Arise, Awake, and Stop not till the Goal is Reached #HOKKOLOROB

source- Swami Vivekananda FB page

It has been a really long time I posted anything here on the blog, something that I was extremely passionate about. I've been extremely busy working day in and out for my Bachelors in Education course, so didn't get the time to blog. But, recently a great number of shocking events happened in my city (or for that matter the entire nation) which made me pull my socks and I decided I just had to write something abut it. I don't know what difference it makes but I needed the few readers I have to know what is happening and come out and join us in the protest if they believe in the cause. 

 Here is what happened -

A bunch of hostel students from the prestigious Jadavpur University in Kolkata dragged a girl to the hostel premises and assaulted and molested her on the grounds of indulging in indecent behavior. Her male friend was not spared either and was beaten up too. This happened somewhere around the end of August.

No action was taken when the girl reported the matter to the Vice Chancellor of the university or for that matter when she could identify one of the criminals and registered an FIR at a nearby Police station.

The students of the university decided that they had to do something to make the authorities recognize the wrong done and bring justice to the girl. The students had 'gherao-ed' (surrounded) the faculty building and were sitting outside with slogans and peacefully protesting. The VC, instead of doing what is right, was supposedly so scared for his life that he decided to call the police in the middle of the night, who blindly brutally lathi (batons) charged the innocent and unarmed students and molested, groped and assaulted the female protestors. 

Result - Some 40 students were put into jail, some 25 are admitted in the hospitals (with one of them in coma) and innumerable others suffered grave injuries with broken ribs and bones. (The numbers vary from source to source)

 Here is picture from TOI which gives the timeline of what happened on 16-17th of September 2014-

Source- www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

This picture from NDTV clearly depicts the truth-

Source- www.ndtv.com

 In protest to this heinous act, more than 1,00,000 people came out into the streets in Kolkata, braving the torrential rain, leaving behind every other important work to voice their concern and disgust in the form of a peaceful rally and to meet the Governor.

 

Source- www.youthkiawaaz.com

The entire incident got National and International coverage. See it here, here and here . Our protest demands justice for the girl and for those innocent students who were beaten into pulp.

Source - Hokkolorob FB page

It is disgusting how irresponsible, monstrous and inhuman our so-called teachers have become. As a would-be teacher I'm ashamed and disgusted. It is appalling how educational institutions which are supposed to provide quality education to the young generation and provide a peaceful and safe haven to them for the same have turned itno battle fields where students are assaulted, molested and cruelly beaten up by those who hold power. Here are a few reactions from people I know which will give you two different perspectives of the issue.

" I have been a student of Jadavpur University for the last five years, and to me it has always been a home away from home. My safety and my dignity having always been assured in this campus, I realized on 28^th August,2014 and 19^th September, 2014 that there are times when one’s home can also be intruded into. Standing beside my classmates, my friends, my juniors and my college mates who got beaten up by the same organizations that have promised us respect and safety for civilians, women and students, I understand that in Bengal and in India, all these promises are always smothered by these same people. A girl has been molested, in her own university, and yet the first questions raised are against her dignity, her integrity. Some even come to think of the entire situation being something she deserved. In such a land, there can never be any form of justice. We, as the students of Jadavpur University have always come across people, who being insecure of themselves, will always speak rot about the students. But when my friends were beaten up, my juniors were groped, and my classmates were physically thrown off, I sincerely doubt these people who call themselves ‘People’.

It is not a call to arms, neither is it a signal for chaos, all this movement is about is that one girl who deserves justice be allowed that space wherein she can claim her demand. I, as a student had kept faith in our Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Abhijeet Chakraborthy regarding the situation, and I along with all of my fellow students have been brutally let down. All this movement is about is to remove that person who had promised us our safety, because we have realized that unless there is no assurance of protection in our very own university, we cannot trust our ‘elders’ with ourselves. We have always sung our songs in the face of blows, and we continue to do that. "

~ Riti from Jadavpur University

"Welcome to the Fascist West Bengal where the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression is curbed. So you are EDUCATED? a FREE-THINKER? an INTELLECTUAL? Can express an UNDAUNTED FRAME OF MIND SANS any BIAS? Don't worry, you'll be labelled either a MAOIST or a NAXALITE. Or how about being rendered the exclusive treatment of brutalization, molestation and then imprisonment?

The students of Jadavpur University protested against the molestation of a girl at the institution. The output? They get brutalized mercilessly and are dragged behind the bars. AN ISSUE AS SIMPLE and NOBLE as this. Where on earth are the topics of alcohol consumption and weed emerging on the scenario? And the procession of the COUNTER "protest" today led by the ruling power... What was it for? MORALITY is DEAD for THESE PEOPLE and so are their humanitarian attributes.

Thanks goodness, T.S. Eliot that you're dead...because after witnessing this even you would have fallen short of words!

WE ARE STUDENTS.
WE ARE THE COMMONERS.
WE CAN'T BE FOOLED."

~Shreya from Calcutta University

It is Mohaloya today, Maa Durga has left her heavenly abode and come over to visit us earthlings. The ten days following are a celebration of the struggle and the victory of the good, the righteous and the brave over what is wrong, corrupt and evil. There is no better time to stand up and raise your voice against the wrong you see around you. No voice is small. Shout out loud and make it heard.

Source- Hokkolorob FB page

 Join the movement here - The Hokkolorob Facebook page

Sign here - Change.org petition

 #HOKKOLOROB

Read Aniesha's take on the issue here.

Shubho Mohaloya , everyone !!

The Poetry Corner: Romantic Exorcism

Romantic Exorcism

Wallowing here at the edge of worlds, 

The nonchalance is disturbed by a burst of light at the cloud splattered horizon. 

The eyes seek a moment of recognition in this Godforsaken land, 

but the vicinity remains devoid of life as it’s just a stray comet, 

which has probably lost his way. 

As the last vestiges of light dissipate from the retinas, 

They resume their quest in the obscurity. 

Your romantic exorcism has peeled the soul off me. 

And I am all alone on my voyage across the seas of Charon. 

Hoping to be reunited with my soul. 

Stuck here at the brink of life and death, 

The lapping of waves against my oars provides an imaginary solace. 

Reminds me of mortal music. 

Time has somehow lost its relevance here or maybe it has ceased to exist. 

All I can do is wonder what my soul is going through, 

Here in this unfathomable oblivion. 

Have you released it from your captivity? 

Or are you still condemning it to your love? 

~Suryea Krishna

Note: Charon here refers to the hypothetical sea on Pluto's moon. However, the poem on the whole is inspired from the Greek myth of the ferryman of Hades who carries the souls of the dead across the rivers which divide the worlds of the living and the dead. 

This was a guest post by our friend Suryea. You can read his other poem on our blog here. We value your feedback so your comments are welcome. Hope you have a wonderful week ahead. May you all blessed be!  :)

PS- The picture has been taken from Google Images.

Birthday Wishes for a Flawless Friend!

Dearest Geet,

Every year, this day brings me reasons to celebrate the presence of a fabulous person in my life- someone who has been a charming friend, a caring sister, an inspiration and a partner-in-mischief. For the past 7 years, you have made me smile and laugh for countless reasons. I could never thank you enough for being so unbelievably patient with me, for hearing me rant day and night, for unfailingly giving me the very best response that I could ask for. 

Thanks for taking time out for me, no matter where you might be busy- home, college, the university or the work place. I was apprehensive we would drift apart over the years but our conversations are just as engaging, our affection mutual and the fun we have is greater than ever. I love it that we share a common interest in, and love for, the same books, movies, music and TV shows which supplies us with never ending topics of discussion. 

I am delighted that you still lend me an ear when I have to talk about the most random and trivial things, to the kind of stuff that shakes me up so bad I don't know what to do. It means a lot to me that you care to ask, and have something to say, about everything that goes on in my life. You make me feel like you dote on me and that's the nicest feeling in the world. :-)

I hope I have managed to be at least half as good a friend to you as you have been to me. I promise you that I will forever be your friend, be there when you need to talk, and discuss Harry Potter with you until our hair turns grey and we color it auburn. Or I don't know what you'd prefer. See? There's still so much to know about each other. :P Here's a sign that we will never run out of things to talk of! :D ;-)

Wishing you the very best birthday you have had so far! May God bless you with the greatest version of anything you could ask for. Hope your year ahead will be extraordinary and delightful. :)

A BIG hug to you!

Love,
Arpita

PS- No, I didn't make this collage, Suryea did. I am as happily clueless as ever. But I chose the pictures so I get half the credit. 

Spa review - The Four Fountains De-Stress Spa, Kolkata

When Sayantini from Cherry on Top asked me on Facebook sometime back if I was game for reviewing a spa here in the city, I was a little skeptic about issues like hygiene and privacy. But considering how badly I needed De-stressing from my crazy schedule, studying B.Ed and giving my Masters exams all at once, I said a yes after she assured me I would love it. I received an invite soon after to visit one of the Four Fountains De-Stress Spas here in Kolkata. I decided upon the Shakespeare Sarani (Theatre Road) branch and visited it for a one hour massage session to help my tense muscles and nerves relax. 

I decided to visit the spa after my college hours on a Friday. It was a particularly tiring day when I reached the spa all tired and slouching from the weight of my bag. As I opened the doors to enter, a fresh wave of lemongrass scent hit my nostrils. My first opinion once I entered was how pretty and extremely cozy the place was even though it was quite tiny. The place was almost soundproof which was a major relief because this branch is located on a very busy street where cars and buses keep honking away like crazy.

The receptionist was extremely sweet as she welcomed me and asked me to settle down and catch my breath before she asked me anything. I was asked to sit on a couch which had massage beads for the back rest. Also the door handles at this place are specially designed to massage the pressure points on your palms every time you hold them. Pretty clever I must say!!

The receptionist arrived with a glass of orange squash in a few minutes and handed me the brochure so that I could go through the different services available. The in-house doctor present asked me a few questions regarding my health and if I had any pain or ache anywhere. I had been having a pretty persistent ache in my back and legs for quite a while to which she suggested I take a de-stressing service. I selected the Swedish Massage with Wintergreen oil, which has pain relieving properties.

 I was introduced to my masseuse, Anne who escorted me to my separate massage room. This particular quote on the wall caught my attention the moment I entered the room. It said-

" Worry is like a rocking chair. Although it keeps you occupied, it doesn't get you anywhere. "

Anne handed me disposable clothing to change into after my shower before she could begin with the session. I was also given a disposable sheet to wrap myself in. Bonus points for hygiene. I was provided a jewelry box and a locker to safely keep my belongings away.

 

The room was very dimly lit with very few tiny lamps glowing. An oil burner was the only source of light in the room once the session started. This in particular was really soothing as you could see the slow flickering of the lamp and the shadows moving on the walls as you got your massage. A soft music of fountains and birds chirping was slowly playing, eliminating other disturbing noises from outside.

The massage was incredibly relaxing as I could feel my nerves and muscles slowly ease from their previously tense state. After the one hour session , Anne left me to take a shower again and get dressed. What I particularly liked was that my privacy was taken well care of as my masseuse covered the rest of my body with a sheet while she worked on a particular area.

 

After I was dressed, I was provided a glass of water and a cup of green tea. The resident doctor asked me how I liked the session and gave me a sample of a cream that she instructed me to apply on my forehead and on the sole of my feet to have better sleep. I'm totally loving how the cream/ointment smells!!

The only two issues I had were the continuous creaking sounds of the doors being opened and closed and this one particular crazy lamp which decided to go on and off on its own will. Apart from these, I had a really nice experience.

Do I recommend Four Fountains Spa ? Hell yes!! I had a great time as I was promised. It is not just the service they provide but what I liked the most were how they took care of the tiny details to make the clients feel at complete ease from the moment they enter the premises. Also, a look at the price charts will reveal how extremely affordable these services are. I highly recommend you drop in at any of their branches if you need some "me-time" to de-stress and unwind.

You can log in to the official website of Four Fountains De-Stress Spa to find your nearest spa and go through their services that you find best suitable for your needs. The Four Fountains Spa has over 20 of its branches in Kolkata, Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore offering multiple services ranging from De-Stressing, De-toxification, Immunity and Beauty as per every client's needs.These spas offer discounts on different services if you visit on weekdays or collaborate with your company. Special privileges and prices for Gold and Happy hour members.

Are there any other spas you visited and liked? Do let me know!!

Till Next,