to me because today if they can access our energy plants then in the years to come they will certainly try to access our market, as India is a booming economy. Access means tomorrow they can enter our house and not only our house but can have access to our bedroom. The days are coming when we merely not have any identity of our own. In all the policies of our country, whether be internal or external America will have its influence, even before the deal is materialize America had started influencing our foreign policies the most recent example is the support of Iran. India had withdrawn its support from Iran’s policies with the mounting pressure from American diplomats and there is no doubt that while having its hand on our shoulder, India to become the soft target of Islamic Militancy, as by effecting India they’ll certainly try to effect America, their biggest enemy.
Now the time has come for us to awake from sleep. Everyone of us is aware of some deal is going on between India and America, but be are busy with our daily chores that we don’t ever bother to understand what this deal is all about, do the deal is only for nuclear energy or more than that. If Each and every Indian has the birth right to Swaraj then why we also don’t have the same right to know what the government is doing afterall it is the same government which we had elected to represent us and at the same time it is also the duty of the government to make its citizen understand that the deal is all about.
America never remained a friend of any nation, it has a glorious history of ditching its loyal friends, then why this appeasement policy towards America.
No doubt we need nuclear energy to generate electricity, but certainly not at the cost of our dependence to any foreign power as we don’t want to repeat the same fate which we had experienced before 1947.