The Ideology of Revolution

Every revolution has a reason behind it.  Whether it is the fight of freedom or the fight to bring in a renaissance of ideas that is not bind by political ideologies. History has witnessed that every revolution has born out of tyranny.  Not for power but by controlling ideologies that aims at the freedom of speech, freedom to live and most importantly freedom to think. Revolution does not count emotions it only remembers the sacrifices. But, strangely, the struggle for revolution cannot be felt by those in revolt. Because those who revolt probably do not question its need, they only believe in its cause. 

While, revolution leads to free thinking it leaves behind logical explanations for its actions. It involves only selfless actions that are initially first questioned, then argued but never felt.  Over centuries nations have undergone revolutionary movements in search for the good cause for their people. In the long run these were given the term of Nationalism. People were being motivated to fight for their rights and this led to the formation of smaller watch dog groups. The objective was to keep the war at bay and even if it was incoming, to find out means to either face it or avert it.

In those days, and I am referring to a time when telegram and the telegraph was the only means and the telephone was just introduced. When Morris code was the code of conduct to relay sensitive information between nations, other nations were focusing their efforts on better transmitting devices. In such a situation the security of every nation was at stake because everyone was racing against time but for different reasons. One to strike war for a reason they termed ‘freedom’, the other to save from the same to occur. It was becoming increasingly alarming to capture the context of the message and act.

The most coveted intelligence bureau known as HM Secret Service begun to select a team of people with the most unusual identity but with a strong sense of observation. They were termed as “Couriers”. They were sent to various parts of the world to observe, network and relay back any information that could be vital for the Nation’s security. Likewise, back here in India pre Independence we had people would travel under disguises, naming of which our very own Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, was often referred to as the ‘master of disguises’. But with India being an independent nation, it had made itself far too many enemies. While, at that point of time, India may not have been equipped with the finesse of deception, but it surely had the instinct to jump into the sea and swim.

We had our first R&AW team. A place where identities kept changing but the reason to live remained unchanged. A secret revolution had begun where people without a motive had suddenly been enrolled into a system where they not only found themselves useful but also a sense of adventure and adrenaline. But amidst all this, while we remain safe and secure in our houses, these silent workers continue to battle out a life which we citizens may find meaningful but to them its an ideology of revolution because every revolution does not have a reason behind it… it just has its emotions.

The Silent Mumbai

Mumbai has always been a city that never sleeps.  The sounds of Mumbai encompassed the soul of the city. From the blaring sounds of the rikshas to the hustle bustle of traffic, Mumbaikars have always been a part of this humdrum. As the news of the pandemic set forth states started to take coercive action by shutting down non-essential services. Maharashtra was amongst the most affected state. With limited supplies and logistics people were just running helter-skelter with the thought of returning to their hometown.

After the first wave of the pandemic had gone, we had all believed that the coming year would allow us all to be back in action. Things started to be better with the government easing out the regulations and people again started to get back to action. But this was short lived. Only to know that the new year bought with itself an even deadlier variant of the Covid 19. And before one could realize that the things had gone way out of control, we found ourselves bound to the chains of house arrest. Welcome to the second wave, that’s what blared on the television sets. And, we all kept thinking of the nightmare that was approaching.

Just when the morning sounds that welcome Mumbai had begun, the next moment it returned to silence. We are in a ‘new normal’ world, where now the day starts with a cup of coffee, you are not greeted by the autowallahs honk but by the constant sounds of notifications or the tingling of the mailbox. Our conversations have changed from ‘meeting’ at a coffee house to meeting virtually on Zoom. Books have turned into Kindle and the most cherished moments of movie watching has taken the face of OTT platforms and ‘binge-watching’. Our questions have changed from Good Morning, to saying ‘Hey I hope you are keeping social distancing’ and most importantly, our expressions have got ‘masked’.

Amidst all these, there are a few who are still keeping the heart of Mumbai beating. They are the people who are working tirelessly, selfless, unconditionally to keep a hope alive. The hope of a longing mother, wife, sister or a father that they will get to meet their kin again. - Yes. I am referring to the medical faculty, comprising of doctors, nurses, compounders, medical shops, the municipal corporation workers and the people working to create the vaccines - the real Covid Warriors.

Today, as India is getting vaccinated under the guidance of the state’s brilliant administration, we are returning back to the hope that ‘we shall overcome’ this pandemic. Yet, as you see the city from a closer lens, you would find the roads empty, closed shops and life is still at a standstill… Mumbai is still in a state of silence and the only sounds that are beating are that of hope that the city of dreams shall rise up victorious for its Mumbaikars!

Bengalis love for Paash/Kol Baalish - The Side Pillow!

Be it in a government office or a road trip, a train journey or a flight  Bengalis are known to be “accommodative sleepers”. All they need is a good hefty meal and then a peaceful hour’s rest. But, this nap has a lot pre requisites. So, let me take my readers through how a traditional Bengali bedroom would look. Normally, people use one or two pillows and leg rest, although very rarely. As you walk across a Bengali household, you would notice that the biggest room would be the bedroom and the biggest object would be the bed! We Bengalis just do not sleep or rest we celebrate it and such celebrations require certain requisites. There needs to be two fluffy pillows at the head side and another one at the leg side. Now comes the icing on the cake, let me introduce you to another object which is mandatory for every Bengali bed - The 'Paash Baalish" - or "Kol Baalish" Side Bolster Pillow.

Surprised?... Well, if you are from West Bengal, especially from Kolkata, you shouldn’t. But for those who are not used to experiencing such a sight, for them, this Bolster Side Pillow is no ordinary pillow as far Bengalis are concerned. They are sourced from the best hosiery makers, if it’s made by grandmothers it’s considered to be even more pious and eternal. Bengali’s have a lot of respect for how their bed must look like and most importantly it must be arranged in the best possible manner.  The tradition of Paash Baalish dates back to the British era when the royals used to have big fat “pillows” at all sides. In fact, the more decorated their beds and sitting arrangement would speak about their royalty. This was then passed on to the zamindars who took forward this legacy by ordering designer bolster side pillows.

As time passed on entering into the modern age, Bengali kids born in early 90’s would understand how these side pillows would act like an intoxicating object while sleeping. Saturday and Sunday mornings would never have been so rejoicing had not these objects would be there. Walking down the memory lane, I remember being in my house at Hindustan Park, while my mother would content herself to two pillows, I would on the other hand order for at least four of them along with one of these side pillows which was a must for me. Side pillows also had a nostalgic connect for me because come every winter, I

would see my grandmother neatly knitting away the covers for these side bolster pillows and then she would send them to me. During my stay in the UK, I would specially order my mother to carry two Paash Baalish for me, and although it was difficult to fit in both the pillows, but there was always room for one. Today with so much of stress amongst the young generation, couples are using it so that they can maintain some distance on the bed. 

To some it might sound like it is just an ordinary object but to every Bengali it’s a matter of an emotion! So what are you waiting for just grab your side bolster because... 

HAPPY WEEKENDS 😉

My Tryst with Bengali Food.

During my college days at Heriot Watt University, I along with a few of my friends used to stay in a shared accommodation in Edinburg.  I was quite homesick of the fact that it would be the first time that I would be away from home. But, to make up for this depression I decided to treat myself to some great Bengali food. It was one of the weekdays and also my day off from work and I along with my friends decided to discover Bengali food in Mumbai.  We hired a taxi and in those days that was a luxury, so we decided to share the fare. And, then began my search for Bengali food, which at the end of it died down because I was aghast, shocked and yet again depressed to find out that there was just not one single food joint that served Bengali food. 

 It was October of 2006 and my first Durga Puja in UK. I had decided that I would for sure not have the mess food and the hard truth was that I did not have so much money to go and dine in a restaurant. It was a Sunday and I was yet again into one of those semi depressed moods, when one of my room mates, Sunil pushed me to pally with him out for a brunch followed with some drinks. As we were entering the pub, a lady was handing over pamphlets to a nearby food festival.  I noticed it said “Authentic Indian Cuisines” and I grabbed my friend who was just about to take a bite of his steak and next we found ourselves standing in a ground with a never-ending line of stalls. I thought to myself how am I going to discover this stall until I sensed a whiff of fish curry that some other guests were having. I just asked them directions to the stall they got it from and finally we arrived.

There was a British local cooking Bengali Fish and Chicken Curry. This was it I told to myself that I need to get this person to deliver us food, but how? I struck up a conversation with the chef and we both came to know that we had a common journalist friend. So, with much deliberation, I requested this friend of mine to persuade the chef to provide us a tiffin service. But, the Chef outrightly refused.  Next was I figured out that it was his birthday and reached his house with a bottle of wine, which of course he could not refuse. And the next was I had cooked some Malpua (an authentic Bengali sweet made with jaggery) to bribe him with. And then placed my proposal that we would provide him with the fish and that too cut in pieces, while all he had to do was to cook it for us!  Although it was not the best but at the end of it for me it was soul food.

 My story now moves into 2010. It was raining heavily in London and I was working and also pursuing my higher studies at Kingston University. On usual Sunday afternoons or evenings, we would have these small pot meals in our house which had twelve occupants and luckily all of them were from different countries.  It would be nothing elaborate but just a typical confluence of different meals. And, then my friends just kept calling me and asking me when would they next crash to have this meal again! In fact, one of my very close friends and a very renowned person in the British Theatre called me to say that it’s time that I start this hobby of mine on a commercial front.

For the moment I had shrugged off the idea since it was just not one fine morning you could start off. There was a lot of homework to be done and the first being naming the baby! My love for Bengali food has even been a part of all my travelogues. My wife and I had not travelled out for a very long time and then in the March of 2017 we decided to go to Bangkok for a few days. While the first three days I enjoyed the food culture of the Thai’s starting from Sushis, Yakitoris and Noodles, I slowly started to get withdrawal syndromes towards accessing Bengali food. It was afternoon and we had an early breakfast hence our hunger levels had shot up. I was bent upon finding a Bengali restaurant and I asked our driver cum local guide to help us. After a lot of struggle, he mentioned a place but the only way to go was on foot. After a while, both my wife and I were literally panting to reach to the place, in fact I even sprained my ankle. Although, my wife had got frustrated and irritated with this uncalled adventure of mine, I finally managed to push myself and her spirits to get to a place called, Amaar Bangla Kitchen… Yes! you heard me right, we finally found a place in the heart of a bustling neighbourhood which truly turned out to be place worth its name!

 My work included travelling abroad for shoots, This was such an incident where I had to travel to Wales with a client and family friend as they were shooting for a car.  I had to be there for almost a week.  So, while for the first three days I somehow managed experimenting with Welsh food (and the experience, well the less I say would be better). It was a Saturday afternoon and I proposed to have some Indian food, not pronouncing my dying wish to pounce on Bengali food! We started our journey and yet again I was experiencing my younger days in Dubai as there was no Indian food, forget about Bengali food in miles!

I had almost given up hope and I could well sense the irritation of my colleagues as their hunger pangs were leaping off limits. We were near a sweet shop and I enquired if there were any Indian restaurants nearby when one of the customers in the shop mentioned to check in of the by lanes. Unfortunately, we had to leave the car at a distant and walk and as soon as we entered the lane the first restaurant that was there said Bengal Village, Words will fall less to express the immense glee that showed on my face. Not only did I order almost everything they had on their menu but also took take away packets. Even my client and our local friend was overwhelmed with the food they had!

It was summer in Amsterdam and I along with my friends decided to holiday. Now, the problem with one of my friends is that he cannot stay without nothing but only Bangla food. But, its Amsterdam after all, I said to myself and I was sure that it would not be so bad as my previous experiences. And, it was dinner time as we were scanning places, I was surprised that there were a number of Bengali restaurants including a big community in Amsterdam that called itself ‘Hoichoi’.      

At the end of it while every country would laud about their own cuisine, but for me there is no better love than the love for Bengali food. And as the saying goes, “Shob khabar ek baar, kintu Bangali khabar… Baar Baar” Because, for Bangla food, every Bengali will go to limits that is beyond any one’s imagination!

 

Naari - The Inner Shakti

Travel across the Indian landscape and you can experience the widespread worship of the Goddess in numerous forms starting with Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Parvati and Kali. Women were initially made to believe that their central role is nothing but being a home maker. The men of the family would take the women for granted. As western perspectives came into being women started to enter into the work force, taking up a number of roles. But still in a masculine controlled society, women had not still got their share of respect for their inner qualities. And then came the awakening of a sacred power - Shakti

The traditional concept of women has been given a parallel synonym of Goddess. Their inner qualities are the power that lies within them. But, Shakti, here is not the power of incorporation that creates a divide between conflict and aggression, instead it’s a bond that unites souls, feelings and brings peace. It’s the amalgamation of wisdom and enlightenment which gives refinement and sensitivity. Today, this power is misconstrued and wrongly promoted. While, Shakti is seen as a power that encourages personal self assertion as the prime objective, it also contradicts itself to its actual meaning of building a community, relationship that extends to the world as a single entity.

Shakti is synonymous to Dharma, a power to uphold, support and formulate giving us vitality and making us aware to accomplish our goals and decision- making skills. It’s the power that helps us to unify our individual nature with the Universe, thereby energizing Dharma in the outer world and Yoga within the individual. Contrarily, the inner Shakti has no ideology but moves as a ‘flow of grace’.  Today, being in a democratic society, Shakti works best in a community that encourages like-minded individuals to work together for their self-well- being.

Its time that India take a stand to promote the power of Shakti through education - by educating women, young girls and empowering them with the belief that they too are a part of the community. In India, women is only seen as an object who handles household chores. In this realm of a fast- paced environment they are left behind in the education. Education for women is crucial for them to address the gap between modernism and feminism. Today, women have excelled far better than the masculine gender both professionally and creatively too.

Lets all look towards building a nation that is strongly upheld with feminine powers as Ma Durga and Ma Kali. Because, the day the woman changes the nation will change, since in every aspect of our life whether it be art, culture sports or even politics, the sole identity has been NAARI - The Inner Shakti.

Bengali's First Love - The Jhorna Ghee

Kitchens in a traditional Bengali household look is nothing less than a space research center. Every shelf will be stacked with different spices, condiments and most importantly a bottle of Ghee. But, however neatly things are kept, during the time of cooking, one is bound to find a scene of pandemonium with the cook scanning all around the kitchen for a particular spice or a seasoning. Amidst all these there is one special space always reserved for one special item. In fact, no Bengali kitchen is complete without the presence of this ‘heavenly jewel’ - The Jharna Ghee (also pronounced as Jhorna). 

Most of my readers might be wondering what is the big deal behind a bottle of ghee (clarified butter). Well, for any Bengali kitchen one would see a list of branded ghee from Anik Ghee me this is just not any other ghee. Jharna Ghee is an integral component for any Bengali cuisine. During my childhood I would long for the season of rains to begin. Am I sounding strange? Well it might because, “in the spring of a young Bengali’s fancy turns lightly to the thoughts of Khichuri”. I am sure Lord Tennyson may not be pleased by me butchering his immortal line. But, on a rainy Kolkata afternoon if I had treated him to a piping plate of hot Gobindobhog Rice, with mashed potatoes and a subtle dash of Jharna Ghee drizzled on top of it, I am sure he would relent it too.

During my summer holidays I recall we had gone to Bow Bazar and Sodepur. Welcome to the Sunderban Dairy & Farm, the mecca and the birthplace of the creation of this100 years old ghee. I was fortunate enough to actually witness how this ghee was created at the diary, since my father had a friend who used to work here. From that very moment everything that I relished had a touch of Jharna ghee. To an extent I recall an incident that occurred when I was working in London. We had an event party and the management had ordered for a special themed menu each signifying a cultural touch to it. While, we were ready with everything and we were ready to hit the floor. Moments before I was going through the checklist and to my utter shock found that there was no Jharna Ghee on the table. With me was the Head Chef  of 32 Street, Tom Aldwin and his team of brand chefs all looking blank! I remember, one of my colleague telling me in Hindi (so that others cannot decode), “Lahiri, ab rehne de, iss time pe Jharna Ghee kahan milega. I only looked upto him and said that we would not have a party if there is no Jharna Ghee and left the venue.

I started calling some of my Bengali friends in London, even started to scan online stores that could possibly deliver us the same. I was slowly sensing that I may have to go without this jewel, until my friend, Amitesh (a resident of London) sent me the address in a place called Shadwell and Brick Lane. The clock was ticking and and my colleague and I took to the next available metro. Next, I found myself in a place that looked like a lost part of Kolkata.

After scanning every possible shop, we finally pit stopped in front of a fishery store where there were only two bottles of Jharna Ghee left! I think luck was on our side and during the pop up Chef Aldwin along with my boss came upto me and in a serious tone informing that, Jeff Brixton, (Former Mayor of London) who was our Chief Guest for the party has asked for me. I was surely s@#$d for life until I saw him picking up the bottle of Jharna Ghee and telling me, “This tastes like heaven, can I take a piece of this home”. And, I stood there smiling at the fact that a prank was played on me and with pride I replied, “Sorry Sir, that’s every Bengali's and my only love, which I cannot share”! But I made it upto his request by specially hand delivering him a box of it when my parents came over to London meet me.

Later, that evening after the pop up was over, I decided to cook some special dishes for my team mates amongst which was the famous Moong Dal, Khichuri, followed with Ilish Bhaja and a few other items. While, tasting my boss asks me, “Gentleman what a lovely fragrance and what taste. Can you please share this recipe with me..And I laughed and said, it’s a secret that will remain one as I looked at the extra bottle of Jharna away from anyone’s eyes but mine and slowly whispered, Oh! Jhorna… Oh my darling!

Making you feel special

“Food is symbol of love when words are inadequate.”  

– Alan D. Wolfelt

From childhood I was very choosy with what I would wear and most importantly what I would eat. Hailing from a middle class traditional Bengali family, I was taught that rice and fish were to be my only close friend. While, chicken or mutton who I treated to be dearer could visit me once a month. So, in short, feeding me was almost like being at war with yourself. Until one fine sultry evening my mother discovered that my taste buds attracted something so authentic that she could not believe her eyes. Although, for a moment she felt that it was the hunger that was calling but it was on this particular day that all my five senses had got attracted to the whiff of this cuisine. Until, after a few years I again had a rendezvous with this mystery cuisine and this time my parents definitely realized that I did have some connection with them! - CHINESE!

Surprised? Shocked or Amazed? Well I am not too sure about my readers but my parents were definitely. The journey began with my then most favourite and only joint in Dubai which probably served the best of Chinese cuisine was Golden Dragon.  

It was during Durga Puja while staying at Kolkata, I had noticed that there were quite a few restaurants that had started to serve Chinese. Although my taste buds were dancing to try each one of them until my foodie friends called me up and informed that there was a new outlet that had opened at Gurusaday Road.

At first my parents were unwilling to step out in the hustle bustle of the city. Moreover, they were least interested to stand in a never-ending queue but with the help of my cousins we managed to persuade them to go. It’s a long time and I don’t exactly remember what the menu was but when I did complete our dinner, believe me or not, that was the first time I enacted the famous dialogue from Sholay, “Yeh haath mujhe de de thakur” (Thakur, give me your hands) in the most cinematic manner, because I really wanted to keep those hands who had created this wonder of a dish which tasted something that words alone can’t express. This is when I was first introduced to ‘Mainland China’. 

After having completed my higher studies in the UK, I had for the first time travelled with a team to Mumbai on an assignment.It was a summer afternoon and to add to it we had been a part of a boring conference. So, in order to compensate we decided that we very much deserved a decent meal. They say there is no sincerer love than food.  Just as we were deciding on options for a good eatery joint my friend Sunil called over. Call it coincidence or not he mentioned that there is an outlet of Mainland China in Andheri. Since, he was a Mumbaikar it did not take us too much time to find the spot.

As I entered the restaurant, for the first time it seemed as if I was entering a temple. There was a silent sound of the Chinese chimes playing in the background with pin drop silence, as diners were meticulously concentrating on doing just one thing. EATING!  We were greeted by the restaurant manager and then was asked our choice for Ala Carte or the buffet. For the very first time I was taken away with surprise when I experienced their never-ending buffet spread. After a very long time I felt so elated to know that, after all, there was a brand that exuded a hospitality far beyond international standards.

For over two months we have been in a state of lockdown and dining out is definitely not happening. So, one is just left with no choice but to sit back tight and have home food. Until one Saturday afternoon my wife was craving to have Chinese.

I had taken for granted that no restaurants would be operating for obvious reasons and hence I was about to give up the idea and go to her with a sore face. Until I saw a post on Facebook, that read, “Speciality Kitchens- Now get your favourite delicacies delivered to your doorstep”. I was not only pleasantly surprised, but truly loved the idea of how they had laid down their steps of maintaining hygienic standards. 

When you order from Mainland China the package entails the information of the temperature of the chef preparing the food, followed by the temperature of the person packing it and finally the temperature of the delivery person at the time he picks up the order from the outlet. Furthermore, there are steps mentioned in the form of a sticker pasted on the delivery bag. 

This entails the step by step procedure of opening your package in the most safe and hygienic manner.  Once you receive the package there is a FREE hand sanitizer sachet for you to sanitize yourself first before you proceed to open the package. The contents of each dish are securely stored in separate containers which are 100% Food Grade to prevent cross-contamination.  Over the years the brand has made its presence felt over continents and has now carved for itself an identity not only locally but globally too.  Having completed over 25 years in this food industry the only mission of this magnum opus of a brand has been to provide their guests with food that is authentic to its core. 

Well, as I am writing, I felt the urge of ordering food from them. It seems it has arrived and I am already getting intoxicated by the essence of the smoky feel of the  Pan-Fried Soya Garlic Noodles,  the fragrance of the Sizzling Lamb and my most 'treasured' soup, The Eight Treasured Soup (a recipe I await to smuggle from the hands of its creator!).  

As they say that there are moments, there are memories. But if there is someone who makes these moments larger than life and most importantly if its Chinese it gotta to be from just one place…. MAINLAND CHINA. Because it is all about '

'Making you feel special’. So, EAT HEALTHY & STAY SAFE!

PS: KEEP ORDERING!