tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29992910015230239622024-03-14T15:54:40.706+05:30Agartala ExpressLife, Travel, Photography, Agartala, Books, Food, Quotes/Memes and many more..Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-28322219487716617072016-08-23T10:06:00.001+05:302016-08-23T10:07:46.877+05:30Dipa Produnova<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yelena_Produnova" target="_blank">Yelena Produnova</a> performed a gymnastic vault perfectly in 1999 Olympics. It is considered the most difficult vault in gymnastic history. Some people even called for a ban on this particular vault. There is a very good chance of injuring one self while performing this vault, most of the World class gymnasts just avoid this stunt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dipa was an exception. She performed the <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Produnova" target="_blank">Produnova Vault</a> in Rio Olympics and stole the heart of the judges, spectators and competitors alike. The gold medalist gymnast of Rio Olympics said, 'Lets rename Produnova vault to Karmakar Vault." There, an Agartalite girl performed exceptionally well and brought fame to the Nation. She could not won a medal, well that's perfectly all right!</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KxxChXhV-Zw/V7vPS-RlD-I/AAAAAAAAAc8/tUJf80AP3AcMTPcMOOjTna-ukL1g6V3ZACLcB/s1600/images%2B%252860%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dipa at Agartala" border="0" height="246" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KxxChXhV-Zw/V7vPS-RlD-I/AAAAAAAAAc8/tUJf80AP3AcMTPcMOOjTna-ukL1g6V3ZACLcB/s400/images%2B%252860%2529.jpg" title="Dipa at Agartala" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of the Agartalites were waiting by the road just to see Dipa once. You don't get to see Olympic celebrities that often, right? It was a great day for Agartala. The happiest thing was, Dipa didn't forget her town even after performing that well in olympics. In India, it is a very common practice that athletes leave their home states in search of greater amount of money. It's good to know that Dipa is an exception.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QL-nYO1_4zs/V7vPzH8MrVI/AAAAAAAAAdA/xk85t-YxgSEb2cMbISda-FIG5BJkUQ3AwCLcB/s1600/unnamed%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poor state of Sports" border="0" height="210" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QL-nYO1_4zs/V7vPzH8MrVI/AAAAAAAAAdA/xk85t-YxgSEb2cMbISda-FIG5BJkUQ3AwCLcB/s400/unnamed%2B%25286%2529.jpg" title="Poor state of Sports" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A lot of people are happy that India won 1 silver and one bronze medal in Olympics. Some people are frustrated with the performance of Indian Sports delegation at Rio. Well I think, the Govt can't even claim the 2 medals from athletes too. We live in a country where Govt. spends ₹0.03/person/day and expects medal (for comparison USA spends ₹22/person/day).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here in India, the Govt is not ready to take care of the athletes when they are struggling. When they win or perform exceptionally well, they are showered with millions of Rupees. Those who are successful does need motivation, I agree. But what's the point spending millions of rupees on Sports person who are already successful, can take up endorsement from different companies and sustain their life style? This thing particularly saddens me.</span></div>
Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-30063748373374979632016-07-09T23:20:00.000+05:302016-07-09T23:20:33.432+05:30Kolkata to Agartala in an ATR<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Oh God! You booked your ticket in an ATR aircraft!" He uttered these words with a horrifying look, like I made a fatal mistake! It was bizzar. What's wrong with an ATR? The job of an Aircraft is to ferry me from Kolkata to Agartala, if it does it's job, Why the hell should I be worried!<br />
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To convince me that I made a mistake he started to elaborate his and his acquaintance experience in ATR flight. According to him, the ATR aircraft travels at 26,000 feet where as Airbus travels at 40,000 feet. As a result, the turbulent weather an Airbus can easily avoid, ATR has no option but to go through it. The weather today is not good, A cyclone is hovering over Bangladesh. I must go through some really terrible time today, he opined confidently. ATR even takes more time to travel the same distance, he said. And service of Air India, it's better not to mention..<br />
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Hearing all these crap, I was not actually very much confident while boarding the flight. I was worried as my father who is recently been operated is traveling with me. The first sight of the flight was like "Oh shit!" The flight was tiny compared to the other aircrafts on runway. There was even no need of stairs to climb on the flight, the door of the aircraft served as makeshift stair. It was a tiny flight with just 48 seats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uc_SVcNQlYg/V4E4jxwZyeI/AAAAAAAAAbE/iuYa9bGpax4c6XtIpAS8ACss4YMqSuMzACLcB/s1600/images%2B%252852%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uc_SVcNQlYg/V4E4jxwZyeI/AAAAAAAAAbE/iuYa9bGpax4c6XtIpAS8ACss4YMqSuMzACLcB/s400/images%2B%252852%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Representational image borrowed from google. Note the make shift stairs.</td></tr>
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Up to this point I was thoroughly upset, but things changed dramatically as we entered into the Cabin. An Air India Air hostess welcomed us and handed over the daily newspaper. The over head luggage space was small, but enough to store small hand luggage I was carrying. I settled down on my seat and relaxed. The Aircraft was soon ready to fly. As the blades started to spin, I realized, the sound in cabin was a bit more compared to airbus.<br />
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The take off was smooth. After say 10 minutes as the flight settled mid air, we were handed over our FREE evening snacks packs (Air India Rocks!). Snack pack contained a cheese sandwich, pine apple jam sandwich, 2 sweet and 2 salted biscuit packs and one small soft drink. The pack was good enough to keep hunger centre quiet for next couple of hours.<br />
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The sky was cloudy and the clouds formed many interesting patterns. My time passed smoothly watching all those beautiful patterns. As we neared Agartala I was amused to note that Agartala is much greener compared to Kolkata, though it lacks the multi story building the mega city boasts off. The landing was smooth. The scheduled landing time was 6:15pm, but when I switched on my mobile phone post landing, It was just 6pm! Thanks Air India, Thanks ATR! This was my second best travel experience. Some day I shall write about the best experience, when I got upgraded to business class on Jet Airways flight.<br />
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PS: What is an ATR Aircraft? Wikipedia says, ATR (Aerei da Trasporto Regionale or Avions de transport régional; Regional Air Transport in English) is a French-Italian aircraft manufacturer headquartered on the grounds of Toulouse Blagnac International Airport in Blagnac, France.[1] It was formed in 1981 by Aérospatiale of France (now Airbus Group) and Aeritalia (now Alenia Aermacchi) of Italy.[2] Its primary products are the ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft.</div>
Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-63507550783455913512016-06-03T10:29:00.000+05:302016-06-02T22:31:22.380+05:30The personal assistant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">24 hours, this is the average length of day in most of the world. If you are not living in polar areas, there is good chance that you have only this 24 hours to complete your daily works. It's the same length for all, rich/poor, white/black, S/he. But some of us utilize these 24 hours better than others. There are two ways you can maximise your day. The tougher way- You can manage your time to invest more time on productive works.</span></div>
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For those who are not willing to do the time rationing or hate the word discipline, for them, there is a way out! Hire a personal assistant! The job of personal assistant is to help you with your personal works. You can just relax while your assistant is doing all the chores for you. But you need to pay hefty salary to secretary, right? Wrong!<br />
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About a year back I wrote about Natasha by hike, a mindless personal assistant bot. It was good for just a few common things. You can read about her <a href="https://agartalaexpress.blogspot.in/2015/02/oh-natasha.html?m=1" target="_blank">here</a>. Today I am talking about a personal assistant app that is actually run by human. It's called Haptik. I stumbled upon this app a few weeks ago. Using it constantly now and it actually frees up considerable amount of time from my schedule! The best thing, you get all these for free.<br />
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Haptik has a polished UI! It divides it's content under 8 heading. Reminder- You can ask your personal assistant to remind about anything and every thing here. At recharge tab, you get to recharge your Mobile, DTH etc. They also give you coupon codes for other websites. Looking for an eatery at new place, ask it in nearby tab! Travel options, places of interest, all for you under travel tab. Food, movies, Shopping, utilities are some other useful tabs.<br />
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I am using this app for few weeks and I highly appreciate it's performance. I would love to recommend it to you. You can download it <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.haptik" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Here are some screen shots from haptik.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-go5rFu0IB9k/V1Bg_rlYCZI/AAAAAAAAAZg/IVY9ZisPEzMdudDlmyqhjG6HstPpxbLjwCLcB/s1600/Screenshot_2016-05-23-09-41-58.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The welcome screen" border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-go5rFu0IB9k/V1Bg_rlYCZI/AAAAAAAAAZg/IVY9ZisPEzMdudDlmyqhjG6HstPpxbLjwCLcB/s400/Screenshot_2016-05-23-09-41-58.png" title="The welcome screen" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The welcome screen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T_NiF7_hjSo/V1BhVPTRpII/AAAAAAAAAZk/tS3N2CCYWbgV7H5KRASjuTM8Xd1BjzD0QCKgB/s1600/Screenshot_2016-05-23-09-42-12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Sign in screen: Only google sign in allowed" border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T_NiF7_hjSo/V1BhVPTRpII/AAAAAAAAAZk/tS3N2CCYWbgV7H5KRASjuTM8Xd1BjzD0QCKgB/s400/Screenshot_2016-05-23-09-42-12.png" title="Sign in screen: Only google sign in allowed" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign in screen: Only google sign in allowed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jMhAWaJfc8/V1BiNdtBvJI/AAAAAAAAAZs/kUjhVH3C41kkckVaROxfNvCPvoMN6ZczQCLcB/s1600/Screenshot_2016-05-23-10-15-23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Catagories at a glance" border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jMhAWaJfc8/V1BiNdtBvJI/AAAAAAAAAZs/kUjhVH3C41kkckVaROxfNvCPvoMN6ZczQCLcB/s400/Screenshot_2016-05-23-10-15-23.png" title="Catagories at a glance" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catagories at a glance </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFI2OtsmsMo/V1BjKvoBBgI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/n2UNOF9ECVsB6kjJ0w_CzUVreqysQdNXwCLcB/s1600/Screenshot_2016-05-23-10-20-29.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Smart new way to book air ticket" border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFI2OtsmsMo/V1BjKvoBBgI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/n2UNOF9ECVsB6kjJ0w_CzUVreqysQdNXwCLcB/s400/Screenshot_2016-05-23-10-20-29.png" title="Smart new way to book air ticket" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smart new way to book air ticket</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxgQCdRpv-E/V1Bjh-hwt-I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/sZOC6LsZYncqxhuZ3zMgrZXmXbEzjNzYwCLcB/s1600/Screenshot_2016-05-23-10-42-46.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Need a coupon? Ask your assistant!" border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxgQCdRpv-E/V1Bjh-hwt-I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/sZOC6LsZYncqxhuZ3zMgrZXmXbEzjNzYwCLcB/s400/Screenshot_2016-05-23-10-42-46.png" title="Need a coupon? Ask your assistant!" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need a coupon? Ask your assistant!</td></tr>
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Here is a video that summerises the performance of Haptik!<br />
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Disclaimer: Thia blog is in no way affiliated to Haptik. It's not a sponsored post. If you like my blog, please revisit. Thanks for your time.</div>
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Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-53245132107336957772016-05-15T21:58:00.000+05:302016-05-15T21:58:13.302+05:30Riding the Horses of Moheen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Last few days were very much stressful at work. I couldn't get enough free time to update my blog. During these stressful time, soulful music by Moheener Ghoraguli helped me a lot to coup up. It's the first Indian rock band led by Gautam Chattopadhyay. Their inspiration was urban folk movement led by Bob Dylan, another favourite musician of mine. I will write a full story about Moheener Ghoraguli in future. For now enjoy some of my favourite hits from the band.</span></div>
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Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-22567161179145642472016-05-11T18:56:00.000+05:302016-05-11T18:56:29.424+05:30Jabra fan from agartala<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Few days back I read a weather forecast in a local newspaper saying "There may be low, intermediate or strong rain, even there may not be any rain at all". The piece was amusing. It must be some printing mistake, but this is the true face of weather forecast in India. Only on a few rare occasions the met department was able hit the bull's eye. This is perhaps the most technologically backward section of science.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weather forecast</td></tr>
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The forecast for next few days says there are chances of heavy thunder storms. Actually they are predicting this very thing for last 3-4 days, but the ground reality is different. The Sun God is at his peak shining like a handsome knight in his armor. The mercury is steadily rising with no signs of downfall. The high humidity and lack of any breeze, is making the lives of the common people hell. The wealthy ones who could afford are chilling in their air conditioned rooms. For rest of us boiling out there, the ceiling fan revolving over head is the only relief.<br />
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Most of the Agartalites grew with their fans. Even in 90's, the number of AC's were very limited. We learnt to love our fans from pretty small age as it is the one who saved us from the summer heat. Even today people enjoy the attention of their fans during the noon time and the roads remain mostly barren. If Agartalites are asked to compete with Shahruk for fans, we are sure to win it hands down! :p<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIQVgG8ZLXs/VzMxqeSh_JI/AAAAAAAAAYs/ODu1MlToo7w-sj2krhB-PeD4fC5Q7G01ACLcB/s1600/images%2B%252832%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Polar fans representational pic from web" border="0" height="281" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIQVgG8ZLXs/VzMxqeSh_JI/AAAAAAAAAYs/ODu1MlToo7w-sj2krhB-PeD4fC5Q7G01ACLcB/s400/images%2B%252832%2529.jpg" title="Polar fans representational pic from web" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 15.2296px;">Polar fans representational pic from web</span></td></tr>
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My mom and dad started their married lives in a single bed room rented apartment. In 1991 they bought a Polar fan with a very little sum. The fan used to disperse a really cool breeze. Then as we shifted to out present home in 2000, three more fans were purchased. They have already gone though thorough make over, but our good old polar fan after just a single coil change gives away much cooler breeze compared to them. I have experienced Havels, Orient, Usha and many other brands, none is even close to Polar. Only a single brand can compete with Polar, that is Cinni!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXIJq9EtVxA/VzMyIeGHlpI/AAAAAAAAAYw/ir6xP2vW7UM--c_5w1F5jcRTCJ33TNeFwCLcB/s1600/images%2B%252833%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cinni table fans representational image from web" border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXIJq9EtVxA/VzMyIeGHlpI/AAAAAAAAAYw/ir6xP2vW7UM--c_5w1F5jcRTCJ33TNeFwCLcB/s400/images%2B%252833%2529.jpg" title="Cinni table fans representational image from web" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinni table fans representational image from web</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Few years back I joined hostel. As my room was on the Top most floor, the day long heat used to convert the room into a pressure cooker. The ceiling fans were not effective to circulate air. I bought a Cinni table fan then and within few days, it was my favourite fan. Within few minutes it would pull the fresh air from outside and calm the room down. Hostel life made me a table fan lover ;)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-heQ_jVf_tBs/VzMylQeWT3I/AAAAAAAAAY4/MrjMEh8Cx9QMjrHsF_4QtBr-dIgHvMaGQCLcB/s1600/images%2B%252834%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Air Cooler representational pic from web" border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-heQ_jVf_tBs/VzMylQeWT3I/AAAAAAAAAY4/MrjMEh8Cx9QMjrHsF_4QtBr-dIgHvMaGQCLcB/s400/images%2B%252834%2529.jpg" title="Air Cooler representational pic from web" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Air Cooler representational pic from web</td></tr>
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As we got financially better, dad brought a cooler for home. Unfortunately after a few days use, the water circulating mechanism of the cooler got defunct, now it's used as a table fan only. A few times I suggested to install AC's, but high rates of electricity force us to postpon the plan. Again we are having extreme heat for only a few days (say 15-20 days), so it was not considered wise to install an AC. But as the extreme day count increases, we may have to reconsider our decision.<br />
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Fan is not only a tool to get relief in summer. It's used to dry the floor faster after pocha. It's also used to dry wet cloths on an urgent basis. As I am writing this piece sitting under a ceiling fan, it's calming me down and allowing me to concentrate on writing. I must thank my fan for it's effort ;)! Lets end it with an irritating personal experience. Whenever our house maid switches off the fan for dusting she just forgets to turn it on after her job is done.<br />
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Have you ever felt for your fan? Do write your funny experience in comments. Share it if you like it. Thanks for your time. please keep visiting.</div>
Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-53634304495783684262016-05-10T18:19:00.002+05:302016-07-09T21:33:11.036+05:30Coffee tea and me and friends<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last Sunday afternoon, at the end of a busy week I was just chilling ideally on my couch. Suddenly the phone rang, It was Rajshree one of my very close friends. As I picked up the phone, she asked if I was free that evening. I had no plans as such, so I said yes. She said an outing was planned in the evening, Reea, another close friend of our's too will join us. I enthusiastically agreed to the plan. As I asked about the venue, she told that it was CTM. I didn't knew any place called CTM at Agartala. She clarified that it was Coffee tea and me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qmxmt6yQjQ/VzHWMQRAp8I/AAAAAAAAAXw/SalWguo92wMo0bk1Be5uvqAqSPRqaKDxQCLcB/s1600/Screenshot_2016-05-10-11-39-26.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Coffee, Tea and Me location" border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qmxmt6yQjQ/VzHWMQRAp8I/AAAAAAAAAXw/SalWguo92wMo0bk1Be5uvqAqSPRqaKDxQCLcB/s400/Screenshot_2016-05-10-11-39-26.png" title="Coffee, Tea and Me location" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee, Tea and Me location</td></tr>
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Coffee tea and me is located in Ramnagar, between road no. 2 and 3 on the main road. It's quite near to my house, just a 5 minutes auto ride. I reached there at designated time, Reea was already there. As Rajshree could not made it by then and all the tables were booked, we went for a small walk through Ramnagar roads to pass time. The walk was over and Rajshree was there, we ventured into the cafe and luckily found a table with three chairs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTXeyS8fYwQ/VzHWwS9gsRI/AAAAAAAAAX0/VAO9JpzPNFg4Mv31SiMYYcPWhJrGrtTsQCLcB/s1600/FB_IMG_14628837195212515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Three of us having fun" border="0" height="268" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTXeyS8fYwQ/VzHWwS9gsRI/AAAAAAAAAX0/VAO9JpzPNFg4Mv31SiMYYcPWhJrGrtTsQCLcB/s400/FB_IMG_14628837195212515.jpg" title="Three of us having fun" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three of us having fun</td></tr>
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It was a well lit room with loud honey sing music. For IPL freaks, a roof mounted TV set showed live match. The walls too were creatively decorated with wall paintings related to coffee and tea. We were having friends get together after a pretty long time. Adda started and time was flying like anything. We talked continuously for at least half an hour, no one disturbed us. After another 10 minutes or so when all of us were convinced that we. were hungry, I called the waiter and asked for the menu card. Prices were on higher side, so we opted for only Cappuccino king priced at ₹99 including VAT.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5xWNaKwOmg/VzHXcmP3iwI/AAAAAAAAAX8/1tVqBs0qjXYYcbIq_24cGkeGc2Zqo66JwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160508_191633_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Our cups of cappuccino King" border="0" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5xWNaKwOmg/VzHXcmP3iwI/AAAAAAAAAX8/1tVqBs0qjXYYcbIq_24cGkeGc2Zqo66JwCLcB/s400/IMG_20160508_191633_HDR.jpg" title="Our cups of cappuccino King" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cups of cappuccino King</td></tr>
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The service was quite smooth. They delivered the cuppa in 15 minutes. The three cups with well decorated heart on the top were accompanied by 6 sugar sachet and three spoons, all on a single plate. While placing the order on table the waiter unintentionally dropped a spoon on table. He promptly said sorry, as the table was quite clean, I didn't asked for a replacement, but it's an area where they can improve.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qO7lQcFDgqM/VzHX7nZgjJI/AAAAAAAAAYE/pIeCMacXge8XA5CsRXJ31LR_OQcMmiWaQCLcB/s1600/FB_IMG_14628836740784675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The melting heart" border="0" height="335" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qO7lQcFDgqM/VzHX7nZgjJI/AAAAAAAAAYE/pIeCMacXge8XA5CsRXJ31LR_OQcMmiWaQCLcB/s400/FB_IMG_14628836740784675.jpg" title="The melting heart" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The melting heart</td></tr>
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With the cups on table, photoshoot started, a lot of selfie were clicked. Most of the diners there were aged 20-30 so no one raised an eyebrow over our foolish acts. All were in fun mood. The coffee was good if not the best I ever had. Rajshree visited the place twice before. According to her, most of the food served here is of good quality. The service was quite prompt but the prices could have been a bit lower.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x7RqSrjLhgM/VzHYTCs1CLI/AAAAAAAAAYM/ymaoXp7G-4sKRMJtEuWkvYkR2GVOak9zACLcB/s1600/FB_IMG_14628836888791715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The chocolate factory" border="0" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x7RqSrjLhgM/VzHYTCs1CLI/AAAAAAAAAYM/ymaoXp7G-4sKRMJtEuWkvYkR2GVOak9zACLcB/s400/FB_IMG_14628836888791715.jpg" title="The chocolate factory" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chocolate factory</td></tr>
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We paid the bill and went to the shop next dore. It's chocolate factory, chocolate only arm of CTM. The decor is almost similar, just the wall paintings were about chocolate. Rajshree collected the birthday cake she ordered and we munched on some chocolate balls just for ₹15 each. Over all the experience at CTM was quite nice. I have decided to take my girlfriend here next time. You too should visit CTM if you are a Coffee/Tea/Chocolate freak.<br />
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<b><u>Review:</u></b><br />
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Ambience- 8/10<br />
Service- 7.5/10<br />
Food - 8/10<br />
Value for money - 6.5/10<br />
Overall - 8/10<br />
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<b><u>Review by Rajshree:</u></b><br />
Ambience - 8/10<br />
Service - 8/10<br />
Food - 9/10<br />
Value for money - 6/10<br />
Overall - 8/10<br />
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<b><u>Strict review by Reea (she must be pissed off ;)):</u></b><br />
Ambience- 8/10<br />
Service- 5/10<br />
Food- 6.5/10<br />
Value for money- 7/10<br />
Overall- 6/10<br />
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NB: All pictures are blissfully edited by Reea.<br />
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If you like the blog do Share and subscribe. Thanks for your time. Keep visiting. :)</div>
Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-74273135964205174112016-05-09T13:12:00.000+05:302016-07-09T21:34:08.363+05:3090's kid's Rabindra Jayanti memories<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">Yesterday we celebrated 154th birth anniversary of World renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore. He was the first non-white, non-europian to be awarded Nobel prize. It's a real honour to be his countryman and being able to read his soul touching poems in original Bengali version. Though he is famous as a poet, his talent was multifaceted. Poem, song, short story, Novels, he wrote them all. Apart from his literary ventures, he was a great painter, social reformer and educationist too.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oE3YPhLIgbA/VzBAFq2IriI/AAAAAAAAAXY/HNBldTycTtYKY6gFdqq7J_v5haxRXwitwCLcB/s1600/FB_IMG_14627798592015806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rabindra Jayanti 2016" border="0" height="301" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oE3YPhLIgbA/VzBAFq2IriI/AAAAAAAAAXY/HNBldTycTtYKY6gFdqq7J_v5haxRXwitwCLcB/s400/FB_IMG_14627798592015806.jpg" title="Rabindra Jayanti 2016" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rabindra jayanti 2016</td></tr>
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What I have written above about Kaviguru, the master poet is how the world knows him. Now let me tell you how I came to know him. In the year 1997, my family shifted to Agartala. The cultural movement was at it's peak by then. On 25th Baisakh, the birth date of Rabindranath Tagore according to Bengali calander Rabindra Jayanti programmes were organised in every nook and corners of the city. Children used to resuscitated poems, sang Rabindra sangeet, danced on the beats of Rabindrasangeet on stage. Through Rabindra jayanti the first encounter of each and every child happened with stage. It helped the 90's kids of Agartala a lot to overcome stage anxiety.<br />
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I was perhaps in the 4th grade then, on The morning of Rabindra jayanti, I declared I'll participate in Rabindra jayanti this evening. My mom was very happy. She quickly skipped through the Rabindranath's poem collection and book marked two poems. The first was Nirjharer swapnabhanga (The rousing of the waterfall) a soulful poem and her personal favourite and Another was prashna (The question) equally good. I choose Prashna as it was easier to remember then Nirjharer swapnavanga.<br />
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The poem Prashna had 3 stanzas as I was quite young and could never by hard all the three stanzas in just a day, I was told to master the first stanza at least. I did that and went to the programme. When my name was announced on sound system, I walked on to the stage confidently as I could easily memorise the whole poem. But as I climbed on the stage and noticed around a thousand pair of eyes judging me, I was like "shit"!<br />
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My legs were trembling, my mouth was all dry and the forehead was covered with sweat beads. As I was stagnant for a few minutes, the crowd started murmuring. I realized, I need to do it or within minutes I'll be a laughing stock. I somehow managed ti walk up to the microphone, clinched it and started the ressuscitation. That day I forgot to address the audience and give introduction about the poem as taught by my mom. I completed the poem and hurriedly left the stage. My mom downstairs received me and congratulated me. I was a bit relieved that the resuscitating must be at least ok, later I received a Rotomac pen as consolation prize. I was a bit confident while receiving the prize as it was my second time on stage.<br />
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Next year I resuscitated the same stanza but was a bit more confident then. It was on the third year I was able to resuscitate the whole poem confidently, though I got nothing more then the consolation prize. As I grew older, I left the resuscitation competition for my younger siblings and started participating in quiz competitions etc.<br />
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I somehow escaped the embarrassment on stage, but not all were that lucky! One of my elder brothers while resuscitating a popular poem by Raindranath Tagore (বৃষ্টি পড়ে টাপুর টুপুর) did a blunder. A line said "another wife being fed up went to her maternal house" (আরেক কণে গোষা করে বাপের বাড়ি যায়). Being very much nervous he uttered "another wife being fed up went to Nandi House" (আরেক কণে গোষা করে নন্দীবাড়ি যায়). Our maternal home was known as Nandi House. Each and every one who heard this resuscitation, laughed their heart out :). Though the next year he acted in a short play and was highly appreciated for his acting skills.<br />
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My initial introduction with Rabindranath was through this poems only. Later in life I read a few short stories and novels by him. Specially Rajarshi, the novel written about the Kings of Tripura is a hot favourite of mine. In 10th standard I read about his social reforms in history books. As time passed, Love happened to me. That time Rabindra Sangeet was the music I loved. As my girlfriend is a Rabindra freak, we could easily express our love though Rabindra sangeet. Some of our favourites are "Amaro parano jaha chay", "Mone ki didha rekhe gele chole", "Krishna koli ami tare boli" and many many more.<br />
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15-20 years later now, we are not having Rabindra Jayantis at such a mass scale. Some cultural societies that nurtured Rabindranath are dead, some are struggling, some new organizations have come up, but they choose to have different dates for their programmes. A central cultural programme on 25th Baisakh is still celebrated, but I miss the small Rabindra Jayantis that used to be organised in localities. In those small programmes, Rabindranath used to share dias with Najrul and Sukanta too. Now these are sweet memories of 90's kids not to be lived but to be cherished.<br />
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Here I am sharing some of my favourite Rabindra Sangeet and poems:<br />
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You can read the works by Rabindranath Tagore <a href="http://www.rabindra-rachanabali.nltr.org/node/1" target="_blank">here</a>. I would suggest you to read Rajarshi. You'll know more about Tripura.</div>
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Also consider visiting <a href="http://www.visva-bharati.ac.in/" target="_blank">Visva Bharati</a> website. It was the educational institute established by Rabindranath Tagore at Shantiniketan. They have thoughtfully preserved the Rabindranath tradition.</div>
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If you liked my post, please do share and give constructive suggestion. Thank you for your time. Please keep visiting.</div>
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Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-79957313338067322972016-05-07T10:21:00.000+05:302016-05-07T10:21:02.230+05:30The auto nightmares<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am having nightmares for last few days. Nightmares of being left behind by the auto drivers as I am not being able to provide them the change, the nightmare of getting my knee joints crashed! Nightmares of having a bitter fight with auto drivers as I asked them to take the legal fare.<br />
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Ok, let me tell you the background of these nightmares. In Agartala, the roads are not that wide, as a result, artery roads are not capable to handle buses. The people here too are in so much hurry that most of them are reluctant to take lengthy bus rides. The main mood of public transport in Agartala is Auto rickshaws. They enjoy the monopoly and abuse it fully.<br />
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The Agartalites by now must know the pain oned had to endure while traveling in auto even a year back. I remember when I joined my college, the fare from my college to Battala (8km around) was ₹7. The drivers used to carry 4+5 passengers in an auto designed to carry 3+1 passengers. As the area was a suburb, traffic rules were not that stringent. Even at places where traffic police was present, they just avoided conflict with auto drivers. Thus our roads were full of illegally and dangerously over loaded vehicles.<br />
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A year or so back the Govt. imposed strong laws and the traffic system was brought to life Autos were forced to carry not more than 3 passengers. It dramatically improved passenger comfort. A fare hike was imposed by Govt. it took the fare that was previously ₹7 to ₹10. The auto drivers themselves hiked the fair more and took it to ₹13. Still we were happy as first time Agartalites could sit properly in an auto.<br />
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Good things are short lived, we got the instance few days back. In Agartala to remove congestion Govt. decided to erect a flyover. For the construction purpose, some routes are diverted, including the route to my college. The autowalas too a cunning approach. They started carrying 5 persons, as a compensation to the diversion they had to travel. For a single kilometer extra travel, they were having ₹26 bonus.<br />
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The autowalas here in agartala are very much organised. A common man can't even dare to mess with an auto driver as they fight in herds. This organised approach by them is even feared by the traffic police. They never carry change and if your fare is ₹13 you need to give them ₹10+₹3 all in change. My experience in quite opposite in Kolkata Metro and buses where change is never a problem. To be frank, I drooled over the bag of coins carried by the bus conductors.<br />
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I hope the anarchy that is currently there is public transport system will be solved and we will again be able to ride autos like a king. An advise for those who are visiting Agartala, please carry enough change. You may try motor pulled rickshaws or tuk tuks as alternative, though they are a bit slow. If you liked my post do share and let others know. Thank you. Keep visiting.</div>
Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-33062740067945474852016-05-03T10:42:00.001+05:302016-05-07T10:17:12.040+05:30Congratulations Agartalites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u>Congratulations Agartalites</u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Agartala is at last on the BG Rail map of India. Yesterday a passenger train carrying passengers from Silchar entered Agartala and thus transformed it into second NE state capital to get Broad Guage connectivity. Today the blog Agartala Express is more relevant then ever before. Cheers!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38LsNCRM60Q/VygygFyHIaI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/cay7O4Wi6hEVh2YgmrOmyUHpTKGWU5cmQCLcB/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Broad Guage passenger train connects Agartala" border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38LsNCRM60Q/VygygFyHIaI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/cay7O4Wi6hEVh2YgmrOmyUHpTKGWU5cmQCLcB/s320/images.jpg" title="Broad Guage passenger train connects Agartala" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broad Guage passenger train connects Agartala.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-19086533419337614052016-04-09T21:49:00.001+05:302016-04-09T21:53:30.987+05:30Charaka : The most painful way to praise Lord Shiva<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The
fan over head is trying its level best to cool the things up, but with 35<sup>0</sup>C
temperature today and a sun burning as hot as it can, it’s just impossible to
maintain composure. As my core body temperature neared boiling point, a knock
on gate was heard. As I opened the gate with disgust, an older man with a drum
(we call it Dhak in Bengali) hung from his left shoulder and a young boy
dressed tip to toe in red entered. The man started playing his drum and the
young boy started playing his best moves. On close inspection, I saw the boy
was carrying a bunch of rusted iron nails atop his head. I was confused about
what I was supposed to do. Then my mom appeared to my rescue. I asked her what
they were doing. She told me that they came to collect funds for Charak puja.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gfDcWAv2Y6M/Vwkoa5j7XzI/AAAAAAAAAS8/uumLbDJFO_QgdgcaPMm5pI38ARq3zAyww/s1600/%25E0%25A7%25A7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Charaka Devotees" border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gfDcWAv2Y6M/Vwkoa5j7XzI/AAAAAAAAAS8/uumLbDJFO_QgdgcaPMm5pI38ARq3zAyww/s400/%25E0%25A7%25A7.jpg" title="Charaka Devotees" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two devotees who came to enlighten me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Charak puja! Yes, I heard about it. I saw a picture depicting
charak puja in horoscope book commonly known as panjika or paji. It shows a men
hanging from a pole. Few days back, when I was doing my duty at Emergency block
of my Hospital, I attended a person who came with chest pain, when I inspected
him, I saw 3-4 wounds over his back, on asking how he got the wounds, he told
shyly “kichu din age Charak korsilam” (Attended in Charak festival few days
back). I didn’t have the chance to enquire him what Charaka was, but today as I
got the scope, I decided to make use of it. I rushed to my room and returned to
them with my DSLR. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
As I returned, my mother was transfusing
mustard oil from her bottle to a bottle they brought. She also donated 50 rupee
to them. The little boy smeared Sindur (red powder) over her bangles. As the
ritual was over, I asked them if I could click their picture. The man was
interested but a bit shy, but the little one was so much enthusiastic. He
managed his dad to give consent. I clicked a picture of both. Then the boy
asked me to show the picture to him. As he saw him on the display, his eyes
brightened, he asked me if I could click a single picture of him. I did it
gladly but as the boy decided to go quiet in front of the cam, not a single picture
was as lively as he was in person even he was not impressed with his picture
when I showed it to him.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcD6gQHbLes/VwkpBeiYO1I/AAAAAAAAATA/0Ds_8n3FblkZz5JD-bVAQXo1rMjOI-7EQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The little red monk" border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcD6gQHbLes/VwkpBeiYO1I/AAAAAAAAATA/0Ds_8n3FblkZz5JD-bVAQXo1rMjOI-7EQ/s400/2.jpg" title="The little red monk" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little red monk carryimg nails over his head.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">As the photo shot was over, the man cordially invited me to
attend the puja. I informed him about the fact that I don’t know a single thing
about this puja and requested him to enlighten me about the puja, how it was
started, how it is done etc. He humbly admitted that he didn’t know much about
the history of this puja, but he can certainly elaborate the methods of puja.
The puja is celebrated on Chaitra Sankranti, the last day of Bengali calendar,
it continues for 2-3 days. They collect fund for puja like this, by singing and
dancing on the beats of drum. The puja is actually done to praise Lord Shiva.
It revolves round charaka tree; a small shiva linga wrapped in a red cloth is
placed near charaka tree. Then a pole is attached to long bamboo structure. (Now
comes the horrific part) The nails I mentioned are nailed in the back of two
devotees, after short puja they are hanged to the poles with the help of some
ropes and they just revolve around the centre Charaka tree. During this act
banana, batasha (small sugar cakes) are thrown at them. They catch those and
return those to the devotees. The devotees who are hanged to the pole are
supposed to get direct access to heavens and the devotees who catch the Prasad are
sure to have a Great year ahead.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FwTwr4UQ2LE/Vwkpfzp4wzI/AAAAAAAAATI/lm05SldLRHs3dli9T-GtWBEVdhgXHAeXA/s1600/%25E0%25A7%25AB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The flying devote" border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FwTwr4UQ2LE/Vwkpfzp4wzI/AAAAAAAAATI/lm05SldLRHs3dli9T-GtWBEVdhgXHAeXA/s400/%25E0%25A7%25AB.jpg" title="The flying devotee" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flying devotee, enduring immance pain to praise the Lord. Source: Internet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">After acquiring all the knowledge, I bid them good bye with
promise to attend the puja. Back home I asked mom if the Shiva-Gauri who used
to come to our homes and these people, are they same? She confidently answered
in negative. I asked her if she could tell me more about the custom, she
declined. I asked dad, even he was not of much help. As the last resort I
decided to Google it. With the help of Ridmik Bengali keyboard I asked Google
about charak puja. A wiki page does exist about charak puja, but the link was
not that informative, so I further researched, not only on internet but also in
small amount of religious literature available to me.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The research shows that Charaka puja is mainly a festival of
bengali backward class, it never enjoyed any respect the influential class of
Bengal. There is a reference in religious scripture about Shiva worship in the
month of chaitra, but there is no reference of the word Charaka. The Charaka puja
was first documented to be observed by Raja Sundarananda Tagore, a small king
of Bengal in the year 1485. The festival is also known as Nil puja (The praise
of the blue, Shiva), Gambhira puja, Shiver gajan (The songs of Shiva). Regarding
the procedure, the things the man mentioned was true. Apart from these, some
people loves to take the things to the extremes. Piercing tongue, walking on
burning charcoal, nails are some examples. Some even pierce their body parts
with red hot nails. And yes, The Shiva-Gauri and Charaka both the rituals are
same. Sorry mom, you gave me wrong info.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tc1KnrgJa38/VwkqMBjyHhI/AAAAAAAAATU/Q8GZoqx-_QkaXwnpHD8uuWdBmRydZpMgQ/s1600/%25E0%25A7%25AA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tc1KnrgJa38/VwkqMBjyHhI/AAAAAAAAATU/Q8GZoqx-_QkaXwnpHD8uuWdBmRydZpMgQ/s400/%25E0%25A7%25AA.JPG" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shiva and Gauri. Yes, they are supposed to come in pair to collect funds. Our cute nail carying Shiva was not that happy probably because his Gauri was not accompanying him today. :). Source : Internet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">People around India do a lot of weird things to praise their
beloved God. Specially for lord Shiva, the sacrifices are always high toned.
Girls do fast on 16 Mondays to get good husband. Devotees even travel to china for
Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. But regarding Charaka festival, I have never heard of
any other festival that includes so much pain, at least to please lord Shiva.
So I think it is the most painful way to praise lord Shiva. Do you know about
anything more painful ritual done to praise the lord, do share in comments.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">PS: I wrote the whole piece while watching Harbhajan Singh hitting boundaries. So if there are typos and grammatical errors, please help me correct them by pointing. Thanks, please keep visiting. :)</span></div>
</div>
Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com9Agartala, Tripura 799001, India23.831457 91.28677770000001623.5990955 90.964054200000021 24.0638185 91.609501200000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-46927904652216796942016-04-01T22:02:00.001+05:302016-07-09T21:35:05.106+05:30April fool memories. :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Eim6Yin6us/Vv6h4UzQC-I/AAAAAAAAASM/_9ByAj5EYmM00eaLf-QLpjqTbTQqSMLAw/s1600/April%2Bfool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="April fool meme." border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Eim6Yin6us/Vv6h4UzQC-I/AAAAAAAAASM/_9ByAj5EYmM00eaLf-QLpjqTbTQqSMLAw/s400/April%2Bfool.jpg" title="April fool meme." width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">April fool meme. Source :Internet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Hey, Yesterdays IND vs. WI match was fixed, listen to the
conversation here.” It was followed by a sound file. This was the first things
my sleepy eyes saw today morning on whatsapp. This message was shared on our
college whatsapp group by a friend of mine who was known to be an avid cricket
follower. So no confusion downloaded the sound file hurriedly. As I tapped the
play button, a vintage music started flowing; the music was followed by lyrics “April
fool banaya to unko gussa aaya”. With a smile on my lips, I confirmed the fact
that was evident by now, yes it was 1<sup>st</sup> April.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was 6 years old when I first fell a victim of April fool
day prank. I used to be a huge badminton fan back then. I used to play with my
2 years older sibling. Back then shuttle cock used to be a luxury for us, we
used to have only one shuttle cock to play with, if its lost, we were done for
that day. That day when I went to play badminton with my big bro, he welcomed
me with a grin on his face, “see what I have today”. He waved a bottle like
thing at me it said Vicky shuttlecock pack of ten.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was confused what it was. He told me that it was a
collection of ten shuttlecocks that from Vicky Company that used to manufacture
tennis balls we all admired. I was like in heavens and started pleading him to
show me the box. At first he resisted, but as I insisted, he agreed to show
that to me and handed over the bottle to me. I opened the bottle with the high
enthusiasm, but to my utter surprise, the bottle was empty. As I was thinking
what just happened, the big bro screamed <span lang="BN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span lang="BN" style="line-height: 115%;">এক গোল খাওয়াইসি” </span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">(fooled you once) the term homologous to April fool!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">It
was the first time I fell a victim of April fool day and the trend continued
and for last 20 years. It was not like only I was fooled, I fooled others too
on occasions. The tricks included sudden screaming to carefully crafted prank.
As I grew older, the fun too increased. At times, the pranks were played even
on days that were not April 1. Today I would like to share such a prank that
was shared by Rebika, a friend of mine. It’s a sure shot prank, may use it to
scare your friends as hell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Settings:
Dark room, friends chatting while seated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The
story starts with a girl who just shifted to a hostel. She was accommodated in
a single room where a girl names Ankita hanged her. The girl joined the school
midterm and was unable to cope up with the studies. Teachers asked her to
collect the notes from her batch mates, but none provided her the same. The
teacher used to scold her every day for not bringing the notes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">One
day just before class exams she was crying silently in her room, suddenly someone
knocked at her door as she opened a girl of her age was standing there. The
girl asked “I heard you need notes, here are mine, you may keep it for today, I’ll
take them the day after tomorrow.” The girl was very happy; she thanked the
second girl a lot and took the notes. She studied the whole night and faired
really good in exams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">After
the results were published the teacher called her and asked where she had the
notes from. She narrated the story. Teacher told her “If you meet her again, do
ask her if her name was Ankita.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">6-7
days passed after the incidence, the girl almost forgot the incidence then
suddenly one night someone knocked the door again, as she opened the door she
found the girl who lend her notes has come to take her notes back. The girl
returns the notes to the second girl, after receiving the notes she was leaving.
Suddenly the girl remembered that the teacher asked her to enquire if she was
Ankita. The girl interrupts the second girl and asks, “Hey are you Ankita?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The
second girl suddenly turns back and screams “Tumhe kayse pata?” (How do you know that?)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Act
the last line yourself and scream too. It’s sure to scare your friends as hell. Try
the prank this April and have fun. Thank you, keep visiting.</span></div>
</div>
Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-50116484510984799822016-03-23T07:44:00.000+05:302016-07-09T21:37:47.716+05:30Happy Holi!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRef3Rn00vKTxLKyhQZqJvXbkrfEorF4KH53-fxwObUf0qnjZGgnYpZvRhX" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRef3Rn00vKTxLKyhQZqJvXbkrfEorF4KH53-fxwObUf0qnjZGgnYpZvRhX" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Many parts of India will celebrate the festivals of colour today, my present location kolkata included. Though at my native place agartala, holi will be observed tomorrow. Today we celebrate Dol (দোল), we apply colours over tulsi tree and at the foot of idols. In simple terms, today we dedicate colours to the devine and tomorrow we'll be smearing colours on the faces of our friends. So the people who are celebrating holi today, many many greetings for them. Stay safe, play safe. Check the website to know more about precations to be maintained while playing holi <a href="http://www.holifestival.org/holi-safety-tips.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-9325409395877993492016-03-22T16:11:00.000+05:302016-07-09T21:37:16.633+05:30What the Callous!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A common man from Tripura may not know about many medical institutes, but he must know the name of Apollo Hospital. Apollo Hospital are of two types, one found in Chennai and another found in kolkata. The better one is in Chennai, but in Kolkata we have an Apollo Hospital that is good enough, but costly. In Apollo hospitals, doctors are actually Gods, every thing is good there. This is the perception, people from Tripura have about Apollo hospitals.<br />
<br />
I never got a chance to visit Apollo hospital chennai ever. So, when I got a chance to visit Apollo Kolkata, I just grabbed the opportunity (lol, I went there to accompany my mom and aunt to senior doctors). So the procedure was really cool. you go there, reception desk would refer you to doctors chamber, <span style="background-color: yellow;">attendant </span> there would refer you to cash section. The suited booted staff on cash will charge you the amount and refer you to a nurse who will take your vitals and then allow you to go to the consultation chambers of doctors.<br />
<br />
The other things went of smoothly, but vital monitoring part came as a big shock. The young nurse there put the BP cuff around the arm of my aunt, kept her finger on wrist and started inflating the cuff. It is called palpatory method of Blood Pressure measurement, you can measure only systolic BP (the numerator) in this way. At the end of measurement, I thought they would write the Systolic BP only, but to my utter surprise she wrote both systolic and diastolic BP(the numerator & denominator both).<br />
<br />
I approached the nurse and asked her how she could comment on Diastolic BP as it can't be measured in palpatory method. With a puzzled look on her face, she told "It must be normal! that's why I wrote normal values."<br />
<br />
I was like WTF! How could staff of such a reputed medical institute like Apollo kolkata could be so callus! Vitals are most important for diagnosis of a disease or conditions. If the vitals are measured like this, how can we expect the doctors to make the diagnosis and treatment correctly?<br />
<br />
The perception that the doctors in Apollo hospitals are so good, no doubt about it. But if other staff do such blunders, how could we expect good services here! Here my intention is neither to blacken the image of Apollo hospital nor to do negative publicity. I would just like to have the attention of Apollo hospital people. Come on guys, you have created the brand equity with much difficulties, why ruin it like this. I don't personally have problem with doctors or their attitude but how could we expect your doctors to perform when they are not fed with right info?<br />
<br />
PS. I have a suggestion for you Apollo people, why not equip nurses with electronic BP monitor.<br />
<br />
If you liked my blog, please do consider sharing it on social networks. You can subscribe to the blog to get timely updates.</div>
Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-64688254590517818042016-03-18T22:47:00.000+05:302016-03-18T22:47:32.288+05:30Offf Flipcart..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In India, online shopping is synonymous to Flipcart. With 44% of market share, flipcart is undisputed leader on the board. Second place is occupied by Snapdeal with 32% and amazon is on third position with 15% market share. Report says that flipcart is not yet making any profits yet as they are more concerned about expanding their business. It's probably first time in modern India, a "Make in India" company is kicking the ass.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8qafgEluie0/Vuw2Wy1XjmI/AAAAAAAAARI/x9b0ptJxoowrYHE6fiw2GEO4Fvv16BXow/s1600/images%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Market share of major e-retailers" border="0" height="195" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8qafgEluie0/Vuw2Wy1XjmI/AAAAAAAAARI/x9b0ptJxoowrYHE6fiw2GEO4Fvv16BXow/s400/images%2B%25282%2529.jpg" title="Market share of major e-retailers" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Market share of major e-retailers. Image curtsy: Business Standard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
All these stuff made me very happy once. As I live in the North east where most companies don't establish their show rooms as this is not profitable for them, could get my hands on hands on latest tech by ordering them online. First few days were euphoric. Every thing was delivered and every damn thing was good. I remember prebooking and buying Revolution 2020 from flipcart. There were shops who used to order LCD TVs (they were in fashion then) and resale them for some profit.<br />
<br />
But as the time passed, flipcart started curtailing products that were delivered in north east (and some areas in UP, Bihar too). The share of not-shippable products increased with time, at some point even less than 20% products of 15Mn strong inventory of flipcart became not-shippable.<br />
<br />
I remember, Motorola unvailed their flagship phone Moto E, G and X just after it was taken over by google. It was only available on flipcart. That time flipcart had a policy of not delivering products costing more than 10,000 rupee in north east. I was not able to procure the Moto G phone I wanted badly, rather I need to settle with a Micromax HD mobile.<br />
<br />
<br />
Things have moved a bit forward in last few days, Flipcart increased the quantum of products shippable to North-East. I heard this info from my friends. So when I had to buy a pair of shoes few days back, I went streight to the play store and downloaded the flipcart app (flipcart is not accecible from mobile without app). I went to the shoes section and after say half an hour of scanning, I sattled on a pair of shoes and went on to order that. As I entered my pin code, BANG! It was not available! The second choice, not available. Third, forth nopz.. not available.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNVoldAVa3s/Vuw3JFr82yI/AAAAAAAAARQ/a0b-q0HJMt4Rk62MnYtfMBTJhJwJvxYVw/s1600/Screenshot_20160318-223659.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="This is when I tried to buy Moto X today" border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNVoldAVa3s/Vuw3JFr82yI/AAAAAAAAARQ/a0b-q0HJMt4Rk62MnYtfMBTJhJwJvxYVw/s400/Screenshot_20160318-223659.png" title="This is when I tried to buy Moto X today" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is when I tried to buy Moto X today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
With a broken heart, I just casually copied the product name and searched it on snap deal, the product was there. I entered the PIN code. Yes, it was available. Ordered it from snapdeal and recived the curier after around 10 days. It was available after just 7days, but due to neglect on part of bluedart the delivery was delayed. At Amazone too, the product was available and was shippable.<br />
<br />
I am not advocating for any perticular brand here, I am just putting forward the plight of people from Agartala and the North-East. We too have the same right as the people from main land of India to shop products online and get good deals. If flipcart is not willing to do so, let them declare this openly that they wont deliver to North-East. We have other online retailers to choose from. It's a request to my readers, kindly put pressure on flipcart authorities..<br />
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Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com0Agartala, Tripura 799001, India23.831457 91.28677770000001623.5990955 90.964054200000021 24.0638185 91.609501200000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-7889335826404135372016-03-17T11:49:00.001+05:302016-07-09T21:36:15.569+05:30Apologies and renaming.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The blog I am writing today is intended to serve two
different purposes. First, it emphasizes on my ever growing laziness and second
the change of name and web address of the blog.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If someone has visited this website more than once (please
ignore, these are imaginary people I am talking about) you must have already
noticed, this is the worst kept and most irregularly updated blog on the web (Gosh!
still 607 page views, 600 among them must have been suicide goals). Whatever,
today, I would like to make a pledge (which may get broken any time) that I
would update this blog at least once every fortnight.</div>
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The second announcement is about change of blog address and
blog name. As some of you must have known that broad gauge rail line is already
operational till my home city of Agartala. I am expecting to see an express
train ferrying people directly from Agartala to Kolkata in less than a month.
To make the moment memorable, I have decided to change the name and web address
of this blog post as Agartala Express which I suppose would be the name of
first train leaving Agartala station. So my request to the beloved reader is
that if you by mistake bookmarked this page, kindly change the web address to
agartalaexpress.blogspot.com. Thank you. Please keep visiting.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJHDDwwUF1Q/VupKhOhsJBI/AAAAAAAAAQo/JSkIg2VGYH0XsQgBWsEbzefLFMTAhRMPw/s1600/Agartala%2Btrain%2Bstation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Agartala Train Station built with design clues from Ujjayanta palace, the Royal residence." border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJHDDwwUF1Q/VupKhOhsJBI/AAAAAAAAAQo/JSkIg2VGYH0XsQgBWsEbzefLFMTAhRMPw/s400/Agartala%2Btrain%2Bstation.jpg" title="Agartala Train Station" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agartala train station built with design clues from Ujjayanta Palace, the royal palace of Tripura. Image Source: Internet.</td></tr>
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Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-48826002982040037322015-04-06T22:36:00.003+05:302016-03-17T14:30:50.664+05:30NGO’s : changing the world around<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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4th March evening, i used to be enjoying my hot cup of tea
with kurkure whereas serious cyclone was busy destroying the electricity supply
and uprooting trees outside, suddenly my mobile beeped. it had been a whatsapp
from Raunak, one of my best friends and fellow intern. He conveyed the message
from Swati ma'am (our ma'am from community medicine dept.) that a health camp will
be there the next day targeted toward senior citizen and that we might be
joining her. Primarily I had a bit of dilemma whether or not to hitch the camp
wasting a valuable Sunday or not. Raunak shared the message in our intern’s
whatsapp group too. Our friends Reea, Rebika, Rimi promptly agreed to join.
Their enthusiasm took me under its ambit and I decided to go. That evening we
can’t plan more as cyclone virtually desolated mobile networks.</div>
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Next
morning Raunak informed me that He won’t be able to be a part of us because of
some unavoidable circumstance. He also gave me the mobile no. of Swati ma'am so
that I could communicate with her relating to the camp. I talked with her and
told her that we four folks will join her. She was terribly happy that so many
interns were joining her, however on the other hand, she was worried if we
might slot in vehicle she had arranged. I told her we are going to manage
anyhow, we are unwilling to leave any of our friends behind. She also told me
that we were reaching to Kali krishna para for a health camp organized by an
NGO named KP memorial welfare society.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ONiuj7oG4k/VSK5fPAwp2I/AAAAAAAAAF8/XoXCBpSDTdY/s1600/20150405_132919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ONiuj7oG4k/VSK5fPAwp2I/AAAAAAAAAF8/XoXCBpSDTdY/s1600/20150405_132919.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ma'am with local Panchayat chief.</td></tr>
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It was
10, ma'am rang me and asked to join her, she was ready. Within five minutes we
were prepared and going. Four folks on a seat meant to accommodate three, but
we didn't even acknowledge it, as we were deeply immersed in our talks, leg
pull etc. As we neared the destination, the sky cloud density multiplied. As we
crossed Bishalgarh central jail, landscape started changing dramatically. Lush
tea leaf plantation was a pleasure for eyes and then, out of nowhere
broad-gauge road connecting Agartala to southern part of the state emerged. we
all began to imagine, how lovely the scene will be once we’ll travel in train
through this greenery. Every good thing must finish, our journey too terminated
close to a community hall at kali krishna para, the venue for today’s health
camp.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6nDCWM7Oyg/VSK6FlQHB9I/AAAAAAAAAGE/k4kjYKres4c/s1600/20150405_121351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6nDCWM7Oyg/VSK6FlQHB9I/AAAAAAAAAGE/k4kjYKres4c/s1600/20150405_121351.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initial geathering at camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Out of
car as we stretched, some folks started arranging the hall for smooth running
of the camp. 5 tables were set up 1 dedicated to registration, 1 for pressure
measurement, 2 for doctors, 1 for drugs distribution. Registration table was
occupied by a non-medical employees. me and my friends occupied tables meant
for doctors and blood pressure measurement, ma'am hold the drugs distribution
table. And a long consultation process started.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITBi8tnWJBo/VSK7DcnXXsI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/XelN004GKvY/s1600/20150405_110042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITBi8tnWJBo/VSK7DcnXXsI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/XelN004GKvY/s1600/20150405_110042.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Rebika surrounded by patients.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OVrj0odH60/VSK7Dl0kA6I/AAAAAAAAAGU/_LFJrHzswVo/s1600/20150405_110133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OVrj0odH60/VSK7Dl0kA6I/AAAAAAAAAGU/_LFJrHzswVo/s1600/20150405_110133.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reea and Sanjayda busy prescribing..</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T78Kj_EqjK4/VSK8e5hgnBI/AAAAAAAAAGs/4vHtVQmLKOc/s1600/20150405_110222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T78Kj_EqjK4/VSK8e5hgnBI/AAAAAAAAAGs/4vHtVQmLKOc/s1600/20150405_110222.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rimi doing it alone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
1st i
assumed patient load won\'t be that great as I didn't have the thought however
massive area the camp was going to cover. initially when I started the
registered patient no. was 35. As we completed, virtually a hundred senior
citizens availed our services. we all tried to treat them exploitation our
greatest skills. Patients we couldn't diagnose were treated by ma'am and a few
patient, specially the one’s having eye or ear disorders were short-listed to
be treated later by specialist doctors. Free medicines too were distributed
among the patients who required them. Hot tea was served as the camp neared
finish. On demand we measured BP of some ASHA staff too. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0H9-rR6BXD8/VSK7mPVAuxI/AAAAAAAAAGg/GOKpPiLkcLM/s1600/IMG-20150405-WA0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0H9-rR6BXD8/VSK7mPVAuxI/AAAAAAAAAGg/GOKpPiLkcLM/s1600/IMG-20150405-WA0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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At the
end of the camp we did some photo shoot taking a small pond in the background.
10-20 minutes later we headed back to Agartala following same scenic road. This
time, rain accompanied us making the
road even more beautiful. As we neared the college, car stopped at nirmala, a
renowned food joint. Ma'am organized lunch for us, taking my lunch packets, I
returned my home. Power cut was still there, as I entered home, thunderstorm
started.</div>
</div>
Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-37541605014174968642015-02-22T10:14:00.001+05:302016-03-17T14:29:07.383+05:30Oh, Natasha!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr">
The latest update of Hike (Make in India answer to whatsapp) included 2 new features. One among them was very much awaited, yes, I am talking about the voice call capability. Though it's performance on 2g network below par, it is promising. Another feature was also added which didn't get very much hype. It's the new robo-chat system named as Natasha. </div>
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I am confused if they introduced her to make hike a funny app or they really wanted to deliver. Natasha is able to answer questions correctly only when asked in specific format provided like #weather <place name> for weather update, #dict <word> to find out the meaning of a specific word which otherwise you can easily google. Apart from this, she is just a dumb robo and surprisingly she gladly accepts it. I think she is of help only when your time settings are messed up and there is no one to ask time. But again, you can google it. Below are some screenshots of funny chat with her..</div>
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Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999291001523023962.post-76616595983771020732015-02-18T19:25:00.001+05:302016-03-17T14:29:41.871+05:30Agartala Book fair 2015 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<u><u>The</u></u> book worm infected me very early. As long as I could remember, I was in 3rd standard when I fell in love with books thanks to my dad whowas very much insistent. I started my journey with his collection, I was in 8th standard when I almost finished the whole collection of child and youth literature from his bookshelf. Dad understood it was the time for me to start collecting. He took me to the book fair. That year I shop for a thousand rupees. It was the start and from next year onwards it became the most awaited event of the year for me.</div>
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As I grew old, budget increased, my taste too started varying. Some times I would shop for Bengali literature only, sometimes it was wholly English literature or Satyajit Ray or Marxist literature or some holy text. But for last few years, the book fair was much less fun. Studies being the culprit, I accumulated piles of unread books. This year the situation is different, book fair accommodated itself into the after exam recess period. I was very much excited to visit the fair this time.</div>
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It was the 32nd book fair Agartala was hosting. Book fair here is not same as you would encounter in some megacity like Delhi or Kolkata. Let me explain, this time premises of Umakanta Academy (which also happens to be my secondary school) was leased to be used as fair ground. Temporary stalls were erected using bamboos and wood, decorated with cloth, thermocol, lights etc. For 12 days, these stalls would sell the gold mine of knowledge at 10% discount!!! Publishers from Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Dhaka and Agartala participated. Though participation of outside state stalls were a bit less this time.</div>
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As the fair was inaugurated, I started hopping from stall to stall. The grandeur was a bit less this time. No. of stalls were less, some famous books like "The Krishna Key" was sold by none! Dust was another problem. Don't know why the administration didn't arranged to moisten the field, it was a norm in previous fairs. The space too was cramped. There was no map indication position of a specific stall.</div>
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Among all these problems, the administration took a good initiative by declaring the fair as plastic free. Though no monitoring was visible, most of the publishers abide by the norm, specially the one's coming from Kolkata. Some local publishers broke the rule, but number was way less. In this era of growing environmental pollution, one must salute such an initiative. Another amazing machine was there in the book fair providing 1-2 rupee coin in exchange of 10-20 rupee notes. It was a great relief for Agartala citizens and publishers both who are always short of small change. UBI bank provided a great service here. </div>
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Book fair here is never about books only. It's a common place where a lot of new memories are created, old memories are relived. Here book enthusiasts meet, discuss books, politics, education and a lot of it. There are dedicated sitting arrangements for those who get fatigued with walking. And not to mention, food joints, 'chanachur' (চানাচুর)wala roams around the ground, get a bite for 10 rupee only. The official food joint was hosted by 'cafe jannat' selling different fast foods like egg roll, chop etc. <u>Fair</u> will be there for 6 more days. I plan to visit there once or twice more. Will update here on the latest buzz.</div>
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What I brought this time:</div>
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1) Collection of novels by RN Tagore<br />
2) Collection of stories by Samaresh Majumder<br />
3) Ghost stories collection. Will update the list.</div>
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Dr. Saikat Bhowmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12584488169574558087noreply@blogger.com4