Money may not be everything

Few decades back...

In a village...

A boy was born in a middle class family. Parents gave him the name, Krutibasa. After few years, he started going to the village school. But his parents were unhappy that he was not doing well in his studies. Parents sent him to a private tutor but there was no improvement. Somehow he just passed the 10th board exam.
But from childhood, he was very much interested to learn Odissi dance. Sometimes he used to go to the nearby village where a dance teachers used to teach Odissi dance. He used to watch and learn from there. But he could not get professional training as there was no support from family.
After the school studies were over, one day he went to the dance teacher and requested to teach him Odissi dance. The dance teacher was old and stopped dance classes few years back due to health issues. 

Initially he denied but looking at the interest of the boy, he agreed.

But the boy did not have money to give to the teacher. So he used to help the teacher in his household work and sometimes bring cooked food for him. And the teacher took the boy as his student. 

After few years, the boy Krutibasa became a well known Odissi dancer in the locality. He used to perform in the dance shows in the villages and sometimes in the city as well. 

Time passed... But the earnings did not increase to have a better life...

After few years...

A foreigner came to Odisha for a tour. He saw the dance program where the boy performed. He was impressed. He called Krutibasa and talked to him for sometime.

After returning back to America, the tourist contacted an organization who organize cultural events. Through that organization, Krutibasa got the ticket to America. Though the dance programs, he started earning good for a better life.

The house Krutibasa was residing, had a restaurant run by the houseowner's daughter, Michelle. Krutibasa and Michelle fell in love and got married.

Few years passed like that.

Now was the time for Krutibasa to return back to Odisha as he had the aim of starting a dance school in his village. Michelle was also interested to come with him. Both came to Odisha.

But they did not receive warm welcome from Krutibasa's parents as the marriage was between two persons with way diverse culture... Same reaction from villagers too.

Then starts the phase of criticism... about the daughter-in-law... About being from a diverse culture... "Dekhe lo... maa"... 

As Michelle had prior experience of running a restaurant, she planned to a open shop in Odisha too. She thought for sometime and asked Krutibasa about the handicraft items available in Odisha. Krutibasa told her about Pipili Chandua/Applique, Sambalpuri Saree etc...

Within short span of time, Michelle started a shop for handicraft items.
This was also not digested by the society. Girl is running a shop?!!! Driving scooter?!!!

As usual, the people who never come for help in bad times, have enough time to criticize or taunt.

One day, Michelle got a message that her father is admitted to hospital. He rush to her native place in America.

Her father got cured and she stayed there for few months to take care of her father.

But times were not good! Michelle got a message that Krutibasa is suffering from a terminal illness. She came back to Odisha. But within few months Krutibasa passed away.

And then? Shattered... 

Sadists made it more worst. All the criticism was on Michelle that this bad luck was due to her! And you know the situation of widows that time how they were made to remain away from the society!

Michelle did not have any choice left. She returned back to her native nation.

Time passed...

One day, Krutibasa's family received some amount of money. And it was sent by Michelle.

What next? Just think...

The villagers started praising Michelle as a good daughter-in-law!!!

"Money may not be everything but it means a lot."

***Story of Fiction***

Cheers,

Ashish

Shefali and Chagala - Chagala Part5

Hi Friends,

In the series of fictional short stories related to the main character "Chagala", here is the 5th one "Shefali and Chagala". It is a separate blog and not a sequel to the previous one...

Chagala and Shefali were childhood friends. Chagala was actually Chagala (naughty boy) from childhood and was not interested in studies at all. Somehow he completed the degree and started doing job in a small firm. But Shefali was a meritorious student and became a scientist. 

Chagala used to look the sky and think something. Shefali asked "What are you thinking?".
Chagala: Is there some other world like this earth somewhere in the universe?
Shefali: May be. No idea
Chagala: Can we go to the past or future if any time machine is there, like in movies?
Shefali: Hmmm... Not sure
Chagala: Shefali, What you working on in your organization?
Shefali: I can't tell right now but I will tell you one day for sure.

Shefali and the senior scientist in her organization were working on a project for a long time. And it was on a Time Machine and which can take someone back to the past. One day, they became successful in their work. 

After few days, Shefali visited Chagala's place. She narrated about the invention to Chagala.
Chagala immediately told that he was very much interested to go to the past in the time machine and requested to give him a chance. Shefali denied because Chagala did not have the knowledge about the technical aspects of the machine.

Shefali came to her lab and told about Chagala to her senior. Her senior 1st denied but later agreed. Chagala got few months of training in their lab. One day, he started his journey in the Time Machine and landed in the past. To his surprise, he saw only cattle roaming here and there and there was no human. Chagala tried to call Shefali using the wireless device of the Time Machine but it did not work. Few weeks passed like that. Chagala became frustrated. He thought of returning back to the present. He tried to start the Time Machine but it did not work. Chagala started praying God because no one was there to help. Chagala could not sleep that night with the fear.

Next morning, Chagala opened his mobile and tried to call Shefali just to give a try but he knew that it would not work. He was surprised that someone received his phone. But what the person on the other side was speaking was not understandable. Then the phone was disconnected. Chagala was a bit that at least human were there in that place. 

After sometime, few people reached there and Chagala was really happy. But they had to talk in sign language as their language was different. The talented among those people saw the Time Machine and understood what it was. Chagala told his name to him and asked about his name. He came to know that the talented person was Mr Laau. Mr Laau wanted to switch on the Time Machine but could not do it in the 1st try. Few months passed. Chagala and Mr Laau became friends and Chagala came to know about many things from him.

One day, Mr Laau told a word "SEFELI" to Chagala and then showed a sign of "danger" by crossing his hands below his head. Chagala was confused thinking "Is he telling about my friend Shefali?" and he was afraid as well because Mr Laau showed a danger-sign. Chagala asked the meaning. Laau told the same thing again. Neither Laau could explain nor Chagala could understand.

Finally, Mr Laau was successful in switching on the Time Machine. Chagala thanked Mr Laau and started his journey back to the present. After returning to the present, Chagala explained everything to Shefali. Chagala was happy that Shefali was safe. The word "SEFELI" as told by Mr Laau was still there in Chagala's mind.

One day, Chagala went to meet Shefali. Chagala knocked the door. After opening the door, Shefali showed her mobile phone towards Chagala and told "Heyyyyy, Meet my Friend Chagala. he went to the past and returned back". Then Shefali went on to show her parents who were sitting in the garden. 
Chagala asked, "Are you talking to someone on video chat?".
Shefali: No. This is a Live Broadcasting mobile app. I am broadcasting.
Chagala: But why are you broadcasting and why did you show your home, me and you parents also? There is something call privacy, isn't it?
Shefali somewhat did not like this and replied in a sarcastic manner "You went to the past and so you are replying like yesteryear fellows. Just chill. It is a modern world".
Chagala didn't say anything and returned back to his home.

Chagala was going to sleep but opened his mobile phone and then clicked the Khela-app which is used for downloading all mobile apps. He searched for different Live Broadcasting apps. He logged into one app and what he saw, was beyond his imagination. Shocked! Chagala thought, "Adults are their own boss but is there any validation for age restriction in these mobile apps?"! While he was thinking all these things and scrolling the Khela-app, his eyes went on to a app with the name "SEFELI" having a tagline "Drive Safely"!!!
At that moment, the mobile vibrated and Chagala threw that phone in fear. The he had some water. But the mobile was still vibrating and Chagala saw a name "Mr Laau". Chagala received the call.
Mr Laau: Hey Chagala, I told you about "SEFELI - Danger", right?
Chagala: Yes, Yeaaahhhh Yes Mr Laau. But where are you?
Mr Laau: I am always with you. I am your past and you are my present. 
And the call got disconected.

Chagala immediately switched on the light. Then checked the recent call history and there was no such calls from Mr Laau. :)

***Story of fiction***

Cheers,
Ashish Kumar Nayak 

Yes - Chagala Part4

Hi Friends,

In the series of short stories related to the main character "Chagala", the last one was "Chetana, Chagala and Sanjana https://ashishkumarnayakodisha.blogspot.com/2020/01/chetana-chagala-and-sanjana-chagala.html".

Here is the 4th one "Yes". It is a separate blog and not a sequel to the previous one...

Few years back, Chagala joined a private organization.
9 hours of working hours and 3 hours of commuting to and from office, total 12 hours outside home.
Sometimes 10 to 12 hours in office only.
On weekends, he used to sleep in such a way as if he has sold the horses. :)
But he enjoyed his job and office life. 
He made some friends in office.
Chagala likes cooking. During some unofficial meet at a colleague's home, he likes to cook one dish for all.

One day, Chagala called me to have a tea party near his office.
I went to meet him.
His colleagues were also there near the shop. He introduced me with them.
We had a superb malei-marka tea and discussed so many topics.

After office, I came back to my home. But I was thinking about one thing all the way.
There is a new colleague in Chagala's office. 
He asked Chagala, "Are you married?".
Chagala replied, "*****Yes*****".
Colleague: Have you taken flat on rent? What is the monthly rent?
Chagala: No. I am staying in a PG/hostel.
Colleague: Is your family not staying here?
Chagala: No
Colleague: Why man? 
Chagala: Actually, my grandfather's health was not good. So I brought him here. Then suddenly, my wife's uncle and aunty also fell ill. As they dont have anyone to take care, they had to come here. All of them stayed here for around two years. 
It was very difficult to stay in a small 2BHK house. I thought of taking 3BHK house but it was too costly. And the medical expenses also rose. So, I thought of shifting them to native place where all can stay in a better house and I can stay in a hostel so that some money can be saved and the medical expenses can be managed. My wife will be there to take care of them and I can go home once in 4 months.

I was not able to understand why Chagala told like that. I thought of asking him later but forgot it for quite sometime.

After few months, I met Chagala. I asked him about that.
And he told: I have faced so many questions about personal life with a sacrcastic tone. 
             Some asked "Did you have any love failure and so you are not married?" 
             Some went a little above that and asked "Enjoying aa? Maje le rahe ho?".
             Then I had to tell them about me. They listen, forget and ask the same question or comment like that again after few months.
             Some went a little above that and asked "You are not married but you didnt sleep with anyone?".
             Some went a littel above that and asked "Do you have any physical problem that you are not married. Ha Ha Ha Just joking".
             So, This small lie helped me to avoid the hell. 
             When we are born in this society, we have to face the heaven and hell here only and I just tried to avoid the hell by a small story/lie.

After listening to this, I did not have anything to talk to Chagala. 
Then suddenly someone came and told "Read this book and you will get the path to heaven".
I and Chagala laughed like anything. :)


Cheers,
Ashish Kumar Nayak

Chetana, Chagala and Sanjana - Chagala Part3

Hi Friends,

In the series of short stories related to the main character "Chagala", the last one was "Chhaya and Chagala https://ashishkumarnayakodisha.blogspot.com/2018/01/chhaya-and-chagala.html".
Here is the 3rd one "Chetana, Chagala and Sanjana"...

Chagala's childhood days was almost spent in his village.
Chetana was his childhood friend.

After few years, Chagala came to the city and Chetana also came with her parents to the same city for studies.
The place where Chagala was staying with his parents, there was very big building nearby. It was the house of a local landlord/jamidar. Chagala used watch so many people working under the landlord. If someone among the workers used to make any mistake, the landlord used to beat/torture them like anything. But the workers could never say anything or protest because they had a place to stay there and food to eat!
Chetana came near Chagala and asked "Hey Chagala, What are you thinking?".
Chagala: Just watching what is happening in the landlord's house!
Chetana: So, What did you learn from this?
Chagala: What I will learn from this?
Chetana: See! This is not an isolated incident that the landlord is torturing the workers. You will find many such people like him. Ok, They may not be landlord, they will be in a different position but the mindset or the attitude will be the same.

One day Chagala was returning from school. The local boys/school kids were walking behind him. They were throwing a plastic ball on Chagala's back vey hard, taking that plastic ball and again hitting...! They did like this multiple times. It was very very painful for Chagala but he could not say anything because he was new to the city!
Chetana came near Chagala and said "Hey Chagala, Why are looking upset?".
Chagala described the incident.
Chetana: You are new to the city and so could not say anything but one day you need to open you mouth, otherwise survival is very difficult.

Time passed like anything...

School was over. Chagala got admission in an engineering college. He came to know about something called "ragging" for the 1st time. The seniors used to rag the juniors. Chagala was also ragged by seniors.
One day, Chetana went to meet Chagala.
Chetana: Do you remember what I told you?
Chagala: About what?
Chetana: About the landlord.
Chagala: Oh Yes, I remember. The person may not be the same landlord but the attitude towards worker or juniors remain the same.

Chagala passed out from the college and started working in a Call Center in his native city Bhubaneswar. That Call Center had multiple branches, one in Bhubaneswar, one in Bengaluru, one in Ahmedabad etc.
In the Ahmedabad branch, a new girl joined named Sanjana. For official work, Chagala used to have some chat with Sanjana. Slowly, Chagala developed some feelings towards Sanjana. He thought of getting a transfer to Ahmedabad branch. He applied to his manager and started the journey one day.
In the trains, the co-passengers were there. Chagala had some chit-chat with them. After sometime, everyone took rest. Chagala opened his mobile phone and logged into Facebook...
In Facebook, Sanjana had a post and the post was about her engagement. Chagala was shocked!!!
Chagala could not decide what to do! Whether to get down from the train and return back to Bhubaneswar!
Chagala suddenly heard some sound as if someone was knocking on the wall of the train bogie like "tak tak... tak tak...".
It was actually Chetana who knocked the door of the house where Chagala was staying. :)
Chetana told, "Chagala, Get up. Otherwise we will be late to office as there is huge traffic jam near Marina beach".
Then Chagala realised that it was a dream. That Facebook post happened around 3 to 4 years back. After that, Chagala wanted to stay back in Bhubaneswar and did not like to go to Ahmedabad. He manager got irritated for that but finally agreed.
In the mean time, there was a requirement in Chennai and Chagala got transferred but the memories were there in his minds which took the shape of a dreams after these many years.

Then, Chagala and Chetana started to office in a auto-rickshaw.
The driver was driving like anything, too fast!
Chagala told the driver to drive a bit slow.
Chetana told, "Hey Chagala, What happened? You don't like this much speed?".
Chagala: You know about the accident, right? I was travelling in a bus. Another bus collided with our bus. One of my friend passed away! And after that, I have somewhat fear for high speed.
Chetana: See! Those incidents happen in life. You should not have those memories in you mind for long. Those who passed away, would never come back.
Chagala: Hey, You are talking like Buddha.
Chetana: Don't make fun of me.
Then both Chetana and Chagala laughed. :)

After sometime, the auto-driver asked Chagala, "Sir, Are you Buddhist?".
Chagala replied, "No. I am Hindu. Why?".
Driver: Nothing Sir. As you told Buddha, so I thought.

After sometime, the driver suddenly told, "Sir, College Katte...".
Chagala was surpised and asked, "What does it mean? College Katte?"
Driver explained, "College Cut. Means, the college students are bunking the classes and roaming near Marina beach".
Then the driver and Chagala had a laugh. :)

After sometime, the driver asked, "Sir, In the Auto, only me and you. With whom you were talking?".
Chagala could not reply anything because Chetana was not a girl. She was Chagala's Atma-Chetana or Self-Consciousness.

***Story of fiction***
***You may listen to the audio in my Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX3oGCC87JY***

Cheers,
Ashish

Ichhasakti - Then and Now

Some thousands of years back...

In the Kingdom of "Sakti", there was a king named "Icchasakti"...

He was pro-people. He did a lot of work for the betterment of citizens.

The main problem in his Kingdom was heavy rains and flooding and sometimes there was no rain causing the drought. So he thought about seriously and came up with a plan. He called his ministers and explained them. Then the ministers started working on it.

The geography of the Kingdom consisted of hilly areas and coastal plains.

Miles long water reservoirs were made in multiple places in the Kingdom. Two reservoirs of the hilly areas were connected with each other through pipelines. As you can see in the below drawing, the pipelines were connected by two pipelines in such a way that the extra water in one reservoir will be discharged to the other reservoir.
The reservoirs of the coastal plains were also connected with each other in the similar fashion.

But the main/central reservoir of the hilly area was connected with the central reservoir of coastal plains with only one pipeline because water would flow from hilly to plain land.

And this solved the water problem when there was huge rains in the hilly areas and no rains in the coastal plains.

Then, stone pillars were erected and slabs were placed on it. As in the below drawing, the whole construction was in the form of a slope connecting the central reservoir of the coastal plains and the central reservoir of the hilly area. The necessary structure was made over the central reservoir of coastal plains to lift the water and pour on the slope. A conveyor belt was attached. There were multiple buckets attached to the conveyor belt. A shaft and two handles were made on two sides of it to rotate the conveyor belt. When the handles were rotated, the buckets attached to the belt used to lift water from the reservoir and pour on the slabs and the water would flow to the central reservoir in the hilly area.

And this solved the water problem when there was huge rains in the coastal plains and no rains in the hilly areas.

But, when there was huge rains throughout the Kingdom, the above solution was of no use. Still, people were happy that at least there was a solution when there was no rains.
.
.
.
Thousands of years passed. There Kingdom is not there. Some of the family members of the King Icchasakti became the landlords. A girl named "Sakti" was the successor of the King. She had the similar qualities like the King Ichhasakti.
Due to sea water, there was massive coastal erosion and people used to vacate their villages and move to a new place.
Sakti saw from her childhood that there were three types trees which could control the erosion of the coast.
When she became the head of the landlords, she called for a meeting of all landlords and explained them what to do for solving the issue.
Then the plantation drive started near the coast.
As in the drawing below, Mangrove trees were planted near the place where the sea water touched the coast. The mangrove trees would hold the soil tightly and reduce the force of the sea waves.
Next to it towards the mainland, casuarina trees were planted, which would hold the soil tightly.
Next to it towards the mainland, cashew trees were planted, which would hold the soil tightly and also increase the production of cashew by giving a livelihood to the people.

And this move reduced the coastal erosion.

When Sakti was 100 years old, her grandchildren became politicians and some of them were ministers as well.
One day, Sakti told her minister grandson to take her to sea beach as she wanted to see the plantation she initiated when she was young. Grandson took her to the beach. Sakti was disheartened to see that most of the trees were cut and the sea water started eating the landmass. She asked "Boy, What is this? Who did all this? As a minister, why are you not protecting the trees? Can you imagine how many people will have to leave their houses because of the coastal erosion?". Grandson tried to avoid the questions. But, when Sakti insisted, he replied "We are here do politics, not social service. If we will solve all the issues, then we will not have anything to promise in the next election".

Sakti remained silent.
A thought came to her mind. *There was the King Icchasakti. The name literally means "Will power". But that will-power is now completely lost among the current generation in her family.*

***This is a story of fiction.***

Cheers
Ashish Kumar Nayak

A'AABOMA-3 - The Intellectual Chora

Long time ago there was a child living in Masaka. His name was Kuchu. He was very brilliant in his studies. At the age of 11, he mastered himself in holy books. Not because he was interested but because of his great grandfather, who at the age of 89 wished to listen the religious scriptures from his great grandchild. Kuchu was very closed to his great grandfather. After school Kuchu spend time with him. They both discussed a lot of things with each other. 

****************************************************************************************************

6 years passed.....

Kuchu was 17 years old now. His best friend, his great grandfather was 95 years now. One night, great grandfather passed away. Kuchu was sad. But in spite of this, Kuchu topped in his exams. He told his father that he would like to study engineering. His father agreed. Kuchu again topped in his engineering. After completing his engineering, Kuchu went to a foreign country for further training and research. One day in the laboratory of that foreign institute, he found something new in that field. He didn't tell this to his co-researchers and experts. In the night, he went to draftsman. Kuchu gave some money to him and also his rough sketches with dimension. Within two hours his drawing was ready. 

Again Kuchu went to lab to cross check if he missed something. And yes, he missed a lot of things. So, he took all the original drawings with him and immediately went out from that sight. Within next 5 years, he crossed the boundary of that country and select sea route to return to his motherland, Masaka.

After 15 days, he returned to his home. He worked with various organizations and did very great research on those drawings. In the subsequent years, Kuchu's theories based on those drawings made revolutions in the state of Masaka. The state was benefited a lot.

****************************************************************************************************

Time passes.....

Kuchu was very old now, 85 years old. His grandchild, Pocha, was very much fond of him. Kuchu was a role model in his family and especially for his grandchild. One day, Pocha asked him about his inspiration. Kuchu narrated all the story to him. Pocha was surprised and asked him, " GrandPa, why you stole the drawings?" 

Kuchu replied that I never stole them and to understand all these things you have to listen me. 

****************************************************************************************************

Kuchu started his story. It was almost 150 years back, when my great grandfather was very small, some foreigners used to come to our house. They were doing researches on our religion and scriptures. The grandfather of my great grandfather helped them. The foreigners used to translate those scriptures in their language. But grandfather of my great grandfather was very clever. He did not show them all the scriptures. Those researchers came to know about this thing. One fine day, those foreigners took all the literature with them along with various drawings and went to their country. They never came back. They did a lot of research in the field of science and technology, those research were based on our literature. And now, that country in one of the best in the world in field of science and technology. But look, where are we. I came to know about this event from my great grandfather. And on that day, I decided to take revenge. All these events were part of my revenge. Frankly speaking I never planned these, these happened eventually. Those were The Intellectual Chora. 

****************************************************************************************************

Ashish Sarangi

Ashish Kumar Nayak

* In Odia language, Chora means a thief.

* This is purely a fictional story. Any resemblance to a living person or dead is just a coincidence.

A'AABOMA-2 - The C

There was a cold country. In that country some thousands of people lived. In summer season, weather was awesome but in winter season, they had to struggle a lot. One day, Adrianshu, the priest and a famous teacher called Chimpan. Chimpan was a twelve year old boy, but brilliant in studies. At this tender age, he mastered himself in mathematics, astronomy, economics and their holy book. Adrianshu told Chimpan that you have to travel lot of places and have to choose a place where we all can go and live happily, since the persons here were not able to adjust themselves in the winter. Chimpan was surprised on his decision but later agreed. He took their holy book and some poisonous herbs with him, as a secret weapon.

He traveled for next twelve years. He visited lot of countries. Learnt their languages and made him mastered in their religious scriptures. When he was 24, he found a suitable place. That place was having summer and winter season, almost equally divided. And most important thing is that, in that place, they don't have to face chilled icy air waves. That place also had mountains, rivers, sea, sea ports and forest. Chimpan was excited to see all the things in one state.

                                                ********************************************

He spent some days and nights on the streets, only to learn their language and culture. And while begging for food, one day, he met with Munika. Munika took him to his home and after couple of days, Chimpan asked him about a job. Munika was a gardener in King's palace. He told Chimpan to be prepared for next day. 

Next day, Munika took Chimpan to palace. That was really huge. Chimpan was surprised to see that. They met with Mumika. Mumika was the minister of palace's affairs. He looked at Chimpan and got impressed. Chimpan was tall and handsome with all kinds of masculine features. After some time, he agreed to keep Chimpan as a gate keeper. Chimpan started his job. He was very much obedient in his duties and responsibilities and so Mumika asked him if he can fight. Chimpan nodded and immediately he was made soldier. 

One day war took place with a neighboring state and Chimpan fought that war bravely. He killed almost one third of enemies alone. The king was highly impressed. He asked him to get a wish. Chimpan told him that he wanted to be his commander. King agreed. Within one year, he was made commander. Other soldiers and commanders felt jealous on him. But King made him commander to look after internal security, as if he had some doubts on him. After some days, he went to minister of internal security and asked him for leave of one month. Minister granted him leave. He immediately rushed to his native place.

He met with his parents and Adrianshu. Adrianshu was very old now. Chimpan briefed him about his travels and how he found that suitable place. He even drew a route map. Adraianshu told him that now it’s a perfect time, you immediately retuned back and started preaching our concepts and try to capture their minds, especially the young minds.

                                                ********************************************

Chimpan returned within twenty days and resumed his duties. He started to make himself friendly with teenagers and teach them his own astronomy, economics and more importantly his holy books. The students were also excited as they were learning a lot of new things. He taught them about some new social systems and some new scriptures. With help of them, he developed a new language and started writing in that. In a very short span of time, he translated his all documents and told his students also to communicate all these things to their friends.

One day, during his regular visit, he went to a temple. He met with the priest and surprised when he came to know that his father was a sweeper in the palace. He immediately questioned him and told him that it was not good, as his father was a sweeper; he also had to be a sweeper. The priest was surprised. On the same day, he met with a cobbler whose son was a state minister. In the evening, he told his students about this and polluted their mind. He told them that son of a priest had to be a priest, son of a businessman had to be a businessman, son of warrior had to be a warrior and son of a sweeper or a cobbler had to be a sweeper or a cobbler. This message was spread like a fire. One day, the main priest came to the minister of internal security and told him that he would like to have his son as a new priest. Minister got surprised. He told the priest to wait for some time. On the very next day, the main businessman of the state came to minister and told him the same thing that he wanted his son to control the business of the state. Minister was surprised again. He met with the King and told him about the events. The King was also surprised. He asked him to look into this matter. After some days he told the King that all such non sense was spread by none other than Chimpan. King got furious and asked him to arrest Chimpan. Chimpan got arrested and King told the minister to hang him in the street in front of everyone so that in near future nobody could think of such things.

Chimpan was hanged in front of everyone. All the young ones got furious. They all were sad and after some days an internal war broke out between the sympathizers of Chimpan and of the State.

At the same time Adrianshu asked his king to attack them as they hanged Chimpan. They attacked and due to lack of unity of the opposition, they won the war. Within few days, whole culture was changed, holy books were changed, system of education changed and in a nut shell whole system was changed.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ******************** 

The name of this blog is The C. Whether you want to like your Culture or you want to be like Chakan, depends on you.

Cheers,

Ashish Kumar Nayak

Ashish Sarangi

A'AABOMA-1 - The S

There are many types living beings on the earth. Plants are there, animals are there and the most talented creature is the Human.

Animals rely on eat and live. But human is altogether different. Its mind works in multiple areas.
As it is said, the mind of each person is an unique lock and there are huge number of keys to open that lock.

Few minds work for their family, society, job, social service etc. But there are few minds which always try to find the problems in other's life. If problem is not there, that critical mind tries to create the problem and get the sadistic pleasure.

Many years back, there was a family. The parents and their two sons had a very happy life. The couple had a very good bonding between them and with the kids as well. Around 10 years passed.
The father got a job transfer to another city. The whole family shifted there.
He had a friend in office whose family used to stay nearby. On his son's birthday, he invited his friend's family to his house. Both family enjoyed the birthday. And the time passed...

One day just outside the apartment, his wife and his male friend were talking. And there the sadist minds started ticking in some of the houses in the apartment. The sadists started creating rumor that they have extra-marital relation. This news slowly traveled through the mouth-to-ear-to-mouth communication to the man. And he started having doubt on his wife which lead to arguments between them. The bond slowly started getting broken. And the inhuman who created this were enjoying plot.

One day, when the kids were playing outside and his wife went out to nearby mall, the man committed suicide. The wife and two kids were left alone in this world. Then the process of criticism started pouring in on the wife. It created her life miserable. She went into a state of depression and died in few years.Then the two kids were brought up by their maternal uncle.

                    *** *** ***
Time passed and the two sons became young and started doing job.
The uncle arranged the marriage of the elder son. They told everything about the boy's parents to the girl and her parents. The girl's side also understood the situation that the rumors created the misunderstanding and so the misfortune.
The marriage happened and the elder boy and the girl had a happy life.

But sadists are also there to create as they also part of this society as long as human is there. They are now somewhat organized. Some of them project themselves as reformers of the society.

One day, the newly married couple thought of having a visit to the nearby sea beach. The girl was wearing saree and she didnt want to go inside water. But her husband wanted to enjoy the sea waves and went inside water. He gave his shoes to his wife to hold.

When the girl was holding her husband's shoes, then sadistic mind of some people standing nearby started working. Few took some photos of her. The husband saw this and started confronting with them. But those pseudo-reformers blamed him that how dare he told his wife to hold his shoes and that male dominance blah blah...
The wife understood the situation and told her husband to stop. Then she started arguing with the fellows who took the photo in their mobile. But those fellows were constantly blaming the husband and when this argument was going on, those fellows posted in social media stating "See the male dominance. How a girl holding the shoes of her husband!". The girl got angry with this, snatched the mobile phone from them and crushed it. Finally police had to intervene. They understood the whole matter and told the pseudo-reformers to delete the social media post!

But as we know whatever posted in social media may remain forever and ever.
Some rationally thinking fellows understood the scenario but again, the sadists are also there in virtual world as well and they started doing their job.

                    *** *** ***
The title of the blog is "The S". Here S may mean Social or Sadist. To live in this Society, some chose to be Social, and some as Sadist!


Thanks
Ashish  Kumar Nayak
Ashish Sarangi

Tubewell

P.C. Google images

There was a time in Kalinga when republican system was there and later changed to king ruled states. People had good co-ordination among them whether old or young. So, They were able to prosper in business and also able to control the country. But later, as part of the power-shift concept, Kalingan power started fading.

From the time of Kalinga to the time of Odisha, the land might have faced many ups and downs. Some people in the current time revisit that history and get prepared and act for future and some are not interested as they think "how and why to think against the already established stories of 'all same'? ". Ok, Who is that 'all same' group and what did it preach you? Does it tell you not to be a little selfish for the state? Are they not selfish for themselves?

Coming to the point of 'tubewell'. There was a small village. The village sarpanch installed a tubewell/borewell so that people can easily get good quality of water. Later after few years, few more tubewells are made as the old tubewell did not function properly & so the old one was abandoned.

Time passed. At point of time, some group of other place started staying near the village. Their lifestyle and systems were somewhat lookalike of the system followed in the old village. They as part of the process, cultural exchanges happened between two groups/villages. By this time, the previous Sarpanch and his generation have become very old. So, The new generation Sarpanchs have taken the lead. 

One day, some people of the new village came to the old village and asked for the abandoned tubewell so that they can repair and use it. The current Sarpanch agreed to it. But the old generation didnt agree to it. They quarreled with the young Sarpanch and new village guys. But the village youngsters made fun of them and told "jatra karuchhanti be ye budha gudaa (these old men are making unecessary drama)". And finally the old men kept quiet and the abandoned tubewell was given to the people of the new village and they repaired and started using it.

A time came when the water level reduced in the old village and water scarcity started. The people of old village went to the new village to get water but they were denied. And the new village fellows kept one condition that if want to get water, then the old village people need to accept the Sarpanch of the new village as their village head.

Now there were no choice left with the young Sarpanch and youngsters. They finally came to the old men of the village and felt sorry for what they have done. The old men just advised not to waiste time in remorse as the time can not be rewound and work hard for getting some new tubewells in the village but keep in mind that the 'all same' concept is not always valid or otherwise you may loose the new tubewells as well. You may or may not be selfish for personal gain but no loss in being a little selfish for the village.

-Ashish

Umbrella

P.C. Google Images

There was a big village and people across different sections of the society used to live there. If someone is a businessman, someone is a farmer and someone is a teacher and so on. The complete requirement of the society was fulfilled by the diverse sections among the people. There used to be a village head and the person used to guide people in any situation good or bad, whatever.

In old times, people used to have umbrella made out of palm leaves. Then the development happened and umbrellas were made out of cloth. Everyone in the village had their individual umbrellas with them or at least one per family. During rainy season, all used to use their own umbrellas.

During one rainy season, a massive flood happened. People had to leave their houses and move to a nearby mountain. And there, they used their own umbrellas to avoid the rains. After everything got settled, a thought came to the mind of the village head. He called for a panchayat meeting and asked the people to donate cloths from their umbrellas so that a big Umbrella can be made. Those who had multiple umbrellas, they donated but those who had only one, they were in trouble. But still, for the sake of unity, they tore off some cloth from the umbrella and donated.

Next year, it is the time of rainy season again. People having more number of umbrellas were on safer side. But those who tore off cloth from their lone umbrellas had and donated, were in trouble. Somehow they managed but the resentment was there. Flood time again. They had to leave the houses and move to the nearby mountain. Now they had to use the bigger umbrella. The village head stood at the centre, the next powerful people in the next circle and then others. But the bigger umbrella could not cover all people. Some people had to stand outside and they were those who tore off the cloth and donated. Then they complained to the village head who was standing in the middle under the umbrella. There was no reply from him. The people in the next circle (the powerful ones) replied “What do you all think? We donated one full umbrella and then only this big one is made. What did you donate, only a small piece of cloth and you want equal rights?”. The poor fellows felt deserted. But there was no other go and they didn’t want to argue with those people(in better condition). They just managed with the torn-off umbrella they had.

After sometime, some people from other places forcefully entered the village and stayed there. The village people had clashes with the outsiders as well. After sometime, the outsiders came to know about the umbrella-issue and tactfully gave some umbrella to the poor ones and took them to their side. Though the village head was aware about this, he remained silent.

Next year, Rainy season and flood time again and people moved to the mountain as an yearly practice. But there two groups now, one the “villagers” and the other one of the “outsiders”. The village head opened the common-umbrella and people stood under it like last time (some people could not be covered under the umbrella). Then, those left-out people used the umbrella gifted by the outsiders and started moving towards them. Looking at this, the village head and the next level people got angry and scolded like “Traitors etc etc etc” to the ones who were leaving the village mainstream.

Then those left-outs replied to the village head, “When you can’t save all of us from rain with the bigger umbrella, what was the point in making that umbrella? When we don’t get the benefit, what was the point in taking the cloth from us?. If you want us to stay with you, then give us equal rights to the “UMBRELLA” for which we donated!…”.

                                                    ***

Panaa

In a remote village, a small family (grand parents, parents and two kids) used to live. One of the kids was very naughty. Many times, he used to do some mischief in school and the school used to complain to his home. Parents tried their best but could not succeed in correcting the mischievous behavior of their son. And the time passed by.

After completing 4 to 5 years in school, the kid got some friends like him. As the saying goes “Birds of same feather flock together”. During the festivals like Mahabishuba Sankranti and Sibaratri, “Panaa(ପଣା-पणा)/Sharbat” used to get prepared. Some people mix bhaanga/bhaang in panaa. That is the time when that kid along with his friends got the taste of bhaanga. Initially he used to wait for those festivals to have bhaanga. Gradually, this taste became an addiction. He started staying in some friend’s house and lie to his parents that they are going to have a feast that day.

Then the time came and the boy joined an engineering college near Puri town. And now the ‘bhaanga+panaa’ is changed to alcohol. As he belonged to well-to-do family, parents used to provide enough money to their ‘gelha pua (lovable son)’. But the parents didnt ever realise or enquire how their son would utilise that money. Slowly, alcohol addiction went to a peak. The boy started staying in hostel during the festivals like Bishuba Sankranti and Sibaratri, stating that they are going to have panaa. One time, his parents had doubt and directly went to the college hostel and came to know about the situation. They advised a lot but their son was not in a situation to change.

Once on a Mahabishuba Sankranti (Odia New Year), there was some issue at his home. His father tried to call his mobile but could not reach. So, instead of wasting time, parents and his brother started to Puri. Then the parents got busy in the some rituals. His brother finally got his number and when asked, came to know that he is in a bar near beach and fully drunk. So, the brother went to him and told him that their grandfather passed away and so parents are at Swargadwar (cremation ground at Puri) to perform the last rites. Hearing this, his was in shock but cant go near the Swargadwar because of his condition. So he stood at a small distance with teary eyes and watched the last rites of the grandfather. ଏହାକୁ ଭାଗ୍ୟର ବିଡ଼ମ୍ବନା ବୋଲି କୁହାଯାଇପାରେ ଯୋଉ ଭାଗ୍ୟକୁ ସେ ନିଜ ହାତରେ ଲେଖିଛି. ଜେଜେଙ୍କର ଶେଷକୃତ୍ୟରେ ଯୋଗ ଦେଇପାରିନାହିଁ ତା’ର ନିଜର ପ୍ରକୃତି ଯୋଗୁଁ.

By this time, his father has seen him. And after the last rites of grandfather is over, he comes to his son and asks him one question “ପଣା ପିଆ ଯଦି ସରିଲା, ତାହେଲେ ଘରକୁ ଯିବା? [If you are done with drinking-panaa, we will start to home?]”.

                                                      * * * 

Makara Chakara Kahani - MOVED

This blog is moved to:

MEDIUM.COM (Click here)

Manager

Before British came to India, we had jamidari (zamindari) system. In this system, there is a landlord who has some labourers under him. Though some jamidars might have been good, but most believed in dictatorship. The labourers will be just like bonded ones. Then one time came when the jamidari system was abolished after the Indian Republic was formed. People also became happy, thinking that there will be no more dictator.

Then a new concept evolved called as "corporate". It has two types job, one is white collar and another is blue collar. Many people preferred white collar one. Whatever salary they get, how they manage their life with that, didn't matter but what mattered is the white collar.

In a village, four guys were there.
One of them studied and joined software industry outside Odisha.
2nd one bought a trolley auto and started his business.
3rd one started a small restaurant Chakuli, Idli etc.
4th one started a small grocery shop.

When the 1st guy (software) used go home, his friends and relatives used to ask two questions "what is the salary?" and "Manager heluni kire (Did you become manager?)". It used to be a regular question. Then the time passed and he became senior software engineer. But the question remained the same "Did you become manager?". He was always confused, as to what is there in that "Manager". He worked under many manager and the job was going smooth. In 2008, there was market recession and he lost his job. For few days, he went home. And the same question again "Did you become manager?".

The 2nd guy, who brought a trolley auto, has now three autos and his business has grown.

The 3rd guy, who started a small restaurant, instead of rented house, has now build a small house and running the restaurant very well.

The 4th guy was  also running his grocery shop very well.

One day, they had a plan for get-together
1st 2nd 3rd ones came. The 4th one was absent. While discussing, as to why he didn't come, one of them told that he closed his grocery shop. His parents told that this grocery shop is not good and he should do a white collar job and become a manager. So he joined a bank as a sales person for credit cards. Then, the 1st one asked, Is he settled now? One answered, No. He lost his job and now searching but going through a lot of difficulties. So, the question in everyone's mind was "Was the grocery shop good and he screwed his life by closing the shop and searching for a 'Manager' post?"

The 1st guy came back to city and started searching for a new IT job as he also lost his job during recession. He got one in few months. And the time passed. One day, there was some issue in the project. The manager called him and other two members and told in anger "If this issue is not resolved 'I will make you all stand facing the wall and will whip you' ". Though the 1st guy has worked with other managers previously, but never faced this type of statement. After hearing this, two thoughts came to his mind, one is the "Yesteryear Jamidari system in India" and another one was the question asked by friends and relatives "Did you become manager?".

Next time when this software guy went home, he met the 2nd and 3rd guys, but the 4th one was absent due to obvious reasons that "Neither he got a better job nor he could dream of becoming a Manager". As usual, the 2nd and 3rd ones asked the same old question "Did you become manager?" to the 1st one. And he replied "When you have three trolley autos with you and two people working with you, are not you a Manager for them? When you have a good restaurant of your own and people are working there as cook or helper, are not you a Manager for them? So, why do you always think of the the designation "Manager" given by someone to you? What exactly people want, money or designation or both? Did anyone gave you the certificate of Manager to you both for running this trolley auto and restaurant? No. But you are a Manager of your own business. And we know what happened to our friend(4th one)!"

Thanks
Ashish