Memoirs of a Suwali

Goddess of Power- Durga Maa

2011-09-27T15:44:00.001Z

Mahalaya is an auspicious Indian occasion observed seven days before the Durga Puja, and heralds the advent of Durga, the goddess of supreme power. Today, being Mahalaya, the day Durga Maa was assigned the task of eliminating evil, the following mantra is chanted.

Meaning in English of the Stuti mantra Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu

To that goddess who abides in all beings as intelligence : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as sleep : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as hunger : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as reflection : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as power : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as thirst : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as forgiveness : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as modesty : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as peace : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as faith : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as loveliness : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as good fortune : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as activity : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as memory : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as compassion : Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as contentment ; Sautaions to Thee, …
To that goddess who abides in all beings as mother : Sautaions to Thee, …

Lyrics of the Devi Stuti - Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu in English Text

Ya devi sarvabhuteshu Vishnu-mayeti sadbita
Namas tasyai, Namas tasyai, Namas tasyai namo namah.
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu buddhi - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu nidra - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu ksudha - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu chhaya - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu sakti - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu trisna - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu ksanti - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu lajja - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu shanti - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu Sraddha - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu kanti - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu lakshmi - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu vritti - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu smriti - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu daya - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu tusti - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
Ya devi sarvabhuteshu matri - rupena samsthita, namas tasyai … … …
To that goddess who in all beings is called Visnumaya
Salutations, Salutations, Salutations to Thee, again, and again.

Monot Pore...

2011-08-23T02:58:00.009Z

Monot Pore Din Kaita Loi
Tumar Misikia Hahiti Loi
Soku Jaai Tumar Aramor Soki Khonoloi
Jen Hothat Tumar Maat Ti.... Maaa, Ahila!

Monot Pore... Airportor Pora Namiye
Tumar Khula Haat Dutiloi
Bihutu Ahile Kiyonu Monot Pore
Tumar Jetuka Bhora Bhorir Anguli Loi?

Monot Pore...Paniketir Bagisat Bohi
Lahe Lahe Juwa Din Keitaloi.

Xopunot Tumi Kintu
Dithokot Tumar Smriti..

Monot pore...
Tumar monot pore ne Deta?

Remembring Dad on his birthday today. My icon, my inspiration , my ROCK! Love you always Deta. Miss you.
23rd Aug 2011

Sourav Kumar Chaliha.. WHO??

2011-06-26T14:30:00.014+01:00

My knowledge towards Assamese Literature was literally like an Axanto Electron. (The electron is a subatomic particle carrying a negative electric charge. It has no known components or substructure. Therefore, the electron is generally thought to be an elementary particle.)
Coming from an English medium school I hadn’t read anything Assamese in life, apart from my course work at school. SKC is responsible for turning it around. Quite late in life, I asked my friend Aporaj to suggest me an Assamese book to read. Prompt came the answer. Suran Medhi’s work. I was like... Who? And why would you suggest reading his books.

Now Aporaj being a calm and composed poet friend as well as an avid reader not to mention, a huge fan of SKC gave me a “prolonged summary” of his work and narrated some of SKC’s book scenes to me with a pinch of Hollyood Graphics style to it. I decided to give it a go. The first story I read was Gulam. My mum, my biggest critique and rock in life after Deuta, saw me reading SKC’s book. A sarcastic smile followed and she said... Make sure you finish the book. Reading a signboard and completing a book are two different things. Yes it was hard in the beginning and it took me twice the time to read a page in Assamese but then... language is practice. The more you speak and read, the better you get at it. Maa is also an avid reader of Assamese Literature and I often felt left out when she discussed books with her friends. I am still learning and enjoying the richness Assamese Literature has to offer.
I was hooked on SKC. I smuggled Aporaj to Panbazar and instructed him to get me the best SKC’s books and I dutifully carried them back home to London. Manoj Goswami once told me that he requested SKC to write a New Year peice for his then Axomia newspaper. SKC was reluctant and later Eta Bhaal Khobor was on the papers on one new year’s day. Altaf Da made a short film out of it , When I watched it, I was gobsmacked to see the impact, the subtleness and the beauty of narrating a story. A very well made film and I quite liked the angel Altafda chose for the film. I also liked the fact that SKC was subtle and was thrilled that he used a pseudo name. Ok, I write my blogs as Rukmini Boiragi. Why? Well why not? I dont feel the neccisity for people to know me as long as they know my work. A journalist once asked my why I chose the name. Mythologically, Rukmini came from North East and so do I. And Boiragi..ahhh It is a surname I always secretly loved to have. It sounds like a song. Beautiful and so Assamese and exotic! In real life I cannot use it and thus, that became my pseudo name. The fact that SKC writes under a pseudo name gave me a kick. Not that I am comparing him with me for that will be preposterous.

Every Time I visit Guwhaati, I am tempted to ask Altaf Da to introduce me to SKC but I shied off the idea and told myself- Bublee, Toi Jugyo Nohoi. You are not worth enough to meet such a persona.
His passing away news hit me like a bolt out of the blue through his Facebook SKC Fan Group. I was not prepared as I was not aware of him ailing.

25th June is a very special and private day for me for its when my idol and my biggest inspiration in my life, Deuta passed away... four years ago. It is spooky that SKC passed away on that very day. I felt as though somewhere in ether we connected and he gave me his blessings which I couldn’t get in flesh and blood. People like him should not be mourned for he will live forever. Today I took out some of his books and hugged them, a substitute for not being able to say my last goodbye and touch his feet.

SKC.. this is for you...
Eti Deobaror duporiyat, bagisat bohi moi apunak shrodhanjali jonalu. Ehaat dobar khelor dore, hothat apunar deha tu heral kintu siro dinoloi apuni Asomor Baputi Sahun hoi thakibo.
Mur eei xekh anurudh je moi xoidaiye jen apunar Gulam hoi thaku.

Shordhare
Eti
Bublee
(Sanchayita Sharma Goswami)
London Sunday 26th June 2011. 1.35pm)

Bloody Tea- 20 min film for Al Jazeera International, London

2011-06-26T14:05:00.001+01:00

Wanted to share our film on Assam for Al Jazeera International (AJ). It’s been a while but the topic errupted yesterday when I was narrating our filming experience to a journalist friend. The Indian Army & the Intelligence gave us a pretty hard time throughout our journey in Assam. Hmm. We finally managed to film it. Just us two ladies and of course our driver. Three person crew. Btw, The film had to go on one name and Hazel having more experience was selected but like I care. Assam’s situation has been shown for the first time in AJ. Jobs’ done!
I understand it’s a grim subject . Assam is much more stable today than it was 5 years ago but we city dewellers shouldnt forget that prople are still suffering. My heart goes out to the people in the remote corners of Assam who have faced the unrest till date. All said and done, if we don’t tell our own stories, WHO WILL???
(Part 1 of the film below)

(Part 2 of our film) -
There were a lot of conspiracy going on while we were filming this documentary in Assam. Why would AL Jazeera be suddenly interested in Assam? Laden’s “so called spy’s “ are here. It gave us a bit of a laugh and I was in the papers for all the wrong reasons until I directly went to the required personal and levelled things up. After that it was a smooth ride...well ,sort of!

But the truth is, It took me six months to convince Al Jazeera to bring Assam’s Unrest to the world audience. My last pitch that worked was: Our men, women and children are also dying. Both rebels as well as armed force families have been effected and suffered. Do you mean they are not worthy enough of your TV slot? There has been unrest there for more than 30 years and you only concentrate on the middle east and Afghanistan. Wake up and smell the coffee.
Part 2:

Catherin'e powerful Story about turning herself around from her alcohol addiction

2011-06-22T09:37:00.000+01:00

Thank you for sharing your story with me Catherine. I admire your strength determination and courage. Much Love!
Catherine Speaks about her Alcohol Addiction and how she turned it around. It was brave of her to talk to me, a complete stranger with just the two of us in the room and my camera. Admire her for turning her life around. Filming it was emotional yet inspirational as she is a success story.

Holy's Dual Diagnosis. California story for www.sovcal.com

2011-06-20T14:41:00.001+01:00

Filming a corporate testemonial video for a rehab in Calfornia.
It was an experience in itself. Travelled across the pond with my ever fidling child. Filmed, intreviewed and editikng all by myself. it was lonely and the subject didnt help. got it done at last! Thanks for sharing your story with me. I know it's hard but proud of you for all the efforts.

Sixth Sense Ministry- Engineered by an Indian fellow- Pranab Mistry

2010-01-25T15:29:00.003Z

The past emerged suddenly

2009-12-03T17:55:00.018Z

I landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in the wee hours of the morning. Bahadur and Lucky Singh were waiting outside to drive us to the domestic airport where we shall take our connecting flight to Guwahati. I was glad to leave behind the cold London winter and was looking forward to a few weeks of being pampered by my family. Just as I parked myself at the executive lounge for a cat nap, the Television Breaking news broke my sleep let alone my jetlag - Arobindo Rajkhuwa (AR) arrested. It brought back memories of my documentary on Assam. Too many thoughts gushed through my mind....

India Trip 2005: There comes a time in your life where you finally want to walk the walk and talk the talk. This was such a trip. I just showcased my first short film and the success it had at Cannes International Film Festival, France; boosted my adrenalin to embark on my burning desire within- A documentary on the families of ULFA.

Now, I am far from being a journalist. The only experience I have, like many, is that I grew up in the dysfunctional state of Assam in the mid eighties. My questions were from my gut, from a housewife, from a daughter of the same soil. I wanted to capture the humane aspect of it from a common man/woman’s perspective. The only rule I had for myself -don’t have any judgements, don’t show any emotions. Let them talk- this story is about them- not YOU. You shall get your answers along the way. Have patience. Easier said than done! I wanted to react badly to most of their answers but somehow refrained myself from doing so.

I had a sheltered childhood even though I was not remotely affected by the uprising. The only few memories I had was that when the lights went off while we were studying in the evenings, the black outs happened and in that silence one could hear gunshots in the nearby hills.... A man in the middle of the road in broad daylight, not far from my house had cut his chest and wrote from his blood- We Will Give Blood But Not Oil. (Tez Dim, Tel Nideu).. as if a warning to the Indian Government to stop exploiting Assam of its richness and to give back more. The road procession to Oil India campus during the Assam Agitation.. The endless trail of people walked passed our front door. I remember my parents getting buckets of water for the thirsty protesters. Today Assam has been liberally ploughed back with ample of money from the Central Government. The Assam Agitation followed by the new robin hoods that emerged and drifted away from the non violet agitators formed an armed group i.e. ULFA which had mass support and later the same ‘janta’ disowned them. What went wrong? What provoked or what motivated them to take up arms in the first place? What did they do to lose the trust from society later?

Friday December 23rd : Armed with just my driver in my dad’s old ambassador car, along with a trusted friend who could handle my camera, I was on my way to Upper Assam; to capture on film and to quench my thirst on a story what started as an uprising in the history of Assam: the formation of the most wanted separatist group in India- United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA).
My documentary revolves around the families of the banned outfit. For me, they are the real heroes, who despite all the harassment & humiliation, continues to survive and live within the society. The courage and endeavour they must have been through- their only fault being that they belonged to families of the banned outfit. Being under scrutiny 24/7, their phone calls tapped, insulted at their own premises, getting threatening calls, mental harassments and sometimes even physical torture for something they have not done makes me wonder how they cope with it all and still continues to smile and live a normal life. I love my privacy and thinking of it makes me cringe.

My first destination was Arobindo Rajkhuwa’s place in Lakuwa, a remote corner in Assam’s Sibsagar district. One evening I contacted Rajkhuwa’s brother Ajoy in a very seedy hotel in Poltonbazar, Guwahati. I was apprehensive but he turned out to be a middle aged, decent and humble man. After a little chat with me, he invited me to his place the following week and that is where I was heading. I was lost in Sibsagar. My flashy cell phone lost its network too and I stopped to make a phone call only to find out that it was a police reserve. There I was in the beginning of my journey- lost network, no proper destination address and not a single known face around me. As we drove down the dark narrow bumpy road with little electricity, it made me wonder how a boy from this remote area had a vision for his land. It’s usually the have-nots that have it in them and AR was a true example.

I wanted to reach before dusk but failed to do so. The Rajkhuwa household had prepared a feast but my sole intention was to have a word with Aaita, Rajhkuwa’s ailing mother. I wanted to have a quiet moment with her but that was impossible as the entire dynasty gathered to be introduced and I was being my decent self exchanging pleasantries. By the time I got Aaita all for myself, my camera light was not working and I had to film in whatever light that was available there.
Aaita was a frail yet emotionally strong lady. She could barely see and felt my hands most of the time. She hoped that I would bring back her son which I rectified. I was there to talk to her about my documentary. Regardless, we talked. Her emotions were just unfolding and all I did was held her hand. She is in her nineties yet her strength made me feel weak. The more we talked; anger filled my mind for her son and a question inside- How could she still long for him after all the unpleasantness she endured from the army and society. He misled her from the very beginning. One morning as she was weaving in her front veranda, he clicked one last snap of his mother saying that he was off to the Namghar (shrine) for a few weeks. Months later she found out that he had joined the outfit.

Aaita has lived many lives in one lifetime. She had the pride of being a freedom fighter’s wife. Years later, she was the Indian army’s target for being AR’s mother. If that was not enough she lost her first son to the secret killings that took place in the state. I have become almost blind crying all the time she said but I still hope to see xorupai (my youngest) one day. My last question to her: what will you say to him if you see him today? Without batting an eyelid she said- Ghoroloi gusi ah. Kheti kori kha- (Come home. Lead a simple farmer’s life here). I got very little sleep that night. Her words and her face were on my mind and added anger filled my mind for her son. My journey continued but her face stayed on my mind forever.

Back home in London I sat down to write to Arobindo Rajkhuwa- about my interaction with his mother and an email accusing him of what he had done to his mother and how could he hurt her deliberately. It was an email where I bombarded him with allegations and verbal brutality as I was certain, it would be a one way street. To my surprise an email arrived from the chairman himself, nothing aggressive compared to mine. Just saying -thank you for seeing my mother and for the photos. I miss her and have seen her after a very very long time. The last few last words saying - my motherland is greater than my mother.
Now this very man has been handed over by the Bangladesh government to the Indian intelligence. This all happened while he was just about to execute his exit from Bangladesh with his family and take a new secured shelter elsewhere. All we know is that no one has seen him since he joined the group. As I write this in Guwahati, he is just a few yards away from my home in Kahilipara where he is in safe housing. The media will flash his face over and over again from now onwards as the founder member and chairman of ULFA in custody. The Government might think that they just won a jackpot and that the key to their problem is under manacles.
The peace talks might be renewed but that to me is like boys with toys in a school playground- I shall bat, you ball and vice versa. You give me my boys back, we regroup, get stronger or is it just another senior level strategy that I have lost fate in?

These to me are very cosmetic. This will not get back our sheltered childhood, nor will it bring solace to the mothers who lost their loved ones in the decades of tragedy. Not even to the lady I met in Nowgaon during my filming, she had two sons- one joined ULFA, the other joined the police force- sadly both died- who is actually benefiting from this? Definitely not the people of Assam who are the real sufferers. Has anyone bothered to even ask their opinion?

Unless the government takes sovereignty in the agenda, no talks will happen with ULFA says their Commander in Chief Poresh Barua. Sovereignty is not in the constitution of the Indian Government. Now, the Indian constitution is a wonderful document and it can be amended as it has had 94 amendments in less than 60 years of its enactments. So what’s the harm in putting the word Sovereignty in the agenda? Amendments do not grant sovereignty, it will just open a dialogue and perhaps save millions of innocent lives and destructions in the coming years. What’s more important for the government? I feel everything in this world can be solved if people talk. The Government can decide if they want to amend the constitution again. Big Deal!
However, if we can address as to why it all started and if we can amicably solve that, I think we are laughing!

Bublee

memories of childhood

2009-11-22T19:26:00.001Z

how many takes does it take

2009-07-16T22:26:00.001+01:00

london bihu 2009

2009-06-01T17:58:00.003+01:00

The London Rongali Bihu was held on the 3rd May 2009 at a venue in Hornchurch, East London

58th Silpi Divas & Bhogali Bihu

2009-01-08T13:33:00.001Z

ASAM SAHITYA SABHA UK (ASSUK)

Dear Friends, Date 5 December 2008

ASSUK has great pleasure in inviting you, your family & friends to celebrate the 58th Silpi Divas & Bhogali Bihu on Saturday the 24th of January 2009 at ADC Hall, 135 Welford Road, Leicester LE2 6BE from 1800 – 2200hrs with a tentative programme: Registration & Bihu Fare, Fun Sports, Welcome, Silpi Divas & Cultural programme / film shows followed by Bihu feast.
A small donation of £22 per adult and £10 per guest / student / child 8-17yrs payable in advance to cover the cost of dinner and overheads.
For further information & travel direction please contact Manjira Chowdhury Tel. 01162715979 E-mail manjirachowdhury@yahoo.com .
RSVP: by 12th January 2009 together with your cheque made payable to ASSUK and posted to Dr Karuna Sagar Das, Treasurer, 33 Cherry Fields, Kings Road Bradford BD2 1LB (Tel. 01274 724725 E-mail karuna_das@yahoo.com) please.
We look forward to your active participation in promoting and enjoying our rich literary & cultural heritage.
Yours Sincerely,

for & on behalf of ASSUK:
Gagon Hazarika, Lahori Barthakur, Manjira Chowdhury& Karuna Sagar Das
Puspa Hazarika,Anil Barthakur, Geeta Borooah, Nilmoni Sikdar, Geeta Sikdar, Rumi
Das, Tarun Kumar Chowdhury, Khageswar Lahon, Surabhi Lahon, Anima Sarma, Babli & Anjan Pathak, Kamal & Dheera Hazarika

Legacy of 2008

2009-01-02T12:38:00.001Z

Black Thursday, Assam

2008-11-01T19:51:00.009Z

In Hindi

In Assamese:

peace by their very own boys.. how strange

2008-10-02T19:07:00.000Z

MAJULI

2008-02-01T15:33:00.002Z

HOW ASSAMESE XASIPAT IS MADE

2008-02-01T15:25:00.000Z

Assam is known for its rich tradition of making sanchipat (manuscripts) from the inner bark of the sanchi (aloe) tree. It is believed that the manuscripts were produced in Assam long before the 7th century A.D., through a complex, long and intricate method of preparation. This tradition is not known to have existed in any place apart from Assam. Mr Girin Saikia, Librarian of Sankardev Study Centre, Bardoa, Nagaon is explaining this process

Jaanmoni.. Rati Rati..

2008-01-28T12:03:00.000Z

Jaanmoni Bihu song 2007..

2008-01-28T11:48:00.000Z

Zubeen..Maya Maya..can we ever forget this one..

2008-01-15T16:36:00.002Z

how many can you count

2007-10-26T12:08:00.000Z

This is a parody of all the "100" list specials that the AMFI Film Institute keeps putting out. Its creator is a Mr Alonzo Mosley who describes himself as a 34-year-old librarian from Jacksonville, Florida. Let's hope the meanies who work in copyright law do not put the mockers on this because it is so fanbloodytastic

Lakhi Puja

2007-10-25T14:04:00.000Z

Wishing you and your family a very happy Lokhi Puja. May prosperity be with you today and always.If you want to listin to Lakhi Path that we hear back home than today after you get back from work, take some time out, have a bath, light a candle/diya near your lakhi idol and play the link below...and bob’s your uncle! Waala!

Thank you Maa....I use it every year and glad I could film it during one of my stay at home. enjoy!

Happy Durga Puja

2007-10-19T10:36:00.000Z

Attempting my first Assamese Sonnet !

2007-07-16T19:22:00.004Z

The sun is about to set, the water in the pond had a glittering golden shine to it. In our film language we call this the magic hour. Most stunning photography is done during this time of the day. It was a long awaited trip to the tea gardens. I badly needed some time to switch off from my schedule. Minku and Tuki are close friends and we had the privilege to meet them in Muktabari Tea Estate.

As my other half caught up with his friend sharing an old monk, I drifted away to the backyard. Surrounded by fresh garden leaves stood an Assam-Type house with a pond flowing nearby. White ducks swayed in it. It looked even brighter under the shadows of the sun that will soon disappear. The stillness in the air except an odd bird chirp made the moment last in my mind. As I heard echoes of laughter coming from the front garden, I parked myself at the edge of the pond.

A sudden urge prevailed in me to write something… something completely foreign. I wanted to express in a language I never dared to write before although I proudly call it my mother tongue.

Shame on me! I was writing my first Assamese Sonnet in English. I decided to dedicate it to the pond (read river) and Minku’s beautiful backyard

Misiki ke hahi mari
Nemata kaile baru tumi
Ojaan ojaan lage jodiu
Lage kionu, ojibonor aamar aai enazoree

Junak raati, xitol botahor majere
Kee nu koi gola tumi?
Bujibo khujileu janu, paam ne buji tumar monor kotha khini khuli ?

Assam on Al Jazeera..

2007-05-31T17:33:00.000Z

A current affairs piece for Al Jazeera International for their People and Power slot.
Hazel and I had a roller coaster ride as the army/intelligence followed us in Upper Assam while filming this piece in February 2007.

Our crew consisted of her, me, my driver and a hired red sumo…and of course endless phone calls everyday from AJI.

Research, contacts and ground work done by Sanchayita Sharma.
Film edited and commissioned to Hazel Chandler

Part 2:

What To Do If I Get Kidnapped

2007-04-03T10:44:00.000Z

I am worried about her. Haven’t heard anything since the past two weeks. She is definitely alive, maybe arrested or beaten up but alive for sure. The whole idea of sending woman filmmakers to cover Nigerian conflict is because of their policy…that they don’t shoot women. They feel it’s a waste of a bullet. Ha! Good for us… but then the Nigerian elections are nearing and anything can happen and she is covering the kidnapping stories there.

My good friend Hazel also edits and handles camera for me. A lot of television companies love her camerawork. She is no doubt good in it. We have had good and sometimes not so good moments but when you work with someone day in and day out they become family therefore “soli jai”. She has picked up some Assamese from me too. At last an email from her ….

…please don’t do anything tricky!
so, its simple really. Kidnappers communicate through a reputable person and you cough up. Preferably immediately and without argument. Don’t let no Hollywood style negotiators tell you different even if they do look like Samuel Jackson., At my end I just have to put up with bad food and be nice to everyone. So far the only kidnappee to be killed was done for at the hand over when those paying up tried to trick them. So don’t, if you don’t mind.

I also have had to change the dynamics of my pockets. Once it was suntan cream, mosi guard and a spare tape. Now its 'make sure you have any medication on you and $200'. I have no idea why $200 dollars- enough to make someone happy and not enough to increase the threat I guess. So my pockets are now full of malaria tablets, strong painkillers and a pair of clean knickers. Don’t want to be the smelly kidnappee who no-one wants to sit next to on the bus. If there is a bus…which I doubt. I am also not supposed to use certain trigger words in emails so if you don’t know where I am, I'm not telling.
But despite the nasty things said about this place, so far its cool. One political rally led by the leading opposition party. Lots of dancing, drumming, men in monkey costumes and oh yes, men with guns. A spectacularly brilliant speech from the candidate who arrived 6 hours late. I can quote it verbatim- I want free schools for everyone and its not what's in my belly that counts.- I dare say! And then he leapt in his car, as the temperature rose and the men with guns got sassy so our fixer made us do the same. Our car that is, not his, but he had agreed to give us an interview so when Juliana shouted down the mike 'gotta go there's gonna be violence' I thought she meant we had to go find it and film it. But no.

Just been strutting on the dance floor- a curious mix of Kela and Michael Jackson- and so far quite like the place. It's Africa, and no matter what crap it goes through, you're always going to meet some of the best people you'll ever know. (except our fixer that is, who is a big big man, useful when trouble strikes, who takes off his belt frequently to 'flog' policemen. I'm not sure how his human rights activism fits in with this and I don’t personally consider it wise. Especially if said policemen has a gun. He also quotes Neitsche (misspelt I'm sure) at Juliana because she's German and I can see her lips tighten. I don’t think he's got long to live.)
She wants us to go schmooze at the posh hotel where all the oil workers hang. Wear bikinis and sip martinis and see if we can charm our way into their confidence. I draw the line at this. I'll do conflict but I will not do bikinis.

So! has Jade Goody grown a brain? did Cliff Richards get married? I hope you are keeping me abreast of the important stuff. Stuck with CNN out here.

Re: What To Do If I Get Kidnapped
The Drifters were in a bus crash but its okay. they are all alive and continuing with their tour, only doing less vigorous dance routines.
Sylvester Stallone has been arrested smuggling a body building drug which is illegal into Australia.
I bought some new shoes today for Camilla's wedding. Already 4 trips to and from the printer have crippled me.

DON'T GET KIDNAPPED PLEASE but more importantly DO NOT FALL FOR SOME OIL TYCOON. THEY'RE A BIG BAG O' BADDIES, I seem to remember from my Dallas-watching days.

An elephantine orphanage in Asom

2007-03-04T09:16:00.000Z

We've all heard of orphanages for children, but one for elephants is rather hard to believe.

The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has set up a first-of-its-kind orphanage centre for elephants inside the Manas National Park in Asom.

The Assam Elephant Orphanage Centre, which is to be inaugurated on Saturday, was established in wake of the increasing number of animals, particularly elephants, becoming orphan in the state.

The Deputy Chief of Bodoland Teritorial Council (BTC) Kampa Borgoyary will introduce three elephant calves in the orphanage on its inauguration. Three others would be introduced later under the supervision of WTI.

The International Fund of Animal Welfare (IFAW) would also extend support to the project and also to other cases of wildlife destitutes.

Elephants Released Into Wild for First Time in India

2007-03-04T08:57:00.000Z

(Assam, India – 26 February 2007)
IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) and its partner, WTI (Wildlife Trust of India) today announced that six elephant calves have been successfully released to the wild in Manas National Park.
The elephants—which were hand-raised at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC)—were transported 450 kilometers from India’s Kaziranga National Park to Manas National Park.

Background of the elephants

* On August 28, 2002 CWRC staff rescued a two-week-old elephant calf (male) from a trench on the Numaligarh tea estate. The orphaned calf was brought to CWRC for care. The elephant is now five years old.
* The second elephant calf (male) was one-year-old when it was rescued from flood waters in Digboi by the forest department and brought to the centre on December 8, 2002. The elephant is now six years old and the oldest of the calves.
* The third elephant calf (male) was rescued by CWRC staff from Koliabor near the town of Tezpur on October 3, 2003. It had been stranded and orphaned. The elephant is now three-and-a-half-years old.
* The fourth elephant calf (female) was rescued from the Rupajuli tea estate in Tezpur by estate workers on September 23, 2004. The two-month-old animal had been injured after it fell in a trench and was displaced from its herd. The animal was handed over to CWRC for care. The elephant is now two-and-a-half-years old.
* The fifth elephant calf (female) was rescued from the Barsapori tea estate by estate workers on October 14, 2004. The two-month old calf was displaced from its herd and was handed over to CWRC for care. The elephant is now two-and-a-half-years old.
* The sixth elephant calf (male) was about one-year-old when it was rescued from the Numaligarh tea estate on October 19, 2004 and brought to the centre for care. The elephant is now three-and-a-half-years old.

In Manas the elephants will be reintegrated into a wild herd once they are familiarized with the area. It is the first time elephants have been rehabilitated and released to the wild in India. Sri Lanka and Kenya are the only other countries to have successfully released hand-raised elephants into the wild.

“The elephants will be allowed to move freely in the jungle during the daytime under the supervision of a keeper,” said Dr. N. V. K. Ashraf, Director Wild Rescue of WTI. “At night, for their security, they will be sheltered in a stockade built in an area of about one hectare [about 10000 sq. meters].”

The elephants were transported to an area of Manas called Doimari, an ideal elephant habitat located far from the nearest human habitation. It is the biggest continuous forest habitat (unfragmented habitat) in India’s north-east region and extends from the Indian state of Assam up to the country of Bhutan.

“All six elephants are being radio-collared for post-release monitoring. If there is a problem we can find and rescue them,” said Dr. Bhaskar Choudhry, wildlife veterinarian of WTI.

The six elephants, which range between two-and-a-half and six-years-old, were hand-raised at the rehabilitation center (CWRC) in Kaziranga. The young calves were rescued from different parts of Assam and have been at the centre from one-to-five years. CWRC is India’s first multi-species rehabilitation facility and was set-up in partnership between WTI, IFAW, and the Assam Forest Department.

M. C. Malakar, Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam and D. M. Singh, Kaziranga Park Director were present at the elephants send-off from the centre in Kaziranga. Kampa Borgoyari, Deputy Chief of the Bodo Territorial Council (BTC) received the elephants in Manas.

A six-member veterinary team comprising doctors from the College of Veterinary Science, Guwahati, Dr. Bijoy Dutta and Dr. Bhupen Sarma, Dr. Bhaskar Choudhry, Dr. Anjan Talukdar, and Dr. Ashraf of WTI, and Dr. Raj Jyoti Deka (as independent consultant) accompanied the elephants on their journey from Kaziranga to Manas.

A. J. Cady, Director Animals in Crisis and Distress, IFAW, and Vivek Menon, Executive Director, WTI also joined the elephants. Mr. Cady symbolically released the elephants in Manas, signifying arrival to their new home. The exercise is part of the elephant rehabilitation programme initiated by WTI and IFAW with support from the Assam Forest Department.

For media-related inquiries, contact:
Chris Cutter (IFAW, US)
Tel: +1 (508) 737-4623
Email: ccutter@ifaw.org

Mandeepa Ahluwalia (WTI)
Tel: +91 981 168 8851
Email: mandeepa@wti.org.in

The National Games in Asom

2007-02-22T13:18:00.000Z

It’s been a few years since we heard that the National Games would take place in Guwahati and along with it, came the speculations- can Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and him team make it happen? Is it possible to even consider that such an event is feasible in a dysfunctional state like Asom? Of course Manipur had done it earlier and they probably have the highest rebel groups in North-East hence, equally if not more dysfunctional than us. I have to be honest here. The games being postponed several times, personally I gave up hope, went ahead and booked my filming schedule months in advance which I couldn’t change. My loss, as my shoot collided with the games.

All went well. The National Games indeed take place, ULFA kept their promise and the state did a fantastic job of hosting it. I badly wanted to be there cheering for our team. I have done that many a times as a child when Deuta was intensely involved with the Bordoloi Trophy. Cinema and Sports have been around in our house as far as I can remember. We had players living with us as family members and the endless parties Maa hosted before our table tennis team left for the Nationals. I guess it also reminded me of my Badminton days. The unity, the power and of course the pride I had (by the way still do), when I represented the state once in Mini Nationals. Today, I think I will lose a game to an amateur but then, that’s another story.

I could empathise with the participants, their joy of not just representing the state but also being the host team and if that is not enough, appearing in the top three rankings, not to mention the pressure to win in “home grounds”. This confirms that regardless of us being stamped as a race of “lahe lahe” Asom won gold in speed races like swimming and cycling apart from the other sports. Despite carrying on army operations in some corner of the state, we are still capable of putting up international standard opening and closing ceremonies.

Watching glimpse of the opening ceremony in the telly, I literally had tears in my eyes and a strange sensation ran through my body when Monalisa Barua Mehta (Mithoo ba, as she is know to the family) held the torch. Now, she is one contribution Deuta had made single-handedly to the state and to the country. Those few minutes felt as if I was living every moment through her. Just like a lucid dream going back to yesterdays, where every now and again, Deuta used to carry me with him to Kanaklata Stadium where I was fed strawberry milkshakes out of see-through plastic cans and got pampered like a living doll by his colleagues and players…the summer training camps, the boiled eggs and stale toasts for breakfast in that dilapidated canteen behind the then RG Barua Guest House, the half-fan saloon where most of us got the same crew cut (be it men or women) the national and international coaches for table tennis and above all, the bubbling charged up atmosphere to play and win for the state. Stories Deuta used to fill us about his collaborations with his friend and mentor R G Barua, his experience in Seoul and Los Angels Olympics where Maa also accompanied him and she literally had to open the twist of her saador to show some inquisitive crowd as to how it is worn, the souvenirs that still stand in our living room as memories of those bygone years. Last week, I silently observed Deuta open his wardrobe and brush his old blazer that said Phani Sharma- Vice President (Indian Olympic Association). Being an excellent table tennis player during his youth (his peers still talk about his forehand) I can only wonder the emotions he must have been through during the past two weeks. Strangely, he never pushed us to play any game but gave us the atmosphere and perhaps he takes solace in the fact that all his four children represented the state in different games.

Anyway, coming back to my filming, my last interview was with the Chief Minister and being given passes to watch the closing ceremony by the man himself I thought it might be a good idea to let my hair down after the roller coaster exciting filming experience we had. Sitting among the 30,000 odd spectators and watching a colourful presentation I could feel the buzz around me. I am sure some of them might have been victims of terror or at least have been effected by it to a certain extend at some point of time but it felt like they were impatiently waiting for a new renaissance to flush away their pain which they found in the games.

Undoubtedly, Tarun Uncle deserves all the pat on his back for providing the platform to the state but we must take a moment out to thank and appreciate the hard work put in by the people who implemented it and turned it into a success.

My sincere thanks and appreciation to the labours, contractors, builders of the brand new stadiums, to the Assam Police, Guwahati City Police- constables to IGP Mallik who himself had been a victim of terror years ago) , all IPS officers, Security Forces, Players and their parents/family for their sacrifices and dedication, Nagaland for their first participation, Organisers, Coaches, Cooks, Cleaners, School Children and Celebrities for their splendid performances, Media, Commissioner Sports and National Games (IAS Officers) Director of Sports Dhruba Hazarika, Naba Kumar Das (IAS), ACC, Pradyut Bordoloi, Hemanta Biswa Sarma and their colleagues who came together to made it happen. I sincerely apologise if I have left out anyone which I sure must have. Nevertheless, your input is valued and admirable. Last but not the least I request the players of our state to continue marvelling in their respective sports in the coming years and take advantage of the wonderful facilities they have now, which we never had years ago.

This certainly proves that if we, the people of Asom want to achieve success, we can, provided we put our mind, heart and hands together unanimously. Like many reading this piece, it too makes me proud to be part of the same soil.

Blue Corn.. Girl Band from Mizoram

2007-02-12T20:10:00.000Z

Song: Krismas Nang Nen
Band: Blue Corn
This is an all girls band from Mizoram--Mizos have a zest for music and God has gifted then with beautiful voices.
It is a pity that Kimkimi the third member of this band is not on the video.Filmmed by a local mizo production company.

Guwahati, February 3rd 2007

2007-02-04T09:33:00.000Z

It rained at dusk today. The first shower we had this year. I had almost forgotten the smell of the red wet earth that I used to love as a child. I looked out of my window. The increasing sound of the drops that hit the tin rooftop next door drove me to our portico. It felt strange to re-live the moment under the silvery red sky. Birds flew away in flocks…they seemed to be in a hurry. The lightening on those far fetched hills caught my attention. Tall bamboo trees by our driveway danced to the tunes of the wind and that wet stray dog across the street?

Under the wooden shed of a small shop stood a half drenched man holding a live chicken by its legs and he stood still the whole time, as if, cursing the rain for the delay it had caused him. The chicken on the other hand looked rather confused, fluttering her wings every now and then. Cars and busses were slowing down and it was time to switch their headlights on. The rickshaw pullers with their water drenched eyes paddled harder just so to keep their momentum against the rain. A couple briskly walked pass, their handkerchiefs wrapped around their head acting as make-shift umbrellas. Distant hustling passer-bys voices echoed with the sound of the drops. My mother’s full bloomed Dahlias quenched their thirst and like my mood, loved every bit of it.

As the wind gush the curtains away, I got a glimpse of my niece in the next room, oblivion to the rain, training her sa-re-ga-ma with her brand new harmonium. For me it added music to the ambiance. The girl on the other side of the fence rushed to her backyard and haphazardly collected the clothes from the washing line, the lonely swing; water patiently dripping from the rain that has now stopped. It seemed to have washed away the dust it had collected over the winter. My heart wanted to feel, touch and dance with the rain but my whole new British attitude stopped me and sensibly reminded me of my impending commitments and that I couldn’t afford to sport a cold. Now with a slight chill in the air, I need to wrap myself up, pick that brewing cup of tea and get on with my mundane life.

Bidexot Apun Manuh (close ones abroad)

2007-01-05T06:47:00.000Z

Bidexot Apun Manuh (BAM) is a popular Assamese television show that follows the lives of Assamese living abroad. Presented in a travelogue style, it interviews the Non Resident Assamese (NRA)'s in informal surroundings. Telecast over Guwahati Doordarshan Kendra(DDK) since 2001, the second series of BAM (Dwitiya) is currently telecast on DDK every Sunday at 7.30 pm (IST).
The show hosted and directed by Bobbeeta Sharma (first Miss North-East) has completed more than 150 episodes covering countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Dubai, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands and Norway so far.
Script:Jimoni Choudhury
Music: Manas Hazarika
Editor:Pranjal Phukan
Camera: Chinmoy Sharma, Sharad Verma, and Ravindra Badgaiyan
Producers: Chinmoy Sharma & Bobbeeta Sharma
Production House:Guwahati based "Sangita Advertising".

Watch the title song of (BAM) sung by Saju... a hit song among people of Assam.

Gentle can be something you touch...

2006-12-04T23:22:00.000Z

Gentle is something you touch
but you can't always capture it
Once you do
you don’t want to let go
a sensitive touch can make us forget the world
Is gentle something you touch
or something that touches you

the first time I heard this piece was in the Ariel advert. It was too beautiful and I had to know more about it. No such luck. All I could find was this poem written by one guessaurus. here it goes.. dont know which came first.Do you really want to read on?

Gentle Poem

2006-12-04T16:10:00.000Z

Gentle
Satin
Against my naked body
Soft
Gentle
Shimmery
Clean sheets
Against my naked body
Soft
Gentle
Fresh
A rose
Against my skin
Fragrant
Gentle
Soft
A kiss
On my lips
Sensual
Gentle
Sexual
A finger
On my lower lip
Soft
Gentle
Ticklish
A whisper
In my ear
Soft
Gentle
Whispery
Like the wind
A caress
Against my soft skin
Sensual
Gentle
Tender
Eyes
Looking into my eyes
Deep
Gentle
Tender
Hands
Holding me
Comforting
Gentle
Soft
Skin
Against mine
Soft
Gentle
Together
Fingers
Running through my hair
Tender
Soft
Gentle
Reassuring
A kiss
On the crook of my neck
Sensual
Tingly
Gentle
Arousing
A hand
Down my back
Tingly
Tender
Gentle
Sensual
My hands
On my body
Soft
Sensual
Gentle

Casino Royale.. Hmm.. I have bonded well!

2006-12-01T02:04:00.001Z

Since the day I heard Quentin Tarantino wanted to remake the 1967 James Bond Casino Royal, I have been keeping my ears and eyes open for not only am I a devotee of Tarantino but it would be a lethal combination to see him direct 007.

Well perhaps it was not meant to be and if that was not enough bad news for me, Daniel Craig is the new Bond. Daniel WHO? I didn’t like his male model Zoolander photo shots and somehow he was not appealing to the new Bond I had in mind. He is told to be 30 something but looks much older and was not “soft and dishy” enough like his predecessor Pierce Brosnan.

This evening I finally watched it. I know it’s nearly the second week but well I have some sort of life. The movie completely took me by surprise. First of all it’s not cliché. Well, thank God for that. Even Superman Returns was not cliché. Hmm.. maybe the producers are learning…

Here James Bond gets hurt. In fact I have never seen such a battered and bruised 007 in my life and the best part is that Daniel Craig grows on you..ah aww now I must behave. He has the look that says “I am no super human yet you can depend on me and above all I am not just a sex machine” which makes him look even sexier or perhaps I prefer it a little subtle.

For once, the focus was in the plot then high tech gadgets, visual effects and steamy scenes. I am wondering if “M” (Dame Judi Dench) is confused with her new Bond boy who had the audacity to break into her house and even steal her password. There was no Money Penny and no “Q” in the first 10 minutes of the film educating the audience about the cars, the watch and the lot. Btw, it’s not Rolex but Omega and he can’t be bothered if his martini is shaken or stirred. In fact he came up with some concoction and invented a new drink which perhaps from this instant can be called “bondini”.

Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) had a good role to play. Apart from her vague way of speaking and the bleeding red lipstick she is likable and there was some form of love in this one. Overall treatment of the film including the beginning credits was good which were done with playing cards in mind. I am not sure if the prologue was purposely done in b/w to pay tribute to the earlier film. I heard that the first chase scene was taken from a documentary where Londoners exercise and just run over roofs in the city. Yes, we are a bunch of weirdo’s. Madonna too used them for her music video “Jump”. Come to think of it I am not sure how much CGI is used in the bond sequence. Although my knowledge in cards/poker is limited I was still entertained and oh yes, how can I forget- the torture scene was indeed there. Wait a minute, the film was rated 12A. Gosh! They must be a tough bunch of 12 year olds to witness such a scene especially young boys else the next time they sit on a broken chair, they might jump. As for me, I enjoyed the scene ..na I am not a sadist but it was still great to see him naked. Well practically!

He is much more real, has this oozing raw sex appeal and is fantastic on camera.
10 on 10 Bond. Go for it.

Syrian Speaks.. impressive

2006-12-01T01:42:00.001Z

Wafa Sultan is a secular psychologist of Syrian-American origin. Although she is quite well-known for her part in the the public discussion on the clash of civilizations her recent appearance on Al Jazeera has spread on the Internet like wildfire

Dhoom Again.. or maybe NOT

2006-11-27T02:00:00.000Z

I first saw the Dhoom 2 trailer before they showed KANK in the HSBC special screening for NRI in Haymarket Odeon this August. Dhoom 1 didn’t appeal to me but I still wanted to watch Dhoom 2 as the trailer was fast, happening and a well made one.

First day, first show. Odeon Greenwich, I watched Dhoom 2. It would have made no difference if the film was called Hrithik or Dhoom 2. The film opened with him and his fantastic Dhoom Again song (this guy moves like he has rubber attached to his feet), he carried the film all along and you come out of the theater with him in your mind and the flesh of course! There was too much of it everywhere.

The first few minutes of the film was in English and Hrithik Roshan with his Greek God looks could easily get away as a Hollywood actor. The introduction of Uday Chopra and Abhishek Bachchan in the back waters of Kerala or was it Mudd Island was over the top and fell flat compared to Hrithik’s Namibia opening sequence.

More importance in colour, texture, set and light was given to Hrithik and undoubtedly this is the best he has looked so far. And surprise surprise, he can act too. For once a star-studded guy is not afraid to get into character roles. We have seen it in Koi Mil Gaya and you shall see more here.
Unlike Aishwarya and Abhishek’s chemistry in Umrao (Bei)Jaan, I have to say that the screen chemistry of Hrithik and Aish is going to stay. It reminded me of Abhishek and Rani Mukherjee. Aishwarya Rai, with her fake tan was trying hard to look sexy and how can a director approve a song called “Crazy Kiya Re”… Fu…..nny guy! but she has worked hard to get that shape.

While sharing the screen with Hrithik, Chota Bachchan looked like a side actor and the kajal and whole white shoes dance sequence didn’t help either. Rimi Sen is seen in many blockbuster movies yet we cannot remember if she was in any.
Bips ( Monlai / Sonali) and Uday Chopra were side kicks and gave us something to chuckle for.

Apart from the fantastic Brazilian location, there is neither story line nor any message in this film. But if you like to watch babes, bikes and Hrithik’s six packs, even a lone nerve going down his hips along with the action packed stunts and of course a smooch, go watch the film . Otherwise it might be well worth waiting for the DVD.

Bafta Goes Bollywood

2006-11-20T01:37:00.000Z

Pratibha (Parmar) invited me to join her to the Birmingham Asian Mela. She will be interviewing Kajol and Ajay Devgan and perhaps Saif Ali Khan too. Come over, It will be fun, she said. I will put your name as my guest.

Bafta suddenly wants to go Bollywood. They have been interviewing a lot of our stars this year. Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Masterclass with the ever-confident Karan Johar and honouring the big daddy of production houses- Yash Chopra

Birmingham is an hour and fifteen minutes by train from London. So it was a day trip for me and I asked Pratibha if I can bring my PD170 to film. Too chaotic and too strict about rights, filming and the lot. Drop the idea! Just chill for a change and go mad on the stars, the food and the mehendi.
It was an eventful day and I would like to write more about it some other time. Accept for the fact that I met the stars and pressed the flesh.. You know what I mean. Saif is a born casanova, grown into a matured actor and can converse well. The pedigree helps I guess. Ajay has a soul unlike his conceited wife, he smiles when your eyes suddenly meet- I know..sorry people! Its true when they say that certain people are better off not meeting. I actually thought the other way round before I met the couple. Kajol did the whole interview as though there was some kind of anger inside her ready to burst. Ajay was soft spoken, a hard nut to crack and spoke only in monosyllables.

On the other hand, Nasreen Munni Kabir has written books and researched in depth on Bollywood. It is refreshing to know someone like her and she even did a documentary on our baadshah Shah Rukh. She held some of the other interviews. The best of her interviews was with Aamir Khan. The more I see of the man, the more I fall in love with the actor in him. Watch his interview here

Want more Bafta Interviews:
Shah Rukh Khan
Yash Chopra
Preity Zinta
Karan Johar

a terrorist, an orphan, rebel and a poet - Mithinga Doimari

2006-11-05T04:47:00.000Z

A friend of mine calls his Oxomor Kobi (Assam's Poet).
I am talking about Megan Kachari aka Mithingga Daimari, known to the world as the former publicity secretary of the banned militant outfit, the United Liberation Front of Asom, ULFA, who is currently serving his sentence in Guwahati jail as we read his poems.

He called himself Megan since the early 1990s when he turned a poet. A life led in deprivation and disparity in Barama, a hamlet in Nalbari district of Assam, though, had named him Jatin Das, way back, on May 17, 1967.

With many names, with many memories of his entire family being wiped off in secret killings, with many episodes of a life led in hiding, with hopes of living one day in an idyllic `janambhoomi' (motherland), Megan's poetry has that blend of guns and roses, of aches and joys, of belief and distrust, of loss and gain.

"Melodies and Guns", a book of poems edited by Indira Goswami was originally published in Assamese as "Memsahib Prithibi” written by Daimari. It reflects the mind of a man with a gun, and with a throbbing heart. His poetry catches the eye for its fearlessness and spontaneity.

The Down Stream Song

The bank, in the dawn
And far away, in the horizon
Was the glow of my rising red sun.

But where have I lost all?

Those fragile memories
Of my childhood and youth.
But how to see them, once again
Those treasures, dreamy and young?

The morning, and the noon
The afternoon, and now
It’s midnight.

Drifting…

Above me, this dark, black sky
Ahead of me, lie unknown waters
And around me, is an unknown voice.

Drifting…

In my own voice?

Manjeet Barua writes more about Magan’s poems

Mynta: a fusion between swedish ice and indian spice

2006-11-05T00:53:00.000Z

MYNTA brings you a colorful mix of Indian vocal, African and Latin-American rhythms, Arabic sounds, Swedish Folkmusic and Cuban violin, together with Indian traditional instruments as tabla, kanjira, ghatam and tampura.

To listen/download their tracks like:
Song from Brahmaputra
Fuzzy
and Teabreak
click here

Sweden and India find a common place in music through the ears and imagination of the group Mynta. Founded in 1979, the group has created their own genre of music, while preserving the integrity and traditions of their root sounds. The Swedish-Indian fusionists define world music, by extracting the organic elements that runs through the vein of centuries-old musical histories.
MYNTA is led by the Indian musicians Fazal Qureshi (tabla) and Shankar Mahadevan (vocal). These virtuosos within the classic Indian musical tradition have performed all over the world with such musicians as Hariprasad Chaurasia, Shivkumar Sharma, and Zakir Hussain. Fazal is the younger brother of Zakir Hussain, who belonged to John McLaughlin's famous group Shakti, one of the earliest fusion bands in Europe.
Representing the Swedish alliance are veterans of the Swedish music scene - Santiago Jimenez (violin), Max Åhman (guitar), Ola Bothzén (percussion) and Christian Paulin (bass). Together the four musicians slant the music in the Nordic direction, inflecting a cool jazz feel into the mix.
MYNTA have come to be respected in the music world for years of making music that is honest and refreshing everytime. John Baxter of Option magazine praises the world-class performers for their expansive view of music: "Qureshi and Mikael Nilsson lay down some of the most electrifying percussion grooves I've heard in years; and in it's blinding, effortless speed, Max Åhman's guitar pays homage to John McLaughlin. Mix in Swedish hammered dulcimer, the Indian santoor and tanpura, and the North African saz and this becomes an exotic sort of orchestra. With groups like Mynta, it's clear that Scandinavia is turning out the most fascinating and enjoyable world fusion around.

Geeti Kobi

2006-11-05T00:26:00.000Z

Since I was a child, I have heard his name literally being synonymous with anything creative. He was referred in the books we read, the lyrics we heard and the films.. well sadly I never got a chance to watch any but let me tell you, I feel psyched to be part of the same clan as him.

This sleek website is fanbloodytastic. Have a look. Parvati Prasad Baruva

Blood in My Valley

2006-11-01T03:04:00.000Z

If you liked my 5 minute Assam video, you might like to watch the new (should I say BETA version)10 min clip.

WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE. Please do not proceed if in doubt. Otherwise the filmmaker has kindly requested you to watch it with an open mind.

The white woman's burden

2006-10-01T01:36:00.000Z

Iris Macfarlane, married to a tea planter in Assam, reflects on her growing sense of the injustice of colonialism. For her recent book, please see: http://www.alanmacfarlane.com

Sushmita's Teflon Living

2006-07-27T18:31:00.000Z

Neither really here nor there. A space between bohemian exuberance and conservative quiet, between the person you are and the person you are growing into, between grand romances and flimsy rice paper passions. the space where stories are born.
And sometimes, in rare fragile moonwashed moments, replayed over and over again

Language Of Tears

2006-05-20T03:03:00.000Z

Assam in North East part of India has been facing two major problems - the infiltration of foreigners from neighbouring countries (especially Bangladesh) and the ongoing revolution between the banned separatist group -United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and the Indian Government for the past 27 years.

Their cause- Assam has been exploited way too long hence demands an independent Assam, separate from India. In this teaser video (a documentary in the making), Sanchayita, who now lives in London makes a personal journey to her place of birth and talks to the rebels, ex-rebels and their families about their life now and during the past two decades .
( click here to watch the same film on youtube)

If you want more , watch the 10 minute clip : Blood in my valley

Sound Of Silence..you are not alone

2006-03-04T18:09:00.000Z

Genre: Music Video
Duration: 03 :14

Synopsis:
This video was done over a weekend with my laptop. Idea was to create a music video with just still photos and video effects available on Windows Movie Maker. Great fun editing for the first time!

15 Seconds Echo

2006-03-04T17:19:00.000Z

Come to think of it, a feature film is made of several 15 seconds hence when the challenge came to tell a story in 15 seconds, it inspired me. Thinking in the 15 seconds lines, I wanted a word record on the theme and put a contrast on the other side of the spectrum.

Filmed, Directed and Produced by Sanchayita Sharma
Sound: Bob Summerfield
Edited by Hazel Chandler and Sanchayita Sharma.

BTW, The longest Lasting ECHO was created by closing of the doors in a Mausoleum in Hamilton, Scotland. Enjoy!

P.S: With beginning and end credits it ends at 17 seconds.

of bollywood and bastardisation

2006-02-04T14:25:00.000Z

by BODO
It's two forty am. And I've just gotten back from watching rang de basanti. Mynta is playing on the cd player (which is a good thing). My body is complaining about my constant abuse of it (which is a not so good thing). And me. I have things to say that can't wait till the morning.

Like what? Well, questions of national identity for starters. Also, bollywood's immense capacity to surprise me. And isolated snatches of conversation that have hung suspended over the ceiling of my living room since the eve of our 58 th republic day.

And not that it can't wait till the morning. Of course it can. Just that I'll get so caught up in my super animated daily grind that I'll completely forget what I have to say till an evening, three or four months hence when I'll be up staring at the computer screen at 4 in the morning.

So here I am, child of colonial India, more comfortable with the concept of high tea than with jolpan, lightly tapping the keys of my computer (because pounding, I'll have you know went out with the typewriter) at 3 in the morning.

So here I am, thinking about what it is that makes me Indian. Is it the culture I've been brought up with? Can't be, I think. I grew up knowing my Jane Austen's backwards. Sipped tea instead of chai. Wore jackets on winter evenings to club. Knelt down to pray in church even before I understood who or what god was. Surrounded by a living, breathing legacy that the British left in India.

Then I grew up slightly more. Things changed a lot from my younger days. America, meantime was either trying to take over the world or save it from themselves. Coca cola replaced water in the grocery stores. And mtv replaced ramayan on our tv sets. George Clooney became a recurring theme in my dreams (still is by the way).

And then I went to school in jaipur. Where I learnt how to cook, to arrange flowers, ride horses, make lovely sets for functions and of course that a woman's real place is in the kitchen. Even if she burns water while boiling it.

So what culture are we talking about?

Is it the heritage that has been handed down to me? Can I claim to be proud of a Gandhi, because I happened to be born in the same nation state? Can I claim to be proud of being a part of the world's largest democracy even though I've never cast a vote in my life? Can I rest assured be cause I have several million gods watching over me as opposed to most of the worlds just one?

Where does my identity as an Indian come from? Not just me, all of us? Where does our identity as an Indian come from? And more importantly, do we need an identity as an Indian?

Isn't it enough that we can do good for goods sake instead just for the nations sake? Isn't it enough that we pay our taxes not because the country demands it, but because we are giving back to the community? Isn't it enough that we can give inzamam-ul-haq his due without thinking, salla pakistani? Isn't it enough that our basic values – religious, cultural whatever, are essentially human values? And despite however many borders we cross or how many languages we speak…that's not going to change.

Not with a hurdred rang de basanti's hitting the screen. Much as it is one of the best films that bollywood ever made. Much as it is packed with nationalistic fervor. Much as it questions the apathy of our generation. Because it's a film about taking responsibility for change. A film about pissing or getting off the pot. And yes, it's a film that deals with the state of our nation. But what is a nation if not the sum of its people. And people, I figure, are essentially the same all over the world. With or without their sense of national identity.

And now at four eighteen am, with my beer having lost all its fizz, a dead cd player lying just out of reach, and eyelids that are fighting a losing battle to gravity…I've got to admit that it's time to say goodnight and good luck. Have a great day tomorrow. And yes, go watch rang de basanti

Making of "The Passage"

2006-01-27T05:11:00.001Z

Assam Tribune May 2005

Only two Indian women filmmakers screened their films in Cannes this year. Vinta Nanda’s White Noise & Sanchayita Sharma with her film called The Passage (see more about the film in http://www.enazoree.com

Born and bought up in Guwahati, capital of Assam, Sanchayita now lives and works in London. She says about her film: “It is not a formula Bollywood film and I don’t have a track record in filmmaking. So I was not surprised when there weren’t many takers to fund it. But I believed in the story hence I saved for two years and when I fell short of money I literally made the rest of the film out of my credit card. But I wouldn’t like to advice anyone to do that though. Of course, the value of the British pound helped me as it was filmed in India.”

Before moving to London, Sanchayita had a successful television career in India as a Bollywood request show host, interviewing celebrities. The show "Your Request" was on air for a decade and was the first to hit the record of 100 episodes in Doordarshan North East. She also ventured into the theatre world and had remarkable reviews about her acting skills in plays like Romeo and Juliet (1998); Street Car named Desire (1999) and participated in the Nandikar International Theatre Festival (1998) with Seagull Group, a well known theatre company from Assam.

Excerpts from an earlier interview :

You come from a family that is connected with cinema? What was it like to grow up in that environment?

I was six when I discovered that people paid to watch movies. Since my father owned cinema halls, watching films was not just a regular event but film business was dinner table conversation too. Sholay was the first film I remember that hit my emotional cord. Maybe because the terror was psychological or perhaps I thought Sanjeev Kumar was my father’s look-alike, hence the pain every time I watched it. For me, Gabbar was the epitome of my filmy villain and the “distributor” word I often heard at home were my real live Gabbars.

North East of India has seen you in front of the camera for a while now. What inspired you to direct a film?

Yes, apart from my TV show which I had fun doing, school and college days brought me closer to a lot of theatre as an actor but I was looking for something more. The business part of filmmaking was more appealing to me rather than directing. To be honest, I never had the nerve to direct until quiet late in life when I saw Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy. It was Ray’s and Kristov Kieslowski’s treatments that made me look at films from a different angle. It somehow gave me the confidence to direct one.

What was the experience like since this was your first film?

Chaotic! Huge learning experience. It needed a lot of planning, organising and researching. Coordinating things from London prior to production did help to an extent. But before I landed in Guwahati, all I had was my script, that too in English. I had to find someone to translate it to Assamese, choose my cast, film and edit it….all in three weeks of Christmas holidays.. I remember working for more than forty eight hours at a stretch. Finally, I was back to London with my final print.

How did you choose your crew being so far away?

My editor, Manas Adhikari was my contact in Guwahati. I’ve known him since my television days. We worked on the budget over email and phone. He understood my vision, so things were easier. Once I landed in Guwahati, he lined up people and we had a crew ready in no time. I was blessed that Suman Dowerah was my cameraman. We worked earlier during my “Your Request” days and he as a busy diary. It was good to work with him , this time behind the camera. He gave personal interest to my film, which was handy.

And the location?

When I was storyboarding my script, I drew the hut and a train line running behind it. Some of the dialogues and one particular shot demanded the train nearby. We went location hunting for two days but couldn’t find any. There were logistical issues. We couldn’t afford overnight stays so it had to be in and around town. Once, I visited our family farmhouse and yes, there was a train line passing by but there wasn’t any hut. So we built one. It was still cheaper than moving everyone to another location. Luckily, Dad was filling up the land due to the floods last year so I got help from the existing builders. In fact they were all in the film as part of the crowd and actors in the village play scene too. I visited a roadside hut, clicked exterior and interior pictures and gave it to my art director to replicate it. Perfect!

What about the cast?

Ah! that was the tricky part. I had Binoy Deka (who played the rebel) in my mind while writing the script. He is a friend from my theatre days and I knew he was apt for the role. Apart from that, I was clueless. I spoke to a few people from London but that didn’t work hence I physically met them once I was in Guwahati and started from there.

You had non actors in the film. How was it to work with them?

Yes, Two of them. Hari Dutta Das (Atoi) and driver Jagadish. But they were playing themselves. Hari Dutta Das was my aunt’s priest at her local Naamghar ( a holy shrine). We did some rehearsals with him but he was easy going. In fact his last scene was fantastic. His eyes said a lot, the lighting , background sound, even the creases of his Eri Sador (shawl) was perfect. We did this towards the end of the day when he was a little tired so that I could get that look. I simply asked him to follow my extempore words of sympathy but requested him to use just his eyes and face emotions as he would do in real life. We had it all in one take. Perfect! He turned out to be a serious actor. After we wrapped up filming he confessed that he was now more interested in acting than his day job. He is looking forward to his next shoot!

My original script had an old driver but during my pre-production days I was driven around town by Jagadish. During my interaction with him, I found out that he had a story to tell. There were several reasons for casting him. He could play himself and could be a “subtle”hint of a probable groom for Pokhili and the most important factor was that he served the rebels but came back home due to the love for his family unlike Bapukan, my catalyst, who was on the other side of the spectrum. I just framed the relevant questions and spoke to him. He answered me just like he did during my pre shoot days.

Apart from the non actors, I have to mention Dabuda (Prof. Tripathi, who lead me to the wonderful Nikumoni Ba who so seamlessly flowed into her character. Also a special mention should go to Linu Aunty (Aatoi’s wife). She was my mother’s find and I thank my lucky stars that she took up this role. During my initial meeting with her, I had my doubts but reluctantly went ahead after some confirmation from my mum. Linu Aunty is a sophisticated lady and she would be playing something entirely opposite to what she is in real life. She really surprised me with her dedication and hard work. Just before the shoot I see her soaking a brand new mekhela sador in used black tea to get the faded look. She was the voice of my film and she did a fantastic job with it. Can’t complain!

You were very particular about the music in the film. Is that correct?

It is a film based on rural Assam. Guitar and keyboards simply won’t fit in. I wanted authentic Assamese music. My crew recommended Tarali Sarma, a well known singer in Assam. Apparently Tarali and I went to school together. It was great working with an old mate. I love Goalporia lokogeet. There seems to be pathos in this music which blended well with my film. Tarali gave me a combination of Kamrupia and Goalporia which was impressive. Even the first chase scene was done on doba and dhol.

Which was the best shot in the film according to you?

I think you should ask my viewers. Well, the ending shot of Atoi was moving. But I was personally pleased with the last shot, the reason why I called it “The Passage”. It was exactly how I visualised it to be. The car moves through a hump before entering the tunnel and disappears into the endless tunnel signifying that they had left the darkness behind and going into a brighter world which was seen at the far end, a kind of situation Assam is at the moment. We hope to see the bright side of the tunnel someday soon. For me, it said a lot about the film. Short films are suppose to leave the viewers with a question which I think the shot did but then again this is just my opinion. Some viewers will like it, some might not but that is filmmaking for you. You cannot make a film for everybody.

Anything interesting that happened during the shoot?

We had a great team, so filming was fun. During breaks, Atoi entertained us with his mythological tales and his new outlook as an actor and the film world. I particularly remember one incident. The night we were to shoot the jungle chase scene, the huge HMI lights were ready but the army actors could not be contacted although they were confirmed. The only phone shop nearby was closed for the night and we were in a no network area so cell phones were useless too. I was at the edge and then my production manager landed up with three local “real” policemen with “real guns”. I was taken aback. They happily wore our army costumes and gave the shot. Very kind!

Anamika Barua

Apart from Cannes, "The Passage" has been screened at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, private screening at Berlin Film Festival, Brick Lane Film Festival, Nehru Centre- London, USA & Canada.

Saving Grace - a rare visitor to London

2006-01-25T15:57:00.000Z

It was a cold Friday morning in London and commuters were looking forward to the weekend away from work and into their warm cosy homes. Like many, a commuter walking over the Waterloo Bridge saw something which compelled him to call the BBC. “Hello, eeh.. this might sound a little strange and I m not sure if I am hallucinated but I.. I think I have just spotted a whale going up the Thames.

Soon news spread and emails and SMS were floating around about this new exciting creature whizzing around in Central London. One interesting message said- Has he tried the Motorway (M4). He could see a lot more Wales on the other side (as in England and Wales). Another SMS to a friend who live by the Thames said- Stop feeding your goldfish. There is a whale right outside your window. The curiosity of some onlookers turned into comic suspicion that it might be Bin Laden’s submarine disguised as a whale inside which little frog terrorist must be hidden to destroy the west.

Now compared to our mighty Brahmaputra, Thames looks like a “naala” (no ffence). The more you travel towards central London the narrower it gets and hell, is it a busy river with tourist boats, private jetties and police boats operating 24/7 and spotting a whale there- nah…you must be joking! My other half religiously called his mom in Guwahati - Maa, they spotted a whale in the Thames and at the moment it’s near the Houses of Parliament. Perhaps it has come to give a petition to Tony Blair on global warming.

Latest news reports identified that it was a 19ft adolescent female, bottle-nosed whale and is usually found in the North Atlantic Ocean. Despite the poor creature getting all the unnecessary attention, this has actually turned out to be a good educational trip for us. How many members of the public knew that we had an animal like this living in waters just to the west of the UK? Around 6 pm, it suddenly went past the Thames barrier and people thought, freedom at last but the mammal still lost on her own, spend the rest of the evening under the Albert Bridge.
By Saturday, the mega rescue operation begun to get her back to where she belonged. The rescue operation was live on BBC 24 and Sky news. Like many, my husband didn’t move an inch from the television for the rest of the day. Are you crazy- this is “Free Willy” and “Finding Nimo” combined together he said. His calls to Guwahati didn’t end too. I even overheard him telling a friend back home- aieera poonati, aji aietu case amaar tat hobo lagisil, uzanbazar ghaatot, blackot bikri hol heten! ( If this happened back home, by now, it would have been sold in black at our fish market).

London has seen it happen too. Back in the 17thcentury thousands of whales were killed simply to extract their oil for lighting. Barrels of whale oil were placed around the streets and lit each night and London even won a reputation of being one of the best lit cities in Europe. It is the first time a bottle-neck whale has been seen in the Thames since records began in 1913 but this time the aim was to save, not slaughter but the rescue wasn’t going to be easy. It is a long journey from Thames in central London to The North Atlantic. Should they hire an army helicopter and lift her out? That might be risky. Will it survive till it reaches safe waters? How do you handle a 19ft 8 ton mammal hanging lose in swallow waters. There are questions of high and low tides. Worst situation, should it be put to sleep? And of all the questions, how did it get so far from the sea? Bottlenose whales usually travel in family pods and the young ones are dependent on their mother. Was she separated from her family and got confused and swam up the Thames instead?

By noon, helicopters flew in; vets, marine biologists and rescue team members in their wetsuits soothed the whale by stroking its hulk and keeping its grey skin splashed with water. Blood samples were taken and it was whisked away for analysis. Divers and volunteers waded in, talking reassuringly to the whale while manoeuvring inflatable bags around it. Then it was guided between two small motorboats and towed downstream to a bigger vessel. It was then hoisted abroad by crane, laid on a large inflatable dinghy acting as a hospital bed and covered with damp blankets. Whales can survive out of water for a while provided its body is kept moist. Thus the procession began. It crossed the London Bridge, Tower Bridge and then Greenwich. All along thousands of spectators rushed from one side of the bridge to the other to get a glimpse of the mammal. One of the rescue workers on the boat said – You are looking at a creature that big right up next to your eye and it’s looking back at you, you wonder what it thinks. Does it know the effort that everyone’s making for it? There is a very deep affinity between humans and whales because they are one of the very few animals that can imitate – a rare quality in the animal world. Meanwhile the crowd was getting emotional, some mentioned that it was inspirational and others were bursting into tears seeing the creature live. I mean you go to sea world and you are mentally prepared to witness similar creatures but watching her live in your surroundings was just another experience. Everybody including my husband was sincerely praying for her survival. A sense of togetherness and bonding engulfed all Londoners for those few hours.

During this whole tamasha, the whale was thought to be conscious. Whales need to be awake to breathe and scientist believes that only half of their brain sleeps at a time. But she was exhausted and rapidly became disorientated and distressed, and sadly after about seven-hour since the rescue operation began, as they reached Gravesend in Kent, she passed away, after suffering convulsions. Mark Stevens, a member of the team said: We turned the lights off on the boat as a mark of respect when she died. There were tears everywhere. Big hairy men crying like sissies. Post-mortem findings confirmed that the echo response areas of her brain were damaged; causing the animal to become distracted, hence she was disoriented. Decision has been made to give the body to the Natural History Museum after all the tests were complete and it will clean the bones and preserve them for scientific research. Animal lovers voiced fears that it may have become confused by noise from boats on the busy Thames.

I was personally touched to see something with immense grace and dignity in such close proximities that it was truly an unbelievable experience of a life time. It was not the first whale to lose its way and its life in an unfamiliar territory, and it might not be the last. Being trapped in London accidentally for more than two days, she acquired various names from the public- Willy, Wally, and Celebrity Big Blubber but to me, I shall simply call her GRACE.

The World Artist- Jyoti Prasad Agarwala

2006-01-17T03:38:00.000Z

Last week my mama-koka (Granny's Brother) Dr Anil Barthakur was reading a piece written by him about his meeting with Jyoti Prasad Agarwala. I was secretly jealous that he had a chance to be in close proximity with the man I admire. Was I born too late in life I questioned myself? Have I missed the boat? Do I stand a chance to get closer to him if I silently hummed Luitore Pani or Agbarit Phulile Phule Moor Sompa? You know, that is another reason why I love talking to people born years before me. They have seen, tasted, felt and lived a life I was oblivion to.

Jyoti Prasad Agarwala (1903-1953) was a playwright, songwriter, poet, writer and film maker from Assam. He is an Assamese icon, deeply revered for his creative vision and output and is referred to as the Rupkonwar of Assamese culture. In fact, he is regarded as the founder of Assamese cinema.
Today, January 17 of each year is celebrated as Silpi divas (Artists' Day) in his honor.