Rupa Chowdhury. Most Calcuttans may not be familiar with her name, but she is a hero nonetheless, an inspiration to millions. She is an epitome of ‘Shakti’ (power), one who has struggled and fought against all impediments that came her way and is a winner
It was way back in 2002, international media flashed a very interesting bit of news --- our pride, our mother language Bangla being announced as one of the official languages in the Republic of Sierra Leone, a small country in West Africa. Those in Bengal
When words fail, signs convey feelings. But for people who cannot hear, it is not as poetic as we think signs are. Rather for them sign language is a necessity and to make this form of language popular even among those who can hear, The
Bengali readers’ fascination with people from Kabul began more than a century ago when Rabindranath’s short story, ‘Kabuliwallah’ was published in 1892. It was the tale of Rahmat, a man from a distant land - Afghanistan - living in Kolkata and his friendship with little
Did Swami Vivekananda establish the supremacy of a religion at the Chicago World Parliament of Religions? Or did he bring forth a philosophy, a way of life, that Hindu religion is based on? It was this day when in 1893, Swami Vivekananda delivered his speech
For many of us, carving out time and energy to engage in a hobby, seems like an addition to our list of endless ‘to do’ stuff and cramming our already busy schedule. Work, school, family and community obligations can be overwhelming, leaving little room for
Rabindranath Tagore had once written ‘Chitto jetha bhoyshunnyo’ (Where the mind is without fear). The poem can be read as a list of prayers expressing the Nobel laureate’s vision of a free nation. Among many other wishes, he prays to the Almighty to awaken his
This is the story of an ordinary middle-class girl, who by her sheer grit, determination and indefatigable spirit, has transformed her life and become an inspiration for millions of girls. She is Manasi Mridha, a first-generation pink cab driver of Kolkata, who has been bypassing
The World Senior Citizen’s Day (WSCD) is celebrated every year on 21st of August to raise awareness about the issues that affect older adults and to support them throughout the ageing process. The day also recognizes and acknowledges the contributions of older people to the
They have proved that even in times of an infectious pandemic, they haven’t given up the humanity, kindness and sense of service. Priyanka Mitra and Priyam Dutta have been rescuing abandoned and sick people from the roads when rest of the neighbourhood are shunning them