NIMD initiative

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 16 October 5, 2016

With Durga Puja setting in, the City of Joy is getting decked up to welcome its favourite goddess, Maa Durga. From associations to clubs who celebrate Durga Puja with grandeur and elegance it is the final phase of preparation before the ultimate litmus test. Y News will give you a sneak peek

of some of the major pujos in the city.

SAARC Summit called off

The 19th SAARC Sum-mit to be hosted by Pakistan in November has

been called off with India, Af-ghanistan ,Bangladesh , Bhutan and Sri Lanka “five out of eight members of the South Asian Group declining to participate. The non participation came in the wake of terrorist attacks in Indian army base in Uri earlier this month killing more than 19 soldiers.The host country is ac-cused of harbouring terrorism and inciting terrorist activities.

Shimon Peres expires

Israeli ex –president and nobel peace prize winner Shimon Peres expires after suffering a major stroke.The 93 yr old Peres had been in hospital since Sepem-ber 13 after he suffered stroke with internal bleeding.He served twice as the Prime Minister and president from 2007-14 and was awarded the 1994 nobel peace prize jointly with PM Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for his role in ne-gotiating the Oslo Accorrds.

Durga Puja ScheduleAaheli Ghose

Deshapriya ParkPeople in Kolkata and rest of Bengal are going to meet with some curious questions when they visit Deshapriya Park this year. After last year’s ‘Sobche Bodo Durga’ at Deshapriya Park, once again they have set out to create awe amongst people with the theme of ‘Haajar Haat Maa Durga’. In 2016 Deshopriyo Park has come up with the theme of “hazar haath hazar astro” (thousand hands, thousand weapons). Durga Puja festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. Considering the con-dition of present society, organisers have kept the theme of “oshubo shokti binash” (demolish all evil power). On entering the pandal one can see a 35 feet sized face of an Asur, red in co-lour symbolising terrorism, or evil power in our society. The thousand hands of Devi Durga are to defeat this evil.

Suruchi Sangha: Durga Puja 2016Paramita Das

“Prithibi ektai desh”, is what one of the members of the Pujo committee replied with a smirk, on being enquired about the theme of the ‘pandal’ of Durga Puja 2016. On further persuasion, they asked to ponder upon what they said and look at the banner hung opposite to New Alipore petrol pump, propagating a message on ‘Universal Brotherhood’, by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Transcending the political discrepancies, surpassing the geographical, religious, communal and linguistic boundaries, this time, Suruchi Sangha undertook an intia-tive to unite the world in a common thread of equality and fraternity. An initiative to reach out to the masses, not with an intention for a commercial win but with the sole purpose to unify the hearts of millions across the world,disregarding the differ-ences, reminding us of our one true identity of human beings, and one true purpose of serving the mankind, unitedly.

NEWSIN BRIEF

Baramulla Attack

Terrorists attack Rashtriya Rifles army camp and adjacent Bor-der Security Forces(BSF)camps in Baramulla in North Kashmir about 50 km from capital Sri-nagar.After two hours of intense firing a BSF personnel was re-ported dead and another injured. Two weeks ago, four Pakistani terrorists sneaked into an army base in Uri ,also in Baramulla district and killed 19 soldiers. The Indian army avenged the at-tack conducting surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the Line of Control.

TM

VOLUME 2 ISSUE16 October 5, 2016

Naktala Udayan Sanghalpshita Paul

In 2016 Nakta-la Udayan Sangha is ready to dazzle its revellers with the theme of “An-tahshar” - “in search of oneself”.

This year the puja will be presented in three tiers. In the first tier the mechanical yet glamorous life of today’s time has been portrayed. In the second tier, life has been represented with a soothing effect and ultimately in the third tier Devi Durga along with her children will be presented in meditation posture. Through this entire representation, the puja committee is trying to resemble the daily life cycle of human being and how at the end of the day every person searches for his own existence. Mr. Partha Chatterjee, education minis-ter, has been the chairman of the commit-tee since its inception. This year, Tolly-wood celebrities Paoli Dam and Nusrat Jahan have been selected as the face of the puja. Apart from this, musician Sura-jit Chattopadhyay of Bhumi band has been roped in to create the theme song of this year. The pavilion which has been a part of puja celebration for the past four years will illustrate the lives and great deeds of Saint Teresa and eminent writer Mahasweta Devi this time.

ThakurpukurKishalay Mukherjee

Two of the big and celebrated Durga Pujas of Thakurpukur compete with each other but for the same cause this time, to establish the rights of the working class of the society. And to do this, S.B Park Sarbajanin which is the most famous Puja in Thakurpukur area, has taken up the theme called “Baank- Sobhyotar Chhondey, Srishtir Anondey”. Human Civilization has been thriving for thousands of years on this earth, and the backbone of the society has been the working class . But in spite of this vital role of this class, it has never been given proper respect. In this pandal the visitors will get to see the Divine Mother leading the civilization with a “baank” of water pots on Her shoulders. Famous artist Bhabatosh Sutar is giving life to this concept and noted singer Kabir Suman has given his voice to the theme song.On the other hand Thakurpukur Club, the main competitor to SB Park Sarbajanin, and another big name in the Thakurpukur Durga Puja scenario is vying for “Shola-Shilpo” this time. Shola, which is also known as Indian Cork, is a plant which grows wild in marshy waterlogged areas and is mainly used for various decorative, household and utilitarian purposes. In spite of having such prominent use, the craftsmen of this Industry are very much ignored and are in a deplorable condition. Hence to give this art-form and its artisans the much needed boost, Thakur-

pukur Club has dedicated this year’s Puja to this particular industry. The name of their theme is “Banglar Palligatha, Banga Narir Bro-tokotha”, which establishes how the Indian Cork is used widely by rural Bengali women for worship and rituals.

Ekdalia’s Prodigious Pre-Platinum Jubilee

Trina Chowdhury & Souvik AcharyaOrganized by Sri Subrata Mukherjee, Ekdalia Evergreen is amongst the most famous pujas in South Kolkata, located right in the heart of Gariahat. This year they are celebrating their 74th year by glorifying their “Pre-Platinum Jubilee” celebrations.Inspired by Meenakshi Temple, Ekdalia evergreen has ad-opted theme of culture. The pandal is going to be decked up with unique artwork this time. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati also known as Meenakshi and her con-

sort, Shiva. The organizers and most importantly the honorary President, Sri Subrata Mukherjee has rendered enough effort to ruminate on this par-ticular theme which can leave the mass awestruck. Consecutively for the last 15 years, the idol making is conceived by Sri Sanatan Rudra Pal. The Managing Director of Ekdalia Ev-ergreen Puja Committee, Mr.Abhishek Aggarwal told Y News,’This year we will build up the atmosphere of a tem-ple named as the Meenakshi temple of the South. We are trying to emphasize more on the theme as this seems like crossing an enormous hurdle on the way to our success.’

FD Block PujaSreemoyee Bhattacharya

Over the last few years, the concept of theme Puja has created an innovation by harping on various socially relevant issues. This year, FD block has come up with a sensational theme’jan-tram’ which would highlight the impact of gadgets or technol-ogy on our daily lives. Fibre glass models , cut outs are being used to depict the evolution of mankind from the prehistoric period to today’s digitized times. The theme was unveiled by Dipa Karmakar , the golden girl of Rio Olympics 2016 on the 18th of this month .“Technology has taken over our lives over the last two decades. It is solely responsible for diminishing the power of indepen-dent thinking, social interaction and communication. I sincere-ly hope that this theme turns out to be an eye-opener for the masses” said an old inhabitant of FD block.Puja secretary, Siladitya Roy Chowdhury however said” The theme however emphasizes the technological dependence of homosapiens but they do not intend to take a stand.”The mes-sage will be open to interpretation.”

Barisha ClubRamyani Mukherjee

Barisha Club, one of the ‘must see’ for pandal hoppers is completing 28years of Durga Pujo this year. Their theme is ‘ In Search of Light’. Their idol artist for this year is a National Award Winner, Gouranga Kuila.Since 2006 as Barisha Club formed they started organizing Durga pujo which earned high fame and honour among all Pujos in Kolkata. Last year their theme was ‘Bishomayer Bishyomayee Mahima’, idol artist was Tarun Dey. Among the awards they won the noteworthy were, Biswa Bangla Samman and Kolkata Corporation Award . besides organizing puja every year, the club is engaged in various so-cial works throughout the year. They even arrange ‘Natya Mela’(The-atre Fair) president of the puja Sudip Polle said ,“thousands come to barisha club during this period.every year. Eminent personalities like Anupam Roy, Manomoy Bhattacharya were present during Khunti Pujo this year.” The club hopefully will meet up the expectations of pandal hopers this year too.

Tridhara SammilaniRamyani Mukherjee

As Tridhara Sammilani enters its 70th year of Puja, it promis-es to draw crowds from all over West Bengal. Member, may-or-in-council of Kolkata Corporation, Debashis Kumar is as-sociated for decades with Tridhara Sammilani which is known for its innovative themes. This year too the organizers came up with an interesting idea. “The world is witnessing continuous progress. Our lives have changed so much over time, along with our culture. Interest-ingly, the tribals have managed to preserve their way of life in the middle of all this,” said Mukul Manna, Assistant General Secretary of the Puja committee. He is hopeful that people will enjoy it and the idea will help people to unwind from their mundane life.The pandal will showcase tribal heritage, with buffalo heads made of clay and authentic hunting weapons used by tribes on display. “We have invited two troupes, one from Gir and another from Jhargram, to perform during Puja,” said Man-na. The theme song of the Puja has been composed by sing-er Abhijeet and sung by Raghab Chatterjee. With the budget almost touching 1 crore, the organizers are going all-out to ensure grand success.

Bonedi Barir Pujo

The history of Durga Puja at Shobhabazar Rajbari dates back to 1757. After the battle of Plassey, the first Durga Puja at 33 Raja Nabakrishna Road was initiated by Raja Nabakrishna Deb. Raja Nabakrishna Deb built the first Rajbari which he gave to his adopted son Gopimohan. Later he

built another palace when his natural son Rajkrishna was born. This year it is the 259th year of puja at Shobhabazar Rajbari. Shri. Alok Krishna Deb, one of the successors of Raja Na-bakrishna, intimated “ In Shobhabazar Rajbari, Durga Puja is celebrated with extreme enthusiasm every year”. The essence of Durga Puja begins with Kathamo Puja, which is scheduled on the day of Rathayatra. Starting from Saptami till Dashami, the rituals and sacrifices, to the singing of hymns of Ved path and Mdhu-sudan Naamjap fill the entire premises of Shobhabazar Rajbari. Earlier the royals used to fire Canon to inform the start and end of Sandikkshan (The august moment between Ashtami and Navami) although now they make that sound by blank firing from a gun. A special feeling of quaintness awaits the people of Kolkata at Shobhabazar Rajbari.

Historically, traditionally and culturally “bonedi barir pujo”, are often considered as the soul of a Bangali’s most festive celebration. The rich culture has been bourne by familial hierarchy through ages with equal rendition of devotion and dedication for the deity

and family-name, respectively. Although, age has never been an inhibition in terms of celebration, but, the younger generation is eventually getting acquainted with the rituals keeping a parallel equilibrium, with terms of their definition of enjoy-

ment, as they can gather together, for pandal hopping. The specific essence of the huge innumerable pillars adorned with tiny lights, the common “dalan” decorated with vintage form of colloquial art known as “alpana”, the rekindled emotion of “ekannoborti poribaar” , the celebration which embraces and holds onto a chunk of heritage and tradition, old Calcutta finds its lost charm, in this

part of the city during this time of the year, and brings Kolkata to life.

Shobhabazar RajbariThe Daws of Jorasanko Thakurbari, have been following the tra-dition of celebrating Durga Puja at their Thakurdalan since 1859, which has been passed on from generation to generation, with com-plete religious sanctitiy and spiritual richness following the Brihan-nanandikeshwar Purana according to Vaishnav rituals. The begin-ning of this festival is deeply rooted in “kathamo pujo” which brings the whole process to an initiation as it gets started from “rathjatra” which is followed by the completion of the idol making. The official beginning of the pujo is accounted from Sasthi with the “bodhon”. People from different corners of the city and its outskrits, tend to visit and be a part of this grandeur, as it is deeply steeped in cultural heritage added with the typical north Calcutta “bonediana” charm.

Daws of Jorasanko

This year it is the 259th year of puja at Shobhabazar Rajbari.

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 16 October 5, 2016

PHOTO GALLERY

Satyaki Pal and Souvanik Kundu Paramita Das

Mayank Verma & Sayan Mukherjee

The Team: Aaheli Ghose,Indranil Roy, Ipshita Pal,Mayank Verma,Kishalay Mukherjee,Paramita Das,Ramyani Mukherjee,Ritoban Dey,Saptarshi Chowdhury, Sayan Mukherjee, Sreetama Kar-makar ,Sreemoyee Bhattacharya,Somali Bagchi,Satyaki Pal,Souvanik Kundu, ,Souvik Acharya,Trina Chowdhury, Utpinjar Dey

Design Team: Abhimanyu Shekher, Ishita Singha, Sweta GargChief Mentor: Dr Buroshiva Dasgupta, Mentors: Jhuma Basak, Sharmila Sinha, Debanjan Banerjee, Bhaswar Bhattacharyya, Ankita Ash, Reshmi Naskar, Barnali Ray.

VOLUME 2 ISSUE16 October 5, 2016

Enjoy Durga-Puja with Y-FM Puja Guide

Are you ready with the planning of pandal-hop-ping and enjoying the upcoming Durga-Puja? Then you need to tune in to 91.2 Y-FM, NSHM Community Radio because Y-FM has prepared the ‘Puja-Guide 2016’ for you. The listeners can easily check the updates of Pandals, Theme-Pujas, and leading Organizers of the 10 KM radius that the Radio-Signals cover. The pujas like - Naktala Udayan Sangha, Deshapriya Park, Chetla Agrani Sangha, Mudiali Park, Shiv Mandir, Triangular Park and many more.Durga puja in Kolkata is not about only the Theme-Pujas. There are many historical and tradi-tional Pujas are there in the City. So the listeners will also be informed about the old, traditional, heritage and bonedi - barir pujas. Y-FM will broad-cast the ancient history and tradition of those bone-di family pujas like Sovabazar Rajbari and many such. The special program of ‘Puja-Guide 2016’

will be about the ‘Dhakis’.They are an essential part of Durga-Puja. Every year in the Puja days they are away from their families, fulfilling the es-sence of our Durga-Puja. So, Y-FM would like to recognize them, their experiences to the listeners.Another important episode during the Puja days is the Road-Map. The traffic system is not as regular in those five days as other normal days. The lis-teners can check the updates of traffic and trans-port status and the roadmap of the City from Y FM. D.G.M (Director General Metro) and P.R.O of Kolkata Metro will share you the timings and other updates regarding Kolkata Metro’s operation during puja phase. They will also share that how the leading Pujas can be covered with the help of Metro Railway.Rest assured, Y FM will be your “Samaritan” during Puja days. Wishing you all a happy Durga Puja.

Indranil Roy

CAMPUS NEWS

Indian Navy:Career ProspectsThe students of NCMT, Kolkata (CRTT division) recently organised an interactive session entitled, ‘Indian Navy – Viable Career Pros-pects’ with two naval officers to address on the talk points like the recruitment and selection process, training and base camps in India, exam pattern, pay structures of freshers and the importance of Indian Navy for India.

Sreetama Karmakar

NSHM collaborates with British Council

With an objective of looking for an opportunity in student exchange programme between the universities of UK and NSHM, The British Council, Kolkata in association with NSHM, Kolkata organised a seminar at the college campus on 26th September, 2016. The visit had a delegation of 4 academicians, namely, Prof. Maggie Anderson – University of Northampton; Prof. Ahmad Mlouck – Staffordshire University; Dr. Tapas Mishra –University of Southampton and Prof. Hugh Colaco – Aston Business School.

NCMT Logged-In with RAETH The campus of NSHM was bubbling with the airs of frolic as NSHM

College of Management and Technology was up with their annual fest, Login Astitwa 2016, celebrating the power of expressions, on 28-29th of September, 2016. There were representatives floating in from an approxi-mately 34 colleges of the city for participating in 19 events.The 1st day of the fest witnested an outstanding performance by the city boy Snighdhajit Bhowmik. The crowd was awestruck on the second day with Bollywood covers of the Indo-Pak band Raeth. NCMT won the overall first position

and NIMD was the Runners Up.