UTOPIA

 

           UTOPIA, UTOPIA, WHERE ART   THOU?

WHEN BAICHUNG BHUTIA AND ANIL KUMBLE VISITED JAIPUR (Zee Jaipur Literature Festival 2016)

Meeting the 'Sikkimese Sniper' A.K.A Baichung Bhutia had always been one of my biggest dreams. 

It was confirmed that Baichung Bhutia and Anil Kumble will be visiting the Festival (JLF 2016). I was thrilled post - confirmation news. I had been waiting eagerly to meet him since the day I got the news.

Anil Kumble(Second from left) and Baichung Bhutia (Third from Left).
COURTESY : Google

As I was volunteering once again for Jaipur Literature Festival 2016 (JLF 2016), unlike last year, I was assigned another venue (Narayan Niwas) which was 10 minutes away from the main venue (Diggi Palace).
The venue he had his interactive session was the latter venue (i.e. Diggi Palace). As soon as I came to know about it, I was little sad as my chances of meeting him were zero (because I was placed at another venue from where I wouldn't have gotten permission to go to the main venue to meet him).

So close yet so far. 

I told my co - volunteer cum friend how I wanted to meet Baichung. She told me she's met him once in Kolkata when Bhutia was on a tour. I got to know that he frequently visits Kolkata. She also told me that to her, he came across as a very reserved and silent person.

She (my friend) promised to make me meet him whenever Baichung is in Kolkata and only if we're lucky enough to spot him or meet him. 


I'm eagerly looking forward to that day. HAHA.

PEACE

THE QUEEN OF BHUTAN

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." 

¬ALBUS DUMBLEDORE.

Before becoming a volunteer at Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) frrom 2015 onwards, I was, like any other person, also a visitor at the festival.

Let's go back in time.

JANUARY 2012 :

As soon as I reached the entrance of JLF (Diggi Palace, Jaipur), I witnessed a huge throng at a short distance, I failed to understand at first the reason behind such a huge crowd. I went a little further and pushed myself ahead in the barbaric crowd. As I reached a spot where everything was clearly visible, I saw 2 ladies signing diaries, 

WHO WERE THEY?

Well, they were the Queen (Dorji Waghmo Wangchuck) and the Princess (Jetsun Pema) of Bhutan. Yes, they had confirmed that they'll be attending JLF 2012. Even the Prince (Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck) had plans to attend the Festival but couldn't as he was exhausted after a long journey from Bhutan to India.

Queen Dorji Waghmo Wangchuck (center) with the festival Director, Namita Gokhale (right).
COURTESY : www.jaipurliteraturfestival.com

Delighted, I impatiently waited for my turn to take their autographs.
When my turn came, I gave my diary to the Princess to sign. 
'Aapka naam (Your name?)?', She asked.

Princess Jetsun Pema.
COURTESY : Google

'Kevika', I replied.
'Aapka naam' was the only Hindi word that she knew back then. 
After taking her autograph, I waited for the Queen, Dorji to sign my diary.

AFTER A SHORT WHILE :

The Queen held my diary.
'Your name?', she asked politely.
'Kevika', I said.
She nodded and began to sign.

Queen Dorji Waghmo Wangchuck's and Princess Jetsun Pema's autographs (respectively).

'Nice name.' She complimented. .
'Thank You.' I said delightedly.
She gave me a warm smile and started walking towards the entrance.
I couldn't contain my happiness. I was elated. I was on cloud 9!
Yes, I was happy because the Queen of Bhutan gave me a compliment. 

My day started on a low note but that one compliment turned my doleful day into a joyous one.

           'There's a good in everything bad'.

FIVE JAPANESE GREETINGS AND PHRASES FOR BEGINNERS (AND YOU CAN USE IN DAILY LIFE)

Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, is the third largest economy and the most technologically advanced country. It has made stupendous contribution in every field from automobiles to robotics. Doraemon, Pokemon, Nintendo Gameboy, PSP, Anime, Manga, etc. are all Japan’s creations.

Japan has a rich history and culture. It is a mix of ancient and modern. It has sure embraced modernity but has also preserved its old customs and culture.

Here is the list of 5 Japanese Phrases and words you can use in daily life.

1.     KONNICHIWA

      

                     ‘Konnichiwa’ means ‘Hello’ or ‘Good Day’.

2.     ARIGATO GOZAIMASU

  

‘Thank You’. It is a polite manner of saying Thank You. Or you can simply say, ‘Arigato’.

3.     LIE

No, ‘Lie’ doesn’t mean to lie (as in English). Lie in Japanese means to say ‘No’. It is pronounced as Lee-ay (‘ay’ like in ‘lay’)

4.     GOMEN’NASAI

        You can say ‘Gomen’nasai’, If you want to apologize. It means ‘I am Sorry’.

5.     SUMIMASEN

 ‘Sumimasen’ means ‘Excuse Me’.

It’s time to show off your skills! :D

MY 'LETTER TO EDITOR IN OUTLOOK MAGAZINE - 22 JULY, 2013

       MY 'LETTER TO EDITOR' PUBLISHED IN OUTLOOK MAGAZINE (22 JULY, 2013)

DREAM