Interview: Anindyabikash Datta, Creative Consultant, Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti

Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti on Mahua Bangla has been a success. The show which arrived on the channel with the punch line" Ostader Mar Raat Natay" captured the hearts of a million in quick time. The reality show based on U.K's International popular show "Who wants to be a millionaire?" is widely known in India as Kaun Banega Crorepati (Hindi). Kaun Banega Crorepati had celebrated anchors like Amitabh Bacchan and Shahrukh Khan. A Bengali version of this internationally famed show was always a challenging proposition. Mohua Bangla channel did understand the pulse of Bengal well and conceived the idea of having the famed Indian captain and Bengal's bright son, Sourav Ganguly as the anchor of the show. This did wonders and Sourav Ganguly played the innings of his life! The Maharaj of Bengal was top-notch riding on his success as the anchor of another popular Bengali reality show, Dadagiri Unlimited on Zee Bangla.

                                                     

                                                                                          Anindyabikash Datta

                                                                                          pic: Subhro Ganguly

While following each episode of this show closely I was thinking of the creative head behind it. The international look and feel of Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti was not an easy job to attain. Well finally I did know the name-Anindya Bikash Datta. Anindya Bikash has been a familiar name in Bengali entertainment industry for some time now. He was associated with mega serials like "Ek Akasher Niche", shows like "Tomar Ghore Star" and telefims in Tara Muzik. Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti was about reaching new heights for this talented young director.

                                                       Anindyabikash Datta

It came to my mind that getting one interview of Anindya Bikash Datta for the readers of Dispassionate Observer will be of help. I called him to fix dates and he decided on giving the interview one Sunday at his residence. I prepared a range of questions as my mind oscillated between getting to know more of this man and the experience of working with a legend called Sourav Ganguly.

                                                                     picture source: Vamsi Krishna Bandi (picasa)

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I reached his place on the given date and found him playing with his young son. The man appeared so down to earth, just like the boy next door, always smiling and calm. He made me feel comfortable and then asked about me and the blog. He repeatedly denied that he is a celebrity and rather introduced himself as an ordinary man. After asking him about his lovely son who sat at his father's lap all through the interview I went into business. Here are the excerpts of the interview with Anindya Bikash Datta:

Q. Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti has been a big platform. What are your ideas about the show?

A. Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti was indeed a big platform as a creative consultant. It was the first International format reality show in Bengali television. Working with famed Siddhartha Basu and his organisation Big Synergy was a memorable experience. Siddhartha Basu has been the pioneer of this kind of shows in India and the workshop that he held in Mumbai prior to the making of Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti did make a world of difference in me. Matching up with the international quality of this show was the biggest ask. 2waytraffic, the London-based company behind "Who wants to be a millionaire?" sent two representatives to India to check whether the show has met the quality requirements. Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti passed this hurdle with flying colours. I savoured every moment of my stint with this show.

Q. The show was targeted to a certain section of the society. Can you share your views on this?

A. The show was indeed targeted to a certain section. We wanted to reach out to the educated middle class and lower middle class of Bengal. We had in mind people like an ordinary auto rickshaw driver who is educated and dreams to make it big. It was like empowering them to get the best of life by answering some current affairs questions.

Q. Can you explain a bit about the process of selection and other nuances of Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti?

A. This was one of the cleanest reality shows that I have come across. There were multiple tires of selection and one who passed all the tires got the chance to be on the hot seat with Sourav Ganguly. Every audition was audio recorded as well as video recorded to provide no room for doubts later on.

Q. Now the Big Question-Your experience of working with Sourav Ganguly in the Bengali version of KBC and Shatrughan Sinha in the Bhojpuri version?

A. Both are professionals and have wonderful personality. It was a pleasurable experience working with both. Shatrughan Sinha has been an established name in Bollywood but what took me by surprise was the work of Sourav Ganguly. Sourav was from the field of cricket but he mastered this new trade in no time. May be this is called true class. He was always on time and came around as one with rare sense of wit and humour. His presence of mind was laudable and took just seven days to rehearse before going for the final shoot. As a person he was always down to earth and passionate about cricket. During break periods we discussed about his experiences of captaining India and about his team mates. All the time he told interesting stories. His passion for the game was unparalleled.

Q. Someone whom you specially need to thank for this show?

A. I like to thank Yubaraj Bhattacharya, the CEO of Mahua Bangla for coming up with this wonderful concept. He took all the pain of convincing the channel about the prospects of this show and about the big prize money. Without him Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti would not have been possible.

Q. Life after Ke Hobe Banglar Kotipoti. What are your future plans?

A. I plan to make one non fictional show with school students for Mahua channel. It will be based on an aptitude test. The test will be performed on school students to know about their inclinations towards a branch of study. The driving force behind this show is to make the students feel less stressed and help them and their parents to choose the right stream of study. In my childhood I have seen parents putting undue pressure on children to study science and become doctors and engineers. Many careers have been ruined by this. Knowing the aptitude at a young age will help future higher education. The test will be based on the formula of Howard Gardner, world-famous psychologist. I am also planning to do a feature film. It's scripting process is on. The film will focus on the young bright talents across Universities who fall prey to drug rackets operating in a big way in the state.

Q. One last question. What are your Puja plans? Any special event on your mind?

A. Nothing special. The four days of Puja I stay put in my home or go out to give adda in my friend circle. Pandal hopping is not my cup of tea as I feel suffocated. However, I like to see from my balcony the ocean of humanity on road. It makes me happy to see ordinary people who can afford little flock in large numbers to be a part of this merriment. Durga Puja for me is not a religious occasion. It is the time of the year when all forget their sorrows and unite across differences. The idol of Maa Durga is all about a positive spirit which touches every life.

Durga Puja in Different Shades

Durga Puja, a major festival in Bengal, now has a national presence. Many are not aware of the fact that worship of Maa Durga, according to the Hindu scriptures, fall in the month of Chaitra which is roughly around March or April. This ceremony is not observed by many and is restricted with in a few in the state of West Bengal. The popular form known as Saradiya Durga Puja is celebrated with lot of pomp and splendor either in the month of September or October. 

                                      

                                           picture source:  Anwesha Guha Thakurta

Initially the Puja was organized by affluent families since they had the money and resources to organize the festival. But later in 19^thand 20^th century middle class people in Bengal also wanted to start the Puja. They created the community or Sarbojanin Pujas. 

Durga Puja in Kolkata is a feast for the eyes and tinkle the aesthetic senses because of the innovative concepts every year. This is the time for people residing abroad or outside their home state or city to return to unite with their families and enjoy the Puja at the fullest. Those who are not lucky enough to return home form associations in their respective places and perform the Puja. Hence, Durga Puja has taken the national form and is even celebrated abroad internationally. 

                                             picture source: Anwesha Guha Thakurta

The Puja continues for a brief span of time but the run up to the festivities start early. It is the time for people to shop for clothes, accessories and all types of goods. A new look in the festive season is a must! Pandals are constructed in every nook and corner of the streets of Kolkata and designer lights take centre stage. Kumartuli in North Kolkata becomes busy as they have to prepare the idols of the Goddess according to the specifications of different Puja committees. 

The festive mood builds up as Dhakis from the country side starts gathering in the city.The city takes a different look during these days especially at night. Bengalis spent sleepless nights staring round the city and craze for Bengali traditional food increases. As Bengalis are famous for their addas’ they unite together and sit for adda.

In early years when Durga Puja was held, it had spirit of worship inside it. But as days are passing in modern age the spirit is fading away from society.  Now people have a craze for apparent happiness which is personified in pomp and glamour. However, the inner charm of this Puja is fast fading.

Whenever we contemplate of the idols the image of Maa Durga accompanied with her daughters and sons under a single roof (ekchala) engrosses our mind. However, now it is the age of "theme". 

TV and Radio channels telecast live the Durga Puja celebration of different pandals. Many local language channels devote themselves wholly to the Puja celebrations. Even local language magazines bring out special Puja numbers. 

When in one side the people of the state become busy spending sleepless nights pandal hopping and tasting foods of nearby stalls wearing their new fashionable cloths, some others spend nights hoping for a solid sleep with proper shelter and clothing, dreaming of just full meal once a day. For these people the days of Puja are no different from any other days of hardship. Wish Maa Durga bless them luck and make their situation better. 

About the Author-

Anwesha Guha Thakurta  is student of Journalism & Mass Communication at Muralidhar Girls College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the Dispassionate Observer.

Durga Puja-Let the Festivities Begin!!

Hmm…The Pujas! Long-awaited and longed for. In spite of the incessant rain the nature has not forgotten to fill the fields with the whiteness of Kaash flowers.The statues of Mother Goddess are being prepared in full glory at the cool shades of the artisans. The Pujas bring unmatched joy to the Bengalis. The economy of Rural Bengal depends on it to a large extent. From the boy plucking Lotuses from the lush ponds to the artisans of every nook n corner to decorators….this event supports an intricate structure of culture, religion and money. And now, audio-visual media has spawned a whole new economic whirlwind. The role of the festivities in the urban consumerism is starkly evident as we switch on our respective TV sets. You may be the Bengali who likes the crowds of the midnight of Ashtami or you may belong to the hatke Harry group who like the silence of the hillside, away from the din n bustle…none can avoid The Pujas.

                                             

                                                                             picture source: J.K. TIWARI (picasa)

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Durga Puja is meant to be celebrated in Spring with the advent of Palash flower. The Sharadiya puja was started, as par the tradition, by Ramchandra, to invoke the blessings of the Goddess before he took on Ravana. However, if we go through Valmiki Ramayana, we see that Lord Ram did not worship the Goddess in any Akalbodhana (untimely prayer). Perhaps Shri Ram meant so much to the average devotee that a legend was started to give authenticity to the Pujas of Autumn. Actually, historically speaking, we find the first mention of Sharadiya Durgapuja in Bengal in the times of Raja Kansanarayan in the middle ages. It was he who started the festival which continues still date. There are basically two types of Pujas…The family-Pujas and the Pujas organized by the common people, mostly clubs.We find interesting snippets of the baro-yaari(of twelve friends) Pujas (The pujas conducted by the common people) in Hutom Pyanchar Naksha by Kaliprasanna Singha and which, astonishingly, remains true to nature till date.

It’s a happy time to celebrate female beauty too. The goddess Durga is the embodiment of the most beautiful woman in the world. And…sigh! The way she prepares for war! The whole procedure can give the prominent beauticians a run for their money. But she is a fair, Nordic beauty. But here there is no scope to cry foul as far as apartheid goes.There is Ma Lakshmi with her fairness of the tip of rice-stalk. ….And –Mother- Kali! Who is more beautiful than this Shyama …The Dark, The Swarthy, The blue….The Goddess of Bengal’s soul?

In Bengal, The Pujas starts with Mahalaya (the end of pitripaksha) and ends with Kalipuja. The most interesting socio-religious point about this month-long celebrations is that be it Durga, Lakshmi or goddess Kali, a female or Mother-goddess is worshipped. The male-gods are there, but mostly as companions to the Goddesses. They play second fiddle to the female goddess. The Mother rules. This phenomenon may explain the basic nature of the Shakti-worshipping Bengali psycho. The average Bengali may or may not respect women in general, but in times of need and prayer, they turn to take shelter in woman-power. So, come The Pujas, its Power to women? What say?

About the Author- 

Anuja Bagchi is presently engaged as University Research Fellow at Department of Mass Communication, University of Burdwan. She has expertise both in the field of mass communication and law and has widely commented on a range of topics.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the Dispassionate Observer.

A Different Take on Optimism and Pessimism

Pessimism is over shadowing Optimism. When we say pessimism and optimism are we clear of the two words? Pessimism, from the Latin word pessimus (worst), is a state of mind in which one perceives life negatively. Optimism can be defined as having "hopefulness and confidence about the future or successful outcome of something; a tendency to take a favourable or hopeful view." The word is originally derived from the Latin optimum, meaning "best." Being optimistic, in the typical sense of the word, ultimately means one expects the best possible outcome from any given situation. 

 

In today’s world people are more inclined towards pessimistic thought. Optimistic view is getting uprooted due to fast socio-economic change and globalisation. Greed, hunger, temptation and lust is influencing the people to do or engage in evil activities. After 2000 we can see how these activities are increasing in geometrical progression and occupying a pivotal position. Humanity and morality are taking backseats for devilish intentions. When devil is taking full possession over humans then he is greedy for money and sex, he wants to enjoy his life to the fullest at others cost, violating the existing system and rules of the civilized society. In course of his evil activities he might lose his near and dear ones even he can lose his own life but the devilish function is so strong that he does not care for anything. This can be proved if we open daily newspaper and watch television. One friend is killing other for cost of money, sex, power and position in office, business or society. Once there was a time when people used to think hundred times before hobnobbing with evil. Administration also took serious steps on these activities and imposed hard punishment as per rules. But those days are gone now. People have no time to think over these matters critically naturally such matters have become casual now. Mainly the pessimistic view is seen among the youth. They are disregarding their parents and family superiors and crossing their family limitations. If the parents are saying good for them they tend to think that parents do not want their happiness. Among the youth we see that they are more addicted to drinking, smoking, drugs, and many more bad practices. Even robbery, rape, murder is common. The pessimistic thought also prevail in the mind of politicians. Most of the politicians are hand in glove with corruption; with the help of money they are killing innocent people. If we read daily newspapers we know about various corruptive practices.

Pessimism arises mainly due to illiteracy, not proper teachings of parents, depression, frustration etc. We the people of India are forgetting our own heritage. In this extra modern life we all are trying to ape an illusionary lifestyle. We know India is incredible but we are not protecting our laws, our morality as Indians is instead running after money, sex, lust and power. Forgetting that these appetizing things are not for a lifetime . Optimism rather positivism should over rule negativism. Here optimism stands for choosing the right path in life which makes one feel good about himself or herself and about others. 

About the Author- 

Nilika Banerjee is student of Journalism & Mass Communication at Rani Birla Girl's College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the Dispassionate Observer.

The Film Chaplin Through My Eyes

CHAPLIN, the word reminds one of a great personality named Charles Spencer Chaplin who along with his ‘Tramp’ is still alive in the heart of millions. Tollywood actor Rudranil Ghosh worked recently in Aninda Bondhopadhaya’s film named CHAPLIN under the production of Purnendu Roy and Subhojit Roy.

The film is about a father called Bongshi Das and his little son called Nimua. Rudranil Ghosh played the character of Bongshi Das. He used to perform the mimicry of Chaplin in birthday parties, marriage receptions and other occasions. Chaplin inspired Bongshi from his childhood when he accompanied his master to watch the films of Charles Chaplin. Mimicking the acts of Legendary Chaplin he won the hearts of people and earned little money. The role of Nimua was played by Master Soham. Nimua lost his mother and to him his father was his world. He called his father ‘Ustad’ in the film. Nimua was a child who was deprived of the glories of childhood. Once he went to a birthday party where Bongshi would perform and there he saw the birthday boy celebrating his birthday. The room was full of balloons, lights, people, merriment and of course a big cake for everyone to have their share. From that day Nimua dreamt of celebrating his own birthday in the same fashion. However, the harsh reality told a different story. They were so poor that they hardly ate more than once in a day. Sometimes it was difficult for them to eat even once.

The character of Nimua taught many things. The little son was a great support to his father. He accompanied Bongshi everywhere, encouraged him and sometimes managed him also. Once Bongshi returned home drunk and Nimua managed him in such a way that reminded one of the role of the son in the Italian film ‘The Bicycle Thief’ by Vittorio De Sica.

The true picture of poverty that the director gave in the film was excellent. Bongshi and Nimua had bread poured in water and pretended that they were having the bread with the broth of meat; Nimua saw a designer dress displayed in the shop and was lost for a while. Then he and Bongshi compromised with their fate and pretend to be happy with their torn woolen sweater. These scenes and several others touched the heart.

There was a character called Rina who was the teacher of Nimua. Rina was a very kind person and she had a great role in changing the fate of Bongshi. Srijit Mukherjee after ‘Iti Mrinalini’ acted in this film also. His name was Indra in the film. He was Rina’s boyfriend. Indra was a renowned figure in the Tollywood cinema industry. In a scene Indra was irritated by the acts of Bongshi at a party and slapped him. So, in the beginning he played a negative role and tried to stop Bongshi from moving towards success. But later he was also impressed with his talent. Bongshi always called himself an artist; not a mimicry performer. He always had a dream of reaching to the top with his acting talent. Finally he proved himself by winning a reality show.

However, the problems did not end there. Nimua was diagnosed with brain tumor. The chance of his survival was less. Doctor told Bongshi to keep him happy in the remaining few days of his life. Rudranil’s acting was incredible in the entire film particularly when he came to know that Nimua was to die and as the film gradually approached towards an end. Bongshi fulfilled the dreams of his son as much as he could. The climax of the film was wonderful where Bongshi finally fulfilled Nimua’s dream i.e. of celebrating his birthday. On that day Bongshi also had press conference in the honor of his victory in the reality show. But instead of attending the press conference Bongshi took Nimua to a hall where he celebrated Nimua’s birthday and showed him his famous acts of Chaplin. Nimua sat alone in the hall but the entire team present in the press conference reached there and greeted Bongshi with ovation and applause. Rudranil proved that he belonged to the league of big actors after his performance in this film.

The film ended with the scene where Indra, Rina and Bongshi were sitting at the side of the pond and Nimua was playing, still alive.

In the film ‘Chaplin’ Bongshi Das had some similarities with the life of the real hero, Charles Chaplin. Chaplin was very poor in the beginning of his life but hard struggle had made him a famous personality as was Bongshi Das in the film CHAPLIN.

About the Author- 

Sayanti Ghosh is student of Journalism and Mass Communication at Muralidhar Girl's College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the Dispassionate Observer.

Apple Wizard Steve Jobs Steps Down

“I have always said that if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know......... unfortunately, that day has come”  -Steve Jobs

                                

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Steven Paul “Steve” Jobs, an American inventor and entrepreneur and co-founder of the Apple Inc. which rule everyday life has stepped down as its chief executive officer.

Steve Jobs, who produced one of the world’s most beloved brands from the brink of technological irrelevance, is suffering from cancer. He has been on a medical leave since January. He had a surgery for pancreatic cancer in 2004 and had a liver transplant in 2009. Apple’s chief operating officer Tim Cook is the next chief executive of Apple.

Little Jobs was an adopted child of Paul and Clara Jobs. He was born on February 24, 1955, in San Francisco. His biological parents are Abdulfattah Jandali, a native Syrian Muslim and a professor of political science and Joanne Simpson, an American graduate student and speech language pathologist. 

Mother Joanne had college education and she wanted a well-educated couple as her boy’s future parents. Unfortunately, Poul and Clara Jobs were a lower middle class couple that had settled in the Bay Area after the War. At last, Joanne agreed to this adoption on the condition that they must send the boy to college. Poul and Clara later adopted a daughter named Patti.

Steve was really a tempestuous child. He did not care about school until he got in touch with “Teddy” Hill as a teacher. “She was one of the saints of my life. She taught an advance fourth grade class, and it took her about a month to get hip to my situation. She bribed me into learning.” – Steve recounts his own memory. Jobs attended Cupertino Junior High School, Los Altos and Homestead High School in Cupertino, California. He grew up in Los Altos and became increasingly curious about the world of electronics. He went to college for one semester and then dropped out.

In 1976, three friends Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne became friends and they started assembling computers and selling them in the name of Apple. 

In 1976 Apple produced their first computer Apple I which was mainly meant for hobbyists and engineers. In 1977 next production, Apple II was one of the successful personal computers. In 1983, he visited the Xerox Corp’s research centre in Palo Alto, California. It inspired him to start commercial computer with graphical user interface, icons, windows and a cursor controlled by the mouse. Therefore, he launched Lisa and Macintosh. It was faster and cheaper. Later he was forced out of Apple. Then he started a company which was called NeXT computer. In 1996, Jobs returned to Apple and announced that Apple would buy NeXT for $429 million. Apple created the first digital music player iPod in 2001. Later iPhone (2007) and iPad (2010) has taken the world by storm and Apple is now world’s most profitable manufacturer of phones and computers.

Jobs married Laurene Powell on March 18, 1991. They have three children – one son and two daughters. However, he went into a secret relationship with Christen Brennan. They have a daughter Lisa   Brennan-Jobs. She is Jobs’s first child. However, Jobs denied the child's paternity claiming he was sterile. Nevertheless, later he acknowledged paternity and The Lisa Computer (Apple III) was name after his first daughter.

He has prestigious honours in his basket such as Nation Medal of Technology by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. He was named the most powerful person in business by Fortune Magazine on November 27, 2007. Steve Jobs is now routinely voted as one of the world’s most important business leaders and Apple is regarded as the most innovative brand in the computer industry.

About the Author- 

Priya Panda is student of Journalism and Mass Communication at Muralidhar Girl's College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the Dispassionate Observer.

Beware Of Drugs

Now-a-days drug addiction has become one of the most alarming problems of our society. It is especially acting upon the new generation with its deadly effects. Falling prey to this dangerous habit of taking narcotic drugs is spreading very fast all over the world. The addicts, especially the young men & women slowly & surely approach death. 

 

Narcotic drugs have good effects too. It may seem odd how such a drug can do good but it is true. Small amount of opium is used in medicinal doses which relieve pain. It is not harmful if it is taken in strictly small doses. Physicians use morphine which is produced from opium to make the patient fall asleep and relieve him or her from bodily pain. However, when drugs are taken without restriction it becomes the most cruel enemy of human life.

                                                    

                                                                                                                          picture source: David Ooms (flickr) 

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There are various factors behind spreading of this infection. The most common reasons are depression or frustration. Sometimes the domestic atmosphere like abnormal parental relationship affects the children, sometimes both of the parents work outside leaving the child uncared for. The child feels insecure and lonely enough to turn to a substitute which take them to a make belief world where these feelings no longer exist. In colleges new comers in a bid to ape a popular group of addicts join them to feel special. At times they are also ragged by seniors to take to drugs. Other tensions like unemployment and lack of stability in life also contribute to this phenomenon. 

 

Morphine, heroine, hashish, cocaine, L.S.D, marijuana, cannabis, Indian hemp etc are some form of drugs which contain high percentage of opium. When the drug is taken a kind of dizzy feeling grips the nerves with temporary forgetfulness & a large dose produces complete insensibility. Once it turns into a habit the indulgence grow by the day leading to peril. Soon the addict turns anti-social to manage the money to buy drugs and this results in further trouble. Due to drug abuse the body weight drops considerably, skin turns yellow, desire for food & sleep is lost & the addict looks as thin as a skeleton. Gradually it destroys the mental faculties. In this way the promising career of large number of youth is ruined.

If experts are to be believed the number of drug addicts in our country is now more than 3,00,000 and even more alarming is the fact that the numbers can reach up to 15 million at the end of the present century. There are drug-traders who look for the possible victims. They have paid agents who tempt depressed people. Tender-aged boys & girls feel naturally attracted to anything new and exciting. So they get easily induced. The abuse of these drugs is being spread in various ways. Addicted persons try to induce others to fall victim to these drugs. It is also heard that the drug is mixed in food & drink by hawkers, it is also mixed by shopkeepers of betel leaf, cigarettes, bidis & soft drinks. Even owners of some restaurants do such crime. Thus unknowingly people take these drugs & become victims.

The path of getting addicted is rather smooth in comparison with the process of cure & reformation. The first step should be to isolate the young addict from the companions. Then he or she would need specialized medical treatment. Sympathetic approach is to be followed to bring him or her back to normal life.

It is a social curse. To combat & uproot this evil, organized efforts are called for both by the Government & social bodies. Many voluntary organizations need to come forward. Anti-drug campaigns have to be undertaken. Various mass media like Radio, T.V, Cinema and Press have to be utilized properly to spread awareness. The addicted people should be treated with all the compassion & care they socially deserve. The proverb is worth quoting “Every sinner has a future, just a saint has a past.”

About the Author- 

Shayani Gupta is student of Journalism & Mass Communication at Muralidhar Girls College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the Dispassionate Observer.

Romance of Durga Puja: Away from Home the Heart Longs for Kolkata

The early morning Azure sky on the ‘City of Nizams’ is filled with the festive spirit. Today as I sit down with a cup of coffee and my laptop, I can hear the sound of drum beats as people celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi here. The generally silent and disciplined neighborhood around my apartment is in a festive frenzy, children screaming in joy, prayer bells ringing and the scent of the incense all around .There are celebrations overnight. The drum beats seems like Dhak to my ears and dawns a sudden realization in me, Durga Puja , the greatest festival of the Bengalis is fast approaching.

The changing colour of the autumn sun in the far away skyline is touching my chord of nostalgia,  I am reminded of my ancestral home in South Kolkata, the smell of Sheuli in the backyard of my house, the Gariahat road bustling with crazy shoppers and friends, cousins and family basking in merriment. The taste of luchi, Alur dum, Khichuri Bhog and Payesh seem to tingle my taste buds .Durga Puja or Pujo as we coin it is one thing that unites Bengalis all over the world. No matter where one is located, the feeling of ‘Maa Ashchen’ invariably transports us to our homeland -Bengal. I realize something is surely missing here!

                                      

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Durga Puja outside Bengal has a different flavour all together. There is no Kumortuli here, no New Market and no Para Club culture. Puja here represents the imbibed way of life and diverse social mores of the Probashi Bengali. The Durga Puja here reflects the pride and assertion of the upcoming upwardly mobile, affluent and ambitious bengalis residing in posh colonies. There is a huge display of wealth in the name of Durga Puja, branded sponsors make the Puja a Glitterati affair. Prominent showbiz personalities make their presence on the Pandals . The pujo rituals performed are ostentatious and less ethnic in nature.

I am feeling this change. In my childhood years Pujo marked the home-coming and gathering for one and all in the family. No matter where in the world, Bengalis traveled back to their motherland just as the Goddess traveled with her family to her earthly abode to bless us. Today we are nucleated in different places. I am not going home this Pujo.

The monsoon clouds have waved good- bye, paving the way for the blue sky and a nip in the autumn air. The early dawn sheds dew drops on the innumerable Kaashphool besides the river banks back home……I finish my coffee and realize that I need to warm up for a busy day . I take my shower, rummage through the cloth stack to wear something, grab a bite of toast and head for the office bus.

But the nostalgia still overpowers my thoughts; I prepare myself for a new beginning. I look forward to embrace life in this new turf, celebrate Pujo in the same spirit with my new-found Bengali and non Bengali friends here. For me Pujo 2011 will be a search for tradition in modernity and a fond remembrance of the days gone by.

About the Author-

Srirupa Ganguly is Editor in Capegemini India. She lives in Hyderabad and is in perennial love with writing. Having a distinct style of her own and wide experience in writing for quite a period of time, she is known for her insightful view on events.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the Dispassionate Observer.

Bollywood's New Promotional Strategy

Bollywood took a leap forward in 2001 when the government gave it industry status, that is, banks were allowed to lend to it money. Cash from criminals was previously thought to finance many movies, legitimate funds helped in making the industry professional. But until very recently, the films themselves did not change much. Marketing, profit and loss are very much a part of it. Like any other field here also there is huge competition and competitors. So bollywood giants like UTV, Sony pictures, Reliance entertainment etc are doing aggressive marketing. They simply promote or “market” their “product” or film. This has become compulsory to get money back as soon as possible from a huge, uncertain and unstable customers.

                                         

                                                                                                                  picture source:  karunakar guttikonda  (picasa)

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Big production houses like UTV, Sony etc spend about 40-45% of their budget in promotion and so on. However, now-a-days, there is competition in promotion also. Every time they want to try a new idea to promote. These creative promotions became popular after Bollywood's perfectionist Aamir Khan’s creative promotion of Taare Zameen Par and Ghajini. For Ghajini he made 8 pack abs and new hairstyle, which was later known as Ghajini style (a huge success in publicity). Just hoardings, posters, interviews, muhrat, song release ceremony have become out dated. Now they are trying something 'new'. 

Spice has also become a part of modern marketing recipe. Sometimes it adds flavour or ruins the preparation. Anurag Basu’s Kites made its promotion through controversy. There was a huge gossip about the Hrithik-Sushan-Barbara relation. It became big news. People became curious about the film and this ploy reaped dividends. In first three weeks the film had an impressive box-office presence before failing in the long run. Huge publicity did help in infusing some life in an otherwise dull movie. 

Another example is, Dabangg. Salman Khan and Sohail Khan production made history. Everyone loved Chulbul Pandey and there was a craze for Dabangg sunglasses with love sign on it. Dance steps became famous as Dabangg step. Publicity did wonders for the film!

Promotion is also done through various reality show or soaps. Main lead actors of a film slated to be released appear in various reality shows. During the times of KBC 1 Madhuri Dixit came in the show to play as well as to promote her next film Devdas, opposite of Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai. But now-a-days it is a trend. Lafangey Parindey, Dabang, Anjana Anjani etc all used the platform of reality show to promote themselves.

Now various soaps and serials have became promotional agents. To promote the film Khatta Meetha, Akshay Kumar Arrived at the set of Sasural Genda Phool-a serial of Star Plus. Recently for the film Bodyguard Salman Khan was seen in the sets of Na Aana Iss Desh Lado another soap of the channel, Colours. After all it needs to be remembered that- “Jo dikhta hai wohi bikta hai!" 

About the Author-

Moon Jana is an announcer at All India Radio, Siliguri, West Bengal, India. She did her Masters in Journalism & Mass Communication from Visva-Bharati University.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the Dispassionate Observer.

A Wonder Called Nepal

Nepal is a beautiful landlocked country surrounded by China and India from North and South. Being a Himalayan country, its climatic features are unique in the world.

Its natural beauty has made it an attractive travel destination . The famous cave of Mahendra, Bat Cave, Ghuptshor Cave are famous tourist’s spots. Lake of Fewa in Pokhara and Begnas Lake in Kaski are delightful places for boating, swimming, fishing and other recreational activities. Tourists also experience the adventure of Para gliding, Rafting, Trekking, Bongi Jump and Crayoning.

                                      

                                                                            picture source:  thich8 photos (picasa)

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Nepal has an array of ancient temples, palaces and shrine, square and courtyard and is considered as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site in Nepal. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the shrines and temples of Pashupatinath attract thousands of visitors from within and outside the country every year. In the Kathmandu Valley one finds the impressive double roofed Changunarayan Temple considered to be the most ancient Vishnu temple. Bodhnath Stupa is a fine example of Tibetan Culture in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley. The strikingly beautiful Golden Gate is Nepal’s pride. Hanuman Dhoka is also a favourite place for the tourists. Dhulikhel, a beautiful place in Nepal offers a wonderful view of the snow-covered mountain ranges.

Jungle Safari in Sauraha can be a lifetime experience for the tourists. In the forests visitors can get a glimpse of the one-horned rhinos, rhesus monkey, bear, grey langoor, dear, leopards, wild elephant, wild boar, wild dog, gaur and other animal species. If luck is on the side of the tourists they can also get a view of the Tiger. There are also different species of birds-both native and migratory. A canoing trip provides the opportunity for the tourists to see mugger and gharial crocodiles sun bathing on the banks of the Rapti and Budhi Rapti Rivers.

Nagarkot in Nepal is also a famous tourism destination which is 2175m above sea level and is the weekend gateway for tourists who love to see the panoramic view of mountain, sunrise, sunset and the blossoming beauty of nature. Kathmandu Durbar Square listed in the 8^th Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is the home of various inspiring temples, courtyards and palaces. It offers unique experience of visit to Nepal. The town of Dharan was established when a thick jungle was cleared for small human settlements in 1890s. Although Dharan doesn’t possess so many places of natural beauty, it’s a tourist centre of the eastern part of the country as it is the gateway to the eastern hilly districts.

Apart from being an ideal travel destination, the country Nepal also bears a dark side which is unknown to most of the people. Bayalpata Hospital in Achham district in remote far western Nepal still lacks the surgical capability for providing cesarean deliveries and they have the ability to save 1 out of every 20 child births. The pollution is the worst among the problems which the country faces. The mountains from Pokhara can be seen but the smog makes the view quite depressing. Kathmandu is a thriving tourist destination but a thriving black market and corruption are its main irritants.

Recently Nepal Electricity Board has declared that there will be power cuts for 12 hours in a day. A depressing fact for the tourists indeed! Nepal's charm is unquestionable but it has to come out of this darkness soon to become a tourism paradise.

However, this does not take away the multiple advantages that Nepal has as a tourist spot. Problems exist in every country and Nepal is no exception. The natural beauty that she has is God's gift, now the human beings have to pull up their socks and make it a class apart.

About the Author- 

Sayanti Ghosh is student of Journalism and Mass Communication at Muralidhar Girl's College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the Dispassionate Observer.

Messi.... Messi...Messi-New Maradona creates magic in Kolkata

Considered the best football player of his generation and one of the best players of all-time, Luis Lionel Andres Messi is an illustrious player of Argentina national football (soccer) team and now plays for FC Barcelona as a striker or winger. At the age of 21 he was nominated as FIFA World Player of the Year and won the award in 2009 and 2010. His playing style and ability is often compared with that of Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi as his “successor”.

Messi was born in June 24, 1984 in Rosario, Santa Fe in Argentina. His father Jorge Horacio Messi worked as a factory steel worker and mother Celia Maria Cuccittini was a part – time cleaner. He has two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matias and a sister named Maria Sol. His paternal family originates from Italian city of Ancona.

                                       picture source: Vir Vkram Singh (picasa)
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Lionel Messi's experience with football started at the age of 5. He joined the training sessions of the club Grandoli. It was a local club where his father was coaching at that time. Little Messi was very much close to his father and they both knew that this club would not be one to offer the boy a future as a soccer player. So his father decided to switch over to Newell’s Old Boys in 1995 when Messi was just 8 years old. It is one of the most prestigious youth academies in Argentina.

Three years after this Messi ran into trouble with his health as he was detected with growth hormone deficiency. He was considered a huge future talent by then and this came as a bolt from the blue. Fortunately, FC Barcelona came to Messi’s life as an Angel and put him in the right track. They learned of his problem and decided to help him out. Messi soon signed with Barcelona’s youth team and moved to Spain for his treatment.

In 2003-2004, at the age of 16, Messi made his first team debut in a friendly match with Porto. It marked the opening of the new Dragao stadium. Messi made his first appearance in an official match on October 16, 2004 in the following championship-winning season in Barcelona’s derby win against Espanyol at Olympic stadium (0-1). On May 1, 2005, he became the youngest player ever to score a league goal for Barcelona against Albacete when Messi was only 17 years, 10 months and 7 days old. With several frontline team players seriously injured, the service of reserve team players was called upon and Messi became a regular feature of Barca squads.

He was offered the chance to play for the Spanish national football team. However, he declined the offer to represent his own nation. In June 2004 he got the opportunity to play for Argentina. He played in an under-20 friendly match against Paraguay. In June 2005 he played for Argentina under-20 team that won the Football World Youth Championship played in Netherland. In this championship Messi flourished as a player and got the golden Boot as top scorer with 6 goals and the Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament.

He made his full international début on 17^th August 2005 against Hungry at the age of 18. On 28 March 2009 , in a World Cup Qualifier against Venezuela, Messi wore the number 10 jersey for the first time for Argentina. 

On September 25, 2005 Messi acquired a Spanish citizenship and was able to make his début in the season’s Spanish first division. Messi’s first outing in the UEFA Champions League at the Nou Camp was on Sept 28 against Italian club Udinese. He had a great telepathic relationship with Ronaldinho. It earned him a standing ovation from the 70,000 strong spectators. The Italian newspaper Tuttospart awarded him the Golden Boy 2005 title for the best under-21 player in Europe, over Wayne Rooney and Lukas Podolski.

Messi was at one stage romantically linked to Macarena Lemos. He was also linked to the Argentina glamour model Luciana Salazar and was spotted with the girl, Antonella Roccuzzo at a carnival in sitges after the Barcelona-Espanyol derby. In 2007 Messi established the Leo Messi Foundation, a charity supporting access to education and health care for vulnerable children. On 11 march 2010 Messi was announced as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. He appears on the front covers of the video games Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and ProEvolution Soccer 2011 and takes active interest in promotional campaigns for the games.

Recently Messi mania gripped Kolkata. The FIFA friendly match between Argentina and Venezuela at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan had Messi as the star attraction. The day went into the pages of history as Kolkata and India witnessed the magician in action.

However, despite all his achievements critics point out that he does not deliver his 100% while playing for his country. He is essentially the committed football player of Barcelona Club. 

About the Author- 

Priya Panda is student of Journalism and Mass Communication at Muralidhar Girl's College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and they do not reflect in any way those of the Dispassionate Observer.