Mrinal Chatterjee
In Odisha, monsoon usually breaks on or around 14 June. Odisha has a festival to welcome the monsoon- called Paja Parba, about which I wrote last week.
I am writing this column on 18 June, the Raja Parba is over, but the monsoon is yet to arrive. The progress of the southwest monsoon has been sluggish after it reached Odisha. As a result, severe humid conditions are now prevailing.
Odisha is sizzling with unusually high temperature and high humidity. The farmers are eagerly waiting for the rain, as it is time for sowing.
However, the met office has some good words: conditions are favorable for further advancement of the southwest monsoon in the next few days.
Everyone in Odisha and other states where monsoon is yet to arrive- is waiting to sing an Odia song:
Megha barshila tupuru tapuru.. kesura maila gaja…
(The rain drops are falling drop by drop.., the grass is sprouting..)
Yoga
June 21 has been celebrated as International Yoga Day since 2015.This is the tenth year, it is being celebrated across the world.
Yoga originated in India. It aims at harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit. It combines physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. Practicing yoga enhances flexibility, strength, and balance, while also promoting mental clarity and emotional stability.
Different styles, such as Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga, cater to various fitness levels and goals. Beyond physical benefits, yoga fosters mindfulness and stress reduction, improving overall well-being. Its holistic approach makes it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Regular practice can lead to profound personal growth and inner peace.
But many of us, including yours truly do not practise yoga regularly, even if we say we want to. It is like our resolve to stop smoking: kalse karenge. I’ll do it from tomorrow.
George Orwell and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhay
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was born on June 26, 1838, and Eric Arthur Blair was born on June 25, 1903. Both were born in India. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was born in the village of Kanthalapada in the present-day 24 Parganas of West Bengal. Eric Arthur Blair was born in Motihari, Bihar.
Both of them were well-known writers. However, few would recognize Eric Arthur Blair; he is widely known by his pen name, George Orwell, the author of timeless novels such as "Animal Farm" and "1984."
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay is immortalized for the song "Vande Mataram," the first mantra of the independence movement. He was a versatile figure in Bengali literature, who wrote stories, novels, essays, songs, and poems. He is credited with composing the first artistically acknowledged novel in the Bengali language.
Professionally, Bankim Chandra was a magistrate, known for his dedication and competence as a judge. George Orwell was a journalist by profession.
Bankim Chandra passed away in Kolkata on April 8, 1894, at the age of 55. Orwell died in a hospital in London on January 21, 1950. He was just 46.
Both wrote on the concept of liberty and freedom- in different ways.
Public Relations and Circus
I just published a book in Odia on Public Relations and Corporate Communication.
It should be interesting to know that circus and public Relations have had a close relationship. Symbolically and literally. It was Pinias Tailor (P.T.) Barnum (1810-1891), who founded Barnum and Bailey Circus. An instinctive showman, Barnum impacted several aspects of public relation and advertising, primarily event planning, event promotion, publicity and media coverage. His circus during his time was one of the greatest shows of the world. At least that is what he said and what he believed.
Among the tactics Barnum pioneered there are some which are still followed. Consider publicity stunts which the entertainment industry and politicians regularly flaunt. Barnum understood the power of a staged event to garner press attention.
Ahead of others in his time Barnum understood the importance of media coverage. He had started New York’s first illustrated newspaper in 1853. It was he who was believed to have said “There is no such thing as bad publicity”.
Tail piece: Late Monsoon
Why did the monsoon arrive late to the party?
Because it got caught up in a "rain-check"
Disclaimer:
This is the personal opinion of the author. The views expressed in this write-up have nothing to do with www.prameyanews.com.
