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Monsoon Magic….in Debrigarh.. A short Wildlife Photographic travelogue …

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  Brati Majumdar (Chatterjee) After a long gap of nearly three years, after finishing the story of the life of Dry Fish Workers and stressed due to work pressure…there was a need for refreshment. Many beautiful destinations popped up, with numerous suggestions from friends and relatives, we decided to pick the impossible,” A jungle safari, amid monsoon”.  We were informed promptly, that, most of the WLS’s been closed for three months during monsoon, there was no hope for a safari….but a sudden meeting with a friend of mine, and we came to know about the Debrigarh WLS, which remains open in September. With no delay, we visited the site, and our trip was planned. On September 22, 2023, we reached Sambalpur, where we were greeted by the staff of the WLS. After light refreshments, we headed towards our destination. As we leave the hustles and bustles of the beautiful township of Sambalpur, blessed by Goddess Sambaleshwari, the scenario began to change. Winding up along the road, with t

A Dream Come True: A Journey Through Scotland's Wonders

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  Atrayee Roy For as long as I could remember, a desire to explore the diverse countries of Europe had simmered within me. It was a dream I harboured, one that beckoned with the promise of adventure and discovery. Little did I know that during a vacation in Bali, fate would gift me the opportunity of a lifetime – a chance to visit Scotland for a 7-night sojourn within the next two years. The universe had spoken, and my long-cherished wish appeared to be coming true. However, as fate would have it, the spectre of Covid-19 cast doubts over our travel plans. Yet, through unwavering persistence and determination, we found ourselves embarking on a journey to Scotland in the crisp March of 2023. Snowfall: A First Glimpse of Magic Our plane descended upon Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, on a leisurely Saturday afternoon. The city's aura was palpable, whispering tales of history and intrigue. We awaited a bus that would transport us to Sterling, the first stop on our Scottish odyssey. F

Bas-Relief Sculptures of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu - Bhagirathi's Descent \ Arjun's Penance

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Mandira Chatterjee Bas-Relief is a sculpture method where the sculptures remain attached to the solid background on which it is carved. There are three open air bas-reliefs in Mahabalipuram of which most popular is - Bhagirathi's Descent.  According to the legend, King Bhagirath performed austerity to please Lord Shiva for the boon of River Ganga's descent on Earth. Though this was for a selfish gain to wash away the sins of his deceased ancestors and attain Nirvana or Moksh but all animals and people on the earth were going to equally benefit from this act. Therefore, the rejoice is seen in the sculptures. In Fig 4, a sage immersed in prayers near a temple, people performing austerity and animals wait patiently for Ganges descent. Sheshnags are also depicted waiting with folded arms for Ganges Descent to Earth. Bhagirathi's descent also known as Arjuna's Penance. Arjuna practiced austerity to ask Lord Shiva for Pashupatastra before the war of Mahabharata.  Fig 1 Fig 2

A Myth or a Lost River? River Saraswati

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 Ishika Maity For thousands of years historians, archaeologists, and mythologists have been captivated by the intriguing mystery of the river Saraswati. The Saraswati, a river that is revered in Hinduism and is mentioned extensively in ancient literature, is a subject of contention. Some people consider it to be a myth, while others think it was once a magnificent river that has been lost to the passage of time. This article explores the historical significance of the river Saraswati, how it is portrayed in ancient scriptures, and the continuous efforts to unearth its past to shed light on its mysteries.                            The Mythological Saraswati In Hindu mythology, the river Saraswati is not merely a body of water but also a goddess, one of the holy trinities, together with the Yamuna and the Ganges (Ganga). The goddess Saraswati is hugely associated with rivers in Indian culture. She is considered the goddess of wisdom, music, and art. One of the world's earliest rel

G-20 Summit, 2023

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 Ahelee Mukherjee India's G20 Presidency will work to promote this universal sense of one-ness. Hence our theme - 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'” – Prime Minister, , Narendra Modi December 1st, 2022 is a momentous day as India assumed the presidency of the G20 forum, taking over from Indonesia. As the largest democracy in the world, and the fastest growing economy, India’s G20 presidency will play a crucial role in building upon the significant achievements of the previous 17 presidencies. As it takes the G20 Presidency, India is on a mission to bring about a shared global future for all through the Amrit Kaal initiative with a focus on the LiFE movement which aims to promote environmentally-conscious practices and a sustainable way of living. With a clear plan and a development-oriented approach, India aims to promote a rules-based order, peace and just growth for all. India’s G20 Presidency: India will convene the G20 Leaders' Summit for the first time in 2023, a