Filed under: The Mango Man | Tags: Death over Life, Life over Death, link exchange, love and life, re-discover yourself, reflections of oneself, Suman Das
Six feet under my unfulfilled dreams,
Where a broken heart ebbs to beat,
I am at peace with the world that gave me my life,
I am now the world myself,
This had to happen eventually, I was not immortal, neither are you, you’re just plain late… hurry up, you may still make it…
Join me by my side,
We’ll sleep away this tide,
Hide ourselves from our lives,
What do we have to fear now,
What mortals dread now, now we’ll laugh away,
Immune are we now to tomorrow and yesterday,
Death ended my life, ended my fears, ended my tears…
Tears ended my sorrows, killed my joys, killed my smiles,
and killed me…
But with death, arose an unborn truth,
I was sad no more at my demise,
Why be sad when you can’t smile?
Why feel lonely when you’re one with them all?
Death is victory over life itself,
Death is an ultimate liberating force,
Death relieves you of all your pain,
Death kills you till you are sane,
Death kills all the vice in you,
Death is what makes you YOU,
Death is what will save this world today,
Death will finally show you the way,
Towards a better you….
I can see myself now, taking her hand, its icy, its cold, its holy,
anointing myself till I can no longer see my reflections in my mirrors, till I am no more myself…
I’ll take leave now,
I have to re-discover myself,
I hope I am not too late…
Filed under: Indian Culture & Traditions | Tags: chronic stress, don't trust a doctor, drinking too much, habits of workaholics, Indian culture, Indian IT Industry, Indian traditions, no medical check-ups, no time to eat, no time to exercise, responsibilities in family, smoking grass, Suman Das, working when sick
It has been around 3 years since I joined the IT industry. For the first 10 months, I was really bored as I didn’t have much of work. Then, I started to get frustrated coz I felt I wasn’t given the amount and quality of work for which I was getting paid.
But, it was only since April this year that I got some real responsibilities. Then, I got power and I was satisfied. Slowly, I got more power and more responsibilities, and I was happy. Gradually, I became a workaholic.
It was only since the last 1 month that I started getting sick. I was bed-ridden for about 5 days. Then, I made this research to find what went wrong. The following are the 7 worst habits of workaholics:
1. Forgetting to relax
While some stress can be good because it keeps you alert and motivated, too much stress or chronic stress will take its toll on your body.
2. Eating on the go
Between meetings, conference calls and deadlines, workaholics forget to take out time to sit down for a healthy lunch. But a good meal is exactly what a person needs to stay mentally sharp throughout the day.
3. Putting off sleep for work
Even busy professionals need seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Missing out on sleep can lead to irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems and poor judgment. It has also been linked to obesity.
4. Not making time for exercise
Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise most days is very important to immediate and future health.
5. Working even when sick
Many people come to work despite being ill. But there are three common sense reasons to stay home — nobody wants your germs, you’ll be less productive and you need your rest to get better.
6. Drinking (too much)
Excessive drinking can lead to alcoholism, liver disease and some forms of cancer.
7. Skipping annual medical check-ups
In order to detect problems early, prevent others from developing and get the best treatment if you have a condition, you need to know what’s going on in your body.
Although, I had taken care of the last 3 points; I am yet to take care of the first 4. Once I take care of all 7 of these, I guess, I can call myself a healthy workaholic.
What about you???
Original Post: The Ultimate Renaissance
Filed under: Indian Culture & Traditions | Tags: anubha, Culture and traditions, Delhi, Delhi fashion, Fashion Show, gift for your wife, HellBoy, indian, Indian designers, marriage anniversary, sulakshana, Suman Das, wedding
Wedding exhibition Bride & Groom was held in Delhi last year. The event showcased everything from this year’s decorating trends to mehendi to clothes and jewellery. Here’s a sneak peek at what trendy couples will be wearing for their nuptials. Fancy looking like a mermaid at your sangeet? This beautiful aqua-silver ghagra choli is from the ‘Manthan of Moods’ collection by designer Sulakshna Monga. Sagar Mehra’s collection sported plenty of colour and jewelled embroidery. Seen here is a heavy but tasteful bridal ensemble in traditional hue, matched with a champagne sherwani for the groom.
Metal glam continues to be a hot favourite this season — a sari by Megha Hasija shows off Mughal inspiration with rich embellishment and shimmery tone.
If you want to make a statement at a cocktail function, this rich dress by Sulakshna Monga is just right — note the encrusted bodice.
This beige ‘n’ gold sari with heavily worked choli, also by Sulakshna, is suited to the bride who doesn’t like too many embellishments.
Designer Anubha’s collection, Le Divas, boasted of several such outfits with becoming touches and light pastel colours.
Designer Radhika poses with a model wearing one of her creations, an Indo-Western fusion in electric colour.
Lovely, huh! Go for a design that suits you the most. Cheers!!!
Filed under: Research | Tags: atoll, coral reefs, HellBoy, howesii, palmyra, pollution, rhodactis, shipwrecks, species, Suman Das, tourism, tribes of honolulu, unwanted
Shipwrecks on coral reefs may increase invasion of unwanted species, according to a recent U.S. Geological Survey study. These unwanted species can completely overtake the reef and eliminate all the native coral, dramatically decreasing the diversity of marine organisms on the reef.
This study documents for the first time that a rapid change in the dominant biota on a coral reef is unambiguously associated with man-made structures. The findings of the study suggest that removal of these structures sooner rather than later is key to keeping reefs healthy.
Overgrowth of coral reefs by other species, such as algae, are usually attributed to environmental degradation, but bleaching, disease, damage by typhoons, overfishing, coastal development, pollution, and tourism can cause problems as well. The study was conducted at Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the central Pacific, a relatively remote, comparatively pristine area where little human activity has occurred since WWII. In 1991, a 100-foot vessel shipwrecked on the a toll. Scientists first surveyed the area in 2004 and found a species called Rhodactis Howesii —an organism related to sea anemones and corals—in low abundance around the wreck.
In subsequent years, however, populations of this organism increased exponentially. Scientists documented extremely high densities of R. Howesii that progressively decreased with distance from the ship, whereas R. Howesii were rare to absent in other parts of the atoll.
They also confirmed high densities of R. Howesii around several buoys. Whether this phenomenon occurs on other coral atolls is unknown; however, in the case of Palmyra, the R. Howesii infestation is beginning to reach catastrophic proportions, according to Dr. Thierry Work, the lead author of the study and a scientist at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station. Within a few years, R. Howesii spread to where it now occupies nearly 1 square mile. “Why this phenomenon is occurring remains a mystery,” said Work.
One possibility, he said, is that iron leaching from the ship and mooring buoy chains, accompanied with other environmental factors particular to Palmyra atoll, are somehow promoting the growth of Rhodactis. “Given the ability of Rhodactis sp. to rapidly reproduce and completely smother reefs, managers are now facing the possibility that even with removal of the ship, sheer reproductive capacity of R. Howesii may continue to fuel its spread along the western reef shelf of Palmyra,” Work said.Understanding what constitutes a healthy underwater ecosystem, as well as what does not, is crucial to preventing further losses in species and habitat.
This research illustrates a little-known problem that, unlike global warming and pollution, could be prevented by removing man-made debris such as shipwrecks from coral reefs before organisms like Rhodactis Howesii can overtake healthy coral reefs.
Filed under: Nature | Tags: Air Pollution, biological waste, Clean Air Act, Global Warming, Greenhouse, Suman Das, World Health Organization
Today, we have many definitions and attributes of air pollution. But what is the real fact? Let’s look into this more closely!
Air pollution is a broad term applied to any chemical, physical (particulate matter), or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.
The atmosphere is a complex, dynamic natural gaseous system that is essential to support life on planet earth.
Stratospheric ozone depletion due to air pollution has long been recognized as a threat to human health as well as to the earth’s ecosystems. Worldwide air pollution is responsible for large numbers of deaths and cases of respiratory disease. Enforced air quality standards, like the Clean Air Act in the United States, have reduced the presence of some pollutants. While major stationary sources are often identified with air pollution, the greatest source of emissions are actually mobile sources, principally the automobile. There are many available air pollution control technologies and urban planning strategies available to reduce air pollution; however, worldwide costs of addressing the issue are high.
The most immediate method of improving air quality would be the use of bioethanol fuel, biodiesel, solar energy, and hybrid vehicle technologies. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.6 million people die each year from causes directly attributable to air pollution. Many of these mortalities are attributable to indoor air pollution. Worldwide more deaths per year are linked to air pollution than to automobile accidents. A Research report published in 2005 suggests that 310,000 Europeans die from air pollution annually. Direct causes of air pollution related deaths include aggravated asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, lung and heart diseases, and respiratory allergies…
Filed under: Common Issues in India | Tags: effect of a grandparent on a child, family, generation gap, life, London Institute of Education, love, love you grandpa, Oxford University, parental separation, Parenting a child, relationships, Society, Suman Das
The first national survey led by Oxford University, in collaboration with the Institute of Education, London, about the relationships that adolescents have with their grandparents shows that grandparents who are involved in the upbringing of their grandchildren can contribute to a child’s well-being.
The research surveyed questionnaires from 1,596 children, aged between 11-16 from across England and Wales, and researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 40 children from a range of backgrounds. Another key finding of the research was that almost a third of maternal grandmothers provided regular care-taking for their grandchildren, with 40% providing occasional help with childcare. The survey reveals that grandparents often have more time than working parents to support young people in activities and are well placed to talk to their grandchildren about any problems the young people may be experiencing. They were also found to be involved in helping to solve the young people’s problems, as well as talking with them about plans for their future.
Principal investigator Professor Ann Buchanan, Director of the Centre for Research into Parenting and Children in the Department of Social Policy and Social Work at Oxford University, will launch the research findings at the annual meeting of the Grandparents’ Association in London on June 4. Professor Buchanan says: ‘We were surprised by the huge amount of informal caring that the grandparents were doing and how in some cases they were filling the parenting gap for hard working parents. Most adolescents really welcomed this relationship. What was especially interesting was the links we found between ‘involved grandparents’ and adolescent well-being.
Closeness was not enough: only grandparents who got stuck in and did things with their grandchildren had this positive impact on their grandchildren.’ It was found that close relationships between grandparents and grandchildren buffered the effects of adverse life events, such as parental separation, because it calmed the children down.
This suggests future investigations should pay more attention to the role of grandparents in developing resilience in young people. A range of factors predicted the involvement of the grandparents in the upbringing of their grandchildren including: living in a less deprived area, frequent contact, and the good health of the grandparent.
The young people surveyed did not view physical proximity as being necessarily important as they used modern technology to communicate. They said they felt grandparents became closer when they undertook some traditional parenting tasks. This study also shows that at times of family breakdown and separation, many grandparents played an important role in bringing stability to their grandchildren. Grandparents were also found to be important in times of family adversity and appeared to help the whole family buffer the difficulties. The researchers conclude that given the grandparents’ role is almost invisible in family policy in the UK, the government needs to rethink the policy implications of this largely positive role and provide more support for the important intergenerational relationships.
Source: Survey Reports from The Oxford University
Filed under: Technology | Tags: Chandra Space Observatory, Milky Way, NASA, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Science, Suman Das, Supernova
Before telling you about the latest supernova that had been discovered recently, Let me explain what exactly a Supernova is:
A supernova (plural: supernovae) is a stellar explosion. They are extremely luminous and cause a burst of radiation that often briefly outshines an entire galaxy before fading from view over several weeks or months. Each explosion ejects from one to several tens of solar masses at speeds ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of kilometers per second. The total kinetic energy, 1044 joules (2.5 × 1028 megatons of high explosive), is about 100 times the total light output, making supernovae some of the highest-energy explosions in the universe. The most recent supernova in our galaxy has been discovered by tracking the rapid expansion of its remains. This result, using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Very Large Array, will help improve our understanding of how often supernovae explode in the Milky Way galaxy.
The supernova explosion occurred about 140 years ago, making it the most recent in the Milky Way. Previously, the last known supernova in our galaxy occurred around 1680, an estimate based on the expansion of its remnant, Cassiopeia A. Finding such a recent, obscured supernova is a first step in making a better estimate of how often the stellar explosions occur. This is important because supernovae heat and redistribute large amounts of gas, and pump heavy elements out into their surroundings. They can trigger the formation of new stars as part of a cycle of stellar death and rebirth. The explosion also can leave behind, in addition to the expanding remnant, a central neutron star or black hole.
The recent supernova explosion was not seen with optical telescopes because it occurred close to the center of the galaxy and is embedded in a dense field of gas and dust. This made the object about a trillion times fainter, in optical light, than an un-obscured supernova. However, the remnant it caused can be seen by X-ray and radio telescopes.
Astronomers regularly observe supernovae in other galaxies like ours. Based on those observations, researchers estimated about three explosions every century in the Milky Way. The tracking of this object began in 1985, when astronomers, used the Very Large Array to identify the remnant of a supernova explosion near the center of our galaxy. Based on its small size, it was thought to have resulted from a supernova that exploded about 400 to 1000 years ago. Twenty-two years later, Chandra observations revealed the remnant had expanded by a surprisingly large amount, about 16 percent, since 1985. This indicates the supernova remnant is much younger than previously thought.
That young age was confirmed in recent weeks when the Very Large Array made new radio observations. This comparison of data pinpoints the age of the remnant at 140 years – possibly less if it has been slowing down – making it the youngest on record in the Milky Way. Besides being the record holder for youngest supernova, the object is of considerable interest for other reasons. The high expansion velocities and extreme particle energies that have been generated are unprecedented and should stimulate deeper studies of the object with Chandra and the Very Large Array. These results are scheduled to appear in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., manages the Chandra program for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory controls Chandra’s science and flight operations from the Chandra X-ray Center in Cambridge, Mass.
Filed under: Research | Tags: Bengali, breath, destiny, family, friends, India, life, poetry, relationship, Research, saint, sorrows, Suman Das, surprise, tears
Tears tremble down my eyes
Without any reason but surprise
They say we are there for you
But ‘m surprised, there are less than a few
Out of curiosity I ask myself-
Why is it salty water and not fire?
I got an answer to my interrogation —
That being cautious with fire harms you less
But a game with water will take you to lapse
A drop of water that slides from my eyes,
Soon rests on my lips like a sad demise
Believe it or not, but it is true
Only your fate and destiny decides, where are you!
Winners and losers, both are sure —
Life is an aim, worth fighting for…
Still somewhere, somehow, they feel
Tears tremble down the eyes
Without any reason but surprise.
Not only saints, but priests do cry
It’s a matter of fate, which runs your life dry
Hold on to your breath,
Hold on to your life,
Hold on to your sorrows,
Until you survive……..
In this long run
Tears tremble down my eyes
Without any reason
But surprise…
Filed under: Nature | Tags: Bangladesh, Bengali, India, Indian forest lands, Indian National Animal, Pride of Bengal, Ramsar wetlands, Royal Bengal Tiger, Salman Rushdie, Suman Das, Sundarbans, UNESCO World Heritage, West Bengal
The Sundarbans (Shundorbon in Bengali) is believed to be the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. Once, it was known as the most “beautiful” forest in Asia. With a vast number of Sundari trees in its abode, it boasted of the highest number of the Indian National Animal, the Royal Bengal Tiger.
This once beautiful place starts at the birthplace of the great Ganges, and is spread over West Bengal (India), and parts of Bangladesh. With a total area of over 10,000 sq km, it was inscripted as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 1997. It was largely known for its Royal Bengal Tigers, unique species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles and snakes. Once home to about 20,000 Bengal Tigers and over 50,000 spotted deer, it was designated a Ramsar site on 21st May, 1992. In the early 18th century, it got the distinction of being the first mangrove forest in the world to be brought under scientific management. In the late 19th century, it was declared a reserved forest, under the Forest Act, 1865.
In around 1911, it was described as a tract of waste country which had never been surveyed, nor had the census been extended to it. It was a water-logged jungle, in which tigers and other wild beasts abounded. Few attempts were made for reclamation, albeit unsuccessfully. Biotic factors here play a significant role in physical coastal evolution and for wildlife a variety of habitats have developed including beaches, permanent and semi-permanent swamps, tidal flats, tidal creeks, coastal dunes, back dunes, and levees.
A total of 245 genera and 334 plant species were recorded in the Sundarbans in 1903. The Sundarbans provides a unique ecosystem and extensive habitats for wildlife.
Apart from the Royal Bengal Tiger, some of the resident species include: the river terrapin, Indian flap-shelled turtle, peacock turtle, yellow monitor, water monitor, and the Indian Python. Some of these species are also protected by the Bangladesh Wildlife Order. Constituting more than 50% of the total reserved forest estate of Bangladesh, it contributes to about 40% of the total forest revenue of the country.
Various non-timber forest products and plantations help generate considerable employment and income generation opportunities for at least half a million of the poor coastal population. The Sundarbans has also been illustrated and widely celebrated in numerous Bengali and English novels, songs, and movies. e.g; Midnight’s Children.
Thanks to the West Bengal Government and its countable attempts to stop poaching, once the home to over 20,000 Royal Bengal Tigers, the Sunderbans now cries out loud only to the remaining 200-odd cats.
Filed under: The Mango Man | Tags: Bengal, common man, Delhi, Diversity, India, Indians, infiniti, Karnataka, North, South, Suman Das, unbound, Unity
Are you a North Indian or a South Indian? This is the very first question that is going to make rounds in your head once you get out of your state. At the first juncture, you would think, “What the hell of a difference does it make? I am an Indian, and that’s it! Whether I am from Kerala or Kashmir, how does it matter?”
Well, at this point of time, this may not be your favorite topic to discuss. Also, at any point of time, given a choice, you would avert this topic to your last breath. But, believe me! I had gone through a tremulous time when I was first asked this question by a sweeper in my college hostel. That was about 8 years ago. But till now, people tend to stick to either being a North Indian or a South Indian. If you are not an Indian, or you have not visited to all parts of India, this might sound crappy to you. But, once you travel in India, you will know that this is no crap; but a hard to believe FACT.
I used to have this friend called Srinivasan Padmanabhan (from Karnataka), and another, called Saket Kaul (from Delhi). Both were very good friends of mine. But just see how different their mentalities were. I will take the topics one-by-one and their responses.
Topic 1: Culture & Traditions
Sri: We South Indians are very traditional. We have a great culture, and each one of us follow that with utmost discipline. Our girls don’t go to late night parties, nor do they have multiple boyfriends. We believe ONLY in arranged marriage.
Sak: Even we have great traditions. We are also very cultural. We are just taking the western culture along with us. This is called globalization. We are not only Indian citizens anymore, we are also Global citizens. Although we have taken in a lot from the western culture, we have not yet forgotten to value relationships and respect elders. Of course, our girls go to late night parties, and might just have more than a single boyfriend! But, that’s quite common, isn’t it!
I told Saket, “ Yaar, I think it is common for all of us. But this kind of a gesture, I think, is more than what is required to prove that you are a global citizen.” To this, he replied, “Grow up, Suman. Won’t you have a back up plan for everything, in case the Plan A doesn’t work out? This is called planning. We also have a rich heritage.”
Topic 2: Color of people
Sri: Why are you guys so obsessed with your color? I mean, it’s okay to be black.
Sak: Go wash your face, man! Why is it that there is a uniform color all over? And, that is Black. Man, there is no end to this. But, one thing is for sure, if we go out in the sun, we become black; and in the winter, we come back to natural. But, you guys are hopeless! Summer or winter, spring or autumn, you remain same.
I told Saket again, “Does this seem to be a problem? What is his fault if he is black? Tomorrow if someone tells you that it is wrong to be fair, then where would you go?” Saket, as usual, has every thing ready in his head. He said, “That will never be the case, kiddo. Coz, Americans are white.”
Topic 3: Climate and weather
Sri: Now, why are we discussing this? We do not have any control over this. Still, I would say that Karnataka and Kerala have the best climatic conditions in India. Please excuse the other South Indian state, Tamil Nadu; I am sure they must be truly jealous of this fact. They don’t seem to have a winter.
I told Sri, “Guys, I think, here Sri has won the battle.”
Sak: Man, you guys only have average kind of weather. You don’t know the fun of going to extremes. You might have a pleasant weather, but we enjoy the peaks.
I told Saket, “Yeah, yeah, I know. The grapes are sour.” And, this time, there was no reply.
Topic 4: Politics
Sri: We have very good politicians by way of Kumaraswamy and Naidu. Nobody has helped their respective states so much in over the last few decades.
Sak: Yeah! Because you don’t have anything else to boast about, that’s why you talk about politics.
I: Sorry guys, not interested in Politics.
Topic 5: Professionalism
Sri: We are professional to the core. We go to office only to work and nothing else. We work really hard all day long; and sometimes we end up working on weekends as well. Our clients also have high expectations from us. But, I don’t know why the North Indian guys get more promotions. Is it because the Head Office is there, or, because the CEO is also a North Indian!
Sak: That’s right! You go to office only to work. You get bored, go to cafeteria, crap about the company, and come back to your hot seat. We get more promotions because we do the work happily. Whenever we feel crappy, we do some good activity, and come back in a cheerful mood. That’s why we are seldom bored.
I: I fully agree to Saket in this. There are so many activities going on all around in the facilities in north India. Here in the South, people have taken up responsibilities, still do not conduct anything. Even if some of them conduct, others feel shy to go and attend, or even be an audience to those activities.
Topic 6: Entertainment
Sri: We have our cultural programmes for entertainment. We have a great film industry, which is making waves nowadays. You Hindi films also copy our films.
Sak: Bullshit! Just because some movies have copied, you can’t say that overall Hindi films only copy your South Indian movies. I mean, how can you guys make, and more than that, even see such crap! Bald people of over 60 years of age put up wigs and dance around the trees with 20-yr old chicks. And, what sense! What makes you guys such BIGGG fans of all the fatty ladies!
I: Here, we go again! Guys, Hindi films are not only for people in the North. Bombay Film Industry is for India as a whole. It is only the regional films that are far away. Agreed that some Hindi movies have copied from South Indian movies, but most have gone as big flops. Moreover, if you are to fight over the film industry, why don’t you put up a fight between the Karnataka Film industry and the Punjab Film Industry. Doesn’t that sound healthy!
Topic 7: Who is a better Indian?
Sri: I don’t know that, but I had heard from our parents and grandparents that we (from Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu) are the sole South Indians. We can even take in Andhra to our group. But, we want a different existence altogether. We don’t want to be a part of your India. And also, we don’t want you Northies to come to our states and spoil our culture with your lifestyle.
I told to Sri, “What the hell, man! Do you know what you are talking about!”
Sak: Just shut up, man! Even we don’t want you to be a part of India. You Blackies! Go and stay in Sri Lanka. And, yes Suman, you wanted to know who is a better Indian, right! Here you go. We are the better Indians. We stay in Delhi, the capital city. We are the ONLY Indians. All you South Indians and Bengalis are a bane to India. You make the black spots at the Indian face, and we are the ones who try and make up for all the shit that you spread.
I: Well, that’s it! I wanted a healthy environment. Just for timepass. Anyways, the power has come back, let’s get back to our rooms and cool ourselves.
This was a session that I had with two of my best friends in college. This was the day, when I decided that I would visit all over India, and see for myself, how diverse are we? Towards the end of this discussion, I could see the fury in both Sri and Sak.
This day, the question still arises in my mind! We say that India has both Unity and diversity. Here, all I could see is diversity. Where is the so-called Unity? Or, does it only come into existence when terrorism shows up, or we see a Cricket match!
