Light Pollution

Today, for the first time I heard about a new subject, LIGHT POLLUTION. I was turning pages of magazine "National Geographic" at State Central Libraby, Kolkata situated near Bidhannagar. I never heard or studied of this pollution from any one earlier.

Any one can view the topic at

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/geopedia/Light_Pollution

As one can see the pic of Light Pollution. Light pollution in the broad sense refers to any nighttime artificial light that shines where it's not needed.

BLOOD DONATION

I registered in http://www.bharatbloodbank.com/, and within a month I got a call in the morning for B negative blood. On that very same day in the afternoon one another person called asking for blood. I was confused what to say to the second as I already committed to the first one. I then called to first as they said they are keeping me as reserve and will call me if required. I told them my situation and they then asked to donate blood to the second group as they already arranged.
I call to the second group and fixed time for drawing blood. I never met them earlier. I went to blood bank to that hospital and asked for the patient party. They made contact and after meeting them I gave blood. Later Mr Shyamal Chakraborty, brother of patients wife thanked me so much and cried while talking to me. It made me feel that he is giving thanks from inside. He asked me to take refreshments and offered to pay taxi fare. He then told about the patient. Patients name is Rajshri Sanyal (M)31 yrs. suffered convulsions and renal failure. He fainted and was admitted to WestBank hospital, Kolkata. He remained in ICU for four days and as his health not , the doctor advised patient party to admit him in some better hospital. He was then admitted to AMRI. After six or seven days in ICU his health recovered and shifted to general bed.

Mr Shyamal many times called me to ask my health status after blood donation.
After four days in the evening he called me again and said that patient is recovering and has been shifted to general bed from ICU. He said that he is informing me news first. I was to happy to know that patient is recovering and I am the first one informed by Mr. Shyamal.

My view: Blood donation can also make friends.

I will append this article when I get any news from them.


Dated: 03/12/2008.
I am very happy that I am able to append this post with a positive indication from the health of the patient. Mr. Rajshri Sanyal recovered and has been taken back to his residence. They invited me to their place, but still I could not make time.

Picnic / Party at Pondi's Gaon

It was in the mid of our class twelfth in the year 1993. Probably after our half yearly examination, may be in the month of September or October, we went to Pondi's farm house for a picnic. We all were schoolmates. We were about 12 to 15. As far as I remember I mention the names; Shishir Saxena, Debabrata Chatterjee, Amit Awasthi, Shrikant, Pondi and myself. I am unable to recollect other names and if any of the friends read this, please help to expand the list.

In those times we were new to alcohol. Prior to that I had once taken beer, that on Shrikant's birthday. At that time it was first alcohol consumption for me as well as for Pondi. Pondi and me were both waiting for the each other to try first. Then he showed his courage only after I had taken that. He later said, that he was waiting, that if I take then only he will do so.

On the way to Pondi's farm house, We stopped for a while, and Shishir bring out one bottle he had. I took one cap full raw. It was like cool sensation when one rubs spirit on our skin. I said its cool, then Shishir replied wait beta, abhi garam hone hi wala hai.

Pondi's farm house was about 12 kms. away form Bilaspur. A thin rain fed river flowed nearby. There they cultivated rice, vegetables and many things. After reaching there all consumed alcohol. At that time I, Pondi, Shrikant had very little to have as Amit was a empty drum. He may have taken more, and his health condition worsened, and he vomited several times to relieve himself.

We all took bath at the river, and had taken our lunch there, who cared who is preparing. But Pondi's family member had arranged that.

This story is memorable only because of Amit Awasthi and his vomiting.

I request my friends to read this and help to to add the names of other friends and other topics on that occasion.

In this I like to include similar incident of another friend Sunil Gupta and Sachin Pandey.
Once we went to Kuthaghat. Probably myself, Shrikant, Pondi, Sachin and Sunil Gupta. May one more went there. At Kutaghat, Sunil Gupta had done vomiting several times due to excess alcohol taken by him.

And the story of Sachin Pandey, in a separate posting under his name.

ALL OTHER FRIENDS OF USLAPUR

I have to think a lot to recollect the names, with whom I had shared my childhood.

Mohan's family: Consist of Mohan's Mom(Aruna), Dad(Ganga Ram Maravi) and Five sisters, Guddi (Swarn Rekha), Prabha, Hem Pushpa(Hema), Yashwanti(Neetu), Uma. Among six Mohan is 5 th according to age. Another Brother he had but he died within few months after his birth and may be before named.

Another friends Subbu and Chinni are brothers of one Telegu family. We played together but their father got transferred when we were too young. I don't have any contacts with then. If ever they read this, please reply.

There was another telegu family and they were three sisters. Don't remember the name to elder two and the youngest named Uma. My mother's friend was their mother. Both mothers used to go to some sewing school. Also she taught preparation of Upma, Idli, dosa and other south indian dishes to my mother. She also presented a claymade Radha-Krishna of pink color, which remained in the show case of our dressing table for long long, till shifting from Bilaspur to Birnagar of that furniture. They left Uslapur when I was very young.

Another Telegu family, boy named Bhaskar was eldest and had two sisters, forgot the name of elder one but the youngest named . His father was a good/sincere worker as commented by my father. They also left Uslapur too early, butmay I have got three or four years to play with them.

A family of Chattisgarh origin had few brothers and sisters. The eldest brother Ashok, and nest Kishore and last Shiv, and sisters name Guddi and could not mention other names and sequence as per their age. I used to play with Shiv and my brother with Kishore.

Now I would like to mention of a Muslim family. They were one brother and two sisters. Brother name Guddu Raja (Abdul Arif), sister Guddi Rani, and the third and youngest's name I could not say. Actually the third one got birth when I was about to leave Uslapur, but they already left Uslapur. His Father's name was Abdul Rashid. They were a good family and we were very close, and our mothers were really close. They used to invite all persons of Uslapur, may be 50 to 60 for dinner durin Roja. My father doesn't went to any houses there, and so they used to sent special Semiya for him. We noticed that they sent best quality food to our house. His father got transferred to some station in CIC section nearby to Shahdol. As he got transferred, they vacated the Railway quarter, and stayed in their own house jointly owned by other brothers of Mr. Rashid. But he died to early of an accident, at his work place and got drowned in a lake and his body was found in the morning. We all were shocked by his sudden demise at such young age, and Guddu Raja was about 15 years of age. His father died after my father's and my mother visited to his mother only once befor my mother died

My Friend: Pondi

First, I shall tell his actual name, that is Shailendra and his pet name Monu. But how and when he became Pondi? One more thing that among our friends more call him Pondi than his original name.

He was named Pondi by Mohit Mahadik. Shailendra called Mohit by some funny name and then Mohit called him Pondi. Funny name for Mohit did not lasted but Pondi.

Pondi joined our school in standard VI. He and Sunil Gupta joined Burgess School as both left Christan School after 5th. Though we all were in same class but till 7th they were not closer to me. From 8th Sunil became my friend, but not Pondi, may I disliked him at that time, but I preferred Sunil's company. Slowly or gradually, Sunil's company changed and Pondi became closer to me. I think the reason behind that may be the likeness of subjects. I, Shrikant, Pondi preferred Maths in Science group, Whereas Sunil preferred Biology.

There was a time when I needed Pondi as companion in any thing, be it school function, study, party, etc. One reason for me to be dependent on him, was that he lived nearest to my place of living. I liked him very much.

One thing for which I disliked him was not keeping his words regarding to time. Many times he asked for any thing at certain time, but he never get ready on that time. He is most unpunctual, I ever met. Many times I got irritated over him for this. He also used to make false promises. Once I and he were returning from some place, and both of us were invited by Mohan for lunch. We were already late, and Mohan called us asking by what time we will reach to Mohan's house. Knowing that we were at least 20 minutes away, he said to Mohan over phone that we will reach by 10 min. At that time my irritation overtook my patience and I scolded him, that why he is making false promises. If we are 20 minutes away, then we shall tell Mohan that it will take another 25 minutes. Its his nature to give time, knowing that he will not be able to follow that time.

The things I liked of him that he was instant in giving comic replies. He is also very dutiful to his parents. He is also able to mis up with other peoples, which I can't (Shrikant and Mohan or Abdul also can't). He is never shy of doing work at public places.

One thing I like to mention his story of stolen bicycle. He went for computer classes and placed his bicycle in place for parking. While coming out of his classes he noticed that his bicycle is stolen. He depressed returning to his home by walking. On the way he noticed one unlocked bicycle without owner. He silently went near to that and ran away with others bicycle. He told this to us. We enquired what he told to his fathers as his own cycle was not there. He replied that someone may have mistaken for his bicycle and took others, and when he came out of classes, he noticed that his cycle was missing but other cycle was there without owner. Someone has done unintentionally and the cycle interchanged.

There are many stories to write about him. But trying to put the Posts limited, so ending with the message to him:

"Dear Pondi, I miss you you very much. You read this and if found anything objectionable, please inform me."

My friend Shrikant

My friendship with Shrikant(h) can be described by two parallel lines, never too close and never to far. Both of us joined Burgess school from Standard III. As both of us were new to the school, we get friends. From three to Standard XII, for ten years, we studied together.

In standard III, I don't have any best friend.

In IV, Sapan Shrivastava, was my best friend.

In V, Austin Vivek;

In VI, our section changed, and again in new group, I think I started associating with Shrikant. Since then we get more dependent on each other regarding studies, or other thing. Since then Shrikant and myself were in same closeness till standard XII. My friends circle was always smaller. Apart from Shrikant, during end of standard VIII, Sunil Gupta, Shailendra Sinha joined our group. Gradually Sachin Pandey, Shishir Saxena, Baikunth Nath Shrivastava... etc. were close.

In standard XI, I remember an incident. That time we came to know that a type of glass or spectacles exists, by which one can see other naked. The topic was new to us and was in our discussion. One day, Shailendra brought a sun glass, a dark green glass in school. All of sudden, Shrikant said, "Is this is that glass, by which we can see anything." At that period, Sachin was sitting at one bench behind our adjacent bench, he was very nearer to us. I put on the spectacles, and by seeing Sachin, I said, every thing is visible. Shrikant told him, that this glass, the the said glass. All of sudden, Sachin put both of his hands in front of his, to cover the secret parts, and we laughed.

Before examination of XII, Shrikant used to come to my house for joint study, especially at night, for whole night study. Few times, Shailendra also joined. During Night, we used to prepare tea, and go on roof, with cassette player, for Music+Tea+Study. Once we went to farm behind our house to steal mangoes.

After our XII, I went to West Bengal for Graduation, as my father was sick and unable to continue his job at Bilaspur. I studied First Year at Krishnanagar College. After then I again had to return to Bilaspur for job. Then Shrikant tried to be close, but I may have avoided. In those days, at just when my age was 19 years, when all my friends were studying, I had to go for work. It brought inferior complex to me, as all used to ask what I am doing. So I used not to be with my friends to their home and that's why the friendship line remain parallel.

My friend: ABDUL

My friendship with Abdul has to be described by a pic.




The graph represents that at earlier times we were much apart. But all of sudden we became closer and still so close. The incident which makes us close is as such. Once he came to Kolkata for any examination for a job. That time he came to my house and passed one evening and following day with me. Since then he is very very closer to me. I would also like to mention that we were in same school from standard III till XII. Then another 12 year passed after our schools, and then one day he came to Kolkata and the closeness is represented by the lines above. (Abdul's image above).

Once about the same thought, I told to my very close friend Shailendra that now Abdul is so closer to me and I think of Abdul before Shailendra's. (I would like to mention that Shailendra is such a good friend, that I always seek him for any thing.)

I feel the reason of us not being close due to distance of our residence. I resided at Uslapur and he at SECL colony (South Eastern Coalfields Limited) where his father worked atleast 12 kms. apart. Also in class we were not on same bench. On school days, he was always taller and I was shorter, so I sat on 2nd or 3rd bench from front, and he from the last.

Abdul is very good in habits. He never smoked nor taken any drinks and surely a virgin. Among other friends we can give example of him, that he is true. He is very gentle.

He has fascination of electronic goods, mobiles, cds dvds etc., and purchases some cd/dvds at intervals. He explained me about 5.1 channel sound output, digital images.

He is the one, who sends me most sms (the most means about 3 to 4 a month, or even less). His classic jokes generally related to sex are good. One incident about sms I remember that I sent a sms joke from rediff bol to his mobile. But he could not recognize me with my rediff bol id, and after few days I received the same sms from his mobile to my mobile. I immediately called him and asked from where he got the sms. He said" don't know from where/whom I received, but as it is a good one I forwarded to other friends". Then I told that I sent him that one from rediff, he laughed and so I.

Similar incident, once I received an sms from him on friendship day at about 11.30 p.m. I recognised the sms from his number and didnot add his name in the content. On the next morning, I received the same message from another friend Sunil Gupta, the exact message, but at last the name was includec and the name was Abdul. I realised that the sms was sent by Abdul to Sunil Gupta, and at that time he added his name and without checking , Sunil forwarded to me. Again we taled and laughed.

My friends: Mohan

Lets start from the begining. (I will try to write in detail for more and more persons)





My neighbour boy Mohan is always a good companion to me. We are neighbours since my father posted at Uslapur someabout in the year 1981. Mohans father came to Uslapur somewhat 2 or 3 months later. In 1981 I was 4 years and Mohan was 2. So we are "Langotia Yaar" (in hindi) it means the friends since very young age at which one learns to wear minimum clothes.





As i was 2 years older than him, i always used to be his tutor in every thing, every thing one would learn for the first time. He still lives in Bilaspur.



Many things in an uprising age, he used to know from me. Times when I used to tell about sex he used to got astonished and said" huh! how is this possible". I wonder if he remember those things, how will he feel.



Many many times we used to go to city by only one bicycle. The half way, I has to ride and the other half he does so. It also saves One Rupee for parking cycles. On summer days when schools were off, we used to play hide & seek (Hindi: Res-tip) in the evening. If the evening were dark, it makes our game more entertaining. Also one ningt followed by few other nights, we went to agricultural farm located in back of our row of quarters, to steal mangoes (raw mangoes), and papayas. Within three or four nights, we gave the tree much relief by reducing the weight of the mangoes. Thanx to us.

I last went to Bilapur on Mohan's marriage. One thing I would like to mention that Mohan booked AC car to go to girls house and has wish to bring the bride by AC car in hot days. As per the set, he has to return by night from girls house. But there the programme changed and they had to return by next day morning. By that the car driver said he has been hired by another customer for the next day, and if they are not returning that night, the driver has to return by any way. This lead to some argument, but the only result was that the wish of bringing new bride by AC car remain unfulfilled.

Uslapur / Bilaspur : Tourism Importance

Uslapur is situated beside Bilaspur, or one can say it is a locality in the expanding Bilaspur city. The tourist interest includes:-

1. Amarkantak: Amarkantak is a pilgrim town and a nagar panchayat in Anuppur District in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Also called "Teerthraj" (the king of pilgrimages), Amarkantak region is a unique natural heritage area and is the meeting point of the Vindhyas and the Satpuras, with the Maikal Hills being the fulcrum. This is the place from where the Narmada River, the Sone River and Johila River emerge. Approx. distance from Bilaspur is 120 km.
2. Kanhan Pendari: It is approximately 8 kms from Bilaspur and 6 Kms from Uslapur. It is a natural park and one can find different animal species there.
3. Ratanpur: Ratanpur is a town and a nagar panchayat in Bilaspur district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is located about 25 km from Bilaspur on the National Highway 200 towards Ambikapur. The town is popular as a religious center and many devotees come here to offer their prayers and seek the blessings at the Mahamaya Temple. Many other temples such as Bhudha Mahadev and Ramtekri are also situated there. Mahamaya temple is one among the 52 peeth of Godess Durga.
4. Kuthaghat: It is basically a dam located appx. 10 Kms. from Ratanpur. It is surrounded with forest and hills. There is a rest house near to that dam. It is a natural tourist point.
5. Mallhar (Saravpur): Once open a time the Saravpur was the State of Capital of ancient Chatishgarh. It is approximately 14 Km. away from masturi block on the way of frtom Bialspur to Raigarh. At this place remaining found of the period from appx. 1000 BC to Culturi regime. The temples of 10th and 11th century old are seen here. Among those Pataleswar kedar temple is one of them where Gomukhi sihv ling is the main point of attraction. The Didneswari temple of Culturi regime is also found. Artisitc idols are found in Deor temple. At this place, there is mesuem having good collection of old sculpture being managed by Central Govt.
6. Talagram: Talagram is famous for "Deorani-Jethani" temple and is situated appx. 25 Kms. from Bilaspur on Bhojpur-Dagori road. The another name of Talagram is ameri-kapa gram. There is a wondeful statue present in the temple which is approximately 7 ft. height , 4 ft. width and weighed 8 tons. People from all corners of the world come to see the statue. There is no any name has been given to that statue even after several years.

Shorter than window,,,,, at Uslapur Railway Quater no. 3/3

One interesting fact I remember and want to share, is the height of mine was once so shorter that I could not see outside of our house from my window. I remember my brother and mother are standing in front of the window and my father sitting in the bed inside the room but almost straight to the window. They all are able to see outside but not me. But I can see the top of three tall nilgiri (eucalyptus) trees which are near the Uslapur Railway Station Building. These trees are so tall, that, though I was shorter than the base of window, still I can see their top. Also I used to jump frequently to see the outside. By that I can get a glimpse outside. Also I used to stand on the window base holding the rods in the windows.