The Meandering Life

In another two hours, 2022 sets in. Another year, another chapter of our lives comes at an end - while another one begins. A difficult year in general for this planet - CoVID's variants continue to terrorize the planet, many nations continue to struggle with economic distress, political indecisiveness (Afghanistan / Migrants issue in EU / Climate Change issues etc.) continues to cost lives of innocents... amidst all gloom, little acts of humanity, compassion, love by common human beings continue to inspire us all. My nation, 🇮🇳 reeled in the 2nd wave of CoVID. Deaths & loss became a part of our lives and continue to haunt those of us who lost their near and dear ones. We may be on the path of economic recovery or our forex reserves may have been burgeoning, but it pales in comparison with the humane loss that we suffered - which I believe in a way could have been prevented. I pray for the departed souls and wish that their near & dear ones be bestowed with the strength to...

In one of the recent Bollywood movies, "Oh My God", the protagonist is asked by an interviewer: "what is religion to you? and he replies, "Religion is which makes people helpless or a terrorist." There's another important thought mentioned: "We're a 'God-Fearing' Society and not a 'God-Loving one".  No doubt, the topic in itself is much controversial and the penned thoughts may only add fuel to the fire. I am from a devout Hindu household - learned to bow before the many Gods & Goddesses, celebrate all the religious festivals with pomp and fervour - but I was also taught few simple ideas at my home, my school and probably more in the environment that I grew up in, which I believe is far more important: 1. "Humanity" always comes first . 2. Trying to be a better version of yourself - to fathom the reason of one's existence, and also to chart which path will lead you to it  I truly learnt to appreciate t...

The other day I was speaking with Aninda Kanti Maity , a dear friend of mine, whose journey towards being a confident-fit individual, transformation into one of the best version of himself has been really inspirational. During the end of our conversation, he opined that “ being grateful ” and “ expressing the same ” are two aspects which he has been diligently following over these years of transformation and urged me to make a habit out of it: remembering at the beginning of each day as to how blessed we are and being thankful for the same. So here goes, my first attempt to record things I am truly grateful for:  Now that I take a deep breath and pause to think – the enormity strikes me, the magic wonders me and the feeling overwhelms me! To the Supreme Creator who thought worthwhile to send me as a “human” in this wide beautiful world; to Mother Nature who has unfailingly continued to provide the means of life; to all people who have been with me through the travesties of the ...

And finally, CECA is back! After 5 months of spending time cooped up at home, maintaining social distancing and adjusting to the new normal, we took a break – though nonetheless in a guarded way. The joy of meeting one another; sharing, from a laugh to a meal warms the heart in unfathomable ways and that to me defines this wonderful community: Colombo Expats Cultural Association. We   had come to Sri Lanka in troubled times last year; the Easter blasts had shook the very foundation of peace and prosperity and the tension was palpable in the air. We reminisced of the times of unrest which this beautiful country had shaken off few years back. We were guarded and apprehensive as to how our tenure will be - but then we were yet to be enrolled in this beautiful community.  I remember the call from our dear Captain, whose initiative and unfailingly kind welcome, introduced us and many of our fellow members in the group. I also remember Chanchal Da’s immediate call, after joining the...

  “IT WAS NOT SUICIDE, I WAS MURDERED!” How many times have we seen in a movie or read in a book ( the quintessential Bengali will remember in the popular Felu Da narratives) wherein in an eerie setting of a chilly dark room, a dim candle on a table, surrounded by a few excited and nervous people; the DEAD comes back with a bang ! The fear and the possibility of the unknown excites and thrills us! Human Being’s unending curiosity is one the traits which defines as well as separates us from other species in the planet. The urge to know and discover has taken us places, and situations, seemingly where imaginations and science converge ! Most religions have instructions pertaining to how we live and conduct our lives and few also have deciphered the journey beyond; Reincarnation / Nirvana / Moksha are all phases of the “life after death”. The concept of soul / spirit has also been mentioned in many religions which describes the fact that the human body is just a cloak and the tr...

Time flies! It will be a shame to think otherwise, when you reflect. It was early April last year (2019) when I was flying to Mumbai from Bhubaneswar to attend the interview for the role in Sri Lanka and here comes another April of our lives - wherein I and my wife have spent nearly an year in the country - however, which has brought so much of uncertainty to the fabric of normalcy in our lives, with the fight against Corona Virus taking centre-stage across the world. An April wherein I cannot be back to my home land, even if I choose to! This year has been a steep learning curve both in my professional as well as personal life. Knowing how to be living in a distant country, learning the "dos & the don'ts", exploring the culture, the language and so many other aspects of the daily life has been fulfilling. Learning the nuances of the Foreign Trade has also been very gratifying. Couldn't thank my organization enough for the opportunity to live the "exper...

"Myanmar's colonial rulers -- as they did throughout the world -- played ethnic groups against each other, boosting the Christian Karen and other non-Buddhist minorities and importing large numbers of Indian and Chinese workers. As Suu Kyi herself wrote in 1988, "the practice of encouraging the differences between the various racial groups was to have sad consequences for the independent nation of the future." - CNN (Dec 14, 2019) How many countries had the British destroyed with the all pervasive "Divide & Rule" policy; how many ethnic divides they could take advantage of, pitted against one another and destroying the humanity in all of them.  As we are saddled today, with hate amongst races, crimes against humanity - I cannot but wonder what would the future of the world be - if the all conquering "British Empire" hadn't done what they had done. For their own selfish gains they thrust Hindus / Muslims / Buddhists / Native Religion practi...

This was written on Jul 10, 2016 while I was posted in Siliguri, West Bengal Hey all! I am addressing after a long time (six years!); the last journal was dated probably somewhat in 2010. So much has changed in these years. I have joined Bharat Petroleum, been posted in Rourkela for around three and half years and currently am now in Siliguri. One of the best places one can work, I suppose. The weather, job environment is enjoyable enough. The biggest change in personal life has happened. From being a care-free bachelor, now I am a responsible married person. I am lucky that God has allowed me to be with the person I have known and loved for nine years. She has had a lot of influence in shaping my life. Today, she’s in Kolkata, recuperating from fever and I hope she gets well soon and joins me in Siliguri. Without her, home doesn’t seem the same. I admit, it is quite difficult to stay alone when I have been accustomed to her presence and love. Mitu, I really thank yo...