Kaleidoscopic Kolkata

In response to the blog prompt given by the #madeofgreat campaign initiated by Tata motors. To find out more about the campaign visit http://www.madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/

KOLKATA:

The land of Nobel laureates and freedom fighters, of Kings, Queens and Conquerors, of Arts, Science, and Cuisines, of greats like Rabindranath Tagore and Subhash Chandra Bose. The birthplace of Renaissance and freedom struggle, of modern Indian literary and artistic thought, the land of culture, cross-culture harmony, and joy, the land is Kolkata.

Nestled on either sides of the eastern banks of River Hooghly, Kolkata is in the lower delta basin of the Ganges from where it merges into The Bay of Bengal, home to the great White Bengal Tiger in Sunder bans, and the oldest city of India. Even after the passage of centuries it still retains its ethnicity, rich culture and heritage and its mythological and regal splendour.

The city needs no introduction, and its my honour to speak in its honour. If we are to only dwell on its Drive, Design, and Connect. In a phrase we can say, it is truly a 'traveller's dream destination.'

Kolkata is world renowned for its Drive network. It has an excellent and extensive transport system which keeps it bustling throughout the day, and the citizens carefree about their travel. It is the only eastern city with an International Airport.

It has the oldest underground railway network in India, and is reputed to have got India's first broad gauge railway line too. It is also the first Indian city to start the Metro Rail system, and the only Indian city to date with a local tram system.

It also prides in having the oldest commercial harbour along the Hooghly River, and also has India's only riverine port to boast.
The waterways too are a great option to travel and the on-road vehicles are very easily accessible.

When we venture into its topic of Design, There are few cities in India that are so beautifully constructed as Kolkata. Right in the midst of the city we have the Hooghly River bisecting the city into North and South Kolkata, and right alongside it we have the Maidan which is a large open field providing a fresh green respite to the overpopulated and pollution prone city. Thence, It is rightly nicknamed as The Lungs of Kolkata. Circling it like dazzling bubble of life and gaiety, and comprising Central Kolkata are the various institutions and performance grounds for its diverse and rich arts (dance, music, literature, theatre, song lore, handicrafts, painting and every form of art you can think of), exhibitions, and industrial and commercial hubbub. Several political headquarters, Victoria Memorial Hall, and Kolkata Race Course too enjoy their pride of place in this nexus.

Towards North we have the old Kolkata which still proudly flaunts the 19th century architecture, and still keeps alive the bygone eras. Many ethnic bazaars, monuments and places to eat and tour too are found here.

On its opposite part of it is in its amazing contrast, the South Kolkata. Developed after Indian Independence, this area houses more uptown residential areas, posh localities and a more modern outlook.

Flanking its western side is Fort William, which houses the Headquarters of the Eastern command of the Indian Army. And the city's east end is home to India's sole China town.

In matters of Connect, Kolkata has always been forefront of all Indian cities. It has established numerous Sister Cities ties with cities around the globe like Pittsburgh, Dhaka, Odessa, Naples, Jersey City, etc, to promote its culture and social ties. It is connected not only by airways but shipping contingencies and ports too, with almost any city of the world. It even extends its rail and road ways to Dhaka in Bangladesh to promote goodwill and camaraderie.

It is also the first city in India to operate cellular phones and 4G mobile internet network. Therefore, it has the strongest and most secure cellular and broadband network, connectivity and mass communication systems of India.

If you would ask me, I will say Kolkata is a kaleidoscope of dazzling colours and light from every angle we see.

Easy Uttapam.

For bachelors and men who are not a good cook just like me. Here is a recipe you can easily fix to impress your friends, mother or spouse.

All you need is Dosa batter, 1 chopped onion, few chopped green chillies, a tsp chopped coriander leaves, salt to taste, and baking soda.

* First mix in all the ingredients together except batter and soda.

* mix together the batter and soda with a little salt till it frothes up.

* heat a shallow pan, grease it with butter, and pour a little batter in the middle. Do not spread.

* spread the topping evenly over the dosa and close lid for a min. Open and flip dosa. Cook for a few seconds. Remove.

* serve warm immediately with any chutney or sauce of your choice.

Yet another beach

We happened to visit the dargah of Barah Shaheeds in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh during its annual Rotti pandige (roti festival) where the believers exchange roti for/on fulfillment of their desires. It was really awe inspiring of how far hopes can lead a man, and how far we are ready to go for our desires. The throngs of believers stretched throughout the beach but they were a very co operating lot and the whole festival unfolded without any hassle or chaos.

The beach is a false beach (meaning the actual sea lies a few more hundred miles ahead beyond the real shore which appears at the city's end. But a natural sea body, part of the Bay of Bengal, and in full glory of a beach nonetheless.

The park built for our convenience is good but the food fare is neutral and you have to explore deeper into the city to taste the real Andhra cuisine.

The boating trip arranged on the beach is a must experience, and the water is calm and soothing, though appears strong, massive and looming above our head at the same time.

One can sit hours on its shore, listening to the symphony of waves right under the buzz of the crowd, and no worry can touch your heart in its presence.

An ethereal experience on its own.

On to Marina beach

I simply love beaches. The soothing symphony of the waves, the warm welcoming sands of the shores, the happy faces, and the expansive skyline and horizon.

You feel as if standing on edge of the world, yet know there's an endless possibilities just over the horizon.

And Marina beach is a perfect blend of all the right feels. The vast golden sands, the blue sky above, the grand sea before us and the calm presence of the city behind... You become one with nature here and feel immediately at calm.

We visited it near dusk and the sea was on the high tide. It looked as if looming above us and getting furious with each passing hour.

The disastrous episode of tsunami was still fresh in our mind and the atmosphere was helping very little to sedate us. Just as the sky began to turn orange and rain clouds gathered we decided it is best to leave now and that's what we did.

The other beach at Vellankani

Speaking of Marina beach reminded me of a more pleasant trip to another beach. Velankanni beach near Nagore, Tamil nadu.

It was a family holiday and the fame of this beach took us to it's shore.

The church of St. Mary is a very calming presence in the overcrowded tourist spot and beautiful too.

The miles long bazaar from the church leading to the beach is very colourful and full of life. Such beautiful displays, crafts, delights and trinkets, they are sure to win your heart.

The food court at the end of the bazaar facing the sea has such mouth watering fishes and shrimps cooked fresh and in such lovely flavours, they are a must try.

But the king of attraction is the beautifully blue and soothing sea that greets not just our senses, but our heart, mind, soul and very being too.

The kids had a gala time playing in its shoreline, and the wealth of sea-shells the waves deposit generously like gifts on each lap is really amazing and an experience on its own.

Do visit it on my word.

My visit to Madras Snake Park.

I love Chennai. It's warm, beautiful, accommodating and entertaining.
In my visit to Chennai last time, I shall never forget our visit to The Snake Park.

An amazing place for people who find joy in such wild delights. The authority have really maintained it impeccably and the grounds are beautiful.

It has such exotic and expansive variety of the reptiles,you lose count mid way.

The background synopsis told in a calming baritone resembling that of the Indian actor Dharmendra actually holds your attention and it is really informative.

But this is not a place to visit for those weak at heart or those who get goosebumps at such sights. My wife turned out to be one such, and not only we had to abandon the tour mid way but she also had to sleep it away overnight to recover fully.

Pet comes home

I have always been a bit sceptical to bring pet animals home as it is a lot of responsibility and a life comes into the equation. But when my grandson insisted adamantly, I had to cave in. Who can resist such sweet torture?

His choice were two little fishes in a fish bowl and I must say he proved to be a good owner. He really took serious interest in keeping the bowl clean, the room aerated, the fishes fed, and the interior decorated.

For a five year old, he is amazing. With him I grew to care and love the fishes as part of my family. Its nine months since and slowly the bowl grew into a medium table tank, and is now home for more than a dozen fishes.

I love them all.

Pet comes home

I have always been a bit sceptical to bring pet animals home as it is a lot of responsibility and a life comes into the equation. But when my grandson insisted adamantly, I had to cave in. Who can resist such sweet torture?

His choice were two little fishes in a fish bowl and I must say he proved to be a good owner. He really took serious interest in keeping the bowl clean, the room aerated, the fishes fed, and the interior decorated.

For a five year old, he is amazing. With him I grew to care and love the fishes as part of my family. Its nine months since and slowly the bowl grew into a medium table tank, and is now home for more than a dozen fishes.

I love them all.

Care for your heart

All will agree with me that heart is our lifebuoy. If it is healthy then we are fit and fine. So, a few general tips to maintain good heart health.

* Avoid emotional and psychological pressure as it directly affects our heart. Long duress will weaken its functions and stamina.

* Exercise regularly. Esp. Jogging and walking in a happy spirit.

* Eat fresh vegetables and fruit in your daily diet.

* Avoid fat where protein and fibre are not involved.

* refrain from alcohol and smoking. It does you no good.

* Sleep well and follow a hobby. It's exercise for your mind and heart.

* keep your hypertension and diabetes in control.

Happy living! :)

Fresh water for fishes

One of the two benefits of the incessant rainfall of last fortnight was that it gave us a relief from water shortage, and we could collect fresh water for our pet fishes.

I did my research. It's safe, healthy and good for the fishes. But before you follow suit, Here is what you must keep in mind:

* collect the water in an opaque container and cover the mouth with double clothes to keep the dust particles out.

* aerate the water for two days in open to let carbon dioxide and dangerous gases mixed during downpour to escape.

* pour in slowly to avoid temperature shock for the tank's glass panels.

Fat is good.

Yes, that's right. Fat is good when it's not trans fat and when it is not unnecessary or in excess.

We need fat to digest our food, maintain good metabolism, skin health and even to lubricate our nervous system. So, keep it in your daily diet. But in moderation and in sensible cooking.

Fat is must:

In soups and salads to digest their fibre and absorb their nutrients.

In preparation of greens or high fibre, high protein foods to break down their hardness and help digest.

In marination of poultry meat, and cooking grains like rice, ragi, jowar, bajra, etc.

Its raining woes

Situated near the border of Karnataka and Tamil nadu, my hometown is always affected when cyclone or heavy rainfall hits the coastal state.

And last fortnight was horrible even here. It was so damp and dull whole day everyday even when it wasn't raining that the walls, roads and clothes didn't even dry up.

The mist is so dense, you wonder if a few more temperature drop will bring on hail or even snowfall.

It is freezing cold even indoors that we can even feel the heavy fog surrounding us.

The market's slack, fruit and vegetables are rotting, and even mobile phone signals are dropping.

God! Bless our land and deliver us through this with safety and peace.

Care for your eyes

Eyes are precious, eyes are delicate, and eyes need to be cared for.

* Wear sunshades when outdoor.

* do not expose to dust, fire and smoke for long minutes. Always wear protection.

* do not watch TV or computer in a dark room. It needlessly stresses your retina.

* always try to maintain generous lighting, unless you are trying to sleep.

* stay in well lighted rooms and avoid prolonged darkness.

* when reading in artificial light. Try to keep the source of light behind your back or away from your direct vision. It will otherwise damage your eyes beyond repair.

Corn Pasta

This is one of the few recipes I mastered myself. It's easy, healthy and delicious.

* heat 1 tsp butter in a pan, saute 1 small finely chopped onion till translucent. Add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/4 tsp red chilli powder and 1/4 tsp coriander powder, saute for a while.

* add 1 cup boiled corn kernels, saute again, add 1 tbsp milk and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil.

* add salt to taste, and 2 tbsp pasta twist. Cook on moderate till pasta is done and water evaporates, stirring occasionally.

* garnish finely chopped coriander leaves and a pinch of citric acid. Cook for a min. Serve warm immediately with any sauce of your choice

Tricking common cold

I'm a big lover of bananas. But having it during common cold can be counter productive. So, I experimented a bit and came up with this amazing recipe to eat my banana and trick cold too.

Here's what you must do.

* make chapatti as usual. But roll out a bit thick.

* slice banana in thin rounds and layer it about the middle of the chapatti.

* sprinkle a little crushed Kasoori Methi or chopped mint leaves, and grated jaggery.

* fold in the edges to wrap the filling completely. Press lightly and roll out again to spread the stuffing.

* cook as usual. Serve hot.

Benefits of Isabgol

It's another wonderful discoveries. Make it part of your diet.

* Isabgol is the Indian name of Psyllium husk and is derived from from the seeds of Platova Ova, a member of plantain family.

* It is consumed by mixing in watery liquids, and regulates body heat.

* It helps relieves constipation, help digestion, and fight cholesterol.

* It helps reduce fat when mixed in foods, and is a good binding agent in fry's batter.

Cure for cold

These work like miracle, and I trust them upon my life.

For running nose and headache:

Boil water to bubbling point, add a few drops of Eucalyptus oil and close for few seconds. Then cover your self with a thick cloth and breathe the steam deeply under  the covers. Three sessions will relieve you.

For dry cough:

Dry Roast black pepper powder till warm and aroma emanates. Cool and grind to a fine powder. Have 2 pinches of the powder mixed with a tsp of honey. Have twice a day. In three days your cough will disappear.

For congestion.

Mix half tsp of turmeric powder in warm milk and drink immediately before bed. In three days your phlegm will disappear.

For sore throat.

Gurgle with warm saline water. Twice daily. In three days your sore throat will relieve you.

Benefits of Almonds

A wonder fruit indeed.

* It is a great anti oxidant, rich source of Vitamin E, moderates body heat, is good for eyes, and provides instant energy.

* Eating only 15-20 almonds for breakfast with a glass of milk will help reduce weight without tiring you.

* salted and roasted almonds eaten before bed helps fight congestion in chest.

* almond oil helps reduce dandruff, helps sleep and sharpens memory.

* do not throw away almond peels. Grind it along with browned onions or tomato and use it in sauce. It will increase fibre content and help break carbohydrates and trans fats.

Cook it right- Chapatti

I'm not a good cook but helping my wife prepare meals has thought me a few rules of cooking.

Here are the things you need to remember while making chapatti.

* always make the dough soft and easily pliable but not runny.

* knead in a bit of ghee before you leave the dough to rest. It will soften the wheat, remove excess heat and help digestion.

* never roll the dough using the palm. Light pressure is the trick. Keep the pin under your fingers only. Else the chapatti will become dry.

* when cooking on tawa, do not turn over a lot. It will dry the chapatti.

* apply oil lightly and either spread with a spatula or pour at sides while rotating the chapatti briskly.

* do not overcook. It will burn the chapatti.

Cook it right- Chicken

Like fibre even protein rich foods need preparing to cook it right.

* always marinade the chicken for at least half hour to soften it and relieve extra heat.

* avoid deep fry whenever you can. Cooking on dumm is best.

* do not overcook. It will harden the meat.

* make it an integral part of pasta. It will break its carbohydrates and trans fats.

My friend- A dalit.

It is an incident of my childhood. I was around 11 or 12 years old and lived in a small town called Khadamangalam in Tamil nadu. A small river flowed through it bisecting the town into two a areas. The greater part was the main town, and the other smaller part was the Dalit settlement.

I don't know why but nobody from the mainland crossed to the settlement. Only the dalits were allowed to travel across the river for work, study or travel. Now there was only one school in the town and every child attended the same. Here is where I met and befriended the dalit boy Damu.

An one day out of my curiosity I accompanied him back to his home after school to see the settlement. It was better than the typical slum we see in movies- clean, green and organized. The people were very friendly and my visit like created a wave of excitement through the settlement. Many came and shook hands, elders blessed me, and Damu's parents were ecstatic.

They offered me fresh tender coconut plucked from the tree on the spot for me to drink and treated me like a king. I was so happy when I returned home. But my joy survived only till then. Somehow word had spread of my visit and what waited for me was the ire and admonition of the family. I was warned on my freedom to never interact with Damu ever again, and not to even look towards the settlement again.

I was told the next day that Damu and the entire settlement too had been severely warned. From that we both friends never spoke to each other again.

It's been decades since, but I still remember it like yesterday. But even now I don't understand what was our crime? Why are they so untouchable? And who started this concept at all?

Some sweet to start

I have lived through the prime of my life and have seen it through various lenses.

Life is a medley of all kinds of people, emotions, actions and consequences. Just like my favourite dessert- Fruit Custard.

I'm not a good cook but I do manage a few stuffs now and then, and the procedure of making custard (the package variety) always amazes me. It mimics life so closely.

Like life, it needs a perfect blend of flavours, tastes and texture to suit our preference. Like life, it also commands precision, interest, but also gives scope to a little flexibility. Like life, it also has to enjoyed in right temperaments and proportions. And like life, even it is enjoyed best when shared with our loved ones.

So, with this sweet philosophy I welcome you all to my blog.

happy living friends.