SURYA NAMASKAR-2

HASTAUTTANASAN

(Raised arms pose)- 2

Position

Raise both arms abovethe head

Keep the arms separated vy one shoulder’s width

Bend thehead and upper trunk slightly backward

Breath

Inhale while raising the arms

Mantra

Om Ravaye Namaha (Salute to the shining one)

Benefits

Stretches the abdominal viscera, removing excess fat and improving digestion

Exercises the arm and shoulder muscles, tones the spinal nerves and opens all the lung compartments

SURYA NAMASKAR- 1

PRANAMASANA(PRAYER POSE)- 1

Position

Stand erect with the feet together

Place the palms together in front of the chest

Relax the whole body

Breath

Normal

Mantra

Om Mitraya Namaha (Salute to all the friends)

Benefits

Establishes a state of concentration and calmness in preparation for the exercise to be done

SURYA NAMASKAR

SURYA NAMASKAR 

(Salutation to the Sun)

For removal of excess fat, removal of anxiety and sharper thinking power

This exercise was not originally regarded a part of Yoga practices but it is such a good method of loosening muscles and joints in the body that it has been included in Yoga exercises.

                There are no age limit s regarding the practice of suryanamaskar, both the old and the young can perform it . Ladies should not do it after the fourth month of pregnancy.

                Daily practice of this exercise removes excess fat, revitalizes the body for sharper thinking power ensures the abdominal organs to function correctly and efficiently. There is no better way to remove nervous tension, stress and anxiety than by doing regular suryananamaskar exercise. The movements gently massage the nervous connections throughout the whole body, allowing them to relax and become revitalized. Suryanamaskar is the ideal exercise to bestow good health, and who does not want a good health? Suryanamaskar is recommended for all people ,fit unfit , young or old, big or small male or female.

                Suryanamaskar is comprised of 12 positions each of which corresponds to one of the12 signa of zodiac. One complete round consists of these 12 positions performed in succession twice. The sixth position i.e., astanganamaskara ( 8 limb salute) and the seventh position i.e., bhujangasana(serpent pose) are not repeated. The 8^th position parvatasana(mountain pose), 9^th postion aswasanchalanasana (equestrian pose), 10^th postion padahastasana(hand to foot pose), 11^th positon hastauttanasana(raised arms pose) and 12^th position pranamasana(prayer pose) are repeated.

Robinda and his gang in Laxmibai Nagar

During mid sixties we were residents of Laxmi bai Nagar, it had rows of double storied Government quarters surrounding rectangular lawns. The front side had a road which joined Safdarjung airport and INA market. On the other side of the road there were similar type of double storied  houses with smaller lawns of square shape. The lawn diagonally opposite to ours, where Rabinda’s father or may be uncle had a flat. The family controlled the Durga Puja. Rabinda had 3-4 followers and had a great personality , few people would dare to talk to him.

Incidentally my uncle had come to Delhi with the hope to continue his college studies. He took a fancy for Rabinda and took me one day for introduction. Rabinda was always meticulously attired wearing latest terylene shirts. That time terylene shirts were very costly and few could afford. After the initial introduction, I was discarded in the sojourns of my uncle and he vanished with Rabinda’s gang for the next few weeks my uncle stayed in Delhi.

I was not privy to their activities , but I remember seeing Rabinda and his gang engaged in flying kites , which were of the size of a  man in height and and required great skill for their control. The colourful sight of the kites of different shape and size is still embedded in my memory. I could retrieve some of them from the internet, I hereby upload them for the viewing pleasure of my friends in FB.

The Vintage Lambretta

During sixties (1964-66) we were residents of Laxmibai nagar (New Delhi)  earlier known as East Vinay nagar. In our Block there was a Sindhi family they were the proud owners of a lambretta which was rare to be seen even that time. They used to take intense care of the scooter. It was in a very good working condition and they used to go to office regularly on it. Their ladies of the flat were very advanced and were all working women.  They were always highly made up and used to pillion ride on their male members when ever they went out. They tried to sell the scooter once but couldn't, may be because the right price was not being offered. I still remember the vintage lambretta and retrieved it from the internet for the benefit of all my friends.

Lupuri innovative breakfast

Luchi Aldam or Puri aluchokha is  a favourite  item as a breakfast. I have improvised the soft non crispy Luchi or the thicker Atta variety i. e., the ubiquitous puri of North India.
Take maida flour three cups add a quarter cup suji add a pinch of baking soda and a pinch of baking powder add salt to taste.
Add three table spoon of white cooking oil mix them thoroughly add Luke warm water make the dough keep it for 2hrs. Then roll Luchi making sure it is not very thin, fry in oil. You get your Lupuri which is crispy and less on oil uptake as you have added baking soda. It is better than Luchi or Puri. Once you taste Lupuri you will forget Luchi or Puri. You can take with tea, alumatar, channamasala or Ali combat or aludam.

The Iron Clip that survived the ravages of time

During 1962-65, I was in class III-V in SPV H.S. School. My youngest sister was just born , my eldest sister had passed Hr. Sec. Exam with Ist Class from SPV H.S. School. My father was the Librarian in Rail Bhawan. We were residents in Laxmibai Nagar earlier known as East Vinay Nagar.During those year my father decided to go to office in a bicycle. Being a man of short height I remember him riding the cycle , where his toes would hardly touch the paddle when it came to the bottom. He some how managed his way to the office which was quite a distance of about 10 Kms. Those days many people used to go to the office but for a man with a short height with a big cycle it was a fearful journey in the heavy traffic. He was a cautious man and used to ride the cycle as if in slow motion with toes hardly touching the paddle every time it made a round. He used to wear an iron clip that would fasten his pants and save it from being entangled in the paddle chain.The iron clip (oval shaped) which is no longer available has survived the ravages of time. But it is strong enough to withstand the tension till today. My father expired at the age of 91 on 28th April 2011, as a tribute to his memory I am uploading the Iron Clip.

My days in RKPuram( New Delhi)

It was in the year 1966-67 I was in class VII in SPV Hr Sec School in New Delhi, when we shifted to R K Puram Sector IV. It was a newly built Government Residential Colony. Our flat was on the border of Sector III and IV, IIT delhi was at stone’s throw distance also newly built. Munirika Gaon was on the other side of the road also bordering Sector IV near the Bus terminous of Sector IV which was practically the end of the city and bordering Munirika Gaon. Near the bus stand where the Munirika Gaon starts were few Kirana shops and surprisingly a Homeopathy shop owned and run by a Bengali Doctor, Dr Bhakta, it was his residence cum chamber, who was from Andamans to be precise.
The scene inside the Munirika Village was very surprising to us. Wild peacocks would be seen roaming around unlike in the city of Delhi. There were few big wells where the women folk would be seen gathering for collecting water for drinking purpose. Some of our relatives from Kolkata who visited our flat also visited the village for fresh drinking water.

We were the initial inhabitants of R K Puram Sector IV. There was a dry nullah which we had to cross to go to Sector III. During monsoon it became filled up with water which had high current. There was a metal pipe which criss-crossed the nullah over it , one could cross the nullah over it with little balancing. During one monsoon season, I along with my friend whose name I don t remember any more went there to cross but the high current made us step back. My friend encouraged and some how forced me to cross against my will. After going half-way I wanted to come back, I was in a catch 22 position, then the worst happened I slipped. But some how I came back. After 50  years I still think I was a big mistake I agreed to my friend.

KARZDAR - My days in Laxmibai Nagar

It was during sixties we used to stay in Laxmibai nagar formerly known as East Vinay nagar. There were few Bengali  families who were our neighbours. On our left was a Sarkar family who had two boys of my age and two girls of much higher age . On our right was  a Dutta family with one son and one girl. On top was a south Indian family. Then there was a family of Sengupta's with one daughter and a son. The senior members were mainly engrossed in reading books. On a particular holi we all received an envelope with  a single word written on it. For example the Sarkar's received -Karzdar, we received - Pendulam, The Sengupta's received -Kitabi kiradha. We were all perplexed, some  were very angry. Later on we realized that the sender had observed very keenly, all the residents, for  example as my father had the habit of walking, he lived up to the age of 91yrs and the secret was his habit of walking so the name Pendulum . The Sarkars had great difficulty in making both ends meet and used to run on loan, so the name Karzdar, it was the reading habit of the Sengupta's that gave the Kitabi kiradha name.
I also remember the black out days of 1965 while we were in Laxmibai nagar.

Dr Debasis Nag-my sketch

I know Debasish Nag since 1996. We were in best of terms when I was moved to CBPDiv on 2004 and subsequently became head of division on 2005. After he occupied the hot  in 2012 our relationship soured because of his indecent behavior , arrogance and narrow mindedness.

Dr Abhindra Day - my sketch

He looked the after the destiny of Cbp Div. He never supported  higher ups for  procurement of junk equipment as to gain by quid pro que. He always shared his knowledge and worked for the development of the division without saying -নেপায় মারে দই। He never showed his narrow mindedness by his indecent behavior. He never took advantage of his position by quid pro que.

Struggling for survival by repairing sofa

You can earn your livelihood by repairing sofa and earn about Rs 15000-30000' month

Breakfast with Dalia khichri

Preparing Dalia is easy,  fry bay leaf and onion in the pressure cooker,  add one cup Dalia and one cup moong dal,  add one chopped tomato and few pieces of green chilli chopped preferably.  Add salt to taste and cook for 4 -5 min.

My puja corner

Finding a corner for gods and goddesses is a priority which  comes late for most people

My charging corner

Charging your smart phones is an unavoidable task,  so if it organized it is good for you.

The town hall - Heritage Building

The Town Hall

Kabishekar Kalidas - Heritage building

Struggling for survival as a carpenter

After you buy a flat  You need a good carpenter. If you are a good worker as a carpenter  and has created a goodwill in the market you can earn from Rs 15000 to Rs 40000 a month or even more. 

Struggling for survival as a key maker

He can make a duplicate key provided you provide him the original plan key. If it is made from brass it costs Rs 50. whereas if from steel it costs Rs 20. He earns about Rs 200 per day.

Struggle for existence at Rs 200/day

Cobbler on the street corner . I noticed a cobbler  occupying the corner in front of  a small guest house in Mukundapur.  After one month I found him making cover with a plastic sheet tied to the electric box that he made his shop. One day I went to him taking two bags for repairs. I be friended him during the time passed he took for the job. He told me he earned Rs 200 on the first day. He spends Rs 200  a month for sharing a Room  with three others. He was earning Rs 500/day  in Barra bazar. But for some reason he has shifted and hopes to earn 500/day soon.

The Indian Museum - Heritage building

Sylvester Gomes & Shankerda - my days in SPV School New Delhi

I was probably in class seven, year was 1967-68. There used to be football matches and in every match the hero was Sylvester Gomes. He used to play in forward position and would never miss a chance to make a goal. He was a great athlete with great stamina.  He was my ideal. However it requires a different devotion and sincerity  to make a football player , which we lacked.
However I came to know that at the behest of Sylvester the 1968 batch SPVians had joined the Swaraswati Puja. My regards to the Sylversterda. I would like to get in touch with him and know more about him.
The second name that still rings a sweet memory is Shankerda he was a great singer. Songs by Shankerda was a must in any social function. He was liked by everyone . During the 1965 war, desh bhakti geets  like  kadam kadam baraye ja still ring in my ears. Any body knows his whereabouts. My regards and best wishes for both  of them.

Three SPVians - (New Delhi)

It in the year 1965-66 I was in class  VIII. I was always  a mediocre student with problem of learning,  called autism.  But the class eight  was the threshold class when we had to choose  between arts  or science stream . To go to  science stream you have to do well in Maths, English and Social science . I was  unnerved as  maths was my problem. I convinced my father to keep a tuitor for me . The tuitor was good and he finished the course during the summer vacation itself.  I was quite confident and was doing well, catching up with  the  best students - Purobi Bhowmick and Amitava Sengupta. However at the time  of final exam  I had chicken pox,  and could  only  appear  for  some subjects, however I was given Science based of three subjects required to get science stream.
After 47yrs I still  remember myself, Amitava and Piyush  sharing the same bench.  Piyush  became a marine engineer and lives in CR Park  Amitava and myself  became a scientists  in ICAR-nirjaft (jute research institute)  in Kolkata and Amitava in IPL- Delhi, also lives in CR Park . I was told that Purobi Bhowmick  went  on to become  a doctor .

Bandhugon

স্মৃতির আধারে 

Bandhugan - NIRJAFT  

In late seventies Bengal had given a new word to the English dictionary ‘Gherao’. Militant industrial unrest was in full swing. One after another industry was moving away from Bengal. Trade Unions were as strong as the ruling party/Government.

In our institute also we started seeing the reflection of the day. Suddenly a tall built guy whom Dr Anantha krishnan used to call Bandhugan, as he used to start his numerous speeches with the same word every time. He had his followers a group of people. They started to harassing the director every  now and then. They even put up a 20 point program taking cue from the PM Indira Gandhi's  20 point program. They soon grabbed the power. Director started giving due importance to their views and fancies. The another Director came and they started playing the same technique, but he was a tough nut to crack. Soon as time passed three of them got exemplary punishment and their careers were ruined. However behind the scene their were a dada and a didi who used to pull all the strings they remained untouched and lived happily thereafter, and also got rewarded like others, that was the saddest part which Bandhugan and his group realized long after. 

The misery of the institute did not end there then came the time of Chote mian and  Badhe mian's  BRaj which was no worse than the dada-didi raj

Cats a pet of different nature

My wife Krishna is fond of street dogs and cats, her heart is full of mercy for their well being. However keeping dog as a pet is full of hassles. Going  out for few days becomes out of question.  Secondly taking them out for potty is a problem any body will avoid.
Whereas cats can not be chained or they do not like to stay at home for 24 hrs. After shifting the window grills, two cats have started visiting us . My wife is very god of them . They come only at lunch  and dinner time and wait patiently for their turn for food.  After taking food they sleep on the widow itself or some time they are away for few days, like independent creatures. So we are proud owners of two cats with out the hassles associated with dogs.

Goja and Khaja

Both the similar sounding words are basically made from maida.  In both cases the dough is prepared but cut differently and then fired in oil and dipped in sugary syrup. Khaja is a speciality of Puri whereas Goja is available in Bengal/Kolkata.

Doodh puli a bengali delicacy

It is made from a Dow mainly  of  rice powder stuffed with coconut cooked in nolengur. Finally it is dipped in a broth of milk and nolegur (jagger made from palm trees juice).

Making of jalebi

Jalebi is fighting a lone battle. Only an expert hand can make that two and a half turn required to make it. After frying it is dipped in a sugary syrup.

Accident in SPVidyalaya I will never forget

How many ex-students remember the school bus  accident  in SPVidyalaya about  50 yrs back at the Lodhi Road crossing near the India Habitat Center with a brick loaded truck  in which I was with my elder sister. A senior student named Kalindi died.
Another school bus accident happened when,  while attempting to board the bus which were used to be over loaded. The rush was to get a proper seat. I hope the situation had much improved . After that accident the principal  madam Kamala called an all students meeting in which she wept inconsolably . After that incident she left.
These two  accidents left an indelible mark in my memory.

How to cope with life after 60

Life after retirement becomes miserable, as daily routine  of going to office ends.You become lonely age related diseases take over you, the new tech savvy world becomes difficult to manage. Spending time becomes difficult. Here are some of the tips that benefited me.

First  maintain a good health and keep your teeth  in good condition. There is nothing more painful than a tooth pain. As we go sedentary life,  keep a treadmill at home, and take

a walk at3.0 km/hr for every 6-10 min every  1 hr . This will keep you healthy. 

Be smart phone  savvy.  In fact when I tried to make a whatsapp group of Nirjaft scientists, I could get only 3 contacts, where 2 contacts  are  dorments.There will be pressure from your family your family  members will say what baba will do with  a smartphone and facebook, it will be a waste of money. In fact I have two smart phones. 

Smartphones are  virtual computers - you can use it for booking train/plane tickets,hotel booking, you can keep a watch on your bank account, through Facebook and whatsapp you can keep contact  with your dear  and near  ones. You can even book a cinema tickets or see preview ,you can check read  and send e-mails, if you are interested in reading  books,  you can read them at a low cost through ebooks.  If you are interested  in photography or want to take  video of places you visit,  you can also do  it in a smart phone. If you are interested in writing your  experience  you can  open a blogg of your own,  making bill payment  is a pleasure. Above all when  you are  not allowed to watch the news channels, you can  see  it in a smart  phone. 

So friends be  smart phone savvy, there can be some hiccups, I am here to help you.