Ananda Sangbad 2025 Q1

Ananda Mandir

269 Cedar Grove Lane

Somerset, NJ 08873

Ananda Sangbad

NJ PERMIT NO. 1215

A Quarterly Publication of Ananda Mandir, New Jersey January 2025

Cultural Programs with Durga Puja: A BI-COASTAL PERSPECTIVE

When I was growing up in Calcutta in the 1950’s, I learnt as a child that Durga Puja in many localities was followed by a cultural program. The cultural program used to be one of two kinds: a musical evening known in Bengali as Jalsa; or an amateur or semi-professional theatrical performance involving members of the local community. These programs were held on makeshift stages, with or without backdrop and wings. In its stripped-down form and in largely suburban and rural areas, dramas were performed on open-air stages -- amphitheater-like -- and were known as Jatras

During my days as a student in the United States, which spanned the latter half of the 1960s, there were not enough Bengalis anywhere in this country to organize a Durga Puja. The situation changed dramatically following the passage (in 1969) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. There was a tidal influx of Bengali (and other Indian) professionals as US immigrants in the period from 1969 to 1971. They were followed by their families soon thereafter, and this quickly created a critical mass of immigrants to recreate events and festivities of their native land. The time was now ripe to hold community (or Sarbojonin) Durga Pujas.

The first Durga Puja I remember attending was in the fall of 1970 in Chicago. I drove from Urbana, Illinois to the puja venue with some friends. The arrangement was simple and basic, but I found it strongly evocative emotionally. There was no plan for a cultural event, although I am certain there were Bijoya gatherings in people’s homes where harmoniums were brought out and the talented (as well as the courageous

By Amitabha Bagchi (California)

and the intrepid) belted out Tagore and modern Bengali (Adhunik) songs.

For the next decade and a half, as the immigrant Bengali community settled down and grew more prosperous, local Durga Pujas began to grow in number. But they were not paired with cultural programs. To begin with, Durga Pujas in the 1970s were by and large one-day affairs. That did not leave enough time for a cultural show after a lengthy (albeit abbreviated) religious ritual with bhog and community dinner. By this time, cultural events, mainly theatrical performances, were indeed being held; but they were separate from religious observances.

Coming to New Jersey in 1984 after spending four years in Rochester, NY, I encountered something akin to a phase transition. Rochester was too small to organize a Durga Puja on its own. Instead, the Bengalis living there traveled some 170 miles to observe the puja in Toronto, Canada. In contrast, I learnt that North Jersey held not one but two Durga Pujas. They were held over two or three days, and the venues were spacious enough to accommodate cultural functions.

The New Jersey Durga Puja (NJDP) of Kallol was held across two spacious classrooms in the College Street campus of Rutgers University. The Durga Puja of Garden State Puja Committee (GSPC) was held at the Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Jersey City. For Kallol at Rutgers University, one classroom was used for the puja ceremony, while the other (with the dais as stage) was used for cultural functions. For GSPC, the high

school had ample space to arrange separately the puja observance and cultural festivities. It now became possible to replicate the back-home experience of associating cultural programs with Durga Puja, and in fact go one step further by having both done in tandem on the same premises. This one-upped the Indian custom of the cultural program following the religious ceremony by a week or two. Theater, it must be said, is closest to the Bengali heart after Rabindra Sangeet. When I lived in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC in the latter half of the 1970s, the local Bengali club, Sanskriti, staged theatrical performances at least once a year. But the performances were not connected with their Durga Puja. Things in

New Jersey were quite different. An early experience of mine at a GSPC Durga Puja was of some actors using plywood, saw and hinges to fashion some doors for use as props for the drama later that evening. Kallol went one step further by having theater groups with celebrity names (Biswajit, Dhananjay Bairagi [aka Tarun Roy]) come from Bombay and Calcutta in successive years for afterpuja performances at the East Brunswick High School. Things evolved further through the 1990s. The Kallol club was initially set up to do dramas, and some passionate theater-lovers among the membership took the initiative to go back to those roots. They chose to enact serious dramas – like re-creating successful musicals and family dramas from the Calcutta stage – as part of cul-

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Ananda Mandir

Calendar of Events (Dates are subject to Change) Please check our website frequently www.anandamandir.org Tel: 732-873-9821

NOTE: For Puja time please contact temple or visit our website: anandamandir.org

JANUARY 2025

Satyanarayan Puja

{New Year’s Day}

Wednesday, 1

Satyanarayan Puja

Sunday, 12

Ratanti Kalika Puja

Monday, 27

Shyama Puja, Tuesday, 28

FEBRUARY 2025

Saraswati Puja

Monday, Feb 3

Bani Bandana & Satyanarayan Puja

Sunday, Feb 9

Maha Shiva Ratri

Wednesday, Feb 26

Shyama Puja

Thursday, Feb 27

MARCH 2025

Dol Purnima & Satyanarayan Puja

Friday, March 14

Shyama Puja

Friday, March 28

Basanti Puja

Thursday, April 3 to Monday, April 7

Ram Nabami & Satyanarayan Puja

Sunday, April 6

(*) See www.anandamandir.org or Call Mandir for details

Special Religious Services: Upon request, the priest of Ananda Mandir offers services such as in-house Shraddhas, Rituals associated with Cremations (Antyesti Kriya), Shraddha Anniversaries, Pre-wedding rituals (Naandimukh, Ashirwad, etc.), Upanayan (Paitey), Annaprasan, Wedding Ceremonies & Wedding Anniversaries, Griha Prabesh (Bhumi Puja), Consecrations of new cars (New Car Pujas) and others. If you have needs for any of the above or more, please feel free to contact Biswabhai @ 732-873-9821

Ananda Sangbad

A Periodical Newsletter Published By ANANDA

IN KOLKATA: TEN THINGS YOU MUST DO IN YOUR LIFETIME!

MANDIR

(A Tax-Exempt, Non-Profit Organization)

269 Cedar Grove Lane Somerset, NJ 08873 Phone: 732-873-9821

Website: www.anandamandir.0rg

Debajyoti Chatterji Executive Editor (Acting)

All queries, articles, news reports and letters should be directed to debsmees572@gmail.com Phone: 908-507-9640

For general information, please contact the following executives of Ananda Mandir:

Anjan Lahiri President

Jai Prakash Biswas Vice President

Debajyoti Chatterji Vice President

Ashok Rakhit Vice President

Arun Bhowmik General Secretary

Sanchoy Das Treasurer

Pradip Majumdar Assistant Treasurer

BECOME A MEMBER OF ANANDA MANDIR AND PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TO ENRICH YOUR FAMILY

Thecity where I was born continues to amaze and enthrall me with its pure joie de vivre. Amidst all the squalor and poverty, life continues to flow unabated, as it has, since Jobe Charnock founded it in 1686, and what then became the capital city of the East India company, and of India, for a hundred years. Once called the “Second City of the British Empire”, one can still see the remnants of the Raj, sometimes in a rather painful state of decay. Nonetheless this expanding and rejuvenated metropolis is the city of Tagore and Satyajit Ray, and still is India’s center for literature, art, drama, and music. And of course, the food – the glorious food!

Below is my “must see and do” list that I compiled a few years ago.

1. Trek early morning to Mullick Ghat on the Ganga riverbank and see the flower market blazing in color. Watch the bathers at nearby Jagannath Ghat, some dipping babies in the water, some standing motionless, praying, as they

By Ranajit Mitra (New Jersey)

face the rising sun.

2. Walk down Old Post Office Road, adjoining the red brick -colonial Kolkata High Court. Attorneys, most dressed in suits and ties, white wigs on their heads, gulping down toast and eggs at the food stalls that line the street, before heading to court. Remind you of Rumpole of the Old Bailey?

3. Watch the six-hour long performance of Manish Mitra’s “Urubhanga”, a musical dance drama retelling the story of the Mahabharata. Thought you couldn’t sit through this marathon? Wrong!! Be riveted to the unfolding drama! Cry, if you dare, when Karna meets Kunti

4. Have lunch at Kasturi restaurant in Ballygunge. Feast on Pomfret Shorshe and Daab Chingri and think of your Jathaima’s (aunt’s) cooking.

5. Watch Sohini Sengupta’s staging of her play Rani Kadamabini; the first Indian female doctor: marvel how she holds the audience in her grasp, while

Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata plays in the background.

6. Near Kalighat, sit on a bench by the road and have tea and Aloor-chop at Boudi’s street-side stall. Watch the flow of Kolkatabs as they go about their everyday business. Workers having lunch at the adjoining food stalls, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Road clogged with cars, buses, auto-rickshaws, horns blaring, men in saffron and women in colorful saris trekking down to the entrance of the Kali Mandir, children in uniform going to school, people hurrying to work. Life as it flows by you.

7. Walk through the century old Hogg Sahib’s market (‘New Market”), through its labyrinthine lanes, and window shop at the myriad of stalls selling everything under the sun. (Without the sun of course –it’s an indoor market). Stop at Mahoum’s– a hundred-year-old Jewish bakery, and sample their amazing confectionary.

Walk to nearby Nizam’s and have a couple of single-egg-double-mutton Kati rolls – the tastiest lunch this side of Paradise.

8. Bargain for fish at the huge Lake Market fish stalls, buy IIlish at Rs. 2000 a Kilo, and think you landed a bargain - (those stupid NRIs – the damn cheap babus)!!

9. Watch an on-stage performance of Piyal Bhattachrya’s Matsha Avatar, an opera in Sanskrit, and right out of India’s ancient Nattya-shashtra. Likely you won’t understand a word, but marvel at the innovative choreography, the live music, the beautiful costumes, and the bewitching scenes.

10. If you dare, go to the grounds of Keoratola burning ghat, hopefully in a vertical state, amid the din of a thousand people, as “Chariots to Heaven” drive in every few minutes, to the chant of ‘Horibol”. In t he glare of the neon lights, watch the digital display of the rolling log of names waiting cremation. Ponder about the meaning of life and witness the circle come full.

Is 2024 Election an “Emperor’s New Clothes” Moment for America?

By Subrata Bhaumik (New Jersey)

Prologue

Right after Donald Trump’s reelection The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published an opinion piece in its “Free Expression” section, which was penned by Gerald Baker, currently an Editor at Large and the former chief editor of WSJ. The column was entitled “Four Years of Trump May Make America Normal Again.” And it hailed Trump’s reelection as a revelation with a not so veiled suggestion that it could even be apocalyptic!

The referenced column takes a shot at some of the major social issues of our times. It self-righteously claims the pre-Trump era being the fomenter of many “bizarre’ ideological conceits” including climate-change alarmism, transgender ideology, immigration extremism, and biased race relations. It goes on to suggest that these so-called weird insanities have been called out by none before Mr. Trump. And this phenomenon represents a “Emperor’s New Clothes” moment for America and the Western World as well, linking it to the famous fable by Hans Cristian Anderson.

The following commentary tries to provide a coherent analysis of some of the claims and assertions in the referenced column by Mr. Baker that seemed curiously inexplicable, overly conceited, if not outright odd given the situation.

Inaccurate Historical Reference

As a notable journalist Mr. Baker’s professional interests would be better served if he were to be more accurate in historical references. He should be better off informing himself that the reference fable “Emperor’s New Clothes” is not an original work by Hans Cristian Anderson, but an adoption of a much older Indian fable titled the Nirvanalilavati by Jinesvara (1052). The story goes like the following: a dishonest merchant Dhana from Hastinapur swindles the king of Sravasti by offering

to weave a supernatural garment that cannot be seen or touched by any person of illegitimate birth. When the king is supposedly wearing the garment, his whole court pretends to admire it. The king is then paraded about his city to show off the garment; when the common folk asks him if he has become a naked ascetic, he realizes the deception, but the swindler has already fled. In Anderson’s version the common people become a child who does not have any need for conforming to the outside world.

Climate Change Alarmism

Mr. Baker contends that it is a crazy and self-defeating idea that a nation that sits atop one of the greatest reservoirs of natural energy resources on Earth should forcibly restrain itself from exploiting them to “save the planet” on the basis of politicized science, while other countries are free to do much more damage to the global environment.

Multiple independent studies over the past 19 years have found that between 90 and 100 per cent of scientists agree that humans are responsible for climate change.

The Synthesis Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released in March 2023, confirmed that human activity is the overwhelming cause of climate change. The IPCC’s comprehensive assessments are written by hundreds of leading scientists from around the globe, with contributions from thousands of experts, and endorsed by the governments of every country in the world.

We can agree that that a few things about climate change are irrefutable facts.

First and foremost, the uncontrolled and ever-increasing amount of carbon dioxide (and other so-called “greenhouse gases”) in the atmosphere – most of which is the result of our use of fossil fuelis bad. Today, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is about 50% higher than in 1750, far exceeding the natu-

ral changes over at least the past 800,000 years.

Secondly, warming of the atmosphere and rise of ocean levels would have inevitable consequences. Thirdly there would be other changes in the weather pattern throughout the globe which are not localized in one region.

Scientists around the world agree that if global warming exceeds 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, there will be more heat waves, longer warm seasons and shorter cold seasons. At 2°C of global warming, extreme heat would more often cross critical tolerance thresholds with devastating impacts on agriculture and human health.

So, much to Mr. Bakers’ dismay Climate change is a real phenomenon and is not a product of “Politicized Science.” It is also important to note that completely unhinged oil exploration activities to tap the large untapped reserves in the US or anywhere in the world would only exacerbate the climate problem we are facing today.

Immigration Extremism

Mr. Baker contends that it will have become normal to tell people who have no right to be here that they must leave, and that in the process people around the world will have been made to understand that they don’t have an automatic right to live in the freest and most prosperous country on earth.

Mr. Baker opines that the idea that people who have stolen into this country illegally should be showered with all the rights and benefits of citizens, that it is immoral to deny them those rights, and that they should instead be treated as victims of persecution and given “sanctuary” in our crowded and fiscally strained cities.

It’s a fact that American economy is overstrained by undocumented immigrants and porous borders. The social fabric also goes through strenuous gyrations in the process of having successive waves of new arrivals assimilated into society. But Mr. Baker’s preferred solution of mass deportation, which is

being promoted very heavily by the incoming administration, has wobbly foundations for it to be an effective, equitable and humane solution to the problem.

This is reminiscent of the actions some of the African strongmen leaders in the 20th century that drove out numerous prosperous immigrants from the host countries effectively denying them the economic benefits these immigrants brought to the host societies. One of the proposals that is being touted is to completely stop the practice of granting citizenship by birth. So, children of undocumented immigrants who are born in the country will not be US citizens any longer but will be readied for deportation. It is claimed that the US is the only country that has this law affording citizenship to whoever is born on the soil, which is untrue: thirty-five other countries have similar laws of citizenship by birth. Even countries like India and China where population is a major problem straining on national resources have a variant of citizenship by birth law. In fact, most of the western democracies and traditional societies like Japan have similar practices.

Transgender Ideology

The author also contends that the idea that children should, without parental consultation or consent, be free to choose their “gender,” be assisted by the state in committing acts of self-mutilation to do so, and all on the understanding that we have repealed millennia of science and just discovered that there is no such thing as biological sex.

This is a pervasive and existential issue that encroaches on our identity, confronts our blind acceptance and love for institutionalized traditions. It also bares open our severe discomfort dealing with such situations and the knee-jerk reactions in confronting such existential issues for underage children.

While all human societies across the universe are the members gender identified society and there is no denying the fact that nature bestows on us a biological

sex at birth, the history of humankind is also replete with existence of Transgender people in all societies - prehistoric to modern and in all civilizations. In fact, the very word “Binary Gender” itself drives home the existence of nonbinary genders. It is also a fact of life that the process to have the transgender people cross over to mainstream society from the fringes of human existence is fraught with standard human dilemma in being nonconformists.

So, Mr. Baker’s premise that we have just discovered that there is no biological sex is a statement that overly blown out of proportion and is surely out of context. One would need to willfully suspend disbelief to see any merit in the logic presented. The parental consent issue is equally complex as well and not enough research has been documented to support either side of the story. All that can be said about the issue that dramatic presentation of human existential issues doesn’t make them any more or less legitimate.

Biased Race Relations

Mr. Baker claims that tremendous progress happened over a century and half and America has expiated its original sin of slavery and bonded labor that started in 1619 with the arrival of first ship with African slaves. He also claims that 150 years of steady progress in America on this issue has been completely undone by affirmative actions and related social changes by socalled liberal leftists.

While it is true that extremely liberal affirmative actions don’t always reward efficiency and meritocracy in a capitalistic society, it is a complete exaggeration to claim that America made 150 years of steady progress. The oppressive and infamous Jim Crow laws that supported racial segregation were pervasive almost throughout the US except for a handful of northeastern states until 1964 when President Johnson officially ended it to complete the work done by President Kennedy. In fact, the segregation issue was supported

“Today we honor the Indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history…. We apologize for the laws and policies of successive governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss… For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry. To the mothers and fathers, the brothers and sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry…”. With those words on 13 February 2008, Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, put forth an honest recognition of a dark chapter of his country’s history.

The history of Australia goes back some 50,000 years when the original inhabitants (now euphemistically called Indigenous People or Aborigines) came from Africa, long before the Dutch explorers came in 1606. James Cook is the first recorded explorer who landed with British convicts in 1770. The indigenous people were no match against the British and soon the island was captured from coast to coast, and the indigenous people were pushed into Aboriginal Reserves, and the white people formed several colonies.

With the arrival of increasing number of convicts, mostly male, and their mixing with the locals, there was a burgeoning of mixed-descent children. Some European Australians saw increasing number of these children as a threat to the prevailing European culture, as one Protector of Aborigines argued that “Everything necessary must be done to convert the half-castes into white citizen”. Use of force to affect these conversions was an easy option. The Colony of Victoria (where Melbourne is located) was the first to pass acts, in 1869 and 1886, that allowed the removal of children from their families in Aboriginal reserves, by force if necessary, and soon similar laws followed in other colonies.

As for the full-blood Aboriginal population, the assumption was that they were unable to sustain themselves and were doomed to extinction. Brisbane’s Telegraph newspaper reported in May 1937: “The Chief Protector of Western Australia holds the view that within 100 years the pure black will be extinct. The idea was to keep pure blacks segregated and absorb the halfcastes into white population. Sixty years ago, there were 60,000 full-blooded natives, today there are 20,000, and in time there will be none’.

The authorities were concerned that the permanent removal of these mixed descent children from their indigenous families would create problems. So, they were given new names and moved to greater distances in rural areas so that the parents and the children couldn’t trace each other. Laws were passed creating the position of the Chief Protector of Aborigines, who were “Legal guardian of every aboriginal and half-caste child up to the age of 18 years”. The law was later revised to give the Chief Protector “total” control of aboriginal

THE SORRY DAY

By Asok Baral (New Jersey)

women of all ages unless married to a man of “substantial European origin”.

The Aboriginal Protectors had wide ranging powers. Policemen or other state agents would hunt down babies and children and transfer them to the government or missionary institutions that were established in early 20th century. Some were given to foster families where the boys were used as helping hands in farmlands and girls were employed as servants. They were promised a pittance of pay which was mostly not paid. Both boys and girls were subjected to physical and mental abuse, and widespread sexual exploitation. Majority of the children were girls, and when they gave birth, the babies were promptly removed and put up for adoption by other white families.

The exact number of children removed is not known as no proper records were maintained. But countrywide, it ran into hundreds of thousands. A published report states that between 1910 and 1970, roughly 10 to 33 percent of the children were removed by force, or threat or deception. In numerous cases, the newborn babies were taken away from the hospital if the Protection Officer determined the child to be of mixed race. The Aborigines Act in Western Australia removed the rights of parents, so a mixed descent child became a legal ward of the state, and the state could relocate the child as it wished.

A historic event took place in 1995, when a National Inquiry Commission was established to investigate the “Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families”. The Commission received nearly 800 submissions, including 535 evidences from indigenous individuals and organizations. On 26th May 1997, the Commission’s report “Bringing them Home” was presented to the Parliament with 54 recommendations. The report was a watershed event in Australia’s history. For the first time, it brought into foreground

the immense injustice that has been done to the indigenous people. The report described these forcibly removed children as “The Stolen Generations”, a term first used by Peter Reed of Australian National University in 1981 in a magazine article. It became the popular term to identify these children.

Many of the evidence given by the children and others to the Commission were quite shocking. The statements of two girls removed in 1935: “I was at the Post Office with my Mum and Auntie and cousin. They put us in the police van and said they were taking us to Broome. They put the mums in there as well. When we had gone about 10 miles, they stopped the car and threw the mothers out of the car. We jumped on our mothers’ backs, crying. But the policeman pulled us off and threw us back in the car. They pushed the mothers away and drove off, while our mothers were chasing the car, running and crying. We were screaming in the back of the car. We were ten years old”.

Statement of a white parent: “A friend of mine wanted to adopt a little Aboriginal baby boy. When she went to the Lutheran Mission and told the Mission Manager, he said, ‘Mrs. J has a couple of boys, we will take her third one. If Mrs. J had objected, the welfare officer says, ‘If you don’t give us that child, we will take the other two.”

And statement of a victim: “Our life pattern was created by the Government policies, and it is forever with me, as through an invisible anchor around my neck. The moments that should be shared and rejoiced by a family unit with my brother and mum are forever lost.”

The “Bringing them Home” report got wide publicity and really struck a chord with many Australians, and exactly a year after the publication of the report, the first “National Sorry Day’ was observed on May 26, 1998. Every year this day is observed as “National Sorry Day”, or in short, “Sorry Day”.

One of the recommendations of the report was the need for an official

acknowledgement and an apology for the forcible removal. The Government of Western Australia was the first to issue an apology in May 2001, and by 2007, all state and territory governments had issued apologies. But the then Prime Minister, John Howard, was resolute in his refusal to provide a parliamentary apology. Instead, in 1999, he negotiated a “Motion of Reconciliation” with Aboriginal Senator Aden Ridgeway. The Motion did not use the word “Sorry” but recognized the mistreatment of Aborigines as the “most blemished chapter” in Australian history and offered “deep and sincere regret for past injustices”.

But the people’ sentiment became evident on the eve of the Sydney Olympics. In May 2000, an estimated 250,000 people participated in a “Walk for Reconciliation” across Sydney’s famous Harbor Bridge, and in Brisbane, “People’s Walk for Reconciliation” attracted an estimated 70,000 people. The Sydney Walk was part of the Corroboree 2000 (ceremonial meeting in aboriginal language), a two-day series of events that included meetings between indigenous and non- indigenous leaders at the Sydney Opera House. The walk was widely publicized, and Nelson Mandela, who visited Australia later in 2000, called the Walk “People’s desire to heal from the past”.

When Prime Minister Howard faced the national election in December 2007, he lost to Kevin Rudd, and the first order of business of the New Prime Minister was to offer the above-mentioned apology with bipartisan support. It is interesting to note that Howard was the only living Prime Minister who declined to attend the ceremony.

The apology was considered a milestone step towards reconciliation, and to this day, it is observed as “National Apology Day”. The Prime Minister’s speech was live broadcast across the nation and watched by thousands of people gathered in public places, such as Melbourne’s famous Great Hall and the Federation Square (shown in the picture).

The speech was received with applause, tears and relief from the aboriginal people. Following the speech, Lorraine Peters, acting on behalf of the “Stolen Generation” accepted the apology, gave a gift of a glass coolamon (curved elongated dish) and said, “The gift is a symbol of the hope we place in the new relationship you wish to forge with our people. A relationship that itself is fragile yet strong”. And the Commissioner representing National Stolen Generations Alliance and National Sorry Day Committee declared “our leaders have chosen dignity, hope and respect as the guiding principles for the relationship with our first nations’ peoples”.

Following the Prime Minister’s apology, the Parliament adopted the goals of “Closing the Gap” which fo-

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ABHAYA AND THE UNIVERSAL OPPRESSION OF WOMEN

By Shamita Das Dasgupta (New Jersey)

Since August of 2024, my beloved city, Kolkata, has witnessed unprecedented popular uprisings around the rape and murder of a young medical intern at her workplace. Led by the hapless woman’s compatriots, nearly every community in the city took to the streets and called for unbiased and swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator/s of the heinous crime. Feminist organizations have gone a step further and widened the scope of these rallies to name and confront the ubiquitous culture of misogyny that ultimately leads to abuse of women within and without the home. Unfortunately, that message of radical change has become lost in the subsequent melee of agitations and challenges. Against the backdrop of these contestations, I write this essay on misogyny to explore whether it is a curse of the past.

(When creating them) Manu allotted to women (a love of their) bed, (of their) seat, and (of) ornament, impure desires, wrath, dishonesty, malice, and bad conduct.

(Manusmriti, The Laws of Manu, Ch. IX; @1500 BCE, Trans: G. Bühler)

Wicked persons, artisans, slaves, defiled ones, drums, and women are softened by being beaten; they do not deserve gentle handling.

(Garuda Purana: Ch. 1.109.31, Trans: J. L. Shastri, {Ed.})

Controversy still rages around hatred of women displayed in Hindu sacred texts, particularly Manu Smriti and the Puranas. While some claim such misogyny is an attitude of the past, feminists point to the culture of rape and domestic abuse in Indian societies that seems to contradict such claims. While these ancient texts are the sources of Hindu dogmas, other South Asian religious communities, such as Christian, Buddhist, and Islamic, have not escaped their influences. Impacted by Manu’s edicts, gender roles, heterosexual relationships, and power structures in the household have taken shape and have become embedded in our communities. A scrutiny of the ninth chapter of Manu Samhita leaves no doubt in one’s mind that this ancient lawgiver’s work has sown the seeds of misogyny in each layer of Indian society.

While many point to the tradition of goddess worship in Hindu societies to challenge this viewpoint and state that such esteem would not have been possible if women were not venerated, I argue that there is always a chasm between the ideal and the contextual. We cannot view a culture in absolute terms. While Bengali Hindus certainly worship powerful goddesses, in real life, they also prac-

tice gender-specific feticide, isolation and deprivation of widows, as well as restriction of girls’ and women’s socio-educational advancement.

Overt and covert hatred of women permeates nearly all societies of this world. In the West, the seeds of misogyny were sown by two Greek philosophers – Plato and Aristotle. These two original shapers of Western civilizations blatantly characterized women as lacking intelligence, morality, and abilities. Thus, they recommended that women must be kept away from politics and responsible societal positions.

The male is by nature superior and the female inferior, the male ruler and the female subject.

(Aristotle, Poetics, Sec 1.1254b)

Such proclamations have been internalized in the Western psyche and have rendered women into secondclass citizens. Women’s movements began there to end practical applications of such ideologies of misogyny. In different cultural settings, misogyny operates in distinct forms. Regardless, the main theme is essentially similar everywhere – women as a group are inferior to men. Therefore, it would be wrong for women to enjoy equal rights as men. Male dominance or patriarchy is a natural consequence of this deep and righteous belief, which finds its expression in varied gender-based abuses such as discrimination, domestic violence, sexual assault and rape, as well as overall deprivation of human rights. Boys are indoctrinated in masculinity to be NOT female-like. That is, the model of masculinity does not stand on its own but only in contrast to femininity. Boys graduate into men by bouncing themselves off girls and women.

When a group of people is viewed as inferior in every way, they are also divested of their humanity. Hence, girls and women are viewed as objects, not in possession of the same kinds of emotions, agency, will, capabilities, and feelings as men. Objectification of the inferior – women, Dalits, and the sexually different – occurs as a part of heteronormative patriarchal practices. Objectification of girls and women in Bengal becomes apparent if we consider the common way young men refer to them. Adolescent and young Bengali men frequently talk about girls and women as ‘maal’ (মাল), a clear reference to their ‘object’ status. There are many other Bengali slang words for women that are quite unmentionable but mean the same. I would suggest the reader make a list of slang words for girls and women and examine them for their misogynist content. In the U.S., referring to

girls and women as ‘bitch’ and ‘ho’ (whore) is ‘cool’ among young men. Contemporary ‘rap’ songs carry numerous examples of this ‘coolness.’

The low and disgusting status of femininity in men’s eyes falls into place if we look at how men insult other men. To call a man ‘sissy’ and ‘girlie’ (মময়েলল) is to humiliate him to the core. Many a fistfight has broken out to protest such slurring. Gay/ homosexual men are also put down by comparing them to women; that is, they are not ‘true’ men. The more one exudes feminine traits, the more he becomes a lowlife. Surely, to be a ‘real’ man who sits high on the rung of society, one must stay away from characteristics attributed to women! In one of her essays, Ashapurna Devi illustrated this patriarchal tendency succinctly. Let me amuse you with that story.

Although Ashapurna Devi’s writings found success from the beginning, she had never physically been to a publisher’s office. To deliver her manuscripts, she had either mailed or couriered them. After nearly three decades, Ashapurna Devi decided to visit a publishing house. It was a highly anticipated moment for the publisher since he had never met this popular writer. A few well-established writers had also gathered on the day to meet this sought-after yet unknown colleague. When Ashapurna Devi arrived at the office, everyone was astounded to see a middleaged, traditionally dressed woman. One of the assembled writers boldly told her that they had all assumed ‘Ashapurna’ was the pseudonym of a man because such intelligent stories could never emanate from a woman’s pen.

Such an experience is not unique to Ashapurna Devi. Many women writers who have dared to write well and weave ‘un-feminine’ narratives have been praised as ‘you write like a man.’ This seems to be the highest compliment a patriarchal society can offer women.

The extreme form of misogyny is gender-based violence. When such violence becomes greatly severe or even ends up in the victim’s death, we feel the urge to do something about it. It happened in Abhaya’s case in Kolkata and Nirbhaya’s in Delhi. However, we turn a blind eye to the harassment, abuse, and micro-aggressions that girls and women face routinely. Let’s take a close look at party humor. I call it ‘party’ humor, not because it is only exchanged at parties but at most fun-filled gatherings. Many comical stories that people regale each other with are about women – the dominant wife, irresponsible sister, stupid coworker, lascivious sister-in-law, clueless neighbor, meddlesome mother-in-law, and negli-

gent daughter-in-law. Depending on how well the narratives are drawn, people laugh at them. Although these stories may seem harmless, they reinforce the subconscious propensity to denigrate and stereotype women. The few individuals who protest such acts and name them misogynistic or tasteless are labeled as ‘party pooper’ or ‘humorless.’ Day-to-day violence against women is met with similar evasion.

According to a United Nations study, between 30 and 55 percent of women over the age of fifteen years are survivors of domestic violence. India government’s statistics claim that 34 percent of women are fall in this category. These numbers are calculated only with victims of physical abuse in mind. When sexual harassment, verbal abuse, withdrawal of opportunities, isolation, etc., are included in the definition of domestic violence, the numbers increase manifold.

An integral part of hatred of women is rampant victim-blaming. To this day, when people hear about a woman experiencing intimate partner violence, the immediate query is, “What did you/she do?” We overlook the fact that whatever a woman has or has not done, no one has the right to abuse her physically or emotionally. Unfortunately, the teachings of patriarchy run so deep that many women in West Bengal agree that a husband has the right to beat his wife to correct her ways. Society has taught them to deny women safe and secure lives. Even when girls and women are sexually assaulted, fingers of blame are raised toward them. What was she doing then and, in that place (time and place of incident)? What was she wearing? How was she behaving? Was she dating the perpetrator, or was she acquainted with him? The conclusion to be drawn is that women must limit their mobility and regulate their behavior to help men behave appropriately.

Furthermore, it is accepted that if the perpetrator is a dating partner or husband, he holds the right to treat a woman as he wishes. Police and attorneys in the US and India underscore the difficulty of successfully prosecuting date rape and marital rape cases. Such legal and social attitudes correctly indicate the status of women in society.

Interestingly, gender-based violence is considered a ‘women’s issue.’ Yet, the problem lies not with women and girls but with men. If curtailing behavior could resolve the situation, it is men’s conduct that should be corralled. In the 1980s, after several rapes of women in a few cities in Australia, one of the Members of Parliament proposed men should be

OUR BODY DURING SLEEP AND THE RISKS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION

By Pradip R. Das (New Jersey)

Introduction: Needless to say, sleeping is a necessary biological daily activity for living beings. We, humans, spend on the average, more than a third of our lives sleeping, to prepare our minds and bodies for the day ahead. Although this activity takes up a significant portion of our daily life, scientists are still discovering fascinating attributes of the human sleep-wake cycle, developing a more nuanced understanding of dreams, and coming to grips with the devastating effects of sleep deprivation and disorders. These facts outlined below delve into the science of sleep. Cause and effects.

Dreams are an important mechanism of the human mind. They seem like a series of random thoughts and events but are actually the brain trying to make sense of the day, remembering things that are important but not necessarily in the same context as in the actual occurrences. While most people report that they dream in full color, a minor portion of the population often experiences dreams in only black and white. On further studies into this phenomenon, researchers discovered in 2008 that people under the age of 25 almost never dreamed in monochrome, whereas the boomer generation and older had dreams devoid of color roughly a quarter of the time. Although it is difficult to prove definitively that TV is the cause, the number of people who reportedly dream in grayscale has slowly fallen over subsequent decades as color TV became the norm in households.

Having a poor night’s sleep comes with a multitude of side-effects, notably sluggishness, irritability, and poor concentration. If neglected over the long term, poor or insufficient sleep can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, and an overall weaker immune system. Sleep can also have a surprising bearing on how much pain a human can withstand. In 2015, a National Sleep Foundation poll discovered that two out of every three people experiencing chronic pain also suffered from sleep deprivation. Such statistics inspired scientists from UC Berkeley to determine how exactly sleep is correlated with pain tolerance. After conducting studies on two dozen healthy young adults, the researchers came to the conclusion that the neural mechanisms which evaluate pain signals and activate appropriate relief measures are disrupted when someone doesn’t get enough sleep. Just another reason, amongst others, that one should always try to get a good night’s rest.

Not everyone requires the same amount of sleep.Some people seem to function well with five hours of sleep while others can’t even think straight with anything less than nine hours. That’s because the usual recommendation of getting eight total hours of sleep is really an average — not a rule. Although a common indicator for how much sleep you need is often based on age (for example, children needing more sleep than adults

because they’re still growing), person to person differences also occur. Scientists have identified a significant portion of humans who require less than six hours to feel well rested because these individuals actually have a mutated gene that codes certain receptors that affect the sleepwake cycle. Hence, these people experience higher-quality sleep that takes up less time than the average human needs. REM sleep behavior disorder is another dangerous phenomenon. Dreaming occurs during a process known as REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. The name comes from the physical movement of our eyes while experiencing dreams. During these bouts of REM sleep, of which there could be four to six per night, brain activity changes and causes paralysis in our muscles. This normal effect of REM sleep is what’s known as muscle atonia, and it’s designed to keep humans from injuring themselves in their sleep. However, sometimes a person’s muscles still retain function during REM sleep and can cause a person to act out their dreams. This is known as REM sleep behavior disorder, and can be a real danger to the dreamer, or in some cases, the dreamer’s partner too. The reverse may also happen, as sleep paralysis occurs when someone wakes from REM sleep only to discover that they can’t move their body or speak. Both of these sleep disorders are types of parasomnias.

Psychosis from extreme sleep deprivation is known to occur in humans. While being a poor sleeper can have serious side effects, getting no sleep at all can be deadly. Throughout the day, our bodies burn energy and create a byproduct in the brain known as adenosine. The buildup of this nucleoside is what causes us to feel drowsy/sleepy. Why do we drink coffee to reduce sleepiness? Caffeine works by blocking adenosine from binding, making us more alert as a result. During sleeping, a waste clearance system known as the “glymphatic system” essentially removes this buildup of adenosine while using cerebrospinal fluid to remove toxic byproducts throughout the central nervous system. After a good bout of sleeping, eight (or so) hours, the brain is refreshed and ready for the day ahead. However, if someone puts off going to sleep for a long period of time, adenosine builds up in the brain and causes harmful effects and eventually disrupts our visual processing system, which in turn triggers hallucinations and, in very rare cases, even death. In other words, spending one-third of our lives in bed may seem like a waste of time, but sleeping may be the most important activity (or inactivity depending on how you look at it) that we do every day.

Footnote from the author: At the end of the day, when someone wishes you “Goodnight and Sleep Well”, you can now relate how important the “sleep well” factor is.

Cultural Programs with Durga Puja: A BI-COASTAL PERSPECTIVE

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tural programs with the Durga Puja. Kallol, furthermore, had a long tradition of setting up dramas with children, which were typically musical and involved songs and dances. By this time, the club had become more stable financially, and so baby steps were taken to bring decent singers from out of state and even India.

The cultural program associated with Kallol’s Durga Puja continued evolving through the first decades of the new millennium. It now had to cater to two large and distinct groups. On the one hand were the aging founder members and their friends and cohorts. They loved and clamored for Hindustani classical music to be on offer. On the other side were the younger IT professionals, who had started coming to the country around Y2K and later changed their status from temporary visa holders to permanent residents. Their musical taste moved away from the sedate Rabindra Sangeet to noisy Bollywood songs and disco dancing. To accommodate both interests. Kallol developed this template for Durga Puja’s cultural program: Friday for classical night; Sunday for children’s drama; and the drama by local adults and musical program by a top-notch singer or band from India alternating between Saturday and Sunday.

I left New Jersey for Southern California over three years ago. The first Durga Puja I attended, in 2021, was one organized by my neighborhood Bengali club, Dakshini. It too spanned three days (Friday to Sunday) similar to Kallol’s. Imagine my surprise, however, when I found out that there would be no dramas – either by children or adults – as part of the puja’s cultural program! Have the Bengalis changed that much between America’s two coasts? What happened to their abiding fascination with theater?

The big event touted in the cultural sphere was Saturday’s performance by the Bollywood playback singer, Benny Dayal. My septuagenarian immigrant self was blissfully unaware of the artiste’s existence, although

I had heard (and appreciated) his famous hit song, “Badtameez Dil, Badtameez Dil …”

The undercard, if you will, on Friday was to be a performance of Bengali songs (with Hindi interludes) by some young talents from Kolkata. No cultural function was scheduled for Sunday. All this seemed surpassing strange to me.

With time and exposure, the alternate arrangement on the West Coast came into focus. The activities on Sunday primarily are Nabami Puja, Bisarjan, and Sindoor Khela. The day ends with boxed dinners distributed to the attendees. No cultural event is organized that day, presumably because of the time and distance the puja participants would have to travel to get back home and be ready for Monday’s regular routine. The same problem exists in New Jersey, of course, except that the geographical area from which the puja crowd is drawn is larger for Southern California.

This is not to say that all is lost – that the Bengali character has been altered forever by the California sunshine. I was wrong to worry initially about the puzzling absence of dramas during Durga Puja here in LA. The Bengali attachment to dramas has to be catered to, in some way. Sure enough, and it took me a while to realize it, all local programs, including theaters (both children’s and adults’) and instrumental music (often by a guru and his students) are moved (shunted?) to the Laxmi Puja. This means that the Laxmi Pujas in Los Angeles are more elaborate affairs than in New Jersey. But the basic elements of the cultural program with Durga Puja remain the same on both the East and West Coasts. They are just arranged differently

In conclusion, I admit that I cannot really talk about Durga Pujas in all parts of the West Coast. I can only say for sure that the template for the cultural program in the Los Angeles area is different from Kallol’s. And the one thing missing with Durga Puja in Los Angeles is Hindustani classical music by a celebrity musician from India. That is one aspect of Kallol’s Durga Puja that I truly miss.

Puja Activities for October -December, 2024

Autumn is a busy time for us at Ananda Mandir. It requires a lot of planning and organizing to get ready for the celebration of Durga Puja. We wait the entire year for these five days of puja, fun, food and festivities.

Durga Puja is an annual festival that originated in the Indian subcontinent and is now celebrated by Hindus all over the world. A ten-day festival, also called Navaratri, also celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the evil demon, Mahishasura. This is the time when Ma Durga visits the earth to greet and bless

Reported by Mita Sinha, Chair, Puja Committee

her devotees. As in previous years, our Durga Puja festivities started with “Mahishasura Mardini” program. A musical program describing Ma Durga’s act of slaying the asura (demons), was presented live by a large ensemble of musicians on September 29 at 4:30 in the morning. The story was narrated during this program with songs and Chandi path, ending with Arati of Ma Durga. After the program ended, we had our grand breakfast.

Ananda Mandir celebrated Durga Puja this year from October 8 to 12. It started with Debir Bodhan and ended with Bijoya Dashami. Goddess Durga symbolizes the divine force known as Shakti that was used against the negative forces of Evil. These five days of Durga Puja are very special for all Bengali family. Even though our Puja started on a Tuesday this year, we still had hundreds of devotees visited the Temple on all five days.

of this large scale without the help of hundreds of our dedicated volunteers. They worked tirelessly morning till evening to make it a success.

We organized live streaming of Durga Puja on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Many of our members made good use of the live streaming facility.

Sandhi Puja was performed in the early morning starting at 6:24 a.m. on Oct 11 and the Mandir was full of attendees. On the Nabami day we had the Kumari Puja. Little girls between the ages of 4 to 11 were worshipped on the Nabami evening. In the evening of Bijoya Dashami, we had thakur boron, sindurkhela and dance with dhak, shankha and ghanta. All of us enjoyed all five days of the puja.

We had thousands of devotees visited the temple on these five days. Tagore Hall was open to the public for Durga Puja. Foods were distributed on five days in the morning and evening. Beautiful music was played all day, this created a holiday atmosphere. We had multiple vendors inside the Tagore Hall selling sarees CD’s and other hand-crafted items. The weather was perfect and that made it enjoyable for everyone. As always all of our volunteers worked hard to make it a successful Puja. We cannot do a celebration

ber started with Jagadhatri Puja at Ananda Mandir. Ma Jagadhatri is another representation of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on Shukla Navami tithi in the month of Kartik. This puja was performed in the morning at our temple. Devotees came in to offer puja and Pushpanjali at the Mandir and all of them had prasad after the puja.

We had our Kojagori Lakshmi Puja celebrated on October 16. Among the Hindus all over the world Lakshmi is known to be the Goddess of Prosperity. This puja falls on a full moon day “Purnima”, in the month of Ashwin. This Purnima is also known as Sharad Purnima in most parts of India. People believe that on this day the Goddess descends on earth to bless us all with prosperity and good health. We had our monthly Satyanarayan puja on this evening. Both of these pujas were performed beautifully. We had delicious dinner after the puja.

On October 31 we had our Maha Kali Puja. Kali Puja honors the Hindu goddess Kali and it falls during Diwali celebrations. It is celebrated in the month of Kartik. Ma Kali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. It also signifies the attainment of spiritual enlightenment removing ignorance. Goddess Kali is the ultimate manifestation of Shakti. She is the Adi Shakti. On the puja night goddess is offered flowers, sweets, seasonal fruits and red hibiscus flowers.

All of our buildings were illuminated with beautiful colored lights on this day. The night echoed with fireworks lighting up the sky. This puja is always performed at night so most of our members stayed on until midnight to see the puja and all had their dinner at our Tagore Hall.

The month of Novem-

On November 15, we had our Satyanarayan Puja and Raas Jatra. This puja is dedicated to the divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha. This is a Vaishnava festival observed in Bengal and parts of Odisha. We also had our monthly Satyanarayan Puja this evening. A large number of devotees came to the temple to attend this puja.

On November 30, Saturday, we had our monthly Shyama Puja. October and November were busy month for us.

December is usually a slow time of the year for us. We had our monthly Satyanarayan puja on December 15. This puja is always done in the evening and a lot of our dedicated devotees came to the Temple to attend this puja. As always, Biswabhai did a beautiful Puja.

The last puja for the year 2024 was our monthly Shyama Puja on December 30. A number of devotees came to the temple on this cold winter day to attend this special puja.

The year 2024 was a successful one for us. All of our major pujas such as Durga Puja and Kali Puja were well attended. Ananda Mandir is a special place for our community. We have a great team of volunteers, and they spend long hours to do everything needed for the Temple.

Please come and join us and experience the beautiful puja and friendly atmosphere of Ananda Mandir. Our website is www.anandamandir.org and you can find details of our puja dates, temple timings and information of all other cultural activities on our website as well as on Facebook and Twitter. To schedule a private puja at your home or at the Temple please call the number (732) 873-9821 and leave a message and someone will get back to you. We welcome all of you to come and be a member of this great organization and participate in all of our activities.

Lakshmi Puja

Mahishasur Mardini Musical Presentation

Durga Puja

Kumari Puja on Maha Nabami

Ananda Mandir organized a “Bijoya Sammelan” for its members on Saturday, October 26, featuruing a two-part cultural program. The first part showcased Odissi dance presentations by Mitra Purakayastha and her students at the Rhythm of Dance & Music (RDM). The second part was a classical musical concert, featuring the well-known artist, Supriyo Dutta.

This year’s third and final Ananda Sandhya was presented on Sunday, November 3. The program featured two talented musicians: NJ-based Shreya Bhanja Chowdhury, a classical vocalist, and Rimpa Siva from India, widely known as “Princess of Tabla”. Accompanying them were Shekhar Das (on Hawaiian Guitar) and Shreyas Ravi (on Harmonium

BATTLE FOR THE BEST

Reported by Roshan Paul (New Jersey)

Feathers streaking side to side. Racquets swinging through the air. Ardent roars echoing off the walls. All these efforts summarized into one thought: don’t let it fall!

Edison’s International Badminton Center transformed into a battleground on December 7th and 8th, 2024. The occasion?

A highly anticipated two-day badminton tournament organized by Ananda Mandir that brought together fans of the game and sixty players from Virginia to Connecticut.

Players were organized through a bidding auction into six teams of ten:

Net Ninjas, Racqueteers, Smashers, Challengers, You Next, and Mavericks. Through meticulous excel sheets and team strategy, players partnered with multiple teammates throughout the weekend to foster excitement,camaraderie, and balance. Through these permutations and combinations, a total ninety games were played over the course of fifteen hours of sweating,panting, and thirst for badminton. From powerful smashes to delicate drops,the competitive spirit was palpable as players pushed themselves to their limits, eager to secure victory for their team.

Fueled by Subway, Dunkin Donuts, and singaras, the Racqueteers emerged as the ultimate champions, followed by the Challengers and the Mavericks. All teams displayed exceptional teamwork, tactical acumen, and individual brilliance.

The success of this badminton tournament can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the meticulous organization and planning ensured a seamless execution of the event, supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who worked diligently on the logistics, operations, score keeping, and umpiring.

Secondly, generous sponsorships by Navikenz, the Maryland Mavericks, Shankha Ghosh, Jai Biswas, Debajyoti Chatterji, Ashok Rakhit and other patrons, provided the necessary resources to make the tournament a reality. Thirdly, the enthusiasm and dedication of the participants contributed to the overall excitement and competitiveness of the event.

As the tournament drew to a close, it left a lasting impression on all who participated. Seasoned veterans sharing valuable tips and techniques to newcomers in exchange for the fresh energy and strategies. Players outside of the Ananda Mandir having their first taste of our community. New friendships being forged and existing bonds strengthening.

The event has set a high standard for future tournaments, inspiring players to strive for excellence and continue to elevate the level of play. Not only was it a celebration of badminton, but it was also an event that showcased how the Bengali community can come together not only for puja, khawadawa, gaan, and natak, but also for athletics.

ANESTHESIA AND ANESTHETICS

In 1949, our family moved from Rangpur, East Bengal to Kolkata. I was young at the time, just beginning to understand the world around me. One day, my mother informed me that Rangin Uncle would undergo an operation. My little mind started to wonder what an operation was and where it would take place, but I didn’t have the knowledge to understand. Rangin Uncle, older than my father, used to give me colorful balloons, and that’s why I fondly called him “Rangin Uncle.”

The day of the operation arrived. It was performed in his bedroom, and everyone was asked to leave the room. Soon after, the operation began, and we could hear his cries. That sound still echoes in my mind. My mother told me to pray to God and explained that Rangin Uncle had diabetes, so the doctors couldn’t administer anesthesia. He was fully conscious during the operation, which made his cries especially intense. Although Rangin Uncle recovered from the operation, he did not live much longer. He is no longer with us, and neither are his colorful balloons. What remains is the sound of his cries, etched deeply in my childhood memories.

The History of Pain Relief: Ancient Practices and Modern Advances

The history of pain relief is ancient. For centuries, humans have tried various methods to alleviate pain. Early techniques included striking the patient’s head or compressing the carotid artery to reduce consciousness. In the Middle Ages, different potions were used, including extracts from plants like alcohol and mandrake root. Opium was also widely employed.

In the 1660s, the intravenous use of opium was first introduced. Other methods included applying cold water, ice, or snow and compressing nerves to relieve pain. Hypnotism gained popularity for pain relief in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Advancements in Knowledge of the Heart and Lungs

During the 17th and 18th centuries, significant progress was made in understanding the functions of the heart and lungs.In 1799, Sir Humphry Davy suggested the use of nitrous oxide for pain relief. In 1844, Horace Wells first used nitrous oxide for tooth extraction, playing an important role in the emergence of modern anesthesia. Between 1835 and 1845, various individuals experimented with anesthetic agents, but these efforts did not significantly impact general medical practice.

Morton’s Anesthesia: The Beginning of a Revolution, Challenges, and Outcomes

In 1844, while studying at Harvard

By Alok Bandyopadhyay (Pennsylvania)

Medical School, William T.G. Morton attended a lecture by his chemistry professor, Charles Jackson, where he learned how sulfuric ether could render a person unconscious and insensible. In the summer of 1846, Morton procured ether from local chemists and observed its effects on his pets through experiments. Satisfied with its safety and efficacy, he began using ether on his dental patients.

Morton realized that the use of ether extended far beyond tooth extractions. He performed the first public demonstration of ether anesthesia at Massachusetts General Hospital, elevating his personal success and gaining international recognition. Through this demonstration, he transitioned from a successful dentist to a globally acclaimed healer.

The Beginning of Modern Anesthesia

On October 16, 1846, the first public demonstration of ether anesthesia was conducted by William Morton at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Under the supervision of surgeon John Warren, a tumor was removed from beneath the jaw of Gilbert Abbott.

This breakthrough marked the dawn of a new era in surgery and medical science. Before this, surgery was a terrifying experience involving excruciating pain and a high risk of death. The discovery of anesthesia made surgery safer and more bearable.

The discovery of anesthesia revolutionized medical science, making pain management and patient safety during surgery much more feasible. Prior to this, surgery was an agonizing ordeal. From ancient times to the modern era, the development of anesthesia has had a profound impact on human life.

The Struggle for Credit and Morton’s Achievements

Despite his success, Morton’s life was fraught with challenges. He faced criticism for applying for an exclusive patent for “Letheon.” During the mid-19th century, the medical community viewed profiting from discoveries meant for humanity as unethical. There were also disputes over credit, with Horace Wells and Dr. Crawford W. Long of Georgia also claiming contributions to the development of anesthesia. Morton’s former professor, Charles Jackson, also sought recognition for his part.

Morton’s Contribution and Outcome

Morton’s ingenuity was not limited to observing the power of ether but

extended to developing a scientific method for controlling its administration. His efforts laid the foundation for the field of anesthesiology. However, the prolonged criticism and struggles took a toll on him mentally. In 1868, Morton succumbed to his suffering and died in hardship. The introduction of anesthesia by Morton brought a revolution to medical science. Although it did not lead to the financial success or recognition he desired, his work greatly improved human life. It made surgeries safer and more manageable, setting an extraordinary precedent in healthcare.

Spinal and epidural anesthesia emerged as significant advancements in the 1900s. These methods allowed for surgery on a relaxed abdomen without the need for deep anesthesia provided by ether or chloroform. The early 1900s also saw the introduction of new, less toxic local anesthetic agents, marking the start of a revolution in anesthesia administration.

Innovations in Airway Management

Another major advancement was the development of techniques for controlling the airway through intubation. Introduced in the 1910s, these techniques were refined by the late 1920s and early 1930s, enhancing patient safety during surgery by enabling controlled breathing.

Introduction of Intravenous Induction Agents

This was followed by the advent of intravenous induction agents, such as barbiturates, which allowed for rapid, smooth, and pleasant induction of sleep, avoiding the need for harsh inhalational agents. The 1940s and early 1950s saw the introduction of muscle relaxants, which further improved anesthesia practices.

Advancements in Modern Anesthetics

In 1943, Dr. Harold Griffith introduced curare in the form of tubocurarine, a milestone in modern anesthesia. By the mid-1950s, halothane, a new inhalational agent, was developed. These refined drugs have evolved into powerful and less toxic intravenous agents, local anesthetics, and muscle relaxants used today.

General Anesthesia: Main Objectives and Classification of Agents

The primary aim of general anesthesia is to make the patient unconscious and unable to feel painful stimuli. It is also used to control the activity of au-

tonomic reflexes. Anesthetic agents fall into five main categories: intravenous (IV) anesthetics, inhalational anesthetics, IV sedatives, synthetic opioids, and neuromuscular blocking drugs.

In addition,propofol, ketamine, methohexital, etomidate etc. are also used as anesthetic agents during surgery.

Key Components of General Anesthesia

Synthetic opioids and neuromuscular blocking drugs play a significant role in general anesthesia, helping control the patient’s condition and alleviate pain during surgery.

Synthetic Opioids:

These powerful drugs are typically used in operating rooms where ventilatory support is readily available. Examples include fentanyl, sufentanil, remifentanil, and alfentanil. Side effects can include miosis, respiratory depression, bradycardia, constipation, and urinary retention.

Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs (NMBD):

These drugs act on the postsynaptic membrane of nicotinic cholinergic receptors. They are divided into two main subcategories: non-depolarizing and depolarizing. Succinylcholine is a depolarizing NMBD that binds tightly to receptor sites, mimicking the effects of acetylcholine. It acts quickly and is commonly used for rapid sequence intubation.

The Future and Consequences of Anesthesia

Since the era of Morton, the methods and tools used in anesthesia have seen significant advancements. In the 1900s, the development of local anesthetic agents provided safer alternatives to toxic substances like ether and chloroform. The introduction of muscle relaxants and inhalational agents in the 1940s and 1950s made anesthesia simpler and safer. Today, anesthetists are highly trained physicians responsible for the entire patient care process.

With the various drugs and methods used in anesthesia, it is essential for surgical team members to be capable of identifying emergencies in patients undergoing anesthesia. Understanding the specific advantages and disadvantages of each drug is crucial for informed decision-making. Various emergencies can arise during general anesthesia, such as respiratory issues, blood pressure drops, or sudden cardiac events. Managing these situations requires a skilled interprofessional team. An effective anesthesia team must operate with thorough knowledge, clear communication, and collaboration among

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SUMMER OLYMPICS OF 2024 IN PARIS: SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS

Thisyear’sSummer Olympics, held in Paris, ran from 26 July to 11 August with over 10,000 athletes participating in over 300 events.

The Paris Olympics set a unique record as being the first Olympics to hold the opening ceremony outside a stadium. It was a spectacular event. About 10,000 athletes floated down a four-mile stretch of the Seine River from Pont d’Austerlitz to the Pont d’Iéna, on 104 boats, all ending up outside the Eiffel Tower.

Almost 50% of Parisians had thought that it was a bad idea to host the Olympics in their city, and many planned to leave the city during the Olympics. In the end, the mammoth event went fairly smoothly.

The budget for the Olympics was about 10 billion dollars. and the French government expectedthe event to boost theirGDP by about10 billion euros. It was financed largely by the private sector. The intent was to have an event low on “white elephants” and high on sustainability.

Some of my favorite events and highlights:

One of the many interesting matchups was in the 400m women’s hurdles race. A grueling distance where the runner has to sprint for 400m and negotiate hurdles in-between. A pure sprinter cannot do this race and a pure long-distance runner will falter. This is like a between a cheetah versus a racehorse. Both have astounding speeds but a racehorse would clear hurdles better.

Femke Bol of Netherlands,a world-record holder, was matched up against Sydney Levrone-Smith of the USA. Both were world-record holders at different periods. By the first turn around 200m, Sydney had caught up with Femke and though Femke had a good later kick, it was not to be. Sydney broke another world-record. Femke dissolved into tears in the arms of her parents just beside the celebrations of Sydney.

Previously Femke had excelled at the 4x400 mixed relay where she made up a big deficit and had a sensational finish pipping the world-record holders USA for the gold, in one of the dream runs of the Paris Olympics. Left on the tracks to console each other was the USA team which the previous day, had set a world record in the heats.

Men’s sprints are one of the most anticipated events of the Olympics. Loudmouth Noah Lyles of the USA, won in a convincing fashion making up con-

ByTathagata Ghosh (New Jersey)

siderable ground in the end after a poor start. In the 200m, he started showboating again but LetsileTobogo of Botswana won the final and Noah ended up in a wheelchair, out of breath and wheezing. Gone were Noah’s dreams of killing it like Usain Bolt with a sprint double.

The women’s 100m dash had its presumptive favorite in Sha Carri Richardson but Julian Alfred of StLucia led from start to finish. The tiny island picked up a gold and the mighty USA who have not won the gold in many decades had to settle for silver and bronze. In the 200 m though, the brilliant Gabby Thomas of the USA, outran the entire field to collect the gold.

Ingebritson(Olympic champion) and Kerr (World champion) in the men’s 1500m final where the two rivals were gearing up for each other and the press playing up that rivalry for a marquee matchup. Cole Hocker of the USA pipped them both for a gold.

The success of Indian javelin sensation, Neeraj Chopra, is always good but the success of the Indian men’s hockey team to get a bronze made this a very satisfying for the Indian fans. Vinesh Phogat’s miss of a medal (in wrestling) was also a huge discussion point. As always, there was only limited success for India against world-class talent.

The women’s gymnastics has had a frequent changing of the guard over the decades. USA is now a powerhouse, and the reemergence of Simone Biles had catapulted them in the rarified atmosphere of one of the best teams ever.

Diversity in countries winning medals:

One of the aims of the Olympics is to encourage and inspire more nations to compete and potentially improve over time.

There is now a growing diversity in the number of medals won by different countries, whereas in the past a handful of countries used to dominate the medals count. The Soviet Union has been replaced by China as the formidable superpower for winning medals.

In this Olympics, USA won over 125 medals and China was close behind with almost 100 medals. The continent of Europe won almost 40% of the medals.

If we do an analysis of the medal distribution, we can see that the economically strong countries

seem to have an edge in being able to winning medals. The top four countries this time around were USA, China, Britan, France. Then come the countries Australia, Japan, Italy, Netherlands and Germany. Almost every country in Europe won a medal.The continent of Africa won a paltry 40 medals in total. Most countries in Africa did not win any medal.

The following countries took most of the medals that went to Asia; China, Japan and South Korea. All of them have strong emphasis sports and athletics.The rest of Asia had a dismal showing including India. I don’t see that changing soon.

Even though the Middle East is in a full-fledged sport-washing mode, hosting tournaments and filling local leagues with foreign players, it will be a while before they start winning medals.

An interesting development was the Refugee Olympic team(from 11 different countries) which actually won one medal. This reflects the growing number of refugees in the world who are voiceless and powerless. It was good to see that the Olympic committee was gracious enough to give them a platform where they could compete.

Russia and Belarus were barred from competing but a handful of athletes from these countries competed as ‘Individual Neutral Athletes’.

How to succeed in Olympics

You need to have strong, skillful athletes, good infrastructure and training to be able to have even a shot at winning any medal in the Olympic games.

Both regimented systems (like China) and open systems (like USA) seem to work when working towards excellence. Setting targets may or may not work. But working towards better health, nutrition and physical well-being can be a secondary goal. Good per capita income, nutrition and a sports culture help.

You cannot depend on historical prowess in any field to propel you because there are always people just nipping at your heels. There is also a need to continuously improve and compete, which is closely related to funding either through government sources or private sources.

Reference: https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/medals

THE SORRY DAY

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cused on the health and equality of indigenous people of all generations. It was run by Oxfam Australia between 2009 and 2019. They recommended, with inputs from the Aboriginal people, the structural changes needed in the design and delivery of government’s programs to “close the gap”. Oxfam’s work was handed over to Australians for Native Title and Reconciliations (ANTaR), and they still produce annual reports.

There are other charitable organizations like “The Healing Foundation” which is a national Aboriginal organization that partners with communities to address the ongoing trauma caused by the forced removal in their childhood. And in 2017, the First Nations National Constitutional Convention adopted “Ulluru Statement from the Heart”, jointly developed by indigenous and non-indigenous community leaders.

The week following the National Sorry Day is observedas the National Reconciliation Week, which runs from 27th May to 3rd June. The day of 27th May also marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum that removed discrimination against Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, and 3rd June marks the 1992 Mabo decision in which the high court of Australia recognized the “native title” – that the Aboriginal people’s rights over their lands survive British colonization.

The objective of the National Reconciliation Week is for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and how everybody can contribute towards reconciliation. It is all about strengthening relationships and strive towards a just and equitable society. In this week, organizations, schools, universities, community groups and workplaces are encouraged to advance the understanding of reconciliation.

When we study human history, we find parallel incidents of the powerful oppressing the powerless, over many centuries, and in every continent. From powerful Romans oppressing their powerless subjects, colonialist Europeans oppressing the colonized in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and European settlers oppressing the native Americans.

But of late, there have been some recognitions. On October 26, 2024, President Biden formally apologized to Native Americans in Arizona for the federal government’s role in running boarding schools where their children endured abuse, family separation, neglect and eradication of their tribal identities. The President called it a “blot on American history”. Shortly thereafter, on November 12, 2024, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, made a “formal and unreserved” apology to the Maori, New Zealand’s indigenous people, for the widespread abuse, torture and neglect of hundreds of thousands of their children and vulnerable adults while they were in government care.

Maybe, just maybe, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd set in motion national leaders’ introspection that can lead to long overdue discovery of our moral compass.

References: Bringing them Home: Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, 1997 The Stolen Generations, Peter Reed, 1981 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stolen_ Generations#Trauma_and_healing and others

COMMUNITY NEWS

GSCA CORNER

Reported by Pradip R. Das (New Jersey)

Durga Puja, October 19 & 20, 2024

As in other years in the past, Plainfield High School was the venue for this year’s puja. Every aspect of the two days’ festivities, the reception, the decoration, the magnificent puja itself with eloquent mantras, anjali& prasad, and puja concluding dhunuchinaach (with a first time competition in which seven contestants participated) to the rhythm of the dhaak, and sindurkhela, dinner, talent & youth activities and the evening’s cultural on-stage programs earned much appreciation and kudos. Several stalls by jewelers, sarees and other clothing items, books and CD’s, insurance companies, food stalls drew interested on-lookers and buyers all day and created a mela-like experience to augment the puja atmosphere. On stage presentations were also made on behalf of GSCA’s philanthropy committee and the Women’s forum.

Cultural program - Saturday, October 19, 2024

Opening vocal performance by a next generation singer with songs of women’s empowerment, symbolizing Ma Durga’s triumph over adversity.

RDM-AMSOA’s presentation….’Pushpanjali’, an offering of a bouquet of dances in pure Odissi and Manipuri style, at the feet of Devi Durga and Lord Ganesh, to ward off all evils and dangers and bestow peace and blessings to all humanity.

(Conceptualization and dance direction by Mitra Purkayastha).

Torkarider Torko: A children’s comedy drama. A dance presentation by TheRhythmzzDivine…a dance group by Deblina Ghosh, incorporating semiclassical/fusion dance styles embracing the vibrant rhythms of Durga Puja through joy, devotion and triumph over darkness.

Vocal performance by Shreyansh Singh, a ten-years old, who has been learning Hindustani classical vocal music from Mitali Bhawmik. He thrilled the audience with his melodious songs.

Main attraction was Richa Sharma. A popular name in Bollywood music, her powerful voice and versatility have made her a well sought after singer in India. Richa has performed in Hindi, Punjabi and Marathi and her ability to connect with her audience through her voice and expressions sets her apart as a truly talented and dynamic performer. She is also a Filmfare Award recipient for best female playback singer for the song ‘Maahi Ve’.

Cultural program - Sunday, October 20, 2024

GSCA In House program - ‘Chhuti’. A presentation to symbolize this festive season with a collage of songs, poems and dances where adults perform the songs and recite the poems while children accompany with dances.

A Band Harmonic presentation, a mix of Bengali classical and international hits by a new kids’ band, a group of elementary and middle school children. The audience enjoyed this remarkable performance with melodious beats and amazing energy.

Main Attraction: Pousali Banerjee, a folk singer from Shantiniketan, West Bengal. With her soulful melodies of Baul to the vibrant beats of Bhatiyali or the enchanting Bhawaiya, she captivated all. Pousali mesmerized all present with her voice and wooed them with her congeniality.

GSCA’s objective of bringing communities together and propagating goodwill and brotherhood towards all through such social gatherings was met in all aspects.

GSCA Philanthropy Update

For several years, GSCA has been making concerted efforts to expand its philanthropic activities in ways

that are having greater impacts on communities and individuals. Most notably, in India, GSCA initiated a scholarship program by sponsoring one medical student in 2012. Since then, GSCA has increased the number of scholarship recipients every year. Once a student is sponsored, he/she is supported until the completion of their studies which normally takes 4 to 5 years depending on the degree program. All recipients of GSCA scholarships come from financially deprived families, with the earning member a daily laborer, a rickshaw puller, a bidi maker, a tea seller or a small farmer. Most students are from small villages also. As of this writing, GSCA is supporting 46 students in India in the fields of Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, and other undergraduate programs. GSCA is honored to be one of the sponsors for the scholarship programs organized by the Indian group “Mukti”.

Additionally, GSCA provides a one time scholarship to 6 Plainfield High School graduating seniors every year. Plainfield High School has been GSCA’s Durga Puja venue for the past many years.

GSCA Women’s Forum

Formed in 2021, with the goal of serving women and the community, the following were some of the ac-

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MAA CORNER

Reported by Arundhati Sanyal (New Jersey)

The months of October to December were busy months at Maitree Association of America (MAA).

Durga Puja was celebrated on October 19 and 20 at East Brunswick Hammarsjkold School in the presence of a large number of attendees who came on both the days. Eminent artists Sourendra/ Soumyajit captivated the audience on Saturday with a superb performance; Lagnajita, another popular artist of West Bengal, presented a lively concert on Sunday. There were a number of creative and stellar performances by our in-house team as well as by local artists from around the state who enthralled the audience.

Lakshmi Puja was celebrated at Bharat Sevashram Sangha on October 27. This was also wellattended by the members.

Maitree, winner of past two years of the Kallol Quiz Contest, participated in the preliminary round of the 5th year of the event on November 23, and went to the final round that took place on December 14. Maitree achieved the third position in the final round, out of a total of 18 participating teams in the tournament, including teams from several overseas countries. We are very proud of our stellar Quizzers who held their own amidst stiff competition.

Finally, Maitree celebrated Holiday Party on December 14 at the Crown of India restaurant. This was another fun-filled evening where our members came together to cheer their home team at the Quiz competition and usher in the season of festivities.

We will open the New Year with Saraswati pujo on February 16 at Tagore Hall, Ananda Mandir. Wishing all of our readers and members a very happy holiday and new year from Maitree!!

ICC CORNER

Reported by Pratap Das (New Jersey)

Mahalya –Beginning a new tradition.

For the first time in ICCGS history, the celebration included Mahalaya, marking the beginning of Durga Puja. This auspicious occasion featured a mesmerizing performance by talented singers from the community, adding depth and tradition to the festivities. Held on the morning of October 5th, the Mahalaya program created an emotional connection for all participants, bridging generations and allowing both young and old to connect with their cultural roots.

Cultural Programs: Showcasing Talent and Heritage

The cultural programs during Durga Puja were a highlight of the event. The play “Bharotieyer Khoje” (The search for an NRI) captivated audiences with its profound exploration of identity and heritage. This theatrical production combined excellence in performance with meaningful storytelling, making it one of the most talked-about aspects of the celebration.

The event featured a variety of musical and dance performances that showcased the immense talent within the community. Notably, renowned singer Madhushree Bhattacharya graced the stage on October 5th with a captivating performance. The following evening, on October 6th, the sensational winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Padma Palash enthralled the audience with his melodious voice.

In addition to these professional artists, local talent shone brightly throughout the celebration. Community members of all ages, including children, took part in various performances, demonstrating the depth of artistic ability within the ICCGS family. These in-house cultural programs, featuring both adults and kids added a personal and heartwarming touch to the festivities

Overcoming challenges: The delayed Durga Protima

This year’s Durga Puja faced an unexpected challenge when the new Durga idol, crafted by skilled artisans in Kumortuli, Kolkata, could not arrive in time for the main celebrations due to unforeseen transportation delays. However, this setback did not dampen the spirit of ICCGS members. When the new Durga protima finally arrived a few weeks later, it was welcomed with great enthusiasm, and Laxmi Puja was celebrated with the new idol. This incident demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of the ICCGS community. Instead of viewing the delay as a setback, they showcased the very qualities that Maa Durga embodies - strength, perseverance, and flexibility.

Global recognition: ICCGS shines on the international stage

Adding to its list of accomplishments, IC-

GSCA CORNER

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tivities for 2024:

Health and wellness webinar: How to detect and prevent premature heart attacks in Indians”.

Heart disease remains one of the prime causes of mortality worldwide. Indians in particular are susceptible to premature heart attacks due to genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, and dietary habits. The webinar focused to shed information on this vital health concern within our community and provided useful insights into early detection and prevention strategies.

Senior care Services: Lack of transportation and social isolation are some problems faced by seniors for which the women’s forum members initiated 1. Transportation to and from the doctor’s office, 2. Grocery shopping help, 3. Spending time with seniors at their homes with home cooked meals and adda and games.

GSCA Board Election 2024

Three of the seven Board positions being vacated on January 1, 2025 are being filled by members’ secret ballot election during November/December 2024. Results

will be announced later in December but after this report has gone into print. Details will be covered in the April 2025 issue of Ananda Sangbad.

The new board takes office from January 1, 2025.

GSCA Holiday

Party, December 15, 2024

The annual fun-filled extravaganza will take place at the Crown of India banquet hall in Plainsboro this year. This is a dinner event for both members and non-members. Details will be provided in the April 2025 issue.

The Garden State Cultural Association, Inc. (“GSCA”), incorporated as a non-profit organization on January 31, 1992, adopts the following as objectives of GSCA:

a) to be non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian, and b) to be devoted to social, cultural, religious and philanthropic activities of the community.

To this end, GSCA organizes various events and programs related to its objectivesandGSCA also coordinates with and joins/supports local organizations with similar aims, if it deems necessary to have a broader effect/appeal on/to the community.

ICC CORNER

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CGS achieved international recognition by becoming runners-up in the Kallol Quiz, a prestigious global competition featuring 18 teams from four continents. The grand finale took place on December 14th, 2024. This remarkable achievement highlighted not only the intellectual capabilities of ICCGS members but also their ability to compete on a global stage while representing their cultural roots with pride. The ICCGS team, consisting of Sudipta Das, SuddhasattaAcharyya, Seemanta Mitra, and Arnab Chakraborty, showcased their knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ability to work as a cohesive unit under pressure.

Nurturing the next generation: Engaging youth in cultural activities

Throughout this period, ICCGS has continued to engage its members through diverse programs catering to all age groups. The organization has placed a strong focus on fostering cultural awareness among younger generations, evident in activities such as art competitions and youth performances during Durga Puja and Summer Picnics. These initiatives provided children with opportunities to connect with their herit-

age in meaningful ways. By actively involving youth in cultural activities, ICCGS is ensuring that the rich Indian culture continues to be woven by skilled and passionate hands for generations to come.

Embracing the digital age: Enhancing community connections

ICCGS has embraced innovation by enhancing its digital presence through its website and social media platforms. These tools have allowed members to stay informed about upcoming events and revisit highlights from past celebrations, ensuring that everyone feels connected regardless of physical distance.

Looking ahead: Building on success

The recent successes of ICCGS serve as a source of inspiration for future endeavors. From introducing Mahalaya to achieving global recognition at the Kallol Quiz, these milestones reflect the organization’s ability to innovate while staying true to its roots. As ICCGS moves forward, it remains committed to its mission of preserving Bengali culture, fostering unity among members, and celebrating shared traditions with enthusiasm and pride.

SCHOOL OF ARTS

EVERGREEN CLUB ACTIVITIES

(Reporting Period: July – December, 2024)

Reported by Prabir Biswas (New Jersey)

Whenthe Evergreen Club was founded years back, then most of the members had the ability to move around independently. As the months and years passed by, many members faced with limitations in their ability to move around. However, their desire to meet their friends remained unchanged, if not increased. They wanted to meet in-person, face to face, preferably over lunch. Some of the members, however, preferred to meet through virtual meeting because of severe limitations on their ability for movement. So far, the Club accommodated all these varied needs and was able to arrange sessions for all willing participants.

For this reporting period, 4 sessions were arranged. July and September

were virtual meeting via ZOOM and August and November were in-person. August meeting was held in a local restaurant and November meet was at Ananda Mandir front building. Expectedly, the in-person meetings attracted more participants. October and December being Holiday months no sessions were arranged. Weather permitting, the first session of 2025 will be a in-person meet in January at Ananda Mandir Front Building.

Altogether, during the year 202, nine sessions were arranged. Five meets were virtual, via ZOOM and the remaining four were in-person.

We are always pleased to note the strong interest on the part of our members in Evergreen Club activities.

WRITERS CLUB ACTIVITIES

(Reporting Period: July – December, 2024)

TheReported by Debajyoti Chatterji (New Jersey)

second half of the year saw the same level of activity as in the first half. Three meetings were held, and all were Zoom-based. This mode of meeting remains popular with our members for two reasons: (1) Since meetings are held on Friday evenings, it is difficult for many members to travel to an in-person meeting location after a long day of work, and (2) Zoom allows “distant participants” (meaning out-of-state writers) to join our sessions.

Meetings were held on the following dates:

July 12

September 20

November 15

All the sessions were held in our usual “open format” that allowed our

writer members to choose what they wanted to present (poem, short story or essay). The final session featured Moumon Mitra as the Guest Writer. Moumon is a gifted poet/short story writer, and she presented one of her latest stories to wide acclaim from the members.

Each of our meetings offers the opportunity to four to six writers to read their writings and receive constructive feedback from their peers. Sometimes the sessions are organized around a theme (like a personal experience) or a genre (like mini-stories).

As we enter our fifth year, we are hopeful that our members will continue to participate enthusiastically in our sessions.

MEMORIES OF PRESIDENCY COLLEGE

Since my father attended Presidency College (PC), now called Presidency University, my parents made it clear that it would be an utter failure on my part if I did not go to PC as well. I did not disappoint them. I graduated from high school among the top ten in the Higher Secondary (HS) Examination which assured my admission into PC. I opted for physics as my major. It was an ego trip for me because I was told that only smart students study physics: I had no burning desire to become a physicist. I visited the campus for the first time when I applied for admission. We had driven by it on numerous previous occasions, with my father pointing it out with great pride and enthusiasm. I was awed by the majestic building, the wide stairway leading to the second floor, the green manicured lawns and location surrounded by Calcutta University on one side and two best schools in the city – Hindu School and Hare School across from it. I was fascinated by the endless hawkers peddling all kinds of used books on both sides of College Street and the quaint College Square providing a peaceful resting area for passing students, teachers and vendors.

The physics department was in an adjoining building, “Baker Laboratory”. As I walked to the classroom on the first day, I recognized Pranab Ghosh and Nikhilesh Kar, the students who ranked first and second, respectively in the HS exam, from their picture in the newspaper. The first guy I met was Avijit who was standing in the corridor joining physics and botany departments. He was neither too friendly nor very lively – a slightly chubby fellow with a serious face, but I clicked with him because he was feeling alone like me.

I remember two classmates, Bratin and Saugata,

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By Basab Dasgupta (California)

engaged in a competition during a break to see who could name all fifty states of the USA. I was puzzled to see such an obsession with a foreign country, especially since I could not probably name more than twenty states. I realized that I had entered a different world.

It slowly became clear that there were, in fact, two worlds: one belonging to the relatively affluent students from the best schools in Kolkata and the other world populated by students from middle-class families, many from schools outside of Kolkata who lived in the adjoining Hindu Hostel. The two groups hung together somewhat separately; the first group mostly in the coffee house across College Street from the campus and the second group in various small clusters in tea shops or

Frequent exchanges centered around books by Sartre, Kafka and Camus where I was basically a silent (and frequently bored) listener.

I also spent many hours in the Hindu Hostel during breaks or after college hours with classmates in the second group, discussing more mundane subjects like soccer matches between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, movies of Satyajit Ray and novels by Samaresh Basu. I still remember Asis’ hospitality when I visited his room. He treated us by offering two teaspoons of his cough syrup (with high alcohol content).

One new experience of college life for me was the collection of beautiful and gracefully dressed female students whose presence added an element of thrill to our daily routine. The Botany department, next to our de-

in front of the street vendors selling “fuchkas”. My credentials allowed me to join both groups with equal ease; I befriended as many classmates as possible. I remember numerous “addas” in the coffee house, sipping my favorite “cold coffee” and biting on a mutton sandwich (with no lettuce or mayonnaise). Everyone in this group was into discussing subjects like existentialism and metamorphosis.

all members of the operating room staff. Each team member has specific responsibilities and works together to ensure patient safety.

Key responsibilities of the anesthesia team include monitoring the patient’s condition, preparing necessary drugs and equipment, responding quickly to emergencies and communication between the surgical and anesthesia teams are essential.

partment, had some of the prettiest girls on the campus. Aparna sen, the famous actress and director, was our batchmate in the English department. I was too shy and too insecure about my looks to pursue any girl in or out of our classrooms.

Presidency College awakened me to the world of politics. There was a student union and two rival student organizations: the “Presidency College Students’ Or-

ganization”, organized by students from elite social circles and the “Students’ Federation”, which was a leftist organization with connections to the local communist party, competing for power. The election for student union was really a microcosm of the battle between capitalism and communism, people who owned the land and people who farmed the land, evolution and revolution and freedom to pursue one’s dream versus a forced ideological equality.

Ironically, even though this was the best college in India, it would later turn out to be the birthplace and breeding ground of the violent Naxalite movement resulting in disruptions and severe delays in students’ education, not to mention the deterioration of life in the city.

Commuting to and from the college was a significant chore and took on a life of its own. I rode the “2C express bus” from GolPark. Sitting on the upper deck of a “double-decker” bus I enjoyed the panoramic view of the city starting from residential districts of south Kolkata to commercial buildings of Chowringhee and Dalhousie Square to various academic and medical institutes near the college. The opportunity to sit next to an attractive coed in a long bus ride was something to crave, since the concept of dating was a forbidden custom!

The mandatory NCC training during the first year was a nightmare. It was a required preparation because of some ongoing conflicts with Pakistan in case there was a need for soldiers. The once-a-week training was held in the “Maidan”. It was not bad going there early in the afternoon but catching an over-crowded bus during the rush hour after the

session often brought me to tears. I was hungry, physically exhausted and those heavy military style boots made it difficult to hop on a bus while avoiding stepping on someone’s foot.

Several professors stood out. Shyamal Sengupta hypnotized all students with his teaching style. He seemed to belong to some distant world and like a poet or a philosopher, presented topics in thermodynamics as mysterious entities. Hemen Mukherjee, by contrast, was down to earth. He was focused, crystal clear in his presentation and gave notes in just the right amount. Then there was Amal Kumar Raychaudhuri (AKR) who was not only a great teacher but so humble that few students knew that the Nobel prizewinning physicist Roger Penrose based his theory on AKR’s work, known as Raychaudhuri equations.

I can still sense smell of Hydrogen Sulfide gas coming from the corridors on the second floor of the Chemistry department; still see the principal, Dr. Sanat Bose – a short bald man with a serious face and thick framed glasses – making his rounds through the buildings and still feel the misery of everyone wading through flooded College Street after a heavy downpour during the monsoon season. I remember the black kites (“Chils”) flying in the sky. I used to look at those birds during the boredom of Calculus classes and wish that I were free and able to soar above everything like them.

During the first-year reunion, Prasanta mesmerized the audience by playing on his guitar the tune: “Bekararkarkehameyunnajaiye, apkohamarikasam, lautaiye…” (Do not leave me in this restless condition; please come back for my sake). I now sing the same lyrics to those bygone days.

ANESTHESIA AND ANESTHETICS

Conclusion and Personal Experience:

Anesthesia is an essential component of modern medicine, ensuring comfortable and safe surgeries for patients. The application of anesthesia in the operating room allows patients

to undergo pain-free procedures, making surgery a more tolerable and less stressful experience. I have spent many times in the operating room with the help of anesthesia, sometimes under general anesthesia and sometimes with localized anesthesia. Each experience left me completely pain-free, with no dis-

comfort during or after the operation. Thanks to modern anesthesia technology, patients today no longer experience the pain and distress that were common in earlier days. This progress in medical science has transformed surgeries into more comfortable and manageable experiences for patients.

TAGORE COMMUNITY HALL

Available to members of the South Asian Community for celebratory events. Please contact Kirit Dalal (732.873.8300) for details about amenities and availability

FROM SOLES TO STARS : MY ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY JOURNEY

Iam a podiatrist by profession for the last 20+ years with two busy practices here in New Jersey. Work has always kept me busy, and taking much- needed vacations with my family to unwind was always welcome. I have always loved photography and being the family photographer was always my responsibility. My introduction to night photography started with my first encounter with the Northern Lights in 2009 during a winter family trip to Alaska. After that initial encounter with Aurora Borealis, I became a Northern Lights chaser. My passion of astrophotography, though, was born only about five years ago.

Landscape and general photography were what I was used to. That is until my first experience to witness the Northern Lights and getting intrigued by the night sky in 2009. In 2012, my wife and I took a trip to remote Alaska to see these elusive lights again after I was hooked three years prior. And so was my wife, and later my family. Up until then, I had only seen photographs of these mesmerizing displays. But once I witnessed the magic, it was game over. A new passion of photography slowly started to emerge within me. I started to learn about the science behind these natural phenomena.The more I learned, the more inspired and motivated I became to capture them better. These lights are usually seen in higher latitudes, closer to the poles (or so we thought, and I will discuss

By Dr Ujjwal K. Datta (New Jersey)

that soon). Located a mere 93 million miles away, our sun, which is a giant bubbling cauldron of plasma, is responsible for these lights. During increased solar activity, sometimes a stream of plasma is ejected from the sun’s surface (playfully, I call them as the sun having a heartburn and belching), a phenomenon called the Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). The highly charged electrons stream through space as “solar wind” and buffet every planet, including the earth. When these charged particles collide with the earth’s magnetic field or magnetosphere, triggering the production of light-emitting photons, aka the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. In the Southern Hemisphere, the same phenomenon is referred to as the Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights.

So, what produces the vibrant colors? The colors are caused by the ionization of our atmospheric gasses by those charged electrons as they interact. As energized particles rain down on our magnetic fields, oxygen emits a green color and that is the predominant color of the aurora. Higher altitude oxygen creates rare red aurorae while ionized nitrogen molecules give off blue and neutral nitrogen gives purples.

However, when the solar intensity is really high or if the sun enters a solar maximum period, the frequency

and intensity of these geomagnetic storms increase and so do the chances of experiencing these beautiful curtains of heavenly light. The sun goes through a 10-year cycle where there is an increase (Solar Maximum) and decrease (Solar Minimum) of solar activity. Even during Solar Minimum, there have been plenty of beautiful aurora sightings and my photographs above speak for themselves. However, the sun has just entered the Solar Maximum and as we have witnessed this year, Northern Lights have been visible pretty well from the lower 48 states including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and as far south as Utah, New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. The show is now over yet so brace yourselves for some rich auroral displays for quite a few years. The photograph below was taken at Montauk Point, NY.

Although the ethereal beauty of seeing these colorful curtains of light never gets old, my passion of the night sky took yet another mega leap when I got hooked into capturing our own galaxy, the Milky Way.

The years 2018 to 2022 have been quite difficult for me. Having lost my mother in 2018, we took our dad to California to visit my sister and while we were visiting Lake Tahoe, I captured my first ever Milky Way and that started my proper journey into astrophotography.

While the country and the world were essentially shut down in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I started honing in my skill in astrophotography from my backyard and the beaches of South Jersey. In 2021, I went to Arches National Park and later in the year to Acadia National Park. Another tragedy befell us as my father who developed dementia in late 2021, ultimately passed away from it in 2022. Losing my parents within a span of 4 years was not easy and I took to the skies to heal my soul. I felt a connection with the stars. It was spiritual healing. I grieved through nature and photographing the Heavens uplifted me and I have not turned back.

Being a doctor gives you immense satisfaction in what you do and how you help your patients. The smile on their faces coming from relief from their pain is rewarding enough. I encounter so many happy patients every day and that fulfills my professional appetite. Being out under a sky full of stars and being able to connect with the Universe is yet another way of being humbled. This is calming and satisfies my spiritual appetite. I am fortunate enough to be able to marry both seamlessly. Astrophotography has given me a new purpose in life and re-energizes me and reinvigorates my spirit to allow me to continue to be a good doctor to my patients, a good father to my daughters, and most importantly, a good husband to my beautiful wife. I am immensely

grateful to my family for their support in this endeavor and I feel truly blessed by the Divine for getting me introduced to astrophotography for not just a new found passion but to heal my soul. I feel my journey as a podiatrist to being the astrophotographer that I am today has come full circle and I feel complete. Just as my motto as a podiatrist is “Taking care of your feet one step at a time”, my passion as an astrophotographer is “Connecting to the Heavens one click at a time”.

Readers can visit the author’s websites for further information on his profession and passion: www.GardenStatePodiatrist.comand https:// shop.UjjwalDattaPhotography.com