Saturday, December 27, 2008

A Doctor Whom I Admire

Jamshedpur


In 1990 Mr.Thakur fell ill and had very high fever, so he had to be admitted in the hospital. The very next day his fever was down but doctors told him to stay for two more days so that he can have some blood tests etc. So, the tests were done and the doctors told us that in the evening we can have the reports and then he will be discharged. So after his lunch I went home and came with his clothes etc. As I went to the hospital I thought he will be eagerly waiting for me to take him home. But after reaching there I came to know that he has to stay there for few more days because his hemoglobin was only 7% and now they wanted to investigate the reason. That day was the last day of my happy cheerful life. After two three days when the required investigation was done, the doctor discharged him and told him to come after two weeks for review.


After two weeks we again went to the hospital, the doctor suggested for some blood tests and after seeing the report told us that they were not able to diagnose the decease, so they will have to do the bone marrow, so it is better to go to Vellore. The doctor referred Mr. Thakur to Vellore .


That time my elder son was in standard 9th, and younger in standard 8th. When it was decided to go to Vellore, I informed my parents and they came to Jamshedpur. My father told me that he will also go with us and my mother will stay with children at Jamshedpur. So myself, my husband and my father went to Vellore for the treatment.


I pray God that the time I spent during our stay at Vellore never comes to any one's life. We reached Vellore in the evening, so first of all we checked in to a hotel and after that we went to see the hospital and inquire about the registration etc. The next day in the morning first we went to the hospital and Mr. Thakur was admitted to the hospital, he was allotted a cabin and was told that he will be in Dr. Kurian's unit, who was one of the best gastroentrologist of India and head of the department of gastroentrology in CMCH. Really I have not met such a nice, humble doctor or as a person till now. Every time he use to come for his visit to the cabin with smiling face and was never in hurry. He use to first sit on the attendant's bed which was beside the patients bed and then ask and examine. The doctors of CMCH Vellore are really very dedicated but Dr. Kurian was unique.


Dr. Kurian with team of his doctors came in the cabin and examined him soon after he was admitted and prescribed several investigations. The next day we were busy in investigations. In the evening again some investigations were prescribed by the doctor. This way one week passed in anticipation that doctor will say now the investigations are over and you may go home. Every day while leaving my hotel I use to think that "to-day he will be discharged".


For first two three days, everyday in the night after Mr. Thakur's dinner I use to go to the hotel with my father, which was near the hospital and use to come to the hospital at 6o'clock in the morning. I never slept in the night till I was in Vellore. The nights were very big for me during those period. I use to get up after every 1/2 hrs. or 45minutes and go to the bath room and see the time because I didn't wanted my father to be disturbed.


After seven days almost all the investigations were done, so I was very happy and thought that now they will not do the bone marrow and now we can go home. On 8th or 9th day doctor came in morning as his regular visit and went back. After some time one of his junior doctor called me in the doctors room. I went, he then asked me, "do you have anyone with you", I simply replied that my father was with me. So, the doctor asked his age and I replied he is more than sixty. Now the doctor asked me, "can you donate blood? We are going to do your husband's bone marrow which is very painful and your husband's blood count is very low, so he needs blood transfusion first". I agreed and the doctor gave me a form and asked me to go to the blood bank and donate blood.


Without going to my husband's cabin or without telling him, I went straight to the blood bank. I showed the form to the doctor there and the doctor took me and told me to sit on a chair.I sat there and after some time the doctor came and took me inside a huge hall. There I saw many beds and on all the beds, people were donating blood. I was very scared of injection and it was blood donation which I had heard that it takes time. So before they injected and started taking my blood I was very scared. I was thinking what will happen if I faint on the bed, who will donate blood for my husband but after sometime I was comfortable.


After I was comfortable, I had confidence that now I will not faint on the bed, so I started talking with the nurse who was attending me. First thing I asked her," will this blood be given to my husband"? She told me no, "he will get the blood of his group, which we have in our bank". Now I was very upset and tense too, because I had heard that the blood which were donated were not tested for HIV there, so the hospital only takes the blood of relatives who use to come with the patients as an attendant. Now I told the nurse that my blood group and my husband's blood group was same and asked her to write the name of the donor and the patient on the blood, so that my husband gets the same blood which I had donated. The nurse said that it was not possible. I requested her but she didn't agree. The nurse called the incharge of that blood bank on my request and he also told me that it was not possible. I was very much upset and requested the incharge to at least write my name on the blood pouch. I had seen the sticker on the pouch. He told me that they write the blood group, the donors name and date on it. Again I requested him to keep the blood for at least few hours and not give the blood to another patient. I also told him that I am going to request Dr. Kurian for it. So, hearing Dr. Kurian's name the in- charge told me OK, we will keep it.


The nurse came near me and took out the needle from my hand and told me to be there for at least fifteen minutes. As the nurse went I quickly got up and after wearing my sandal left the place. While leaving I saw a nurse bringing tea and calling me to have tea and then go, but I didn't listen to her nor waited there for a moment. Since I was there for 8-9 days and everyday had to go to Dr. Kurian so I knew where doctor should be at that time. I went straight to the ward where I expected Dr. Kurian but he was not there and the ward doctor told me and directed me to another ward. I went there almost running but all in vain, Dr. Kurian was not there even. When I reached that ward by the time I was exhausted thirsty and very tensed. Anyone could know seeing my face and speaking to me. I met a junior doctor as I entered the ward, who use to come with Dr. Kurian. First thing I asked the doctor was:" excuse me where is Dr. Kurian"? the doctor looked at my face and said :"what happened" ? I said "nothing but I need Dr. Kurian's help, so tell me where he is." The doctor looked at me and asked the nurse to give me water. He told me to drink water and sit there, he will call Dr. Kurian there. Immediately he took out his pager and paged the message. Then he asked me my problem. I told him, as I was to finish I saw Dr. Kurian coming. I immediately went to him and told him the whole thing. He immediately assured me not to worry and said:"your blood will be given to your husband" and he himself picked up the phone and instructed the incharge of the blood bank to send the same blood to the cabin of Mr. Thakur which I had donated. He then told me to go to the cabin and the blood transfusion will be done in the evening. I had no words to thank him.


The blood was sent to the cabin in the evening and transfusion was done at night. It was over in the mid night. The very next day again Dr. Kurian came in the morning and instructed the doctor and nurse and me about the medication and food and told that the next day bone marrow will be done.


The next day as usual at about 9o'clock in the morning Dr. Kurian came with his team of doctors and with his smile told that now they will do the bone marrow. I was told to wait out side, so I and my father went outside and they started their job. We were standing outside and waiting doctors to come out. Suddenly I heard a sound that made me cry but I controlled my self, but I felt that every thing was dark in front of me. I again controlled my self, it came in my mind that my father was near me, so I went and sat on a chair. After a while doctors came and told us to go inside, their work was over. When I entered the room Mr. Thakur was lying on the bed but he could not control him self and was crying. He told me "jaan le liya". I cannot describe what I felt that time alone there. No one was there to console me, my father was there but how could I tell him about my feelings.


The very next day Dr. Kurian came with his team of doctors and report. He first came and asked Mr. Thakur about how he was feeling, then after talking with him and me he came to the point and told us about the bone marrow report. The first thing he told us that your bone marrow report shows that your cells are malignant. That time I did not knew what was malignant and what Dr. Kurian wanted to say. Only I could know that some thing was wrong with the report. After that he told us since it was oncology department case, so he was referring it to oncologist. Now I could judge the situation and could not think what to speak, answer or ask any thing to the doctor. After explaining every thing and instructing his junior doctors to prepare papers for oncology department, he went. Mr. Thakur was discharged and told to visit oncology department. We went to our hotel.


The next day we had our appointment with Dr. Prasad an oncologist in the evening . My self and Mr. Thakur went to Dr. Prasad. He had all the reports in front of him. He did not ask much, he only explained the disease. The word he told in front of me, no wife can expect that. Still when ever I remember that day and those words I am very upset. The doctor told my husband in front of me that in this disease life is maximum fifteen years. He advised some more investigations and told us to stay some more days but it can be done staying outside the hospital, so we went to our hotel. Both of us were silent but we could know each others feelings. Whole night we did not speak a word to each other. Mr. Thakur slept very late in the night but I could not sleep for a minute. In the morning we went to the hospital on time.


After some investigation Dr. Prasad told us that if needed blood count should be replaced, so some one should be ready for donating blood count. The process of Blood count replacement he explained us. He asked us who was ready to donate the blood count. I told him I am fit and can donate. So Dr.Prasad gave me a form and told me to go to the blood bank and get the test done and again admitted Mr. Thakur. After settling there in the cabin I went for the test to the blood bank. The doctor asked me few questions and told me to sit on a chair and after that he took some blood for the test and told me to go. As I got up to go, I felt giddiness and sat there. The doctor told me to lie down there. After some time I got up the doctor told me sorry, your blood count cannot be taken, so we have rejected you for the same and he gave me the paper in which they had given the remarks that the donor had giddiness during blood test, so she is not fit for donating the blood count.


After I was rejected I was very depressed. I was walking towards the cabin and thinking what to do, just then I saw Dr. Kurian coming towards me. As he came near me he asked what did Dr. Prasad say. I narrated the whole situation and asked him now what to do, I don't have any donor. I literally started crying hearing his answer. He told me "don't worry if it is needed, I will donate my blood count". I could not imagine that a doctor can say this. I yet admire Dr. Kurian.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

मेरी दूसरी कविता

"इच्छा "

मेरी बस इतनी सी इच्छा,
जीवन संग बिताऊँ।
पर क्या यह छोटी सी इच्छा,
थी उसको मंजूर।


मैंने तुमसे मांगाजब भी ,
मांगा बस संग देदो।
 क्या तुम बस इतनी सी इच्छा,
कर पाए मेरी पूरी।


मैंने सोचा एक इच्छा तुम,
 करते सबकी पूरी।
पर मैंने न जाना यह कि,
कभी न होगी पूरी।।


कुसुम ठाकुर
टैगोर एकाडमी
१८/११/१९९७
शाम ४:३० बजे


मेरी तीसरी कविता

"तुमसे न होगा "

तुम तो कहते थे हरदम ,
न होगा तुमसे कुछ भी ।
न जाने क्या भेद छुपा था,
इन सब बातों के पीछे।
या तो तुम मुझको यह कह कर,
मुझको मेरा काम सुझाते।
या तो फिर सच्चाई तुम,
मुझसे ही सुनना चाहते।
मैं तो हँसकर टाल ही जाती,
तुम जब जब भी यह कहते।
आज जब कुछ कहना चाहूँ,
तुमको ढूंढ कहीं न पाऊं ।
गर तुम होते पास हमारे,
कह -कह न मैं थकती।
या फिर मैं तुम्हारे रचना की,
एक पात्र बन जाती॥

-कुसुम ठाकुर-
टैगोर एकाडमी
समय-१२:30





Saturday, December 13, 2008

मेरी पहली कविता

In November 1995 I joined National Association For Blind, Delhi. I use to stay with my sister in New Delhi. My younger son was studying in IIT Delhi at that time. From Delhi I came to Jamshedpur in February 1996, I had not vacated the TISCO flat by that time and had some paper work to be done regarding that. While my stay at Jamshedpur every day people use to come to meet me. I don't remember why, but I decided to stay back at Jamshedpur. Luckily I got a job in a school named Tagore Academy which was new and had some vacancy for teachers. After joining I liked that job.
One day during my off period I just wrote a poem , which is:

"कैसे भूलूं "

तुमको याद करुँ मैं इतना
मैं ख़ुद को ही भूल जाऊँ
मैं तो भूली ही कब तुमको
कहूँ न किया कब याद

इस हृदय की सारी बातें
एक तुम्हीं ने जाना
अब क्या धरा हुआ इस जग में
जो मैं इसकी हो जाऊँ

मेरी सारी खुशियाँ तुम थे
इस जग ने न जाना
रोम- रोम में तुम हो, तुम हो
मैं क्यों कर भूल पाऊं

तुम तो सदा कहा करते थे
तुम तो बस मेरी हो
पर तुम कभी न यह सोचे कि
तुम भी तो मेरे हो

बिना तुम्हारे इस दुनिया में
मैं कैसे रह पाऊं
इतना तो बस सोचे होते
मैं फिर धन्य हो जाती

कुसुम ठाकुर
टैगोर एकाडमी
१८/११/९७
समय -१२:४०




Monday, November 17, 2008

Vidyapati Sur Sandhya

Jamshedpur


Just now returned from a program. The program was "Vidyapati Sur Sandhya" presented by "Tarang" and organized by Mithila Sanskritik Parishad. I went with Poonam and Sallanji to watch the program.


I have never seen a program specially in Jamshedpur, which starts on time or on the time printed on the card nor told by the organizer. The time was printed on the card 6:15 pm, but it started at 6:45pm.


The program started with Vidyapati song : Jai Jai Bhairavi Asur bhayawani......., the song was sung by Shri Nilamber Choudhary very well, but I don't know why people were told to stand up. In Mithila and every where, people sit and sing the bhagwati geet(bhajan of goddess). It does not make sense to make artist stand and sing bhagwati geet. Even the audience were told to stand up for the song.


After Bhagwati vandana the welcome speech session started, guests were honored by Paag and Dopta . The person who was told to give speech on Vidyapati, tried her best to make the speech big and used all the possible words in praise of the chief guest and few guests. The singers with the musicians were sitting by the side of the stage till the speech was over which was looking very odd.When the welcome speech was finished, then it was the turn of guests to speak few lines and all of them did it in short and was messages for the society. The chief guest delivered a nice speech and suggested to take oath that all of us will not take dowry and will protest if someone takes the dowry. The Audience clapped on it, but I am sure except one or two person, those who were present in the auditorium will forget that clapping, why they had clapped.


Now the stage was handed over to pankajji for nritya natika (dance drama). It was a nice experiment and all the songs on which choreography was done was Vidyapati's rachna(songs). Over all, the nritya natika was liked by the audience. The second half of the program was called folk fusion, it had folk dance and songs. The folk dance was not so impresive but I enjoyed a folk dance very much and was emotional too. The lyrics was "madhur madhur baje bansuria re nache gopi bala.......,"composed by my husband Lallan Prasad Thakur and sung by Nilamberji.


I went fifteen years back, when Mr. Thakur composed the lyrics and directed the music of "madhur madhur.....". Those were the days when Balmukundji, a pillar of "Mithilakshar" was also in Jamshedpur. This music use to be directed by Mr. Thakur and sung by Nilamberji and Balmukundji use to paly the tabla.


Balmukundji is basically a nice gentle man which I have mentioned several times. In all the program since he use to be busy right from 9:00 am, so his clothes, I mean suit or pyjama kurta was brought by his wife Hemlataji and he use to change it in the makeup room. He was very fond of keeping himself fit and smart. Once he had to welcome the chief guest and invite him for a short speech. For that in Maithili, it's a courtesy to ask the guest to come and say" दू शब्द "(two words). After all his arrangements he went to the makeup room to dress himself, at the mean time it was the time for inviting the guest to lit the diya and give the speech, so Mr. Thakur after searching him told someone else to do that part. When Balmukundji came after dressing him self chief guest had finished his speech and was near the diya, so Balmukundji took the mike and invited the chief guest. In reply the chief guest said I have said दू शब्द, so now I will say चार शब्द.


Please Balmukundji if you read this blog, don't take it otherwise. It's just to revive the memories. Really while watching the folk dance madhur madhur..., instead of being in 21st century I was in 20th century.




Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Bacha Kaka

Jamshedpur


Today in the evening when I logged on I saw a new blog of Dr. Dhanakar Thakur. He has mentioned that one of his village's old man died today. The name he has mentioned is "Achutanand "in his title but "again he has mentioned Achytanand ", so I was confused. I know that Bcha Kaka's name was Achutanand and his nick name "Santu" and he was popularly know as "Santu Babu" in Samaul and Madhubani. Bacha kaka was staying with his son Gogi at Ranchi that I knew, so I was worried to confirm the news. Gogi is the only son of Bacha kaka and is married, all four daughters of Bacha kaka are also married.


After reading the blog, I first called Poonam because Sallanji is out of station and told her to give a call to Sallanji. After that I immidiately called Dhanakarji and asked him about the death of Bacha kaka. He told me the detail and said that his son Gogi has taken his body to Madhubani. I don't have Gogi's cell number. So I am waiting for Sallanji. Once he comes, then I will call Gogi.


Bacha kaka was the youngest brother of Dadaji(my father- in-law). He has visited several times to my house when he was posted in Loherdagga. Kaki( Bacha kaka's wife) also expired four years before, just twelve days after Maa(my mother-in-law) expired. Now only Badki Kaki and Ranti wali Kaki are alive in their generation. May God give strength and courage to Gogi. Its not possible for me to go to Madhubani alone.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Telegram

Jamshedpur


We have a custom that after marriage the girl stays back to her parents house, the barat returns immediately after wedding and the boy returns after four or five days. On fourth or fifth day again the whole process of marriage is performed and only then the marriage is complete.


Again the boy comes for the second marriage (द्विरागमन ), with one or two close relatives which is performed later. It can be within a year,within three years or within five years. In between the boy can go to meet her wife.


When I got married in 1972 I was staying with my uncle at Ranchi because my father was posted in Arunachal Pradesh. In 1973 my father was transferred to Jamshedpur, then I came to stay with my parents.


Once when my husband came to meet me, one day he said that his friend Shyam's in-laws are also staying in Jamshedpur and they were relatives of my parents. My husband's friend Shyam was working in Ranchi and he was in Jamshedpur with his wife Sudha. So, one day we planned to go to meet them.


Those days very few people had phone facility. The communication was letter in case of emergency or if it was very urgent then telegram.


One day in the evening we went to meet them. When we reached the couple had gone some where and their parents told us that they were expecting them to return in few minutes, so the parents of Sudha told us sit. We sat there and was chatting with Sudha's parents, who were my uncle and aunt in relation but we were meeting them first time.


Since we were meeting first time to Sudha's father so he was asking my husband from which place he belonged, his father's name etc. He was very impressed with my husband. During our talk he told us that Shyam's elder brother was working in Telco and they had gone there and to-mmorrow again Shyam is going to his village to bring his sister-in-law. He told us that his village and Shyam's village was very near but Shyam's village was still very backward.


Now by Sudha's parents we came to know that: In Sudha and Shyam's second marriage (dwiragman) Shyam's sister-in law had gone to their village to attened the function alone, because Shyam's brother could not get leave. After second marriage Shyam stayed there for fifteen days and was returning alone to Ranchi. The plan was that Sudha and her sister-in-law will stay there with her in-laws for a month. One day Shyam's brother came to meet Sudha's parent and he told that his wife was also coming with Shyam. Next day Sudha's father sent a telegram to Sudha's father- in-law that"send Sudha with Shyam". Sudha's father was going to his village after two weeks, so he thought that it was a nice opportunity for Sudha to meet them and she can again go with her father to her in-laws and stay there.


When this telegram reached Shyam's village that day Sudha's grandmother had sent someone to meet Sudha and give her some sweets etc. The postmaster got the telegram in the morning and he told the postman not to deliver it before lunch, because the telegram was given usually in emergency, so assumed it for bad news. Any how the telegram was delivered to Shyam's father in the afternoon. Now after seeing that telegram every one was worried. Now they told Shyam to leave her sister-in-law she will go afterward and rush immediately with Sudha to Jamshedpur. So, Shyam's sister-in-law stayed back and Sudha came with Shyam to Jamshedpur. When the person whom Sudha's grandmother had sent, returned back, he told about the telegram to Sudha's grandmother and she was so worried hearing about the telegram that she also came to Jamshedpur. Now Shyam was going to bring his sister-in-law.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Back To Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur


I reached Jamshedpur at 12:30 am today and reached home at about 1:00 am. Panditji had come to receive me. I returned Jamshedpur after 5 months. I tried to sleep but could not, whole night I was awake.


Since morning I was busy in restoring every thing. My phone was in safe custody, so no internet. First I gave cheque to Panditji and told him to submit it as soon as possible, so he went and 10:30 the bill was submitted. Then I called Mr. Sunil Prasad (AGM,BSNL KADMA) he was in a meeting so he told me that the phone will be restored within an hour and really at 12:00 pm it was restored and he called me to tell. Now after that I was able to access my internet. My TV is not working, so I called the LG service center and they assured me that they will come tomorrow. So many bills and mails are to be checked. Whole day I was busy in going through the mails and bills.


Now I am tired too much, so I can't write much.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Dhanteras And Yam Diya

Pune


Today is yam diya, we put a single diya at the back of our house at night, before going to sleep. Yesterday was Dhanteras, this day people add some wealth (dhan) in their account. They buy some gold silver or something for their kitchen.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Electoral Politics

Pune


Yesterday Raj Thakre got bail and Bombay is normal now. Now the Bihar is disturbed, the students those who returned from Bombay started agitation in Bihar. The anger is genuine but damaging the public property is not good nor it is the solution. All the train from Bihar are canceled. People are stranded on the station. What are their fault, those people who are guilty are enjoying and innocent people are suffering. These thing people should realize. By doing this they are not gaining any thing, instead they are putting innocent people in trouble. But this is the way of showing their anger.


One student who had gone to appear in the railway recruitment board examination in Bombay was killed by the MNS activists. He was the only son of his parent. Where this country is going?
The definition of leader (नेता ) is, one who leads. But now a days the definition of leader is, one who misleads the citizen. The leader should be selfless not selfish. But here every one is doing politics for his own benefit.


Electoral politics is not bad but not the road agitation. Now the politicians for their fame and to become popular, among innocent people and for their recognition have started agitation. They don't even think that the property which are destroyed during the agitation is also nations property. From doing this you are destroying your countries Properties, but for political gain they can go to any extend. Going jail is also a tool for recognition.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Dipawali A festival Of Light

Pune


Only a week left for Dipawali, the festival of light. Hindus pray Goddess of wealth Lakshmi, on this day. It is one of the important festival of Hindus. It is celebrated in all parts of India. In some parts people pray to Goddess Kali on this day.


There was a time when 15 days before Dipawali I use to be very busy in preparation for Dipawali. Every corner of the house was cleaned before Dipawali. Even a small small things were cleaned for Dipawali.Variety of sweets and snacks were prepared in the house, and I use to prepare it alone. Children and my husband use to be busy in crackers and diyas. My husband with my children planned which type of crackers: phuljhari, rocket, chakri, and bomb to bring and from where. After the crackers were brought, it was kept in the sun. So every one use to be busy and had jobs for Dipawali. All the new and old diyas were kept a day before Dipawali in the water and after few hours it was washed and kept for drying. The Dhanteras day which falls two days before Dipawali I use to take either a kitchen appliances or a silver coin.


On the Dipawali day I use to fast and since early morning busy in the preparation. In Tisco it is always working day on all the festivals but one can take leave on that day. So my husband always took leave on all the festivals especially Dipawali and Holi. I miss him a lot on those two days.


I do my Lakshmi pooja just after the sun sets and before that every thing should be neat and clean, so all of us use to be busy the whole day. The preparation of dinner was also done before pooja and kitchen neat and clean at the time of pooja. After my pooja the diyas were lightened and after the prasad the cracker session use to start and my children with their PAPA and Panditji use to be very busy till all the crackers were burnt and after that a nice dinner.


We always celebrated Diwali in Jamshedpur till 1994, with my children. I always remember those days, when we enjoyed a lot with small things and limited resources. Now I don't want to stay in Jamshedpur during festivals. I feel very lonely but if I am there people come to greet me, so I have to make some thing and that I don't like to do. On two festivals I am very depressed, Dipawali and Holy, specially when I am alone in Jamshedpur.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

The Vote Bank Politics

Pune


Now a days when ever we switch on our television or take a news paper to read, a common news we see , either an major accident or a terrorist attack. Today an overfly collapsed in New Delhi at about 6:00 am crushing a bus. The driver of the bus was dead on the spot. The news says at least two people were dead and about 30 injured.The exact figure is not known. The government ordered an inquiry, as usual.


Again a breaking news I saw in the evening, the students from north India had come to appear for the railway recruitment, were beaten up by MNS & Shivsena workers.


The people can be so brutal? The students were beaten up by the gundas. They entered the examination centers and there they beat up the aspirants in Mumbai. Is this a free country? Is this called a democracy? In your own country you can not stay freely where you want? Are those people doing different, from what terrorist are doing? Are we not inviting our enemies? The thing which Pakistan could not do, is done by the so called secular parties.


Every thing is politically motivated. Very few people are there, who cares for the country or for people of the country or state and acts accordingly. Now people have become selfish, they can go to any extend for their benefit. They exploits the innocents for their own benefit. Day by day politicians for their own benefit dividing the country. They are applying the same policy what was done before independence by the British, divide and rule.


Since the election is near, so all the politicians are busy in proving the other party communal and own party secular. All for the vote bank. The opposition party is trying to prove that they are very much concern about the minorities and for their own state. The ruling party is also supporting them by not objecting it. They also have fear, that if they object they will lose those voters. Other wise those terrorist with political back ground would have been punished for their in human act.


To be continued............

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Vijaya Dashmi

Pune


Today is Vijaya Dashmi, also known as Dashahara and Yatra. It is on ashwin shukla dashmi( the tenth day), a very auspicious day. Vijaya means victory, since it was on the tenth day of the month, so it is called Vijaya Dashmi. According Hindu mythology there are two story. First one is said that after nine days fight with demon Mahishasur, godess Durga, got success in killing him on Dashmi. So it is called Vijaya Dashmi.


Second one is that the great Ravan, the ten headed demon was killed by Ramachandraji on this day and before that Ramchandraji prayed and worshiped godess Durga for nine days, so the victory day that is tenth day is called Vijaya Dashmi.


It is actually a festival of victory of goodness over evil. This is a ten day festival and it is called Durga Pooja or Navratra. The idol pooja is mostly performed in the temple and by the societies of town, cities and in villages of Bihar, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh andOrrissa. In Gujrat people do Navratra and garba or dandia during this pooja.


It starts on first day of Ashwin(month) shukla paksh and it is called kalash sthapan. This day a pitcher is filled with water and a mango and some other fruits top sticks with leaves which is called palav is kept in it. That pitcher is kept on the mud which is placed around the pitcher and the oat(जौ) is sprinkled on the mud. Every thing is placed and kept with chanting of mantras in a place where pooja is to be performed and that place is covered, that is called pandal. From this day the pooja starts and every morning path of Durga Shapthsati, arti etc. is done till shashthi. On shashthi (sixthday) vilwabhimantranam (विल्वाभिमंत्रनम) is done and in the evening the idol of Durga comes.


Now from Saptmi (seventh day) the idol pooja starts. Till Navami(nith day) every morning and evening pooja is performed with chanting of mantras and Durga Shaptsati path. People gather together for pooja in the pandals. On Dashmi the tenth day visarjan is performed and the idol is immersed in the water.


In Bihar especially in Mithila this festival is performed in each and every house and all the members of the family do the pooja and path. Some people do the kalash sthapan in their house and the regular Durga Shaptsati path, some do the navratra, that is nine days fast. but idol pooja is not done in the house.


During pooja every one is in festive mood and variety entertainment programme is also performed. After whole day engaged in pooja and work, people get variety of entertainment programmes.


Previously it was done for religious purpose, so the maximum money was spent on pooja, decoration was done but very little. Now a days lots of fund is needed for decoration and pandals people give a minimum priority to the pooja. Now it has become a prestige for the society and some powerful and influenced person too and it is increasing every year. Some poojas or the pandals are named after powerful and influenced person. Mostly there is a competition how much money is spent on pandal and programmes. For the fund in societies, a minimum amount is fixed. But in powerful and influenced person's poojas or pandals, a huge amount is given by the person whose name is involved and rest is forcibly taken by business men and resident of that locality.


Donation for pooja or for any purpose should not be compulsory or taken forcibly people should be free to give the amount voluntarily. Instead of spending so unnecessarily on decoration , people should collect and during the programme it should be distributed among the needy or give them some scholarship.


This time I am in Pune and here very few societies do this Durga Pooja. I did my navratra(nine days fast) as usual but this time I was not able to do elaborate pooja and the full Durga Shaptsati path. This time since I am on medication so my children objected for my fast but I did it and I was perfectly alright. In fact I had nice feeling and felt better during my fast. How can I explain them that this I do for their good health and prosperity and all the mother do these things for their children. I don't say that those mother who do not fast or do not do pooja are not concern about their children but this is me. I feel good doing this. I think, I must have done some wrong and doing fast and pooja I feel better.


Today after my pooja gave my blessings to Puttu, Shweta. Vickie, Anu called on phone to take my blessings. I also took blessings from my elders.


Wishing "Happy Dashahara" to all my friends, family members relatives.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Worship Turned Into A Disaster

Pune


Today is Kalash Sthapan, the first day of Durga Pooja, Navratra begins today. This is the 12 th year of my navratra. As usual I did my pooja and path but this time I am only doing keel, kawach and argala and chaturth adhyay because I can't sit for long.


After my pooja I switched on the TV to see the news but in the news I saw again a disaster like Naina Devi has occured in Chamunda Mata Temple of Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur. The same incident again happened.


The TV news was saying that At 5:30 am at least 8,000 people were there, some news say 10,000 people were there to witness the Kalash Sthapan at the temple when this incident took place and at least 113 people lost their lives. In the news it was coming that people started running because they heard that there was a bomb but some news say it was again due to falling of an iron railing.


This is the fourth such incident of stamped in India.People must have gone to worship god but it resulted in a tragedy.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Memories That Recharge You

Pune


When your children are grown up and well settled you feel very proud and at the same time vacuum comes to your life, specially if you are people like me. You don't have any responsibility left and then when you remember those days when you were growing your children, it makes you some times sad but mostly it recharges you, those memories are very precious and that is the reason people repeat those incident. But I feel very sad when people ignore old people and laugh at them when they tell the story about their children and other experiences. But this happens with mostly every one.


In 1978 my elder son Bhaskar got admitted to his first school, named "Little Angels School," which was in Adityapur, it was near my house. At that time he was only three and half years old and my younger son was one and half years old. The school timing use to be 8:30am to10:30am. Everyday my husband while going to his office dropped him to the school and I use to pick him at 10:30.


At that time we had just shifted to that place and I did not had any helping hand too. My husband use to leave the house at 8:25 and come back at 1:20pm for lunch and again he had to leave the house for office at about 2:10pm. Between 8:25am-1:20pm I had lots of work to do.


Once my husband lost his watch and my watch also stopped working, so we had to depend on radio for time. In the morning about 7:00am we use to switch on our radio and we had to depend on that for time and do our work accordingly. After 9:30 there was no program, so I had to do my work with out knowing the time. After my husband went to his office I had to get ready my younger son first, so that he sleeps on time and before 10:30 he gets up.


One day my younger son slept late so I waited for him to wake up for about 5 minutes, even then he didn't woke up, so I took him in his sleep and went to bring my elder son. I was going very fast and I was not even looking any where, only I was looking forward. When the road ended I turned on left, that was my rout. As I turned I heard my sons cry and at once stopped there. Now I could see him, he was crying and running very fast towards me. Actually I was very late and when all the children went his teacher took him with her and was coming to drop him. She was coming by the parallel road but I could not see them. My son thought I was going somewhere else, so he started crying and was running to catch me. His teacher was telling him to go slowly and not run but he was very fast. I stopped there, when he came to me I asked him, "why were you crying I was coming to take you," he immediately answered, "because I thought you were leaving me and going with Vickie some where". I felt very guilty that day and in the evening when my husband came we went and bought an alarm watch first. After that I was never late.


My younger son Mayur got admitted to Rajendra Vidyalay Jamshedpur. It is one of the best school of Jamshedpur. My elder son was studying in D B M S English School, Jamshedpur at that time. He use to go with his father and come back by 1:30 pm,but younger one had his school bus. The bus stand was near but some one had to go to bring him home.


One day I sent Panditji( he is a part of my family,he is like my son) to bring Vickie(my younger son) from the bus stand and was waiting for him, after one hour when Panditji didn't return, I was worried and as I was to go, I saw Panditji coming alone. When he came he told me that the bus had not come yet. Now I was very worried because it was too late. That time I didn't had phone also, nor any of my neighbors had. I was thinking what to do, I was helpless. One idea came in my mind and I told Panditji to stay with my elder son and I got down from my flat. I thought I will take an auto rickshaw and go to the school or go to my husband's office and from there we will go to the school. As I was proceeding towards auto stand, I saw a rickshaw coming towards me and I could see a small boy sitting on the seat alone, but when it came nearer it was Vickie, my son, all alone on the rickshaw. He was smiling but I was very upset seeing him coming alone. When I asked him what happened, he told me that the bus had break down. Very few children were left in the bus, because it supose to be the last stoppage, so the conductor arranged rickshaw for those children. When the conductor saw me coming he showed Vickie and went with another child, so seeing me he was smiling. How could he know, how much worried I was. These memories will always be with me.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Making Of A Video Film By Lallan Prasad Thakur

Pune


Mr. Lallan Prasad Thakur's first Maithili play in Jamshedpur was Badka Saheb( big officer). This was the only play which he did not do in the banner of Mithilakshar, an organization formed by him. This play was staged twice in his direction in Jamshedpur.


Mr. Thakur joined Tata Steel on 20th September 1977, and he joined an organization called Mithila Sanskritik Parishad in Jamshedpur. Its Mahila Shakha, a women wing was formed and few months after the formation of Mahila Shakha some of the members of Mithila Sanskritik Parishad approached and requested Mr.Thakur to stage a play for Mahila Shakha. He had just completed the script of Badka Saheb, so he excepted the invitation. I use to go with him in the rehearsal everyday.



The rehearsal started, this was my younger son's first play as an child artist. I remember every day there use to be some problem. The major problem was lady artist but that was solved. I have seen several drama created by the organizers during the rehearsal of this play. Any how, the play was very successfully staged but Mr. Thakur had such a bitter experience that he decided not do any play for any organization. But at the same time he wanted to do Maithili play also.


Before Badka Saheb he had done several safety dramas for TISCO which was in Hindi. For Maithili he had no option, so with a group of artists he formed an organization called Mithlakshar(Natya Ewam Sangeet Sanstha) . The only criteria for the membership was, person should be interested either in drama or music. He or she had played drama or had performed on stage was not necessary. There was no membership fees, only interested person were the member of Mithilakshar.


After joining Mithlila Sanskritik Parishad Mr. Thakur came close to a very nice and gentle person Mr. Balmukund Choudhary, who later on became his one of the closest friend. After formation of Mithilakshar he suported Mr. Thakur a lot in management etc. Even sometimes he had to act in the play. He is a tabla artist but only Mr.Thakur could make him act in a play. Some times he had to play tabla and he was always kept as a stand bye artist like me.


"Aadi Wa Ant"( beginning or end) is Mr. Lallan Prasad Thakur's last script of a play. This play was staged in Jamshedpur's Ravindra Bhavan and it was as usual very successful play and liked by the audience. After" Aadi Wa Ant" was staged Mr. Thakur wanted to do an experiment by making a video film. When he told me this idea I told him "how can you do this you don't have any experience about film making, you don't have any resources, even camera man you don't know who will work for you without money".He smiled and said, "wait I will do with the resources I have" and he started working on for the video film. He had to change some scenes and dialogues too. Most of the artist were the same, those who had acted in the play.


Loyola( B.Ed) College had two technician who use to shoot for their educational program. So Mr. Thakur approached them and they gladly accepted the offer but they said they don't know how to shoot a video film, they only shoot for the college and they had only one camera. Mr. Thakur with his blind supporter Mr. Choudhary convinced them and told them not to worry about it, he will direct them every thing and with one camera every thing will be done. The musician and makeup man were the same person who use to be with him in his plays. That time he had not seen a single shooting, the experience of film was zero and he was going to shoot a video film. He was in a leading role and he had to see every thing including direction and music direction.


The shooting was done on four five locations but the main shooting was done in one of our friends bungalow and the first scene started with bhratridwitiya (a festival of brothers and sisters). In the scene sister gives sweet to his brother in his mouth and the brother eats it, it is a custom of this festival. Since it was the first scene so it had lots of take, retake and the brother had to eat lots of sweets.


There were lots of events during the shooting which can be described but I am going to describe only few today. Mr.Thakur use to direct the camera man at what angle he needed the camera. In a scene Mr. Thakur had some important dialogues, so before going for his shot he explained the camera man and his assistant and went. During the shot the camera had to move but the camera man was not doing that and standing at a place and shooting. Mr. Thakur noticed that and during his dialogue delivery he started turning round his pointer finger. I was just behind the camera, I noticed it and immediately told the cameraman and he cached it. It was done in such a manner that no one can catch the movement of the finger. It looks like action needed for that scene.


There is a folk dance in that video film and before it starts there is an announcement coming in a news channel. Someone had to read that news so Mr. Choudhary was the news reader in that film and he had to read the news. For this shooting a hall was booked in an auditorium. The dancers, musicians, singers all were ready, Mr. Thakur use to sing also and he has written several songs, including the folk song which was in this video film. So after settling everything he sat with the singers and musicians. The news scene was the starting of the shots. So, the shot started with Mr. Choudhary, the news reader. When the shot was ready Mr. choudhary was called, every one was silent but as Mr. Choudhary entered for the shot and I saw him I started laughing and with me every one started laughing. Oh my god, he had to come in suit, for that he had gone to the dressing room but when he came he was wearing pyjama and coat with tie, he was looking so funny that all of us including Mr. Thakur and Mr. Choudhary himself laughed. Off course only the upper(coat) portion was coming in that scene. So after few minutes Mr. Thakur told everyone to be silent and the shot was taken. Even now while watching the movie, when I see that scene I laugh.


The last shot was taken in Jublee Park and that was for casting. This way the video film was made. Mr.Thakur himself did the editing of the film. Casting was also done by him. Now I have converted this film in DVD.

Monday, September 15, 2008

A Humorous Person

Pune


Mr. Lallan Prasad Thakur(my husband) had a good sense of humor. One of his colleague's second name was Khare. The telephone was on my husband's table in the office, whenever a call came for Mr. Khare and people use to ask Khare hain(is Khare there), he use to answer baithe hain(I am sitting).


Mr. Balmukund Choudhary was one of the closest friend of my husband. His mother also stayed with him. She was an old and innocent lady and we called her kaki(aunt). When ever we went to Mr. Choudhary's house my husband use to go first near his mother,take her blessings and talk to her. She also liked him very much. One day she told me, "he is a great man, never hurt him". After that she told me" do you know why I am telling this?" I just shook my head in no, then she said, "no one wants to talk to old people and he sits near me and talks to me for hours, so he is a great person."All of us laughed, including my husband.


One weekend we went along with my sister Binny to visit Mr. Choudhary. When we reached at the gate my husband told me," you just wait on the gate, let me go with Binny first. After a while I will ask you to come". I asked him, "why", he told me" just for five minutes, you will know". I waited there but not on the gate but behind the door of the living room and from a hole I could see kaki. He entered the door and went straight to kaki. She was sitting in the living room. He first touched her feet, my sister also touched her feet. Now he asked kaki about her health, he use to ask whenever he met her. Then he asked which daughter in law loved her now a days, she laughed at it. She was answering all the question but I could see kaki's face, she was looking at Binny surprisingly. Then my husband asked her," how is my wife looking today?"She has to say something, so she said alright. I could see her face, she was not happy. Now I could not resist my self and I entered the room. At once smile came at her face and said,"you were fooling me, here comes your wife and she laughed. All of us with her laughed a lot.


Once we went to a reception party. The bride and groom were sitting on a stage, people were in que and going one by one to wish the couple. One gentleman who was just in front of my husband turned and looked at his face. In return my husband just smiled and wished him saying namastey. The gentleman also said namastey and turned. After a while he again turned and asked Mr. Thakur, "do I know you,where did we meet"? Mr. Thakur didn't knew him but he said" in the flight". The gentleman again turned, and said, "but I have never traveled by flight". Now my husband said "then must be in train", now the gentle man said no, " I don't remember, but I am a doctor."Hearing this my husband at once replied, "that's why, you are a doctor and I am a director, so we must have met some where". Now that gentleman new that he was joking, so he smiled and turned back.


Once I was with my husband and elder son at my parents place. That time my elder son was too small and sometimes in the night he wanted to play with his father. One day the whole family went to sleep but my son did not sleep till late night , so he was playing and both of us were also talking and playing with our son. When my son slept my husband went out side and came back and we also slept. I got up on screaming of my sisters and rushed to their room, it was just beside my room. I was the first one to reach their room, after that my parents also came. I entered and switched on the light and saw both my sisters legs were tide together with a string their hair were also tide together. So they were screaming. Now we opened the string and they were free. All of us new who must have done it, so all of us laughed and went to our rooms. When I entered my room I saw my husband was also smiling.


My younger sister-in-law is married to an army personal. We went there to attend the marriage few days before her marriage. After marriage one fine morning my newly married brother-in-law was in his room and we were having tea on the veranda of his room, my mother-in law was also there. We were relieved after the marriage so we were discussing about it, Mr. Thakur was knowing that his brother-in-law was in his room, so he purposely told his mother,"God knows how Dada(he use to say Dada to his father) chose this boy, we even don't know he is a capt. or not. My brother-in law was capt. at that time, now he is a brigadier. After some time I went to my brother-in-law's room and was talking to him, he showed me some photographs including one with his uniform and said it is for you and Lallanji(my husband) and he pointed the star in his uniform. I understood why he gave me that photo and told him don't mind he was just joking.


When my son got admission in IIT Delhi my Brother-in-law was posted in Delhi as Lt. colonel and we went to meet them.When we reached, my sister-in law and children were in the house and my brother-in-law was in his office. After tea we were standing in the balcony and waiting for him to come. After few minutes my brother-in-law came in his uniform and as he entered the balcony Mr. Thakur said,"today I knew you are really an army officer". All of us laughed and went inside the house.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

July The Lucky Month



Fremont(California) 21st August


I got married the very next day of my 16th birthday and I had just passed my 10th exam. After my exam I had come to attend my cousin sister's marriage which was on 2 nd of June and I stayed there for few days with my parents. Those days I was staying at Ranchi with my uncle, my father was posted at Arunachal Pradesh and had come to attend the marriage.I don't remember exactly what happened, after my cousin's marriage my uncle and my father went out from our village for few days. Sometime I use to hear talking my grand parents about my marriage. My grand father use to say," she should be married now and she has a very good chance of getting married, only Niloo(my cousin sister) was the hurdle, now she is married". I was not aware of any thing. On 11 th July my uncle came, every one was very happy.


My uncle came to me and said "I have fixed your marriage". When I heard this I was very sad, not for the reason I was getting married, I did not know what was marriage. That time I only knew that in marriage you get lots of new clothes and jeweleries. I was sad because in my school I had told my friends that I was going for my cousin's marriage, which was true. Now what will they think, I was worried about that.


My uncle again went in the evening, as I heard he went to bring the barati's. The whole family was busy in arrangement for my wedding. My parents, my grand parents, my brother, who was himself 14years old, was the busiest person, he was busy for the arrangement of loudspeaker etc. My sisters were very small to do any thing but they were very excited that they will wear new clothes.


On 12thJuly that is my birthday too, my father came. Now he explained every thing about how the marriage was fixed and what was the boy doing. I could only hear that the boy is doing his civil engineering and he comes from a nice family. Now I was happy, but why that I don't know. May be my father and uncles were engineer and secondly in the evening I got a new saree to wear. That was my first saree and I was wearing saree first time. One of my aunt(bua,father's sister) came and she tide my saree but after an hour I took it out and came in my original skirt blouse.


The very next day that was 13thJuly I got married. I had to stay in my village for a month to do the rituals etc. In the mean time my uncle got my admission in Nirmala College Ranchi. When I reached Ranchi all my friends got shocked and they teased me saying "you told us that you were going for your cousins wedding but you married your self". In my Intermediate science first year I was the only married girl in my class.


Every year on 12th July all my friends, my parents, my children my brother and sisters wish me and every year I expect that people will wish me on 13 th also but no one wishes me on that day. I don't know why? That day is still a memorable and special day for me and July is the lucky month for me

Sunday, September 7, 2008

7th September

Pune


Today is a day which I couldn't forget. It was the darkest day of my life. The word I never mention will not mention even today, people will know them selves what I mean. At certain point people are helpless. But one thing I know, nice people doesn't stay longer on this earth,because God needs them. Today I can't write more than this.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Back To India

San Francisco














The feeling of leaving your loved ones makes you sad, if you leave your son who is thousands of miles away from the country is very painful. This can't be described, it can be known by experience.


Today I am going back to India. Since last seven days I was very sad but I enjoyed a lot in Los Angeles and Universal Studios Hollywood.This time I don't know why, I have a fear that I will not be able to come to USA again. May be due to my health problem. My arthritis, which is yet to be confirmed, is it osto or rheumatoid? When I was leaving home Anu was also very sad. At the airport I was not feeling like leaving Vickie but after check-in I had to go for security check alone. Vickie was standing there in the back and I could see him. I was feeling that I was forcibly sent. Any how I went and till the end of terminal 45 Vickie was waving hand and I was looking back at him till he was visible. I went and sat on a chair and after 15minutes boarding started and I had no choice.


I was sitting on the window seat and feeling very sad, so when my aircraft took off I started looking from the window, consoling my self that I will come again soon. Now I could see the sky liner of San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge,The Rock(Alcatraz), the Harbor of San Francisco and tried to divert my mind.


This time I was very tired in the flight. Any how I landed at Indra Gandhi International Airport at 10:30pm Kapil came to receive me. Now despite my tiredness I was happy that I am going to meet Shweta and Puttu after five months.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Visit to Universal Studio Hollywood
















Fremont


Just returned from Los Angeles. On 30th August we went for two days tour to Los Angeles and Universal Studio Hollywood. Since it was Labor Day so Vickie had a long weekend. When I was
planning to go to USA Vickie had told that during this tour he will take me to Hollywood and Las Vegas. We had planned that on Saturday we will leave for Los Angeles and come back on Monday.


Since many years I use to hear the word Hollywood. It was always in my mind that it is a very big thing to visit and see Hollywood, I never thought that one day I would see and know about it so closely and nicely. Actually I was very curious about it and when Vickie asked me to choose between two, Universal Studio Hollywood and Disneyland, I choose Universal Studio Hollywood. We didn't had enough time that we could see both. Both were time taking job, I mean both the places had many things to see and all takes time. So, Vickie booked the ticket of Universal Studio Hollywood.


We planned that we will leave Fremont early in the morning, since it was Labor Day weekend, if we leave late, we will be trapped in the traffic. Early in the morning at 5o'clock we left for
Los Angeles. Up to Irvin we went smoothly but after that we were really trapped in the traffic. From Irvin to Dana Point, where we had to go first and where Anu's uncle lived, took about two hours to reach and at 2 p:m we were at Dana Point.




We went straight to Dr. Mohan Roy's (Anu's uncle) house. He has a very big and beautiful house on the beach, with fantastic view facing Pacific Ocean. One can spend hours there, watching the view.


After lunch we went to the beach and after spending hours there we came back. Anu and Vickie had fun and I also enjoyed and took some nice pictures.


In the evening Dr. Roy and Dr.Mrs. Roy took us to Dana Point Harbour and for a nice Chinese dinner. After dinner every one sang on karaoke. Anu and Vickie sang a nice song.


In the morning after a long session of talk and nice breakfast we left for Universal Studio Hollywood. We were told that it will take at least one hour to reach Universal City. We crossed the down town of Los Angeles but I was not eager to see it and we went straight to the Universal City.

I had heard that Hollywood is written on one of the hill, so when we came near we started moving our neck and at last we saw that. Now we were sure that we have reached Universal City because a huge gate could be seen with UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD on top of the gate was written. Now I was exited, at the gate we had to take the ticket for parking and after that we went to the huge parking from there we had to take the elevator. Now I thought we have reached the main studio because there were no gate there.


Now INOX AND AMC theater could be seen, from there we went straight. Both the sides were full of nice souvenir shops and snacks shop. Now I thought where is the studio, just then I saw a huge iron globe type thing revolving and UNIVERSAL STUDIOS was written on it. Now I thought we have reached the studio. But again we had to turn and saw another gate with Universal studios Hollywood written on it.Till this point every one can come but beyond this you need to have entry ticket.



We had to produce our entry ticket here and after that we entered the main studio. After entering the very first thing we noticed was horror show written on a building. Anu was interested to see it and so was Vickie. Anu asked me was I interested watching it or not and after seeing my interest three of us went to watch it.



The building it self looked like the building we use to see in horror movies. The very first thing I noticed there was written, live artist can come in front of you, please don't touch them, they will also not touch you. As we entered it was all dark and Vickie was going with two people who is scared of living in the house alone at night. Three of us hold each others hand and started moving in the dark. The music of horror movie was going on and we were moving. Really it looked like we see in horror movies, the artists entering the cave. Anu was very scared, any how we were moving. Really the live artists were coming in the way, some like ghosts, some dead body was also seen in the cave. As we were moving one dead body which was hanging in a polethene bag came in front of us and touched our body, off course it was not a real one. Anu screamed, even I was also scared, any how we moved. Anu use to close her eyes when ever she was scared. Any how we came out of the cave, dispite our fear we enjoyed it.

After the horror show we saw a very interesting cartoon show that is Shrek. It was 4D show that I had seen the first time. Oh my GOD, in this show the chairs also shakes, some water also came on our face. It was a nice experience.


Now we thought to do the studio tour first, so we went in the que for tram. They have plenty of trams, so our term came quickly and we got into it. The tram was equipped with television and a guide. The first thing she showed us was the stage where the famous program NBC shooting is being done. There were several stages like that, from there she took us to a wooden bridge. Here many films shooting was done. Here she showed us how the shooting is done, she even showed us by remote how the bridge is broken during the shooting. The clips of the films those were shooted there were also shown on the television. Now we went on the bridge and from there we passed through the place where several cars were kept. Those cars were used in famous Universal Studios movies and the name of the movies were also written there. The clips of the movies in which those cars were used were also coming on the TV screen.



Now we went to see the most interesting part of the studio and that was the blowing of the cars which are done in the movies. It was amazing, we could not imagine that in the movies what we see is done this way. First the guide explained us and as the remote was pressed the cars went up, oh my god, it was on the jack in the air. We saw how the fire blows the car. From there we went to a place where shooting of a flood is done.



Now it was the tern of how the shooting of big cities done. All the sets of big cities, parks etc. was there. The stuntman were there to show the stunts. We saw all the sets of serials which are now a days famous and most popular. All the sets were natural and looked beautiful.



After going through those sets we entered the special effect studio, the tram went inside it. It looked that we have reached the metro train station. On the left train track could be seen and at the right was the set for water. Here we really saw a nice special effect, the special effects of train, water, ambulance etc. is given here in the movies.



As our tram moved a lake could be seen on the right and a big shark was also seen in it . The guide told us and on the TV screen also we could see that the shooting of many movies were done there. Then came the set of sea, I was so shocked it was a big screen of sea and we saw on the TV the clips of the movies those were shooted there.


We moved from the sea set and now we were shown how dead body after murder was kept in the car. From there we moved to the set of a plane crash.


Now the tram returned from the studio, we were very hungry so first of all we decided to have some food. After food we had to go to the lower level of the studio because we wanted to see the Mummy Show.



We had seen the movie The Mummy few days earlier, so when I heard about the Mummy Show I thought it will be a show similar to Horror show so I was very excited to see it. We again went in the que, it was very big. Now Anu told me it was a ride. I am very afraid of rides, but any how I pretended to be brave. I had no option other than flee away from the line. Then I saw a lady much older than me, so I tried to be brave and sat on the seat of the ride.



The ride had four seats in a row. Vickie sat in the corner then after that Anu,my self and a girl sat beside me. I was very afraid what will happen, I asked Vickie how to hold and hold it tightly. As the roller coaster entered the cave I was very scared, so I did not speak a word till it was finished and we returned back praying to Bajrangbali(god). When Vickie use to ask mummy are you ok, I could only say yes.But when we returned back it was a nice feeling.



Now it was already 8:30pm and we were very tired so after seeing the archive we returned back by then it was 9pm. When I sat in the car I was very happy that I saw such a nice thing. While returning we were talking about it but after some time when it came in my mind that I have my flight tomorrow I became sad.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Visit To Alcatraz and San Francisco

















Fremont(California)


Today I went to visit San Francisco and Alcatraz with Anu and Vickie.Yesterday we had a party in our house, so we got up late in the morning. We were ready at 11a:m and left for San Francisco.San Francisco is the 4th most populated city of California and the largest city of West Coast. It is densely populated and is at the tip of San Francisco peninsula. The Bay of San Francisco is at the east, Pacific Ocean at the west and the most famous landmark Golden Gate Bridge is at the north. It was devastated by the earthquake and fire in 1906 but quickly rebuilt.


San Francisco is about 30miles from Fremont. We had a plan to visit San Francisco first and then Alcatraz, but we could not do that. Since we had our cruise for Alcatraz at 3:55, so we could see only Pier39 before going there. We board our cruise at 3:30pm from pier33 and it took about 15minutes to reach the Alcatraz.


Alcatraz is a cell house in an island near San Francisco, where some of the most notorious criminals of America were kept. It was the federal penitentiary since 1934-1963.The main prison block has iron rod gates in its 9x5 foot cells. The prison has its mess hall,library and isolation rooms.The disruptive and violent inmates were kept in the isolation rooms.Every thing is structurally intact.


Now it has got the status of National Park. It has rare flowers, plants, marine wildlife and sea birds.


After getting down from the cruise, we went straight to the information center. After taking informations went to see the Alcatraz prison, now a national park. First we went and took the set for audio tour, after taking we started our tour of Alcatraz.

It was a very nice experience to take a tour with help of audio. You have an audio set with you, so you get to know every thing, no need to ask.


Every thing was nicely preserved in all the rooms. Even the keys were also kept in its place. One time most sensitive and secured place where people never wanted to go has become San Francisco's most prominent landmark and tourist attraction.

Now we were about to finish our tour, Vickie told us
to hurry because the last cruise was at 6:30, so we
went straight to give the audio set. While returning we saw beautiful sea birds. We again board the cruise and reached pier 33.


Now we went to see the city. The city it self is very beautiful but the most beautiful and attractive street is the famous Lombard Crooked Street. One of the most crooked street of United States. It is a red-bricked road having eight curves with 27 degree slopes.







It was really very steep and long too, while going to the Lombard road. Then we went to the Crooked street. It has beautiful houses and in front of the houses beautiful flowers,and the road is in between. What a landscaping, what an architect.


While going through that road by car I was scared very much, so was Anu but it looked amazing when we got down and saw from there.


From Crooked Street we went to the Golden gate Bridge. The gateway ,here the bay meets the ocean. It was very windy even then we walked on the bridge. Now it was 9:00pm,so we returned back to Fremont.









Thursday, August 21, 2008

20th August Vickie's joining Day

Fremont



Today is 20th of August, this day Vickie joined Google. Today is his 1st Google Birthday, this they call in Google.


Kya bhooloon kya yaad karoon. Whenever I am depressed I just try to forget the present and go in the past and I am recharged.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

My Visit To University Of California, Berkley





Fremont(California)


Yesterday was our Independence Day and I missed my country. Today again I am missing India, today is Raksha Bandhan but this time I couldn't send rakhi to my brothers. In the morning we went to meet Anu's uncle and aunt. They had invited us for lunch.


After lunch we went to visit the most prestigious university that is University of California, Berkley. Berkley is in the south of San Francisco, in the Golden State, California. Berkley was the first full- curriculum public university in the state, so it was called University of California. My daughter-in-law Anu is doing her Masters of Information Management And System (MS) here. Berkley was founded in 1868 with just 10 faculty members and 38 students.Now it has 220,000 students and 170,000 faculty and staff members.It is the pioneer university of the world and has produced 20 Nobel Laureates till date, this is the place where vitamin E was found.The atomic bomb in world war2 was also developed by the scientists, those who were working on Manhattan projects.


University Of California has ten campuses. It has world class labs and classrooms, besides that three of the US Department of Energy national laboratories are managed by the university.


We started from Fremont at about 4 o'clock in the evening and it took about 30 minutes to reach there. I was very excited because I had heard a lot about Berkley. First we went to the south hall, the first building of the university built in 1873, the only original building left in the campus. Anu has her classes in this building.

We went inside and saw its students center and the lab. Anu showed us where she generally sits in the lab and I was very proud to witness it. From there we went to the see the Memorial Glade.





Now the most impressive building, which I liked was the library. From there we went to the southern gate of the university. It was still vacation going on so we could not see the rush of the students there. I was very happy that I saw this university so closely, this was like a dream. Now all of us were tired so we left the land of learned people, scientists and Nobel Laureates.


We had a nice Ethiopian food and returned back to Fremont. We reached there at 11 p:m. This was my one of the memorable visit of USA.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

A Talent Whom I Miss





Fremont


My husband Lallan Prasad Thakur was a civil engineer by profession but he was an inborn artist. We generally don't see such type of talent in a person having technical background.He use to write drama scripts, act in a leading role, write it's lyrics and direct it. Acting was his passion and he acted in many plays since his childhood. He has written several Hindi and Maithli drama scripts which are now in form of books. Apart from that he use to write songs, poems, gazals, safety slogans, safety drama scripts, all in Hindi and Maithli. He has won several awards for his scripts, his directions, for his acting and even for his stage directions. Both my sons use to act in his plays and got several awards.


I have seen him writing, if he was in mood to write, he use to finish a full drama script in one stretch. I remember one or two of his dramas which he has written like that.Once he got an invitation for a play in a competition and after a meeting he decided to participate in that. The name of the play he announced in the meeting and date of the rehearsal was also fixed.Now he started thinking what drama to perform, he had a plot in his mind and he had a scene of it written.He use to have several plots for dramas in his mind and I had to listen his plots several times, not only plots, I had to listen all his dialogues several times also, during his script writing. So, the rehearsal also started on the schedule date with the first scene. I use to go with him everyday in all his rehearsals and both my sons were his child artist.


One day after his rehearsal he came and after tea he told me that today he was in a mood to write, secondly he had no options because he can't carry on the rehearsal with one scene, so after his dinner he is going to finish the script. He told me to make a flask of tea and go to sleep. After dinner children went to sleep, I made tea for him and kept it in the flask and went to sleep. At about 4:30 I woke up and went near him, he was still writing and told me to make tea for him. He said that the script was about to complete, so after making tea I also had tea with him, at 5:30 the script was complete. The play was very successfully played and got several prizes.


Once we went for a marriage of my cousin, there he met one of my mothers uncle, from his character he got a plot for his drama thus the script of his most popular play "Mister Nilo Kaka" was written. The main character of this play is an old man named "Nilo", who was very popular amongst his village people because of his humorous nature. The character Nilo never wanted to be said old man and he use to hate this word, as well as he had fear of snake. The youngsters use to tease him by saying old man. This play was staged twice in Mr. Thakur's direction, first in Jamshedpur which he organized himself, second time in the International Maithli Drama Festival. This was his first play outside Jamshedpur in Maithli and it was super hit and is still very popular. In a night he was the hero, after his play outside Jamshedpur.


Few days after" Mister Nilo Kaka" was staged in Jamshedpur he got an invitation for the international drama competition. Since the play was successfully staged in Jamshedpur and all the artist those who had acted in that play were available, he excepted the invitation. He had very less time for the competition but he was confident that this play would fetch several best awards. Again the rehearsal started, everything was going fine. I use to be with him in the rehearsal everyday and use to assist him. My younger son was also acting in that play so four of us use to go for the rehearsal. One day one of the artist named Lakshmikant who was doing the role of Sanichra came and said he had an unavoidable circumstances so he was going to his village but he will come within two three days and join. His role was not so big so Mr. Thakur was not worried about that but one day he got a message from one of the lady artist that she couldn't do the play because she was going out of the town. That day he was very upset, next day all of us went for the rehearsal but it was more like a meeting than a rehearsal. After rehearsal all the artist went home only four of us and Mr. Balmukund Choudhary Mr. Thakur's one of the closest friend stayed there back to decide what to do. Without lady artist the play was not possible, both Mr. Thakur and Mr. Choudhary were very worried and asked me what to do. Even I had no answer. Both of them went out of the room for few minutes and came back. Mr. Thakur came to me and said , how can we back out now, only few days are left for the drama festival. Now it has become our prestige, so you will have to do the role. I started laughing, I told them it's not possible, now my husband also started laughing but after few seconds he said," now I am not joking, you will have to do because we don't have any option, I know you can do it". I had no answer so it was decided that I will do the role of that lady artist.


Next day four of us went for the rehearsal. Everyday I use to go for the rehearsal and give my comments later on in the house but that day it was different,I was going as an artist.In the play main character " Nilo" was Mr. Thakur and I was his wife. All the artist were told that now I will be doing kaki's role, that was the character(lady artist) called in the play. The rehearsal started, I was called for the rehearsal,so I went near the stage but I was not able to do the rehearsal.I started laughing instead of delivering the dialogues. All my dialogues were with Mr. Thakur and as I looked at him I couldn't resist my self and laughed and so Mr.Choudhary. So, Mr.Choudhary was told to go out of the hall but even in his absence I was not able to deliver the dialogues because of my laugh. Any how other artists did there parts and we went home. Next day I thought I will not laugh and do the rehearsal seriously but when my turn came for the dialogue I again started laughing. This went on till the last day of the rehearsal. I never did the rehearsal with my husband, only some times he use to listen my dialogues at home. I was not satisfied with my rehearsal but he use to say to the artist don't worry she will do it on the stage," I am confident about her". Now the artist who had gone for his village didn't turn up and sent a message that he will join at Patna, where we had to go for the competition. We were worried but Mr. Thakur said not to be worried about it, if he doesn't turns up my elder son Bhaskar will do his role. So, we left for International Maithli Drama Competition.


We left for Patna, the whole team was excited, my elder son Bhaskar( Puttu) was told to see the dialogue of Sanichra. We reached Patna a day before our show and we had our stage rehearsal that day but Lakshmikant didn't turn up. Now my son Bhaskar was told to do the role of Sanichra.Since morning he had to do the rehearsal and in the afternoon we had our stage rehearsal.


On the show day we had our rehearsal in the hotel once or twice. In the evening Mr. Thakur with his family and all the artist was ready for the show. The show was super hit and Mr. Lallan Prasad Thakur got several prizes including best directors award. I got best character actress award and my son got best child actors award. This was Mr. Thakur's talent, I am lucky enough that I am his his wife and was with him for twenty three years.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Innocent


Fremont

My mother in law was a simple nice and innocent lady.She had a nice smile, my husband was very fond of her smile. He was very attached to his mother and loved her very much. My children were also attached to her. My younger son Vickie use to hold her cheeks and say dadi maa(grandmother) you have nice cheeks, innocently she use to smile and say, its OK but don't do this in your school and all of us use to laugh.


Once she came to Jamshedpur to stay with us. When ever she use to come, my husband use to arrange for her complete medical check up. TISCO has a hospital(TMH) for its employees. Since he was in TISCO, he had the medical facility for his parents too. During her stay we had to take her to the hospital frequently for her investigations and tests, so I use to be busy with her.


Once during her stay, doctors advised her for some special investigation which has to be done in the operation theater, the test I don't remember, for that I had to take her to the new building of the hospital because the operation theater was in that building. At that time it was new, now it is old. It is a 5 story building, so obviously it has lift facility. I think that was the first building with lift in Jamshedpur except TISCO's general office building. My husband told me that he will join us in the hospital, so I took my mother in law to the hospital. The building where we had to go was little far, so from the gate till that building we had to walk.


As we entered the building , I took her straight to the lift, the gate of the lift was opened, so I told her to get inside and we came out of it on the first floor. I took her straight to the lounge and two of us sat there on the chair, after some time she got up from the chair and started moving around, she came to me and asked, "how we came here"? First I couldn't understand her, so showing the lift I pointed out "that way", but then she said no no, how we came on the first floor, then I could make it out. I explained her how we reached there, on the first floor. This was her first experience of the lift. Afterward she told me, she thought we entered the door for some tests and came out after the test was done, saying this she smiled and so I.


When my husband came he saw both of us smiling, he asked his mother why we were smiling. She innocently told the whole story. After this incident my husband use to tell all his family members how his mother got into the lift first time and she as usual use to give her beautiful smile. I miss her.

Naina Devi Disaster

Fremont


Naina Devi Stamped toll mounts to 145 , was today's headlines of Google news. Naina Devi is a temple in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. People from various parts were on pilgrimage to this temple, when this occurred. Mostly children and women were the victim. Since it was the auspicious month of Shravan, so thousands of people were trekking through the hills.


Cause of the stampede is yet not confirmed. Some news say due to heavy rush the cliff of the railing fell down and panic started, it was due to that. But exactly what happened is yet to be known. Now the people are bothered about how it happened, the inquiry is being set for that.No one is bothered about the victims, their family members, those who are alive. Is not our responsibility to think about them, and appeal for them? Instead of that, the news can be seen that postmortem report says the death were caused by asphyxiation, the postmortem report was handed over to the families of the victims.


Are those not the responsibility of the administration, should they take credit by doing it? Should not they think how those cause can be avoided, so that it doesn't occurs again.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Destiny

Fremont


I am a regular reader of Google news and today when I logged in, I saw a very sad news. Ishmit Singh, winner of Star Voice of India is no more. He died in a swimming pool of a resort in Male, Maldives. He was there for a promotional event with a music company. I like musical programmes, so I use to watch Star Voice of India programmes also. I watched almost all the episodes of the show. He was really a good singer but I think this was his destiny. If he would not have won the title, he would not have gone to Male.


No one knows what is your destiny, when and how your end will come. People can think that they should not do the things in which they are not safe, but do they know what are those, where they are safe? No! It is yet to be discovered by the human being, no science or scientist has yet discovered it. It is almighty who knows everything, so people worship him.They worship God because of his power. Every person has a fear in them, some say don't hurt any body, try to be kind to others then there is no need to go to the temple, gurdwara, church or maszid. But he also has a fear, only the thing is he pretends to be brave, so he or she preaches like this.