Some Hindu Temples in Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

 

Baba Shaktinath Mandir, aka Durga Mandir, Goshala Chowk, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

Kali Mandir, Aghoria Bazar Chowk, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

Bhagwati Sthan, Goshala Road, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

Sahu Pokhar Mandir aka Ram Mandir, Purani bazar, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

Travelogue: Saraswati Puja Idol Making at Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

 

Idols of Goddess Saraswati in the making, at a kumhar's workshop in Muzaffarpur

Idols got ready and being sold in the same workshop

Saraswati Puja Pandal at a nearby location in Muzaffarpur (Bihar) 

- Rahul 

Article: Importance of Small Beginnings

Small beginnings, like the first tentative steps of a child learning to walk, carry profound wisdom. They whisper secrets of resilience, patience, and the beauty of gradual progress. In their simplicity lies a universal truth: growth begins with a single step.

The journey, oh, how it weaves its magic! It’s not merely a means to an end; it’s a symphony of moments, each note resonating with significance. The journey is where we stumble, rise, and discover hidden paths. It’s where friendships bloom, sunsets paint the sky, and unexpected encounters alter our course.

And the destination? It beckons like a distant star—a promise etched in the fabric of our dreams. But let us not forget that the destination is but a snapshot in time. It’s the culmination of countless steps, each imprinted with courage and determination.

So, as we tread the winding roads of life, let’s savor every sunrise, every raindrop, every laughter shared. Let’s honor the small beginnings, for they carry within them the seeds of greatness. And let’s dance with the journey, knowing that it, too, is a destination—a place where our souls find solace and our hearts learn to sing. 

Article: Is the Term "Bourgeois" Still Relevant in 21st Century?

In the 21st century, the term “bourgeoisie” continues to evoke historical and sociopolitical connotations. Let’s explore its meaning:

1. Historical Context:

• The concept of bourgeoisie originated in medieval France, where it referred to inhabitants of walled towns.
• By the 18th century, it denoted the middle class of professionals, manufacturers, and their literary and political allies who demanded political influence consistent with their economic status.

2. Marxist Theory:

• In Marxist theory, the bourgeoisie represents the capitalist class that owns and controls property, contrasting with the wage-earning working class.
• The bourgeoisie’s interests are often seen as opposed to revolutionary change, as they benefit from the existing status quo.

3. Contemporary Interpretations:

• In the 21st century, the term is less commonly used in everyday discourse.
• However, underlying ideas persist: political conflict often stems from competing economic interests, a notion first articulated by Aristotle.
• While the bourgeoisie no longer dominates political discussions, the tension between economic classes remains relevant.

In summary, the bourgeoisie symbolizes historical class divisions, economic power, and societal influence, even if the term itself has faded from common usage in recent times.

History: Nana Jagannath Shankar Sheth

Jagannath Shankarseth (10 February 1803 – 31 July 1865), popularly known as Nana, was an important industrialist, educationist and philanthropist of the 19th century. Born into a wealthy Brahmin family, Shankarseth gave up the priestly duties of his forefathers and went into trade. Over the years, he earned reputation and, with it, a considerably large fortune.

Nagannath Shankar Sheth's role as an educationist, philanthropist, social reformer, quasi-political representative of Indians in British India, and a foremost man among the original makers of Mumbai remains inspirational to this day. 

Nana conducted his trade and business with great success and respect. Legend has it that Arab and Afghan merchants kept their monies and treasures with him instead of the banks. The family lived in a large wada in Girgaum. The wada was recently demolished for a high-rise.

Shankarseth contributed to the city by bankrolling museums, educational institutions and public buildings. He was the first Indian member of the Asiatic Society and made large donations to the Victoria & Albert Museum (present-day Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum).

Nana gave up the land he owned for public purposes. He founded societies and institutions that make a mile-long list — among them the Native School of Bombay that became the Board of Education and later the Elphinstone College, an English school, a girls’ school, Sanskrit library. He helped set up the university and co-founded the Bombay Association to represent traders and businessmen. He donated to setting up museums and gardens. 

He alongside Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy formed the Indian Railway Association back in 1845 with the purpose of bringing railways to India. This association eventually was incorporated into the Great Indian Peninsula Railway with Jeejeebhoy and Shankarsheth acquiring two seats at the directors’ table. At the time of formation, the two men were the only Indians among Great Indian Peninsula Railway’s board of ten directors. As a director, Shankarsheth was on the historic April 16, 1853 train ride between Bombay and Thane – the first ever passenger train to run on Indian soil.

Nana played the role of community leader-reformer to an extent that the British enlisted his help to outlaw the practice of Sati in Bombay presidency. He was the first Indian to be nominated to the Legislative Council of Bombay and a member of the Asiatic Society of Bombay, when Indians were not welcome there. Nana joined forces with Sir George Birdwood and Dr Bhau Daji Lad to initiate major reconstruction projects in Bombay to give it planned buildings, streets and avenues. Nana’s use of personal wealth for the city’s development would put today’s wealthy Mumbaikars to shame. 

Nana Shankar Sheth’s philanthropy, indeed his philosophy of underwriting the city’s physical and social infrastructure as that of the Parsis, helped transform Bombay into a city of trade, commerce, and social and intellectual capital. The city has not acknowledged it in full measure.

References: 

https://www.hindustantimes.com/columns/jagannath-shankar-sheth-a-founder-of-the-city-that-the-city-nearly-forgot/story-spZ0VFswj9oS0hZ1G7tt2N.html

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/who-was-nana-shankarseth-the-man-after-whom-mumbai-central-railway-station-is-being-renamed-094049728.html

When Paytm Payments Bank Becomes a Memory

As Paytm Payments Bank may get closed due to RBI actions against it, just saving screenshots of their monthly statements, for the sake of sentiments/nostalgia: 

 

- Rahul 

Movie Review: Into the Darkness (2020) - Danish film

'Into the Darkness' (2020), originally released as 'The Cursed Years', is a Danish film available on video on demand and I watched it on BookMyShow Stream. The movie is watchable with English subtitles. 

Pic: The movie poster showing main characters

The movie is set in the years of World War II and presents and intriguing story of a family which is torn apart by conflicting ideologies among its members. 

Karl, the patriarch and his wife Eva are celebrating their wedding anniversary with sons, daughter and friends, when German warplanes pass through the sky announcing German occupation of Denmark. His son Michael, born out of previous marriage, and is disliked and given cold treatment by Eva, has taken military training and hence joins the World War II on German side, eventually getting critically injured by the end. Helene, their daughter, falls in love with a German Navy officer named Willi. Their son Aksel joins communists siding with Russia and fighting against German Nazis, while actually chasing a communist girl Liva (role played well by Kathrine Thorborg Johansen). The movie shows many Jews being taken away from Denmark to Germany and ending up in concentration camps while Danish people not fully aware of what was going on. 

Pic: Helene falls in love with Willi (R), while Michael (L) looks 

Pic: Aksel joins communists partly because of trying to impress a girl

Despite set on WW-II, the movie does not show bloodshed and gets away with minimum action scenes which is to its credit. But what is captured very well during the course of the movie is impact of this war on the common Danish families, impact on young men and how they got swayed by joining forces on either side, and often ended up dead. The movie captures the impact of the great war on the Danish industries and the dilemma faced by the industrialists on whether to try to insulate themselves from the war, or join the German war machinery. 

The deep acting displayed by Jesper Christensen playing Karl Skov is amazing to watch. Gustav Dyekjær Giese who played his son Michael Skov is my favorite from the movie. Bodil Jørgensen who played Eva Skov has done a really amazing job playing the extremes, at one side she is cold and subtly hurtful towards Michael and immensely loving towards her daughter Helene and son Aksel. The movie captures the emotions and aura of the moments very well. Even its dialogues are very good. Though I was not able to take any screenshots due to the restrictions put by BookMyShow due to whatever reason. 

Overall, 'Into the Darkness' is a wonderful film showing the effect of devastating World War II on the lives of people in Denmark. It is highly recommended if you want to give this Danish film a try with English subtitles.  

- Rahul 

Travelogue: Moving Around Places, Muzaffarpur (Bihar) - Part 1

A new Marriage Hall constructed near Khadi Board, Muzaffarpur

 

Fresh Jalebi, Gaja and Bundi at a sweets shop near Muzaffarpur

A lake at Mushahri, near Muzaffarpur. It has less water at this time of the year but gets plenty during rainy season. 

A new mango plantation, near Muzaffarpur 

A cauliflower cultivation, near Muzaffarpur, on a winter morning

- Rahul

A Different Prince Charming

Here is one more story from the many stories I witnessed during my village stay. 

All family members of one of our relatives have moved to the nearby city, and hence their large house is locked; the land in front of it and several cows they keep, all are being taken care by a laborer family who lives adjacent to their house. These laborer families are divided between our families and such master-servant relationship has been going on for several generations, and hence there is a mutual trust not seen at other places. Since their masters do not live in the village anymore, this particular laborer family has been taking good 'advantage' of the opportunity, and everyone knows that they enjoy portion of cows' milk and portion of grains and other resources, to the extent they want, apart from a monthly salary they get. Their master is aware of it but do not mind since this family is their ears and eyes in the village. 

I noticed a young boy who is son of the worker family. This boy was small a few years ago and now he was about 12-15. He drives tractor and operates other agriculture equipment which his master's family owns, and at times rents to other villagers. He also has a motorcycle and often goes to places on his motorcycle whenever needed. One fine day, while this boy was riding his motorcycle, sun was shining on his face, and I noticed that he had fair complexion. He was tall, slender and fair - and I noticed he was looking like a boy from a rather rich family, not of laborers. I remembered that even his father was fair, but he looked like a laborer. I was highly impressed with the boy and a thought came in my mind that if this boy was not born in a poor family, he could be like 'Prince' they show in movies and stories. 

After a gap of time, one day, bad news came. We came to know that this boy was beaten up black and blue by the Police. He was coming home from somewhere on his motorcycle, and a Police Jeep was behind him. He did not give way to the Police car and hence the Policemen overtook and stopped him, picked him up and took to the police station where they beat him up with sticks and belts. His flesh and skin were damaged, and he had red rashes all over his body. He came back to his home and ever since he stayed at home to recover. 

When people come across atrocities, they go to the Police for help. But when the Police itself becomes an oppressor, where can people go? This boy was from a poor family, and he did not tell anyone about this incident. Few people came to know and hence we also got to know about it. I felt too bad for the boy. In a few days, I saw the boy at the house of our relative; he had brown rashes all over his face and body. 

Young folks recover fast and hence when I visited after a gap, the boy was back to his former self. Well almost. Now, when I look at his face, even if sun is shining again, his face does not appear fair like before. Almost as if his body got a dent along with his spirit. His face is not cheerful as before, his skin looks maligned and not fair, and he does not even look as tall as before but appears a bit shrunken in size. I don't get the feeling of "Prince" anymore for him. And this transformation is double jeopardy. 

Even now I watch him riding his motorcycle, but whenever I see him, I get a sinking feeling inside, feeling sad for him, remembering his suffering in silence. I lost my imaginary Prince Charming. 

- Rahul 

Why Poonam Pandey Is Not Wrong In her Fake Death Controversy

Recently, controversial cine-star Poonam Pandey spread fake news about her own death to spread awareness about a disease. She wanted people to know that the disease was serious and wanted people to be aware of everything about it. It was supposed to be a "noble" stunt, since naturally people try to search more about every new disease they get to know celebrities are dying with. In that aspect, I don't blame her for the mentioned stunt. But the controversy has unfolded in some unexpected manners, and she is about to land herself in legal trouble with it. Hence, we need to analyze more aspects about it. 

Many famous people including from film industry and politics are accusing Poonam Pandey of doing the stunt "for cheap publicity". These people don't realize that when such people are making statements in front of media, they are themselves looking like that - "seeking cheap publicity". Otherwise, which celebrity who charges clients lakhs for rupees for their time wastes time and energy in commenting on other people and their cheap stunts? 

Secondly, there is another interesting set of celebrities and many actresses who are attacking Poonam viciously, as if she has done a sin of catastrophic proportion. These folks look like they are "disappointed" with the revelation that Poonam Pandey is still alive! They had readily expressed their condolences and shed crocodile tears at her death news, and how dare she say next day that she is still alive? 

Another set of people are trying to act too "touchy" and "sensitive" as if they are really new to the world of internet, social media and publicity stunts. Such gimmicks are neither new nor a sin, and we can't blame a celerity for our own ignorance about it. 

Through "fake news" about her death, Poonam Pandey has taken a leaf out of celebrities and social media stars from the Western countries. I have come across many such "cheap publicity" stunts from the likes of PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals), when they show their artists posing dead and disfigured in real public places like roadsides. Those incidents are far more shocking and impactful as compared to a humble "Instagram post", which Poonam Pandey's team used for their stunt. If you are not sure, just search with Bing about it. 

Now, coming back the medical awareness about the disease, I think it is important to know that some things appeal to people and somethings do not. You can't make people aware about every single disease in the world. Yet, there are some disease which are acting as hidden time-bombs for society, and society by large is unaware of even its existence. In such cases it is the duty of government to make people aware about the disease, their symptoms and their cure. I don't think it is the duty of film stars or individual celebrities to take up the role social reformers, but if anyone choses to do so, it is up to them, and we have to respect their decision and move on. 

In all, I respect the decision of Poonam Pandey to choose this controversial stunt for whatever purpose she thought it will serve. Just because I do not like it, it does not give me right to ask another person to be arrested for doing it, as many are calling for her arrest. We need to realize that the stunt was harmless (though her team did not write, "no animals were harmed during posting this Instagram fake news") and all it ever achieved was some food for thought for people on social media, who anyway look for such fodder, and hence have no right to complaint. Just like I got a topic to write this blogpost due to Poonam Pandey, all social media handles talking about it should thank her for getting one more "punchbag" to hit, with their videos and channels. 

As India moves ahead on its path to become a "first world" nation, we are bound to come across "first world challenges" and "first world problems". This fake news stunt is very much part of the same problem/opportunity. 

I request everyone to take this controversy in right spirits and do not go overboard in a "digital witch hunt" against her. 

- Rahul 

Disclaimer: No animals were harmed during writing of this blog post. 

Movie Review: Main Atal Hoon (2024)

 

'Main Atal Hoon' is a biographical film based on the life of Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, the 10th Prime Minister of India. It stars the maverick actor Pankaj Tripathi in the role of Atal ji who has given his career best in this biopic. 

The plot starts from pre-independent India when Atal ji was a small boy. The movie shows Piyush Mishra in the role of Atal ji's father (Krishna Bihari Vajpayee), a schoolteacher who has done a great job. The young Atal ji was pained with the British rule and when a young man, also takes part in freedom movement. He was a member of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and learnt the lessons of personal discipline and nationalism from him. After Gandhi ji is assassinated, mob of violent attackers destroy his Press along with other targeted properties, because of rumors about Gandhi ji's assassin. 

The movie quickly introduces an actress as his 'love interest' which came as surprising as I was not aware of anything like this from his personal life. The movie keeps depicting her in a dignified manner and does not hurt sentiments of Atal ji's followers, and the movie-makers have really walked a tight rope here and deserve kudos.  

The film shows how Atal ji joins politics and fights his first election, and thereafter, follows his political journey capturing most of the important events, including his attempted truce with Pakistan as well as the historic Pokharan nuclear test. It captures many of his amazing speeches off and on the floor of the parliament and Pankaj Tripathi has done all these scenes with clear confidence. It seemed as if Pankaj Tripathi was born to play this role. 

One new learning or realization after watching this movie was that even though we know mainly Congress Party as the party which sacrificed most leaders for our nation, but it was shocking to know that Bharatiya Jan Sangh's founder Shyama Prasad Mukherjee died while jailed in Indian Kashmir for entering the state; and Deep Dayal Upadhyay, next highly popular leader met with a suspicious death while traveling by train.  

An amazing thing about this movie is that it is wholesome entertainment and does not have a single dull moment, which is rare for a biopic. The movie does not use old real-life footages from Atal ji's life, but chooses to enact and dramatize every scene which is commendable. The movie also shows other characters like LK Advani, Sushma Swaraj etc and it is amazing to watch all these legends on screen. 

'Main Atal Hoon' is a wonderful film and highly recommended to one and all! It is highly well made, and I am sure you would like it; hence go watch it in theatres till it lasts! 

- Rahul 

RBI Giving Death Blow to Paytm

On Jan 31st, RBI made a press release imposing severe restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank. You can read the circular here. 

https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=57224 

The quantum of punishment came as a shocker. The order basically meant that Paytm Payments Bank, Wallet and Fastags will cease to exist from March 2024. Such a harsh punishment to one of the best Fintechs and flagbearer of Digital India came as a huge surprise. 

RBI's step-motherly treatment of new age digital payment banks

I have several objections on the manner in which Paytm, its users and investors have been treated by RBI. First of all, RBI has not given clear or detailed view of the non-compliances from the company. "Persistent non-compliances and continued material supervisory concerns" are just buzz words. We have trust in RBI that it must have acted for valid reasons, but if RBI had given clear details, other Fintechs could have learnt lessons from those and it would have benefited the sector as a whole. 

It is strange that is mostly seen taking harsh actions on new age digital banks like Paytm, whereas all kinds of scandals and scams are actually seen happening in public sector and traditional banks. Have you ever heard RBI taking such a harsh action on traditional brick-and-mortar banks? 

Given that most new age digital 'payment banks' are new, it is natural that they would take more time to fulfill all the compliance and other requirements of RBI. But RBI is giving them death-blows and handling them with iron fist; which is shocking.  

Impact on Paytm's business

What does the order mean for Paytm? Paytm UPI is not impacted; it will continue working as before. From what I read, only wallet, Paytm bank and fast tags are impacted. We can keep paying via UPI by linking other bank's account with UPI on Paytm. Other Paytm services like movie tickets, train and flight tickets, will keep working as before. 

I think Paytm will survive, but it will become more like PhonePe and other UPI based apps. Only PPBL "bank accounts" will be not working and wallets won't work. We shall be able to do all transactions via UPI mode. #PaytmSeUPI will keep working after being linked to other bank accounts.

RBI being oblivious of "investors" 

RBI could have given a deadline to Paytm to comply with its requirements or else bank/wallet/fastags will be banned. Then, Paytm, a listed company, would be under investors pressure to comply. But this sudden abrupt direct ban is made to shock stock market and it is too unfair.

I had Paytm stock which had just recovered from 20% down. Paytm had reported lowest losses last quarter. Just when things looked good for Paytm stock, RBI gave this death-blow to it which is totally unfair to stock market investors. RBI must learn to act better in future.

The way RBI has directly banned Paytm Payments Bank, wallet and Fastag, is a "cowboy" like "hit and run" method and it is totally unfair. You shouldn't act against publicly listed companies in this manner. Give proper warning, let investors know in advance, and then take action.

RBI being disregarding to "merchants" 

The deadline given by RBI to Paytm is only "28 days" which is too short. Many merchants and customers won't even come to know about it in such a short span of time. Even if Paytm wanted to help merchants migrate to other banks, the company can't do it for millions of merchants in just 28 days. RBI should have given at least 4 months to Paytm Payments Bank to help migrate its merchants to other banks. 

Future of Paytm 

I think Paytm has one month's time to allow Fastags to get charged directly from UPI (for users who link other bank accounts). Or try to comply with RBI and get all services to keep working. Paytm should survive and become stronger.

Paytm is India's first and best "Super App". You can do almost everything with Paytm, flight tickets, recharges, movie tickets, UPI payments, and what not. After RBI's order, Paytm will only pause its own bank, rest services will continue. Hope Paytm remains strong.

- Rahul Tiwary 

Movie Review: 695 (2024): Film on Ayodhya Ram Mandir Movement

 

'695' is a movie on Ayodhya Ram Mandir Movement which is released around the same time as Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. It presents a historical account of the origins of conflict and Hindus and Sikhs struggle to get the temple back at its original place. The name '695' has been selected to signify three dates: 6th December 1992, 9th November 2019 (supreme court verdict date), and 5th August, 2020 (Shilanyas of Ram temple)

The plot starts from pre-independence era. A group of Sikh devotees occupy the building which was made in place of the temple; but leave after persuasion from the British. The British govt and police tread cautiously on this matter, because the matter could inflame into communal riots at any time. They try to delay the decision making by making it a "legal matter". After independence, once again the matter is brought to the court and left hanging there purposefully with clear intention to avoid any decision making. 

Sri Ram fame Arun Govil plays a wonderful role of a sage and Guru based at Ayodhya and it is wonderful to watch him on screen after a long time. His charisma and divinity in the manner he speaks, and acts is clear to watch. It is often said that he was chosen by God to play the role of Bhagwan Ram in the TV serial Ramayana. All Arun Govil fans must watch this movie '695' to get another glimpse at the magic. 

Next magical role has been played by Ashok Samarth who shines on screen like a White Knight. He plays the role of one of the disciples of Arun Govil's character and later becomes head of his Ashram in Ayodhya after demise of the Guru. If Arun Govil was born to play the role in Ramayana, it seems Ashok Samarth was born to play this role. 

Other famous actors part of '695' cast are Govind Namdev, Mukesh Tiwari, Manoj Joshi, Akhilesh Mishra, and Gajendra Chauhan. Govind Namdev also plays the role of a religious Guru and plays a touching character. His character is killed by the Police during police shootout on Karsevaks. Mukesh Tiwari plays the role of a Police Officer and brings depth into his role. 

The actor playing the role of Vajpayee ji has tried to imitate him which has become a bit 'comic', but Advani ji's role has been done very well. Actor playing the role of Modi ji has done really well. It is very interesting to even watch all the interesting cast of this movie. 

The plot moves from the days of India's independence till the date the court gave its verdict to reinstate Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. 

The movie has been made in an interesting manner and it is not boring to watch at any stage. Every aspect of the movie including music and action are good. Only one aspect which looks lacking is "scale". When dignitaries give speeches from the stage, the audience on the ground look small in size and random in character. It could have been better to use footage from some other real-life gatherings, or us a bit of animation. But I suppose the budget was small for the film and hence within the constraints, proper justice has been done to the movie.

I felt very happy watching '695' and I would recommend it to everyone. 

- Rahul