tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49208593535599541922024-03-05T13:51:30.436+05:30a few thoughts here and there Indian BloggerDebolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.comBlogger371125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-73102203045867436342022-02-23T10:43:00.000+05:302022-02-23T10:43:00.512+05:30What I've been up to in the last year, and my YouTube channel<div>It's been more than a year that I have been here and wow have I missed this!</div><div><br /></div><div>A lot went on in the past year, and I have learned to cope and be a saner person. But one thing that has helped me a lot through these last few months, more than a year actually, is to connect more with nature.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have started being outdoors whenever I can, but yet another thing that helped me is bringing the greens to my home. I have grown loads and loads of plants and some bonsai trees in my balconies.</div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, I now have a full kitchen garden that I regularly use to harvest fresh vegetables from, even snip and use fresh while I am cooking.</div><div><br /></div><div>You may be surprised to know but <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/deborummy/videos" target="_blank">I now also have a YouTube channel</a>, a veryyyyy basic one of course, that is a cozy space (or so I believe), and you are most welcome and going to be loved there. The content is similar to me chatting with you, more like friends, so if you wish, you can see me there too.</div><div><br /></div><div>For now, here is an image of me at the lake of a bed I came across in Lonavla, a small hill station in Maharashtra, close to Bombay. For those who know, it is usually a very crowded spot, but I had gone to the interiors, which means that there was barely anyone around, which is what I love. I had clicked some videos of my trek and my time at the lake, and those are up on the channel.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZioGzwKZj7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZioGzwKZj7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; 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font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZioGzwKZj7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Debolina Raja (@debolinaraja)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br /></div><div>Right now I am in the middle of work, but I really badly wanted to get back to my blog, so here I am, jotting down my thoughts for now.</div><div><br /></div><div>And very soon you shall see more.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you do happen to visit here, drop me a comment and tell me who you are and where you are. I wish you a very very pleasant day ahead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Loads of love</div><div>Debo</div><div><br /></div>
And like I always believe in and say: <div>"Heal the world we live in </div><div>Save it for our children" - MJ </div><div><br /></div><div> Debolina Raja </div></div><div><br /></div><div>#nature #outdoors #plants #beingme #mentalhealth </div>Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-69509972387660524862021-01-05T13:22:00.001+05:302021-01-05T13:22:08.356+05:30dil ki lukka chhippi yaad rakhna sadaa by debolina raja <div><div>ऐसी वैसी कैसी बातों ने रातों में रखा जगा </div><div>लगा यूँ ही </div><div>क्यों ही </div><div>भूली भुलाई </div><div>बातों में उलझा समां </div><div><br /></div><div>थमा दिल </div><div>रुका ज़रा </div><div>भरा भरा </div><div>आँखों में जज़्बा कुछ, </div><div>सचमुच</div><div>दिखा </div><div><br /></div><div>लिखा हाथों की लकीडों से अपनी </div><div>ये साड़ी कहानियाँ </div><div>रातों की </div><div>अधूरी बातों की </div><div>अपनी ज़ुबानियाँ </div><div>दास्ताँ </div><div><br /></div><div>रास्ता </div><div>खुद चुना </div><div>सुना, </div><div><br /></div><div>दिल की चुप्पी </div><div>लुक्का छिप्पी </div><div>सारी तन्हाईयाँ </div><div>मेरी सारी बचकानियाँ </div><div>रक्खूँ यूँ ही छुपा </div><div><br /></div><div>दें दस्तकें दिल पे </div><div>चलते फिरते </div><div>मुझको देना भुला </div><div><br /></div><div>और याद रक्खो तो </div><div>दिल के कोने में </div><div>थोड़ी सी देना जगह </div><div>मेरी थोड़ी नादानियाँ </div><div><br /></div><div>साथ ऐसे ही </div><div>भूले लम्हों में </div><div>रहेंगी यूँ ही सदा </div><div><br /></div><div> - देबोलिना राजा </div></div><div><br /></div><div>aisi vaisi kaisi baaton ne </div><div>raaton mein rakha jagaa</div><div>lagaa yoon hi</div><div>kyun hi</div><div>bhooli bhulaai </div><div>baaton mein uljhaa samaa</div><div><br /></div><div>thamaa dil</div><div>ruka zaraa</div><div>bharaa bharaa</div><div>aankhon mein jazbaa kuchh,</div><div>sach much, </div><div>dikha </div><div><br /></div><div>likha haathon ki lakeedon se </div><div>apni ye saari kahaaniyaan</div><div>raaton ki </div><div>adhoori baaton ki </div><div>apni zubaaniyaan </div><div>daastaan</div><div><br /></div><div>raasta</div><div>khud chuna</div><div>suna,</div><div><br /></div><div>dil ki chuppi</div><div>lukka chhippi</div><div>saari tanhaaiyaan</div><div><br /></div><div>meri saari bachkaaniyaan</div><div>rakhoon yun hi chhupa</div><div><br /></div><div>de dastakein dil pe </div><div>chaltey firtey </div><div>mujhko dena bhula </div><div><br /></div><div>aur yaad rakkho to </div><div>dil ke koney mein </div><div>thodi si dena jagah </div><div>meri thodi naadaaniyaan </div><div><br /></div><div>saath aisey hi</div><div>bhooley lamhon mein </div><div>rahengi yoon hi sadaa </div><div><br /></div><div>- debolina raja </div><div><br /></div>And like I always believe in and say: <div>"Heal the world we live in </div><div>Save it for our children" - MJ </div><div><br /></div><div> Debolina Raja </div>Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-27740369205000932762020-09-25T12:13:00.000+05:302020-09-25T12:13:00.876+05:30Forgive and Forget? No Thank You, I'll Remember What You Did<div>From one of the earliest times this is what I've been hearing - Forgive and Forget.</div><div><br /></div><div>Basically what this entails is this - let them go ahead and do as many mistakes and follies they want to, you keep on forgiving and forgetting and let them go on and make more mistakes, at your cost.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I have a big issue with this entire concept.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I keep being the 'goody' me, and give a free rein to others to go on, walk over me, do what they please, because I am expected to forget all the wrong that they did, forgive them for it and move on with a lovely smile pasted on my face and then what? Give them a clean slate to do the same thing all over again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eh, why?</div><div><br /></div><div>Not happening.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since as long as I can remember, this uncle and aunt pair of mine have been insulting my family and have gone about causing us so much trouble and heartbreak that no real sibling would ever do. But of course they did, maybe they took the concept of forgive and forget too close to heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which is what my parents kept following and teaching me and my brother - it's okay, whatever they did is up to them, you forgive, and you forget. That's what good people do.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was a 'good people' for a loooooooooong many years of my life. </div><div><br /></div><div>But thankfully, I have actually grown up in the last few years, and am a much more fair person now. Which also means that I will definitely remember whether you do me good or bad, and whether I forgive or reward you for it will entirely depend on you.</div><div><br /></div><div>So now suddenly this uncle aunty pair have heard it back for the first time in decades - all the injustice they have subjected me and my family to, all the wrongs they did, all the time they blatantly insulted people and never once thought that karma would one day come back to them, that she was just waiting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that karma darling told me to give it back to them, I can't tell you how good I feel, and how wonderfully shocked they have been that all their dark deeds have tumbled out on their face and me and others have been talking about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>You see, the good part about giving back is that it makes you a fair person. It does not make you a bad person.</div><div><br /></div><div>And yes, it also helps remove a lot of the negativity from your own life, because all that negativity that was planted in your life through these negative people has been given back to where it belongs - to those negative people. And if you are smart, you will know that it is best to cut off from them. They should cease to exist for you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which is what I have really wonderfully learnt to do in the recent years.</div><div><br /></div><div>Makes me feel good about myself btw, not guilty.</div><div><br /></div><div>Try it, you may enjoy it too.</div><div><br /></div><div>And tell me all about it ;) </div><div><br /></div><div>- Debolina Raja </div><div><br /></div>And like I always believe in and say: <div>"Heal the world we live in </div><div>Save it for our children" - MJ </div><div><br /></div><div> Debolina Raja </div>Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-57147982494562380942020-09-09T12:10:00.003+05:302020-09-09T12:10:21.932+05:30The mind giving me so many 'me's'<div>Times</div><div>crazy</div><div>weird</div><div>topsy</div><div>turvy</div><div>here</div><div>there</div><div>wild</div><div>mild</div><div>high</div><div>low</div><div><br /></div><div>Moods</div><div>rough</div><div>raw</div><div>crazy</div><div>hazy</div><div>foggy</div><div>unstable</div><div>interrupted</div><div>smiling</div><div>misty</div><div>confused</div><div>wary</div><div>brooding</div><div><br /></div><div>the mind is giving me too many 'me's'</div><div>don't know which one to pick on which days</div><div>let's just go with the flow, shall we.....</div><div><br /></div><div>- Debolina Raja </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>And like I always believe in and say: <div>"Heal the world we live in </div><div>Save it for our children" - MJ </div><div><br /></div><div> Debolina Raja </div>Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-50283816937563514622020-09-04T17:36:00.007+05:302020-09-04T17:36:41.502+05:30the mutual club of smiles<div>he nudged a bit at his end</div><div>she prodded back, amused</div><div>he initiated</div><div>she responded</div><div>he added a third to the chain</div><div>she offered up yet another name</div><div>without any expectation or any claim</div><div>they knew it was mutual</div><div>nothing was forced</div><div><br /></div><div>that was all it took</div><div>to bring out the smiles</div><div>behind the screens</div><div>behind those face masks</div><div>that one hello and that one first message of 'hey, i hope you are doing fine, i miss catching up'</div><div><br /></div><div>life is simple, isn't it?</div><div><br /></div><div>- Debolina Raja</div><div><br /></div><div>And like I always believe in and say: </div><div>"Heal the world we live in </div><div>Save it for our children" - MJ </div><div><br /></div><div> Debolina Raja</div>Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-7235462147335152682020-08-13T12:11:00.003+05:302020-08-13T12:11:57.898+05:30Because i am just too<div>It's one of those days when the jaw feels so heavy and tight</div><div>The limbs aren't moving coz they are too heavy</div><div>The mind is blank</div><div>Words aren't forming </div><div>The heart is quiet </div><div>And all of me is shrouded in a fog....</div><div><br /></div><div>I know i haven't been writing as much as i love to, but honestly, it's getting really difficult to manage my mental health and anxiety.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, 13th of August 2020 marks 5 months and 5 days of being stuck at home, no stepping out, not being able to do my walks even, all because of the lockdown and stay home mandates we're all living through around the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you all are feeling better or good and are healthy and happy and safe.</div><div><br /></div><div>- Debolina Raja </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>And like I always believe in and say: <div>"Heal the world we live in </div><div>Save it for our children" - MJ </div><div><br /></div><div> Debolina Raja </div>Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-53133941056014489092020-04-09T11:20:00.004+05:302022-06-27T11:06:49.657+05:30The Tumbles of the Unbalanced Nights and Sleep<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4ndYq3hKl2tB_fevu9LXAdmTXLHfEnaTo6qMhGELuld4UbVXdEpDgYdAmAfy8xF_25r4ELnm-Qivud0KG50R5OZPRhacs-BGAKVwqDNk8syJv9p4-QJRMh3MlKyXUSgl_r3ne5m0ibA/s1600/dreaming_woman-1296x728-header-1296x728.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1155" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4ndYq3hKl2tB_fevu9LXAdmTXLHfEnaTo6qMhGELuld4UbVXdEpDgYdAmAfy8xF_25r4ELnm-Qivud0KG50R5OZPRhacs-BGAKVwqDNk8syJv9p4-QJRMh3MlKyXUSgl_r3ne5m0ibA/s640/dreaming_woman-1296x728-header-1296x728.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />
i knew i had an early morning to wake up to,<br />
so i thought i would get in bed at a somewhat okayish time,<br />
when the moon was still brightly visible in the dark sky<br />
not that the sky was as dark as i love it to be,<br />
i know,<br />
coz i got out of bed and walked up to the window and looked up<br />
<br />
i could see her all nice and bright<br />
i knew she was shining brighter yet<br />
but the glaring lights that were burning down below here,<br />
were locked in a mindless battle of trying to win the brightness match i guess<br />
<br />
as if she cared.....<br />
<br />
anyway, i missed the really dark sky, but i was thankful<br />
still am<br />
that i could see all of the sky spread out outside my window<br />
that i could see the peak of the mountains just outside my window<br />
that i could smell the salt from the sea breeze coming in inside my window<br />
i was thankful<br />
i was happy still<br />
i was trying to get sleepy<br />
i went to bed<br />
realizing i had beautifully whiled away more than an hour of the time i was meant to try to sleep..<br />
<br />
i woke up somewhere in mehrauli<br />
i don't really know why i went there, honestly<br />
i knew i had gone back to the lanes and bylanes of my youth,<br />
those lanes i had walked around with such snobbish arrogance,<br />
that defied sense and rules<br />
that only meant long hours of mindless ambling along those stone walls and turrets and towers<br />
that play hide and seek in the lanes of mehrauli and hauz khaz<br />
<br />
i was still in a haze<br />
but i knew i was somewhere near hauz khaz<br />
<br />
i was home<br />
in my city<br />
the city of my origin<br />
the city that despite all the times it has let me down<br />
still stays special<br />
and is still my other home now that i am away<br />
<br />
where was i?<br />
<br />
i met so many new faces on the way<br />
wasn't there a lockdown in delhi?<br />
how come all these people were still out and about?<br />
why were they greeting me?<br />
<br />
it was just too much of a mix up<br />
too chaotic<br />
i had been longing to go out on a walk for a month now<br />
i knew i had really wanted this<br />
but i don't think i was ready for this yet<br />
i wasn't ready to meet people yet<br />
strangers or otherwise<br />
<br />
actually, no one please<br />
<br />
i wasn't ready...<br />
<br />
but here i was<br />
amidst the chaos<br />
the cacaphony<br />
the claustraphobia<br />
<br />
i didn't know where i was heading<br />
<br />
i knew i had to get home and sleep<br />
<br />
i was tired<br />
<br />
and even as i broke into a sweat from all that running about and running away<br />
i woke up<br />
<br />
wait,<br />
when did i sleep?<br />
i was still so tired<br />
so so tired<br />
when did i really sleep?<br />
<br />
and if it was still dark outside,<br />
why was i awake, again?<br />
<br />
my window told me the moon was going to start retiring soon<br />
that she was preparing to shed her brightness and sign off for some time<br />
i didn't have the luxury yet<br />
<br />
i didn't have the luxury of sleep yet<br />
<br />
it will come some day<br />
to me<br />
to stay<br />
<br />
till then,<br />
the rough and tumble<br />
and the jumble of this chaotic jungle of mine,<br />
my brain<br />
must continue...<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
**********************************************<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-58546333506255855172020-03-29T19:45:00.000+05:302020-03-29T19:45:23.401+05:30Webinar With Dr. Shashi Tharoor On How The World Has and Will Change Post Covid-19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3_eY705Fi_gCDqTVAD4wNyvEVhyfS_REcOcv2w56iuBViLr0f4ajXF-68LAtm6ZPEyG2jAnY0X9Eh-8NVsctpiy0QwYq6M-DX0S4igEo7TvVttScltNqa7Y3G83XzvWsVdS0dKNFXqA/s1600/Screenshot_20200329-175838_Zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3_eY705Fi_gCDqTVAD4wNyvEVhyfS_REcOcv2w56iuBViLr0f4ajXF-68LAtm6ZPEyG2jAnY0X9Eh-8NVsctpiy0QwYq6M-DX0S4igEo7TvVttScltNqa7Y3G83XzvWsVdS0dKNFXqA/s400/Screenshot_20200329-175838_Zoom.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUTm52mPndaRViKrnr_lUcqS65kLHO0q5hrDmfbQthCwtNoFbsdOlpRdVDWw6mLgMGyLAaGQJSlOlwvS_3C5Cf84y02DnNpgt2CyXtp_RUK6-3G-JDgL-bBRv5Wo3dAcWgCmMa60gCds/s1600/Screenshot_20200329-172727_Zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1480" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUTm52mPndaRViKrnr_lUcqS65kLHO0q5hrDmfbQthCwtNoFbsdOlpRdVDWw6mLgMGyLAaGQJSlOlwvS_3C5Cf84y02DnNpgt2CyXtp_RUK6-3G-JDgL-bBRv5Wo3dAcWgCmMa60gCds/s640/Screenshot_20200329-172727_Zoom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG">Here are some of the key points that were shared during the talk:</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG">Pandemics
have become more frequent in today's world because of a number of reasons that have caused a disturbance in the balance of the world - population growth, environmental damage,
damage to animals - these are enabling the pathogens to cross the earlier boundaries of animal to animal transmission into animal to human transmission, disease and widespread effects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG">Of course something like this creates
economic consequences. In India, the economy is grinding to a halt, daily wage
workers who live on an everyday basis from hand to mouth are losing their jobs. In the US, President Trump is talking about the many ways the economy is being hit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Our PM has no doubt stepped in to curb the spread of the epidemic in India. There has been no
equivalent to what PM Modi has done by creating the lockdown. In these times, especially as a result of the lockdown, our government has become more powerful. It has decreed a
lockdown throughout the country without formally consulting the state governments. </div>
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But our PM is not the only man to use this situation to show his power and authority. Others are
doing so too. One may see strains of the potential rise of the surveillance
stage in various spaces, with a special mention to tracking our privacy. Tracking
people's data is one such instance. As long as it is for Covid-19, it is a good step. But what happens
in the post-Covid world when government uses and checks its populations’ movement in tracking all their movement?</div>
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<span lang="EN-SG"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG">Another
interesting idea that has come up recently is a change in the way cities are designed and inhabited.
Many of our urban cities are very dense and makes social distancing impossible. In a country such as India, people share a room or a tiny apartment. Where is the space to maintain that distancing or to stay indoors safely for such long periods? </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-SG">In this time of Covid, another big change we are seeing is the way we are functioning from home. With the availability of the internet and broadband, the proximity to our jobs
is not going to be as important as earlier, where you have to always be present
at the site of your job, unless you are one of those who work in an industry where you need to be present where your work is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG">Maybe, one of the
answers to balance out the stress on our cities could be to move away from the big cities eventually and enable even the smaller cities to become as independent and advanced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-SG">Covid has
struck some of the most developed countries in the world such as Italy, Spain,
UK. It is showing our global incompetence in handling these medical emergencies. A key question now is </span>how much
will our country spend in these times? Our GDP is not enough. This is a wake up call to
all governments to increase the pay out in these instances.</div>
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<span lang="EN-SG"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-SG">One concern
could be that as you get stronger, national leaders are hoarding up power in
their own country. You may see more isolation arising in many countries. We are
more afraid of others. Example, Americans are saying that the virus came from China and the Americans are calling it the
Wuhan or the Chinese virus. Supply chains are affecting countries in the West, as most of the things are being developed and assembled in China, which was shut down. Now even as China is coming out of the danger, the West are
shutting down. Mr Trump made a comment that we should not be dependent on the
Chinese and we should create our own goods. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-SG">Covid has also increased xenophobia and created suspicion of foreign people. We have seen this in Brexit, in the politics of
Hungary, France and so on. </span>The WHO has
criticized the way China hid the epidemic and did not share facts. Powerful
countries of the international system agree that the WHO has taken a soft stance against China.</div>
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<span lang="EN-SG"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-SG">On an individual level – Covid has brought about negatives of social distancing, increasing xenophobia, tourists being taken
off buses, hotels denying admission to Chinese, north eastern people being
discriminated against. At the same time there is an increase in anxiety and stress. The helplines set up by the opposition party shows that people are disturbed by the
interruption of regular work life pattern, sleep awake patterns are disturbed, there is increased worry about health and safety of loved ones - this can have a big impact on stress
and overall health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-SG">There is also a big concern about the barriers that have come up around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-SG">One
positive that is emerging out of this entire situation is that we may have more respect for nature. Health and environment
have till date had no impact on any election in India. No politician has won an election on
environmental agenda. Maybe after covid it will change. People in Delhi who are
enjoying clean air after so many years may like to think of some change in
policies to see clean air in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-SG">This may also result
in a positive development in the lives of people in our country. </span>Inequality
has measurably risen. The developed and developing countries are seeing a genuine social phenomenon where those who are the poorest in society are finding it hard to cope with the lockdown. Whether it will be exacerbated in future is difficult to say. Another side to this is that, when the poor are no longer
able to consume or demand, the manufacturers will also be hit hard. Death and the virus
may not be equalizers, but they can very well end up becoming levelers. Inequality is a reality and no data suggests otherwise. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, there will be a difference in the way all this takes us back a few years, but how
pick ourselves up and re-stimulate the economy will be important.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As an
opposition we deserve the right to point out issues as well as reserve the
right to give constructive feedback. We can't be expected to march together, else
we will cease to be a democracy. We should unite in issues we clearly agree upon,
and should have the right to put down our foot and inform the govt. about issues
we see are clearly lacking in planning and preparation.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-SG"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-SG">It was bizarre
that our PM gave only 4 hour notice for a 21 day lockdown, whereas he gave a 2 day notice
for a 1 day lockdown. This sudden declaration resulted in massive migration and intermingling of people
as well as hoarding. The opposition had been asking for the economic package
for 15 days before the lockdown, which unfortunately happened once there was already panic among the people everywhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-SG"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The webinar was quite interesting and there was a lot of back and forth about how Covid has brought about a dystopian present, instead of it being a thing of the future. But as Dr. Tharoor shared, let us hope we take all this as a learning and start learning the importance of respecting and acknowledging the importance of nature, and respecting and appreciating what we have, instead of taking everything for granted. </i></div>
<br />
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
*******************************************<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-14568365596186785712020-03-28T16:55:00.002+05:302020-03-28T16:55:35.190+05:30Don't Miss These 5 Short Stories by the British Council, Available Till 29th March 2020<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42AxdPhWWRC9A0qyGeO63R_v7s4OEoyGRAghtclWy1nauwuLOaCwdwqGBYDf5MB5QbyCeUBFxdQFf_h6lZCVAnLxS6vWQ8OnHP5xnH-d5Xm36sIKj7h3cc8zX9E4WQ-XmjkdRoAvqQfI/s1600/LGBTQ_web_banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1600" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42AxdPhWWRC9A0qyGeO63R_v7s4OEoyGRAghtclWy1nauwuLOaCwdwqGBYDf5MB5QbyCeUBFxdQFf_h6lZCVAnLxS6vWQ8OnHP5xnH-d5Xm36sIKj7h3cc8zX9E4WQ-XmjkdRoAvqQfI/s640/LGBTQ_web_banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.kalfound.org/Portals/0/Uploads/Images/Misc%20Graphics/LGBTQ_web_banner.png" target="_blank">image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The world’s largest LGBTQ+ digital campaign - #FiveFilmsForFreedom is now available for Indian audience. Brought to audiences by the British Council, you can watch 5 short films on the stories of LGBTG+ community from different countries – available until 29 march (free, of course).<br />
<br />
These will barely take up much time, I already watched in between some work assignments. If you like watching stories from around the world and like understanding new cultures, this will be something you like :)<br />
<br />
Catch live sessions with thought leaders as they discuss rights of the community on the Facebook and Instagram handles of the British Council.<br />
<br />
#LoveIsAHumanRight @inBritish<br />
<br />
Watch the movies here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/britishartschannel">https://www.youtube.com/user/britishartschannel</a><br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
***************************<br />
<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-39641970100377074692020-03-28T13:39:00.000+05:302020-03-28T13:39:20.202+05:30Movies and Series I'm Enjoying Online What To Watch When You're At Home, Indoors, In Isolation<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zrIPU-lOiE68rrVD4coPHfAx79wN9HNM_RF7SCWrqDsX07Bd-kBqAkcU74f08yCfsppqBBiLRq0A4SIcL5iyCyg1uP4X5HcDc67uqt-9ps5H70ebFl0U_u2igk-MYe7UdYDOWLh54sE/s1600/Online-streaming-cover-Pixabay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="805" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zrIPU-lOiE68rrVD4coPHfAx79wN9HNM_RF7SCWrqDsX07Bd-kBqAkcU74f08yCfsppqBBiLRq0A4SIcL5iyCyg1uP4X5HcDc67uqt-9ps5H70ebFl0U_u2igk-MYe7UdYDOWLh54sE/s640/Online-streaming-cover-Pixabay.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://st1.bgr.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Online-streaming-cover-Pixabay.png" target="_blank">image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It's that time when there's a lot of time to catch some really interesting stuff online. Of course there's a lot of work we're all doing at home as well, whether it's coping with all the chores at home, or working from home too.<br />
<br />
But once you're done and have some time, maybe you could give some of these a watch.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Yeh Ballet</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyEIiZvPkUUfwPVgvhYZc25r5o2-aIs9WmPQlCbsW2DUxOdnplRAl-WxbpmI0GEg1sB4R-cRehDo6_oIU5AMJGJEiw28NUvB5EJ2FNHyz39QEXbyijK1uYuJxYz3z6g3SIFYSDxVzQ1A/s1600/yeh_ballet_netflix_1496229-768x512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="768" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyEIiZvPkUUfwPVgvhYZc25r5o2-aIs9WmPQlCbsW2DUxOdnplRAl-WxbpmI0GEg1sB4R-cRehDo6_oIU5AMJGJEiw28NUvB5EJ2FNHyz39QEXbyijK1uYuJxYz3z6g3SIFYSDxVzQ1A/s640/yeh_ballet_netflix_1496229-768x512.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://beta.hitc.com/static/uploads/hitcn/1761/yeh_ballet_netflix_1496229-768x512.jpg" target="_blank">image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
If you haven't watched it yet, you're really missing out on something! This beautiful movie is based on a true story and inspired by the life of two teenagers from the Mumbai slums who beat society's pressures and went against the pre-set gender-biased norms to excel in Ballet, their means to reach their dream and get themselves and their families a life of respectful living, away from the indignities of the slum life.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Iz8hwaivrIKLl4waao_F76kSBxN9AiSEFM4PBXmhg2B8TvwXrcun94YnPlW_bC9DdN5f8qymos3thI3pCiNHVn9bm5VaoxG7x9j1eLMotGQk0a1iAWPasG7kzyttPpHajKwfHjJAC7s/s1600/Yeh-Ballet--15--1582528489176_170760c66da_original-ratio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Iz8hwaivrIKLl4waao_F76kSBxN9AiSEFM4PBXmhg2B8TvwXrcun94YnPlW_bC9DdN5f8qymos3thI3pCiNHVn9bm5VaoxG7x9j1eLMotGQk0a1iAWPasG7kzyttPpHajKwfHjJAC7s/s640/Yeh-Ballet--15--1582528489176_170760c66da_original-ratio.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://imagevars.gulfnews.com/2020/02/24/Yeh-Ballet--15--1582528489176_170760c66da_original-ratio.jpg" target="_blank">image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These two boys have in fact gone on to be welcomed in some of the biggest names in the Ballet world globally and have truly made their families proud. It's a beautiful telling of how it's important to speak up and fight for your dreams and what is rightfully yours. And to keep trying, especially when it gets more difficult. And if you want more reasons, the ever interesting Jim Sarbh is a crucial part of the storytelling, and if you've watched his other works, you'll know he chooses his stuff with a lot of care. I watched it twice, and still can.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>2. Maska</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB0YUHtwwFE16PStWOCaxt60fl28DOk5B4kcAUV9MKJJBrfV8akbqkF2pcX5Wm-uPzabyPgmF-0n5Xq9dfMUYCLYEa4XBpR4-WK1B6kGKfat29bdTiWYh2h02XD1HJoge3YEDWUMA5IE/s1600/pjimage19+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="532" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghB0YUHtwwFE16PStWOCaxt60fl28DOk5B4kcAUV9MKJJBrfV8akbqkF2pcX5Wm-uPzabyPgmF-0n5Xq9dfMUYCLYEa4XBpR4-WK1B6kGKfat29bdTiWYh2h02XD1HJoge3YEDWUMA5IE/s400/pjimage19+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.news18.com/optimize/le3DEUi57R9bqPlnxBWfWaJ02N8=/532x353/images.news18.com/ibnlive/uploads/532x353/jpg/2020/03/pjimage19.jpg" target="_blank">image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
This feel-good short(er) movie is streaming on Netflix and is a really interesting and cosy look at the old Mumbai in today's world, specifically the story of Bombay's jaan - the Irani Cafes. Now that I call Bombay home, I have been in love with the Irani cafe and culture a lot, and absolutely love the way they add more life and colour to the overall cultural pot of Mumbai.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2o_Y1DyxNaCJ4xV5T7at2NIt3i-oiqPibQEAQaO5iRUddtcVSDgprE8nWmhVD03F-eEkzK-KvvhyYxcMJZo0qqXrPtTH7JLHmyZWnxkh5id9lZfdISXEdvclEyDlEJ1EAB3o0TkDMwg/s1600/maska-review-759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="759" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2o_Y1DyxNaCJ4xV5T7at2NIt3i-oiqPibQEAQaO5iRUddtcVSDgprE8nWmhVD03F-eEkzK-KvvhyYxcMJZo0qqXrPtTH7JLHmyZWnxkh5id9lZfdISXEdvclEyDlEJ1EAB3o0TkDMwg/s640/maska-review-759.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.indianexpress.com/2020/03/maska-review-759.jpg" target="_blank">image source</a></td></tr>
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<br />
Check it out if you live in Bombay, have ever visited or are just curious about the city. I loved it, so may you.<br />
<br />
<b>3. </b><b>The Occupant</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcynY-9rXWMsEnG0jbkV6T_g9AN6NUL3nBz9s-5KJr42jxeXQigJin6Pp_668-gSEYlLb4rHHPdpXZyaWoa-R6myhMoTv1Oendiq__CWONGRMe2-NJ1FqDIrqPsZg8KISKlndo8iMbC8g/s1600/the-occupant-netflix-review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="665" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcynY-9rXWMsEnG0jbkV6T_g9AN6NUL3nBz9s-5KJr42jxeXQigJin6Pp_668-gSEYlLb4rHHPdpXZyaWoa-R6myhMoTv1Oendiq__CWONGRMe2-NJ1FqDIrqPsZg8KISKlndo8iMbC8g/s640/the-occupant-netflix-review.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.heavenofhorror.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/the-occupant-netflix-review.jpg" target="_blank">image source</a></td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
This one is a Spanish movie and streaming on Netflix as well. You can watch it with Spanish or English audio as you prefer, I loved the Spanish version. It's a thriller and quick to watch. Quite interesting, very realistically shot.<br />
<br />
<b>4. All the Adil Hussain movies</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-2nQYF_QI46_CNiNnYHIgC2THPH9HUoRuR9wnk77PNH2x3rw6EBw6rbrUkcEoM9c3Gf7C7mXUaJq0R8QZqKy3rM6ecLKkxN-LEq2Ew6dyuvxX8XRSUx-PX3ZTSWPt7WiUmB7VEobP1w/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="512" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-2nQYF_QI46_CNiNnYHIgC2THPH9HUoRuR9wnk77PNH2x3rw6EBw6rbrUkcEoM9c3Gf7C7mXUaJq0R8QZqKy3rM6ecLKkxN-LEq2Ew6dyuvxX8XRSUx-PX3ZTSWPt7WiUmB7VEobP1w/s640/unnamed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiT0j2ClBuH-PuqEDxRYHdIT9X3xHDdQ5p1XVRvmTw1TbsBmL6AzX5qDdeO_QZijP2XaU4ew_2iwF9gmTZ6QI8zsXaTSYvD25MBzrDN6vQyc9ycTGs0dNoKpWFDqnzvwgfQtEHyoMzExezuv_22Lg=" target="_blank">image source</a></td></tr>
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<br />
Okay so I can't give you all the names, but let me just say that there are some really interesting movies featuring Adil Hussain that are available on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hotstar (I think). These are the only streaming platforms I have, so if it's there somewhere else too, do let me know and I will try and catch. Some of the names that I distinctly remember watching lately are Parched, Angry Indian Goddess, Love Sonia, What Will People Say, Maj Rati Keteki - beautifully pictured (Assamese), Bioscopewala, Delhi Crime.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Self Made: The Rise of Madam C J Walker</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvxP4xX6ksacHsB2_4ZmIce4kMEuEbVkwjPnIGI6T0VOkmMzqABfOSfOTm1qvNzTX2SJHDgoZWkfKob0_Bg1zMW0NtzdBrXmcHuaCbn5Cu2sq0ZGA_U-vMvSoygU6w9gK2zjo5uGvgbM/s1600/Self-Made-real-life-history-f4d2fb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="768" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvxP4xX6ksacHsB2_4ZmIce4kMEuEbVkwjPnIGI6T0VOkmMzqABfOSfOTm1qvNzTX2SJHDgoZWkfKob0_Bg1zMW0NtzdBrXmcHuaCbn5Cu2sq0ZGA_U-vMvSoygU6w9gK2zjo5uGvgbM/s640/Self-Made-real-life-history-f4d2fb1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2020/03/Self-Made-real-life-history-f4d2fb1.jpg?quality=90&resize=768,574" target="_blank">image source</a></td></tr>
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<br />
This again is inspired by real events and is a gripping story of a coloured woman who became the first millionaire black woman in America. A laundry woman, someone who would clean the dirty clothes and linen of the rich white people and get paid a pittance for the same, goes on to create a hair product that is specifically designed for black women. She worked her empire from scratch, giving up her all, to ensure that women of her racial origin would have a hair product that specifically catered to their needs. It's a beautiful story, has limited episodes and is a limited series. It's streaming on Netflix. If it helps, it stars Octavia Spencer, the lovely actor who's also been a big force in the movie adaptation of the book The Help.<br />
<br />
Of course I am looking for a LOTTTT of recommendations, so let me know too :)<br />
<br />
Stay INDOORS INDOORS INDOORS and stay away from anyone who is not immediately already residing in your house.<br />
<br />
Stay safe, stay sane and don't forget to stand at your window or balcony at least for some time through the day... Breathe in the fresh air, look outside and boost your mental health and peace too :)<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
**********************************************************************<br />
<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-34342141849926586532020-03-24T12:29:00.000+05:302020-03-24T15:00:58.260+05:30These Tips Can Help Make The Most Of Our Isolation Times, And Take Care Of Our Mental Health Too<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZXD59CIo3p-vh7eKv1aodXMts5CzjQeqoRg14rmU3mVv2XeJgvtFoeTELRd9DLlhCSQRlLAe7KOtIVgOIBTiJ7hNrjCDp0gGFAiu5M81NEaPRFPCv2NCauwi5EMa2Q3lNAx-T59VYgQ/s1600/D1061_101_010_1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZXD59CIo3p-vh7eKv1aodXMts5CzjQeqoRg14rmU3mVv2XeJgvtFoeTELRd9DLlhCSQRlLAe7KOtIVgOIBTiJ7hNrjCDp0gGFAiu5M81NEaPRFPCv2NCauwi5EMa2Q3lNAx-T59VYgQ/s640/D1061_101_010_1200.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn6.dissolve.com/p/D1061_101_010/D1061_101_010_1200.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
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<br />
I am writing this to share a lot of love and positive vibes in this different time, something that none of us has experienced before.<br />
<br />
I know all of us are in some or the other kind of self-isolation, not going out unless absolutely essential, and overall, being indoors, with less and almost no contact with the social world outside.<br />
<br />
I know it is tough, it is different, and it can get really mind-boggling with sooooooo much information just coming in through our various social media and communication channels. Only very few of these are actually correct or of any good use mind you, and most of them are only creating more panic, confusion, anxiety and uncertainty.<br />
<br />
We all lead really difficult and busy lifestyles, and honestly, we hardly find all this time for ourselves. So now that we have it, here are a few things we could do, instead of worrying and cribbing about this isolation :)<br />
<br />
<b>1. Tell someone that you care</b><br />
A simple text asking your friends how they are feeling and asking them to take care of their health and relax could be a beautiful way to make someone know you are thinking of them. It could be anyone honestly - your family members who live away from your home, your parents, your children, your colleagues, neighbours, friends, people you know a little, and yes, even your help (!) why not? :) It may be just a simple message, SMS or whatsapp or any other form you choose, even video messages, but it will mean a lot to them.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Get that fitter body now</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7WDq9vJX0D/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">And continuing the sweet news, our kickboxing session ended on a sweet note today, as sir @rahulrta shared delicious til laddoos. No pic to share as gobbled them up 😊 There's so much love and positivity around, I guess it's all about channeling your inner being and connecting on that bright note. Enough debo gyaan, I hope u got something yummy too! #sharing #kickboxing #festival #makarsankranti #sweets #til</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2020-01-15T15:03:52+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 15, 2020 at 7:03am PST</time></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9dq0v0pylP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9dq0v0pylP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">A great start to the day, thanks to the inspiring @rahulrta and his constant motivation. It's Women's Day today, but honestly, I think now it's important to understand, respect and include all genders on an equal footing, letting every gender feel safe, happy and inspired to do and feel their best, so that collectively we become better humans in a better and more positive society. And enough of the marketing gimmicks. Let's just appreciate each other everyday. Thank you so much sir for helping me stay positive and not get bogged down with injury. We'll handle the doctor ;) hai na. Missed you Priya. @diyaagarwal238 #stronger #workout #kickboxing #weekend #inspiredbyyou #sir #positivevibes #positivethoughts #growingstrong #feelinghappy #oneworld #inclusive</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2020-03-08T07:03:28+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 7, 2020 at 11:03pm PST</time></div>
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Yayyyyyy, no more worries about not having enough time to hit the gym or exercise. See, now you have alllll the time you could possibly ask for, so why not use it to get fitter and reach your health goals, based on what you want (don't worry about getting thin or getting to so-and-so weight unless YOU want to). You will find a tonnnnnnn of easy home workout videos online. Or, if you want to keep it really light and basic for now, start with on-the-spot jogging, arm/wrist/ankle rotations, push-ups, crunches, planks, jumping jacks and so on. These don't take up much space, don't need any equipment, can be done any time when you want and you can also break them up in batches if you feel too tired. A fun way could be to do it together with your friends or family on a video call :)<br />
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<b>3. Switch off from all gadgets</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9wY2fepxyA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9wY2fepxyA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">My perfect evening. A beautiful book, lagoon by Niki Brantmark , a cup of old style Bru instant coffee (which takes me back to my student days when baba would make it for me as I studied), some of my green babies and the open sky and sea. Peace. Me. Alone yet not alone or lonely. And so happy. It's been about 2 years now I've adopted the strict policy of no work on weekends, and honestly, I couldn't have been happier and less stressed. It has worked wonders for my sanity, my physical as well as mental health. If you don't already do it, please take out time for yourself. It's important. Do what pleases you, and what gives you that sense of calm and happiness. Hugs. #lagom #swedishlife #evening #balcony #coffee @brucoffeein #brucoffee #reading #readingnow #lovebooks #booklover #peace #quiet #sky #sea #free #calm</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2020-03-15T13:31:59+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 15, 2020 at 6:31am PDT</time></div>
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And take a day and night to sleep or just lie down even! When was the last time you got so much luxury time? Worried about cooking and cleaning and doing chores around the house? It can all wait, it's not like you have to rush out of the house for a meeting or any other work soon, right? ;)<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7SujcIJ9H5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">And lunch is done, just the way I love...refreshing big bowl of salad with the Dilli waali kakdi, tomatoes, pudina leaves (mint), a dash of rock salt, black pepper and lime and a sprinkling of melon seeds. The chillies were too spicy today, just what I love, but could only manage 3... And of course, my books for now - A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle and An Era of Darkness by Shashi Tharoor. #lunch #salad #tomatoes #kakdi #cucumber #healthyeating #lovesalad #readingnow #ayearinprovence #petermayle #eraofdarkness by #shashitharoor @shashitharoor #lovebooks #mustread</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2020-01-14T08:01:37+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 14, 2020 at 12:01am PST</time></div>
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Or do something that makes you feel relaxed. I am enjoying having my long chai and reading and re-reading sessions!<br />
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<b>4. Get creative with recipes</b><br />
Not elaborate ones though (unless you have the priviledge of having a live-in help). Try and keep your ingredients and utensils as minimum as you can, and see what all you can rustle up. Also, remember that this is a time to hoard less and use up things that are already in the house, and that you need to use them carefully so that you can do more with less, and let everyone be able to buy their share of essentials from the stores.<br />
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<b>5. Create a gifting list now</b><br />
Now that you have so much time to sit back and relax, you can also create a wishlist of things you want to gift others. Of course not right now, but you can always keep them in the cart and save them for later. Get thoughtful and creative. Think about the person and their individual personality, and browse for things that you feel they would like.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Easy art</b><br />
Depending on whether you want to take it easy or go really all out (especially if you have the supplies ready at home), you can try out some fun art stuff at home and make your very own room decor now. Maybe some fun cut-outs that you can use to liven up the windows or the walls, or just some simple doodling, or even try using the waste from your home to create some fun best-out-of-waste kind of things.<br />
<br />
<b>7. Watch your favourite vintage shows</b><br />
Did you know that now you can watch a lotttt of your favourite Doordarshan shows on YouTube? Check out your favourite ones and relive those magical TV days.<br />
<br />
<b>8. Treat your skin with love</b><br />
Take small amounts of the good stuff from your kitchen, such as curd, honey, turmeric, besan (gram flour), raw milk and use these to make some natural and very good old-style ubtans, or face masks. Put it on, lie back and relax.<br />
<br />
<b>9. Get on the video call</b><br />
Get your group together on video call and<br />
<br />
<b>10. Sleep</b><br />
It's really important that you get enough sleep, now and always. But since you may not always get the time to do so, try and sleeping a little longer each day. You could try getting in bed an hour or two earlier, or wake up a little late, especially as no help will come in to ring the doorbell for now. It's great for your skin, delays the ageing process, improves your mental and physical health and will also help to manage your weight better.<br />
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And eat well too!<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-BhQeYpy5V/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-BhQeYpy5V/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Yummy healthy filling start to the day, as I look out at the empty streets and just the birds floating around. It's just so so peaceful right now. No horns. No annoying noises. Peaceful and the sound of loved ones around. The sound of solitude as well. Beautiful. Be sensible and smart. There's a reason we're trying to avoid going out as much as possible, so stop taking this time as a holiday and stop being a selfish fool. Those last minute parties and events and getaways - stop now. If you don't value yourself, good. Just value others. Stay safe, sane, happy and relax. The world needed this time to switch off, relax, recuperate and come back happier and stronger, as a whole. So breathe, smile, let your heart and mind relax and recharge. #stayhome #staypositive #staysafe #behome #lockdown #mumbai #india #peaceful #calm #solitude #healthymorning #chiaseeds #chiaseedpudding #cinnamon #flaxseeds #fruits #healthyeating #sky #mywindow #myspace</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2020-03-22T05:12:32+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 21, 2020 at 10:12pm PDT</time></div>
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And yes, don't worry about being in a routine right now if you are already feeling overwhelmed or too tired with all the extra house work. I know it can get so difficult being stuck indoors all the time, especially if you love being outdoors, but feeling upset about it isn't really working out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9DaoFlpUij/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">It's tough for me to share. Maybe that's why, I'm always so naturally attracted to windows, and if they are the old styled ones, even better. I'd have the wooden old style windows anyday, instead of the big glass ones that's everywhere these days. They are open in their view, but somehow, they still make me feel trapped. This cost corner on the other hand, made me feel so free, even as I chose to stay inside the window, as the world slowly went past outside. Why slowly? Because it's Goa. Because they know that it's just this life, so why not go about it everyday and actually take the time to live it for real too? Rather than just running and rushing through it. Those trees, that sky, that warm but soothing breeze. Thanks for always embracing me like this Goa. @goa_tourism #lovegoa #bluesky #clearsky #palmtrees #window #open #view #happiness #goa #india</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2020-02-27T02:21:40+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 26, 2020 at 6:21pm PST</time></div>
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<br />
<br />
I'm missing you a lot Goa :( And yes, it's getting more and more difficult for me to stay okay when I can't go out for my walks. But I am going back to my happy space in my mind allll the time, and it helps. I truly wish the happy space in your mind helps you too, and I am sending a lot of hugs and positive vibes to go along with it as well.<br />
<br />
So go and stand at your window or balcony whenever you miss the outdoors, and smell in the fresh air. And feel good about yourself that you are safe, in a comfortable and cosy space, with those you love around you and your comfort things with you.<br />
<br />
Take care of yourself. First. Then move on to others :)<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
******************************************<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-78477467308128528732020-02-29T22:02:00.002+05:302020-02-29T22:02:56.561+05:30India, is this really you? In 2020? <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasKg53yKYC5-5Nu7HeJHcUI5VP_KerjgogfOqWusDEcnJrgsKR56wBAeN2NL-3INA82YXKv_r3xU7UazGSfjbsxwuHPnGmHRBc_Yek_i8lmo5Y2V-8ScVCMESg1CB3zaYLtF-ArUZNQI/s1600/41d571fa756dc7e43ddf2f469ddc2c6b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="500" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasKg53yKYC5-5Nu7HeJHcUI5VP_KerjgogfOqWusDEcnJrgsKR56wBAeN2NL-3INA82YXKv_r3xU7UazGSfjbsxwuHPnGmHRBc_Yek_i8lmo5Y2V-8ScVCMESg1CB3zaYLtF-ArUZNQI/s400/41d571fa756dc7e43ddf2f469ddc2c6b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />
For almost 11 years now, she comes in through my door early morning every single day. It's only for the past few months that she has finally started to take 1 day off in the week, on my repeated insistence.<br />
<br />
Making sure my home stays and looks spic and span, ensuring everything is in place, neat and clean, in order.<br />
<br />
She comes in twice, barely speaks, smiles at anything I say, and always nods her head along with that soft voice of hers.<br />
<br />
Any time she visits her village, she ensures she gets me tiffin boxes loaded with sweets, even though she knows very well I don't like or eat sweets, even though she barely has enough money to make ends meet, not enough to ever buy herself new saris, instead wearing the same old torn ones, unless maybe I or someone else steps in and gets her new ones.<br />
<br />
Never enough money to go out even for a few hours of recreation anywhere.<br />
<br />
Never enough money to get treatment that can help her paralyzed husband.<br />
<br />
Never enough money to get herself a solid home, a solid room that she could clean and keep for herself.<br />
<br />
Never enough money to shield her from the constant glare of the people on the streets, from the public eye, even as she slept, barely concealed under an open shelter of 4 bamboo poles and a tarpaulin to cover it, lying in the middle of a wild growth that was all she could call home.<br />
<br />
But always with a smile.<br />
<br />
And a lot of good pride to refuse any help and offer of a health insurance.<br />
<br />
<i>Thank you, but I will arrange the money for some medicine. I don't need this now, if I do need I promise I will ask you.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
She had said every time I asked her and tried to force her.<br />
<br />
Always calling me from her village to ask if I was fine, if things were fine. If I was inconvenienced because she was not around.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, in the dead of night, she had to somehow take her paralyzed old husband and leave. Leave for the train station.<br />
<br />
Lost her 'home' and any little belonging she had, which were a few old utensils I had given her earlier, 4 or 5 saris, 2 bottles of water (that I had given her long ago), a pair of old slippers, and a few other things - all taken away by the Municipality officials and the police, and thrown away at a burial ground far away, dumped with a lot of other stuff.<br />
<br />
Aadhar Card and PAN Card taken and thrown away as well - and when she tried to stop them from taking those two documents, they hit her with a lathi (stick) on the back.<br />
<br />
Told her to go and look for those 2 cards in the dump later.<br />
<br />
Told her now that she didn't have her documents, she would have to leave immediately and go back to wherever she came from. That she was illegal. That even though she told them her nationality, they said she couldn't prove it without paper, and that even if she got it back, they wouldn't believe her.<br />
<br />
That they would come back in the night, and if they found her anywhere, they would beat her and put her in jail.<br />
<br />
Even though they had been taking money from her for all these years, promising each time that if she gave the money they would let her stay, then coming back after a few days and telling her to move as they would otherwise remove her.<br />
<br />
Each time, they asked for money again, she gave whatever little she had, and they left, and it continued.<br />
<br />
The soft spoken one who never in all these years has once hurt anyone with her actions or words.<br />
<br />
The one who would make sure she got me homemade delicacies each Eid, putting all her money in the meal preparation, keeping all the good pieces of food for me and not bothering to have the best ones herself. Ensuring I got lots of sevaiyaan, lots of sweets, jaggery from her hometown whenever she visited her village.<br />
<br />
Each time. Without fail.<br />
<br />
We failed her didn't we?<br />
<br />
I can't believe I couldn't do more for her.<br />
<br />
That I couldn't help her.<br />
<br />
Her fault?<br />
<br />
I am sure you guessed.<br />
<br />
I didn't guess. I know what's going on.<br />
<br />
I'm shamed, I'm sad, I'm angry, I'm really really disappointed and upset at myself, and at us all.<br />
<br />
I can't stop thinking where and how she is. I can only hope. That the voice that called me one last time and wept silent tears while telling me she would have to leave right away is fine, somewhere.<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
And like I always believe in and say:
"Heal the world we live in
Save it for our children" - MJ
Debolina Raja Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-27018868187086396062020-02-29T21:40:00.002+05:302020-02-29T21:40:40.297+05:30Ab Na Achchhey Din Naa Raatein, Kar Lo Ghamand<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rkzLrP0XGOV3Si5oTaPcAHSr8N-KgAWlMzEEHsxS8kAreOQL3VxyWG_xQLHt3mvsR0_tq_TxKDXgtUv0CdEkGH6Lrv4sujRIZFUO3gZOR75twf6qqv5Mq7RPW-OJjOFaBzYYHP1nCko/s400/d5nmn27-04bc366f-3124-47b7-816c-a2fa2835a0cb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/5d4eb42c-9392-4058-891c-4365a7499a48/d5nmn27-04bc366f-3124-47b7-816c-a2fa2835a0cb.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzVkNGViNDJjLTkzOTItNDA1OC04OTFjLTQzNjVhNzQ5OWE0OFwvZDVubW4yNy0wNGJjMzY2Zi0zMTI0LTQ3YjctODE2Yy1hMmZhMjgzNWEwY2IuanBnIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.GzGVVrG_2F7-oKDMWqB09MVu294kCUKOpikJUHaX4zY" target="_blank">image credit</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">गये देखो वो अच्छे दिन,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">अब ना अछे दिन बचे,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ना ही चैन की और कोई रातें</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ना दोस्त बचे ना दुष्मन</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">गई गलियों की जान पेहचानें</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">बन्द कर लो खिड़की दर्वाज़े</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">छुपा ही लो अब अपना ज़मीर भी (बचा है क्या अभी तक?)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">चले गये देखो अब वो भी दुनिया से सच में</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">जिनके नाम पर कहते हो बंटवारे हों</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">जिनके पैरों पर दर पर माथा टेकते हो</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">और पीठ पीछे</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">उनहीं के बनाये इंसान को काटते हो</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">शर्म नहीं</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">गर्व करो खुद पर</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">अछे दिन तो नहीं</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">शायद तुम्हे अच्छी नींद ही आ जाये</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">है ना ?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">- देबोलीना राजा</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<i>gaye dekho vo achchhey din,</i><br />
<i>ab naa achchhey din bachey</i><br />
<i>naa hee chain ki aur koi raatein </i><br />
<i>naa dost bachey naa dushman</i><br />
<i>gai galiyon ki jaan pehchaanein</i><br />
<i>band kar lo khidki darvaazey</i><br />
<i>chhup hee lo ab apnaa zameer bhi (bachaa hai kya abhi tak?)</i><br />
<i>chaley gaye dekho ab vo bhi duniya se sach mein</i><br />
<i>jinkey naam par kehtey ho bantwaarey hon</i><br />
<i>jinkey pairon par, dar par, maathha tektey ho</i><br />
<i>aur peethh peechhey</i><br />
<i>unhin ke banaaye insaan ko kaattey ho</i><br />
<i>sharm nahin</i><br />
<i>garv karo khud par</i><br />
<i>achchhey din to nahin</i><br />
<i>shaayad tumhey achchhi neend hi aa jaaye</i><br />
<i>hai na?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>- debolina raja </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
#shame #indiaweeps #dontsupportbias #onereligion #onelove<br />
<br />
<br />
And like I always believe in and say:
"Heal the world we live in
Save it for our children" - MJ
Debolina Raja Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-88984788742814555782020-02-11T08:57:00.002+05:302020-02-11T08:57:23.780+05:30Lyrics Sweet As Candy for Valentine’s Day with Lyricfind's LyricMerch<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://ctl.s6img.com/society6/img/KuqHUCxLORWquRN-L7q2GI8HVyU/w_1500/prints/~artwork/s6-original-art-uploads/society6/uploads/misc/39e84ac184be472792c44c9f7cad41b5/~~/love-pop-art1902395-prints.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ctl.s6img.com/society6/img/KuqHUCxLORWquRN-L7q2GI8HVyU/w_1500/prints/~artwork/s6-original-art-uploads/society6/uploads/misc/39e84ac184be472792c44c9f7cad41b5/~~/love-pop-art1902395-prints.jpg" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's the season of love (every day is, but this is when we decide to really go all out and shout it out from our windows and social media posts and whatnots, right?) and we just can't seem to get enough ways to express our love to those who are so special to us and mean the world.<br />
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This year, <a href="https://www.lyricfind.com/" target="_blank">LyricFind</a>, The World's Largest Lyric Licensing Service has decided to share all this love for Valentine's 2020 with a special line of LyricMerch that is exclusively dedicated to songs featuring candy and sweets.<br />
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LyricFind's "Sweet Lyrics" LyricMerch showcases a range of hoodies, phone cases, t-shirts, cute mugs and more, that feature lyrics from some really popular songs. Take a look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNwT5U3ZkWgcjEkX3oj04uf6av-uj9shD4TTDddaRamFzOBpPnSiPoV8YjW5_iTmLl91v5AeoATfOIpvNv8dIvI2CJISsDveuARN7Qq7tlK2pXABSWHnk40cRa8FWmKS5yXArZKNNf28/s1600/Post-Malone-ft-21-Savage_Rockstar.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNwT5U3ZkWgcjEkX3oj04uf6av-uj9shD4TTDddaRamFzOBpPnSiPoV8YjW5_iTmLl91v5AeoATfOIpvNv8dIvI2CJISsDveuARN7Qq7tlK2pXABSWHnk40cRa8FWmKS5yXArZKNNf28/s640/Post-Malone-ft-21-Savage_Rockstar.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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"Rockstar" - Post Malone, 21 Savage<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzwjOygcgeuandN1IZtBx7nbm338FILuxWdYeOSDihoZiSiJ1uSVVJImSC66Q0yRbNL3k4NtY0PWXBIXzaaktoNUw_4_S5QAQUMFrdWssFEmjEJqIBkTeaywPf8UffvnRy25_VaVI2S4/s1600/Frank-Ocean-ft-Andre-3000_Pink-Matter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzwjOygcgeuandN1IZtBx7nbm338FILuxWdYeOSDihoZiSiJ1uSVVJImSC66Q0yRbNL3k4NtY0PWXBIXzaaktoNUw_4_S5QAQUMFrdWssFEmjEJqIBkTeaywPf8UffvnRy25_VaVI2S4/s640/Frank-Ocean-ft-Andre-3000_Pink-Matter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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"Pink Matter" - Andre 3000, Frank Ocean<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqmGJ__YVA9OgXXpIrQRTSlveZUIyiTWJLQPV_kjQON_suGEbn8G4J7HH1u-Bw_qFI47itqSPT2dxIpnV4MKiRQpKIvVdBv-_vsSTKMA_jeip4eGIbMtns3EVxWzsO4s6kcFeeeQRDLE/s1600/Mariah-Carey_Candy-Bling.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqmGJ__YVA9OgXXpIrQRTSlveZUIyiTWJLQPV_kjQON_suGEbn8G4J7HH1u-Bw_qFI47itqSPT2dxIpnV4MKiRQpKIvVdBv-_vsSTKMA_jeip4eGIbMtns3EVxWzsO4s6kcFeeeQRDLE/s640/Mariah-Carey_Candy-Bling.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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"Candy Bling" - Mariah Carey<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHg7dST8jbvNJSZTtnds4IgreNuM5z2ChNIEZ2zIHjiIgOOoBHLzxkbgBMJ-ccQu1ATxiynfzqdtPLVSY7KG9na-rq-T4pP-vhyDoRXbpxAe6IBR_Sg-3vXcUypV1tkzFPyuBA70s6t10/s1600/All-Time-Low_Drugs-and-Candy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHg7dST8jbvNJSZTtnds4IgreNuM5z2ChNIEZ2zIHjiIgOOoBHLzxkbgBMJ-ccQu1ATxiynfzqdtPLVSY7KG9na-rq-T4pP-vhyDoRXbpxAe6IBR_Sg-3vXcUypV1tkzFPyuBA70s6t10/s640/All-Time-Low_Drugs-and-Candy.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Drugs & Candy" - All Time Low<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEbhLUjJbZfvYqDerttV_ylgYSlGKfKz926OxgSrJGcLlIGhaib1np-pR3kXzqD6zacFk219o4QEylzEidHznYE-Cxy73oHCmMKQO8lvyGGtaNXuBY2ZqP31FAfTKiki0etKXL822xYQ/s1600/Anitta-with-Becky-G_Banana.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEbhLUjJbZfvYqDerttV_ylgYSlGKfKz926OxgSrJGcLlIGhaib1np-pR3kXzqD6zacFk219o4QEylzEidHznYE-Cxy73oHCmMKQO8lvyGGtaNXuBY2ZqP31FAfTKiki0etKXL822xYQ/s640/Anitta-with-Becky-G_Banana.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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"Banana" - Anitta, Becky G<br />
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I especially love the pastel and pop art look and feel of the merch, so am definitely going to check out some soon for myself.<br />
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You can find all of these "Sweet Lyrics" LyricMerch <a href="https://lyricmerch.com/search/?tag=sweet+lyrics" target="_blank">right here</a> on the LyricMerch site.<br />
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Go on, find something for the one you love, and hey, that also means you first, so don't forget to get something for yourself too.<br />
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Share the love, and remember to love yourself, every day :)<br />
<br />
If no one told you this already today, let me tell you what a wonderful soul you are, and I send you lots of positive vibes and love, even more so in this season of love....<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja <br />
<br />
***********************************************************<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-57312111242146924362020-01-31T12:04:00.001+05:302020-01-31T12:04:39.824+05:30Taking A Step Back<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7pWTyFpjQv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7pWTyFpjQv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Its soooooooo difficult for me to open my eyes in the morning, is it the same for you too? Do tell. Just one more minute. I'll finish that dream. Just two more minutes. I'll turn the other side and see how it feels. Three. But I just slept now! Morning already. Four. Promise. Just another minute. Okay last, five minutes please. I hate you. Alarm clock. #sleepy #goodmorning #earlymorning #wakeup #wanttosleep</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2020-01-23T02:52:18+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 22, 2020 at 6:52pm PST</time></div>
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<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
It suddenly came to me today.<br />
<br />
As I was working from home.<br />
<br />
Sitting quietly at my desk.<br />
<br />
Just going through the usual.<br />
<br />
The fog appeared out of nowhere.<br />
<br />
Took me in.<br />
<br />
Held my hand.<br />
<br />
Embraced me.<br />
<br />
But for a change, this time, not all was dark.<br />
<br />
I didn't get swallowed in completely.<br />
<br />
I didn't fall into the deepest pits of depression or anxiety.<br />
<br />
That I am usually prone to vanish into all of a sudden.<br />
<br />
I realized that one of the funniest bits here is that, while we are all talking about space and society and whatnot, we're actually living in this huge big space that is more like a community-living, with no windows anywhere.<br />
<br />
So what next?<br />
<br />
Maybe this is what I will try for the coming times.<br />
<br />
Coz it helped me this time.<br />
<br />
I switched on my own window, the one that stays quietly and usually in my heart.<br />
<br />
I brought down the shutters.<br />
<br />
Closed it in.<br />
<br />
And made my own safe space.<br />
<br />
Took no calls.<br />
<br />
Logged off the computer.<br />
<br />
Didn't respond to the bell at the door.<br />
<br />
Just me.<br />
<br />
Quiet.<br />
<br />
Away.<br />
<br />
Breathing.<br />
<br />
Deep and slow and on and on.<br />
<br />
Lifting away the fog.<br />
<br />
And as it calmed down and away, I took out a book, ruffled through a few pages, then took a small break again.<br />
<br />
I am better now.<br />
<br />
Back.<br />
<br />
But next time, if you find yourself in a space like me, close in your window for a while and be by yourself, if it helps.<br />
<br />
Or.<br />
<br />
If you have someone to talk to, who will listen to you even just like that, call them.<br />
<br />
You're lucky if you can talk, because I can't. So do it if that makes you happy :)<br />
<br />
P.S. - Since I suddenly went off all meds, there have been a lot of improvement in my overall health. Some of my internal bleeding issues have also gotten a little better, but yes, the body and the mind does rebel a lot, and that is when I am going to use this window the most.<br />
<br />
Lots of love, bestest vibes and hugs to you :)<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
*********************************************************<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-5331022637052944752020-01-20T09:52:00.000+05:302020-01-20T09:52:05.833+05:30This is how CIDCO is destroying the environment and killing flamingoes! <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7gfEgJpvfE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7gfEgJpvfE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">The flamingoes come each year to the wetlands inside the mangroves in navi Mumbai, knowing they are coming home. So close to humans, which means they trust us now. And what do we do? Take away that trust by trying to take away the land and turn it into a golf course and a plush residential complex??? Have you guys lost it? I know money speaks many languages and words, but for a change, let your mind and heart and better sense speak too! The Adani Group may be a big name, the government may have the utmost power, but precious life and environment is to be nurtured, cared for and to be saved. If you're really so powerful, do that, instead of uprooting them. And instead of doing your all to save these beautiful birds and welcome them, you're getting ready to cover this all up for what?? To sell and fill your bulging pockets??? Shame! It's my nature, it's my city, my environment - how dare you try and mess with it? Shame! You have all the power and this destruction is what you believe in? Shame! @devendra_fadnavis @uddhavthackeray please help us all save them and us.. will you please? #saveflamingoes #protectflamingoes #navimumbai #flamingoes #myhome #mycity #protectenvironment #savenavimumbaiwetlands @savenavimumbaienvironment #wetlands #wetlandsconservation #speakup #actnow #nofilter #earlymorning</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2020-01-19T16:15:42+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 19, 2020 at 8:15am PST</time></div>
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</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
If you have ever read or heard about the flamingoes, especially the pink flamingoes, you may be aware that they are not such a common sight, and event coordinators in fact end up creating specific tours around these beautiful birds, to give us humans a chance to see them up close.<br />
<br />
And here I am, in Navi Mumbai, right near our precious mangroves and wetlands on Palm Beach Road, which have been home to these pink flamingoes for years and years now.<br />
<br />
Each year I have been careful to venture out quietly inside the mangroves, to see these lovely birds in their home, that they have so lovingly created amidst the growing landscape of high rises.<br />
<br />
Each year these birds come to us, trusting us to be the good hosts that we pretend we are, trusting us to protect and preserve their quiet, cozy habitat, to take care, nurture and help us all co-exist peacefully and lovingly.<br />
<br />
And what are we doing?<br />
<br />
The same mangroves and green cover that protects this part of Mumbai from the infamous Mumbai floods, that should be nurtured and preserved in order that we may continue to live peacefully, are being targeted from all quarters and seats of power.<br />
<br />
As if the Aarey debacle wasn't shameful enough, despite all the promises that were being made about protecting our green cover, about ensuring citizens will be heard, about respecting nature and our environment, what does our government do?<br />
<br />
CIDCO, or the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra, gives permission to suddenly and urgently chop off 700 trees. Yes, you read that right. Cut off 700 trees just like that, from a prime part of these precious mangroves. And why? So that a golf course and a plush residential complex can be built.<br />
<br />
I actually was fool enough to think that CIDCO also stands for Development, but come on, if this is development, then what is Destruction?<br />
<br />
And what's sad is that, all this is being done even as a case is pending in the Supreme Court about such mindless cutting of trees and destroying nature. So does this mean that CIDCO or these government agencies have no respect for our justice system? Forget about the humanitarian angle, but doesn't this go on to show that rules, laws and regulations have no importance for them?<br />
<br />
Most places are not naming the builder, but let's just try and phrase it in a little 'safer' way and go on to say that it has been rumoured that the Adani Group has bagged the deal to go ahead and use this spot to build its projects that will earn it unthinkable amount of money.<br />
<br />
Well, I am trying to play it safe here because in the past, I have been myself and blatantly taken names, with full proof, and faced the brunt of it from authorities who were angered at their name being taken so openly. So if tomorrow you read about something like this and connect the names, well :)<br />
<br />
What's going on really? Are we, as the human race, so insensitive and blind to the reckless way we are destroying our own home, our planet, our nature?<br />
<br />
Do we really not understand how important these eco-systems are for our very survival?<br />
<br />
Is this really the world we are striving to leave behind for our future generations?<br />
<br />
<a class="notranslate" href="https://www.instagram.com/devendra_fadnavis/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">@devendra_fadnavis</a><br />
<a class="notranslate" href="https://www.instagram.com/uddhavthackeray/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">@uddhavthackeray</a><br />
<a class="notranslate" href="https://www.instagram.com/adityathackeray/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">@adityathackeray</a><br />
<br />
<i>Itna paisa lekar aakhir kahaan jaaogey?</i><br />
<i>Ek vahi to jagah milegi,</i><br />
<i>Jahaan hum sab dubaara saath hongey...</i><br />
<i>For the ever and the after</i><br />
<i>Toh abhi se saath jeena seekh lo,</i><br />
<i>Marney ka intezaar kyun? </i><br />
<i>Abhee se jeena seekh lo thoda,</i><br />
<i>Shaayad aakhirkaar jeena aa hi jaaye...</i><br />
<i>Nahin?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
#saveflamingoes #savemangroves #savewetlands #savenavimumbai #saveenvironment #fightagainstdestruction<br />
<br />
********************************************<br />
<br />
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-39975962486075770422020-01-15T21:30:00.000+05:302020-01-15T21:30:04.406+05:30Abused? Don't Wait For Someone Else To Help<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1a6XZop1d8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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</a> <br />
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1a6XZop1d8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">#away from the #noise #beach #solitude #quiet #peace #happiness</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2019-08-21T09:10:24+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 21, 2019 at 2:10am PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
The thing is - NO ONE WILL HELP YOU.<br />
<br />
Unless of course you are one of those very lucky few who manage to find some 'good samaritan' who won't immediately judge you.<br />
<br />
Let's say some memory, conversation, event, happening, something triggered this post.<br />
<br />
If you are being abused, it's only you who can help yourself.<br />
<br />
If you've been abused and have been quiet about it, I understand.<br />
<br />
It's really easy to say that you need to go and report to the police, that you shouldn't stay quiet, that you should name the culprit, that you should do this, do that...... many ideas and thoughts.<br />
<br />
And I'm sure these are all said in a good way, to help.<br />
<br />
But do they really work? Do they really help?<br />
<br />
NO.<br />
<br />
At least, not always.<br />
<br />
The doctors will throw you out. Go to them and tell them what happened, and they will immediately remove their hand from you, refuse to touch you, tell you they can't touch you, they don't touch people like you, that you should better go to a municipal hospital and get yourself checked, that is, if it really was abuse, and if you didn't go ahead and do it willingly and now changed your mind.<br />
<br />
The police will look at you, check you out with their eyes, up and down and up and down, leer, make faces, look uncomfortable, sound uncomfortable, and basically, will do all those things that will actually end up making you feel more uncomfortable.<br />
<br />
And if you are the honest types, the just one, who feels it's important to confide in your family and if you are the positive one who feels your family will support you, all the best. If you are not surrounded by people who will tell you to be quiet, to hush it down, to forget what happened and not talk about it, or go ahead and tell the authorities, but remember that in the end, the shame and the never-ending embarrassment will all be because of you, then I really will say that you are one in a very few, you are lucky.<br />
<br />
Don't wait for anyone to help. They won't.<br />
<br />
It can happen to anyone really, you may never in your entire life ever imagine something like this could happen to you. But one day, it could.<br />
<br />
Maybe a stranger.<br />
<br />
Or if you are the excessively safe types, the one who always stays away from strangers, someone who you know, who is closer home, who you trust, will be the one.<br />
<br />
What then?<br />
<br />
If you haven't met that monster yet, start preparing yourself. Learn a defense mechanism, get yourself some safety gear such as pepper sprays, electric shockers or whatever you feel will work.<br />
<br />
Stay alert.<br />
<br />
Stay ready.<br />
<br />
To fight.<br />
<br />
If you've been through this - I understand you completely.<br />
<br />
I won't lie and tell you it will go away. It never will.<br />
<br />
But just that, now you'll be better prepared.<br />
<br />
And,<br />
<br />
You won't wait for others to tell you that you weren't the wrong one, that it wasn't you.<br />
<br />
You will tell that to yourself.<br />
<br />
Try.<br />
<br />
Tell yourself.<br />
<br />
It wasn't you.<br />
<br />
It was not.<br />
<br />
Tell yourself.<br />
<br />
Today, tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Every day.<br />
<br />
It's the biggest truth of your life.<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
*****************************************************<br />
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-71363628670879712842020-01-15T12:14:00.003+05:302020-01-15T12:14:51.523+05:30I'm Still Trying To Learn This<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7I_8BmJcqA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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</a> <br />
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7I_8BmJcqA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">I see you! #blacknwhite #me</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2020-01-10T13:21:07+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 10, 2020 at 5:21am PST</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
Today<br />
Just another day<br />
Sun<br />
Morning<br />
Smiles<br />
My cup of tea<br />
<br />
Today<br />
Another day<br />
In a fairly new year<br />
The start of learning something new<br />
Or<br />
At least trying<br />
<br />
Trying<br />
To be<br />
More accepting<br />
Less suspicious<br />
Maybe try a bit harder in getting out<br />
And bidding adieu to my comfort zones for a while<br />
At least<br />
<br />
To actually try<br />
And talk to people I don't really know<br />
May not even want to know,<br />
But who are nevertheless around<br />
In my space<br />
And maybe not look (or not look really) at everyone with blinders<br />
<br />
Kick<br />
That anxiety monster that's already kicking me<br />
Even as I am writing this<br />
<br />
Punch<br />
That scare I get each time I am out of my comfort corner<br />
Even as I only imagine or think of going out for real<br />
<br />
Learn<br />
To build my cocoon and keep it as a safe space<br />
To get in when I'm surrounded<br />
Out in the open<br />
When I'm at my uncomfortable-lowest<br />
<br />
Try<br />
To take tiny baby steps<br />
And retreat<br />
Not at the first instance<br />
But maybe at the second<br />
But still.<br />
<br />
Try<br />
At least...<br />
<br />
:)<br />
<br />
For all of you who reached till here, I share lots and lots of hugs, smiles, warmth and positive vibes. And if there's anything that causes you anxiety, stress or just a feeling of not being able to communicate or express, but just wanting to be somewhere alone, enveloped in a hug, I send you that comforting hug....<br />
<br />
You're truly beautiful and lovely :)<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
***********************************************<br />
<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina RajaDebolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-39133737048456572602020-01-06T08:00:00.000+05:302020-01-08T08:56:46.687+05:30My Views Are Not About Politics, They Are Just Me<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s true
that it’s not directly affecting me right now, but who knows what tomorrow
holds?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For quite
some time now I have been talking about why I am not happy with the way things
are going, why I am against the entire community-branding ideology of our
government, and why it’s so important for us to understand how this is not a
lone act, but a continuation of things from the past, that have slowly but very
steadily been building up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Persecution,
alienation, communalization, this apartheid-like situation, no, I don’t agree. And
I, as an individual, as someone who apparently lives in a democracy, has the
right to share my views, on my space. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A lot of
people on social media have unfollowed me. That’s fine, they don’t know me in
person. If it was just a quiet face they needed, I am glad they moved on to
better ones. The ones that made me a little sad are the ones who know me for
real, who apparently were close to me, but feel that my views are too political
for their comfort, and that I am in the wrong to share my voice against this
all. But what saddened me isn’t that they chose to distance me, or call me
anti-national, but the fact that I didn’t recognize this earlier, that I didn’t
distance myself earlier from all this negativity. I am happy I know many of
these faces now to stay away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Oh and yes,
this is my space, if you choose to come here, understand what I think like,
what I do, and just be here to see how I see the world from my side. I respect
yours, as long as you don’t ask me to blindly follow. I don’t as that of you either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As for
views, they do happen to be coloured by what goes on around us, don’t they? Use
your voice and heart, together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
<br />
#indiaagainstcaa #noviolence #noreservation #oneworld #onereligion<br />
<br />
****************************************<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-88421849949546093932020-01-02T09:30:00.000+05:302020-01-08T12:21:34.933+05:30Hush by Debolina Raja <div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Hush <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They
said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And
quietly, the words went back in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Quiet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They
said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And with
a whisper, the thoughts I put to rest <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In my
heart, in my mind<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Divide<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Break<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Rule<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They
said<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And
tried<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And
finally, we came out, together <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">To bring
out our words…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Mine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Yours<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Ours<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">- -<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Debolina raja <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
************************************<br />
<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-56783310395637620732019-12-16T13:21:00.000+05:302019-12-16T13:22:34.402+05:30The First Whistle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BNbM9oHBO0i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
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</a> <br />
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BNbM9oHBO0i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Just a mad day of #cooking #indianfood #meals</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2016-11-30T06:57:08+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 29, 2016 at 10:57pm PST</time></div>
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</blockquote>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<br />
There was this weird noise that kept ringing in my ears...I tried to ignore it, but it had this annoying way of clawing its way back to me, over and over again.<br />
<br />
It was still dark as I kind of took a peep with my eyes, getting them out of the comforter for a change. I knew it wasn't time yet, but it didn't seem to know so...<br />
<br />
My mornings begin at 5:30, which I absolutely hate of course, me being a non-morning person, but sometimes, we don't really have a choice, and so, this is another hazard of everyday grown up life that I have to bear (without grinning, mostly in a zombie-like state actually).<br />
<br />
I was annoyed enough and turned to fumble for my phone (somewhere on the table near the bed). It was 5am.<br />
<br />
And there - that distinct whistle of the pressure cooker wouldn't leave me.<br />
<br />
Somewhere someone was already gearing up for the day - getting ready to create with love a hot meal for someone, maybe for self, or someone close to heart.<br />
<br />
That seeti (whistle) took me back to my growing up years.<br />
<br />
Almost all my memories of waking up are somehow so distinctly connected with the whistle of the cooker, now that I come to think of it. Is this a purely Indian household thing? I guess, since I'm not sure which other cultures really use a pressure cooker to death as we do!<br />
<br />
Ma would be busy making something or the other in the kitchen for us.<br />
<br />
Her day would usually begin as early as 5am, making sure she had the whole home scene taken care of, before she sent us off to our day with a smile and a hug, and set out for her busy day.<br />
<br />
In fact, the closing of the day was also almost signed off in the same way - with the seeti of the pressure cooker readying the night meal, before we all went off to bed.<br />
<br />
The fact that this was a Bengali home (even though thoroughly and permanently fixed in my hometown of Delhi) didn't change one fixation - rice! everyday! possibly at both meal times! (now I'm craving for rice!!!!)<br />
<br />
Whether it was making rice, or boiling potatoes (we need aloo in ALL our dishes please, in case you didn't know, and in case you didn't know that it makes anything taste better, absolutely ANYTHING!) - out came the darling pressure cooker of the family!<br />
<br />
So it was day in and day out that I would have that sound mixed in my very being, without maybe ever really giving it a thought.<br />
<br />
Until today I think.<br />
<br />
Why am I writing about it?<br />
<br />
Just like that you know, more like a nostalgia, sharing about a memory that came by in a whiff, as I finally gave in to that whistle entering my window, and got up to start preparing my day, with another whistle as well!<br />
<br />
What sounds do you think you wake up to most of the time? Or did as a kid? I'd love to hear :)<br />
<br />
P.S. - It's 1pm right now, and I'm surrounded by whistles from all directions that are wafting in through my 16th floor windows :)<br />
<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
#cooking #indianhome #kitchen #rice #meal #lunch #dinner #home<br />
<br />
<br />
*************************************<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja </div>
</div>
Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-68770873281771484052019-09-01T11:29:00.001+05:302019-09-01T11:29:21.511+05:30Bringing Home The Greens, Living Close with Nature<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B12sCONpryL/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Perfect way to enjoy the non-stop rains.. books, greens, sea and rain drops..and the chai that I already gobbled up! #lazy #me #myspace #lazyweekend #nature #peace #happiness</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2019-09-01T04:03:54+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 31, 2019 at 9:03pm PDT</time></div>
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Not many of my posts are dedicated to nature or greens that I have nurtured. Those who know me, or those of you who have come here often to spend some time reading and knowing me, know that one of the best ways for me to stay sane and give myself a bit more to the realistic world instead of just being the old-world romantic dreamer that I am, is to connect my self with nature and feel that peace heal me.<br />
<br />
I have always loved nature and always loved spending time away from the noise and the concrete and the glass and metal structures, and instead feel the real world out there, away from those who cram my space and mind.<br />
<br />
So finally, after being heavily inspired by a friend whose love and dedication towards nurturing greens and spending time with the green babies is something I find genuinely beautiful and spiritually uplifting, I have taken up the challenge to actually get nature inside my home, and more into my life.<br />
<br />
My biggest fear was to unintentionally harm these beautiful beings, and not being able to care for them as I should....but even though I have miserably failed many times earlier, I am a much clear-headed and sorted person now, more positive, more happily inclined with my spiritual self, and more certain about my priorities and working towards them.<br />
<br />
Which is why, it felt like the right time to go ahead and bring them home.... and I did get quite a lot, at least for a starter and for the first time! And what a time I had in the huge nursery - walking among the rain spattered mud, leafing through the many leaves and trees and plants and flowers, enjoying the flitting butterflies, taking in the heady scent of wet earth and blooming flowers...and just sitting and chatting with the gardeners... maybe that positive start and the happiness it generated is already a good sign that my green babies will like me and stay happy with me.<br />
<br />
for now, not sharing much pictures, as I still need a bit of time to ready them up... but promise the pics are coming soon.<br />
<br />
and if there are any tips you would like to share with me to help me take better care of the greens, i am really all open ears :)<br />
<br />
and once again, thanks so much for coming by...<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
**************************************************************************<br />
<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja </div>
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Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-74307801626191930542019-07-16T10:56:00.003+05:302019-07-16T10:56:49.466+05:30What I Will Give For One More Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz9kqkYpsRm/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Good happy sleepy morning all of you.... the only part I dont like about mornings is getting out of bed.... wish I could go back to zzzzzzzz land.... #goodmorning #sleepy</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2019-07-16T03:11:24+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 15, 2019 at 8:11pm PDT</time></div>
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<br />
Recently I've been going through a lot of changes in and around me.... physically, emotionally, mentally and in some other ways too.... by recently, I mean almost the last 8 to 9 months have been quite full of upheavals and chaos and self-learning and criticizing and loads of stuff playing on and with my mind.<br />
<br />
I haven't been around here much because honestly, I was not in a good space to sit and share my thoughts, they were all floating around in my head you know...and if you've been coming back here for long, you know it's difficult for me to share my truest thoughts...my real feelings especially those that concern me...<br />
<br />
For all of you who have come here often and read up my thoughts, you know I am an extreme introvert, I don't like meeting new people, or most people rather, and I am unable to express myself in person...I'd rather do it sometimes with my word, right? :) But amazingly, those who don't really know me still continue to think I'm an extrovert and a kind of snob...amazes and amuses me and thankfully keeps me away from them ;)<br />
<br />
Anyway.....<br />
<br />
The last few months were hectic not just because I was traveling a lot....one of the most I have ever done in my life.... but also because I was fighting my inner demons..<br />
<br />
I have already shared here earlier how I decided to ask for professional help after I had a breakdown and, even though I have to admit that I discontinued it over and over again, feeling embarrassed at myself for not being able to snap out of my issues on my own, I have now made a promise to go ahead with complete treatment and therapy and come out stronger and calmer...for my own sake first...<br />
<br />
About two months back something happened that stressed me out to the core..it brought back all the past issues and memories that I had stowed away and rekindled all the problems...I now know why I have been so unwell especially this last month... I ended up losing 15 kilos in 2 months, without trying to do so, and unable to eat or sleep well..<br />
<br />
Even as my mind was spiraling out of control, I happened to chance upon this beauty of a book that I was not even looking for.....<br />
<br />
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<br />
Last week I read a beautiful book titled 'For One More Day' by Mitch Albom. It's a small book and I wrapped it up in an hour. But even though it may be a small book, it's packed with some intense thoughts and reflections about life and how we deal with it.<br />
<br />
What all would you give to have just one more day? Just one more day maybe to go ahead and tell someone you really love them? Just one more day to get that hug from someone, even if you were to never feel it again? Just one more day to see a loved one you know will never come back to you? Just one more day to revisit a place that holds dear memories and that is just about to get away from your reach?<br />
<br />
What exactly would you do to get a second chance?<br />
<br />
There are really rarely any second chances.....<br />
<br />
And that's why I decided to get some of my older self back and start taking life each day at a time, to make sure I didn't just live it away, but actually lived it and made something special out of it, in my way. It could be picking up the phone and speaking to a friend I haven't spoken to for ages, though I did think of them. It could be going up to someone and saying hi, though that is highly unlikely of me, but at least trying to be more open and honest about my feelings, without waiting for someone else to do the honours..It could be going out in the rain and walking like there is nothing else left in life to do (which, for that point of time, ceases to exist for me as a matter of fact), or just saving up money over and over and trying to meet your parents as much as you can sneak out the time, even if for some time.....<br />
<br />
For one more day, getting that smile, sharing that hug, telling someone they are special, feeling loved myself, letting go of all that negativity that keeps pushing me down and just rising out of it, to break through and sail along even if there's only one positive string to hold on to....<br />
<br />
For one more day, to do something that has been going on in my heart but that I have been pushing off, or been too shy or embarrassed or awkward or introvert or conscious to do. Just one day, each at a time...<br />
<br />
I will love, live, smile, share, tell someone how special they are, be open to getting compliments and not run away when someone says something good to me, and I will genuinely try and be honest with myself and my feelings, towards myself and to others who matter....<br />
<br />
And to you all too..... I love you all for sharing your precious time here with me..... thank you so much for stopping by to keep listening to my rants...and I send you loads of positive vibes, smiles and hugs...... love yourself :)<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
*********************************************************************<br />
<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
Debolina Raja </div>
</div>
Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-26441593083187834572019-04-04T02:16:00.000+05:302019-04-04T02:16:44.220+05:30What am I doing in Times Square?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's an amazing vacation I've been on for more than 2 weeks now and still about 2 weeks to go, and yes, amid all this travelling around and seeing new places, there's one thing that I'm truly enjoying and that is walking (!!).<br />
<br />
I've been lucky enough to get a hotel right on Times Square, which means I'm right in the middle of all the tallest of tall skyscrapers and giant billboards that never go off, which also means that there's a constant supply of light through my window.<br />
<br />
Amidst all of this, I've been getting a lovely lot of walk every day, right from taking a walk as early as 6am to the nearby coffee store and carrying on for the next happy 2 hours, and taking a short break in between to resume the walk again.<br />
<br />
It's cold, really windy and chilly too, but it's incredible to walk either way.. and of course am loving it!<br />
<br />
For now, I'm getting ready to head out again, and once am back from my trip, will talk about all the wonderful places I visited and what I saw, in case it interests or helps you in your travel plans.<br />
<br />
If you're reading this, thanks for dropping by and for sharing your time with mine, to see my words...<br />
<br />
I hope you have a really good day ahead...<br />
<br />
- Debo<br />
<br />
<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja </div>
Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4920859353559954192.post-24565177469518234702019-03-16T18:37:00.000+05:302019-03-16T18:37:10.544+05:30Watching the life right outside my rocking chair<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BszqpMWFwkL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">That #space where I #hibernate .. my #favourite corner... #cosy #bythewindow</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debolinaraja/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Debolina Raja</a> (@debolinaraja) on <time datetime="2019-01-19T07:11:29+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 18, 2019 at 11:11pm PST</time></div>
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<br />
It's evening right now, and here I am... in one of my favourite parts in the house... on the rocking chair by the big windows..<br />
<br />
Just outside my rocking chair and right outside the big windows that go all the way from the floor till the ceiling and run through one end of the room to the other, an evening is slowly wrapping up in yet another day in the life of Mumbai..<br />
<br />
I sat down to relax, holding in my hand my huge copy of Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina.. But the hustle bustle outside made sure that I occasionally take a glance out of the book and see what's going on..<br />
<br />
There, in a building nearby, I spotted a lady hanging the day's last batch of wash. Standing by the window in the small space of what she has turned into a balcony, she dips in to the wash bucket and takes out, wait, what is that, a shirt (?), yes that's what it is, and pulls out a hangar from one side of the room, and starts hanging up the wash, making sure the family has fresh dry clothes to wear the next day.<br />
<br />
Her hair wrapped up in a bun, she is wiping her hands on her maxi, the nightgown as it is known here, and is one by one dipping down and picking out the last of her washing efforts for the day.<br />
<br />
And even as I am looking at her and writing this, the window right above hers has a pot-bellied uncle, standing and looking out, one hand holding a cup, the other near his tilted head, speaking intently to someone on the phone.... I can't help but think that by the time he will be done, the tea (that's what it is I am guessing, given the time of the day), will already be cold and not worth drinking.<br />
<br />
There's another face at a window, looking out and holding a laptop on his lap. I can't make out much of him, but he is a boy (or young guy) in a red vest, with some number or lettering in a bold white colour. Sitting there, I don't think he is really working, maybe watching something, just as I am watching him, and someone, and all the rest out there.... at least we have the laptop in common from all the glimpses I am catching right now...<br />
<br />
And I am not the only one sitting by the window, swaying in my own piece of comfort and solace. There's this cane swing that has forever captured my fancy and imagination. It's right there at the balcony on one of the shorter buildings near mine..It's been there for as long as I have been here, sometimes occupied, but for the most part, alone, swaying gently with the mood of the day, sometimes breezy and happy, sometimes humid, desolate and quiet. I hardly see anyone on it ever, but when I do, I always wonder...what is it they are thinking, are they sitting here after a hard day at work, or are they calming themselves before a big day tomorrow? Are they here after speaking to a loved one, or are they sitting here, speaking to a lover, going over things they shared, things they will share...<br />
<br />
I saw another balcony now, the space taken up by the typical Mumbai-style grilles or rods that cover up so many balconies and windows here, but this one, thankfully, is adorned with a mix of vines...and I see a boy watering them carefully, first dusting them with one hand and then lightly sprinkling and watering them.<br />
<br />
And here, the pot-bellied uncle is back again, having changed into a different vest and shorts, and the good news is....the phone is gone, and the chai ka cup rules....yes, he is doing what best sums up the evening now, having a cherished cup of adrak waali chai, or whatever holds your fancy.<br />
<br />
On that note, it's time for me to let go of my laptop now, and instead just soak up the beauty that lies out, in the vast waters of the sea, in the vast and dimming open sky, in the many stories that are spilling out of the many windows, and the one that is lying right next to me...Leo Tolstoy...<br />
<br />
See you all soon....<br />
<br />
And thank you so much for visiting :)<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja<br />
<br />
************************************************************<br />
And like I always believe in and say:<br />
"Heal the world we live in<br />
Save it for our children" - MJ<br />
<br />
- Debolina Raja </div>
</div>
Debolina Raja http://www.blogger.com/profile/10195496661712239247noreply@blogger.com0