My Grandpa My Role Model

My Grandfather. A fearless man. Bold and Strong. He feared nobody except the Almighty God. One who did not let himself get swayed away with the waves of Life. He would remain calm, composed and wait till the tide pulled back itself. He never lost hope and faith in Life even when the most ill-luck stuck him. 

A large hearted person, whom I have often seen giving away clothe, food and money to the poor and the needy. While travelling home, once he even gave away his favorite sweater to a poor man who was shivering in cold and who had very little clothe hung onto his bare body. That sweater was the one knitted by his eldest daughter and gifted with love.  

He used to say "There would be good days and bad days in Life. Be brave. Accept the good and the not-so good equally. And then one day, the bad times would be over so soon without even having you realising that."  And about my grandmother, she was an equally sweet lady.

My grandfather came to India after the 1947 partition as a 16 year old young lad. Quite devastated and uprooted, he somehow managed to continue his education. Then one day he received an offer to join the Indian Railways. However, he had to quit due to mounting pressure from the family members who did not approve of him staying separately and away from home. Things were not so liberal at that time and also, there was lot of emotional attachment in the family. 

Gradually days turned into months and months into years. He understood it was time to make a bold say in the family. He no longer wanted to strive at the earnings of the elder brothers. He started off his own business. Initially, he began in a small way. As money started pouring in, he saved a little out of it for re-investment. Thus began his story of success. He eventually established a very successful transport business and earned the respect and honor he deserved. I remember how I loved listening to him as he narrated his early days. He was a avid book reader too. He always stood by me and instilled faith and courage in me.

Today, though he is not with me anymore, he still resides in my heart and mind. I respect him and am grateful to God for letting me have him as my grandfather. May I have him in my every birth. Grandpa, you are one in a million! You shine higher than the stars in the sky.

I am writing about #MyRoleModel as a part of the activity by Gillette India in association with BlogAdda.com

Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station

Tollygunj Metro Station or the rightfully named Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station is a major hub or junction for the office-goers. There is a aristocracy in its looks. There is a lot of hustle-bustle. You will see men, women, young ladies walking fast as though the Cinderella clock will turn 12 in no time.

This Metro Station has long connection with the Tollywood (the Bengal version of Bollywood and Hollywood). Hence the name Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station, the evergreen hero of the Bengal Cinema and everyone's sweetheart. 

A number of branded outlets have sprung up in the area. A diverse range of eating joints to attend to your hunger-pangs. Right from Biryani, Tele-Bhaja (Pakoras), Dosa-Idli, Puchhka (Golgappe), Chinese Noodles, Momos, Chilli chicken to Bengali Luchi & Chholar dal (Puri & bengal dal), Egg-Roll, Chicken Shawarma Roll, Chips, Soft Drink, Tea/Cofee -  act over the senses and will make you hit at one of them atleast.

Fashion Jewellery, Trendy clothing shops are the regular opt for many who have a tight time schedule.

There is so much life all around. Bright and Colorful. Happy & Cheerful faces. That Brings a smile on your face.

Morning Vegetable Market

This is about the local vegetable market in one of the neighborhood in Kolkata. Every morning by the time you sip your first cup of tea, the vendors are out on the streets unpacking their large baggage's. Within few minutes, the road sides would be engrossed like a Fair with the villagers selling everything right under the sun. These are the rural people who come from far-flung villages, wake up at 3 am before dawn sets in, travel 3 to 4 miles by foot in the dark to catch the first train and by 6 am they are seen in your locality, while some of us are still in bed. Each one has its own item/product. Fresh Vegetables, tempting fruits, flowers, Bengal specialties, fish, exotic veggies, newspaper/magazines draw the glance of the people passing by. Mocha (Banana Tree Flower), Thor (Banana Tree Stem), Kacchu Saag are the Bengali's favorites.

After an hour, the roads are full of men and women buying the days vegetables quotas. Conversation and stories get woven in the air by the vendors with the customers. Few standing around try to add a bit more spice and humor to it. By now, around 8 am, many are done with the bazaar for the day and return home with their bags filled, hoping to have the best meals made.

Its Raining!

Rain Rain come up - was the phrase that was on the mind of every person in Kolkata. The scorching heat and the burning sensation left almost no breeze to soothe our profused sweated body. Heat and Humidity were the two upfront players this month. Prayers, eagerly made wishes and patience bore the sweet result. Dark clouds appeared from nowhere and covered the whole sky with a thick blanket to blacken out the sun. 

Titter-Tatter, big droplets fell onto the ground and quenched the thirst of the mother earth. Tree leaves revived and the color turned greener. Roads washed clean. Buildings renewed. It looked as if the whole city of Kolkata had taken a shower. It’s time of the umbrellas again. Kids would be seen in raincoats. Coffee or Tea with Samosas/Pakoras would be the lovely monsoon snacks for ladies, students and the elderly people. We still wish more rain and storms to brighten up our city.

Eco Tourism Park, New Town

Eco-Tourism Park, also known as Prakriti Tirtha is a Eco friendly amusement park located at Rajarhat, New Town, Kolkata (India). The park is situated on a 480 acres land and surrounds more than 100 acres water body. A perfect heading for family and friends who want to spend a good leisure time in an Eco-friendly environment. The main attractions are Musical Fountain Show, Rose Garden, Traditional Bishunupur houses, Artisan's Cottage, Children's Play Zone, Shikara Ride,  Kayaking, Water Zorbing, Tropical Forest,  Bird watching, Duo Cycling and so on.

Sound and Light Show

There's the sound and light fountain show which is really amazing. You just cant take your eyes off. A rhythmic change of  colors - blue to pink - to red, green to golden yellow to multicolored green pink and so on. The reflection on the water was adding more beauty. The Tagore songs played on the background amidst color, water and light simply spurred life onto everything.

People were sitting amused and spell-bound in beautifully carved wooden tree trunk chairs. Everyone wished it never ended and continued forever endlessly. It was a breathe-taking event.

Traditional Huts

A village house - with a thatched roof, mud walls and a wooden slit window did happen to catch the sight of the passers-by. You will definitely stop here for a moment or two.  There is a barrack fence built all round the house to stop cattle from entering the house.

Jungle Book

Now its time to trek trough the jungle at night. Here you can spot deer, chimpanzee, elephant which looked no else real.

You can touch them, feel and click pictures with these animals too, at the Eco-Tourism Park, New Town.

Bird Observatory

You can on to the Top and watch migratory birds of various origins far-off. Breathe in fresh air and appreciate the beauty all around.

Bishnupur House

Does this house remind you of something?

These are the unique houses carved in Bishnupur style.  The traditional houses offer emotional warmth and familiarity with your inner self. Love to gaze at them!

Rose Garden

There is a large Rose garden where you will find roses of various colors and origins. Smell the fragrances of the lovely roses as you stroll by.

These are the wooden bridges with British Lamp Posts and specially designed  wooden chairs to soothe your feet after the long walks.

Stroll/Cycle/Jog

You may opt to take a stroll or simply jog.  You can even hike a twin ride cycle which would be great fun for kids and adults as well.

While on your journey, you will see beautifully stone carved statue of a girl jogging with her dog, trees with large ripe mangoes, lit trees and so on.

Boat Ride/Shikara

Don't miss the shikara ride at sunset in the Eco-Tourism park. You shall have the cool breeze from the water as well the beauty of the sun setting in the West. And its reflection on the water waves. Adventure seekers can opt for Water Zorbing, a memorable experience altogether.