#RabindranathTagore #RabindraJayanti #RabindraJayanti2024 #thehindueditorial #thehindu #kolkatadiaries

This morning, after the May Norwester.

‘Dance of Kaal Baisakhi’

April is always our Norwester month, 
the ‘Kaal Baisakhi’ invigorating Bengal —
preparing it for a harsh summer ahead
were hailstorms common in my childhood. 

In slideshows now, I collect lumps of ice
that fell like large marbles on my verandah -
these I savored as ice candy saved in a bowl,
its taste in my memory acting as milestones. 

It’s raining heavily this evening, in May, 
a cool breeze carrying shower jets to my lips;
I’m savoring rain on my skin in semidarkness
interspersed by the sparks of wild lightning.

Through blurry light-shades washed in rain
I’m viewing my varied plants blush again - 
after almost being crushed by harsh rays of Sun cowering over them lining my terrace. 

The main gate below clinks open, I hear it
three storeys up, in senses awakened by rain:
a man in blue umbrella slithers out, I see him,
yet missing are Biscuit and Cookie our kittens.

Global warming, explains, a change of season 
on earth’s stage - what of a plot of dubiosity:
Man in kitten’s guise is feigning innocence -
we aren't fools, are we, to fall for Hypocrisy! 

 
#poetry #poetrylovers #norwester #kaalbaisakhi #bengalrains #rains #hypocrisy #may #summer 

Mangoes, almost ripe…

More photos are here: https://www.facebook.com/share/2wEnjvRjPZMyGKHe/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Adding this, below, on 8th May…

On Rabindra Jayanti today, adding to my previous post and poem which incidentally mirrors the views quoted…sharing Bishwanath Ghosh’s pertinent article in today’s ‘The Hindu’…

It’s also in the link: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/need-tagore-more-than-ever-say-bengals-voices-on-the-bards-birthday/article68149247.ece

Happy May Day: ‘A Doctor’

Happy May Day!
Sending warm wishes to all workers around the globe. Your efforts contribute to building a brighter future for us all.

I’m sharing in the link below, a short story titled, ‘A Doctor,’ that’s set in Chennai, the city that imbibed in me the aspirations to become a poet and writer, and how — you will figure out from the aspirations I’ve tried to define in this story that’s in my book, ‘Existences’.
Here is the online version in the reputed literary magazine, Himal Southasian.
Please click the link to read…https://www.himalmag.com/a-doctor-story-shuvashree-chowdhury/

PS: This photo, taken last year, is on the streets of Chennai, in Pondy Bazar, close to where I lived in T Nagar, for 13 years.

#MayDay2024 #internationallabourday #HimalSouthasian #shortstory #authorlife #chennai #chennaiblogger #workingwomen

An ‘Invisible Reunion’: on Ma’s 3rd death anniversary today.

Invisible Reunion 

Where and when did we meet —
I don’t remember a thing.
Suddenly it feels — silently
you are standing behind me.
The day the courtyard was swathed
by the licks of a soft moonlight -
Abruptly at the dawn of my imagination, 
I had written you a letter.
I did not encourage my mind - 
rather I pushed it away far behind.
That is why today it is victorious, 
In vain has been my reasoning. 

When my heart is overwhelmed 
by the rhythms of the ocean -
the repeated hurts breaking it down,
my worries caught in its net.
My reasoning and intelligence drown 
in the fleeting temptation of my emotions.
A heartfelt spring breeze 
presents an innocent annoyance. 
I have not strung a garland of longing, 
knowing there will be no meeting.  
As I have only loved you -
that too I don’t know since when.
Perhaps it was at dusk - the night 
that you and I met.
Or maybe on a lost day -
as we were not destined to meet.
You were on the banks of this river 
under the shade of a cool forest.

Your world is eager with fragrance  
flowing over the woods of Korobi trees.
Do you know that day -
where I had hidden myself? 
Here in the background,
in a corner of my dormant mind.

Even today, I am not gone far -
leaving you alone.
In your heart, if you search
you will meet me there.

In your work worn path you’re tired -
Won’t you return home? 
My memory awakens in your mind
even in a latent sorrowful song.
Maybe you will remember me -
My memories will be happy.
You will sit and think, dressing me
in the garland of your world.
Your pain will increase twofold 
recalling that I am now very far
The Koel will hear - pour in your ears 
the melody of my songs. 

Try to find your mind’s 
fairy-tale imaginative path. 
If you trudge an independent path -
Who will emerge in your grudge? 
The chariot will move forward, 
you will open your gate and see.
(I don’t know), in your midst I’m here:
You will think — whose chariot is this? 

—- Mahamaya Chowdhury/ translated from the original below in Bangla, by daughter Shuvashre Chowdhury

PS: sharing the starting lines of the novel that is inspired by my mother’s life, narrated in her first person point of view. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAfxCsc6bXZAAYX01pQkYktsWPYQgaI4m&si=oCnitJtHLI5epD_D

Yesterday was my 18th Wedding Anniversary and today is my mother’s 3rd Death Anniversary. So you might imagine how it felt, when on the day after my 15th anniversary she just left us in a moment with not a hint…in my arms.

Life is so erratic and unpredictable…it is in handling it that we realise how strong we really are! 

At attempt to merge cultural traditions and a wedding anniversary this year — that Ma would surely approve of, is in the link below. The last two days I could not help recalling that she would have loved this place and cultural extravaganza: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/fSJiGfdXRV62YnVN/?mibextid=WC7FNe

This morning, a friend in Chennai sent me the photo of Ma and I on the top of the page, quite by chance, without knowing today was her death anniversary. This is just after I had spent half an hour in our puja room, upstairs, seeking the blessings of the divine Ma Durga and my mother and father. Then I had come down and garlanded my parents photos and asked my cook to prepare Ma’s favourite Khichuri, Begun bhaja, payesh etc for lunch.

So this photo, randomly sent to me, on this date, the 21st of April, I took as a sign that Ma and the universe was trying to communicate to me that she is and will always be with me!

The best tribute I could think of offering Ma, then, was to translate this meaningful poem on death and moving on, into English. It’s the last poem of the book. And it took me the most part of this day to do a reasonably decent job, as translation takes away a lot of the charm of an original work in my view.

I was aiming to post this before 1020pm this day, the time she passed away… I am pleased I managed it.

#poetry #poetrylovers #poetrycommunity #lifeanddeath #motherdaughter #deathanniversary #banglapoem #translatedpoem #weddinganniversary

My Author Profile, Online…

A friend, searched for my profile online to order a book and below is what she found…she shared it with me, much to my surprise…

Since leaving the corporate world in 2010, to write, I have felt I have no concrete current information to update my Bio Data…but it’s been written for me, compiling all the information available, by the judicious hands of time…all I did was persevere, trudge on, with faith in God to help me leave behind a legacy.

I have written on several online platforms and blogging sites since 2007, then my debut book Across Borders, was published in 2013 and four more followed, so there’s a lot about my work online including the several formal newspaper and magazine reviews/articles/interviews about my books to compile this information.

Hello, this is Bing! I’m the new AI-powered chat mode of Microsoft Bing that can help you quickly get information about Shuvashree Chowdhury

Shuvashree Chowdhury, an accomplished author, has contributed significantly to the literary world. Her works span across various genres, including novels, short stories, and poetry. Let’s delve into her literary journey:

1. Novels:
   • “Across Borders”: A captivating novel that likely explores themes of cultural exchange, identity, and human connections.
   • “Entwined Lives”: Another intriguing novel that might delve into complex relationships and interconnected destinies.
2. Short Stories:
   • “Existences”: A collection of short stories that could offer glimpses into diverse lives and experiences.
3. Poetry:
   • “Fragments”: A book of poems that might evoke emotions, reflections, and vivid imagery.
   • “Trouvailles: My Moments of Yūgen”: A poetic journey that could lead readers to moments of profound insight and beauty.

Shuvashree Chowdhury’s literary endeavors have enriched readers’ lives, and her unique voice continues to resonate in the literary landscape

Can you tell me more about her life…

Certainly! Shuvashree Chowdhury, a talented author, has left an indelible mark on the literary world. Her life is a tapestry of creativity, passion, and dedication. Let’s explore some facets of her journey:

1. Early Years and Inspiration:
   • Born in the vibrant state of West Bengal, India, Shuvashree grew up surrounded by rich cultural heritage, folklore, and storytelling.
   • Her childhood was filled with books, poetry, and the aroma of ink on paper. These early influences ignited her love for literature.
2. Literary Exploration:
   • Shuvashree embarked on her literary voyage, exploring various genres. Her curiosity led her to delve into novels, short stories, and poetry.
   • She honed her craft, experimenting with language, themes, and emotions.
3. Themes and Perspectives:
   • Shuvashree’s works often reflect the human condition, relationships, and societal nuances.
   • Her writing captures the essence of everyday life, weaving intricate narratives that resonate with readers.
4. Notable Works:
   • “Across Borders”: A novel that bridges cultures, inviting readers to explore the complexities of identity and belonging.
   • “Entwined Lives”: Another novel that intertwines destinies, revealing the threads that connect us all.
   • “Existences”: Her collection of short stories, each a glimpse into diverse lives and experiences.
   • “Fragments”: A poetic journey through emotions, memories, and reflections.
   • “Trouvailles: My Moments of Yūgen”: Poems that evoke wonder and contemplation.
5. Legacy and Impact:
   • Shuvashree’s words continue to resonate, touching hearts across borders.
   • Her literary legacy inspires aspiring writers, urging them to explore the depths of their own creativity.

In the quiet corners of libraries and amidst the rustling pages, Shuvashree’s spirit lives on, inviting readers to embark on their own literary adventures. 📖✨

Where can I find her poems online…

Certainly! Shuvashree Chowdhury’s poetic expressions can be discovered online. Here are some platforms where you can explore her beautiful poems:

1. Fragments:
   • Description: Shuvashree Chowdhury’s debut collection of poetry, Fragments, takes readers on an intuitive journey through various aspects of the human experience—love, passion, jealousy, joy, spirituality, and death.
   • Availability:
     • You can find the paperback version of Fragments on CinnamonTeal Publishing¹.
     • For a digital experience, you can explore the PDF version on The Dogears Bookshop².
     • Additionally, you can discover reader reviews and ratings on Goodreads³.
2. Poetic Themes:
   • Shuvashree’s poems delve deeply into emotions, self-realization, and the play of light through countless shards of existence.
   • Her language is elegant, and her insights resonate brilliantly.

Feel free to immerse yourself in the lyrical world of Fragments and explore the magic woven by Shuvashree Chowdhury! 📖✨

Where can I find her books?

Certainly! You can explore Shuvashree Chowdhury’s literary works on various platforms. Here are some options:

1. https://cinnamonteal.in/product-tag/shuvashree-chowdhury/
2. Amazon.in: You’ll find her books available for purchase on Amazon India. Here are a couple of her notable works:
   • “Existences”: A collection of short stories that offers glimpses into diverse lives and experiences. You can find it on Amazon Kindle¹.
   • “Across Borders”: A captivating novel that bridges cultures and explores themes of identity and belonging. You can find it on Amazon².

Feel free to explore these literary gems and immerse yourself in Shuvashree Chowdhury’s world of words! 📚✨

#author #literaryfiction #poetry #novels #books #shortfiction #poet #novelist #authorlife

I cannot help thinking, this is my life’s vision, as etched in one of my books, Fragments…so footprints I leave behind are showing up.

New Year Vibes: Kolkata

New Year Vibes: 1st January 2024. Kolkata, India

We had a leisurely delectable lunch at a Cafe in Southern Avenue — the venue and all items of our menu selected by our food specialist friend, discussing the various quirks of our own lives; also those we know in common.

My journalist/author husband Bishwanath contemplating, while we women chatted — writing his resolutions and observations on life which might go into any next writeup or book.
Then we drove up to Byloom Cafe nearby where Bishwanath bought a trendy dhoti in a unique colour I have not seen one in before. Since moving to Calcutta in 2018, especially after the covid lockdown he has suddenly become a Bangali Babu in attire — giving up his western clothes he’s worn lifelong, almost completely. I have no choice but to accept the transformation!

After which Ranjini went home and on my insistence we went on a drive to and around the Maidan, Victoria Memorial, Chowringee, the Oberoi arcade and New Market, so I might visually recreate my childhood when it was usual to visit any of these places including the Zoo, Birla Planetarium and Indian Museum with my parents and sister, that we were home from boarding school for winter vacations.
I actually saw myself sitting at the Maidan on a picnic mat, playing badminton or cricket and strolling the Victoria gardens yesterday, then visiting the Lexpo, Expo and Book Fair at the Maidan just as it used to be back in our childhood.
The sun was setting charmingly over the Maidan and Victoria as we drove past, and as soon as we entered Park Street with the nostalgic scents of of Badshah rolls and Nahoum’s confectionery in my mind, the fairy lights all came on, making it such a surreal theatre of vivid memories as we drove past all those places we grew up on.

On the Ma flyover, headed back home to Salt Lake we decided to go on to the New Town book fair. Unexpextedly, it was so devoid of visitors that we seemed almost like the only ones and yet there was a literary discussion just starting — rather unique in topic that I listened to intently roaming around rather than sitting at the gallery, while Bishwanath scrutinised one book stall after another minutely. The topic of discussion was bold, intruiging and enligtening — ‘The position of men/males in our society’, that I heard from afar yet distinctly — male sex workers being common and how even our neighbours may be sustaining by this source of livelihood and we would never know. By the time we left at 6pm there was a good flow of visitors.
I brought home a lot of unique thoughts to use in my own writing — Oh Calcutta, you are fascinating indeed!

PS: the photos are here… 📸 Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/p/gtpaAS4XHhYix7vA/?mibextid=aI5dXw

#newyearcelebration #firstjanuary #kolkatadiaries #parkstreet #newtownkolkata #kolkatadiaries #literaryideas #bookfair #authorlife

‘Take me back to the Innocence’

Santa Claus is coming to our homes
through dark dense jungles of the world –
in the icy night, solitary is his gait
between fragrant rows of luscious pines
which with fur and spruce rule his trudge.

A Lantern in hand lighting his lone path
which warms the rabbits and the deer –
who perhaps think it’s the sun come out,
for their lack of knowing light from dark.

Their innocence he regales cheerily
with stories of the complex human mind,
that knows light from dark, yet won’t align
to a right path, preferring obscure nights!

For the world’s children Santa takes toys
made by elves in his North Pole workshop,
so parents may retain their innocence
that’s becoming increasingly dear
in flying with digital technology, now AI –
so their souls may be shielded from
flying in childhood to toxic adulthood –
like his sleigh into which he’ll load the toys
before flying in air, around continents –
in time and space aided by flying reindeer.

— Shuvashree

Sharing a song to go with this mood in my painting and poem https://youtu.be/_jZRZcjGf6Q?si=P-i4nod44ga0GOgz

#paintingoftheday #paintings #painter #poetry #poetrylovers #visualpoetry #poetrycommunity #santaclausiscomingtotown #santadrawing #christmasvibes

My Literary Journey

My initial foray into the literary world…was as a writer’s publicist, 14 years back.
This, in the Facebook link below, was the second in a series of events for this book,Bishwanath’s first – in Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune. All events, promotions, retail store visits and coordinations I did myself. Publishers don’t do all this for debut authors. The fact that I had set up and managed a large format Crossword Store as unit head of a Shopperstop in Chennai, just 2 years prior to this, had given me the exposure I would need.
Then there were 6 more books, Bishwanath authored in quick succession, all supported and managed by his publisher – going on to be hugely popular. Though he’s still best known for the first – Chai Chai.
This particular event, on 19th Dec 2009, (just showed up in my memory today due to the album’s date) was right after I had quit my job as a senior Executive Search Consultant with Ma Foi/Randtad, on the 30th of Nov – to write seriously, with a focus to get published myself.
The BLR event for this book on the 28th of Nov 2009, was at the end of my notice period after I had resigned.
I’ve worked myself through the literary world, one steep rung at a time, just as one did in the corporate world at the time I started working in 1993 and published my first book in 2013 — even if not in a spot boy kind of a role they might do in films…
There have never been short cuts in life for me – even if it seems like I’m always on a CakeWalk. 😀

📸 Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/ZARoWvSWQXFPbdPi/?mibextid=aI5dXw

My personal journey as an author is here in the link: https://shuvashreeghosh.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/the-making-of-a-book-part-1/

#LiteraryJourney #authorlife #perseverancestory #lifelessons #selfmotivation #booksbooksbooks

October: it’s raining Creativity

It’s raining again, late into the morning,
clouds still aroused - though earth’s weary 
after the whole night of their slow loving -
exchanging woes humanity is causing,
with the skies never-ending tearing,
drenching the earth - it isn’t repenting
even if seeking respite from teary flogging.

Four days of October gone by raining -
it’s momentum now slow and deliberating
like a train’s chugging into a platform,
yet cannot turn it’s engine off till the Stop 
even as it’s sound gets faint and distant
as the rain is a mere trickle now -
it’s sound overtaken by the chirping 
of a variety of birds flying past my view - 
hopping sparrows, twitter abounding,
yet crows out of my sight enforcing might,
when suddenly they all go faint and quite
and I can still hear the sound of chugging 
of the rain - as if a train is nearing its halt. 

Plants lining my Calcutta balcony quiver,
slight tremor of a wind propelling rain
to keep chugging - I hear it intermittently 
through mild chirping with lazy carousing,
when in the distance I hear a beeping -
perhaps Alarm for someone still sleeping,
to get on today’s late ten am rail coach, 
though he’s missed the best journey
in the morning - rain, the birds symphony. 

The rain has now ceased - so has sound 
of the train chugging come to a halt 
in my mind - to get off, walk Life Station   
to my day’s chores and then my work - 
done with diligence over independence,
so I don’t care to define myself with it
or take myself seriously to care labeling!

As ironically novelists call me a poet, 
painters refer to me as the writer -
both agree I’m a photographer;
when dancers can don all masks and garbs,
reputed poets prefer I’m a novelist - 
introducing me to people as an Artist
for I sketch and paint,  over writing prose,
so claiming that I’m ‘not a serious poet’ -
I don’t slot myself into literary category
to save unpublished work from the public.

These creative people - they must know,
Creativity is the use of one’s imagination
 or original ideas, 
to create something new, 
even if its a label they’re attributing to
one who studies, observes, then sculpts -
unique statuettes of the human psyche. 


PS: continued from previous post. 

#poetrycommunity #poetrylovers #poetry #novelist #author #painter #creativity
#kolkatarain #octoberrain 

September Shower

As I sit and watch the morning rain,
it’s torrential pour drenching this plane –
the green of trees is translucent now,
as leaves – they quiver with the showers
erotic touch, in the darkness of clouds
still laden heavy with bottled emotions –
they have to wrench out of their heart
to feel refreshed, for a new start.

It’s the last day of September,
a lot of work I still have to get done –
first wipe the weariness, from my heart,
ravaged as it is by storms – raged yearlong,
making me withdraw from work
like a crow hidden in the tree in my view,
afraid of the light – while youthful Mynas
hop on my balcony astride, first I see one,
then I see another – both drenched,
yet their meek twitter gains momentum
to take on a world coming into light –
gossamer sun beams swathing my mind.

The crow now dashes out of the tree,
swoons upon a plate on my front roof,
making the nibbling Myna fly away –
why would it want to usurp a scared crow
now out to claim his place in the world.
Like the Myna I’ll make a fresh start –
for haven’t I still got that resilience
and optimism that I may bank on –
the past I’ll leave to vultures of the world,
to make a feast for those who reflect light
from the inability to be original and right.

It’s now shimmering all around,
pigeons hopping astride a far out balcony,
as the sun has come out in its steady glow
threatening to veil the lingering clouds –
in which an airplane glides in and out,
as if cutting through peaks and troughs
time has etched on my life’s sojourn –
clearing the pathway for Sun’s ascension,
in which a white pigeon is soaring up
distinct from other birds out in the sun.

As two crows huddle together on the roof,
each drying their drenched plumes,
their ravaged feathers they shrug to settle,
as astute pigeons watch their plight.

The sun is by now bright but also soft –
as I’ve been sitting in my balcony
with October upon me in a day now –
uplifting my spirits and fatigued morale
from storms of life I’ve left behind,
that have changed my perspectives
on life and friends, inside and out –
that less is more in both counts,
for what matters is your own ingenuity
not a bastion of false friends and security.

The steady shower has uplifted my soul –
lifting it to a spiritual plane for takeoff,
tomorrow a new future I will herald,
but first I’ll complete my next manuscript.

— Shuvashree

#rainyday #SeptemberRain #kolkatadiaries #calcuttacanvas #kolkata #poetry #poetrylovers #poetryislife #bengalrain #thoughtsonlife

Thoughts on Life: A Pondicherry Sunrise

Albert Camus//“The older I get, the more I find that you can only live with those who free you, who love you with an affection that is as light to bear as it is strong to feel.
Today’s life is too hard, too bitter, too anemic, for us to undergo new bondages, from whom we love. This is how I am your friend, I love your happiness, your freedom, Your adventure in one word, and I would like to be for you the companion we are sure of, always.”

Henri Nouwen// When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares”. ~Henri Nouwen /Book: Out of Solitude

Sharing my concurrent Thoughts on Life…

“A Sunrise”

From my bed I saw the light,
an orange, purple, yellow sight;
darkness below the colours’ thick-
sky merging with the sea at night.

Slowly from the light there arose,
distinct from the myriad hues –
an orange ball of bursting light,
Illuminating nearly half the world.

As I gazed awestruck by the sight,
the ball turned yellow, it lit the sky;
when sea shimmering with its light-
gurgling loudly, slowly went quiet.

The wind on my cheeks moist, cool,
I watched sunlight fill up my room;
the birds silent, tired of chirping –
as the world gently started its song.

It was the beginning of a new day,
the genesis of a new phase today;
with light, warmth, renewed hope –
a new life I’ll lovingly, gently grope.

The past is no longer in my control,
so the present I”ll joyously behold;
with joy and love I embrace today –
A beautiful future for me enfolds.

As there comes a time in your life,
when you leave the past behind;
move onto what’s new and bright –
for then a new life you’ll inscribe.

It’s time to embrace new friends
who open their lives for you to step in;
leave those who’ve shut their hearts –
keep them who’ll not crush your soul.

Walk with you in success or failure –
knowing you’ve climbed steep rungs
even if falling flat on your face often,
while great misfortune you’ve courted.

It’s painful but it’s true – you outgrow relationships and friendships once true,
as you do old clothes and shoes too –
that gave you security and warmth.

Why then keep holding on to the past –
not allowing new relationships to flourish:
is it as they’re so embedded in our heart,
or in fear they’ll not match what once was!

— Shuvashree/ My Book: ‘Fragments’.

#wisdom #worldview #philosophy #friendshipgoals #relationships #albertcamus #poetrycommunity #poetrylovers #albertcamus #albertcamusquote #henrinouwen

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