Sagar Yatra – A Trip to Gangasagar AKA Sagardwip! Episode #7

Life is love - enjoy it.
Sai Baba

It was dusk.

Sunset at Sagar

The Sun was hovering in the horizon. Reddish glow glittered all around. There was reflection of the sunrays in the silver sand beach of Ganga Sagar. We all stranded. There was no tourist. No pilgrims either. The beach was solitary. Only a few local children were running and jostling along the stretches of the sea beach. The forest of trees was visible on the left. Silence prevailed all around. This is the meeting point of holy river Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. MOHONA! As we call it!

Kapil Muni

Kapil Muni & 60,000 Sons of King Sagar

A saint inside His cottage near Kapil Muni's Asharma

Mythology says once upon a time this was the kingdom of King Sagar. There was a temple (ASHRAMA) of Kapil Muni. The king had 60,000 sons! They somehow irritated the sage Kapil (Kapil Muni) while playing around. Maharshi (The Great Saint) Kapil Muni woke up and stared at 60,000 sons of the king. They immediately turned into ashes. The king begged apology to please Maharshi. But He did not agree to excuse the sons. Later, Bhagirath, a descendant of King Sagar, prayed to Holy River Ganges to let her flow through that area. Water of the river Ganges is pious! The holy water washed all the sins of the sons of King Sagar. They came alive. Afterwards, we deem this place as a holy place. A bath at this place washes away all your sins. This is believed. And this believe drives half a million of pilgrims every year to this place. The pick time is in the mid January during MAKAR Sankranti! 

Ferry Services - see us inside!

Nini & Guddu

135 Km Away From Kolkata
Anyway we were couple of weeks late. The island was marooned at that time. With nearly 160,000 population spread across 43 villages in an area of more or less 300 Sq. Km., these islands just beside Sundarban (The Largest Delta Island of the World) if far away from city noise - 135 Km away from Kolkata. 

On the beach with Mom, Guddu, Nini, Me, Arka, & Jhunu - from left!

It is hard to reach the spot. Even today. You have to cross 90+ KM on road from Kolkata to Kakdwip/ Lot 8 Jetty), then cross the river Ganges, then take a car ride of  another 30 KM (from Kachuberia to Sagardwip). Good news is that I could see Electricity Posts across the 5km stretch of river Ganga supplying electricity from land to this island. I could not recall if I saw them two year’s ago – when the last time we visited the spot. At that time the island would run on Diesel Generator. And supply of electricity was limited for a couple of hours in the evening.

Fish captured at adjacent pond

But now you have full time electricity. And we also hope to see a bridge connecting this island to LOT 8 Jetty across river Ganges. The bridge is proposed. And it is overdue. Few years back we visited the spot on the holy date of Makar Sankranti. There were 500,000 pilgrims. They come from all over Northern India. And they are released to this spot by bus. And this massive gathering creates an endless queue on the jetty. They also jostled to occupy the Ferry Services before others could do. And this led to mass stampede. Couple of pilgrims died. We could see their slippers on the jetty in the evening – the traces of vandalism, which claimed a few lives on that very date a few hours ago!

The Team - Pic captured by Puskarda, Vivekananda Ashrama

Evening Jalsa 

From left - Jhunuda, Me, Puskarda, & Arka

But thanks to Puskarda! We reached the spot after the odds are over.  The beach was marooned. And Puskarda organized everything to perfection – the bungalow, food, and wonderful local travel plan. And there was one and only Jhunuda. Amazing people are they! You will surely burst into laughter! It is hard to stop laughing. Guddu, Nini, Arka, and my mother enjoyed every bit of the tour. Joy was more keen on foods. And it was almost impossible to stop him from a nap at anytime, anywhere! What was most amazing was our evening JALSA (concert). Guitar, songs, snacks, and company of nice people!

Do you need anything else to make this Life Wonderful? 

Life Wonderful

Arise, Awake & Stop Not Till The Goal is Achieved! Episode #6

Arise, Awake & Stop Not Till The Goal is Achieved!
Swami Vivekananda

I woke up this morning with your thoughts in mind. This was a pretty busy week. I could barely manage any time for posting updates. But I am absolutely workaholic. So, that is a plus point for me. And I enjoy delivering more. Anyway, I could recall our journey to DPS, Newtown. That was one the most memorable moments of my life. And there were still a few more great moments about to come.

Swami Vivekanada

Classical Concert  at Ramkrishna Mission, Golpark

Ramkrishna Mission, Golpark

It was on the 12th Jan, 2013, a beautiful Saturday. It was the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, a State Holiday. A classical concert was arranged by Ramakrishna Mission. We attended both of the morning and evening session. We spent the afternoon session at MuTech. We were mesmerized with charming vocal classical of Ustad Rashid Khan among many others.

Behind the Screen Story of Learning Guitar

I used to visit concerts earlier. And a few years ago I started to learn guitar. My focus somehow shifted towards music once more. This time I felt it was hard to go on without music. And this is the reason I have started to visit classical concerts. I like to play guitar. I am learning a new grammar of guitar, scales, chords, staff notations, leads, etc. etc. And I could take this step for two persons - Arka & Mr. D. Mathews. Years ago one fine afternoon Arka came to my home holding a surprise - a Spanish guitar. He told me he had started to learn it. Great. I admired. I knew that the guy had lost his father recently. And they need something to move. This instrument would surely serve the purpose. He was in fact a great Cricketer. But thanks to National Level politics that he had to skip playing long ago. He told me that the idea came up in his mind all of a sudden. And he purchased the device. And he in fact started to learn it.

Arka

Initially, I thought I would learn something from him. That would be sufficient for me because I really did not have the time for anything else at that point of time other than my Computer Projects. But anyway I started to learn basic chords. I would play his instrument only at that time. Within three weeks, I felt the urge to start learning it. I had never heard of any sweeter note before. I asked him, if Mr. Mathews would teach any elderly student? He also asked Sir, and he agreed to teach me as well. So, I began my journey as the senior most student of MuTech. Since then we two really enjoyed playing together. We have participated in a few local concerts. Learning is a process. And I badly need to learn more. I know and believe. But thanks to God because he gave me the courage to start something new at a later part of my life. And now my life has become more melodious. My days start with tune of guitar. We have started to teach local students in the evening and in the weekends. It helps us to revise our lesson and to keep in touch with music. I can sleep really well after years of insomnia.

Sir D. Mathews

Music has literally changed me. I feel better. I feel confident. And I get to believe the fact that you can try to learn something new at any point of time. There is no age limit to learning. And once you have taken the first step - remember my most favorite quotes of Swamiji - Arise, Awake & Stop Not Till The Goal is Achieved!

A Day at DPS, Newtown Episode #5

The Clock Ticked Twelve Noon. 

It was a Sunday. Still it was like as if we were inside a freezer. Students did not turn up much at StringX. So we were just enjoying coffee cup moments. And the phone rang. First my device rang. I did not gather the energy to pick up the phone. Next time, it was Arka’s phone that rang. It was a call from Anjaan, one of my former students (now among my friends' list on fb and elsewhere!), who had an Automobile Degree to his Credit now! His wife is a teacher of Delhi Public School (DPS), Newtown Campus. That DPS’s annual fest was going to take place on that day. As such it was a two day event, from Saturday to Sunday. They requested us to be present. Remember, this is the day we had to attend MuTech as well. So, a rather busy schedule always poke in front of us every Sunday. And that Sunday was no different.

Let’s Go to DPS

Anyway, we decided to move to DPS. It is located too fur away from city center. And availing public vehicles is a remote possibility. But thanks to Anjaan for taking us with them to their joy ride. The path to DPS is really wonderful – beautiful last green complex, trees and plantations all around, and multi-colored housing complexes make everything look so natural.

DPS, Newtown - Me with Arunava Kabiraj. This picture was captured by Anjaan Saha!

My First Newtown Journey

My first journey to this locality reminds me of some really pleasant moment. It took
place a couple of year’s ago. When we were coming back after a PUJA holiday trip to a
place near India – Bangladesh border. The landscape changed all of a sudden. Beautiful houses, flyovers, well maintained gardens – an amazing place to watch. But it is remotely connected with city center. The place is yet to grow up. I do not think too many people have started to stay in those sky-high towers.

With Anjaan & Arka, DPS, Newtown

My Second Visit! And Must I Forget Those Moments!

My second visit to that place took place only this year in the month of September. And I would rather like to forget those days. I had to say goodbye to one of my friends forever at TATA Cancer Research Hospital, Rajarhat. Couple of month’s back – I was loitering in this area praying to God for my friend’s life. She is no more with us. But life goes on. And I have to come here again. And this time to see the budding prospects of new India.

DPS, Newtown! Is it a SCHOOL?

I have never been to any FIVE-Starred hotels. There are quite a few here in Kolkata. The
Taj, Grand Hotel, Great Eastern Hotel, Park Hotel, Hyat Regency, Peerless Inn and many
more. I have only heard marvelous stories depicting their pricey menus and luxurious living. Nope I do not have any repent for not being there anytime. I have a beautiful home to live. And a beautiful family. And that is enough for me. But I just felt – had anyone wish to visit any FIVE-star hotel, better visit any DPS campus.Big lounge, two swimming pools, luxury toilets with students’ lockers – this is something amazing. It looked so rosy – lovely, confident, and happy faces of students, teachers and guardians. And they really charmed us with outstanding songs and orchestra. There were food stalls, joy rides, two toy trains, scores of funny games for students. It will surely make you feel younger. We again said thanks to Anjaan & his wife, Rimpa, who really have lots of care and concern for everyone around.

In front of Swimming Pool, DPS, Newtown

We Enjoyed the Day. But…

Well there was no such facility like this in our time! My friends repented. But I have a different stand. Make the most of whatever you have now. Never look back unless it helps you to correct your faults. If they have great campus, we had great childhood games and plenty of times. They have BIG playgrounds. They have
world class swimming pools. They have everything under the sky probably. BUT do they have time now? I saw them complaining about the lifestyle of today's students - career, time crunch, study stresses, pressure from every corner, heavily loaded curriculum etc. etc. in an open session discussion.

What Do You Say?

Learn to Try & Try to Keep on Trying! Episode #4

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

Thomas A. Edison

Friends,
It's still cool here! The day broke out amidst dews and fogs. I love life so far and so long you are with me. The day, like any winter morning, started off lazily. Past three days passed like a breeze. I had training at ATI Campus, Salt Lake. Great experience! But at times I was missing you. I could barely manage time for blogging. I had to travel extra 4 hours each day to reach Salt Lake.

A view of our ATI Campus!!!

ATI Campus, Salt Lake

Is not it always good to learn something new or brush up your skills?
I think so.
I have felt young by heart whenever I started to learn a new skill. A few years ago, I first tried to learn Cake Framework. And it was a real challenge. But I somehow managed to make out the sense of online book of CakePHP. At times I got furious. A very confusing book, say I must. But the framework is a gem! It gets you going within a flash once you adopt the basics. Since then I have developed multiple websites overnight. A few of them contain over forty tables. And I never had any difficulty.

Something about a Cake

Now I have already created a blog on CakePHP. I have shared (or tried to do so) my thoughts on this otherwise awesome framework. I am not an expert. But I get occasional calls from my readers. I get occasional feedbacks. They all say thanks. And that's my two cent.

And Here are the BENEFITS of my Hard Work

Now-a-days, I do not really worry much about project size - number of tables and complexities. I have Cake to make my life simple. Oh! BTW my student, now a Lecturer of  Computer Science at a prime college under Calcutta University has told me to be involved with their software projects. This is something I have dreamed long ago. Presently, I spend my time mostly with guitar. And more so after loss of my sweetheart, Coco. Still, I wish to find time to share my thoughts. And good news is that I have already floated a few ideas, which they liked. So, you see, I could have stopped learning PHP easily after completing my grip with OOPs. I can assure you it is something not as hard as rocket science. But you can implement Object Oriented Programming Model in Cake. First I implemented that concept. I created my own Class library. It would help me a lot. And I was satisfied at that point of time. I could complete projects in time. But I somehow felt the urge to UPGRADE my skill-set. So, I started to learn Cake Framework. And voila. It has now made my coding life even more simple.

Keep Trying

As such, I have believed firmly that there is no harm to keep trying. There is no harm to try something new. You never know what awaits you. I told here stories of my life, which took place nearly three year's ago. Something more eventful was waiting for me. And it tool place only couple of year's ago.

I'll share that story in a day or two!!!

Good Time & Bad Time! Episode #3

Quote: “Bad times have a scientific value. These are occasions a good learner would not miss.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friends,
I woke up this morning thinking of you. I was eager to talk with you. Share my thoughts.

Winter Morning

I never missed you more than what I felt today. So, I opened my TAB. And I started typing. Are you okay? How are you feeling? It is the best ever start of a brand new weekend in recent past. The Sun was covered with deep curtain of mist. Dews fall all around. The birds twitted to announce the beginning of a new day. A new day comes up with freshness! New joys! New happiness! And new hope!

 

That EXTRA effort can MAKE big DIFFERENCE

Friends, you are going to feel lazy. And so I was. But I somehow managed to take my body out of the blanket. Put on the pullover. It gave me comfort. I had to put that extra effort to keep it find it out and to put on it. Afterwards, I started feeling the warmth. Temperature was still low. A lazy winter morning was about to come up. But it was pretty enjoyable. I realized to resolve issues you get to put that extra effort. Even when you body acts otherwise. You get to put on that extra effort at the time of adversity. You get to make it a habit to overcome and enjoy even the most adverse times.

Good Time & Bad Time

Time is always good if you think like that. I say it. The difference between good and bad time is your mindset. You can easily convert a bad time to something tolerable. And even to something good. This is what we do. This is what we have to do. This is why, you are still here reading this blog! This is what is called survival strategy. You get to act at the time of adversity. When there is a flood, you get to look for a safe shelter. Don’t we do that?

What Would Happen Today

This weekend was jumped pack with schedules. It was important for me to get up in time. Absolutely must. But temperature and the atmosphere were not supporting. I could have been lying down for one more hour at ease. But I preferred to get up in time. I woke up. I felt the pinch of cold. I put on the pullover. It gave me warmth. It gave me comfort. I started to enjoy as the day was breaking out. As my surroundings was gradually getting noisy. It could have been worse had I preferred to sleep an hour longer.

Had I Been Late By an Hour More

I would get delayed. I would have to skip a number of urgent works. So, I did what I could do to start in time. And finally, I did meet up all the appointments. I took my guitar class after completing weekly accounting works, then, attended my class/ rehearsal at a distance of around one hour. Back home I, along with my pals, rehearsed a few more songs with orchestra. It helps us more when we rehearse in group, I think. And at late night I am at home and sharing my day’s story with you.
Had I been late, I could have missed a few/all of my todos. It would have stressed me more. At the day’s end, I would not have been in a position to have a sound sleep. It gives you great delight when you do not have a list of pending works. You do not have to face a tug-of-war to manage time and commitments.
You can do it in time. Just put that extra effort. You can change bad time to something tolerable, and even to a good time with little bit of EXTRA effort.
It is up to you!


There cannot be any better way to START off a new day than to watch these wonderful VIDEO!!!

Would You Like to GIVE it a Try? It does not cost you an arm and a leg. It costs nothing.

With me! Now?

What do you SAY?

P.S. – I will share a story from my life in my next post to PROVE that you are NEVER too LATE to START something NEW!

Image Source: 123rf.com

Black & White Bath - Episode #2

Quote:  
"Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash". 
George S. Patton

Friends,
Morning starts with tension! A continuation of last night dinner table drama!
My brother declared – “The E.M.I. check has struck my bank”!
EMI! Probably, an inevitable part of any Dream Home Project these days! I know it is manageable. But you get to arrange for fund. So, there is some extra pressure. Anyway, it also means that we are almost into our way towards a better home.

Image Courtesy: Panhala.net

A Better Living 

Presently, we are living in an old flat. We have been living here since childhood. It is located in a congested area of Kolkata. You can hear lots of noises from here and there. People are shouting out loud. WE badly need a better home. And finally we got one. Hardly 30 minutes journey from our present place. But it may take up to 2 hours during busy hours of the day to reach our new home. It is being constructed. Tiles have been placed. Painting and polishing work is to be done. A situation, which indicates it is not too far away to get possession. We are heading up for a better living. Shortly!

But E.M.I. 

But the early morning thoughts of E.M.I. just got me feeling low. I tuned the guitar and started to play. I need to tune my mood. Must I make this moment special for me! I have realized it of late – you get to be in a great mood to resolve any issue. And to help and support others. I recover pretty well from my random mood disorder whenever I play. I hope members of my family would continue to allow me making noise early in the morning. And after half an hour of playing, I felt lot better.

A Busy Day Ahead 

BTW I have another busy day waiting. We have made a plan to visit SAGARDWIP, an island in the Bay of Bengal, from 23rd to 25th Jan, 2013. So, I need to complete necessary formalities like booking hotels etc. Feeling even better! Morning does not always show the DAY! Just close your eyes. Imagine the endless sandy beach. Think of the calm tide of Bay of Bengal! And you get FREE from all STRESSES. Relax. Enjoy. I thought of the tour as I took my bath. It is winter, temperature is around thirteen degree Celsius. But I preferred to use cold water fast. And then I used the WARM water. I call it Black-and-White bath. It gives me lots of comfort and pleasure. I forgot the E.M.I. stresses and started to think about the beaches, the palm trees, greeneries of Bengal and beyond. A busy day is waiting ahead. Must I gear up. Everyone Has Tension!

Before I take a break, listen to this beautiful melody from Styx - Too Much Time On My Hands!

 

So, how do you coup up with Tension? 

Traveling? Listening to Music? Gossiping? 

What’s Your Way?

Episode – I! Happy New Year 2013!

Quote:

"Everyday above the Ground and Beneath the Sun is a Very Good Day"

Friends,

Starting off a brand new year, 2013, with hopes and horror! Hope because this is what keeps us going; and horror because the year 2012 has left quite a few plaintive moments for us.

Crackers! What Do They Say!

Not even three days have passed since death stroke Singapure. The Delhi rape-victim gave up her battle for life at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore. But the city men started to embrace the brand new year, 2013. Disco lights were flashing on the streets. DJs were hitting hard. High pitch sound, crazy dances, and glittering splash lights – the world around us was keen to get into the new-year! The party goes on night long!

And the Clock Ticked 12.00

Midnight! Resting in front of my computer! Happy New Year greetings flooded facebook. People all across the globe get to relish this moment. The moment of hope and resolution! The moment to forget past! And to move on! But I could not. I could guess COCO would stand in front of the door holding that GREEN toy in her mouth. COCO! My lovely dog! She will urge me to begin play session! And no more! On Dec 5th, 2012 around 2.15 p.m., she started her journey towards eternity. I am alone. It is midnight. Crackers are sounding. Streams of light split the midnight darkness. COCO is no more. No body would understand the loss. No body would miss her more than me!

But I am READY

I am ready to move on! Ready to embrace a new year! Ready to forget the feeling of horror which jeopardized the entire Indian territory after Delhi Rape Case! I am ready to take a new year’s resolution to ROAR against such criminal acts when it matters the most.

Finally, Happy New Year!

Well. Thank God if you have your near and dear one’s around you! You can make the world you want – money, success and fame! You can, at the least, try to achieve it. But you can not make life. Enjoy every bit of it. Enjoy this moment. Make this moment special for you and people around you.

Listen to this beautiful song!!!

What do you SAY? 

Would You Like to Make this MOMENT special? 

This Year?

Happy New Year 2013!