The Women Behind the Indian Armed Forces

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The Women Behind the Indian Armed Forces
Image – Army Wives & Fiances

The Indian Armed Forces of India consists of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. It is supported by the Indian Coast Guard and Paramilitary organizations.  The Indian Armed Forces are the second largest military force in the world and the largest volunteer army. In fact, India has never had mandatory military service ever. And that perhaps clinches the strong sense of nationalism and a sense of duty that makes the Indian Armed Forces respected by the entire nation. 

The Central Armed Police Forces refers to seven security forces in India under Ministry of Home Affairs. These include the Assam Rifles (AR), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), National Security Guard (NSG), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). 

Role of Women

Though females are not allowed to serve in combat units, the Indian Army inducted women officers in non-medical roles in 1992. The Indian Air Force on the other hand inducts women in all roles including combat and support roles. As of 2015 there were 1500 women in the air force. In 2016 the government allowed the direct entry of women in the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB and CISF. 

But there are those many women who may not have served in the Indian Armed Forces or Central Armed Police Forces but are brave hearts of the nation. I am talking about the mothers, sisters, fiancés and wives of the martyred soldiers and military personals. The men undoubtedly deserve the highest state and central honors for their sacrifice, yet we tend to forget the women behind the scenes. 

The recent attack in Pulwama shook the nation and the Armed Forces took up the mantle of once again protecting the people of this country. And once again the countless mothers and wives braced themselves for the fear of their loved one’s life. But at the same time, not for once regretted nor complained.

Some Inspiring Stories

Thanks to the social media, a lot of stories of such courageous women were brought forward. The nation watched them stand boldly besides their husband’s coffin, watched them with five months old in their hands, heard of delivering a new born days after their martyred husband’s death. We felt the pain of the mother whose son was to get married in two weeks’ time and the resilience of another on responding to the capture of her IAF son. Yet, it was not the sobs and tears that made these women a symbol of empowerment. It was their pride, their unnerving shouts of ‘Jai Hind’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ and their call for continuing to live their lives honoring the martyrs and the country.

Nikita Kaul and the family of Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal – Source

Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal’s wife Nikita Kaul bade a powerful yet tearful adieu at the side of her husband’s coffin. Married for 10 months, this widow put up the bravest possible face and stood with dignity and she whispered a final ‘I love you’ message across to her martyred husband. She however, also spoke up in front of everyone addressing her husband to say she was proud to be his wife. She was proud because he fought for the safety of those people that he had never come in contact with. And she with utmost dignity pointed out to not sympathize but honor this man who was a much larger person than anyone else who was present there. She ended with a fittingly ‘Jai Hind’ and saluted her husband’s coffin with grit and determination on her face. 

Wife of Mukut Bihari Meena and daughter Aaru – Source

The wife of the martyr Mukut Bihari Meena carried her 5 month old daughter in her arms as she walked behind her husband’s coffin amidst shivering cries of national slogans. She was in a state of delirium and disbelief and yet in her unbalanced state of mind she raised her hand with the shrill of ‘Vande Mataram’. The state of mind she was in, the truest emotions emanated. These emotions were not about hatred and not about cursing her fate. She did not wail for the injustice but instead let the love of her country take precedence. Her daughter sat on the coffin of her father not knowing the significance of it all. 

Dr. Shobha Varthaman
Dr. Shobha Varthaman – Source

Then there is the mother of IAF pilot Abhinanddan Varthaman who has worked with ‘Doctors without borders’ for a large part of her life and has shown extreme composure and grit during her son’s capture. Both her sons serve in the IAF and she herself has been a brave heart rendering service to the injured in conflict zones across the world. 

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Dimple Cheema with Captain Vikram Batra – Source

Dimple Cheema, fiancé of Captain Vikram Batra who lost his life in the Kargil War, says, that there is not a single day she has not missed him in the last 17 years. Yet she feels proud about his accomplishments and knows he is an inspiration to the youth of today. ‘I know in my heart we are destined to meet again, it’s just a matter of time’, she says.

Gauri Mahadik
Gauri Mahadik – Source

Major Prasad Mahadik was killed in a fire in Arunachal Pradesh. His wife Gauri Mahadik is ready to join the Indian Army as a tribute to her husband. She sees it as the best tribute to him to be wearing his star and uniform. She topped the Service Selection Board exam in the category of widow and will be inducted in the Indian Army by March 2020. Instead of crying over his death, she chose the best way to remember and honor him. 

Stories of such various women are aplenty. Some make it to the fore in the age of digital media and some have been forgotten in the long history of conflicts and borders. Some are told but countless are not. 

On this Women’s Day let us salute the women in the Armed Forces. Let us also salute those women who are the biggest support systems of the men in uniform. The women who are prepared for the worse yet do not deter from facing it. The brave women who in spite of seeing and knowing the grief continue to stand by and push their sons and men to serve the nation. 

These women who are daughters, sisters and fiancés have also given the ultimate sacrifice for the country. There are no medals to honor them, just a life of hollowness and a void that is hard to fill. They are the bravest we know, because they take the hit and a part of them dies from within. Yet, they stand up and live again.

 

Some Great Books About Indian Armed Forces

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Soldier & Spice: An Army Wife’s Life: 1

The Beats of Different Traditional Drums of India

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Traditional-Drums-of-India

India is the land of music. Undoubtedly, there are various musical instruments, some traditional, some modern that have been the backbone of all musical endeavors and creative performances. Music is a huge part of the Indian culture and its presence is felt in all aspects and ways of life. During happy or sad, anxious or soothing times, music forms an essential element, for not only the individual, but also for the community essence. That is why during festivals or social occasions music is of paramount importance across regions of the country. 

Though there are a varied number of musical instruments, let us take a closer look at one of the most important instrument that is used in practically all musical undertakings – the drum. Unsurprisingly, there are many different kinds of drums across the country that are used for specific rhythms. 

Categories of drums in India

Broadly, we can divide the drums into three basic categories. The hand drums are played using the hand alone, whereas, the stick and hand drums can be played using either the stick or hand. The third type are hand frame drums that look different because of their framed appearance, such as the kanjira and kansi. 

The traditional drums of India

Let us take a look at some of the different types of drums in India. 

1. Tabla 

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Tabla – Kaustav Bhattacharya via Flickr

The tabla is one of the most popular classical musical instruments that always consist of a pair. Called the dayan and bayan meaning the left and right drum the tones of each complement the other. The tabla is played with the hands and is considered as one of the most difficult hand drums to play in the world. 

2. Chenda

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Chenda – Liji Jinaraj via Flickr

The chenda is used most in the southern state of Kerala. This wooden cylindrical drum is played widely during the Thrissur Pooram festival where a huge number of artists play the instrument in tandem and synchronization. Played on both sides the chenda is played using sticks and is also an important instrument during the performances of Kerala art forms, such as Kathakali, Theyyam, Koodiyattam and more. 

3. Mridangam

Traditional-Drums-of-India Mridangam
Mridangam – Wikimedia

Hailing from Tamil Nadu, the mridangam is an essential component of Carnatic music. It is believed that mridangam is to Carnatic music what the tabla is to Hindustani Classical music. According to various myths and legends, it is also believed that it was the mridangam that was split into two to construct the tabla. The mridangam is placed on the floor and then played on either side.

4. Kanjira

Traditional-Drums-of-India Kanjira
Kanjira – Wikimedia

Again from south India originates the kanjira, an instrument that belongs to the family of the tambourine. Used widely in folk and religious music this framed drum was modified by Manpoondia Pillai by adding a pair of jingles and hence introducing it as a reckoning musical force within classical music. 

5. Dhad

Traditional-Drums-of-India-Dhad
Dhad

Shaped like an hourglass this traditional musical instrument originates from Punjab. Folk singers called Dhadi are amongst the many artists who play and master this instrument. It is small in size and can be played by striking or tapping the fingers on its either surface. 

6. Dhol

Traditional-Drums-of-India-Dhol
Dhol – jasleen_kaur via Flickr

The dhol is a double sided large drum that is laid horizontally or strapped on one’s body. Played with sticks, the dhol has many regional variations throughout the country. Played predominantly in northern India the dhol has been an accompanying instrument for a number of Sufi saints and religious mystics. The dhol is played across various regions, such as during the Bihu festival in Assam, Navaratri celebrations in Gujarat and Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra

7. Dhak

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Dhak – Ronit Bhattacharjee Via Flickr

The dhak is a variation of the dhol that originates from West Bengal. The beats of the dhak reverberate through Durga Puja celebrations as the instrument is a close associate of the culture and festivities of the land. 

8. Pung

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Pung Cholom – zehawk via Flickr

The pung originates from Manipur and is associated with the pong cholom a traditional Manipuri dance form. The dancers themselves usually play the drum that starts off in subtle shades and reaches a crescendo of thunderous rhythm. 

9. Khol

Traditional-Drums-of-India-Khol
Khol – Adil113 via Flickr

The khol is also called the mridanga and originates in the states of Assam, Manipur and West Bengal. The khol looks slightly different with each side of the drumheads varying in size. One side is smaller than the other and the instrument is played by hand. 

10. Nagara

Traditional-Drums-of-India-Nagara
Nagara – Arun Kumar

Also known as the naqqara, nagada this kettledrum was made famous when it featured in a particular Bollywood song. It can be played both by hand and sticks and its influence is mostly across the northern regions. 

There are of course, a whole bunch of drums including the urumee, sambal, davul, idakka, kansi, duggi, madal and many more. Each has its own make, region of influence and interestingly a very strong connection to the traditions and culture of the area that it originates from. But then that perhaps is the beauty of music, it transcends on one end, but on the other, roots and finds expression in the most local and traditional nuances of the place that it truly belongs to. 

Why Bell Hooks’ “All about love” is Now More Relevant Than Ever

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Bell-Hooks - All-about-love
Get the Book

I scrolled on Instagram as I found a book recommendation by Rega Jha (The ex Editor in Chief of Buzzfeed). I was totally intrigued by the title of the book – “All About Love”. I did not want to read yet another cliche book on love and she promised that it wasn’t. This book is the best guide to love which I have read – and it is so for both genders. Especially in the Indian context where men and women are assigned different gender roles, still very prevalent today, the book explains how none of us can really be free when we love. To love freely we need to get rid of the gender roles assigned to us by society. In very few Indian families, people have conversations with each other about issues which affect them, men generally consider it a threat to their masculinity to take a woman’s opinion. The book advises people to break free from such ideology and engage in open communication so that there is better understanding between both parties. 

For those of us who have lost a loved one, the book makes us realise that love is something which cannot just end after death, true love lives on. This is even the case with breakups where you cannot stop loving the person after a break up, you can simply change the nature of your interaction and engagement with them. During the pandemic, break ups and human loss is happening at a greater rate than before, it is necessary to develop an ideology which will build resilience while still keeping our faith in the world. Though the book was published in 2000 (which isn’t a very long time ago), the book is still very relevant today despite changing times. 

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Often we are taught that love lacks a definition, and it’s a feeling which cannot be defined. However, Bell Hooks explains that love is not an emotion, it is an action – more like a verb. You can love someone when you are doing the act of loving them. Love exists when there is a healthy relationship between two people who consider each other as equals. It is a meaningful action which incorporates understanding and makes the other person feel understood despite gender roles. Bell Hooks also explains that many of us cannot define love because we do not have it. This is an interesting philosophy which applies to many rural women who continue to be in toxic relationships and claim to love the man. They also believe that the man loves them back despite his abusive behaviour. Society prevents us from knowing love and accepting that many of our relationships lack love. 

The book also makes strong points towards children’s rights and explains that they shall be given a voice to speak just like any other individual. During the pandemic, there has been an increase in cases of abuse against children in families, reading this book makes us realise that the effects of abusing children can be long term in their lives. No matter the segment of society and the situation, the book is very valid from not only a love point of view, but also from a human rights point of view. 

Bell-Hooks-quote-1

Many of us read so many books about love without understanding what love truly is. I think that the book will stay valid for a very long time to come. The book will be relevant till there are violations against human rights in this world, both genders are not treated equally and till long after that. This is one of the most interesting discourses on the idea of love not just romantic, but between partners, families, communities, children and friends which we extend. It gives us a guide to understanding love and ourselves better. Often in schools, when we say our pledges of friendship and love, we are not taught what love means or how to love. The book overcomes that basic gap in education and thereby explains the relevance of loving everyone to the best of our abilities in this world.

Get the Book Here

Shalini Bisht – A Self-taught Artist’s Journey in Mandala Art and More

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Shalini-Bisht-Artist

Artists are born in different circumstances. Some show an exemplary talent at a very young age and rise up the ladder of fame and skill. Some discover their true calling later in life. For some the art gradually grows into a passion, whereas, others rediscover it after having longed for it in the hustle and bustle of life. Shalini Bisht was always fond of art from a very young age. But she left it behind in the pursuit of studies and then job pressure. However, during her maternity leave she found the time to rediscover her love and started exploring her artistic journey with a renewed zeal. And it was during then that Creative Kalakari was born.

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Creative Kalakari founded by Shalini is an art platform for creating products, as well as, organizing learning workshops. Shalini teaches and creates Mandala art and has already taught more than hundred students this unique and therapeutic art form. She loves painting and besides Mandala art, specializes in acrylic paintings and also makes customized orders for clients. Besides selling her artwork, she has also had her paintings and art work displayed in various exhibitions.

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However, the most striking quality about Shalini is that she is a self-taught artist. As a child she enjoyed art and credits her mother as the biggest inspiration behind it. Yet, she learnt art initially on her own through the internet and her own interest. In fact, she holds a degree in M.Com and is a Digital Media Marketer in a real estate company in Gurugram.  A proud mother it is only her sheer love and passion for her art that has helped her churn out an alternate professional path as she gallops along it steadily, not only learning and creating herself, but also, educating and teaching many others the joys and detailing of her artwork.

We spoke to Shalini to learn more about Creative Kalakari and art in general.

Q: What are the various products or services that you offer through Creative Kalakari?

A: I conduct online and offline workshops of Mandala art. I make custom orders of Mandala art and Acrylic paintings for clients. I also sell my artworks.

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Q: Which type of arts do you bring into your products? Is it digital graphic work, traditional art forms, painting etc.?

A: I have specialized in Mandala art, so in many of my paintings you will see the glimpses of the Mandala art form. But I also love to paint Indian traditional art forms like Madhubani & Warli Paintings.

Q: How do you think traditional arts of India can be marketed and sustained? Or do you think they have to be combined with digital arts etc. to survive better?

A: Indian art is already recognized worldwide. Mandala art is the best example of that because many foreigners are creating the art form and they are using it as a meditative art therapy. Yes, a combination of traditional art and digital art is good. But in my opinion the art which is made by hand will always have a special place.

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Q: What advice would you give to creative artists, especially women who are good with such kind of artistry or making crafts, decorations, home items etc? How or what would you suggest to them to enhance their skill?

A: Being a social media professional I know the importance of social media. It plays a vital role in today’s world. I think if you have the skill then you should try to enhance it more by using the internet. In my case I am also a self-taught artist and I have learnt everything on my own from the internet initially. So I would advise house wives or working women to always groom their skills and use social media to promote your art or craft. If one has the will and desire one can do anything. Where there is a will there is a way and so keep learning! Never stop learning new skills to enhance your own passion. And who knows you can turn your skill into a profitable business venture too.

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Q: As a creator and artist, what joys and challenges do you face while creating your art.

A: Whenever I get time I make art seriously because it relaxes my mind and gives me pleasure. It’s a stress buster and healing therapy for me. The only challenge I face is the lack of time due to my full time job. But I always try to find time on weekends and make it happen because after all it’s all about priority and passion.

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Q: Finally, what are your future plans?

A: I want to promote the Indian Mandala art form to as many people by teaching them.  And so I am working to reach out to as many art lovers as I can.

There are many workshops where Shalini personally teaches Mandala art.

For further details about Creative Kalakari, its products and services check out the following:
https://www.instagram.com/creative_kalakari/
https://www.facebook.com/creativekalakari/
https://in.pinterest.com/creativekalakari/

The Significance of Indian State and City Names

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Mumbai – Image by DARSHAK PANDYA

A name is a solid identity marker for any person or place. It defines its wearer and hence the popular Shakespearean line ‘What’s in a name?’ has gained almost a cult status when it comes to social, political or economic discourse. Yet, there is a lot of history, research and meaning in every name, especially when we start referring to names of places in India.

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Hyderabad Image by David Mark

States and city names in India reflect the influence of the ruler, culture, as well as their social connotations. Some are born out of colonial history, some under the patronage of kings and nawabs and others are drenched in ancient Indian cultures, languages and myths. There are regional specifications and certain suffixes and prefixes that cater to certain areas. Some of the names sound familiar, some almost the same, whereas, some have a unique feel and sound. Yet, each of these has a special meaning that connects it to the place and unfolds its character.

State Names

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Himachal by Ankit Anand

Ever wondered how each state got its name? ‘Hima’ means snow and hence Himachal means clad or snow-laden. Punjab is the land of five (punj) rivers (ab), Rajasthan is the land of the Rajputs derived from ‘Raja’ or king and Jharkhand comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Jhar’ meaning forest and ‘khand’ which means land. There are some names that have literal meaning, such as Madhya Pradesh which means the Central Province and Uttar Pradesh or Northern Province.  Then there are also state names that are derived from the type of people living there, for example, Gujarat is the land of Gujjars and Tamil Nadu is where the Tamil population resides. Bihar is believed to have originated from the Pali word ‘Vihara’ or abode of the Buddhist monks and Assam gets its name from the Ahoms rulers who ruled the area for centuries.

City and Town Names

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Mysuru – Source

City and town names, too like state names have ample meaning. Some of the names have clear derivations and meaning, whereas, some have multiple theories surrounding their names. Mumbai for instance is derived from Mumba Devi the Goddess of the region and Hyderabad comes from the word ‘Haider/Haydar’ meaning lion. The city is believed to have been named in honor of Caliph Ali Ibn Ali Talib who was also known as Haider for his exemplary courage during battles. Vadodara finds it origins in the Sanskrit word ‘vatodar’ which means the heart of the banyan tree and Mysuru is derived from Mahishuru or the mythological demon Mahishasura.

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Kolkata – Photo by ABHISHEK CHAKRABORTY

However, some cities that have varying theories surrounding the origin of their names include Kolkata which may have been derived from Kalikshetra or land of Goddess Kali. The other explanations include the unique products of the region, such as kata (coir) and koli chun(quicklime). Bengaluru, Benga-val-oru mean the City of Guards in Halegannada or Old Kannada, or the name may have been derived from the Kannada word for the Indian Kino tree that grows in this area. Pune gets its name signifying virtue or punya and Kochi gets its name from ‘kochu azh’ which means a small lagoon in Malayalam.

A Few Commonalities

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Vizag – Ravikiran Rao

Many towns and cities have common suffix, such as ‘patnam’, ‘pur’, ‘abad’, ‘nagar’, ‘peta’, ‘ooru’ etc. All of these mean village, area or town in their respective languages. And so we do have many cities and towns whose names end with such suffix, such as Jaipur, Kanpur, Nizamabad, Secundrabad, Vishakapatnam, Karimnagar, Vijaywada and more.

Quite a few places also have Anglicized or colonial names that have been named during the colonial rule, including McLeodganj, Port Blair, Landsdowne, Mussourie etc.

What’s in a Name?

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Pune City – Photo by Atharva Tulsi

One can go in great depth and detail while studying the naming pattern and meaning of the different states or cities. Yet, what stands out for sure is the diversity of the names, each having at least a cultural, regional, temporal or spatial significance. Because India is such a diverse country, its city and town names are bound to reflect this sprawling milieu. Most of the names are a reflection of the deep rooted literature and mythologies that are an integral part of the Indian diaspora. At the same time, the openness of accepting names that arise from different religious or regional dynasties and rulers across time only heightens the wonderfully unique and endearing aspect of the country’s culture. Where on one hand some names are very practically kept, depending on their location or geographic features, others expound and merit a more complex and interesting understand.

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Bengaluru – Image by Vivek Chugh

Also, changing names of cities and towns has always been an ongoing process, where governments have tried to shed off the colonial naming patterns to a more Indianized or culturally suited version. This might or might not really go down well with everyone, because though the name of the place is significant, it’s usage over the years also makes it a familiar and known entity. While changing the name may cause a shift from this comfortable association, it also once again brings the Shakespearean line at the forefront asking why should a name matter so much more than other pressing administrative and executive decisions. Yet, renaming city or town names might on the other hand, help build more a local and traditional connection that rekindles some of the older and forgotten culturally significant highlights.

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Vadodara – Image Wikimedia

Finally, just like the people of the country that hail, practice and follow a large range of diverse cultures, the names of the places they reside in are no different. And yet, the idea of unity in diversity never ceases to shine brighter when we think of how every name though reflective of its uniqueness, co-exists harmlessly and seamlessly surrounded by its geography, history, mythology, traditions and both physical and cultural landscapes.

Birdwatching during the Lockdown: How Nature Arrived at My Doorstep

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Text & Photography – Asit Bhagat

Common-Tailor-Bird
Common Tailor Bird

Most of us have some hobbies and interests. Some of us are nature lovers who often like to spend time outside. However, as COVID-19 compelled a mandatory lockdown, people have gotten confined to their homes, and given the situation, this is undoubtedly the best option.

Like many, initially, I also got a little distressed with the idea of staying indoors. Being an avid birdwatcher, it was difficult for me to imagine not going out and sighting the avifauna. It was with this feeling that my lockdown stay began. But then I did not have the slightest idea how nature would unfurl its serene beauty at my doorstep.

One lockdown morning, I was exercising in the yard, just when the call of purple-rumped sunbird caught my attention. The excitement drew me near the bird, and I found it busy sucking nectar from the flame vine. The sighting offered me a sense of relief, as I had completely given up on the thought of birdwatching. No sooner had the bird left, when a purple sunbird landed on the West Indian Jasmine. Undeterred by my presence, it immersed itself in satiating its appetite. It was nice to watch the two categories of sunbirds in quick succession.

Silver-Bills
Silver Bills

For the first few days, I didn’t try to take pictures of the birds, because I enjoyed watching them more than photographing them. The sunbirds now became accustomed to my presence, and would allow me watch them from close quarters. Taking the advantage, I finally managed to click some pictures of the birds. The shining rump and the glittering West India Jasmine made excellent shots.

As I began to have birdwatching sessions at home, another two little sweet members in the avian club of our garden became visible. They were the warblers, ashy prinia and common tailor bird. In the evening, when the trees were watered, the mischievous ashy prinia would start emitting the panicky whistle. It hopped amidst the branches, from one tree to another, swiftly perching between the thorns of rose, oscillating its tail, and offering the very poses for my photo shoots. The little tailor bird, would perch vertically along the trunk on the mango tree, and keep singing its melodious tune. Its intermingling green shades, and chestnut forehead made it a cynosure for bird lovers like me. 

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Purple Rumped sunbird

Just when I had become busy sighting these little mischievous flyers, I happened to spot another few visitors. A plum-headed parakeet now made it its routine to visit our garden to feed on the fresh mangoes. On one occasion, I attempted taking a picture and went closer. With its beak smeared with crumbs, the parakeet was nonchalantly feeding on a mango, as I just stood under it and watched the activity. Just in time, I took a few shots, and left it undisturbed. 

The soaring temperatures and sizzling heat compel birds to take shelter in dense trees. As time transitioned from April to May, new calls now started coming from the mango tree. When I looked at it, I discovered two silver bills cuddling each other and chirping. Oriental white eye and common Iora, though rare visitors, camouflaged themselves in the leaves, and kept emitting the mysterious sweet calls. 

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Purple Rumped Sunbird

The birdwatching sessions now became quite exciting, owing to the arrival of new members. Each day turned out to be a new day, and for a moment, I forgot that I was in fact, still at home. 

Summer evenings are known for the calls of Asian koels and one evening when I was climbing down the stairs, I saw one. It was a female known for its brown plumage with white and buff spots, and blood-red eyes, stealthily hiding in the twigs of the mango tree. 

I had just updated the lockdown bird list when the next morning I heard a beautiful song coming from the backyard. My temptation led me to find an oriental magpie robin! Its soft and sweet tones accompanied with the early morning cool breezes offered a soothing experience.

Plum-headed-parakeet
Plum Headed Parakeet

The birds kept the garden alive all the time and when no one would be there, the two constant companions, the sparrow and the laughing dove, would make their silent presence felt.

As time passed, I didn’t realize when my home garden became an offbeat bird watching destination for me. I preferred jungle patches, botanical gardens or lakes but I had hardly thought of the home garden as a great venue for my hobby.

The experience came as a realization that nature exists around us in many forms. All we need is to see it through our inner lenses and spend some time to understand and enjoy it.

The Vision of Migrants in Jhumpa Lahiri’s Works

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Still from The Namesake, Courtesy – Mirabai Films

A recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for literature, Jhumpa Lahiri is an Indian-American writer whose uniqueness lies in her expression of the struggles and perspectives of Indians while away from their homeland. Along with this, she also highlights the pangs of loneliness, the rootlessness characteristic of non-residing Indians, and the need of the migrants to either cling on to their Indian roots in a foreign land or relinquish them in order to blend in with the norm. This is the primary subject in her three most celebrated novels – The Namesake, Unaccustomed Earth, and The Lowland. The anxiety of not belonging is very starkly brought out in the manner in which the homeland is described through the eyes of a migrant, who is unable to call the land their own while cherishing memories of a past spent there. The sights of Bengal thus seem to be recollected by one who is familiar with the terrain but acutely conscious of the fact that they are not an organic part of it. While living abroad, this feeling is not that strong among the first generation migrants who are still close to their Indian heritage and do not seek for a foreign identity. The attempt to consolidate a native identity in a foreign land introduces a strong local flavour to the narrative, as Lahiri writes from a similar position of cultural isolation. 

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Having spent her childhood in England before finally moving to Rhode Island, her parents were the only remnants of Bengal that Lahiri was exposed to. A perpetual crisis ensued wherein she felt like an American ambassador within an Indian household, and being a foreigner in American circles is frequently referred to in her works. She colloquially refers to those like her as ABCDs (American Born Confused Desis). In the mentioned novels, the characters belong to different backgrounds and cities but they are united in their identity as Bengalis. However this cannot be considered as an adequate identity, because the characters do not share a uniform relationship with their roots. The second generation NRIs are not as attached to their country as their parents are, and even among them there is a disparity in their attitudes towards the new land. In The Namesake, Ashok and Ashima shared similar middle-class upbringings; however Ashok perceived America as the land of possibilities. On the other hand, America was an exile for Ashima- a compromise she made for the sake of her marriage. Bitterly nostalgic of the life she had left behind, she subconsciously held her husband responsible for uprooting her from it. 

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Bengali influence in Jhumpa Lahiri’s Works

Lahiri creates Chitra and Hema’s and Usha’s parents in Unaccustomed Earth – all of whom take great care to nurture their native roots in America. The women in these stories are all Bengali home-makers who desperately try to replicate the environment they grew up in. In Lahiri’s works, Bengalis who are born in a foreign country attend American schools, have American friends, and live American lives outside their homes. The parents, for whom native culture is comforting and familiar, bring up children who see that very culture as strange. The cultural practices of the masses of Americans are what seem normal to them. Lahiri’s focus is not on the difference between the American and Indian way of life but the growing distance between the Bengali parent and the American child due to the differences in the way in which they identify themselves. This distance becomes evident in the differences in food habits, clothing, language, and other elements constituting culture in a community. A lot of Lahiri’s women characters, especially those who are aggressively protective of their Bengali identity, use clothing as an armour against western culture. Although they run the risk of being isolated, they would rather stand out in a sari than be a part of the American crowd. 

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In The Lowland, Subhash and Udayan are twins who grow up in Kolkata leading very ordinary childhoods, but once Subhash returns home after several years in Rhode Island he notices more clearly the orthodox practices still followed by his parents. Despite having left his homeland several years ago he brings up his late brother’s daughter as his own, giving her a quintessentially Bengali name and instills in her Indian habits. Hence Bela grows up knowing the Bengali culture closely, due to the clarity of Subhash’s vision of himself as an Indian living in the USA. Ultimately, Lahiri seems to argue that the cultural dislocation and the feeling of not belonging is largely psychologically created, for some migrants are proud of their rich Indian background while others are uncomfortable due to the same reason. Aside from racial and spatial considerations, she highlights the migrant’s desire to belong to both cultures and not entirely to any, which creates a conflict of identity of not knowing if they are truly Indian in spirit. 

The Indian Railways – Much More Than a Mode of Transport!

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Image – Pixabay

The Indian Railways is a humongous system that caters to passengers and services across a massively vast area. Considering that the country is large in area coupled with the fact that almost half of its population is dependent on trains for commute at both local and national destinations, the railways inadvertently are a hub of social and cultural milieu. 

A few facts about Indian Railways

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Image – Santulan MahantaImage via Flickr

  1. The Indian Railways began operating in 1853 and were nationalized in 1951 after Independence. It is the fourth largest railways in the world based on its size, route length and track length. It is the largest in Asia. 
  2. It carries more than one billion tons of freight in a year and more than 23 million passengers daily. 
  3. Due to its huge services, a separate budget is presented for the Railways alone. The finances of the railways were separated from the other budgets of India way back in 1924. 
  4. The Indian Railways also connect international destinations, such as Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The Samjhauta Express and Thar Express to Pakistan, passenger trains between Jainagar and Bijalpura in Nepal and freight trains between Raxaul and Birganj, whereas, the Maitree Express and Bandhan Express to Bangladesh.
  5. Indian Railways also runs tourist trains, such as the Palace on Wheels, Maharaja’s Express, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, The Fairy Queen and more.
  6. The Railways employs over 1.4 million people making it the seventh largest employer in the world.

Train Travel Memories and more

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Image Source

Railway stations and trains are an integral part of every citizen’s life. It is hard to not have an incident or memory that is related to train travel in India. Travelling with family or friends has its own share of fun when in the train. The bag loads of food and snacks that are passed around, the squeezing onto the seat so that more people can fit, the spreading of quills to play a game of cards or the sporadic songs that burst out as hawkers and beggars make their way through the isle are only a few memories that are etched in probably all our minds. Yet, due to the sheer range of people that board the railways makes it a perfect platform for social and cultural exchange. How many times have we struck a conversation with our co-passengers? And how many times have we learned something about themselves, their thoughts and perspectives, their traditions and relations? Enough number of times to know that this kind of a social exchange is also what enriches our own travel experiences. 

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Image – Omitra.in

Whether the long journeys that lasts for more than 24 hours or daily local commutes, the bonds that we form with each other, known or unknown faces make enough of an impact to mold and touch us in different ways. An intuitive teacher who starts a game of reading minds to a talkative aunty trying to offer food or advice every five minutes, the train journeys that I have made are cherished and always bring a smile on my face.

Social Stratification

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Photo by Killian Pham

Yet, the Indian Railways, like most things Indian, divide and unify at the same time. Where the different classes give a peek into the economic stratification, the different sellers and hawkers throw light upon how the railways also impact the financial lives of people indirectly. Of course, a lot has changed over the years but many platforms are still buzz with stalls serving hot foods or packet goods. The stationery guy still finds his way to impress upon us the need to buy a pen or the local fruit seller sprinkles her delights with flavors that are irresistible to munch on. Books and magazine sellers inspire to read and tea and coffee vendors are the most awaited guests on board. A game of cricket makes friends, foes and informers out of everyone who whispers or shouts out scores and a game of antakshari no matter played in which corner of the compartment makes you tap your feet in unison too. 

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Saurabh Nimbkar – Raise funds for Families of Cancer Patients in train

The discussions amongst passengers vary from politics, sports, traditions and personal sightings. And as the hills and fields roll past our windows we also feel a strange connection with regions and areas that we may never halt or stay put at, but they nonetheless tingle a sense of belonging and yearning in passing over. Long journeys bring out humor and talks even from the most quietest and reclusive of beings, whereas, daily commutes help form friendships with strangers for life. 

In many ways the statistics of the Indian Railways though highly noteworthy, do not surpass the human and emotional strappings of what they accomplish in reality. The meeting and interacting of hundreds of strangers on a daily basis helps form an understanding that is hard to replace in any other form or mode of travel. The Indian Railways hence does what forms the bedrock of our democracy and nation. It helps to compress the melting pot substantially, making it tangible and real. And thankfully, no one seems to have any reservations about it!

Get the Badge of Your Dream with Cisco 200-901 Exam and Practice Tests

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Cisco

If your interest is in software development, then you should definitely read this article. Cisco is determined to providing you with expertise and experience in this area so that you can offer the necessary support to your clients and organization. That is why the new DevNet certification path was created and immediately filled the niche of the associate- and professional-level tracks. The Associate level that you can start with requires that you pass only one exam – Exam-Labs.com . Therefore, let’s talk more about it.

Cisco 200-901: Exam Details

The Cisco 200-901 exam is designed to ensure that the professionals master their skills needed to develop applications on the Cisco platforms. The test is a prerequisite for earning the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate badge that is one of the latest credentials recently brought into the light by the vendor.

The completion time for the CCNA Test is 120 minutes. The candidates should prepare for it while bearing in mind the appearance of various questions. Learning the types of questions, such as drag and drop, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, testlets, and simlets, is one of the key factors during your preparation process. You should also note that the test costs $300 and is available in Japanese & English.

The main purpose of Cisco 200-901 is to help you gain different skills required for software design and development. They include the following:

  • Pass Cisco Exams platforms & development;
  • Usage of APIs;
  • Deployment & security of applications;
  • Automation & infrastructure;
  • Design & software development;
  • Network fundamentals.

To know more details of these topics, you should visit the Cisco website.

Cisco 200-901: Preparation Preferences

Knowing the exam objectives and their subsections is the first and foremost step that you should take towards your preparation journey. After identifying these domains and all the components, the next step involves finding out what study materials will provide the understanding necessary for each topic.

Cisco offers its official training course and other resources that you can use to develop the relevant skills for your associate-level automation engineer job role in networking. This training is necessary for those learners who want to adequately prepare and pass the test on the first try. A certified instructor will provide you with all the knowledge necessary to take the exam and get the passing score. Besides the official course, there are other helpful CCNP Exams 200-901 revision tools, including hands-on labs, e-Learning, and video tutorials. Another platform that you can visit is Amazon if you want to buy a study guide. One that can be found here is the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate DEVASC 200-901 Official Cert Guide.

You can also opt for some third-party sources and take practice tests. Most applicants choose this option as a good addition to their preparation methods to get even more chances to pass Cisco 200-901 with the highest result. With practice questions, you can see what score you can get during the real exam. If you answer some questions incorrectly, you can check the right answers and go back to the topic you need and reread the guide to improve this area.

Conclusion

To succeed in the career of your choice that is connected directly to the development and management of applications built on the Cisco platforms, you need the relevant skills. Free Cisco DevNet Associate Exams is the best option if you want to excel in software development. Focus on working through it to gain the skill set that will support you in your journey and obtain the certification of your dream.

Tarishi Gupta – Capturing the Expressions of Passion

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‘In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality’ – Alfred Stieglitz

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A photograph has the timeless quality of capturing a moment, person or surrounding for eternity. When there is so much fleeting reality that passes by us each day, a photograph holds still the moment, withholding a slice of time within its realm. At the same time, a photograph is one of the best ways of expression for both the photographer and poser, because the one holding the camera and clicking the moment is as much of an artist as a painter with a brush or a writer with a pen. To know what, when, why and how to create into a photograph is an art itself, so is the capturing of moods, expressions, colors and cultures to deliver a message or provoke a thought. 

Luckily, there are many photographers who have made their mark and elevated the scope of photography from a mere picture taking aesthetic to a nuanced and meaningful form of art. One such young photographer charting her path from a young age is Tarishi Gupta. Born and raised in Delhi, Tarishi is a freelance photographer working and living in New York who ‘loves to work with diverse people with different cultures’. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, Tarishi has a sizeable work experience under her belt, including working as, a photo intern at Collective Magazine, a first styling assistant at fashion shoots for Eryka Clayton, studio management, editing and assisting at advertising campaign photoshoots with Rebecca Handler Photography and also having worked for The Indian Watchdog, Food-dee-dum blog and many more.

The beginnings

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When did Tarishi realize her true calling? “Art has always been an inherent part of me, and my mother recognized it when I was barely three. At the time, I showed my inclination by understanding color schemes, drawing abstract forms yet with an aesthetic sense. She encouraged my natural instincts and helped groom my visual understanding of diverse mediums. I was handed a camera in my hand at the age of five and hasn’t left my hand ever since.”

And thus began her journey where she joined the Aman Shaw School of Photography when she was still in her tenth grade. Her tryst with professional photography culminated and led her to take up the course in New York but how easy or difficult was it? “The decision of moving so far away from home to pursue photography definitely wasn’t easy. Getting top grades and being a nerd in school didn’t help my argument of wanting to pursue arts as a career. With everybody telling me that I should study something ‘more practical and more stable’, I was just glad to have the most supporting parents who didn’t pay any heed to anyone but rather took this decision with me. My mother is my biggest cheerleader and always reminds me how lucky I am to be doing what I love every single day and sustaining myself while doing it. It pushes me to never stop hustling and to hone my craft in depth every single day.”

Inspirations and technicalities

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What inspires Tarishi’s art we ask? “My art is inspired by and is representative of the bustling markets in my hometown and the grandeur of the vibrant Indian culture. Through my photography work, I seek to draw upon the bold and vivid hues that ensconced my childhood and translate them into striking fashion photographs. Culturally and ritualistically, India prides itself upon the use of colors to depict tradition and values, and that is what I focus on when I create art.”

Yet, there is a whole lot of skill involved in photography. So what are some of the technical pointers that Tarishi keeps in mind while plunging into her art?

“Color and fashion dictate my story; I frame my compositions in order to accentuate the color to convey the narrative and guide my viewer through the photograph. Moreover, light plays a significant role in my photography, and I prefer to observe how it sculpts my subjects and induces mood change. I like to maintain a neat and clean aesthetic while developing stories and narratives through frames. Being notably detail-oriented, I seek to highlight movement, even as trivial as wind blowing the hair, as it endows energy to the photograph.”

For the love of the art

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Every skill requires a good balance of technique and passion. But at the same time aptitude, will and the sheer happiness of creating something is one of the greatest assets of any artists. It is no different for Tarishi who exclaims the multiple facets of photography that she loves. 

“The inclusivity of my upbringing reflects in my choice of casting. I love working with different kinds of people who bring different and unique stories with them. With my muses and models, I like to practice patience. I like to wait for my subject to grow comfortable in front of the camera and naturally interact with me. The cumbersome process produces beautiful results. 

I also love working in teams and love being on sets of fashion and film productions, be it as a photographer or an assistant. I like to observe how all artists practice their craft and learn so much on set from everybody around me. Collaboration, creativity, and hard work are at the heart of everything I do, and the driving force behind the elaborate production of each shoot.”

Style of work

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With her strong Indian roots, Tarishi has a good sense of Indian fashion. Since India is a diverse country with so many different cultures coming together, Tarishi loves working with all kinds of artists bringing unique ideas and visions to the Indian fashion space. She works mostly with young Indian fashion designers that support all communities, those who have no gender boundaries, brands that believe that fashion is more than a label and clothing, and rather view it as a movement. However, her most favorite brand to work so far with is Anaam. 

“Through careful styling with a diverse and location choice, I’m able to formulate a story that consistently ties my images together. I enjoy bringing all these elements together and the process is worth paying attention to. All photos stem from the way the designer wants the customers to feel, and how they want to portray the underlying story. I want my audience to have the information, be visually pleased when they look at my work and for them to take away something and feel empowered.”

Aspirations and the future

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Tarishi has definitely marked her foray in the world of photography. One of her most passionate project is The Red Project that plays around the significance of the color in different cultural backgrounds and photographs a whole range of people, practices and images that are related to it. You can check them out here (https://www.tarishigupta.com). 

But of course, there is a lot that Tarishi aspires to achieve. “I dream of creating visions of beauty and glamor for the world using my camera. I dream of giving every mundane object an artistic twist. My future plans include working with international magazines and brands to shoot editorials and advertising imagery representing a wider community. I definitely want to delve more into video production and filmmaking and bringing the beautiful and rich Indian culture to bigger screens and a wider audience.”

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One of her long term goal however is to “bring a whole new avenue of photography, videography, production and event spaces to India” which she thinks is missing. “You would be surprised on how difficult it is to find a basic studio rental space with all major equipment in New Delhi for a decent price. I want these spaces to act as a one stop shop for all the artists in the country, be it event production or shooting productions. I also want to study business sometime later to understand all aspects of it and eventually execute and bring such spaces to the country. Till then, I would continue to work hard, master my craft and pursue my dreams.”

You can see Tarishi’s work at https://www.tarishigupta.com/ or
On her Instagram handle
https://www.instagram.com/tarishiguptaa/