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Partition and the Vernacular

By Manjira Majumdar

The refugee has always been the subject of jokes. This joke did the rounds during partition and even to this day in Bengal.

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Collection of Flash Fictions

Flash fictions written within the confines of exam halls.

Secrets of the Streets Cover
Secrets of the Streets

Under the vibrant hues of the Kolkata sunset, the city’s pulse reverberated through its streets and parks, pulsating with an invigorating energy.

The Flirty Façade Cover
The Flirty Façade

His eyes are locked on me, seemingly mesmerized by my graceful presence, the cascade of black curls, and the rhythmic click of my heels.

The Surprise Order Cover
The Surprise Order

His appeals had become a regular occurrence since my second semester.

Shadows of Shyam Bazar Cover
Shadows of Shyam Bazar

One evening, as they walked together, Ram found himself overwhelmed by a wave of emotion.

The Last Goodnight Cover
The Last Goodnight

Another night. Eyes squeezed shut, feigning sleep. The familiar creak of the doorknob, a melody in the silence.

The Cost of Living Cover
The Cost of Living

Amir, a familiar sight outside the college gates, always struck me as the archetype of street kids – young, barely fourteen, dressed in tattered clothes.

Twilight Turnabout Cover
Twilight Turnabout

One evening, I sought solace in the joy of wandering along the lively streets of Esplanade, where commerce thrived amidst the pulse of the city.

Transaction at the Traffic Signal Cover
Transaction at the Traffic Signal

As we halted at the signal, their familiar clapping drew near. When they rapped on my window, I apologized.

The Confession Cover
The Confession

“Have you seen my watch, Shaun?” Father Michael Bhutia’s voice trembled, a stark contrast to his usual authority as the principal of St. Jude’s Academy.

Self-Preservation Cover
Self-Preservation

As the COVID-19 pandemic ebbed away and life cautiously tiptoed back to its pre-pandemic rhythm, the gates of the ancient monastery continued to remain closed

Stolen Dreams Cover
Stolen Dreams

Desperation hung heavy in the air as Reena pleaded, but the landlady’s words were callous – “Fortune favours only the fortunate, my dear!”

The Bad Omen Cover
The Bad Omen

On the day of their son Tulsi Nair’s divorce, tension hung heavy in the air.

Binocular Blindness Cover
Binocular Blindness

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, Arjun, his mischievous nature in full swing, devised a scheme to trick the unsuspecting Annapurna sweet seller.

WhatsApp Love Cover
WhatsApp Love

Upon learning of her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis, Amelia devastated, took to Facebook to share cherished memories of their time together.

Books and Culture

Essential readings for today

From the frontliner review of adventures of nariman karkaria
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From The Frontline

Nariman Karkaria was a Parsi born in Navsari, Gujarat. Thirsting for adventure, he left home at 16, armed with the royal sum of fifty rupees.

Prometheus: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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Prometheus

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born on 28th August, 1749. Here is a poem written by him to celebrate the greatest writer in German language.

Lochinvar - Sir Walter Scott Cover
Lochinvar

Sir Walter Scott’s birthday is on August 15th. Here is a classic poem of his to celebrate this poet of European Romanticism.

FREEDOM DIARY COVER
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FREEDOM DIARY

June, 1943. Netaji visits Tokyo, Japan. Bharati Asha, who is just 15, is bowled over by his personality. She decides to join the freedom struggle.

"the night-wind", a classic poem by emily Brontë
The Night-Wind

Emily Brontë's birthday is on July 30th. Here is a poetry to celebrate this unassuming poet of the Victorian era.

Ballad of the Moon Moon by Federico Garcia Lorca

Moon came to the forge in her petticoat of nard The boy looks and looks the boy looks at the Moon In the turbulent air

The Alchemist by Ben Jonson (1572 – 1637)

Dramatis Personae Subtle, the Alchemist. Face, the Housekeeper. Dol Common, their Colleague. Dapper, a Lawyer's Clerk. Drugger, a Tobacco Man. Lovewit, Master of the House.

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History & Heritage

Essential readings for today

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Gaudi, Paella and A Little Bit of Messi Sums Up Barcelona

The train from Paris to Béziers in the south of France continues to Barcelona on a two-hour journey. Upon disembarking you immediately smell the Catalonian

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Telugu Wedding Food: A Flavourful Feast

Telugu wedding food beautifully weaves together the past, present, and future. It is a testament to the rich heritage of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Rayalaseema,

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From An Historian’s Notebook: Netaji’s Treasure Box

He gets into an airplane on the island of Taipei, and is about to escape, when his plane crashes during attempts to take off. He’s

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Interview: Conversation With Shoma A. Chatterji on Her Latest Book

In her latest book Through the Lens, Brightly: Women in Cinema, Women at work, Shoma A Chatterji, veteran film critic and author of 30 books,

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Nietzschean Autopsy of Flatterers and Sycophants

The eighteenth-century German philosopher Frederick Nietzsche’s discourse on morality gives some interesting explanations. In his books, On the Genealogy of Morality (1887), and Beyond Good

Comrade Chatto
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From An Historian’s Notebook: Comrade Chatto

Virendranath Chattopadhyay was the son of Aghorenath Chattopadhyay of Hyderabad, India; his siblings in a large family included the poet Sarojini Naidu and the playwright

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From An Historian’s Notebook: The Story of a Fascist Missionary

Major James Strachey Barnes was, in fact, an Anglo-Indian born in Simla. He had grown up with his maternal grandparents in Italy, then he studied

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Transcreation

Essential readings for today

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The Seedling (Part 2)

She sprang to her feet when she saw her father’s figure approaching in the dim light of the lamp.

The Seedling (Part 1) cover
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The Seedling (Part 1)

Glancing out of the hut Kusum noted that the yellow blossoms on the ridgegourd creeper were slowly opening their petals in the reddish evening light.

Noah’s Hill by Shyamal Bhattacharya
Noah’s Hill by Shyamal Bhattacharya

You are right. Our soldiers are dying every day for their wrong policies.

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A Readable Translation With a Few Exceptions

The book under review is a translation of Tapaswi O Taraginee, a four-act Bangla play written by Buddhadeva Bose (Buddhadev Basu), one of the pioneers

She did not fail to eavesdrop on her elder sister-in-law’s conversation
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The Clerk’s Wife (Keranir Bou) By Manik Bandopadhyay: Part 2

Rashbehari was mediocre in size, mediocre in looks, mediocre in knowledge and mediocre in intelligence. A truly mediocre character in other words. Sarasi, too, he

Somewhere in her tanned skin, between those dark and deep watery eyes, in her entire physique’s airy motion, there seemed to be hidden an alluring call
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‘The Nocturnal Vaishnavi’ (‘Raater Boshtomi’) By Subir Ghosh

Bongshidhar was returning from the weekly market of Hajratpur. His both hands were loaded with goods purchased from the market. Usually, Bongshidhar didn’t need so

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The Clerk’s Wife (Keranir Bou) By Manik Bandopadhyay: Part 1

Sarasi didn’t have a particularly pretty face. A stub of a nose, an undulating forehead, small eyes. She had an extremely fair complexion but her

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Fiction and Poetry

Essential readings for today

Rabindranath Tagore
The last Flames: A Play

A play based on Rabindranath Tagore and BAsanta Koomar Roy, a US based journalist and author.

Our Old Selves

Short poem by Oishika Ray

Uncut Poetry : Calcutta – A Lover’s Epitaph

The city of Kolkata has seeped deep into Suni Bhandari making inroads into his soul. His poetry is a mere reflection of his relationship with

The Dowry (Tagore translated)

They demanded ten thousand rupees and a large number of gifts as a dowry.

Poems to Treasure

Vikram Seth became my path finder and made me the poet I am today.

The Catskill Mountains by Vir

Vir Sen paints the Catskill Mountains he visited during a recent vacation.

A storm at Sea
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I Will Cross the Sea of Desires

Translated by Hindol Bhattacharjee from the Bengali song by Tagore. The original song was composed at Santiniketan, in 1922. I will cross the sea of

Image courtesy he busy.org
Ilish Mach: From Bone To Hamstring…

Apparently we've all originated from a fish. But that as fate would have it, it was a fish that ruined my day.

The Future Remembers

A renowned architect, inspired by their vision, volunteered to design a pilot eco-friendly housing complex. Green Earth’s name became synonymous with environmental change in Kolkata.

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Cartoons

Space Cartoon

Hey diddle diddle, we have a problem.

Audio Visual

Essential readings for today

Emily Bronte Birthday Tribute video 1
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Video: Emily Brontë: A Soul of the Moors

Emily Brontë was born on July 30, 1818, in the parsonage at Thornton in Yorkshire to the Reverend Patrick Brontë and Maria Branwell Brontë.

Samik Roy Choudhury video interview cover
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Video: In a conversation with Samik Roy Choudhury

This video is a simple sit-down session with Samik Roy Choudhury, covering the watching habits of modern audiences, his new film "Beline".

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Video: Sartre – The Unyielding Existentialist

Born in Paris in 1905, Sartre was a brilliant student with a rebellious streak. He questioned everything, from traditional morality to societal expectations. His early

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Video: Through the world of Herge (1907-1983)

Herge became so completely identified with Tintin that whenever he arrived at a reception, it was as if Lewis Carroll was making an appearance at

Mrinal Sen birthday tribute video
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My ‘BONDHU’ Mrinal Sen: My Father, My Friend – Birthday tribute to Mrinal Sen

The video is a one-on-one straight from the heart. Here, Kunal Sen shares information about his father, the legendary director Mrinal Sen, on his beliefs,

Video on Brushstrokes of Brilliance - The Artistry of Jamini Roy
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Video: Brushstrokes of Brilliance – The Artistry of Jamini Roy

Born in the village of Beliatore, Bengal Presidency, British Raj, on April 11th, in 1887, he was surrounded by the rich tapestry of rural life.

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Video: Echoes of Empathy, Maxim Gorky – Voice of the people

Aleksei Maximovich Peshkov, later known as Maxim Gorky, came into the world in 1868, amidst the turmoil of Tsarist Russia. Raised by his grandmother, Gorky's

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Photo Story

Essential readings for today

Photo Story on Rainy Darjeeling (13)
Photo Story: Rainy Darjeeling

During rainfall, Darjeeling has a distinctive allure. The mist enveloping the hills and the verdant tea gardens foster a serene and enchanting ambiance.

Photostory on Mansa Puja in Purulia
Mansa Puja in Purulia

The unique aspect of this worship is that the devotees express their devotion to the deity through self-flagellation.

Photo story on Kashmir, Tha paradise of earth (15)
Photo Story: Kashmir

Are you really doing good, Kashmir??

Photo Story on World Photography Day
Photo Story: Of laughs and lenses

So, here’s to all the photographers out there, patiently waiting, endlessly editing, and still explaining their “real job” to relatives. Happy World Photography Day!

Photo Story cover on Changthang, the eastern part of Ladakh
Photo Story: Changthang

In the eastern part of Ladakh, lies a vast plateau of undulating plains, azure blue lakes and high snow peaks. It is called Changthang.

Photo Story on Monsoon Musings by Atanu Paul cover
Monsoon Musings: A Symphony of Storms

The concept of rain has irresistibly evoked a spectrum of emotions, from joy to relief, marching towards romance and nostalgia.

Rituals and Reverances – Hilsa in Bengali Household

Hilsa in Bengal is more of a culinary delight, it symbolises prosperity, festivity, and a cultural heritage.

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Puzzles and Games

Crossword 103
Crossword 102
Crossword 101

News and Scribbles

Essential readings for today

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Dinosaur Cartoon

Imagine a story spun in just six words, a universe laid bare in a single tweet, or a life-altering moment encapsulated in a few words.

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The Glory Called Glenary’s

Have you ever thought how did the now world-famous bakery Glenary’s started? It’s actually a long story. Let’s start from the beginning.

This collection of fifteen flash fiction pieces titled, ‘Cumin Seeds and Stolen Dreams’, transcends mere storytelling techniques
Flash Fiction 1: Cumin Seeds And Stolen Dreams

Imagine a story spun in just six words, a universe laid bare in a single tweet, or a life-altering moment encapsulated in a few words.

The Multilingual Poets' meet
A Miniature India: Sahityotsav 2024

Imagine listening to the most powerful poets from languages as diverse as Konkani, Dogri and Telugu read out their poetry to you. They recite the

Linguistic Imperialism: English as a Controversy

English is appropriated by those who choose the language for freedom. That is the ironic by-product of American imperialism. And that is also the reason

Durga Puja and Navratri
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Durga Navratri: Times of Triumphant Shakti

Shakti is the feminine energy of the divine, in other words, it is the underlying unmanifested potential of Brahman. It alone can animate and actualize

Woodland Still Life: Discovering Abraham Mignon of the Golden Dutch Era

The painting that beckoned me was titled "Woodland Still Life." At first glance, it appeared to be a serene forest scene, a tranquil tableau of

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Travel

Essential readings for today

Trip on two wheels through north-east india
A Trip on Two Wheels Through North-East India

The narration of one of my favorite rides to North-East, which I undertook to attend the BOBMC (Brotherhood of Bulleteers Motorcycling Consortium), ‘Rider Mania’

One Stop Destination for Globetrotters Sri Lanka
One-Stop Destination For Globetrotters: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, has a way of captivating the soul. It is truly a traveller’s haven.

Dhanyakuria—a Village of Architectural Wonders! 
Dhanyakuria—a Village of Architectural Wonders! 

This village and its palaces seem to be straight out of a fairy tale, making it an intriguing subject to explore, particularly its history.

Timber and Time: Chatham Saw Mill, Port Blair
Timber and Time: Chatham Saw Mill, Port Blair

Established in 1883 by the British colonial administration, the timber produced at the mill was used locally and was ferried across the seas as well.

Impressions of Claude Monet’s Giverny

So what if you do not get to see an original Claude Monet in his maison at a small French village called Giverny. It is

In the Enchanting Forest Temple: Ta Prohm

It was nearing 5:30 pm. The onset of dusk was close. The sky above the jungle began to take on a blue-black hue.

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