Dream of Parrot - Part-II

Few days back, I had written about an interesting dream I had about a big parrot: An Interesting Dream About a Parrot (rahultiwaryuniverse.blogspot.com). Afterwards, I got another dream about a parrot and this is small one but interesting too. 

Once again, I saw a waterbody, this time it was clear that it was a sea and not a lake. My viewpoint was in the sky, i.e. I was seeing the point in the sky as if I was in the sky. A big bird was coming from the sea-side towards me and towards the land; and although I could not identify the bird since it was too big, there was a "voiceover" which spoke in Hindi about "samudri tota". Then I realized that the big bird was a parrot, and even in the dream I realized that I had seen a dream about parrot few days back too (so, even in my dream, I recalled my earlier dream). After I recalled my earlier dream, this new dream broke and I woke up. 

I don't think parrots live in sea and marine areas and I don't think there is a bird called "sea parrot". But then, a dream is a dream and it is expected to be creative. 

This concludes part-2 of parrots in my dream. 

- Rahul 

Article: Best Gazals of Pankaj Udhas

Pankaj Udhas, the maestro of ghazals, has left an indelible mark on the world of music with his soulful renditions. Here are some of his most memorable ghazals and songs:

1. Chandi Jaisa Rang (1984):

   • This timeless ghazal remains one of Pankaj Udhas’s top hits. Its melodic beauty and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with listeners.

2. Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise (1991):

   • A soul-stirring track that captures the essence of love, longing, and life’s complexities. Pankaj Udhas’s emotive rendition makes it unforgettable.

3. Chitthi Aayee Hai (1993):

   • A poignant ghazal that tugs at the heartstrings. The lyrics express the pain of separation and the yearning for a beloved.

4. Chhupana Bhi Nahin Aata (1993):

   • Pankaj Udhas’s velvety voice weaves magic in this ghazal. It beautifully portrays the struggle to conceal emotions.

5. Na Kajre Ki Dhar (1994):

   • A melodious duet with Alka Yagnik from the movie “Mohra.” The song’s lilting melody and romantic lyrics make it a classic.

6. Ek Taraf Uska Ghar (1997):

   • A ghazal that explores the complexities of love and longing. Pankaj Udhas’s expressive vocals evoke deep emotions.

7. Ahista (1998):

   • The gentle pace and heartfelt lyrics of this ghazal create an enchanting experience. It’s a gem in Pankaj Udhas’s repertoire.

8. Woh Ladki Yaad Aati Hai (1997):

   • A nostalgic track that beautifully captures memories of lost love. Pankaj Udhas’s rendition is soulful and evocative.

9. Ghungroo Toot Gaye (2001):

   • Although not a traditional ghazal, this song showcases Pankaj Udhas’s versatility. Its rhythmic appeal and emotional depth make it memorable.

Pankaj Udhas will forever be remembered for these soulful melodies that touch our hearts. 

Travelogue: Moving Around Places in Motihari (Bihar)

 

Kachahri Chowk, Motihari (Bihar)

Main Gate of Durga Mandir, Kachahri Chowk, Motihari

Durga Mandir, Kachahri Chowk, Motihari

A tree in winter season at Motihari (Bihar)

Motihari Court Building

Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute (ICAR), Motihari (Bihar)

- Rahul  

An Interesting Dream About a Parrot

I have been frequently getting dreams in sleep. Most of the time my dreams used to be contextual. When I was preparing for IIT-JEE, I used to solve maths and physics sums for hours in my dreams. I also often get "aware" of my dreams even while watching my dreams. In childhood, if I woke up due to a dream and after recalling that it was a nice dream I would go back to sleep, most of the time I would be able to "continue" the same dream. After growing up, after being in a dream for some time, at some point of time I get awareness that what is happening is not real but a dream, but I continue on the dream anyway. A few weeks back, I was telling someone a joke during my dream. And I and pondered how I was able to tell that joke when I had not read or heard it anywhere. I had cooked up that joke during the dream and it was really interesting. Many times, my dreams happen like movie scenes, given that I love watching movies a lot. 

Last night, I saw an interesting dream. I had not watching such a dream before. I saw that I was traveling in an airplane with my family. I was sitting on the right side row while they were on the left. I was looking into the sky and clouds outside the window. Suddenly, I saw a big parrot flying parallel alongside the airplane at some distance. There were a couple of other flying objects too, but I did not notice if they were parrots too or not. This was a big size green parrot with a big red beak. In my dream, I was shocked and wondered how could a parrot fly so high alongside an airplane! In a moment, the parrot looked towards its left and noticed the airplane. It immediately rushed towards the airplane, and collided with it. As soon as the parrot touched the airplane, the airplane goes into a whirlwind and starts falling down towards the ground. Everyone was horrified as there was going to be a disaster. The airplane reached the bottom very fast in few moments, but we noticed that it had fell into a waterbody, whether a river or a lake near Hyderabad, and upon hitting the water, it went inside and I wondered if water would rush inside the airplane. But the airplane was "air tight" and water did not enter. The aircraft soon floated to the surface of the waterbody and we realized that we were safe; and at that point my sleep broke.

I know internet and other magazines would tell about "meaning of dreams", which would count as superstition. I tried searching and got to know that seeing parrot in dream may indicate about others gossiping about us, or the parrot trying to tell or warn us about something, or it can indicate that we were recalling our childhood days since parrots are always in the nicer memories of everyone's childhood. I don't know if any of this makes sense for me, but I do know that I had spoken about air travel a couple of days back and hence the air travel part would have come from there. And rest could be a highly dramatized "movie like" version of any fear I would have. I am not sure about the parrot though, since I have not seen a parrot in real life for quite some time. 

Whatever be the meaning, I just thought to record it in this blogpost, for the sake of it. 

- Rahul 

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