MARASIM

MARASIM

-Celebrating Bonds of Togetherness-

Thetitle"Marasim"inUrdusignifies“relationships".Itcarriesaprofoundmeaning,encompassingtheessenceofhumanconnections.Derivedfromtheessence ofrelationshipsandconnections,Marasimbeautifullyencapsulatesthetiesthat uniteusaspartners,friends,andcompanionsonlife’sjourney.

Thisisnotjustaboutcelebration;it’sabouthonouringthebondofpartnership. It’samomenttocherishtherelationshipsthatformthecornerstoneofourlives relationshipsbuiltonlove,trust,respect,andshareddreams.Thepresenceofour husbandsaddsauniqueglowtothisevening,remindingusofthestrengthand joythatcomesfromwalkinghandinhandthroughlife’supsanddowns.

“Marasim”isalsoacelebrationofthecommunitywe’vebuilttogether.Disang LadiesClub(DLC)hasalwaysbeenasanctuarywherefriendshipsblossomand connectionsdeepen,extendingbeyondjustthememberstotheirfamilies.

Throughthiscelebration,letusexpressgratitudeforthesebondsthatenrichour livesandinspireustobebettertogether.Letthisbeareminderofthebeautyof togetherness and the power of relationships to uplift, sustain, and transform. Here’stocelebratingtheessenceofMarasim—atributetotheenduringbeautyof togethernessaswecommemoratethejourneyofalifetime.

Dr Ranjit Rath Chairman & ManagingDirector

Ashok Das DirectorHumanResources

Shri

Yomdo Director Exploration&Development

Shri Saloma

Abhijit Majumder DirectorFinance

Shri

LIPIKA RATH

HONYPRESIDENT

DISANGLADIESCLUB

MESSAGE

Iamdelightedtoannouncethisyear’ seditionofHusband’ sNite,"YaRouhi,"acherishedtraditionofthe DisangLadiesClub.Thismuch-anticipatedcelebration bringstogetherlaughter,warmth,andtogetherness,reflecting thespiritofourvibrantcommunity.

Husband’ sNiteismorethananevent itisaheartfelt tributetocompanionshipandtheunwaveringsupportofour partners,celebratingthebondsthatenrichourlives.This year ’ stheme,"YaRouhi,"beautifullyremindsusoflove’ s essence,wheretwosoulsuniteasone.

Alongsidethis,IamthrilledtopresentMarasim,our annualpublication,whichcapturesthecreativityandtalentof ourmembers.Thissouvenirisalaboroflove,symbolizing theharmonyandcollaborationthatdefinetheDLC.

Mygratitudegoestoeveryonewhocontributed and workedtirelesslytomakethiseveningunforgettable.Here’ s toajoyouscelebration,lastingsmiles,andtreasuredmemories.

DR RUPALI

PATHAK

HONYGENERAL

SECRETARY

DISANGLADIESCLUB

MESSAGE

A relationship means you come together to make each other better. With different backgrounds and experiences, and different views, the members of Disang Ladies Club through collaboration have grown stronger as individuals and as a community and together we create a supportive and uplifting environment. Our collective journey stands as a testament to the immense power of growth when we support one another.

Over the years, the Disang Ladies Club has maintained its bond of affinity, friendship, and love, cherishing these values like precious gold. The club continues to inspire and uplift its members, encouraging all of us to live better, more fulfilling lives. DLC is also committed to nurturing the underprivileged members of society who need our care and attention. Through several initiatives, including Projects Kohinoor, Ujala, Sparsh, Aastha, Basera, Samridhi, and many others, we strive to make a positive impact.

Disang Ladies Club is gearing up for its highly anticipated Mega Event, "Husbands' Night," to be held on December 6, 2024. This event will celebrate the eternal bond of love, affection, and care for our beloved husbands. In honour of this special occasion, the Souvenir team is preparing to publish an e-Souvenir “Marasim” which will showcase the talent and creativity of our members.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the President, Vice President, and Executive Members of DLC for their guidance and inspiration in organizing our various activities, with special mention to the "Husbands' Night 2024-25" celebration. My sincere thanks also go to the Publicity team for their efforts in publishing this e-Souvenir for the grand occasion and also thanks go to the admin department for their ongoing support. Lastly, I extend my gratitude to all the members of the DLC for their wholehearted support, participation, and invaluable contributions.

Together, we continue to grow, inspire, and create memories that last a lifetime.

DISANG LADIES CLUB COMMITTEE 2024

SitingFromLefttoRight: Ms. Asha Maharaj, Ms Tilmoni Yomdo, Ms. Mallika Das, Ms. Lipika Rath (President), Dr. Rupali Pathak (Secretary) and Ms Harjot Kaur Tamuly.

StandingfromLefttoRight:Ms.ChandramikaDasSaharia,MsJutikaGoswamiSharma, Ms.MalaNeog,MsMoyurikaDas,Ms.DevjaniDekaBharali,Ms.AnitaManral, Ms.PallabiDekaSaikia,Ms.SumishraBorah,MsSusmitaBhattacharrya, MsMitaliDutta,MsDaminiDubeyandMs.RituparnaDas

The Name and the Cover Page

conceptualized & designed by

MsLipikaRath

Ujala School, abeaconofhope,stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. Nestled within a community where economic hardships oftenlimitaccesstoqualityeducation, this institution, under the aegis of the Disang LadiesClub,offers asanctuary forunderprivilegedchildren.

Based on President Mrs. Lipika Rath philosophy that every child deserves qualityeducation,theschool'smissionis toempoweryoungminds,regardlessof their socio-economic background. By providingasafeandnurturingenvironment,UjalaSchoolequipschildrenwith thetoolstheyneedtosucceed.Dedicatedteachersworktirelesslytoimplement innovative teaching methods, fostering a love for learning and inspiring studentstoreachtheirfullpotential.

Beyond academic excellence, Ujala Schoolrecognizestheimportanceofholisticdevelopment.Throughavarietyof culturalactivities,suchasperformances duringNationalfestivalsatOIL’sCorporate office, Ladies Club programmes likeShardUtsavandinteractivegames onChildren'sDay,studentsareencouraged to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop essential life

NurturingYoung Minds —

The UJALA SCHOOL Initiative

ASHA MAHARAJ PRINCIPAL UJALASCHOOL

skills.Theseexperiencesnotonlyenrich theireducationbutalso fosterasense ofcommunityandbelonging.

TheimpactofUjalaSchoolisprofound. Studentswhooncefeltmarginalizedand limited by their circumstances now dream of becoming teachers, police

alsointhejoyandenthusiasmthatradiatefromitsstudents.

AsUjalaSchoolcontinuestoflourish,it serves as an inspiration to others. It demonstratesthepowerofeducationto break down barriers, uplift communities,andcreateabetterfutureforall.By nurturingyoungminds,UjalaSchoolis

Tribute to Dr. Reena Sharma “ ”

a visionary pioneer

by ASHA MAHARAJ

Abeaconofhope,acatalystfor change.

WemournthelossofDr.Reena Sharma,avisionaryleaderwhoseunwaveringdedicationandpassionignitedthesparkofUjalaSchoolin 1998.Herlegacy,atestamenttoher selflesscommitmenttoempowering underprivilegedchildren,continues toinspireus.

Dr.Sharma'sunwaveringbeliefinthe transformativepowerofeducationled

hertoestablishUjalaSchool,ahaven whereyoungmindscouldflourish. Herguidance,wisdom,andrelentless pursuitofexcellencehaveshapedthe institutionintowhatitistoday.

Aswereflectonherextraordinary contributions,wearefilledwithgratitudeforhertirelessefforts.Herimpactextendsfarbeyondthewallsof UjalaSchool,touchingthelivesof countlessstudentswhohavegoneon toachieveremarkablefeats.

Whileshemayhavedepartedfrom thisworld,herspiritlivesoninthe heartsofallthoseshetouched.Her legacy,atestamenttoherunwavering dedicationandpassion,willcontinue toinspiregenerationstocome. UjalaSchoolshallforeverstriveto carryforwardhervision,honoring hermemorybynurturingyoung mindsandempoweringthemto reachtheirfullpotential.

In loving memory of Dr. Reena Sharma Baido.

The

IMPORTANCE OF AM & PM

ThesignificanceofAMandPMhasnever felt more crucial than it does after this veryincident-anunexpectedandadventurousencounterwithtime.Curious?Allowmetosharethestory.

ItwasinDuliajanonOctober26,2015aMonday.Returningtotheoffice(itwas a scheduled commercial bank) after a week-long Durga Puja holiday felt like stepping back into a cage. The only thingsthatdrewmostofusinwerethe anticipationofourpaychecksand,naturally, the never-ending chatter among colleagues.Astheholidaysapproach,it's common for people to ease up on their work,butthepost-holidayworkloadcan feel overwhelming. Typically, I make it homeby7:00PM,buttoday,Ifoundmyselfstillattheofficeat7:45PM,feeling theweightofthetasksahead.

Upon arriving home, it struck me just howcrucialmyrolewas-myfamilywas eagerly awaiting my guidance. Without

SARITA CHAKRAVARTY

BARUAH

myinput,theyseemedutterlylost.Inthat moment,Irecalledthatwehadabirthday partytoattend.So,myhusband,ourtwo yearolddaughter,andIswiftlyleftat8:30 PMandreturnedhomeby10:00PM.

Bythetimewegothome,Iwasexhausted. Tomorrow would be another hectic day.Iwouldhavetohandovermyoffice keys to a colleague since I would take leave of six days for my father’s Asthi Visarjan (the immersion of his ashes) in TriveniSangam,Prayagraj.

Agroupofeight,includingmymother, twosisters,mybrother-in kids, gathered at our family home in Jorhatforthetrip.Wethreeweresetto join them the following day, bringing thetotaltoeleven.

WehadbookedticketsintheRajdhani ExpressfromMariani(railwaystationof Jorhatforinter-statetrains).

RajdhaniExpressdepartsfromTinsukia at9.50PM.AstheRajdhanitrainpasses throughDuliajanstationataround10:15 PM,wecouldalwaysheartheloud,clear whistle.Butthatnight,itfeltdifferent likeitwascallingmyname,invitingfor tomorrow’sjourney.

I turned to my husband and asked, “Whatarrangementshaveyoumadeto getustoMarianistationfromJorhattomorrow?It’sabitfar,andtheRajdhaniis supposed to reach there at 12:05 AM. Weneedalargevehicletoaccommodate allelevenofus.”

Myhusbanddidnotanswer,butlooked completely stunned. He immediately called my brother-in-law at Jorhat and asked him to reach the Mariani station with all other members. Husband said thatthetraininwhichweallweresupposedtotraveltomorrowwasalreadyon its way. Indian Standard Time (IST) 12:05AMcouldtechnicallybethenext day, but by then, it was already 10:30 PM, and my family members were at JorhathomeandwewereatDuliajan.

Icompletelyfroze,unsureofwhattodo. Inapanic,Icalledthetelephonenumber of Indian Railways and checked our

PNRstatus.Theoperatorconfirmedthe train would be on time and reach the Mariani station within one and half hour.

Lookingatme,myhusbandasked,“Do youhaveourluggageready?Howfast canyoupack?”

Inawhirlwind,Ipackedeverythingin tenminutes.Wehadtoraceagainsttime andtheRajdhaniExpress.Thetrainwas scheduledtoarriveinGuwahatistation at6:00AM,anditwouldleaveby6:45 AM.Weneededtoreachthestationbeforethat.Ontopofeverything,westill hadtodropourmaidinJorhat,parkour

carinGuwahati,andsomehowcatchthe train.

The night turned into a whirlwind of hecticactivities,oneofwhichwashandingovermyofficekeystoacolleague.In themidstofthechaos,Icouldn'thelpbut reflectonhowdisorderedeverythinghad become - an overwhelming amount of taskswithbarelyanytimetotacklethem.

Finally,afterallthehassle,myfamilyat Jorhat could catch the train at Mariani andweboardedthetrainonOctober27, 2015,fromGuwahatiafterdrivingwhole night for around 500 km by road. We hadparkedourcaratouraunt’splacein

she was in a deep sleep. The helper openedthedoor,andIquietlywentinto herroom,whisperinginherear,“I’mjust leavingthecarkeyshere.We’reheading to Allahabad.” I left without disturbing hersleep.

Around 8:30 AM, she called me and asked if I was driving or had I already reachedtheoffice.Shesaidthatshehad seenmeinherdreamsandshefeltthatso real.Butwhenshetriedtorecalltheconversation,shecouldn’trememberwhatI hadsaid.ListeningtoherItoldtocheck herfrontyard-she’dunderstand.

Ithonestlyfeltsurreal-aplanthatwasn’t reallyplanned.Wewereinawhirlwind, and yet everything seemed to fall into place.Onlyregretintheentiretripwere clothes,sinceeverybodyhadtopackthe luggageinahasteinfiveminutesdueto preponementoftraveldatebyaday.

SuchistheimportanceofAMandPMs the smallest details that turnanordinarydayintoanunforgetta-

RUPANJALI SAIKIA

Tourism in ASSAM

JUTIKA GOSWAMI

Changeistheonlyconstantinlife,and in today’s fast-paced globalized world, theworkplacehasbecomeahotspotfor stressandexhaustion bothphysicaland mental.Seekingrespite,manyfindsolaceinescapingtonaturalretreatstorejuvenatetheirbodyandmind.

In2022,Ifoundmyselfgrapplingwitha senseofdetachmentandlonging,having beenrelocatedfromAssamtoNewDelhiforwork.Themovetothebustling capitalofIndialeftmeyearningforthe familiarcomfortsofhomeandthepresenceofmylovedones.Tofillthisemotionalvoid,Isoughtrefugeinthenear-

by tourist destinations of the National CapitalRegion(NCR)onweekends.

Withboundlessenthusiasm,Iembarked onextensivejourneys,exploringanarrayofdestinations:Alwar,Agra,Jaipur, Sariska,QutubMinar,ChandniChowk, Red Fort, India Gate, Sarojini Market, DilliHaat,RashtrapatiBhavanGardens, ConnaughtPlace,NoidaHaat,Chandigarh, Kasauli, Shimla, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Jim Corbett National Park, Lansdowne, Nainital, Mussoorie, and Lucknow.Thesetravels,mostlybycar, offeredavibrantblendofscenicbeauty andarchitecturalsplendour,invigorating bothheartandmind.

Yet,amidthevibranttapestryofNCR tourist spots, my heart yearned for the tranquil serenity of my homeland, Assam. Nestled in India northeastern region, Assam is a haven of natural beauty, culturalrichness,andunparalleled biodiversity. Its rolling hills, verdant forests,

nationalpark,thehomeof -hornrhinoceros,tigers,elephants,buffaloes,deer,wildducks,geeseandvariousbirdspecies.

BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER

-ThelifelineofAsoneoftheworld’slargestriversofferingsceniccruisesand riverfrontviews.TheBrahmaputraplaysaveryimportantroleinAsiaasaninternationalriver.Many

riversinIndiawhicharetreatedasfeminine,theBrahmaputraisregardedasa masculineriver.Stretchingapproximately 2900kilometers,itoriginatesfromthe YarlungTsangpoRiverinsouthwestTibetwhichbeginsattheAngsiGlacier. FlowingthroughtheHimalayas,theriver becomestheDihangRiverinArunachal Pradeshbeforewideningandgaining

festivals,particularlythevibrantRaasfestival,arecelebratedwithjoyousfervour, offeringvisitorsaglimpseintoitsrichtraditionsandlivelyspirit.

TEA GARDENS -

Theteain-

dustry in Assam is about 172 years old. Robert Bruce in 1823 discovered tea plantsgrowingwildinupperBrahmaputraValley.Now,theAssamTeahasits internationalreputationandcommands significantshareintheworldTeaMarAssam is famous foritsteaplantations,producingsomeoftheworld'sfinest tea. Many ofthese teagardenshave polofieldsandgolfcoursestoo.

andmarvelatexquisitehandcraftedartifacts.

Additionally,Majuli'stranquilsurroundingsoffertheperfectsettingformeditation,yoga,andspiritualrejuvenation, makingitanidealdestinationforthose seekingsolaceandinnerpeace.Majuli's

KAMAKHYA TEMPLE-

Located on theNilanchalHillinthewestern partofGuwahatiinAssam,KamakhyaTempleis oneofthemostreveredshrinesofGoddessShakti inIndia.AccordingtotheHinduscriptures,there arefourimportantShaktiPeethas(Templeswith highest powers of divinity) in the country and Kamakhya Temple is one of them. Kamakhya Temple celebrates the power of the woman to givebirthandisregardedasextremelyauspicious amongthefollowersoftheTantriksectofHinduism.Itwasbuiltandreconstructedmultipletimes betweenthe8thand17thCenturiesandisaspectacleinitself.

domewhichoverlooksthequaintNilan-

Hillsinthebackground.ItisespeciallydeckedupduringtheAmbubachiFestivaland farethatisheldfor3-4DaysinthemonthofJuneeveryyear.

MANAS NATIONAL PARK

-ManasNationalParkisanational park, Project Tiger reserve, and an elephant reserve in Assam. Located in theHimalayanfoothills,itborderstheRoyalManasNationalParkinBhutan.The parkisknownforitsrareandendangeredendemicwildlifesuchastheAssamroofed turtle,hispidhare,goldenlangurandpygmyhog.Italsohoststheonlyknownpopulationofpygmyhogsintheworld.Manasisalsofamousforitspopulationofthewild waterbuffalo.Becauseofitsexceptionalbiodiversity,scenery,andvarietyofhabitats, ManasNationalParkisabiospherereserveandaUNESCOWorldHeritageSite.

DIGBOI OIL MUSEUM AND REFINERY –

ThecentenaryOilmuseumonecanseethemachineryusedfordiggingtheoldestoilwellin India.Crudeoilwasdiscoveredhereinlate19th centurywhilelayingarailwaylinein thedensejunglesnoticingoilstainsonelephants’feet.Thefirstoilwellwasdugin 1866andthefirstrefineryinAsiawasestablishedhereinDogboiin1901.

NAMERI NATIONAL PARK

–Itisaparadiseforwildlifelovers.It isoneofthefewplacesinIndiawhereyoucanspotthemajestictiger,theelusive cloudedleopard,theendangeredwhite-wingedwoodduck,andthegracefulgreat hornbill.Youcanalsofindmanyrareplantsandorchidsinthepark,suchastheblue vanda,thefoxtailorchid,andtheladiesslipperorchid.NameriNationalParkisalsoa havenforadventuresports.Youcanenjoythrillingactivitiessuchaswaterrafting, fishing,swimming,andjunglewalkinthepark.TheJiaBhoroliriveroffersaperfect opportunityforwaterrafting,whereyoucanexperiencetherapidsandthescenic viewsalongtheway.Youcanalsotryyourluckatfishing,astheriverisfamousfor itsgoldenmahseerfish.Swimmingisanotheroptionforcoolingoffintheclearwatersoftheriver. Besidestheabovementionedsignificanttouristdestinations,therearenumerousattractiveplacesworthforvisitinglike

 Bhairabkunda:ItisabeautifulplaceattheborderofArunachalPradesh

 Bhalukpung:AbeautifulplaceofthesideoftheriverJiaBhoroli,famousfor anglingandwatersports.

 Chandubi:Anaturallagoon,beautifulpicnicspotnearthecapitalcityofAssam.Guwahati.

 Dibruchaikhowa:Famousforwildhorse,inDibrugarhdistrictof

Assam

 Haflong:oneofthehillstations inAssamwithunsurpassedsylvanbeauty.

 Jatinga:NearHaflong,North cachardistrict,beautifulhilly places,wherebirdsbehaveina mysteriousway,thelocalpeople callthatthebirdscommitsuicide hereoncertainspecificdays.

 Orang:Awildlifesanctuary, knownasminiatureKaziranga.

 Pabitara:Itisawildlifesanctuary justfewkilometersawayfrom thecapitalcityofAssam.

 Potasoli:Itissituatedat38km distancefromTezpurtown.Itis famousforecocampssetup jointlybythedepartmentofforestandAssamanglersassociation.

 Barpeta:Itisfamousforavaishnavamonastery.BarpetaSatrais awellknownsattraestablished byVaishnavitesaintMadhabdev in1505.

 Batadrawa:BirthplaceofMahapurushshrimantSankardeva,the vaisnavsaintofAssam.

 HajoPoaMeccaDargahsarif: Hajoisahistorictownsetinthe hillsofnorthwestofGuwahati, SacredplaceforHindus,Muslims andBuddhistsduetothevarious pilgrimagessitesonthedifferent hillsofHajo.

 Suryapahar:Itissituatedona hillsurroundedbyinnumerable statuesofDurgaDevi,Ganesh, Surya,Chandra,Buddha.

Assam, the gateway to Northeast India, stands as a remarkable fusion of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. From the mighty Brahmaputra River,windingitswaythroughthelandscape,tothelushteagardensthatstretch asfarastheeyecansee,Assamoffersa sensory feast for every traveler. Ancient temples,richwithhistoryandlegend,sit alongsidevibranttribalculturesthatpreserve traditions passed down through generations.

Whether you're an adventure seeker drawntothewilderness,oranaturelover captivated by the serene landscapes, Assam's blend of tradition and modernity promisestoenchant.Butbeyonditsnatural wonders, Assam is a land of cultural andethnicdiversity.Hometoamyriadof indigenous tribes, each with their own customs,languages,festivals,andwayof life, the state offers an unparalleled glimpseintoaworldwhereancienttraditionscoexistwithcontemporarylife.

The people of Assam, known for their warmthandhospitality,inviteyoutoexplore their uncharted lands where every turnoffersnewsurprises,everyencounter tellsastory,andeverymomentleavesa lastingmemory.Assamtourismisnotjust avisit;it’sajourneyintotheheartofa regionthathaslongremainedawell-kept secret,waitingtounfolditsmysteries.

DAMINI DUBEY

Diabetesin YOUNG INDIANS

Letusknowalittlebitofhistoryof diabetes. It is a Greek term meaning _'topassthrough'(aboutincreasedpeeing)

Indianhistory-Sushutra,andCharaka, father of ancient Indian medicine, termedtheword'Madhumeh',meaning sweettestofurine.Nowdon'taskme whotestedit!!!

In1922DrsBanting,Best andtheir colleaguesinCanadadiscoveredInsulin forwhichtheygottheNobelprize Now let us talk about 'Diabetes in youngIndians'

Mostofusthinkofoldpeopleashaving thedisorder.Minditisnotadiseasebut

DR BORNALI BORUA

adisorderofourbodilyfunction.But nowmoreandmoreyoungpeoplein their thirties, twenties, even teenagers are diagnosed with diabetes globally. Moresoevery5th diabeticintheworld isanIndian!!!(MeraBharatMahan).

IndiaisknownastheDIABETIC CAPITALOFTHEWORLD!!

Butwhyisitso?Areweeatingmore than rest oftheworld? Theansweris No.WeIndianseatmorecarbohydratebased food. Genetics also play a part

hereasIndianshavemorevisceralfatdeposition.Butthatisonly40/ofthecause. Rest60/,itisalifestyledisorder.

WhyisitsoimportanttotalkaboutDiabetesandtotreatit?

Becauseitbitesyoufromheadtotoe.57/remainundiagnosed.Bythetimeaperson isdiagnosed,ithasalreadyplayedwithyoursystemandhavetheconsequenceslike heartattackkidneyfailure,blindnessetc.Thusitiscalledas'silentkiller'

Currentlymorethan75millionIndiansarelivingwithdiabetes.

So,whatisthesolution???

Sinceitisalifestyledisease,itisstillinourhandstocontrolit.Dietandexercisearethe keys.Diet-thetrickistocontroltheportionsize.YoungIndiansarehavingmorecarbohydrate-baseddietsintheformofcoke.Burgers,pizzas,potatochips,Frenchfries etc..Thesegiveusinstantsatietyandwecraveformore.sowhatiftrygivingthem morehealthyIndianfoodoptionswhichareequallytasty.Iknowitisdifficultwithso manytemptations.Butwecantry.Wecanalsotryasrolemodelbyeatinghealthy.Indianvegetables,grains,fruitsaresosuppleandhealthy,yetweovercookthem.Wecan introduceHealthyPlateConcept'

Halftheplatevegetablesandsalads,otherhalfdivided1/4thRotiorriceorothergrains likemilletand1/4thpartwithpulses,oranimalprotein.

Butthemostimportantpartis exercise.Dowehavetobebodybuilders?no.Allwe needto GETMOVING;asnaturehasmadeustomovearound.Anyactivityyouenjoylikewalking,jogging,cycling,dancingetcisenough.Only30minutesaday,5days aweekisenoughtocontroldiabetes.Letusallencourageouryoungsterstotakeahobbythey enjoy,eathomemadewholesomefood forabetterfuture.Wehavealready donethemenoughharmbypollutionandglobalwarming.

AnoldTibetansayinggoes.....

EAT HALF, WALK DOUBLE, LAUGH TRIPLE AND LOVE WITHOUT MEASURE

It is one of my favourite codes

.

BY

SUSMITA BHATTACHARRYA

PHOTOGRAPHY

LOU MAJAW TheRock Legendofthe Northeast

LouMajaw,thelegendarypopsingerof Shillong,wasasdeterminedasbeforeto reach Mawlai a suburb of Shillong, on foottreadingsome63milesofhillytract asapartofhis60th birthdaycelebrationto bridgetheculturalgapbetweenthePlains and Hills in the North-East India. This little-knownepisodehappenedsometimes in2008.LouhadtocrossJorabat,ameetingpointofLowerAssamandMiddleAssam,intheBrahmaputraValleyaswellas KhasiandJyantiaHills.Hewouldreach Shillongin3-4daysoftimeslowlyclimbinguptheserpentineroadpassingthesub -tropical forest of Nangpoh and the silenceofBarapani lake. From Jorabat he walkedsouthward-keepingtohisleftthe boundary of State of Assam and to his rightthehillyareasofMeghalaya-sometimeshewalkedthroughassamandsometimesthroughMeghalaya.Hewasoblivious of the artificial manmade boundary which he defies through his music. He knew that Jorabat means cross-

road but to him it was the meeting point of culture and humanhearts.Hewaslooking forwardtohavinghisbreakfast of black tea soaked in cooked riceinoneoftheroadsideBhoi Khasi village -do some music andsingingandplayingguitar intheserenityofsilentenvironment.Thispasteventisanimportantgestureofarockerwho revealsdifferentwayoftreating life. Instead of publicity and mass communicationthroughgrandbirthdayparty inShillong,hepreferredtocelebratehis birthday in the road among the people. ThatistheactualimageofLouMajaw, whosingsnotforfamebutforhappiness.

Lou Majaw’sunconventionalcelebration

ofhis60th birthdaybywalkingfromGuwahatitoShillonginsteadofagallaevening insomerestaurantorclubwithfriendsandlovingonesintheglareofmediaisasignatureofhisphilosophyoflifewhichheexpressedinhissongswrittenbyhim.

Whoisthis,LouMajaw?Aseniorcitizen,aPnarKhasigentleman,aMusician,a Rocker,aself-taughtGuitarist,aHumanistisallthatcanbecontributedtohim.TodayLouMajawisakindoficonamongtheyouthofNortheast.Foralongtime,he enthralledyoungpeopleofShillongevenwhenhedidnothaveaguitarofhisown, justwithanemptymatchbox.Probablyitistherareexampleofapersonwhoserise frompovertytonationalfameintheNortheasterncornerofIndiain20thcentury.

WhatevermaybethefactitmustbeadmittedthatLouonhisownrightbecame croonerandguitaristintheRockBandcalled“The Great Society”thatmadehimcelebrityamongtheyouthoftheNorth-East.Thoughthebandisdefunctnow,butLao’s endeavourskeepthespiritofgoodmusicaliveandkicking,asthesayinggoes.Lou MajawstillstandstallintherockcultureoftheNorth-East.

LouMajawhasanunconventionalbutthrillingwayofpresentinghissongs.Infact, manyofhiscontemporariesclaimhimtobeIndia’sbestshowman.Asasingerofpopular music,hewriteshisownsongsandcomposeshisowntune.

Aschooldropout,Lou’ssongsrangefromballadsoflovetosocio-politicalcommentaries. Insongslike“chainsoffreedom”hetalksabouthowthecorporateculturewilltieusall inchainsofgold.Orhissong“heylittleman”talksabouthumanangleofeveryonebeinganimportantcloginthecircleoflife.Heendorsesthemovetochangethepathfrom theracetonowhere.

“Hey little man!

Got no race to run, no battles to fight, you cower to your little corner and shy away from the light”

Heisafinechoreographeronhisownright,whodesignshisownstageprops,dances andmovements.Lou’sloveformusicwasevidentfromthefactthathemissedhisdinner atDonBoscoHostelsoastobeabletoplaywithhisguitar.Onhiscelestialloveaffairs

withguitarLouquips“youmaythinkIam kinky,romancingaguitar,apieceofwood. Butitismostbeautifulpieceofwoodon earth.HereIgetsolaceoflife.

Louknewfromanearlyagethathewasnot meanttobeinschool.“Idroppedout,becauseschooldoesnotallowstudentstoexpresstheirviews.Itonlymouldstheminto onecast” -ButschooldidnotstopLouto get real education. Life became his school itselfandhisjourneysintotheuniverseof music was the academic progress report card.

Lou’slifewasnottobemeanttypecast. Instead of becoming a clerk in one the GovernmentofficesinShillongandmarryingaPnarKhasigirlofoppositeclan and permanently shifting to his wife house as per matriarchal tradition. Followingtheofficeroutineofsittingfrom 10amto5pm,eating quai and drinking sia (tea) with (snacks) regularly and followed by after office hour bouts of drinking (palmwine)inoneofthedinghyrestaurantsinBarabazarareaandcomingback home late to eat cold jadaw meat)andgotosleep.Lauwasnotthat kind of person who believes in routine life. Music has gone into his heart and mindwhichmadehimapersonofdifferentframe.Hewantedtodomusicwitha different purpose and different format. Musicwastheonlychanneltogivevent

to his inner urge. Practicing guitar and

tivistsofShillongwhocuratedsomerock Khasiculture.Writingandcomposingthe tunes and rhythm for the songs, he has designedanewtrendofmusicinMeghalaya- completely local. He took only western model and not being washed awaybywesternjargoninpursuitofpopular music. Today Khasi pop music is morepopularthantheHindipopmusic propagatedbycinemaandTV.Ithasbecome equally popular like traditional Nongkrem dance and music of the Seng Khasi.Infact,theKhasipopmusichave becomeoneoftheitemsoftouristattractioninShillong.

Lou’s contribution in socio-cultural and artistic development of Meghalaya throughpopmusicinaveryinteresting subjectforthesociologist.Heinspiredthe Khasiyouthtodevotetheirtimeinmusic atatimewhenthegermsofdrugandalcoholismhavedestroyedthelifeofmany youths creating frustration leading them tounscrupulousactivities.Hewaspivotal inrescuingmanyangryyoungboysfrom going ashtray from the mainstream of Khasicultureandsociety.

“The Great Society” is the not just the rockbanditisamovement,whichproducedsomeofthefascinatingcontemporaryIndianmusicians.LouMajawisnot justatribalsingerheisaninstitutionhimself. In short Shillong is known as the Mecca of rock music because of Lou Majaw.

Hisworkandhiscontributioninartistic and socio-cultural development in the Northeast India need to be publicized. Lou’sworkhasrevealedthatglobalization is not always counterproductive in the realm of art and culture it could be mouldedforbettermentoftraditionallife.

Lou’s musical episodes bind him with universalvalueofidentifyingoneselfwith cosmicworldofsound.Thisconceptof Lounotonlysatisfiedthemusicbandsin Meghalaya, it moulded some top performersatthenationallevelearninggood money in Kolkata, Mumbai and other metropolisduringthattime.

B.B.C had launched a project to documentthelifeandactivitiesofLouMajaw sometimes back by engaging a wellknown Indian filmmaker Ranjan Palit andanOscarwinningIsraelifilmeditor ErezLaufer.Thisisanimportantrecognition endowed on Lou for his work fromoutside.Actually,peopleoutsideIndia are more fascinated by Lao’s music andhisphilosophyoflife.

In a very intimate way one of his Assamese fan Shivaji Ashim Das (my late brother-in-law),whousetoliveinShillong,hasmadeabeautifuldocumentary onLouMajawandhisband “GreatSoci-

ety” asatributetothismusician’scontribution in changing life of young boys throughthesoundofmusic.AnotherAssameselivinglegendLabuSenapatiwho curated several shows of Lou show the popularity of Lou Majaw in the entire Northeast.GovernmentofAssamlovinglybestowedontheprestigiousDrBhupen Hazarika Award for the wonderful contributionthroughmusicforgingalingeringcommunalharmony.

Lou is a man not to die unrecognized. And many such artist of the time has goneintooblivionwithoutanepitaphto remember.Todayhelivesinseclusionin hisownworldofmusicunmindfulofthe contribution he made to the people of MeghalayaandIndiaasawhole.

RITUPORNA DAS

7Essential Rules for Investing: How to

Maximize Returns &Achieve

Financial Stability

Discoversevenkeyinvestmentrulesthatcanhelpmaximizeyourreturnsandensure financialstability.Learnhowtodiversify,controlemotions,andfollowasimpleplan forsuccess.

7 Rules for Investing (That Will Maximize Your Returns)

Investingcanoftenseemdaunting,especiallywhenyou'rejuststartingout.Withso muchadviceoutthere,it'seasytogetoverwhelmed.

However,followingafewsimplerulescanhelpensurethatyoumakethemostofyour investmentswhilestayingonthepathtofinancialstability.

Whetheryou'reaseasonedinvestororjustdippingyourtoesinthemarket,theseseven ruleswillguideyouthroughtheupsanddowns.

1. Keep it Simple

Oneofthemostimportantrulesofinvestingistosticktoyourplan.It'seasytogetdistractedbynoise,whetherthat'sahotstocktipfromafriendorsensationalheadlines. However,chasingtrendscanoftenleadtopoordecision-making.Instead,focuson yourlong-termstrategyanddon'tmakechangeswithoutthoroughresearch.Manyinvestorsfallintothetrapoftryingtoovercomplicatethings.Thekeyistoremember thatsimplestrategiestendtoworkbestinthelongrun.Maintainaclearfocusonyour goals,andavoidsacrificingyourstrategyforapotentialquickwin.

2. Diversify Your Investments

Noonecanpredictthefuture,andthat’swhydiversificationiscrucial.Diversifying yourinvestmentsacrossdifferentsectors,assetclasses,orevengeographicregionshelps spreadriskandcanleadtomorestablereturnsovertime.Byavoidingputtingallyour eggsinonebasket,you’reprotectingyourselffromlargelosseswhencertainmarketsor industriestakeadownturn.Forexample,investinginstocks,bonds,realestate,and

otherfinancialinstrumentscanbalancetherisksandrewardsinyourportfolio,allowingyou toweathereconomicfluctuations.

3. Always Do Your Research

There’snoshortcuttosuccessininvesting.Doingyourresearchoncompanies,industries,or funds is critical to making informed decisions. Don’t just invest in something because it soundspromisingorbecausesomeoneelsesuggestedit.Taketimetolookatacompany'sfinancialhealth,managementteam,andmarkettrends.Understandtherisksinvolvedbefore puttingyourmoneyintoanything.Relyingonthoroughresearchwillhelpyoustayconfidentinyourinvestments,especiallyduringperiodsofmarketvolatility.

4. Know When to Let Go

Sometimes,admittingyou'rewrongisthesmartestmove.Knowingwhentocutyourlossesis avaluableskillininvesting.Ifaninvestmentisn’tperformingwell,it’sbettertosellearlyand reinvestinsomethingelseratherthanholdingontoitoutofprideorfearofmissingout.On theflipside,recognizewhenyou’reright.Ifyourinvestmentsareperformingwell,resistthe temptationtosellearlyandcashinyourgains.Long-terminvestingoftenrewardspatience.

5. Educate Yourself by Reading

Booksofferawealthofknowledgethatcansharpenyourinvestmentskills.Someofthemost successfulinvestorsinhistoryattributemuchoftheirsuccesstocontinuouslearning.Read books like The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham or Beating the Street by Peter Lynchtodeepenyourunderstandingofthemarketsandhowtonavigatethem.Stayinginformedthroughreadingwillnotonlyenhanceyourstrategybutalsogiveyoutheconfidence totacklenewinvestmentopportunities.

6. Control Your Emotions

Investingcanbeanemotionalrollercoaster,withmarkethighsandlowspullingyouindifferentdirections.Controllingyouremotionsiskeytolong-termsuccess.Fearoftencausesinvestorstosellduringmarketdrops,whilegreedpushesthemtobuyduringmarketpeaks bothofwhichcanleadtolosses.Learntostaycalm,sticktoyourplan,andnotletshort-term fluctuationsderailyourstrategy.Masteringyouremotionscanhelpyouavoidcostlymistakes andkeepyourfocusonthebiggerpicture.

7. Buy and Hold for the Long Term

Oneofthemosttriedandtrueinvestmentstrategiesisbuyingandholding.Thismeanspurchasingstocksorotherassetswiththeintentionofholdingontothemforthelongterm.

AsWarrenBuffettoncesaid,"Thestockmarketisadevicefortransferringmoneyfromtheimpatienttothepatient."Byresistingtheurgetofrequentlytradeortimethemarket,youallow yourinvestmentstogrowsteadilyovertime.Patienceisapowerfultoolinyourinvestmentarsenal,oftenleadingtobetterreturnsinthelongrun.

Achieving Financial Stability: Why These Rules Matter

Followingthesesevenrulesisn’tjustaboutmaximizingreturns it'saboutachievinglong-term financialstability.Financialsecuritycomesfromconsistency,patience,andmakingsmart,informeddecisions.Bykeepingtheserulesinmind,you'llbuildasolidfoundationforyourfinancialfuture.

Why You Should Apply These Rules Now

Ifyou’reseriousaboutsecuringyourfinancialfuture,nowisthetimetoimplementtheserules. Thesooneryoustart,themoretimeyourinvestmentswillhavetogrow.Whileitcanbetemptingtotakeshortcutsorchasehigh-riskopportunities,stickingtothesebasicprincipleswillhelp youavoidcostlymistakes.Remember,investingisajourney,notasprint.Thebestresultsoften comefromstayingthecourse,continuallylearning,andmakingadjustmentsalongtheway. Keeptheserulesclose,andyou'llbeonyourwaytofinancialstabilityandsuccess.

Final Thoughts

Asyoumoveforwardinyourinvestmentjourney,it’scrucialtoremaindisciplinedandfocused. Therulesoutlinedherearedesignedtohelpyounavigatethecomplexitiesofthefinancialworld whilekeepingyougrounded.Usethemasaroadmaptomaximizeyourreturnsand,moreimportantly,secureyourfinancialwell-being.

Investingdoesn’thavetobeoverlycomplicatedorstressful.Withtheseguidelines,youcanmake informed,thoughtfuldecisionsthatwillpayoffinthelongrun.Takecontrolofyourfinancial futuretodaybyembracingthesesevenessentialinvestingrules.

by RITUPORNA DAS

Homemade Hummus and Air fried Soup Sticks with boiled eggs: Going with the theme,Hummuswasonmylist!Alittlebitof mixandmixofBoiledChickpeas,tahini,garlic,sesame,seasoningandOliveOil...Voila! You'redone ...AndthoseSoupSticks!!!Easy Peas wheat dough with little seasoning and thenAirFrythem!

Sometimes when being healthy strikes youbad!Simple Dalia khichdi withlentilanda few seasonal veggies!CauliflowerPakorabycoatingwith egg white mix! Air fried Chicken with salt, pepper,asafoetidaandchilipowderandaColourfulSalad! Nom..Nom..!!!

Flavors Unveiled:

A CULINARY JOURNEY

HappyRainbowEgglessCupcakes.. sugarandbutterfrostingand toppedwithColorfulSprinklers. Usingtheingredientsisjustlikea Teacakerecipe.Biteitandlikeit!

BakingwithlackingOil!Stuffedwith Cottage Cheese, onion and capsicum. Andhappilytoppedwithhealthyseeds. Dough is as simple as the Homemade PizzaDough!

Unveiled: NARY

JOURNEY

VeggieandPastaSaladwith chunksofPaneerandBoiled Eggs...Tossedwithspiced HungCurdandAmul Cream...Digin!

SUMISHRA BORAH

Wintersand Baked!Toasted breadwithgarlic andbutter..and bakedthePotato -Chickenusing homemade WhiteSauce, seasoningand lotsofCheese!! Yumm..Ready toGo!

MOONG DAL IDLY

by DR BORNALI BORUAH

Ingredients:

• Moong dal (green or yellow) in 2:1 proportion with rice or oats

• ½ teaspoon of soaked methi (fenugreek) seeds

• Carrot, spinach, coriander, onion (finely chopped or grated)

• Salt to taste

Process:

• Soak moong dal for 1 hour; if using green moong dal, soak overnight.

• Soak oats for 10 minutes; if using rice, soak overnight.

• Combine moong dal and rice/oats in a 2:1 proportion and grind them together with the soaked methi seeds.

• Add finely grated carrots, chopped spinach, coriander, onion, and green chilies (proportions as per taste). Add salt to the mixture.

• Pour portions into an idli stand and steam.

• Serve hot with a tasty and healthy chutney like coconut chutney or peanut chutney.

Aheartfeltthankyoutoalltheincredibleladies foryourenthusiasm,creativity,and invaluablecontributionsinmakingthe upcomingHusbands'Nighttrulyspecial. Youreffortsaredeeplyappreciated!

#2023 GLIMPSE DLC.

GLIMPSE