Sri Bhaskar Mahapatra #madeofgreat

Greatness.

William Shakespeare has said- "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them."

I say those who achieve greatness personify the #madeofgreat category. Such people enter the greatness league by being driven from within, through practice, sincerity, dedication and hard-work. Artist Sri Bhaskar Mahapatra comes in this category.

Source here: http://formsofdevotion.org/artist/bhaskar-mahapatra/

He is a simple, humble, highly talented artist from Basudeipur, Odisha. He has been practising the Pattachitra art since the last thirty years and has been a prestigious Lalit Kala Akademi Awardee.

Utkalamrita : #OneThingForLove

If you could do one thing for someone or something that you love, what would it be and why? #OneThingForLove

 

I love Odisha. This state has the best of everything- beaches, waterfalls, wildlife, minerals, heritage, history, art, architecture, music, dance, food, clothes- yet remains a backward, poverty-stricken state. History records how Odias have been the most enterprising traders and sailors, going as far as Bali and Sri Lanka to trade before Ashoka's time (3rd Century BC). That's why 'Bali Jatra' is celebrated to this day during Karthik Purnima in November. Yet after Ashoka's war and subsequently over centuries, Odisha then known as 'Kalinga' or 'Utkala' (Land of Utkarsha Kala or Exquisite Arts) started declining. Subservience took over, leaving enterprise behind. 

 

Courtesy

Breathless

She touched the eXquisite dew,

Glistening in the morn rays-

So what if she could not see the day?

Breathless she became.

Touching the baby's neck,

She felt his vocal chords-

So what if she could not hear his cries?

Breathless she became.

Results for #UtkalaDibasaQuiz #Contest are here!!

It's been exactly a month since Odisha's Foundation Day or #UtkalaDibasa. I know all you folks have been eagerly awaiting the results of  #UtkalaDibasaQuiz #Contest!

Today, I feel privileged to bring you the winners of #UtkalaDibasaQuiz #Contest hosted by me since April 1st 2015!  

#UtkalaDibasaQuiz #Contest NOW EXTENDED TILL 19 APRIL 2015!

Hey friends!

On popular demand, I am extending the deadline for the #UtkalaDibasaQuiz #Contest to next Sunday- 19 April, 2015!


The following are the original prizes for #UtkalaDibasaQuiz #Contest:

Grand Prize #1 - Couple 2N/3D Stay at Toshali Sands, Puri sponsored by Toshali Resorts

 

The Lap of Buddhism - Ratnagiri - Traveller's Paradise!

I am hereby redeeming a promise I had made to all my readers in one of my previous posts,i.e. to write in detail about each of the Buddhist places in the 'Diamond Triangle' of Odisha. So here goes the first exclusive write-up on the exquisitely beautiful Ratnagiri!

Being an esteemed part of 3rd International Buddhist Conference at Bhubaneswar has been a life-changing experience for me. The second day of Conference was a site-visit to the 'Diamond Triangle' of Odisha. Ratnagiri was the second destination in our Buddhist trail, after Lalitgiri.

Location: Ratnagiri is in Jajpur District, only about 100 km from Odisha's capital- the splendid Temple City of Bhubaneswar. You can reach at Biju Pattnaik International Airport or Bhubaneswar Railway Station, and head to Ratnagiri by extremely well-connected roads- can reach within 2 hours easily!

2nd Bus carrying Delegates of Buddhist Conference to Ratnagiri. Buses were parked about 1.5 km away from main site, as road is narrow for big buses. Later mini bus of OTDC took us to the exact site of Ratnagiri!

Literally meaning, 'Hill of Jewels' this site is lined with breathtakingly beautiful votive stupas and monasteries dating between 5th Century AD to 13th Century AD.

5 Ways to Manao* your Special Someone!

Sometimes a "sorry" is not enough... Then what is? #sorry

 

Right. "Sorry" is an ubiquitous and taken-for-granted word. Unless you back it up with some heartfelt action, you have no chance to win the other's heart.

So what are my five big ideas to achieve more than the effect of 'sorry' and indeed mend every crack in the relationship?! Here they go:

SURPRISES 

 

#UtkalaDibasaQuiz : Win 2N-3D Stay at Puri, Ratnagiri & lots more!

 

 

The following #UtkalaDibasa Quiz commemorates #UtkalaDibasa 2015 - Odisha's Foundation Day. 

Source

Check out the #UtkalaDibasaQuiz Rules and Terms and Conditions HERE.

A chance to WIN Travel-Stays worth Rs 11,000, Rs 8,000 and 10 other fabulous prizes!

Coming Up: #UtkalaDibasaQuiz! Win Grand Prizes!

The #UtkalaDibasaQuiz Contest is a humble attempt to popularize the beautiful culture and heritage-rich eastern Indian state of Odisha amongst netizens. 

Odisha is also known as Utkala or the Land of Utkarsha Kala (exquisite arts).

Starting from Odisha's Foundation Day (Utkala Dibasa) of 1st April, 2015, the #UtkalaDibasaQuiz will be on till 19th April, 2015. 

Participants can win 2 Grand Prizes - 2 nights/3 days stay in the beautiful Toshali Resorts of Puri or Ratnagiri in Odisha worth about Rs 11,000 and Rs 8,000 respectively, sponsored by Toshali Resorts!

There are 10 Consolation prizes too - lovely Odisha Tourism Souvenir Items sponsored by Odisha Tourism!

Toshali Sands Resort, Puri, Odisha

#Nabakalebara - English Translation of my #Odia poem ନବକଳେବର

This millennium’s first Nabakalebara Festival,

            Is coming up soon in my nation!

After nineteen years the four idols,

            Will undergo Transformation!

Superb art titled 'Niraakaara' by artist Jagdish Chandra Kanungo at recently held art exhibition related to Nabakalebara called 'Nilakandara' at Bhubaneswar

The Soul will be that old one,

            But the body will be brand new!

In the Lord’s Home, waves of spirituality,

            Will spread everywhere anew!

ନବକଳେବର (#Nabakalebara)

ଆସୁ ଅଛି ଏହି ଶହଶ୍ରାବ୍ଦର,

          ନବକଳେବର ପ୍ରଥମ  ।।

ଉଣିଶି ବର୍ଷ ପରେ ଚତୁର୍ମୂର୍ତ୍ତୀ,

          ହେବେ ପୁଣି ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ  ।।

Superb art titled 'Daaru Brahma' by artist Pramod Kumar Mallick at recently held art exhibition related to Nabakalebara called 'Nilakandara' at Bhubaneswar

 

ନବ ଦେହ, ନବ ଯୌବନ,

          କିନ୍ତୁ ବ୍ରହ୍ମ ସେହି ପୁରାତନ  ॥

ଶ୍ରୀକ୍ଷେତ୍ରରେ ଖେଳିଯିବ,

          ଆଧ୍ୟାତ୍ମିକ ଲଉଡ଼ି ନୂତନ ॥

What is Indian Culture?

A lot is opposed as being ‘against Indian culture’. What is Indian culture? #IndianCulture

Indian culture is a wonderful amalgamation of different food, clothing, festivals, religions, languages, dances, music, theatre, puppetry, art, architecture and I can go on and on! Culture refers to both the tangible and intangible aspects of our over five-thousand-year-old civilization. 

Tangible- Food, clothing, arts, crafts, architecture etc. are tangible aspects.

Intangible- Habits, mannerisms, dances, literature, music, theatre, oral traditions handed down since centuries etc. 

In fact, sense of appreciation for our tangible aspects of culture, is also its intangible aspect!

INDIA- A CULTURAL POT-POURRI!

India with 29 states and 7 UTs is a large country. Every state is considered a mini-India being a melting pot of people from different regions, religions, castes and so on. The majority group in one region mostly influences others’ cultural practices. Largely, this cultural pot-pourri has thrived successfully through continuous adaptation and suppleness. 

How my New Life Starts!

Every time I attend new events and talk/interact or listen to new people, I feel I have started a new life! Each of them are bold steps to refine me and add value to my life! Especially this year, my plate has been full by God’s grace! 

In January month I attended two Literary Fests back to back in Kolkata- The #AKLF- Apeejay Kolkata Literary Fest 2015 and the Tata Steel Kalam 2015. Both these were held in the sprawling and extremely beautiful premises of the Victoria Memorial. I felt rejuvenated! 

At #AKLF!

Narendrapur Loka Nrutya Group from Badakusasthali, Ganjam, Odisha

I had attended the LokaNritya and LokaBadya Utsav [State-Level Folk Dancesand Music Festival] at Bhanja Kala Mandap, Bhubaneswar recently from 25-26February, 2015. The folk dances and folk music performances from Odisha done there, were just outstanding. That there is so much talent brimming in our grassroot-level villages and towns, and more importantly they are working hard to preserve the heritage passed on by ancestors, filled me with optimism and hope for preservation of our vibrant cultural arts.

Indian culture is rich, diverse, glorious, brilliant and each state has its own distinct cultural flavours. The summation of all such brilliance, makes our India - #IncredibleIndia!

#MannKiBaat #YesWeCan E-Book!

I have been completely thrilled today! The moment I logged in to Twitter today morning and saw the following tweets under my Notifications, my happiness knew no bounds!

.@rocking_amsa your tweet has been mentioned on PM's #MannKiBaat under Educate and eEmpower youth 👍👍 pic.twitter.com/bhpZD7s3i1
— madmax mumbai (@madmaxmumbai) March 2, 2015

@rocking_amsa your tweet is mentioned in PM @narendramodi's ebook on #MannKiBaat. Great!! pic.twitter.com/Zz2y9Vii0X
— Tia (@tiasharma88) March 2, 2015

.@rocking_amsa Your msg for a Digital India is in PM @narendramodi's #MannKiBaat ebook http://t.co/D6aOMTNUcf pic.twitter.com/ugoI1vqYWK
— Action and Hope (@Action_Hope) March 2, 2015

.@rocking_amsa Wow! 2 of your #DigitalIIndia suggestions in PM @narendramodi #MannKiBaat ebook http://t.co/D6aOMTNUcf pic.twitter.com/jxlcsmK80z
— Action and Hope (@Action_Hope) March 2, 2015

.@rocking_amsa Another tweet about #DignifiedLife is in #MannKiBaat ebook http://t.co/D6aOMTNUcf pic.twitter.com/w7KXtsBjky
— Action and Hope (@Action_Hope) March 2, 2015

I sincerely thank @madmaxmumbai, @tiasharma88 and @Action_Hope for breaking this host of awesome news to me!

How I will Rebuild the World

Rebuilding the World is certainly not a simple task. It is not like erasing the sand art canvas with a brush of the hand...

'The Creator's Hand' - Snapshot taken from my video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9saZI7aa1s

And then creating another glorious new sand art image on it:

Sand Art made by prominent Sand Artist and Padma Shri Awardee Sri Sudarshan Pattnaik of Odisha in a function at Bhubaneswar

Rather remaking the world is a far more complex and an onerous task, given that so much hatred, anger and non-violence has already deeply penetrated it. Simultaneously, pollution is choking people and biodiversity to death, while man's greed, carelessness and climate change is causing disaster after sinister disaster. Today, values have evaporated while killing one another in the name of God is an accepted norm. Today, brother is the enemy of his own brother while daughter is killed by her own parents. Today, lies, corruption and deception rule, while the honest, the good, the pious suffer.

Saahi Jaata of Puri, Odisha

Saahi means locality. Jaata means Yatra or Festival. Saahi Jaata (ସାହି ଯାତ) is believed to have begun in 12th/13th century in Puri, Odisha. 'Durga Medha' (ଦୁର୍ଗା ମେଢ) was shown in the Lokanritya and Lokabadya Utsav [State Level Folk Dances and Music Festival] held on 25 Feb, 2015 at Bhanja Kala Mandap, Bhubaneswar. During Dussehra Festival, dance on this theme is generally done in Saahi Jaata- the Raam Lila of Odisha.

Watch how Goddess Durga charms all by dominating the stage! She dances wearing heavy mask and costume of many kgs, to the tune of beating drums, local trumpet, shouts and shower of flowers on-stage!

Lokanritya and Lokabadya Utsav, Bhubaneswar

Rajya-Stariya Lokanritya and Lokabadya Utsav [State Level Folk Dances and Music Festival] was held on 25 and 26 February, 2015 at Bhanja Kala Mandap, Bhubaneswar. After organising the recently concluded and most wonderful events like the Luptapraya Loka Kala Utsav [Festival showcasing Dying Regional Arts] and the Sankirtan Mahotsav, kudos to Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy and Department of Culture, Govt. of Odisha for organising another brilliant festival showcasing Odisha's vibrant culture!

#Odisha Loka Nritya & Loka Badya Utsav will start soon @ BhanjaKalaMandap #Bhubaneswar.Com & join fast! #ttot #travel pic.twitter.com/zb65TMXEur
— Amrita Sabat (@rocking_amsa) February 25, 2015

 

About Lokanritya and Lokabadya Utsav:

Sankirtan Mahotsav in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Sankirtan Mahotsav was recently held in Bhanja Kala Mandap, Bhubaneswar from 21-22 February 2015. 30 groups had been called- one representing each district of the eastern state of Odisha in India.

At #Sankirtan #Mahotsav BhanjaKalaMandap #Bhubaneswar! Frenzied atmosphere! #ClassicalOdia wow! #ttot @odisha_tourism pic.twitter.com/cRZX7OMEw3
— Amrita Sabat (@rocking_amsa) February 21, 2015

'Sankirtan' means singing devotional songs for Lord Krishna, in the company of good people. Mainly inspired by Vaishnavite Saint Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu since 16th Century AD, in Odisha, this rich tradition continues and Bhakti songs are sung in praise of Lord Jagannath - Lord of the Universe.

Dhunkel- Rare Musical Instrument from Western Odisha, India

'Dhunkel' musical instrument is also known as 'Dhanakoila'. It makes a continuous beating sound, with accompanying vocals praising the Lord. Things used for making of Dhunkel are Dhanu (Bow) and Kula (domestic utensil to winnow grain made of bamboo), covered over an earthern pot and a Dhunkel stick is used to beat it to produce a unique beating sound. This instrument is used in eastern, western, Southern Odisha. Watch this rare musical instrument being played:

Bhalubansi- rare musical instrument from Western Odisha, India

Bhalubansi, is an ancient wind instrument (Susira Badya) from Western Odisha. It was one among many rare and dying musical instruments played at recently concluded Luptapraya Loka Kala Utsav [Festival showcasing Dying Regional Arts]. Not just Bhalubansi, but Brahmabeena and Dhunkel were also played as part of same performance.

2de 6:30 pm BhanjaKalaMandap #Bhubaneswar 3 rare #Odisha instrumnts 2 b played: bhalubansi,dhunkel,brahmabeena! #ttot pic.twitter.com/KNu9v6On9i
— Amrita Sabat (@rocking_amsa) February 19, 2015

About Luptapraya Loka Kala Utsav:

Kendara Badya, rare musical instrument from Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha

Kendara Badya, is a rare stringed musical instrument from Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha. It was one among many rare and dying musical instruments played at recently concluded Luptapraya Loka Kala Utsav [Festival showcasing Dying Regional Arts].

'Music Tree': Innovative concept having 32 rare instruments on it

About the Luptapraya Loka Kala Utsav:

Suta Kandhei Nacha (String Puppet Dance) of Ganjam district, Odisha

Odisha has a rich tradition of puppetry. Various forms of puppetry such as Glove (Kandhei), Rod (Kathi Kandhei) , String (Suta Kandhei) and Shadow (Ravan Chhaya) puppetry are all found in different districts of Odisha.

Source: http://ccrtindia.gov.in/puppetforms.php

Now, as promised, I'm revealing the suspense I had talked about in my previous post- that photo was of a String Puppetry Show! Here goes another click from the same:

Luptapraya Loka Kala Utsav [Festival of Dying Regional Arts], Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Luptapraya Loka Kala Utsav [Festival showcasing Dying Regional Arts] was organised by Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy and Department of Culture, Govt. of Odisha from 18-19 Feb 2015 at Bhanja Kala Mandap, Bhubaneswar.

A one-of-its-kind, innovative 'Music Tree', conceptualised by Mr. Rabi Ratan Sahu had been set up there. It had about 32 rare musical instruments, and looked stunningly beautiful!

Rare #music tree @ BhanjaKalaMandap #Bhubaneswar whr rare dances of #Odisha 2 b shown!Luptapraya Lokakala Utsav #ttot pic.twitter.com/D05ZHt43GG
— Amrita Sabat (@rocking_amsa) February 19, 2015

Rabi Ratan Sahu is not just a talented choreographer and dancer, but an ace researcher on Odisha's folk musical instruments and dances, especially of western Odisha region.

Odia Micropoetry: Dedicated to my beautiful city of Bhubaneswar!

I

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ନାହିଁ କୌଣସି ସହର ଏହି ଜଗତରେ,

ମୋ ଭୁବନେଶ୍ବରଠାରୁ ସୁନ୍ଦର!

ଏହାର କଳା, ସଂସ୍କୃତି, ସଭ୍ୟତାକୁ,

କୋଟି କୋଟି ପ୍ରଣାମ ମୋର!

II

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ମୋ ସହର ଇଶ୍ଵରଙ୍କର ବି!

ଏଠାରେ ତାଙ୍କ ବାସଘର!

ଈଶ୍ଵରଙ୍କ ସେବାରେ ମୁଁ ରହିଲି,

ହୋଇ ଝିଅ ଭୁବନେଶ୍ବରର!

Mukteswar Temple of Bhubaneswar Source

Dhabaleswar Temple at Dhauligiri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Happy Mahashivratri to all! Today is the festival of Shiva, one among the Trinity of Lords in Hindu religion. As per mythology, Shiva married Parvati today. So, it is considered most auspicious. People keep fast and pray all through the night invoking Lord Shiva.

In Hinduism there are 33 crore Gods and Goddesses, but the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara (Shiva) are the chief among them, apart from Shakti or Goddess who is considered most powerful.

In one of the G+ messages I read today, this intriguing fact was refreshed in my mind: The Lords who drank Amrit or nectar became 'Dev' (Lord) while the one who drank poison became 'Devon ke Dev' (Lord of Lords) or 'Mahadev' (Great Lord) ,that is, Shiva.

3rd International Buddhist Conference, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Ever since I had seen the below tweet on @odisha_tourism handle, I had been very excited to be a part of 3rd International Buddhist Conference from 13-15 February 2015! 

We are organising the 3rd International Conference on Buddhist Heritage of Odisha from 13th to 15th Feb. pic.twitter.com/3CzRF5RPUU
— Odisha Tourism (@odisha_tourism) February 5, 2015

Coming to know of the attractive itinerary, I was super-charged and decided that I would anyhow attend this promising event in the City of Temples, my beautiful city of Bhubaneswar.

#Nabakalebara 2015 at #Puri #Odisha

Nabakalebara is among the most unique and rare festivals of the Lord in the world. In the Bhagwad Gita, Lord Krishna has conveyed- "The body will get destroyed upon death. But just as we change into new clothes from old, so also the immortal soul will simply enter into new bodies but will never itself get destroyed".

Nabakalebara Logo from Odisha Tourism Website (Official Source)

Encompassing this deep-seated Hindu belief is the inimitable, one-of-its-kind festival in the entire world, called Nabakalebara. Naba means new and kalebara means body. Lord Jagannath is the presiding deity of Puri, Odisha who is considered as a Vishnu Avatar or a form of Lord Krishna.

Krishna: Series of Micropoetry

I

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Intoxicated

By the music

Of His flute

All my blues

Got an escape route 

II

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My first published poem in Writer's Ezine!

Cupid's month of February 2015 has started on a great and lucky note for me! I had submitted my poem for the first time to Writer's Ezine or WE in January 2015. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a 'Congratulations' e-mail today which also had a badge in my name!

My joy has known no bounds since then! So what better way to celebrate than to share my joy on my blog?! :)

Shereen El-Feki AND Ira Trivedi

I recently attended Tata Steel Kalam 2015, a Literary Meet in the City of Joy- Kolkata. On the last day, I attended a truly enthralling AND enlightening session on women’s sexuality. It was the penultimate session for the day, with two very intelligent, talented, pretty AND humble writers- Ira Trivedi AND Shereen El-Feki. Overall, it was a game-changing experience for me!

Both have reasearched on the changing dynamics of sexuality in the conservative societies of India AND the Arab world respectively, and have written about this bold, controversial, sensitive yet highly necessary topic needing large scale discussion, in their books- “India in Love: Marriage and Sexuality in the 21st Century” AND “Sex and the Citadel: Intimate Life in a Changing Arab World” respectively.

Presenting these multi-faceted personalities' bios from the Literary Meet booklet:

Noise of Silence

I
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She comes

To answer

The questions

Yet all I hear

Is the noise

Of silence


II
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Colorful, Crazy Butterfly

Source

I

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The butterfly 

Colorful

 Bright 

Crazy 

 Flying about 

Gets tired 

 Yet never stops 

Showing off

Settles down

On the brightest

Most Beautiful

Scented

Flower

II

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ନବକଳେବରକୁ ଦର୍ଶାଇବାର ସୁଯୋଗ ଓଡ଼ିଶା ହରାଇଲା

ଗୋଟିଏ ଅନର୍ଥ ଘଟିସାରିଛି। ଏହି ବର୍ଷ ଗତ ବର୍ଷ ପରି, ଆମ ସୁନ୍ଦର, ସଂସ୍କୃତି ଓ କଳାରେ ପରିପୂର୍ଣ ରାଜ୍ୟ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ଟାବ୍ଲେଉ (tableau) ସାଧାରଣତନ୍ତ୍ର ଦିବସରେ ଦେଖା ଦେଇନାହିଁ। ଏହି ନବକଳେବର ବର୍ଷରେ ଏପରି ହେବାରୁ, ଆହୁରି ଲଜ୍ଜ୍ୟାକର ଘଟଣାକୁ ପାଲଟିଛି । ଜଗନ୍ନାଥଙ୍କ ଏହି ଅଦ୍ଭୁତ, ଅନନ୍ୟ, ଅଦ୍ଵିତୀୟ ପର୍ବକୁ ସମସ୍ତ ପୃଥିବୀବାସୀଙ୍କୁ ଦର୍ଶାଇବାପାଇଁ ଏକ ସୁବର୍ଣ୍ଣ ସୁଯୋଗ ଆମ ଓଡ଼ିଆମାନେ ହରାଇଛନ୍ତି। ତଥାପି ରାଜ୍ୟ ସରକାର ଓ ପ୍ରଶାସନ ଏହି ଘଟଣାକୁ ଗମ୍ଭୀର ଭାବରେ ନେଉନାହାନ୍ତି- ଏହା ଓଡ଼ିଶା ପାଇଁ ପରମ ଦୁର୍ଭାଗ୍ୟର କଥା। 

ଏଥର ଖୋଦ ବାରାକ ଓବାମା ଯଥା ଆମେରିକାର ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରପତି ଏବଂ ସମଗ୍ର ପୃଥିବୀର ସବୁଠାରୁ ଶକ୍ତିଶାଳୀ ଲୋକ, ତାଙ୍କ ପତ୍ନୀ ମିଶେଲଙ୍କ ସହ ଆମ ସାଧାରଣତନ୍ତ୍ର ଦିବସର ମୁଖ୍ୟ ଅତିଥି ଥିଲେ। ଇଚ୍ଛାଶକ୍ତି ଓ ଦୁରଦୃଷ୍ଟି ଅଭାବ ଏବଂ ତ୍ୱରାନ୍ୱିତ ଭାବରେ ଠିକ ସମୟରେ ଠିକ ନିଷ୍ପତ୍ତି ନ ନେବାରୁ, ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ଅଭୂତପୂର୍ବ କ୍ଷତି ହୋଇଛି।

ଏହି ବିଷୟରେ ପ୍ରକାଶ ପାଇଥିବା କିଛି links ଏବଂ ତାହା ସାଙ୍ଗରେ ଜଡ଼ିତ ମୋର ମତ ମୁଁ ଏଠାରେ ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତ କରୁଛି:

i) Telegraph
ii) Economic Times 
iii) Odisha Suntimes

ମୁଖ୍ୟତଃ କେନ୍ଦ୍ର ସରକାର ଉପରେ ଏହି 'ଦୁର୍ଭାଗ୍ୟ' ପାଇଁ ଅଠା ବୋଳାଯାଉଛି ଏବଂ ଅନ୍ୟ ଅଣ-ବିଜେପି ଶାସିତ ରାଜ୍ୟ ମଧ୍ୟ ଠିକ ଏହି ଦୁର୍ଭାଗ୍ୟର ଶିକାର ହୋଇଛନ୍ତି, ବୋଲି କୁହାଯାଉଛି। କିନ୍ତୁ ପ୍ରକୃତରେ ଏହା ମିଥ୍ୟା, ନିମ୍ନ କାରଣ ଯୋଗୁଁ:

a) ଅଣ-ବିଜେପି ଶାସିତ ରାଜ୍ୟ ହୋଇଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ, କର୍ଣାଟକର ଟାବ୍ଲେଉ ଆସିଲେ । କେବଳ ଏହା ନୁହେଁ- ରାଜସ୍ଥାନ ଓ ପଞ୍ଜାବ ଭାଜପା କିମ୍ବା ତାହାର ସହଯୋଗୀ ଦଳ ଦ୍ଵାରା ଶାସିତ ହୋଇଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ, ସେମାନଙ୍କ ଟାବ୍ଲେଉ ଦେଖା ଦେଲାନାହିଁ।

b) ପଶ୍ଚିମ ବଙ୍ଗ ପରି ଆମେ କୌଣସି ରାଜ୍ୟ ସରକାର ସ୍କୀମର ସଫଳତାକୁ ବି ପ୍ରଚାର କରୁନଥିଲେ! ପଥର କଳା ହେଉ କିମ୍ବା ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥଙ୍କ ନବକଳେବର ଉପରେ ଆଧାରିତ ହେଉ- ଆମ ଅପୂର୍ବ ସୁନ୍ଦର ଓଡିଶାକୁ ଦର୍ଶାଇବାର ସୁଯୋଗକୁ ହରାଇଛନ୍ତି ଆମେ।

c) ଆଉ ଏମିତି ବି ନୁହେଁ କି ରାଜ୍ୟ ସରକାର ଶାସିତ ଦଳଠାରୁ କେନ୍ଦ୍ରକୁ କିଛି ସାହାଯ୍ୟ ମିଳୁନି। କାରଣ ରାଜ୍ୟ ସଭାରେ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ଏମ୍ପିମାନେ କେନ୍ଦ୍ର ସାଙ୍ଗରେ ସହମତ ହୋଇ ହିଁ ବିଲ୍ଲ ପାସ କରନ୍ତି! ଏହି ଦିଗରେ ଆମେ ଅନ୍ୟ ଅଣ-ବିଜେପି ଶାସିତ ରାଜ୍ୟ ମାନଙ୍କ ଠାରୁ ଉଚ୍ଚ ସ୍ଥାନରେ ଅଛନ୍ତି! ଯଦି ଠିକସେ ଲବି କରାଯାଇଥାନ୍ତା ଆମ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ଗର୍ବ ପାଇଁ, ତାହେଲେ ନିଶ୍ଚୟ ଆମେ ସୁଫଳ ଦେଖିଥାନ୍ତେ! ଉଚ୍ଚ ପଦବୀରେ ଥିବା ନେତାଙ୍କ ଅପାରକତା, ଇଚ୍ଛାଶକ୍ତିହୀନତା ଆମକୁ ସବୁବେଳେ ହରାଏ।

ଅନ୍ୟ ଉପରେ ସବୁବେଳେ ଅଠା ବୋଳିବା ପ୍ରକୃତି ଯେତେବେଳେ ରାଜ୍ୟ ସରକାର ତ୍ୟାଗ କରିବେ ଏବଂ ଦୁରଦୃଷ୍ଟି ସହ ଆମ ଓଡ଼ିଶା ପାଇଁ ମନ ପ୍ରାଣ ଦେଇ କାମ କରିବେ ତେବେ ହିଁ ଆମ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ମହାନ କଳା ଓ ସଂସ୍କୃତିକୁ ସାରା ବିଶ୍ଵର ଲୋକେ ଜାଣିବେ, ସମ୍ମାନ ଦେବେ ଏବଂ ପର୍ଯ୍ୟଟକ ଭାବରେ ବୁଲିବା ପାଇଁ ଆସିବେ ।

ପ୍ରକାଶ ପାଇଛି ଯେ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ପରମ୍ପରା, ସଂସ୍କୃତି, କଳାସାଙ୍ଗରେ ଜଡ଼ିତ ପ୍ରମୁଖ ବୁଦ୍ଧିଜୀବିଙ୍କ ମତ ନିଆ ଗଲା ନାହିଁ। ବରଂ କେବଳ ଛୋଟ ଦଳଟି ନେଇ, କିଛି ଠିକ ଭାବରେ ଉଦ୍ୟମ କରା ଗଲା ନାହିଁ। ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଲଜ୍ଜ୍ୟାକର କଥା।

ଆଉ ତା ଛଡା ଯଦି ଏତେ ଆଇଡିୟା-ବିହୀନ କିମ୍ବା ଆଇଡିୟା-ଶୂନ୍ୟ ହୋଇଯାଇଥିଲେ ଆମ ନିଷ୍ପତ୍ତି-ନେବା-ଲୋକେ, ତା ହେଲେ ଆମ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଜନତାକୁ ସୋସିଆଲ ମେଡିୟା/ଖବରକାଗଜ/ରେଡିୟୋ/ଟିଭି ଦ୍ଵାରା ପଚାରିଥାନ୍ତେ! ନବକଳେବର କୁ ଦର୍ଶାଯାଉ ବୋଲି ନାନା ମତ ଆସିଥାନ୍ତା! ଏହି ସବୁ ଦୃଶ୍ୟ ଦେଖା ଯାଉ ବୋଲି ଜନତା କହିଥାନ୍ତେ- ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ମନ୍ଦିର, କିଛି ଦୂରରେ ନିମଗଛ କଟାଯାଉଛି, କାରିଗର ଠାକୁରମାନଙ୍କ ମୂର୍ତି ଗଢୁଛନ୍ତି, ଓଡ଼ିଶୀ ନୃତ୍ୟ କରାଯାଉଛି, ଓଡ଼ିଶୀ ଗୀତ ଗାନ କରାଯାଉଛି ଇତ୍ୟାଦି।

ମୋ ପରି ଅନ୍ୟ ବହୁ ଜଣ ନବକଳେବର ପାଇଁ ମତାମତ ଟୁଇଟର ଦ୍ଵାରା ଦେଇ ଆସୁଛୁ ଗତ ବର୍ଷର ପ୍ରାରମ୍ଭରୁ। ସେହିଯୋଗୁ ଯେମିତି ବି ହେଉ, ଆଜି ଲୋଗୋ ଓ ଟି-ଶର୍ଟ ବନାଯାଇଛି।

Source: Twitter

ମନ କହୁଛି କାଶ ଆମେ ଏମିତି ଟାବ୍ଲେଉ ପାଇଁ ବି ପଛରେ ପଡନ୍ତୁ- କିନ୍ତୁ ଜଣା ନଥିଲା ଯେ ଏହି ମୁଖ୍ୟ କାମଟିକରେ ଉଚ୍ଚ ପଦବୀର ଳୋକେ ଏତେ ଦାୟିତ୍ଵହୀନତା, ଅପରିପକ୍ଵତାର ପ୍ରକାଶ ଦେବେ।

ମନ ଆଜି କାନ୍ଦୁଛି। କେବେ କେବେ ଲାଗେ କି ଆମ ନବକଳେବରକୁ ପ୍ରଚାର ହିଁ କରିବାକୁ ସରକାରଙ୍କ ଇଚ୍ଛାନାହିଁ । କାରଣ ହୋଇପାରେ ଯେ ଆମର କିଛି ଭଲ ହୋଟେଲ ନାହିଁ, ରାଜପଥ/ଡବଲ-ଲାଇନ-ରେଳ ମଧ୍ୟ ବନା ସରିନି, ଅଳ୍ପ ଦାମରେ ପୁରୀରେ ରହିବାପାଇଁ ଘର ବି ବନା ହେଲାନି (ଅନେକ ଏକର ଜାଗା ଆଗରୁ ଚିହ୍ନଟ କରିବା ବାଦେ ମଧ୍ୟ) ଇତି। କିନ୍ତୁ ଏହି ସବୁ ସତ୍ତ୍ୱେ ମଧ୍ୟ ଆମକୁ ପ୍ରଚାର ଛାଡିବା କଥା ନାହିଁ। କାରଣ, ବିଜନେସ ନିଜେ ଉଭୁରି ଆସିବ। ପର୍ଯ୍ୟଟକ ପୁରୀରେ ନ ରହିପାରିଲେ ଭୁବନେଶ୍ବର/କଟକରେ ଖୋଜି ରହିବେ। ଗୁଡିଏ ଭଲ ବସ ଘଣ୍ଟାକୁ ଘଣ୍ଟା ପକାଇଲେ ସବୁ ପର୍ଯ୍ୟଟକ ନବକଳେବର ବେଳେ ପୁରୀ ଯିବା ଆସିବା କରି ପାରିବେ! ଆମର ଯାହା ଅଛି, ତାହାକୁ ଭଲରେ ବିନିଯୋଗ କଲେ ଆମେ ବହୁ ରାଜସ୍ୱ କମାଇ ପାରିବା।

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ତେଣୁ ଟାବ୍ଲେଉରୁ ଏହି ଅଦ୍ଵିତୀୟ ପର୍ବକୁ ନ ଦର୍ଶାଯାଇପାରିଥିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ, ଏବେ ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରୀୟ ଓ ଅନ୍ତର-ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରୀୟ ସ୍ତରରେ ଆମ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ସଂସ୍କୃତିର ବିଭିନ୍ନ ମାଧ୍ୟମରୁ ପ୍ରଚାର ପ୍ରସାର କରାଯାଉ। କେମିତି ପ୍ରତି ଓଡ଼ିଆ, ପ୍ରତି ଭାରତୀୟ, ବିଶ୍ଵର ପ୍ରତି ଲୋକ ଜାଣିପାରୁ ଯେ ଭଗବାନଙ୍କ ଏମିତି ଅପୂର୍ବ, ବିଚକ୍ଷଣ ପର୍ବ କେବଳ ଆମ ପାବନ ଓଡ଼ିଶା ମାଟିରେ ହିଁ ହୁଏ.....

Baby: A Movie Review

Attention: This review will be a spoiler for you! It gives out certain points on the movie plot, as it contains my analysis around those points. If you want to watch it directly, go ahead- it is a brilliant movie! 

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 'Baby' is a fast-paced action thriller involving a newly-formed (hence called 'Baby'), highly-trained intelligence team. Most apt release close to the Republic Day of India- January 26, as it is a story of unwavering grit, sacrifice and patriotism of our security officers and agents. 

Divine Neem Experiences

The first time I had pimples was when I was in Class IX. I felt like small volcanoes had come up on my face and they would erupt periodically with that thing I abhorred- pus. Often I would interfere and make them erupt knowingly, to get back my plain volcano-less face. But alas! This only created further trouble for the plains of my skin, as more volanoes came up. 

Source: Created in memegenerator.net

The Great Indian Litterbug

The Great Indian Litterbug is a common bug found in Indian sub-continent. He spits everywhere, urinates anywhere, litters garbage anywhere and if someone asks says “It is my free country! You mind your own business!”

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He is unapologetic of his dirt spreading in the surroundings. Worse, he teaches his children and others’ children no better than to litter and create generations of litterbugs. They are a shame to witness. Some varieties found across our vast country are as follows:

a)      The paan spitter -  OK beware of him. If you go near him and he talks, your face will be a smorgasbord of fresh red liquid. If you resemble a character out of a horror movie, then blame him and only him.

Poet's Heartfelt Words: Series of Micropoetry

Source: My Sony Cybershot!

I

---

Poet at heart 

Contentment

Every day

Creative

Beautiful

 Lethargic

II

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Death is Beginning

What do you think happens after one dies? Bring out the best creative imagination to explain. #DeathisBeginning

 

After one dies, he/she goes either to heaven or hell based on his/her karma. And if he/she has unfulfilled wishes or dying against will or last rites are done poorly/not done, they stay back on earth as ghosts. This is the proper conventional idea that all might have heard. Also, such ghosts churn the movie, literature and serial industry with ever newer ideas, thus serving an economic purpose as well.;)

Coming to a more creative description, like they show in my favorite Tom and Jerry cartoons, an infinite escalator or staircase towards heaven emerges. 

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Hearts Tweet, Kiss: Micropoetry

I

--- 

Hearts melt

Hearts meet

Angelic

Divine

Hearts tweet

II

---

Heartless: Series of Micropoetry

I

---

Animal Fetish 

Fulfilled

He went away 

On his path 

Never caring to 

Turn back

II

---

Odia Micropoetry:Respecting the beckoning of my heart

I

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ଜୟ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ! ଜୟ ଓଡିଶା !

ଏହି ପାବନ ମାଟିର ଭାଷାରେ ଆହୁରି ଲେଖିବି

ମୋ ହୃଦୟର ଆହ୍ଵାନକୁ ସମ୍ମାନ ଦେବି...:)

II

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The Great Indian Chamcha

 
The Great Indian Chamcha is a common breed of Homo Sapiens found in Indian sub-continent. He/she has a perennial smile especially in your presence, showers garlands of flowers plus praiseworthy words on you and can be your most effective and continuous feel-good factor.

Tata Bolt: #GetSetBolt!

As I neared the BMC Bhawani Mall,

With eagerness and anticipation,

A sparkling red beauty,

Jolted me to attention!

It was the brand new, beautiful Tata Bolt,

With it I was ready to Get Set Bolt!

Odia Micropoetry: Dedicated to Lord Jagannath

I

---

ତୋ ଚକା ଆଖିରେ ଆଖି ମିଳାଇ 

କହିଛି ମୋର କେତେ ଦୁଖ 

ତୁ ଯେ ଶୁଣୁ ସବୁ ଚୁପ ବସି 

କେବେ ଦେବୁ ମୋତେ ସୁଖ....?

II

---

Series of Micropoetry-IV

I

-------

Last summer's whispers-

A little blue,

A little bright.

II

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'ବାଳୁଙ୍ଗା ଟୋକା' ଚଳଚ୍ଚିତ୍ରର ସମୀକ୍ଷା

ଓଡିଆରେ ମୋର ପ୍ରଥମ ବ୍ଲଗ-ପୋସ୍ଟ ହେଉଛି ଚଳଚ୍ଚିତ୍ର 'ରିଭିଉ' ବା ସମୀକ୍ଷା! ('ରିଭିଉ'ର ଓଡିଆ ଶବ୍ଦ ଓ ଅନ୍ୟାନ୍ୟ ଓଡିଆ ଶବ୍ଦ ଜାଣିବା ପାଇଁ ଏହି ୱେବସାଇଟ୍ସ ବହୁ ଉପଯୋଗୀ ହେଲେ-http://dictionary.tamilcube.com/oriya-dictionary.aspx,http://www.freelang.net/online/oriya.php?lg=gb)

ସିନେମାଟି ପୁରୁଣା କିନ୍ତୁ ମୋ ପାଇଁ ନୂଆ ଥିଲା! ଏହି ସମୀକ୍ଷାକୁ ପଢି ଆପଣଙ୍କ ମତାମତ comment ଭାଗରେ ନିଶ୍ଚୟ ଲେଖିବେ! ମୁଁ ଅପେକ୍ଷାରେ ରହିଲି! :)

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ମୁ ବେଶି ଓଡିଆ ଚଳଚ୍ଚିତ୍ର ଦେଖେ ନାହିଁ। ହାତରେ ଗଣି କହିପାରିବି କେତୋଟି ଓଡିଆ ସିନେମା ମୋ ଜୀବନରେ ଦେଖିଛି। କିନ୍ତୁ ଆଜି ଯେହେତୁ ମୁଁ ଦେଖିଲି ଓଡିଆ ଚଳଚ୍ଚିତ୍ର ଜଗତର ବହୁ ଚର୍ଚ୍ଚିତ ଜୋଡି- ଅନୁଭବ ଓ ବର୍ଷାଙ୍କର ସୁପରହିଟ୍ଟ 'ବାଳୁଙ୍ଗା ଟୋକା', ତେଣୁ ନିଜ ମତ ପ୍ରକାଶ ନ କରି ରହି ପାରିବି ନାହିଁ! ଏହାପାଇଁ ନିଜ ବ୍ଲଗ ଠାରୁ ଭଲ ଆଉ କେଉଁ ମାଧ୍ୟମ ଅଛି?!

Series of Micropoetry-III

I

---

Snowflakes

White and bright

in the moonlit night

II

----

snow

Overclouded

This post has been published by me as a part of the Blog-a-Ton 50; the fiftieth edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. In association with ​Soulmates: Love without ownership by Vinit K Bansal. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton.

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I

-------

And then I could see him no more.

Just me in the mist, on the mountain top. Around me, as I blindly moved my hands, I could feel nothing.

Just dampness.

I was overclouded.

I feared this day.

That I would look for him.

And he would not be there.

Smoke's Shadow

Source

Have you ever seen Smoke's Shadow?

Like a perilous form of Itself...

As if

It Itself

Was not enough......

Good Girls

Define good girls... Everybody has an opinion about a good girl...so whats yours? #GoodGirls

 

 

Good girls are supposed to be a lot of things all at the same time. This is captured by the following DOs and DO NOTs such as.... 

 

DO NOTs :

 

a) Do not go to late night parties.

b) Do not smoke or drink or do drugs.

c) Do not use swear words.

d) Do not laugh or talk loudly.[as in- create noise pollution :P]

e) Do not spend long hours gossiping on phone or chatting on net.