the last mile - Dida- Om Shanti

Your feeble voice was the strongest of all.

It was only you whole could have united this big family of ours.

May your soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.

The First Olympic Gold by Abhinav Bindra and Foreign Coaches

Our first Gold was brought by Dehradun, Uttarakhand born Abhinav Bindra at the Beijing Olympics. He is originally from Patiala, Punjab. It was a 10 m Air Rifle event. My friends in Garh Nivaas used to tell me stories about how he has been practicing shooting oranges 🍊at the Bindra Farms near Mohkampur.  

Once in the RIVULET edition of erstwhile Big Ma'am s Riverdale School at Balbir Road had Abhinavs photograph with George. W. Bush (Sr) and his trip to Florida that year. I guess it became a talk of our school for half a year, or less if not more. He was my junior then. 

Yes, the Gold medal 🏅,  the only image I have of him now, was of 2008, when he got the medal. One of his kind. We were happy that year. This year, we have got far too many medals.  Very very good. I believe we are capable of doing more. We'll get there. Do we need coaches? Foreign? There is no answer to that. Learning can come from anyone, however there has to be an original source to it. For instance, in the Beijing Olympics. 

Dr. Amit Bhattacharjee and Lt. Col. Dhillon, his then coach were both Indians who first noticed talent in him. Sure he was privileged enough to be seen by the right people and he spent a large part of his shooting training outside India, hence. 

Should you let me know, what you think about seeking support from foreign coaches for Indian Athletes 

Pic source- tentaran

Suvida Supports Nusrat Jahan on Women Empowerment

 Kolkata – 28th July, 2021 – Nusrat Jahan an acclaimed Tollywood actress and MP, believes that ‘motherhood is every woman’s right’ and must be exercised independently, and without any pressure, from anyone. Sudeshna Roy, a renowned personality hosted the show carried out a freewheeling talk around the topic - My Life, My Right. Hosted on Suvida’s official Facebook page, the discussion between the two ladies was digitally broadcasted LIVE and attended by thousands of viewers from all over India. By the time of writing this story, the LIVE video reached nearly 5,00,000, gathered 850+ comments, 150 shares and viewed by over 2,00,000 people within 24 hours.

The distinguished ladies talked about topical issues around women health, motherhood, women empowerment, gender neutrality, women and their identity, family planning, how to handle trolls, controversies erupting on social media and more. The whole video can be viewed here https://fb.watch/v/eXfITlHZX/ additionally on YouTube as well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiqlwaBnLj8&t=31s

About Eskag - Eskag Pharma Pvt. Ltd. is an integral part of Eskag Group of Companies. The SBU’s of the group include manufacturing and export of APIs and other intermediates through West Bengal Chemical Industries Ltd , branded formulations of OCPs/ECPs/ORS and Probiotics and Prebiotics manufactured at the WHO-GMP approved facility of Eskag Pharma Pvt. Ltd at Haridwar (Northern India). Eskag Sanjeevani Multispecialty Hospital which is a state-of-the-art hospital with critical care and modern treatment facilities, is another initiative that is part of the CMD’s vision.

Rain Quotes

• 
  And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow. – Gilbert K Chesterton

On Woman Rights and Her Choice - Nusrat Jahan and Sudeshna Roy with Eskag Pharma's Suvida FB page

Everyone, including women must have a choice to how, where and importantly when to embrace MOTHERHOOD, the once in lifetimes opportunity, in her life. We believe that no force, or pressure should be applied on any of the partners to partake this big of a decision, more importantly,  the women of our society (rural or urban).

To support and talk about planning a family, health measures to undertake, Nusrat Jahan,  a popular Bengali actress in West Bengal, India is going to come on SUVIDA Facebook page on 25th July, 2021, Sunday evening at 6:00 P.M

www.facebook.com/SuvidaContraceptivePills. Along with her, shall join leading health columnist and thinker Sudeshna Roy, both in Kolkata.

 It should be her (a woman's) right, because it's her life, afterall.

#skhigh new #hashtag

Got this word from this Pic dated 28th June. #skhigh taken somewhere in West Bengal.

CBSE, ISC Board Exams Cancelled because of COVID19, Is this a Watershed Moment for technology-based education platforms?

 On the 1st of June, 2021, The Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi announced, that class 10th and 12th exams, stand cancelled, owing to the current Covid19 pandemic. The School Education Department Principal Secretary headed a committee that is most likely to pass all students as per the Right to Education Act. Marks will be given based on “recommendation”, Am not sure what that exactly means? Recommendation.

All Passed

One of my first coaching classes (to score well in school, not competitive exams) was with Mr Hari. Om. Biswas Sir, from the Marshall School, there were a couple of private teachers, as well, but that not consequential. There used to be a huge row and batches in our time. It was the pre-internet era, no online or zoom classes.  My schooling happened in Dehra Dun, a small town in the northern part of India, and the glory (pun-nish) days, where we had numbers to score and not grades. Grades were parked for SUPW, Practicals, Sports and Discipline. Either there were private teachers or Tuitions. That’s it.

Will the virtual be the new real?

My question is, what happens to bright students who genuinely studied, the whole year and not staring on grade. A passing grade. Wouldn't they feel, let down? Well, the times are such. Would we be giving our exams if there is a war outside? No. We are literally having a World War, except there are no bombs and blood and gore. It’s a silent war.  The airlines, schools, colleges, airports, hotels and restaurants, shipping and transport is closed, indefinitely. I don’t think, this has happened in the history of modern mankind. Unprecedented, I’d say. Each one of us is affected, in some ways or the other. We do not know, how not interacting with students and teachers in real is affecting students mentally, psychologically and emotionally. Not every student have laptops or desktops? Some of them use a smartphone, dumb phones, and other qwerty phones. Not all parents can afford to buy a laptop and they are facing salary cuts as well. Thanks to Covid. Recently, a 5-year-old Kashmiri girl - Mahiruh Irfan, made an emotional appeal to PM Modi to cut down online classes, as it's too much for her. She recently made a video on Instagram, and her video went viral. 

Go Go Digital – The Winner takes it all

Today, 8th June, the 10-year-old BYJU’S (Think & Learn Private Limited) completed its $940 Million Cash and stock billion formally acquires of a 33-year-old Blackstone backed brand Brick and Mortar - Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL). The CCI has approved the acquisition today, dated 8th June under Section 31(1) of the Competition Act, 2002, today. PIB reported.  The test prep market is dominated by students engineering, medical science, and civil service exams, recently even Arts and commerce students can apply for engineering, a revolution of sorts.  

So, what does it mean? What does it really mean for, BYJU’s, the most valuable education technology company globally with a market valuation is $13 billion (in 2021)? It’s owned by Bengaluru couple Byju Raveendran and Divya Gokulnath. What happens to their growth model? What happens to the children, who aren’t really ready yet? 

So, exactly why BYJU’s placed so much money to acquire Akash, which was launched in 1988 by Mr J.C Chaudhary? Let’s extrapolate some gaps. 

1. To enter the test preparation space

2. Build modern education capabilities

3. To inspire and introduce personalized learning programs

4. To take huge advantage of low education quality teaching at government and mofussil towns.

5. Riding on fresh cash and disposable income (hoping the pandemic to end that dry run soon)

6. To give an early competition to Amazon Digital Education (they are coming up big time and       investing in content).

7. To replicate omnichannel e-commerce business model in edtech as well

8. To consolidate the digitize the hyperlocal coaching market

Covid19 Pandemic – A lasting Effect?

We all have learnt sad stories this year and the last, so many people have lost their loved ones, friends and families due to Covid. I am not sure, how well the people affected will recuperate from the losses. Yes, it is a war, and we all have to deal with it. Learn to adjust. Compromise, taking care of things, we had taken for granted. The sudden change in the mode of education is overwhelming especially when schools and colleges are closed (for a year) and social distancing is the biggest keyword, we have read in the last 1 year. Like every other industry, big or small, has been impacted by Covid19. To what extent, education will be affected and the ongoing relationship between a student and a teacher? Here the challenge books Vs video, physical classes Vs online classes, real classroom Vs Clubhouse or Zoom Classrooms, real interactions Vs virtual talks. With the schools and colleges still, closed as I write, what happens to the traditional brick and mortar schools and coaching classes, prepping up for the tests? Will it morph into a digital or online identity? What happens, to pen and paper, chalk and blackboards? What happens to practical, which cannot be done online? After a week of PM Modi’s virtual announcement, in Cooch Behar, West Bengal a class 10th student Barnali Burman committed suicide. The bright girl has lost hope that she will top her matriculation exams this year. I hope we will be able to raise some questions and practical answers to be given. 

Pic Source - Getty Image

Happy Buddha Purnima - Gautama birthday quotes

Buddha poornima and Buddha's teaching has touched us, at some point in life.

May peace, prosperity and good health reign to all this year amidst this devastating pandemic. 

Do not dwell In the past,

Do not dream of the future, 

Concentrate the mind on the present moment.

Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.

You only lose what you cling to.

“Suffering is not holding you, you are holding suffering.” Buddham Saranam Gacchami | Dhamma Saranam Gacchami | Sangham Saranam Gacchami... Happy Buddha Purnima!

A Day and Night in Doladanga Purulia (27th February 2021)

 Amazing, and cant describe, how beautiful, Purulia was. Took a train to Purulia and then, Doladanga lake via Manbazaar (an old place). Very strange, a very big bajaar. You can also check the government website - for planning a post covid trip to Purulia. However, it could be very hot. Its Next to the Kangsabati Lake, Beside Sonajhuri Forest, a deep tribal forest. Was able to witness this season's first Palash flower, for the first living time. It's also called the wild fire of the jungle, and incidentally my name as well. A video has been created.

. Near the Mukutmanipur dam, it is not far away. Small hills and a perfect sunset. My last trip just before the pandemic reigned. Thanks for Arpita from IZIFISO, a Calcutta based travel startup, specialising in backpackers, and weekend destination. They have a way of promoting tourism, keeping sustainability on the top of their minds. You can visit their

website - and explore more of Bengal. I am hoping, this could turn out to become, some kind of a franchise model. I have been to a couple of more properties from IZIFISO, exploring and backpacking of course.

They are a camping site and have assets theming lake, beach, mountains, trails, jungle, river, musical and even haunted camps. There is a Himalayan trail as well as a bikers trail. Now, we must assume and travel, keeping pre-covid and post-covid times. The getbengal also claimed, that Doladanga, could be the new tribal paradise of Bengal.

Nine Months in Bengal - From Suva Fiji To Kolkata

The clouds are out with a thunderous night before. The weather today is very pleasant, and thanks to the weather.com, have been waiting for May - 2, no not because of the result, but waiting for the KaalBoishakhi to arrive and spell some much needed cool showers. 

The grand West Bengal assembly elections got over with a painful 8 phase and side by side a resurgent second wave of Covid19 in India. Surviving, guess its helping us to understand how to survive this scare.  

The land has been pumping heat and a lot happened in the last few months. I have been crisscrossing, states, cities, countries and nations. Suva, Nadi, Delhi, Kolkata, and then Dum Dum Cantonment to Hazra to Jodhpur Park, and now to Kalyani Ghoshpara (60 Kilometres from my house). To frankly add, braved the virus (till now, TW) and  All in the last nine months. Also managed a few outstation trips, to Mussourie and Rishikesh, Sundarbans and Purulia, now the mountains are calling. We also entered the newest millennium, 2021 shell shocked from the (forgettable) 2020.   

Exactly a year ago, I was in Suva, almost sure, that I had to return from a graceful marketing job in the Fiji Islands. Thankful to Fijian VPCL management for helping me transit from South Pacific to my home country India safely. Especially Vinod Bhai, Nikita, Bacchu Bhai, Pravin Bhai, Veeral, Dak, Rahul, Neelesh, Atin, Atish, Ms. Lati, Ayantha, Naren, Uncle, Sanjay Bhaiyya/Bhabhi, Pearl my Cat and everyone else,    

Why I left Kalyani?

In my first visit to this new city Kalyani, it was like ‘love at first sight’. Have never seen or imagined a city in Bengal to be so beautiful and green. Quite different from what I have observed so far here. After working in the NCR for many years and literally growing up in the North India, coming and working here is a different experience, unexplainable. So, much, that I have moved in here. So, what’s so special about this city. A series of blog and vlogs will come out at this platform, soon. To sum it up, this city is a municipality & Community Development Block of Nadia district in West Bengal. Approximately, it is around 50 kilometres (31 mi) from Calcutta, the new capital of West Bengal, however, the fact is that nearby Krishnanagar was the first capital of Bengal, before Calcutta. 

This means, that this region is older than Calcutta or Kolkata. It is based and situated by the eastern banks of Hooghly River and comes under the part of Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA). As per WikiPedia, the World War II, Kalyani was the site of an American Airbase, known by the name of Roosevelt Town or Roosevelt Nagar and later it was developed as a planned town in the early 1950s by the Government of West Bengal by Mr. Bidhan Chandra Roy – the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, then. 

CoVid19 is more dangerous this, time, they say

Again, Covid19, in its fullest form, is unleashing unprecedented havoc, and this was the time to be with my family. 

Why I took 2 years to watch Joker - 2019 - Joaquin Phoenix

Sir Joaquin Phoenix. One more person shall watch the film you worked and everyone else behind and with you, onscreen.

Consciously, didn't watch this, despite having all the time of my life (2019 in Fiji- year of release). Friends on my timeline, wrote various things, critics went bonkers, Joker lauded the Oscar nominators, OH YES, the Burger photo, by the vegetarian Joaquin saw it more than once and as a tribute to the (yet to watch) film.

#stayingindoor is in my mind, so, now I am in West Bengal. With memories of Fiji, very much fresh, changed continents and countries in last 10 months, changing districts, changing homes, changing jobs and still evolving. Hence, the delay. 

I think, on a serious note Joker (2019) should be the #1 on my list of the  filmathon (on my terms), of sorts. Such films are arsenal for your mind that craves for a good story,  leave a vaccum and fill it up when you want it, just at the right time and place. You genuinely leave that gap (to be filled later on).

 Shall tell you (maybe not), how it was, maybe you don't need to know, nevertheless.  Thankyou and Vinaka Vakalevu 

Pic source- Eater LA