EDITORIAL
জারবেরা: সেলেব্রিটি ফুল এবং তার অস্তিত্বের সংকট
জারবেরা (Gerbera) নামের মধ্যে একটা ভারিক্কি ভাব থাকলেও, আসলে সে ফুলের রাজ্যে একজন পপ-স্টার। ধরুন, সে হলো বলিউডের সেই নায়িকা, যার মেকআপ সবসময় নিখুঁত, যার হাসিটা সবচেয়ে ব্রাইট, কিন্তু যার ডায়ালগগুলো সবসময় 'হ্যান্ডসাম', 'লাভ ইউ', আর 'ওয়াও'-এর মধ্যেই ঘোরাফেরা করে।
জারবেরা কোনো ভাবুক ফুল নয়। গোলাপের মতো তার প্রেমিক হারানোর বা গভীর বিষাদের গল্প নেই। রজনীগন্ধার মতো তার রাতভর জেগে থাকা বা চন্দ্রমল্লিকার মতো জটিল দার্শনিকতাও নেই। জারবেরা স্রেফ হাসে। এবং তার হাসিটা দেখলে মনে হয়, সে যেন একটু আগেই কোনো কৌতুক শুনেছে আর সেটা ভুলেও গেছে।
জারবেরার সবচেয়ে বড় চ্যালেঞ্জ হলো তার রঙের আধিক্য। সে এত বেশি রঙের হয় যে, সকালে সে নিজেই দ্বিধায় ভোগে—আজ সে হলুদ হবে,
নাকি কমলা?
লাল হবে,
নাকি গোলাপী?
একবার এক জারবেরা তার বন্ধু গাঁদা ফুলকে বলল,
"আচ্ছা, তুই যে সবসময় হলুদ থাকিস, তোর বোর লাগে না?"
গাঁদা মুখ গম্ভীর করে বলল,
"দেখ, আমার জন্মই হয়েছে পবিত্র উৎসবের জন্য আর পুজো-আচ্চার জন্য। আমি আমার আইডেন্টিটি নিয়ে খুশি।"
জারবেরা দীর্ঘশ্বাস ফেলে বলল,
"আর আমি? আমি জন্মাই শুধু ডাইনিং টেবিলের সেন্টারপিস হওয়ার জন্য। কেউ আমাকে দেখে বলে 'আহা, কী ব্রাইট!'—ব্যাস। আমার জীবনের গভীরতা কোথায়?"
জারবেরা যখন ফুলের তোড়ায় থাকে, তখন তার একটাই চিন্তা থাকে—পাত্রের জলটা পরিষ্কার তো? সে জানে, তার স্থায়িত্ব নির্ভর করে জলের বিশুদ্ধতার ওপর।
গোলাপ হয়তো জল না পেলেও কিছুক্ষণ নাটক করে, মাথা নুইয়ে দেয়। কিন্তু জারবেরা কোনো ঝামেলা চায় না। তার কাছে জীবনটা খুব সহজ: জল দাও, আলো দাও, আর ভালো করে একটা ছবি তোলো।
একবার একটা জারবেরা টবে থাকা তুলসী গাছকে টিটকিরি মেরেছিল: "এই যে, তুমি সবসময় সবুজ! তোমার জীবনে রঙ কোথায়?"
তুলসী গাছ শান্তভাবে উত্তর দিল: "আমার কাজ হলো ওষুধ দেওয়া। আমার রঙের দরকার নেই। আর শোনো, তুমি যদি এতই 'ব্রাইট' হও, তবে কেন দু'দিন পরেই তোমার গলাটা ঝুলে যায়?"
জারবেরা নিরুত্তর। এই সহজ সত্যটা সে বারবার ভুলে যায়—তাড়াতাড়ি ঝকঝক করে জ্বলে উঠলে, তাড়াতাড়ি নেভার ভয়ও থাকে।
তবুও, জারবেরা তার সেলেব্রিটি স্টাইল ছাড়বে না। সে যখন তোড়ায় মাথা উঁচু করে থাকে, সে জানে—আজকের সান্ধ্য-আড্ডার মধ্যমণি সে-ই। সে একটা ফ্ল্যাশবাল্বের ঝলকানির মতো, একটা কফি-শপের রঙিন দেওয়ালের মতো। সে 'দারুণ', সে 'ব্রাইট', সে 'পজিটিভ'।
আর এই হালকা, ঝকঝকে, একদম চিন্তা-মুক্ত জারবেরাই প্রমাণ করে: জীবনটা সবসময় গভীর না হলেও চলে। মাঝে মাঝে শুধু সুন্দর আর ঝরঝরে থাকাই যথেষ্ট।
©®-রীতা বিশ্বাস পান্ডে
২৬/১১/২০২৫
Courtesy Travels With You
A Mindful Habit, Turned Into A Moment Of Warmth And
Reflection.
By Partha Chanda
The new Terminal 2 at Bengaluru
Airport is truly dreamy. The lounge is spacious, airy, and just the right
amount of artsy.
I settled in with two drinks and a bit of Indian food. By the time I finished,
I had a little collection in front of me—glasses, cutlery, a stirrer, a small
bowl of peanuts, and a used plate.
The gentleman seated next to me
was genuinely pleasant (although that didn’t influence what I did). Once I was
done, I got up and carried everything—one by one—to the designated clearing
area. A member of the service staff noticed and thanked me with such warmth
that it felt as though this simple gesture wasn’t something she experienced
often.
My neighbour smiled too. We
exchanged a friendly “safe flight” and a “good evening,” and that was that.
It made me reflect on how easily
we take service staff, neighbours, and even strangers for granted. A small,
mindful action—two extra steps, literally—can brighten their day and yours.
And honestly, I know exactly
where this instinct came from: my recent trip to Japan, where such behaviour
isn’t exceptional—it’s everyday culture.
I’m not sharing this to look good
or to preach. I’m sharing it because small acts of kindness genuinely elevate
life. Go that extra mile when you can—you’ll never regret it.
Disclaimer: Acts of
goodness also depend on your environment and your mental state, and that’s
perfectly okay.
Journey of Patachitra From Bengal
to CR Park: A Story of Support and Shared Culture
by Joy Dey
When you walk into the quiet
village of Naya in Pingla, West Medinipur, it feels as if the whole place is
painted with life. Long scrolls dry on verandas. Bowls of colour sit in the
sun. Artists hum soft songs as they paint. This is the home of Patachitra, a
very old storytelling art where pictures and music come together to bring myths
and daily life alive.
For many years, the Chitrakar
families passed this art from parent to child. Children grew up with the smell
of natural colours and the sound of pat-er gaan. The art was not just a job. It
was their bansher kaaj—their family tradition and their identity.
But times have changed. Young
people now grow up with mobile phones, reels, online games and dreams of more
stable jobs. Many teenagers in Naya wonder if Patachitra can give them a secure
future. They see their parents working very hard yet earning very little.
Slowly, the younger generation is losing interest. The elders continue
painting, but they worry: if the youth step away, who will carry the scroll
forward?
To understand this better, I
travelled to Naya. I stayed with the family of Bapi Chitrakar, whose home feels
like a living museum. His family has painted Patachitra for seven generations.
Everywhere I looked, there were signs of this legacy—pigments ground by hand,
fine squirrel-tail brushes, stories painted on long pats. Their famous
creation, “Machher Biye,” or The Wedding of the Fishes, is loved all across
India. It is funny, colourful and full of joy.
Even in such a strong artistic
home, the younger members are unsure about continuing the art.
Bapi felt deeply concerned. So he
started a Sunday Patachitra School in his own courtyard. Every Sunday morning,
children and teenagers from the village come and sit on mats. They learn to mix
natural colours. They learn to draw borders and characters. They learn to tell
stories through pictures and songs. Some come for the fun. Some for the snacks.
Some because they are curious. But slowly they begin to appreciate the beauty
of their own tradition.
Running this school needs regular
funds for cloth, brushes, colours and food. A few well-wishers from Kolkata and
Delhi help from time to time. But Bapi needed a steadier way to support it.
During my visit, Bapi and I spoke
long into the night. We wanted a model that was not charity. We wanted
something that kept the artists’ dignity. We wanted something based on trust.
These thoughts came from the values of humility, kindness and love—simple ideas
that we call HKL. We realised that if people could meet the art with an open
heart, they would support it with an open heart too.
So we created a very simple idea.
A ‘Pay As You Wish’ model. No fixed prices. No bargaining. People could take
the artwork they liked and pay whatever amount they felt was right. The ‘trust’
was the most important part. Trust that people would give fairly. Trust that
they would care. Trust that they would want to support a tradition that is
fighting to stay alive.
The Chitrakar family packed a
suitcase full of scrolls, kettles, trays, hand fans and small paintings. I
brought these to Delhi and organised a small pop-up exhibition in CR Park. It
was arranged on very short notice. We only had a few hours to set it up. There
were no posters, no big announcements, only simple word of mouth among
neighbours.
But what happened next was truly
monomohini—heart-touching.
The CR Park community showed
overwhelming warmth. People began to walk in steadily. Families came. Elderly
uncles and aunties came. Young professionals came after work. Children came,
curious and wide-eyed. A group of teenage art students also stopped by and felt
immediately drawn to the paintings. They asked many questions. They said they
wanted to stay connected and support the young painters of Naya. Their
sincerity was beautiful to watch.
Visitors stood quietly before
each artwork. The colours caught their attention. The details surprised them.
Many were moved to learn that most Patuas are from the Muslim community but
paint Hindu mythological themes with deep devotion. This sense of harmony—melmilap—touched
people in a strong way.
Artist Dipak Kumar Ghosh spoke to
the gathering and helped everyone understand the skill and patience involved in
Patachitra. After that, Bapi joined through a video call from Hyderabad. He
held up a scroll of Durga and sang a Patua song. The room became silent. For a
moment, CR Park felt connected to Naya as if the distance between them had
melted.
Then came the moment of truth—the
‘Pay As You Wish’ system. Visitors picked up trays, kettles, scrolls and
paintings with affection. They placed donations with gentleness and sincerity.
No one asked for discounts. No one hesitated. Everyone gave what they felt was
right.
By the end of the evening, almost
every piece had found a new home. And every rupee went directly to the artists
and to the Sunday School. People came up to me saying, “When is the next
event?” “How else can we help?” “Can we visit the village?” “Can we support the
children directly?”
This was more than an exhibition.
It was the beginning of a long relationship. It showed that when people
understand an art form, they support it with love. It showed that a community
like CR Park, filled with warmth and cultural pride, can become a strong
partner for a village like Naya.
The visit proved something simple
and powerful. Art survives because people care. Traditions continue because
hearts stay open. Through trust, humility, kindness and love, the Patachitra
scroll will keep unrolling into the future—bringing stories, colours and hope
to everyone who touches it.
SHIELDING YOUR LUNGS THIS SEASON
Practical Ways to Counter Oxidative Stress,
Inflammation & Smog Exposure
Dr Anindita Roy, PhD
Delhi’s winter carries its own
charm — misty mornings, piping-hot chai, hawkers selling peanuts on every
corner. But along with this romance comes an unwelcome guest: winter smog.
As temperatures drop, pollutants get trapped close to the ground. PM2.5 levels
rise sharply, and the air becomes a cocktail of toxins our lungs must battle
every single day.
For residents of CR Park and
across South Delhi, this season’s air quality isn’t just a number on the index
— it’s something we feel in our breath, skin, mood, and immunity. One of the
simplest, most natural ways to build inner defence is by turning to antioxidants.
How Winter Smog Affects Your Body
The pollutants in smog — especially PM2.5 — enter deep into
the lungs. Once inside, they trigger:
- Oxidative
stress: Damaging molecules called free radicals
increase.
- Inflammation:
Airways get irritated, leading to cough, phlegm, wheezing and
breathlessness.
- Reduced
immunity: Making us more prone to infections.
This is why so many people experience chronic throat
irritation, winter allergies, and sudden asthma-like symptoms during December
and January.
A. Why Antioxidants Matter More in Winter
Antioxidants act like “bodyguards” inside your cells. They
neutralize free radicals, soothe inflammation, and strengthen the tissues that
line your lungs.
1. Neutralizing Free Radicals
Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that
help counteract the oxidative stress caused by smog. They protect cells from
damage and support respiratory health.
2. Reducing Inflammation
Antioxidant-rich foods and Omega-3 fatty acids help
calm irritated airways. This is especially useful for those with asthma,
bronchitis, or frequent winter allergies.
3. Supporting Lung Lining Health
Vitamin A and beta-carotene help maintain a
strong mucosal lining — the inner shield of your lungs that filters pollutants
and pathogens.
B. How to Boost Your Antioxidant Intake Daily
You don’t need supplements to strengthen your antioxidant
defence — your kitchen can do it.
1. Fruits (your delicious APF — Anti-Pollution
Foods!)
- Amla:
The most concentrated natural source of Vitamin C.
- Oranges
& Kinnow: Seasonal, juicy, immunity-boosting.
- Guava:
More Vitamin C than oranges!
- Kiwi:
Excellent for respiratory health.
- Berries:
Rich in flavonoids that fight inflammation.
2. Vegetables
- Spinach
& Kale: Rich in Vitamin E, magnesium, and
chlorophyll.
- Carrots
& Sweet Potatoes: Packed with beta-carotene for lung
lining repair.
- Tomatoes:
Lycopene helps reduce airway inflammation.
3. Nuts & Seeds
- Almonds:
Great source of Vitamin E.
- Sunflower
Seeds: Full of antioxidant minerals.
- Flaxseeds:
Loaded with Omega-3s for anti-inflammatory support.
4. Herbs & Spices
- Turmeric:
Curcumin reduces inflammation and boosts immunity.
- Ginger:
Clears respiratory passages and soothes irritation.
Adding these foods daily — in salads, smoothies, soups,
stir-fry, or as warm herbal drinks — can significantly reduce the impact of
smog on your body.
A Quick Checklist for CR Park Residents This
Winter
✔ Start
your day with warm water + amla/ginger
✔ Add one colourful fruit and one
leafy green daily
✔ Snack on almonds or sunflower
seeds
✔ Drink haldi doodh or ginger tea
at night
✔ Use air purifiers indoors
✔ Wear masks on high-AQI days
✔ Stay updated with your flu
shot (check with your doctor)
Take Care of Your Lungs — They
Take Care of You
While we continue to push for
cleaner air, improved governance, and community action, it’s important to
fortify our own bodies. Antioxidants, mindful eating, and timely vaccination
form a simple yet powerful trio that can help us breathe easier through Delhi’s
toughest months.
This winter, let’s prioritise our
health — individually and as a community.
Comments
Post a Comment