Baishakhi Anjali 2015

ANJALI BAISHAKI 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS ANJALI BAISHAKI 2015

EDITORIAL

1. FLORIDA TRIP 2015 ................................................. SHAYAK CHAUDHURI

2. ISIS AN IMPENDING APOCALYPSE ............................... SOHAM KAR

3. ITS A BIRD, ITS A PLANE, ITS ANIKA ANIKA PATEL

4. THE BEAUTIFUL MOON .. ................................................. DIYA

5. SOLITUDE .. ..................................................... SRIJA SENGUPTA

6. THE FESTIVAL HOLI ............................... ANIKA BHATTACHARYA

7. A POEM FROM A NATIVE AMERICAN S PERSPECTIVE .ANIKA PATEL

8. JUTHIKA ROY AN EMBODIMENT OF MEERA . MANJU GHOSH

9. BARSHER CONCERT .. SUBHASREE NANDI

10. BISHWA CUP SOUMYA BHATTACHARYYA

11. BARI JABAR POTHE .. JABA CHAUDHURI

Editorial

The onset of the Bengali New year marks new beginnings, new ventures and new opportunities.

Bengali New Year 1422 for Pujari ushers the first publication of Anjali for the year. This edition of

Anjali is short but interesting. I am proud to say that most of the articles are a mixed bag of ideas

thoughts and creativity of the Pujari kids and youth. We do have some articles from our honored

regular writers too.

The article on Juthika Roy is a great read for bhajan lovers. The World cup frenzy is also well

captured.

Wishing you all Shubho Naboborsho and hope you all enjoy this edition.

Smita Kar

Baisakhi Mukherjee

Florida Trip 2015

By: Shayak Chaudhuri

Throughout my life, I visited Florida three times: twice in Orlando, and once in Destin. But

this trip was a lot more wild than the last three. This time I visited our newest spot, Cocoa

Beach, Florida!!! I will show how the plans worked out there and how much fun we spent in such

an unspoiled city.

Before we departed for our hotel, I first had to be picked up directly from my school and

go 104 miles with my mom to Macon to pick up my sister and dad. At first, I wanted to straight

fall asleep, but I couldnt even sleep a wink during that 420 mile drive, because I was watching a

few movies that Dad brought with us. Plus, we had to stop a few times along the road, so that

Dad could buy us some snacks and drinks at some gas stations in case we either get hungry or

thirsty. And finally, after a few hours of driving, we finally arrived at our hotel, Ocean Villas. But

before we could settle down and plan out our schedule, we had to unload our bags and have a

nice dinner. I couldnt wait to see where we are going for tomorrow!

In the morning of March 8, we decided to visit a wetland refuge located a few miles from

our hotel, but however, we had to have breakfast first. And so we ate at McDonalds and soon we

came across the wildlife refuge. While Dad and I decided to walk around the

park, my sister and mom decided to go by car. Along the paths, Dad and I took

some awesome photos of abundant fauna in the marshes (mine were even

better): herons, cranes, storks, vultures, bald eagles, ospreys, etc. I even

attempted to take snapshots of a flying caracara and 7 sub-adult alligators

along with a bald eagle devouring a coot and even an armadillo! It was a very

fascinating moment to step outside and experience nature in action. During

nighttime, we strolled through the beach first at dusk and then we explored

around the hotel area and came across a swimming pool. Boy, was that water so warm! It was

perfect for a wind chill in the night. I decided to swim there tomorrow night. After having a nice

dinner back at our room, it was time for a good night sleep. While Mom and Dad slept on a bed,

my sister and I slept on a bed on top of a couch.

March 9th has been a very jubilant time at Cocoa Beach. Early in the morning, I decided to

use my camera to take some sunrise pictures as the sun rose. Plus I also snapped some photos of

a few sandpipers (types of bird)and seagulls. Later, after another breakfast at McDonalds, we

drove to a seaport where we booked a 4-hour boat trip around the Banana River. For much of

the time, we spent time cruising over the crystal clear waters, until suddenly our driver spotted

some dolphins near our boat. And we even saw catch a pelican joining in a small feeding frenzy.

Shortly after that, we spotted a spoonbill flying above us, and thats what started the search for

the spoonbills. We came to a tiny island near the shore which had a few birds nesting, but as

soon as Dad set foot on the sand, many had flown off. I giggled and thought to myself as a

Steward: Steward, where are all the birds?! I would reply, Most of them

have been frightened off. They are either wading in the water or settling

in other trees on other islands until the interlopers [Us] evacuate. After a

few shots, we started to take a route to Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

and on the way, we found manatees floating in the crystal-clear water.

But we stopped at another island, but this time we went to find some

nice seashells to take as souvenirs. Whats even more exciting is that I

actually got to touch a moon jellyfish OUT OF WATER!!!! Ooh, it was very weird! Afterwards, we

ventured through a canal and there, we found mostly turkey vultures, ospreys, and even an

alligator and some raccoons. Even a few manatees we did also spot on

the water surface. Finally, when we arrived, we couldnt believe what

we saw. The island had a huge abundance of birds: cormorants,

pelicans, ibises, and spoonbills! After that happy moment, we returned

to the port and then drove to a nearby coffee restaurant for snacks.

Then I found four dead bodies of pufferfish out of water near some

palm trees and a picnic table. Then for the rest of the afternoon and

evening, we spent time at our hotel. During nightfall, I took some dives

and strokes in the warm water of the swimming pool and felt quite relieved to be out of the cold

winds way. Tomorrow is going to be a lamentable, yet fascinating moment.

March 10th was our last day in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Today my parents surprised me by

telling me that we would visit Brevard Zoo in the morning. I was very delighted to hear that

because I wanted to try and visit that place. As soon as we entered the plaza, we decided to take

a few routes on the different exhibits in the zoo. First we visited the La Selva Rainforest. There,

we found lively colorful macaws and parrots (one of them we actually heard it talking!) and even

some Coscoroba Swans, tapirs, jaguars, black spider monkeys, and even large rodents called

capybaras. Then, at the flamingo plaza, we saw some American and Chilean flamingos along with

some scarlet ibises and white ibises. Later we visited the Wild Florida exhibit and found on our

left side four alligators, and on our right side two large crocodiles. We also found two deer, some

foxes, bald eagles, a caracara, a hawk, and a huge flock of American black vultures. I even got to

experience how it feels like to be in a deadly hurricane inside a hurricane simulator! Our third

exhibit was the Asia/Australia exhibit. At the bridge we found two black swans swimming in the

pond and then we continued to walk to a kangaroo and emu exhibit. We soon came across a bird

exhibit with hundreds of colorful cockatoos, hornbills, and even lorikeets. Dad was able to stroke

a rosy-breasted cockatoo on the head! Plus we even fed the lorikeets nectar, which I had not

done for years and was a lot wild as many were fighting over the nectar. But we also fed some

small cockatiels and even spotted some bats nesting in the shade. After a little walk, my sister

and I came across a wandering cassowary near the fence and later we found some hogs in the

final exhibit for Asia/Australia. Our last stop was the Africa exhibit. By the gate, we saw two

pythons sleeping in the rock den and also saw a colony of meerkats that jumped into a feeding

frenzy as a zookeeper fed them leaves. And after

climbing a few flights up the stairs and bridges, I

noticed a Marabou stork hiding behind a tree and to

my right, a leopard tortoise munching on the salad

given to it. I never got to see these cats before, but

I actually got to see a cheetah lying in the grass! In a

nearby exhibit, Mom, my sister,

and I found two zebras, two

crowned cranes, and a few rhinos

resting underneath the cool shades of the trees. Along

with it, a herd of impala were grazing on the grass

while one blue crane stood in the shadow. Then

suddenly, in front

of me there were two giraffes

feeding off the hay and straw

in a nearby container. It was

the first time I got to see a giraffe feed up close. We

decided to end the tour by looking at two scarlet

macaws roosting together on a branch. To finish

this off, this zoo was even better than the other two

zoos I used to go to: Birmingham and Atlanta. It was more natural. After that wondrous

exploration at the zoo, we started our trip back home. For much of the time, I slept in the car so

that I could get enough energy to get ready for school the next day. But amidst our route, we

had to stop at Macon so that Dad could pick up his car from at the hospital. Once that was done,

we continued northward for home and after an hour of driving, we finally arrived tired from our

trip, yet we still had some joy left from Florida. I cant wait to visit Cocoa Beach once more!

(And as for the photos, I took those in Florida!)

ISIS: An Impending Apocalypse

Soham Kar, Grade 8 The acts of terrorism that are carried out by extremist groups are a major issue in

todays world. The terrorist group, the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, has posed impending problems for not only the United States, but for nations around the world due to its extremist ideas of proving its religious supremacy. Compulsion of their religion, Islam, is the foundation of ISIS, believing they have the duty to carry out their Gods wishes to improve mankind. Such groups feel convinced to punish those who fail to comply with their Gods orders. Some countries, however, have hesitated to take action against this terrorist group, as it has recently been shown as more active. America and its allies should combat ISIS due to the terrorist groups rapid growth, influence, and the threat it can pose to the free world in the future. To begin, ISIS has only recently been noticed by the world population and is already growing to be more powerful than other immense terrorist organizations. The organization itself was also carrying out an explicitly clear step-by-step strategy...that would feed its accelerated rise (Baker & Schmitt). This is mainly because ISIS has a large amount of resources ready for use. It is one of the most funded terrorist groups in the Middle East, being largely funded by wealthy Saudi Arabian businessmen. The majority of its wealth comes from activities such as smuggling oil and weapons, taxing local business within their regime, and crimes such as robberies and organized heists. The terrorist group also has many members, with more joining every day. ISIS can use more men in its attacks and hatch larger terror plots using these men. ...the strength of ISIS relative to the Iraqi army may be such that he would recommend abandoning Obamas oft-repeated pledge against returning US ground troops to combat in Iraq (Ackerman & Jalabi). ISIS is indeed one of the most powerful terrorist groups heading its operations from the Middle East today. Furthermore, The Islamic State has one of the strongest influences of all the terrorist groups stationed in the Middle East today. The terrorist group uses various forms of propaganda including videos, pictures, posters, and the social media to influence and radicalize both adults and youth to believe in their ideology. One particular example of ISIS propaganda is a video in which a child executes two grown men on camera. These forms of propaganda display the Islamic State as a mighty and dominant organization, capable of changing the world. This leads to more radicals being recruited by ISIS and youth being brainwashed by this ideology. Young people are more easily influenced by these forms of propaganda as they are nave and do not understand what is justified and what is evil. Although some may say that only people from the Islamic world are joining ISIS, this is proven to be false as people from Europe and even America are joining the Islamic State every day, and people originating from different races are

joining from these countries. ISIS has a major influence over the world and is gradually becoming more and more diverse in terms of nationality. Finally, In the future, ISIS has the potential to pose a greater threat to all nations if allowed to develop over time. As the Islamic State recruits more terrorists and obtains more resources, it is slowly acquiring the potential to invade and conquer other nations located near their regime. ISIS might especially target corrupt and economically unstable countries as these nations are easier to take control of. ISIL probably will attempt to take territory in Iraq and Syria in 2014... (Baker & Schmitt). The Islamic State also has the ability to produce more complex and strategized terror plots as its member count rises. Some believe that if his nation does not pay heed to the ISIS terror group, it will not attack his country. However, this is not true as the Islamic State threatens to conquer every nation in its quest to prove the supremacy of its ideology and will attack any country if needed. ISIL is a direct threat to the safety and security of the United States and our allies (Taintor). In retrospect, no nation is safe from the ISIS regime until the terror group is forcefully disbanded or defeated. Overall, the United States and its close allies should take the necessary steps to combat the ISIS terror group because of its steady growth, large influence, and the impending danger the terrorist organization poses in the near future. Although the idea of freedom of religion is widely accepted by the modern world, many countries occupied by ISIS do not accept the idea of human rights and restrict basic human rights to their citizens. In reality, this is not one countrys fight; it will take a coalition to successfully combat the Islamic State. Contact your nearby governmental officials and present the idea of taking actions against ISIS to him or her. We cannot allow the Islamic State take control of our free world.

Its a BirdIts a PlaneIts Anika! By Anika Patel

Charles Schultz had once said Life is like a ten-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use. I realized how true this statement was, only this past summer when I was going to make one of my dreams come true! On a lazy afternoon this summer, I was lying on the grass looking at the clouds float by. There were some sparrows flying in the sky, which made me wonder once again, what it would be like to fly like one, high up in the sky and free? I have been on a plane several times before but I am guessing it is not the same as flying like a bird! A plane cant do what an eagle can! The plane is a huge machine filled with people and busy attendants and we sit in it protected. I was sure that I would never be able to become a bird but was I going to be able to fly like one, ever? Over the summer, my family and I took a vacation to Destin, Florida. We had lots of fun on the beach, played with the sugary white sands and when we got hot, we splashed into the emerald green waters of the Gulf. My little sister Dia and I were bobbing on our boogie boards and were laughing while riding the waves. We spent all our days enjoying the sun, sand and the waters. On the last day of our vacation my father announced that he had a surprise for us. We parked our car along the bay and followed the captain of a boat and his assistant to a boat. That was just the beginning of our adventure that I was always going to remember! I found myself being secured with a life vest, and some buckles and chains. I was getting really curious and was wondering what lay ahead of me! My father was already ready with his life jacket and the tethers. My mother smiled at me as though letting me know that I was going to have some fun with my Dad. My little sister looked us at quizzically. After following a few short certain instructions, I suddenly felt a tug! Lo and behold! I was lifted up in the airI was flying as though I had grown wings! I felt I was Gulliver as I watched my Mom and sister grow tinier in the boat. That is when my Dad told me that we were parasailing 600 feet above the waters! I was high up in the sky. I was a cloud. I was a bird. I was flying! It was so windy I almost thought I was going to get blown away, and a s I looked down into the green waters I started to have butterflies in my stomach. What if the rope snapped? What if I fell into the water and landed in a sharks tummy? My Dad sensed my fear and spoke to me about how we were safe and then asked me to see the other colorful parasails around us in the sky and enjoy our ride. My father has always been a sportsman and has played competitive sport his whole life. He has often inspired me to try out new things and experience thrilling rides and games. So, with him by my side I realized I was already safe. I was enjoying my flight as a bird. I was no longer nervous. I did not know I could be so brave! I was up in the air for ten minutes when I felt that we were being lowered. Our boat, Mom and Dia seemed to get closer, they waved at us and we were landing. Behind me I saw our huge bright green and yellow colored parasail come down with us and then, Swoosh! My feet brushed against the waters and I was in them knee deep. It was a wonderful feeling, refreshing,

exhilarating and terrifying too! I let out a loud squeal! I found myself gliding gracefully through the water for a few minutes after which I was above its surface. My feet touched the hard white surface of the boat and it felt great to be walking again! My parents were so proud of me! I was happy and proud of my achievement too. My little sister was very happy to see me and she wished to go up flying in the sky like me. They would not let her, as she was too young for it. Maybe next year when we go on our vacation to the beach she will be the first one to fly. I think I had inspired her. She will live her dream, just like I had lived mine!

The Beautiful Moon

By Diya

SOLITUDE

Sweet Solitude

Why must you elude

Me, who seeks you,

Relentlessly chasing

For a dream long forgotten

Of peace and music

Am I bound

Though others say otherwise

Am I destined

To live like thus described

Yearning for you

In between the shadows of the sun

For those who are alone

Are not always lonely.

Srija Sengupta

Age: 14

Grade: 8th

The Festival Holi

By: Anika Bhattacharya

Holi is one of the most colorful festivals of India. It is celebrated globally. It is celebrated in

March. In Holi, you are supposed to throw a bunch of colors on people. Holi is just a barrel of

fun. A night before Holi, a bonfire is lit.

There is story to this festival. Once there was a king named Hirnyakashyap. He tried to burn his

son Prahlad, who believed in Lord Vishnu. The kings sister Holika had a boon that she would not

be burned by the fire. So the king asked his sister to kill Prahlad. Prahlads devotion was pure

hence Holika was burnt to ashes in his place. The moral of this story is that Holika is burnt a day

before Holi, to symbolize the victory of truth over evil.

In Holi, most people cook their favorite dishes, dress in white clothes and then they celebrate

with Gulal, which is a colored powder, water guns and water balloons. When I was playing Holi in

my backyard with my family, we were all pink. Everybody kept on smearing and throwing pink

gulal everywhere. It was a lot of fun. Holi has taken a global dimension and is celebrated with the

same fervor all around the world. I loved playing Holi this year and I am looking forward to

celebrate it with all of my friends next year!

The Columbian Exchange or Grand Exchange refers to the widespread transfer of animals, plants, culture, human populations, communicable diseases, technology and ideas between the American and Afro-Eurasian hemispheres in the 15th and 16th centuries, related to European colonization and trade (including African/American slave trade) after Christopher Columbus' 1492 voyage. For Native people, the discovery of Europe (through colonization) was a discovery of death on an unimaginable scale and of a struggle for cultural survival that continues to this day

A poem from a Native Americans perspective

By Anika Patil

I am kind and traditional I wonder why guns were ever invented I hear the screams of my dying relatives

I see world peace I want a peaceful traditional life

I am kind and traditional.

I pretend to ride a horse like a Spaniard I touch the heart of my family

I worry about becoming a slave I cry over my mothers deathbed

I am kind and traditional

I understand the world is not perfect I say kindness is always returned

I try to survive and be grateful I hope to live a satisfied life

I am kind and traditional ************************************************************************

Juthika Roy An Embodiment of Meera Written by: Manju Ghosh When we think of 15th century saint-poetess Meera bai and her couplets and bhajans (devotional songs) in the praise and worship of Lord Krishna, the first person that comes to mind is Juthika Roy who is called Adunik Meera by many Meerabai was a princess and devotee of Lord Krishna from Rajasthan. Her poems are popular throughout India and have been published in several

translations worldwide. In the bhakti tradition, they are in passionate praise of Lord Krishna. In most of her poems she has described her unconditional love for her Lord.

Just like Meerabai who at the age of seven became deeply enamored by a statue of Lord Krishna and kept it all her life, Juthika Roy too was deeply interested in singing bhajans from age six. She followed Meerabais message that Krishna bhakti is the best way to live life as it helps us forget our desires and this in turn helps us attain moksha (liberation).

Meera's songs are in a simple form composed in simple rhythms with a repeating refrain, collected in her Padavali. The extant versions are in a Rajasthani and Braj, a dialect of Hindi spoken in and around Vrindavan in her times.

Since radio was the only media in 1920s to express ones musical talent, Juthikas father used to take young Juthika to Calcutta Radio many a time for auditions and was repeatedly told that she was too young and was not ready for prime time. Without getting discouraged Juthika continued practicing singing. Finally, at age 12 she gave one more audition that won hearts of people in charge and agreed to let her sing on radio. Her first record was released and Juthika was on her way to become a great singer. She was groomed by Kazi Nazrul as well as Kamal Das Gupta, who was very famous music director/composer. Juthika Roy is perhaps the only singer who dominated airwaves for over 25 years not by singing Filmy songs, but by singing bhajans and geets in Hindi and Bengali. In her lifetime, Juthika may have sung no more than 200 songs/bhajans, but almost all of them had become popular and are still popular even after so many years. It has been said that Juthika Roy inspired Lata Mangeshkar, Anup Jalota, Anuradha Paudwal and others to sing Meerabais bhajans and release their own albums. Their singing style is often compared with Juthika Roys. There are two secrets of popularity of Juthika Roys bhajans. The first secret is Juthikas soft, melodious and silken voice that stir up ones emotions and spiritual side. The second secret is that almost all of her bhajans are composed by great composer Kamal Das Gupta using very simple classical instruments. Along with Meera bais bhajans, Juthika has also sung bhajans by Kabir and Surdas.

Juthika Roy had honor of singing bhajans on the 15th August 1947 at the request of late Jawaharlal Nehru on the Red Fort. Later on that day she attended a function at the prime ministers residence and entertained the guests. Juthika Roy had also met Gandhiji when he had visited Calcutta in 1946 and sang a couple of bhajans at his request during her private audience with him. Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was also very fond of Juthikas bhajans and befittingly awarded her Padma Shree title in 1972. Even after she retired, she was facilitated for her contribution throughout India. I can vouch for the divinity of Juthika Roys bhajans. My father was very fond of her singing. We had a gramophone in our house and my father used play Juthika Roys bhajans every morning that would wake us up slowly and gently. Since childhood bhajans like ghoonghat ka pat khol, nainan mere tumhri aur, ora chahite jaane na, prodip jagiya raho, bonar kusum bale are ingrained in my mind for ever. Not a single day has passed, when I have not listened to Juthika Roys bhajan or two.

Like Meera bai, Juthika Roy had given up all the luxuries of life; she remained single all her life and work only simple white saris. Juthika Roy lived a long and healthy life in seclusion in a small apartment on Shyampukur Street in Calcutta with her two sisters.

Her bhajans will continue to resonate in our ears for ever and will inspire many to recite them in public and private programs. I am so fortunate to have met her once and had given me the lyrics of one of my most favorite rendition meri veena ro rahi hai written down in her own handwritings. Juthika Roy recently passed away at a ripe age of 95. In order to satisfy repeated demands by fans of Juthika Roy, the Gramophone companies have recently released following albums in CDs: Pipu Piyu Gaye Papiya, Mona Pare Aaj, Geet Manjari, Bhajans of Juthika Roy, Bhajan Alekhha and Calcutta Telephones 1 & 2. Here are links to a couple of Juthika Roys bhajans: (1) ghoonghat ka pat khol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVdt6Hjus3A (2) meri veena ro rahi hai

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQpDEuQMNc4

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Cover TitleTable of ContentsEditorial1. FloridaTrip 20152. ISIS An Impending Apocalypse3. Its a Bird Plane Anika4. The Beautiful Moon5. SOLITUDE6. The Festival Holi7. A poem from a Native American s perspective8. Juthika Roy An Embodiment of Meera9. Barsher Concert110. Bishwa Cup11.