Sikkim Express, 2.4.23
Window Seat | Mrinal Chatterjee | 2.4.23
Solitude
Not many know that 26
March is observed as Solitude Day. Simply put, solitude is the state of being alone,
especially when you find this pleasant.
One of the greatest
benefits of spending time alone is how it helps you develop a better
understanding of who you are. The more you know and understand yourself the
more likely you are to do things that you love, learn things that interest you
and spend time with people who make you feel good. Many poets have written on
solitude. Here is one by Alexander Pope (1687-1744):
ODE ON SOLITUDE
“Happy the man,
whose wish and care
A few paternal
acres bound,
Content to breathe
his native air,
In his own ground.
Whose herds with
milk, whose fields with bread,
Whose flocks supply
him with attire,
Whose trees in
summer yield him shade,
In winter fire.
Blest! who can
unconcern'dly find
Hours, days, and
years slide soft away,
In health of body,
peace of mind,
Quiet by day,
Sound sleep by
night; study and ease
Together mix'd;
sweet recreation,
And innocence,
which most does please,
With meditation.
Thus let me live,
unseen, unknown;
Thus unlamented let
me die;
Steal from the
world, and not a stone
Tell where I lie.”
Technology
and Culture
Recently I shared
my views about the use of technology; especially AI driven ones in higher
education at a conference held at Bhubaneswar based Birla Global University.
New technology has always been disruptive. In human history there have been
waves of technology- from the invention of languages to different metals to
devices like wheels and ploughs to invention of steam engine, electricity and
Internet which impacted our lives and thereby over a period of time- our
culture. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the new kid in the block, smarter than
the rest.
The other day I read an essay on how robots are performing puja rituals and the debate it has raised. Automation of puja rituals has started for quite some time.
In Dhenkanal in Odisha where I live, a small conservative town- there are several temples which has mechanized electric operated drum and cymbal player.
Mango
‘April is the cruelest
month’. This is
the opening line to T. S. Eliot's 1922 poem The Waste Land.
But in India April heralds the
season of Mangoes, the king of fruits and the season continues till September.
Mango is widely grown and
consumed throughout the country, the largest producing states being Uttar
Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, and Gujarat. In fact, India is the
world's largest producer of mangoes, accounting for around 40 per cent of
global production.
India has hundreds of
varieties of mangoes, each with its own unique taste, flavor, and texture.
Dhenkanal in Odisha, where I live also has its indigenous variety of mango,
called Amrapalli. It is more sweet and juicy than the name sounds and it has an
aromatic flavour. Alphonso mangoes, also known as Hapus, grown in Maharashtra,
are considered to be the best variety of mangoes in India and are exported all
over the world. But I’ll prefer Amrapalli anyday.
The mango tree is considered indigenous to southern Asia, especially Myanmar and Assam state
of India. In Hindu mythology, the mango is considered a symbol of love, and it
is believed that the god of love Kamadeva, used mango flowers as his arrows.
The Mughals were
great patrons of mangoes and patronized huge mango orchards and curating new varities
of mangoes.
April
Fool
For centuries,
first of April has been known as April Fool’s Day. In several countries across
cultures there has been the custom of playing
practical jokes on this day. Nobody is sure about the exact day or occasion on
which it started.
However, looking at the world affairs, it seems every day is April fool’s day. And we are the fools.
Tailpiece:
Love Letter
A college boy gives his book to a girl with a love letter in it. He
wrote saying, "If you love me, then you should wear a red color dress
tomorrow."
Next day she comes wearing a yellow color dress and returns his book.
Seeing this, the boy felt very bad and never looked at her afterwards.
Years went by. That girl got married.
One day, while cleaning his shelf, the book returned by her fell down
and a chit came out. On it was a message: "I love you too ... I do not
have a red Color Dress… Sorry"
Moral of the story: Open your text books regularly.
Now don’t start looking into all your old books. Your time has passed.
Look after your children and grandchildren.
(Courtesy: Social Media)
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