like a virgin!!!

Yes, I am always reminded of this song as I travel across the greens of North Bengal ❤️

As the monsoon clouds gather over North Bengal, it feels as if Mother Nature herself has dipped her brush in emerald hues and painted the hills, valleys, and forests with renewed vigor.

North Bengal, cradled in the foothills of the Himalayas, welcomes the monsoon with open arms. The leaves shimmer, the rivers swell, and the fragrance of wet soil permeates the atmosphere. It's a symphony of life—a reminder that nature's cycles continue, undeterred by human concerns.

As I wander through tea gardens and mist-covered villages, I'm struck by the vibrant greenery. It's not just a color; it's a feeling—an embodiment of vitality. 

The raindrops fall gently, like whispered secrets. The temperature hovers in that sweet spot—neither too hot nor too cold. Each droplet seems to carry stories—the laughter of children playing in puddles, the whispered promises of lovers seeking shelter under ancient trees.

As I walk along winding paths, I contemplate life's mysteries. The monsoon mirrors my emotions—the sudden downpours of joy, the thunderstorms of sorrow, and the quiet drizzles of introspection. Perhaps North Bengal's monsoon is an invitation—to pause, reflect, and find solace in the rhythm of raindrops.

As the rain continues to fall, I realize that this journey isn't just about the external landscape; it's an inner exploration—an immersion in the beauty of both nature and self.

In the Arms of Life: The Healing Power of Embraces

In the tapestry of human interactions, few gestures are as universally understood and deeply felt as the embrace. It is a silent language spoken through the arms, a dialect of comfort that transcends words and cultures. It is a universal symbol of connection, a silent conversation between souls. As I reflect on my own life, I realize that embraces have punctuated my journey, each one a story in itself.

The act of hugging someone has often intrigued me. It is a simple gesture, yet it holds profound meaning. A hug can be a greeting or a farewell, an expression of love or a source of comfort. It is a physical manifestation of connection, a way to say without words that you are not alone in this world. 

I observed how a simple hug could transform a moment, offer solace, or celebrate joy. It was a curiosity that grew into an appreciation for the power held within the arms of another.

The way a mother's hug can soothe a child's fears, or the way a father's arms can lift a spirit—it's a testament to the strength and tenderness of familial bonds. 

In the arms of a mother, a child finds the fortress of security; in the arms of a lover, a sanctuary of affection. These moments are not merely physical interactions but emotional landmarks that define our relationships; they are the emotional anchors that hold us steady in the turbulent seas of life.

Then there is the embrace between lovers, a physical conversation filled with unspoken narratives. Romantic embraces are like fire and ice that somehow fit perfectly together. It's a reminder that in the arms of our beloved, we find a piece of ourselves that was missing.

The embrace shared during moments of intimacy is perhaps the most profound. It becomes an intimate dialogue, a fusion of desires and a celebration of connection. It is the ultimate expression of giving and receiving, a testament to the trust and bond shared between two individuals. In these moments, we are not just bodies; we are stories, dreams, and hopes entwined.

I recall a time when I was engulfed in darkness, wading through a phase of deep depression. It was around 1:00 a.m. when I sought refuge at my cousin’s doorstep. As the door opened, revealing my tear-stained face, I was welcomed not with words but with open arms. That night, I found solace in the embrace of my cousin sister, a comforting presence akin to a mother’s love. I wept in her embrace. It was a refuge, a place where my broken pieces were held together, allowing me to breathe again.

There's also a special kind of embrace, one that I've seen between a special child and my niece. Despite their age difference and lack of verbal communication, their hugs are a language of their own. Each time they embrace, it's a celebration of innocence and a testament to the fact that love needs no words. In their eyes, I see a world where the heart speaks louder than the voice; a reflection of the world as it should be—free of judgment and full of acceptance.

Embracing is more than a physical act; it's a spiritual experience. It is to accept the ebb and flow of experiences, to hold tight during the storms, and to celebrate in the sunshine. Embraces are the milestones of our emotional journeys, markers of moments when we felt loved, supported, and connected. They remind us that, in the grand scheme of things, we are all part of a larger whole, seeking comfort and understanding in each other’s arms. 

Let us then embrace not just each other, but also the myriad experiences life offers, for it is through these that we find our true selves and the essence of what it means to be human.

World environment day

3pm, 05-06-2024

I grew up in the green hills of Lower Subansiri in Arunachal Pradesh, surrounded by beautiful nature. The greenery was a big part of my life and taught me a lot about the world.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the sound of birds in the morning was like music, starting the day. The misty mornings showed me how everything in nature is connected. The big trees around me were like protectors, making me feel small but also teaching me to respect nature.

As a kid, playing outside was more than just fun. I learned about living together with plants and animals. The rivers flowing through the land taught me to keep going and to fit in with the world around me.

Today, on World Environment Day, I think back to those days. The hills of Lower Subansiri were like a big classroom without walls, where I learned to take care of the environment. Arunachal Pradesh, with all its different plants and animals, shows how amazing it is when we live in balance with nature.

Now, as we face environmental problems, what I learned as a child is very important. We need to take care of our natural world, just like the hills of Arunachal Pradesh have kept their beauty. We all have to make sure that the beauty of nature can keep inspiring and helping people, just like it did for me when I was young.

Let's promise on this World Environment Day to look after our planet, to learn from nature, and to give a healthier, more green Earth to the next people. We all come from nature, and we should look after the place that has given us so much.

Yazali was a little village hidden in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, where old traditions and new ways came together. It was there, in the peaceful land, that NEEPCO built its hydroelectric power project, showing that we can develop in a way that's good for nature.

Back then, only a few families lived in the village, and their lives were closely tied to nature. When NEEPCO's project started, it gently changed Yazali.

I saw the village change as I grew up. The mountains and rivers stayed the same, but the village started to grow in new ways. The power project was a sign of moving forward, but it still respected the beautiful environment.

The DPH colony was a group of homes on a hill in Arunachal Pradesh. It was named after the diesel power house on the hilltop that gave electricity to all the homes.

The homes were simple but nice. They fit well with the hill and the nature around. The people living there were like a big family, sharing and caring for each other.

For a kid like me, the hill was the best playground. There were paths around the power house that led to secret spots that only we kids knew. The power house was big and always running, making sure we had light and power.

Our homes in the colony were plain but nice. They matched the hill and the wild plants around us. We all lived like a big family, sharing and caring for each other.

For me, a kid back then, the hill was the perfect playground. There were secret paths near the power house that only us kids knew. The power house was big and always on, giving us the light and power we needed.

In the 1990s, my home state of Arunachal Pradesh was really beautiful and still quite new. It had just been made a state in 1987. At that time, many places in Northeast India didn't have enough electricity. We often used oil to run our generators.

In my village, Yazali, not having enough power was something we dealt with every day. The different areas on the hills had to share the little electricity we had. This often caused arguments. To solve this, we had load shedding, which meant we took turns having power. One night we'd have electricity, and the next night it would be the turn of the next hill.

This way of life became normal for us. When we had power, kids did their schoolwork, and families watched TV together. When it was dark, we'd see a sky full of stars. Those were the times for sharing stories and enjoying the fresh air of the mountains.

The lack of power was tough, but it taught us to be ready and do important things when we had electricity.

As a child, I loved the Milky Way and the stars. On clear nights, it looked like a bright river across the sky. I spent many hours finding the shapes of constellations and learning their stories.

These star patterns felt like friends with their own tales. Orion was like a hunter chasing something forever. The Big Dipper pointed north and helped people find their way. Looking at these stars made me feel connected to the big universe.

The stars and the Milky Way weren't just lights in the sky; they were like teachers for me. They made me want to learn and find out more about the world. I often fell asleep counting the stars outside my window.

Thinking back on these changes, I see a big difference between the green places where I grew up and the busy cities full of buildings. It's really important now to make our cities greener. We need to bring more nature into the places we live, not just to make them look nice but to keep our planet healthy for everyone in the future.

When I moved to Salt Lake, I loved walking alone in the East Kolkata wetlands. It was so quiet and peaceful there, very different from the noisy city. I could hear birds singing and leaves rustling. These walks made me forget my worries and enjoy the beauty around me. They made me feel really good.

But now, the wetlands are changing. I see buildings coming up and trash everywhere. The water is dirty, and the air is full of dust. This is bad for the plants and animals there and for the city's air and water.

Today, on World Environment Day, I think back to my days in Yazali, a small village in Arunachal Pradesh. It reminds me of the clean air and green land I grew up with. Yazali was a peaceful place that showed how we can live well with nature. It makes me think about how important it is to keep places like this safe for our Earth and for the kids who will grow up after us. 🌿🌏

Rediscovering the Written Word

Previously, my blog was a canvas for my thoughts, a daily ritual where words flowed like a river, unimpeded and free. It was a space of creation and reflection, where ideas took flight on the wings of prose. Writing regularly was not just a habit but a form of expression that chronicled the journey of my mind, capturing the essence of moments both monumental and minute.

Writing is akin to a mental exhale, a release of the myriad thoughts that crowd our inner landscape. It is an act of liberation, freeing the mind from the shackles of unspoken words and unprocessed emotions. The blank page becomes a confidant, a silent listener to the whispers and roars of our psyche, allowing us to untangle the complex web of our thoughts.

Life, in its unpredictable ebb and flow, brought with it events and circumstances that acted as barriers to my writing. Responsibilities mounted, and the once steady stream of words dwindled to a trickle, then ceased altogether. The blog, once vibrant with activity, stood still, a testament to the interruptions that life can bring.

Now, I stand at the precipice of a new beginning, the hiatus behind me. With renewed vigor, I return to my blog, to the sanctuary of sentences and paragraphs. The commitment to continue is a promise to myself—a vow to not let the silence settle again, to keep the dialogue between my inner world and the page alive.

Even if it's just two lines, the act of writing is beneficial. Those few words are a step, a small but significant stride towards clarity and understanding. They are the seeds from which vast gardens of thought can grow, a reminder that the journey of a thousand pages begins with a single sentence.

Pineapples

Along the winding roads of youth, where dreams like mist arise,

A young man of twenty-four with hope in his eyes,

Traveled the highway's length, through Ghospokur's embrace,

Where tea plantations, lush and green, adorned the land with grace.

One morn, in Bidhannagar, 'neath skies of softest blue,

He found a sign that beckoned, "Pineapple capital," it knew.

Fields upon fields of spiky crowns, in stages, they did grow,

Through seasons' change, they stood in lines, in sun's or rain's glow.

His mother, wise at seventy-five, with love's enduring flame,

Spoke of the fruits that would sweeten with the monsoon's claim.

So he awaited rain's return, with patience in his soul,

For pineapples to fill their home, to make their dining whole.

In the market's thrumming heart, where life's rich tapestries blend,

He met a maiden fair and young, a vision heaven-sent.

Beside her father, she did stand, as bargains were composed,

And in his heart, a future dream, like tender blossom, rose.

But fate, cruel with its twisted hand, struck swift without a sign,

The maiden crossed the road and met a destiny malign.

A truck, unyielding, stole her breath, and with it, dreams did part,

He vowed to leave the pineapples, the fruit that pierced his heart.

Now, pineapples, once sweet and bright, bear sorrow's heavy toll,

For him, they are the forbidden fruit, that grieves his very soul.

No more shall he traverse that road, where memories lie in wait,

A love, a life, a fleeting chance, now sealed by cruel fate.

The Liberating Power of Writing: A Path to Emotional Clarity

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of thoughts and emotions that flood our minds. The act of writing, a simple yet profound exercise, has long been revered as a gateway to freeing the mind and achieving emotional clarity. It's a tool that many aspire to wield, yet find themselves hindered by the distractions of life. However, those who do engage in this practice discover a powerful ally in navigating the complexities of their inner world.

The journey of writing is akin to embarking on a voyage of self-discovery. It's an intimate process where one can converse with their deepest self, away from the noise of external influences. The blank page becomes a confidant, a safe space where thoughts can be expressed without judgment. This act of transferring thoughts to paper is not merely a mechanical task; it is a form of release, a way to untangle the web of emotions that often ensnares us.

The benefits of writing for emotional well-being are well-documented. Studies have shown that writing about traumatic, stressful, or emotional events can lead to significant improvements in both physical and psychological health. This process, known as expressive writing, involves delving into one's thoughts and feelings about such events, often leading to a greater sense of well-being and reduced stress.

For many, the decision to write is borne out of a desire to make sense of their emotional landscape. It's not uncommon to feel trapped in a state of emotional turmoil, where clarity seems like a distant dream. Yet, through writing, one can begin to unravel the complexities of their emotions, viewing their experiences from a new perspective. It's a moment of revelation, where the fog of confusion lifts, and the path ahead becomes visible.

The act of writing can be a therapeutic endeavor, one that allows individuals to process their emotions and gain control over their narrative. It's a form of self-therapy, where the writer becomes both the patient and the healer. By articulating their feelings, they embark on a path of healing, often uncovering insights that were previously obscured by the chaos of their emotions.

Moreover, writing has the uncanny ability to bring to light the unseen. It's not unusual for someone to be blindsided by their circumstances, unable to recognize the underlying dynamics at play. However, as they begin to write, the veil is lifted, and what was once hidden becomes apparent. The realization that everything they needed to understand was always there, right before their eyes, can be both astonishing and liberating.

Writing is more than just a means of communication; it's a powerful instrument for personal growth and emotional liberation. It offers a respite from the relentless pace of life, providing a moment of stillness in which one can reflect, process, and ultimately, find peace. For those who have yet to embrace this practice, the invitation stands—to pick up a pen and set your mind free. As you do, you may just find that the clarity you seek has been within reach all along, waiting to be discovered through the healing power of words.

Further reading:

1. Pennebaker JW. Writing about emotional experiences as a therapeutic process. Psychol Sci. 1997;8(3):162-6.

2. Smyth JM, Stone AA, Hurewitz A, Kaell A. Effects of writing about stressful experiences on symptom reduction in patients with asthma or rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized trial. JAMA. 1999;281(14):1304-9.

3. Baikie KA, Wilhelm K. Emotional and physical health benefits of expressive writing. Adv Psychiatr Treat.

Lady and the pineapple saga!

In a grove where the sun did dapple,

Lived a lady, known for her pineapple.

She grew them so sweet, so juicy, so right,

A tropical treasure, pure delight.

Each day she'd tend with care so fine,

To each leafy crown and growing vine.

Her garden, a canvas of green and gold,

Where the pineapple saga would unfold.

The lady whispered secrets into the breeze,

That danced through the orchard with such ease.

And pineapples listened, growing grand,

The finest in all the sun-kissed land.

One day a traveler came to see,

This fruit of legend, from far across the sea.

He marveled at the taste, the scent, the sight,

And knew the lady's pineapple was just right.

So here's to the lady, her patience and toil,

For nurturing pineapples from the soil.

In the grove where the sun's warm saga spun,

Her pineapples ripened, second to none.

The joy of communal dinner after Vat Purnima Puja

Vat Purnima is a festival that celebrates the beauty and joy of life❤️. It shows that life is precious and should be cherished with love and gratitude. It also shows that death is not the end but a new beginning of a higher journey.

It falls on the full moon day of the month of Jyeshtha (May–June) and is also known as Vat Savitri Vrat. On this day, women observe a fast and pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands by tying a ceremonial thread around a banyan tree. The festival is inspired by the legend of Savitri and Satyavan, a tale of love, loyalty and courage.

Lagend has it that Savitri was the daughter of 👑King Asvapati and 👸Queen Malavi. She was so beautiful and virtuous that no man dared to ask for her hand in marriage. Her father asked her to choose a husband for herself. She went on a pilgrimage and met Satyavan, the son of a blind and exiled king named Dyumatsena. She fell in love and decided to marry him.

However, when she returned to her father's palace, she met Sage Narada who told her that Satyavan had only one year to live. Savitri was shocked but refused to give up on her love. She married Satyavan and went to live with him in the forest.

Three days before the predicted death of Satyavan, Savitri started a fast and vowed to stay awake for three nights. On the day of his death, she accompanied him to the forest where he was cutting wood. Suddenly, he felt dizzy and lay down on her lap. Savitri realized that his time had come.

Soon, Yama, the god of death, arrived to take away Satyavan's soul. Savitri followed him as he carried the soul away. She praised Yama with eloquent words and impressed him with her wisdom and devotion. Yama granted her three boons, except for the life of Satyavan.

Savitri asked for the restoration of her father-in-law's eyesight and kingdom, then for a hundred children for her father, and then for a hundred children for herself and Satyavan. Yama agreed to all her wishes but then realized that he had been tricked. He could not give her children without giving back Satyavan's life.

👿Yama admitted his defeat and praised Savitri for her cleverness and faithfulness. He returned Satyavan's life and blessed them with happiness and prosperity. Savitri and Satyavan returned to their hut where they found Dyumatsena restored to his sight and throne. They lived happily ever after.

On the auspicious day of Vat Purnima, Savitri is worshipped as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The main ritual of Vat Purnima is to tie a thread around a banyan tree or Vat Vriksha. The banyan tree is considered sacred in Hinduism as it symbolizes longevity, immortality and fertility. 

Women go around the tree seven times while chanting prayers and mantras. They tie the thread around the trunk or a branch of the tree as a symbol of their bond with their husbands. They also offer water, milk, rice, flowers and sweets to the tree🌳.

They pray to the banyan tree for their husband's health, happiness and success. They also ask for forgiveness for any mistakes they may have made in their marital life. They seek the blessings of Savitri who saved her husband from death by her devotion.

Vat Purnima is a festival that celebrates the love and devotion of a wife for her husband. It also honors the courage and intelligence of Savitri who defied death for her husband. It teaches the values of loyalty, fidelity and sacrifice in marriage.

Vat Purnima is also a festival that celebrates the bond between a woman and nature. It shows the respect and reverence for the banyan tree that provides shade, shelter and sustenance to many living beings. It also symbolizes the strength and resilience of a woman who can overcome any obstacle with her faith and determination.

Vat Purnima is a festival that celebrates the power of prayer and positive thinking. It shows that nothing is impossible if one has a pure heart and a strong will. It also shows that God is compassionate and merciful to those who worship sincerely.

rhythm of the night | #piku

Rhythm of the Night (Song)

smile whenever you can

Smile

....Whenever you can

The swing creaked gently, a rhythmic sound that seemed to echo the beat of my heart. It was one of those days where the sky mirrored my mood—overcast and blue, a canvas painted with the hues of my introspection. I had been wading through a sea of melancholy, each wave a reminder of the solitude that enveloped me. It was on this day, amidst the quietude of my own company, that I decided to step out and seek solace in the simplest of pleasures—a swing ride.

As I pushed off the ground, feeling the rush of air against my face, I realized that happiness is not a companion that arrives in the presence of others; it is a state of being that blossoms from within. Solitude, often mistaken for loneliness, unfolded its wings to reveal a liberating truth. It taught me that peace and contentment are treasures hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered in the quiet moments we often overlook.

In today's relentless pace of life, where each person is an island adrift in their own ocean of concerns, it is unrealistic to expect a constant anchor from others. The maturity lies in recognizing that just as I navigate my own challenges, so does everyone else. The truest form of strength is found in the ability to confront our inner storms, to stand firm against the gusts of doubt, and to find clarity in the eye of our personal hurricanes.

On that blue day, I ventured out alone, but I was far from lonely. I let the laughter of the wind, the whispers of the trees, and the embrace of the open fields fill the voids within me. As I swung back and forth, I felt a rebirth, a return to the innocence of childhood when joy was unburdened by the complexities of adult life. It was a reminder that it's never too late to reclaim the pure delight that lives in the simplest of actions.

The photograph, a snapshot of that moment, captures more than just a smile—it encapsulates a journey of self-discovery and the profound realization that sometimes, the best company we can have is our own.