On the Eve of Pahela Baishakh

On the Eve of Pahela Baishakh

Ashim Kumar Paul

THE culture and heritage of Bangladesh have a long tradition in the social, economic and above all national context. They represent the bond that touches every heart of its people. Among the local and national festivities, Pahela Baishakh curves out its idiosyncratic sketch in the lives of the people of the country. In other words, Pahela Baishakh every year adds new colour, taste, fervour and inspiration to lead our life with renewed spirit.

However, it is noticeable that Pahela Baishakh is observed in Bangladesh with much more enthusiasm than any other national festival. Truly, it is a festival of the people from all walks of life. People of different religions, caste, culture, age, and political belief welcome the new day of the first month of Bangla year. Wearing new dresses and having Panta-Ilish, a traditional food of the country, are the age-old traditions of the day.

To make the day memorable as well as delightful, different social and cultural organisations feature various colourful events like Baishakhi Mela, cultural sessions and morning rallies. Of them, Baishakhi Mela is the embodiment of a social as well as cultural throng where different types of local and national traditional programmes like puppet show, nagordola etc are displayed.

Besides, Pahela Baishakh to the common people comes with a different kind of significance. The day epitomises the strong unity, warm brotherhood and above all a patriotic sense of love for their own culture and heritage. It is often argued that the young minds are now more inclined towards the western culture through the aggression of satellite culture, virtual web etc., and that they are showing a lack of interest in their own culture, tradition and heritage. But such notions do not often tell the whole truth. Those who raise these objections are perhaps not familiar with the festive mood of the national festivals, celebrated earnestly by the young generation.

Pahela Baishakh comes back to remove the debris of the past year, and to welcome all that is pure. As the day is a symbol of our national unity, amalgamation of our young minds and a display of our cultural heritage, the progress of our country cannot be far away from the desired goal. In fact, the appeal of Pahela Baishakh goes across the country with the renewed pledge to say goodbye to poverty, corruption and fundamentalism.

Please click the following link to view its internet edition: http://thedailystar.net/campus/2010/04/03/feature_baishakh.htm

Fake Cellular Phones

Fake Cellular Phones

In Bangladesh, the mobile phone operators with their ceaseless efforts are toiling to bring the people under the umbrella of advanced communication technology. Along with the mobile phone operators, the world's top class cellular phone manufacturers, providing latest features through their products have successfully been able to create a niche market in Bangladesh.

But according to the news, the markets have outrageously been overstocked with fake cellular phones! A group of importers are involved in bringing fake phones to Bangladesh from China and other countries where the products of some leading mobile phone companies are manufactured. Since these devices are packed with many lucrative features and come in cheap prices and have fake warranty cards, many people are willing to purchase them. However, within a few months, these counterfeit phones begin to come apart. What is more upsetting is that not only are people being duped, but the government is also losing huge revenue and taxes on these items.

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers glued to these cellular phones, which are used to prevent from the theft and mugging, are also fake. As a result, the consumers are also deprived of hi-tech security. It is, thus, well expected from the BTRC to keep a lookout for these corrupt importers to secure the rights of consumers and the revenue of the government.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College
Pabna

Click the following link to view the original look: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2011/04/05/letters.htm

In need is Indeed

In need is Indeed

With the advent, development and implementation of information technology in the banking system, it is now a matter of few seconds to withdraw money if a person has an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) card. Along with the success of the ATM card, many, like me, undergo some undesirable troubles in extracting money from the booth in some bleak moments that eclipse the growing status of this crucial facility.

It was mid-December when my friends invited me to join a recreational excursion in Bandarban, St. Martin and Cox's Bazar. As an ATM card holder of a reputed private bank, I decided to load the expenditures on my ATM card for safe transfer.

Following a dreary journey, I arrived at my friend's dormitory in Dhaka University where the rest of my friends gathered to set off. Since there was no ATM cash point in the hill tract district Bandarban and the coral island St. Martin, I decided to withdraw cash from my ATM card. Before the beginning of our journey to Bandarban via road transport, one of my friends and I watched out for an ATM booth. Within walking distance from the bus station, we found our looked-for cash booth. But we were unfortunate, as we were unable to withdraw our cash due to network-jam. Since there was no cash point nearby, we were, tragically, in a real quandary over the difficulty. Fortunately, other friends retained their money with them and we could ward off some probable hurdles during our tour. If money cannot be withdrawn in needed time, why do the authorities of the banks pledge their support for withdrawing money any time around 24 hours?

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College, Pabna

Click the given link to view its internet edition: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2011/05/01/diary.htm

 

Unfair Fare

Unfair Fare

Photo: Zahedul I Khan

Riding vehicles often creates some bitter or repellent experiences especially if you are on the move via public transport. I too had to confront such a repulsive experience a few months ago. My masi (aunty) and I went to Dhaka via rail-transport with a view to visit her son who is a residential college student in Dhaka.

After stepping out of the railway station, I was looking for a CNG-run autorickshaw at its premises. I congratulated myself on being fortunate enough to catch one within a short moment. But the triumphant feeling did not take much time to be evaporated when we reached our destination. When I paid off the fare that appeared on the metre, the driver insisted on receiving an extra twenty taka from me. The more I reminded him of the rules and regulations ordained by the government lately, the more he became adamant in demanding additional pence and also began to jeer at and curse upon the decision of the government! He even threatened about getting no single CNG-run auto-rickshaw on the street in the coming days if we do not swallow up their deserving exigency. Compelled and embarrassed, I had to pay him what he demanded.

While our legislators are trying to abate the sufferings and harassment of the city-dwellers on streets, this type of mischievous CNG-run cab and auto-rickshaw drivers are, on the other side, found busy inventing new ways of bullying, compelling the passengers to meet their unlawful demand and blocking the transportation privileges as well!

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College
Pabna

Please click the given link to see its first appearance: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2011/04/04/dhaka.htm

No More Tears!

No More Tears!

Photo: star File

With high expectation and great optimism, Bangladeshi cricket fans dreamt of the success of the Bangladeshi cricket team in the grand ICC Cricket World Cup tournament. But their exit from the group stage shattered the dreams, broke the hearts, and caused the stream of tears. Like all the fans, my heart was also cracked with sting and despair. But a flow of deliberation geared me up for being hopeful and proud as well!

Along with two other Asian cricket giants: India and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh boasted of hosting eight matches with organising the magnificent opening ceremony of the Cricket World Cup on its home-ground. It was a great opportunity for Bangladesh to uphold its culture and tradition before the world and we did it. Thus, displaying the picturesque illustration of our culture, heritage and traditional values arrested the appreciation of the viewers around the globe. Similarly, the beefed up security measures also made the event comfortable and secured.

Despite the disgraceful defeats, Tigers won against England, one of the trophy winning expectant teams, and other two teams. Two hosting cities were embellished with festive look and full of sporting fragrance. The grand festive buzz celebrated with ardent enthusiasm brought about the name and fame to our nation. In fact, it would not be exaggerated to say that we have earned much more for ourselves and for our loving country than what we have lost. So, it is time to embrace the achievements and let go of the failures and sorrow!

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College, Pabna

Please click the following link to view its internet edition:  http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2011/04/03/diary.htm

Berserk Boys

Berserk Boys

A few weeks ago, an older brother of mine was going to attend a job interview at Banani. He recently completed his MBA from a private university and was incessantly looking for a job. As the job vacancies are not sufficient compared to the growing number of jobseekers, he, like others, became much tensed about his career.

Finally, he was called by a corporate house for a job interview. The day he was going for the interview via a bus, a set of students of a renowned college waved their hands to halt the bus to get in, when the bus was crossing the Mohakhali flyover. But since the bus was a 'gate lock' service, the driver overlooked their call.

Being infuriated, those students began to stone the bus. My brother was sitting beside the window of the bus and suddenly felt a piece of stone hit his forehead. Within few moments, a flow of blood was rolling down on his cheek. With the help of other passengers, he was rushed to an nearby hospital. He was lucky that his eyes dodged the stones. But unfortunately, he had missed the opportunity to meet the long cherished job-interview he had managed. It was the futile, despicable agitation and rampant attitude of those perverse students that not only left him physically injured but blighted the image of their own institution.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College
Pabna

Click the link to see its internet version: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2011/04/01/diary.htm

No Respect for Rules

No Respect for Rules

A few days ago, I had gone to Dhaka just to attend the grand celebration of “Celebrating life-2010” with the theme 'Indomitable Bangladesh'. Notwithstanding some probable difficulties caused by political programmes, I had undertaken the journey. However, while enjoying the lively evening with a bouncy mood, I felt happy to see the patriotic sense of our people, especially that of our youth.

Following the jubilant evening, I headed out for my home by bus. Due to acute drowsiness, I soon fell asleep in the bus. Around two hours later when I woke up, I found the bus had stopped at a filling station. To wake up from my drowsiness, I got down and started walking around the station.

Meanwhile, I went to the fuel bank and began to talk to a staff member of the station. I came to know that the bus was being fuelled by CNG. I was staggered to a great extent since it was about 7 pm but the government has imposed constraint on selling CNG from 3 pm to 9 pm. I asked the vendor how they were doing such a deed that violated the government rules and regulations. He simply replied churi kore dicchi (that he was stealing)! Though his confession was candid and therefore commendable, it is really a matter of shame that all we do is think of ourselves disregarding the interest of our country itself.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College, Pabna.

Click the following link to view its first appearance: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2010/12/03/diary.htm

Compromising Integrity

Compromising Integrity

About three weeks ago, I went to visit the holy place Shree Shree Loknath Brohamachari Ashram located at Bardi, Narayanganj. I started from my hometown Ishwardi while my uncle, aunt and two of my cousins joined the trip from Dhaka.

After staying at the ashram for two days, we rushed off to Dhaka in order to board a train for Ishwardi. It is comparatively easy to reach our home town Ishwardi by train from stations near Dhaka. So we went to a station adjacent to Dhaka and asked for tickets. The ticket-seller replied that no tickets were available for Ishwardi. I humbly requested him to manage the tickets somehow. Following a long negotiation, he agreed to sell me two tickets, which were reserved for the next station. Finding no other alternative, I had to give extra money to buy the tickets.

Since the train was yet to come, we decided to meet one of our relatives living near the station. When we came back to the station, the train had already arrived and was ready to set off within few minutes. As I was yet to buy a ticket for myself, I rushed to the ticket counter and urged the ticket-seller to give me another ticket beside the first two. To my utter surprise, the ticket, serially next to the other two tickets he had sold me earlier, was destined for our exact destination, Ishwardi! Yet he whisperingly demanded that I should pay an extra amount above the regular fare to get a ticket for Ishwardi. As the train was set on to leave, I gave in under his illegitimate stipulation. We were all very disturbed by the reprehensible practice of the railway clerk and lost our festive mood.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Edward College, Pabna.

Please click the given link to read its internet publication: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2010/11/03/diary.htm

Celebrations Hampered

Celebrations Hampered

During the auspicious Durga Puja that passed a few days ago, my friends had planned to celebrate the Mohaaustamee (the holy eighth day) in Narayanganj. We rented a microbus and accordingly set off on our trip. Amidst a festive spirit, we reached our destination in the evening following a daylong journey. The magnificent decorations of the temples dazzled us. Hordes of people along with their families and relatives were on the move to attend the festival. However, in spite of the huge number of visitors, concerned authorities did not organise the event properly, and among other things there was a lack of security and the entrance and the exit were one and the same.

We had to jostle ourselves into the massive crowd to pray and watch the colourful show of the mythical tale about the festivity displayed on the stage. In the meantime, one of our friends discovered that his cell-phone had been stolen from his pocket while he was managing his way into the entrance. With this revelation, our cheerful vibes were transfigured into anguish and trepidation.

As if this was not enough, a thief tried to snatch a ring from another friend's finger as we were returning from a different temple. Luckily, the friend was alert and therefore, could avert the occurrence. Feeling insecure, we shortened our schedule and went back to our houses. Had the concerned authorities deployed more manpower and effort, the devotees and visitors could have celebrated without the familiar trepidation that can often be felt in many crowded places over the country.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College
Pabna

Click the link to see its internet version: Celebration Hampered

Misled whiz kids

One evening, my cousin was busy chatting with her family-members. As she stays far away from her house for educational purposes, she hardly ever gets the opportunity to spend quality time with her family. Recently she recieved an unsolicited phone call. Since some of her relatives often call from unknown numbers, she received the call promptly.

However, the dialer was neither a relative nor anyone familiar. The caller had apparently collected the number from facebook and wanted to be her friend. He also informed to the shock of my cousin that he knew everything about her family, which he actually did. My cousin was utterly flabbergasted at this information. Also she did not have any Facebook account. The following morning, she faced a similar experience from another caller who also said that she got her information from Facebook.

As it is possible to create fake accounts in facebook, she requested me to check out the truth. However, while surfing the Internet, I found no account in her name. I comforted her that it was a new way of pestering girls. At that time, I was surprised and amused to discover the tech-based shrewdness of our young people. If only these they applied their innovative talent for more positive purposes!

Ashim Kumar Paul

Government Edward College

Pabna

Click the link to see its internet edition: Misled whiz kids

 

Academic Deceit

Academic Deceit

A couple of weeks ago, I was on the way to the campus by bus. At one stop, a man got into the bus and soon after squeezed himself past me when he observed another familiar face on the bus.

During the noisy conversation that followed between the two acquaintances, I came to comprehend that their relationship was that of a student and a teacher. To my utter astonishment, when enquired about his academic qualifications the student asserted that he had recently completed his graduation in Fisheries from a college I know very well. At first, like me, that teacher was taken aback to learn the existence of the particular subject in this institution. But finally he seemed convinced by his student's unrelenting words. The subject that he mentioned is not taught in the college at all. As a student, I really felt ashamed at his deceitful reply towards his respectable teacher.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Govt Edward College
Pabna

Please click the given link to see its online edition: Academic Deceit

Receding Creative Dreams

Receding Creative Dreams

It was a sun-drenched day when I had gone to Rajshahi University to meet my friends. Since they were yet to come, I decided to walk around the campus. While wandering about the green campus, I saw some people selling books under the trees. Meanwhile, a school-teacher, came there and asked “Is there any Srijonsheel (Creative System) model questions' guide-book on Bangla 1st paper for class seven?” The book-seller smiled and pointed at one of the displayed books which, he claimed, would be a very good guide for making question papers! This very frustrating picture really made me sad. Though the teachers are expected to make the question papers on their own, many of them feel inclined to follow guide-books instead. And if a teacher chooses the guide-books to make the question papers, why will the students not do the same?

Ashim Kumar Paul
Govt Edward College
Pabna

Please click the following link to view its online edition:  Receding Creative Dream

Prejudiced Officials

Prejudiced Officials

About two months ago, I had gone to a university with my cousin who was going to join the university. While we were waiting at the administration office of the hostel to complete the admission process, a young lady who, from her own speech, studies in a reputed private university came to admit her younger sister into the female hostel. Surprisingly enough, the officials refused to initiate the process due to the absence of her parents. When she mentioned that her parents were, then, abroad, she was asked to present a male relative who would be the acting guardian for her sister. She replied that as she had completed the whole admission process, she could take charge of her sister. But the officials did not pay attention to her since she was a woman! I was thunderstruck! If the officials of an educational institution think in this fashion, how will the students be enlightened?

Ashim Kumar Paul
Govt. Edward College
Pabna

Please click the following link to see its original piece: Prejudiced Officials

Decaying Young Minds

Decaying Young Minds

 

A few weeks ago, one of my relatives had gone to a nearby shopping mall. After getting done with her shopping, she stepped out and was looking for a rickshaw to go home. As there were no rickshaws in front of the mall, she started to walk ahead to look for one. Suddenly, she heard some malicious remarks thrown at her by some young people who were loitering about on the streets. She was utterly surprised and shaken! It is simply because that those who were teasing her with nasty words were the students of Class 12 of a reputed college in Pabna. She could not understand why or how these boys could make such spiteful remarks so openly about an elderly person on the streets. This attitude shows how perverted our teenagers have become.
 

Ashim Kumar Paul
Edward College
Pabna

Please click the following link to view its first piece: http://thedailystar.net/magazine/2010/08/01/diary.htm

Unbearable living cost

Unbearable living cost

These days, price-hike of essential commodities has become a great concern for people across income levels and has also turned into a headache for policy makers who are busy implementing new policies to keep the prices of commodities under control but, in most cases, in vain. Even the OMS (Open Market Sale) programme through TCB (Trading Corporation Bangladesh had little impact. While living costs are on the rise, income levels remain the same, and those belonging to low income groups are at a loss as to how to make ends meet. On the other hand, the rich are getting richer, often by unlawful means, hoarding commodities among clandestine syndicates. The social balance has obviously been broken. Though perhaps only a few groups are causing these dire difficulties for the masses, they are yet to be nabbed and punished. We demand that they be brought to book and the prices of essentials controlled.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna

Please click the given web-address to view its internet edition: http://thedailystar.net/forum/2011/april/readers.htm

 

Avoiding 'short-cut' method

Avoiding 'short-cut' method

Money is considered an essential ingredient for a balanced lifestyle. No one can deny its significance. However, people are, somehow, busy producing more money in different ways. The most lucrative way, many prefer, is to make money in a 'short-cut' scheme. People are likely to reach the peak of wealth through the easiest, most hassle-free and least laborious ways. This trend is now commonly visible among a certain quarter of students. Financial insecurity may be the root of such necessity to generate the wheel of their education. But it exceeds the boundary of needs when they are busy making money at the cost of their academic obligations. Enticed by a comfortable and opulent lifestyle, these students are easily caught in the net of some marketing houses and agents, tempting them to become rich through 'honest' and 'short-cut' ways.

While the importance of money is a reality, it must not take priority over everything else, especially students' academic obligations. As the future builders of this nation, they should avoid the inducement of 'short-cut system' of making money and fulfil their own responsibilities.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna

 Please click the link to see its internet edition: Avoiding 'short-cut' method

Sports Competition at Edward College

Sports Competition at Edward College

Ashim Kumar Paul

ANNUAL Sports Competition 2009 was held at Govt. Edward College, Pabna on 22 December on the college premises. Prof. Md. Shahidur Rahman Principal of the College inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest while Vice-Principal Prof. Md. Bazlur Rahman was the special guest in the occasion. Prof. Shirin Akhter, Chairperson of the Department of Botany and Convener of the Sports Committee, presided over the whole session. The ceremony kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with the recitation from the Holy Quran. Department heads, academic teachers and students of the institution attended and enjoyed the carnival with great enthusiasm. Following the event, the chief guest distributed the prizes among the winners.

(A student of Department of English, Govt. Edward College, Pabna)

Click the following link to view its original look: Sports Competition at Edward College

Mother Language

Mother Language

Ashim Kumar Paul

THE mother language of the people is the real identity of a nation. It is mother language that mirrors the cultural and traditional heritage of a nation. Thus, to overlook the real value of our mother language means to repudiate your own identity in front of the world.

Needless to say, in the changing world, the progress of a nation entirely depends upon its development of science and technology. And it is the mother language through which one can easily access the world of science and technology. Most of the developed countries have attained their supremacy in the arena of technology through the use of their own mother language. Therefore, to make a revolution in the education of science, there is a necessity of more research to publish science books in Bangla and make them available to the common people.

If we consider the mass media a route to communicate from root level to higher ones, it can be best done through the use of mother language. The effective use of mother language is important to convey the messages, raise awareness and above all give the right-direction to the mass people.

It is our foremost duty to uplift our mother language to the highest level, which our gallant fighters dreamt of. In addition, values, cultural heritage, progress of the country and above all having patriotic views are related to showing respect to mother language.

(The writer is a student of Department of English)

Click the following link to view its internet edition: Mother Language

Health Campaign at Govt. Edward College

Health Campaign at Govt. Edward College

Ashim Kumar Paul

PROBAHO Human Development Society (PHDS), an organization for advocacy, alliance, research, training and action plan, conducted a health campaign entitled Gonoswasthya Ovijan (Public Health Expedition) with the help of Pabna District Administration at Govt. Edward College, Pabna from 21-23 December. The campaign was aimed at raising awareness about public health among the mass people, especially the students of the institution. The programme had been organized to test blood group and Hepatitis-B virus and offer prophylactic vaccination at a low cost.

Click the link to see its original look: Health Campaign at Govt. Edward College

Edward College English department welcomes Freshers

Edward College English department welcomes Freshers

 

Ashim Kumar Paul

THE ceremony for the freshmen of the English department at Govt. Edward College, Pabna was celebrated on June 24 amidst avid enthusiasm. It was held at the Abdus Sattar Auditorium of the college. Professor Mohammad Habibullah Miah, Principal of the college attended the occasion as the chief guest while Professor Mohammad Bozlur Rahman, Vice-Principal was present as the special guest. Professor Partha Sarathi Datta, Head of the department, chaired the function.

Earlier, a procession was brought out from the department attended by the teachers and the students. The ceremony comprised of two parts: speech session and cultural session. The speech session was hosted by Shoeb Ahmed, a fourth year student of the department. The occasion started off with the recitation from the Holy Quran. Following the recitation, Sujon, Setu, Ashim, Nitu who were from different semesters delivered their speeches on behalf of the freshers.

Professor Mohammad Habibullah Miah, Principal, Professor Mohammad Bozlur Rahman, Vice-Principal, ATM Faqrul Islam, Associate Professor, Golam Rabbani and Associate Professor and Convener of the function, Mr. Shajahan, Secretary of Teachers' Staff Council spoke on the occasion. In the presidential speech, Professor Partha Sarathi Dutta said that students of the department should engage themselves in the pursuit of knowledge.

(The writer is a 4th year student of Department of English, Govt. Edward College, Pabna.)

Please click the given web-address to view its internet edition: Edward College English department welcomes Freshers

Celebrating Pahela Falgun

Celebrating Pahela Falgun

 

Ashim Kumar Paul

Pahela Falgun has turned out to be one of the national festive days in Bangladesh. Like all other national cultural festivity, it has prominently proved its significance and interest to the common people especially to the young generation. It holds the traditional values as well as colourful image of our culture. It also comes with the message of changes- changes that would rekindle the spirit of youthful exuberance.

However, like the other parts in the country, the day was observed at Govt. Edward College, Pabna with ardent interest. The whole campus was ornamented with the colourful festive look. From morning students and teachers gathered on the campus to celebrate this day by wishing each other, visiting the premises and interacting with peers and associates.

To add more colour on the day, Pathfinder Computers, a local computer-training institute, organised a henna festival on the campus. The programme was inaugurated by Parvin Akhter Khanom, Lecturer, Department of Sociology.

(A student of Department of English, Govt. Edward College, Pabna)

Click the given link to view the internet edition: Celebrating Pahela Falgun

Spirit of Jonmashthomee

Spirit of Jonmashthomee

Ashim Kumar Paul

Celebrating Jonmashthomee, or the birthday of Lord Sri Krishna is one of the most prominent religious rituals for the Hindu community all over the world. Similar to other religious festivities of Hindu religion, the day is duly venerated conforming to the rules of the religion along with enkindled religious values and devoted love for the Almighty as well as the human race.

According to Hindu mythology, the Holy Spirit Sri Krishna descended on earth with a view to eliminating the tyranny of the then usurper king who was brutal to his own subjects, and establishes virtue and honesty. He, Lord Sri Krishna, took His birth on the lap of Debokee, the sister of the usurper king Kongsho. However, the holy prophecy that he would be slain by the eighth son of his sister enraged him and thus he imprisoned Debokee and her husband Bosudev and mercilessly killed their children in a series. But it is God's will that no one can evade. Hence, the eighth son, Lord Sri Krishna was born on a dark and stormy night. With the heavenly aid, the just born child had been saved from the cruelty of the vicious king. Ultimately, the fierce king Kongsho was killed by Sri Krishna and peace and happiness again returned in the country.

Like all other regions of the world, the people of Bangladesh celebrate the day by organising various religious as well as cultural activities. Colourful processions come out from different temples, many educational institutions and their residential halls where people from all classes take part. In the procession, ornamental and colourful costumes and masks dazzle the eyes of the spectacles. Following the procession, authorities distribute prasad (foods dedicated for the god) among the followers and remember the glory and grace of Lord Sri Krishna. Many devotees fast the whole day with a view to present their ardent love for the Holy Spirit.

However, the day in which Lord Sri Krishna descended on earth has a greater significance in the lives of the devoted followers of Hindu religion. It embodies the rebellious as well as virtuous spirit against all kinds of brutality, inhumanity and usurpation. The day also epitomises the universal truth that 'evil does not prevail in the long run'. Those who turn out to be the foes of humanity and brotherhood must meet their fatal doom. It is God who always showers His mercy upon the dedicated worshippers. It is the established truth that evil and tyranny must be tried and virtue and humanity rewarded by the Almighty. And the most significant lesson for the young minds is to meet their duties to voice out against evil forces and ensure the need for piety in their lives.

(The writer is a final year student of Department of English, Govt. Edward College, Pabna)

PHOTO: STAR ARCHIVE

Please click the following link to see its original publication: Spirit of Jonmashthomee

Dare to Dream

Dare to Dream

Ashim Kumar Paul

Illustration: Waseka Nahar

NO nation can make its dream come true unless its education system is free from corruption and is scientific and rightly guided. But in Bangladesh, corruption has been the inseparable part of our education system. Every year, we witness the failure of the NCTB to provide textbooks to students even after five or six months into an academic. As a result, students, especially those in the rural areas, are the ones who suffer most. The situation is even worse in the arena of higher education.

However, I often dare to dream that a day will come when the anomalies of our education system will be wiped away, and our next generation will receive an international standard education thus enabling them to contribute to the development and progress of the country. If we act together on this wonderful vision, the dream will come true one day.


(The writer is a student of the Department of English, Govt. Edward College, Pabna)

Click the given link to view its first appearance: Dare to Dream

Change We Need

Change We Need

Like other days, I was going to my campus by bus and had to stand since there were no seats. After a while, two female passengers got on the bus and also had to stand. Though there were reserved seats for female passengers on the bus, they could not sit. A few of the male passengers had occupied them. Shockingly enough, despite being aware of the fact, the male passengers, however, did not feel the urge to give up their seats. I know this is a common phenomenon in the context of our commuting sector and most readers are familiar with my experience. I hope all will agree with me that to be truly progressive and open, firstly we must all change the way we think and regain our lost morality as well as humanity.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College
Pabna

Click the given link to view its first look: Change We Need

Stop Abuse of Mobile Phones!

Stop Abuse of Mobile Phones!

In recent years, the mobile phone has proved its usefulness in everyday life. It has added a new dimension to the communication sector. But with the growth and popularity of the device, it turns out some odious troublemakers often violate the terms of use. Quite frequently, these people use the phone to harass others. For instance, mobile phone users, especially the females, often get unsolicited calls from unknown people at odd hours. These evil-doers aim to harass the receivers with inappropriate words. It turns most unbearable late at night. But it is a matter of sorrow that when the unfortunate victims complain to their concerned customer care hotlines about the particular disturbing calls and ask them to take effective steps, the officials usually answer that they can do nothing immediately. Rather they recommend that the sufferers should go to the nearest customer service point to fill out a form and make a specific complain to the concerned authority. But how is that possible at midnight? Besides, it is a long process and meanwhile the criminals can easily change the number. Though some operators have already launched the 'Call blocking service' to terminate the disturbing calls, it cannot attain its aim due to its high charge. That is why, it is highly desirable that the mobile phone operators should reduce the respective service charges and make it easy to block such misuse of the mobile phone.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna

Please click the link to see its original look:
Stop Abuse of Mobile Phones!

 

An Exasperated Passenger

An Exasperated Passenger

The other day, I, along with one of my friends, was going to our college by bus. After getting on the bus, the conductor of the bus came to us to receive the fare and we paid it. Meanwhile, one of the passengers sitting on our nearby seat began to shout. From his words, we all came to know that his purse has been stolen. Surprisingly enough, initially, he suspected that the conductor had picked his pocket. Without any delay, the conductor's pockets were checked, but the purse was not found. The passenger, however, would not stop screaming at the top of his lungs. He still accused the conductor of stealing his purse and would not listen to the conductor's pleas to stay calm and sit down. He also kept saying that he had not stolen the purse. But the passenger would not listen and went on screaming. To make matters worse, he took the conductor's cell phone and declared that he would get it back only when his cell was returned. Finally, an elderly passenger angrily stopped the man from shouting and asked him to remember if he had left it at home by mistake. He also asked him to stop accusing the conductor, even after checking him for the purse. After a while, the passenger had to return the cell phone back to the conductor. We were all irritated with the passenger's behaviour.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Government Edward College
Pabna

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Excruciating Remarks

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A Great Revolutionary

A Great Revolutionary

Unlike most other singers in the world of Bangla music, Feroza Begum stands supreme for her outstanding revolutionary quality. Undeniably, her contribution to Bangla music is immensely significant. I appreciate the Star's digging up the story behind her in 'A Legendary Voice' (December 5, 2008).

Feroza Begum is, no doubt, a great revolutionary. As a pioneer, she revolted against the fundamental attitude of the authorities insisting on rendering only their selections. She also rebelled against the constraining attitude of her family to her career as a singer. However, at that time her devotion to Nazrul Sangeet added a revolutionary popularity in Bangla music in Kolkata. Her superiority becomes more stable when her wedged decision brought about a renewal of Nazrul Sangeet at the HMV rehearsal room.

Feroza Begum has held up the glory and honour of Nazrul Sangeet throughout her life. Her revolution on establishing Nazrul Sangeet at its deserving pinnacle has successfully come true.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna

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Experience of being an Editor

Experience of being an Editor

Ashim Kumar Paul

TODAY I shall share with you one of my unforgettable experiences that linger on even now. It is of being an editor. I often dream of editing a literary magazine that will be a mirror of contemporary literary activities. It will hopefully act as a platform of expression for those who can contribute significantly to our literature. It will work to create a link between the well-famed and new writers. 

Editing, to me, is always a challenging task. It contains an assortment of responsibilities, reverences and sincerity. With this purpose, when I began to make a plan of publishing a magazine, I had to first think how the people could be informed about this periodical that they might send their write-ups. I came up with an idea of giving an advertisement in some popular daily newspapers. To raise funds for my magazine, I along with my few local-mates went to some local Shop-owners to give advertisements in my magazine. Fortunately, we got a hopeful number of advertisements.

After a few days of publishing the notice, the readers as well as the writers began to send theirs writings from different regions to me. It was, truly, a big event in my life. I was overjoyed when I found the writings of some well-known writers. I could see the path of success.

I have forgotten to tell you the name of my little effort. It is 'Moitree' (Friendship). It was published on the occasion of the International Mother Language Day. It was full of various types of articles, for example poems, short stories, essays etc. Most of them were about our language as well as its glorious heritage. I first chose the good write-ups. Unfortunately many writings had been discarded due to the fact that they were not riveting enough. In addition, there was limitation of space in the magazine. However, I made up the rough copy of the periodical and finally prepared it for publishing.

Finally my efforts paid off, as it was the day my magazine Moitree was published. Though my mates and I had to face some unexpected situations and work hard, we forgot our misery as our efforts attained the praiseworthy remarks from the readers as well as the writers. I would like to dedicate all the success of my Moitree to almighty God who always stands by us.

Student, Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna.

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Inhuman Joke

Inhuman Joke

A few days ago, a friend and I were returning home from college by bus. The bus was not so crowded. When the bus stopped at a bus station, a blind beggar boy of around 16 to 17 years of age got on the bus asking for alms. A person outside the bus called to the boy. Thinking that he would get some alms, he went outside and put out his hand. Instead of money or food, all he was presented with were lime and betel nuts as a joke. The boy was hurt and he mumbled something. We were shocked. How can a man play such an inhuman joke? 

Ashim Kumar Paul
Govt.Edward College
Pabna

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Preparation for Natural Calamity

Preparation for Natural Calamity

Every year we suffer from natural disasters such as floods, cyclones etc. But we are still not taking any action to fight for our lives and resources. As a result, a great number of people are made homeless, die unnecessarily, and personal property is destroyed every year.

We should not waste our time any more and should take active and appropriate preparation. Famine, epidemics and damage of crops are the results of natural calamities. The price of commodities also goes beyond the buying capacity of an average citizen.

We must plan without delay for these inevitable calamities. The Government and the NGOs should take accurate steps and make people aware of natural calamities to save our economic environment.

Ashim Kumar Paul
Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna

Click the following link to see its original look: http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2008/11/03/letters.htm