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March 22 is celebrated as #WorldWaterDay. Rivers are fundamental water sources in our lives, but do we show the respect they deserve? This thought challenges us as we observe World Water Day. Today, I considered listing five Bengali films with plots around rivers. 1. Ganga (1959): Directed by Rajen Tarafdar, this film is adapted from Samaresh Basu's novel of the same name. The movie opens with an exciting scene of a boat race among fishermen on the Ganga River, where Bilas, a hot-headed young man, emerges victorious. He is daring and helpful, aspiring to lead the fishing community like his uncle. Bilas is charming and popular among women, yet his heart belongs to Himi, who hesitates to marry him. Although Bilas wants to venture into the Bay to go fishing, his uncle forbids him due to fears of harsh weather and man-eating tigers. The story unfolds as we learn whether Bilas pursues his dreams or gives in to the objections from those around him. This beautiful film highlights Bilas ...

There was a time when the word "I" felt like a secondary character in her life. She believed she was incapable of achieving anything significant and saw herself as neither attractive nor intelligent. These limited beliefs led her to view herself as a girl without goals. This mindset also affected her physical health. As her limiting beliefs took control, her confidence plummeted, and she began seeking validation from others. She followed their advice, dressed according to their suggestions, and went out of her way to do things for people that no one else would do. She thought that was what love meant; self-love was completely foreign to her. Perhaps she didn’t even know what real love was. Throughout her life, she struggled to remain focused on a goal. She aspired to be everything and be a part of everything, without any specific aim. Her purpose in life was unclear and unsettled. She started doing what everyone else was doing—following trends, seeking perfection, and being e...

"Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink" This immortal line by Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a constant reminder to be kind and empathetic to others. Here, the reference to drinking water is given as the most sought-after thing when the mariner is stranded amidst seawater but cannot drink any. It is his retribution for his cruel act. The importance of water in our lives is unparalleled. Like Coleridge, many other poets and authors have taken up the subject of water to highlight the nature of human beings, placing them relevantly as an allegory, both in tragedy and comedy.  In Bengali literature, another work where the reference to water has been used as a satirical representation of miscommunication is Sukumar Ray' s play Abak Jalpan (A Strange Drink of Water) . This was the first play most kids of our time had read in Bengali. It has been a perfect example of a sarcastic piece of literature hidden under an innocent play for children.  About ...

Astha was staring at the computer screen. She was left with so much data, and her filing deadline was by evening. She raised her head from her cubicle. Everyone was glued to their screens. But she just could not. She needed her share of chips, coffee, cola, munchies and breaks. Off she went, willingly passing by Aron's cubicle to take a look at him. If, by any chance, he saw her. But he did not. Why would he? He had a beautiful girlfriend and seemed quite happy and set in his life. Why would he take any interest in someone like Astha- overweight, surviving on junk food, lazy with no ambition. What if she was as beautiful and smart as Aron's girlfriend? It was already 7, and Astha was still left with a night full of filing. Most of her colleagues had left, and the rest were preparing to leave. Ahh...that's fine. She just needed a movie break. She opened the link where they shared all the latest films and web series. The problem with such websites was numerous other sites sta...

Lullabies or Lodis are very gentle songs that are soothing and calming. They are generally sung for kids to make them sleep. They are also called cradle songs. The origin of lullabies dates back 4000 years from now, as an inscribed clay tablet with one has been excavated in Babylon. Today, on World Sleep Day, I listed some of my favourite English, Bengali, and Hindi lullabies/Lodis. 1. Ahista Ahista by Udit Narayan, Sadhana Sargam: This song from the film Swades, composed by A. R. Rahman, has a soulful tune with heartfelt lyrics by Javed Akhtar.  2. Ghum Jaye by Hemanta Mukhopadhyay: This song from the film Mayar Sansar was composed by Rabin Chattopadhyay and penned by Pranab Ray. 3. Lullaby by Dan Seals: One of my favourites is a very crisp yet melodious song composed over guitar and violin by Dan Seals and Rafe Van Roy. The raw flavour of country music with a calming and soulful touch and simple lyrics makes it memorable. 4. Ghum Aye Ghum Aye by Sabita Chowdhury: Perhaps...

I entered the white and blue building with a pounding heart. The wall of the building had a white and blue bird curved on it, under which was written the line, "Courage to Know." It was the first day of my 6th standard- new building, new class, new teachers, how would it be! I was anxious.  I entered the classroom and was relieved to find my old friends, Pari and Devi, from 5th standard. We were all waiting eagerly for our big reveal. Who would be our class teacher? My curiosity turned into excitement when we learned that our class teacher would be teaching English and History—what a relief! Those were two of my favourite subjects.  One day, while we were hanging out on the school grounds during lunch break, a few senior students approached us. They were the much-feared school prefects, mostly from 11th grade. One of them pointed at me and asked, "Hey you, which class are you in?" I fumbled, "5, no, 6."  "Where is your tie?" he demanded seriously...