Resurgence

I have shared my grievances on the current state of the public transport in a previous article यातायात और हम . I believe I had raised a few pertinent questions in that article. In this article I would like to highlight another important concern for any commuter – safety (and no I am not referring to the usual law and order angle). This is important especially in the context of the reemergence of Patna as a potential growth city. As a keen follower of news related to my native place, I have noticed an upward trend in road accidents / road rages in last few years. However, what coaxed me into writing this was a post in the Patna Community on Orkut where a member had narrated about a road accident. The incident took place near Boring Road crossing in which a couple of school kids on a bike hit a pedestrian and ran away – the man was critically injured. She then went on to describe the apathy of police and the indifference of common people towards the...

Gift Authorspeak: I first started writing it in 2003. I distinctly remember the cover page of the notebook in which this idea first found its foothold. However, I could not complete it. Some of my friends who had read the draft wanted it to be completed though – Sougata can now be a happy man (if he remembers this story). I have tried several times in last 7 years to complete it but none of those efforts could take it to its culmination. Finally when I have completed this story, I do not feel jubilant – I only feel relieved. I still believe that I could have shaped it much better if I had completed it in my first effort. Though it belongs to the category of short story – it has become long for a blog post (4004 words to be precise). Thus, I am splitting it in 3 subparts for the convenience of blog readers. I would still like it to be read in one go but I think it is too much to ask for. Gift – Part 1 I looked at my watch in resignation. The tra...

Gift – Part 2 I was able to attract the attention of my fellow co-passengers with this single comment – they were all staring at me. The man sitting in the middle of the opposite berth was evidently more agitated. ‘What did you say?’ he demanded while rising angrily. His booming voice had attracted even more attention to the section in which we were seated. I could feel being a cast of the over the top soap operas which are bombarded on our idiot box throughout the day.  ‘I said she has a beautiful face and has a very bright future ahead.’ I replied calmly. ‘How dare you?’ he snarled. There was a growing murmur and I anticipated a rising support for the angry man and the beautiful lady. I had to do something and that too quickly. ‘I was just stating the facts. There was no malicious intention. She is beautiful’ I paused for a second as she turned crimson again ‘and as far as her future is concerned, she would redefine success. I can bet anyone of you on this.’ ‘And how are you...

Gift – Part 3 ‘I know you are tired but I was wondering if you could spare a few minutes of your time for me.’ ‘Not a problem. Please tell me what do you want.’ The couple sitting next to me offered me the window seat so that I could sit closer to the man. ‘My name is Suresh. I am a native of Patna. I have seen that you have a great gift of God. I have lived a satisfactory life and I do not want to know anything about myself. I was just wondering if’ ‘If I could tell something about the future of your adorable daughter?’ he was taken aback by this statement. ‘You truly have the blessings of the God.’ ‘No, I don’t. I just saw it on the wedding card kept by your side. It’s clearly written in bold ‘Mamta Weds Prem’ and gives away your name ‘Suresh Singh’ as the bride’s father.’ I explained. ‘So, when you said that you do not want to know anything about yourself, I presumed it would be about your soon to be married daughter.’ My comments have made the duo sitting next to him to pay more...

Recently I read a news article which informed about Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s desire of promoting sports culture in the state. The article even suggested that he has directed the concerned department for setting up a national level sports training institute in the state. Being a native of Bihar, I am delighted that the state government is finally acknowledging the importance of sports in the development of any society. However, before I go gung-ho about the information, it would be prudent to analyze the ground situation and possible way forward for such a ‘sporting revolution’ (if I may use the terminology). Let us start with analyzing the present situation of sports in the state of Bihar. Though I am no expert on sports and related fields, I can safely claim that Bihar has not been making waves in the arena for quite some time now (especially after its bifurcation). Take for instance the performance in the recently concluded Nationa...