THE COGNITION TREE

October 2018 Issue Volume 1

Reviews... Page -2 | Opinion... Page - 3 | Photostory of Durga ... Page - 4 | Through Lenses... Page - 5 | Literary Wisdom... Page - 6 | Travellogue... Page - 7 | Interview Corner... Page - 8 NEWS IN BRIEF The Call for ‘MAA asche’ Bollywood joins #metoo Priyadarshini Mukherjee pandals and the deities. The work of art of the pandals, i.e., the puja stations where Yaa Devi Sarva Bhute Shu, the deity is established and the puja is held, Shakti Rupey Na Sanskrita| is always presented via exciting themes or Namasta Seyi Namasta Seyi, subjects. The themes mostly signify history, Namasteseyi Namo Namahaaa|| science, art and literature, modern life, society or any latest event. They are he is the one revered since ages and steeped in our rich culture and traditions. reverted to always to picturize the The themes also are sometimes discovered Smanifestation of women power, the as upholding various pertinent social issues greatest epitome of strength and vitality. and places causing general awareness. With Tanushree Dutta accusing actor Nana She is the one who annihilated Mahishasura Pujas generally entice various sponsors Patekar of harassing her on the sets of Horn and is a figurative representation of the from a lucrative prospective who cohere ‘OK’ Pleassss and later sending political domination of good over evil in our society. for its brand promotions at the same time; it is metaphorically symbolized is a formative ground for any projection of party goons to cover up the act, it seems by the ‘Sharater er Akash, kash phooler art and literature. It also aids the founders like the industry has also joined the famous bon’, the morning dew washing the tired of the Puja or the clubs holding the puja #metoo movement. grass, the mesmerizing smell of the coral to keep all the possible safety measures in inspired by various fashion magazines jasmine (shuili phool) and the playlist of mind. The pujas even get categorized for inundated with countless fashion labels, Antara Choudhury- ‘Aye rey chhutey numerous sections of awards bringing a Supreme Court strikes down even street fashion is a razzmatazz. From Aye’ resonating from each hut and all the recognition to both the founder and the 158 year old adultery law baby boomers to Gen Z, all stoops in the houses, mansions and flat buildings around sponsors with huge media coverage. best pursuit to pose for a striking look. The Kolkata and its outskirts. This brings in the “Husband is not the master of wife”. designers gets a new dimension giving an essence of Durga Puja to me. Still to some puja means the sweet Section 497 punished a married man for oomph to fashion. Not only does Durga Puja means the fragrance of ‘Hasnuhana’ flower or the having sex with wife of another man. On night blooming Cestrum, adda with As each day of the festivity right away from 3rd October Supreme Court of gave friends at Maddox Square, offering anjali Panchami (the fifth day) to Vijaya Dashami the verdict that having sexual relationship the 10th or the last day) passes, people outside marriage is not punishable under grows experimental with the new clothing the law. lines and jewelry brands.

The best part about pujas is that after the rigorous dieting and work outs all around the year, people find their solace in junk food. The stalls beside the pandals are always the main attraction. To some, their taste palates can only be content with rolls, liberalization of the soul on a philosophical noodles and biryani giving a frequent drops scale but when it comes to the modern to regular cafes and high end restaurants. day society, the carnival of 4 days, as it is, on Aastami, embracing family time, Though the mass acts finicky now to health showers in colorful spirits also among us. participating in cultural activities of the and hygiene, generally opting for indoors, Thus, this is also as a fiesta of the fashion localities that encompass singing, dancing the crowd who are more of movie buffs mongers. Cropped tops with ethnic with the dhakies and showing off dancing differ in their decision of dropping in the incorporated with a skills through the dhunuchi dance. On the Farmer’s rally in Delhi restaurants, multiplexes, clubs, and pubs all pant for men while a ‘kamar bandh’, a red day of the immersion of the idols, after these days. Farmer’s belonging to the Kisan Bharatiya bordered white saree of silk with a vermilion the offerings of Maa Durga, the married mark on the forehead the charts as the women smear each other’s face with Union (KBU) began their Kisan Kranti Foreigners, who having a knack in ladies’ fashion code. The men don a look sindoor (vermilion) spreading love and March from Haridwar on September 23. exploring the rich culture and tradition that inspired by the God Kartikeya, the numen prosperity of their families and wishing is sported by the city takes a huge delight Thousands of farmers in a large convoy with valor and armor, and some even tries long life of their spouse. The immersion during these days. Kolkata goes through got involved in a huge stand-off with the to get themselves the touch of the latest ceremony witnesses ‘bhashan’ dance with its “salad days” in its spirit for the pujas. hues of the ever-changing fashion. Hence, a hope that “ascha bochor abar hobey”, security forces on the Uttar Pradesh- Delhi Kolkata might be colored by variegated People turns dapper and dives in shopping, i.e., the year will come around to bring the border. hues but the prime attraction of Puja is its Devi again to us.

Shifting Perspectives Rapti Mukherjee Women empowerment is indeed the most widely spoken The switch in concept needs to start with women and discussed issue of recent times across the globe. themselves. There is a compelling need to abandon the Gone are the dark medieval ages when women were stereotypical ideas of masculinity and educate men on forced to hide behind the veil of dominant patriarchal the shortcomings of dominant, patriarchal cultures from customs. The modern day Indian women have come an early age. Efforts should be undertaken to urge men to a long way aided by the actions concerning ‘women speak up against violence towards women. The arena of empowerment campaigns’. male ego is to be nurtured in a way that will prove to be beneficial for the greater society. When we think of women empowerment today, we visualize the urban working women or successful Familiarity with the concept of ‘male empowerment’ for entrepreneurs of rural self-help organizations. the prosperity of women is to be inculcated among all. However, it is very evident from the daily incidents of The idea of including only women in workshops on gender abuse, harassment, trafficking etc that women are not issues need to undergo radical changes. truly empowered. A much neglected aspect of this scenario is the issue of As mentioned earlier, it is only through united alerting and educating men for the sake of empowering understanding of both men and women, society will women. It should be realized by all that the harmony of the prosper fruitfully. The greatest ever example of this is society at large equally depends on both the sexes. It is perhaps the story of Goddess Durga and her triumph over ou can tell the condition of a nation by looking by the culmination of both the powers, the world will grow the demon Mahishashur. The Gods, forgoing their masculine at the status of its women.” to be a humane and generous living space. Therefore a ego, wholeheartedly aided the Goddess with their gifted weapons. It “Y-Jawaharlal Nehru major shift in perspective is the need of the hour was this combinative endeavor that established righteousness in this . Universe. October 2018 Issue Volume 1 2

The tainted freedom Tagore’s renaissance through Ray’s modernity

arrested for a crime they didn’t commit. people due to clash of these ideas are brilliantly shown with beautifully composed Upon releasing they learn that a Hindu soundtracks. gang was planning an attack on the train which was scheduled to take Music has a very profound significance the Mano Majra’s Muslim population in any of Ray’s film, be it the soundtrack to Pakistan. They both had potential or the Tagore songs; the music gives the and own personal interest to save the cinematic moments to the film. train on the cost of their own lives. The development of character’s moral, The film tries to show the unadulterated rational thinking values and religion is anarchy between its protagonists and the beautifully embroiled with helplessness, outside world just like the book with the insecurity and growing tension the entire help of sound and editing. For instance time. It is understandable why this book is the scene at the end the camera shows often referred as the author’s ‘one of the the burning houses to indicate Bimala’s most controversial novels.’ guilt. The character of Bimala played by Swatilekha Sengupta in the film goes Another very astonishing aspect of the through an immense transition, from a book is how Singh managed to keep loving homely housewife to a passionate away the whole political agendas of women trying to break-free and finally self- the partition and gave a very human realisation; women in Tagore’s story are form to the whole story. The entire story Ujjayini Ghosh always well-written. In the film however, builds upon these simple people and the character doesn’t show these their struggle which is quite reasonable romantic drama set in the evolution quite well, some portions looks a as the people like that of Mano Majra backdrop of struggle for Indian little scattered. cannot afford intellectual bureaucracy. independence, an insight to the A To conclude “Ghare Baire” raises three Ujjayini Ghosh For these people independence is when political agendas that goes on during thousands of them got uprooted from a revolution and tumultuous dilemma very important aspects; ignorance among reedom is for the educated their own home with their life, stripped of a housewife wanting to discover the people, even the educated leaders people who fought for it. We off their respect, dignity, family literally herself- Tagore’s work had everything Ray about the necessities of the common were the slaves of the English, everything. needed to make a film which made a people to create Swadeshi movement “F during the National Independence now we will be slaves of the educated landmark yet again. Indians- or the Pakistanis.”- blatantly true To wrap up, the book is one of the best movement and the menace that it can and painful from a villager of the Mano reads if someone wants a nuanced It is said that Ray had written the script long create; emancipation of women without Majra, perfectly captures the sentiment and sincere portrayal of the partition. ago during 1940s for this film but started proper knowledge of the outside world and ruthless consequences the heartland With intriguing and heart-wrenching working only after 1982. One of the most and illusions of nationalism which can people had to go through during the storytelling Singh successfully captures captivating aspect about the film is the create extreme menaces. partition. one of the darkest times in the Indian depiction of the lead characters of the Singh, in his most noteworthy book movie. The two male leads Nikhilesh and Movie: Ghare-baire “Train to Pakistan” draws a very detailed Sandip marks a distinctive difference with description of each significant character their philosophy, values and perception; Director: which helps the reader to understand the exquisitely portrayed by Victor Banerjee increasing social and cultural differences Book: Train to Pakistan and Soumitra Chatterjee. Somewhere Story: of the time. down the line, we get to see the inner Author: Khushwant Singh turmoil of Tagore he had with himself Cinematography: Soumendu The story is set in a fictional village Mano his acceptance and denial of Western Majra, situated in the India- Pakistan Genre: Historical Fiction culture which he represented through the Roy border during the time of independence. two characters. Iqbal and Juggut and two main Release Year: 1985 characters who are totally different Publisher: Chatto & Windus The film’s plot development is highly from each other. Iqbal on one hand influenced by the tremulous political Cast: Soumitra Chatterjee, is an educated, atheist social worker Publishing Year: 1956 backdrop and rising tension during the who thinks rationally; whereas Juggut is Partition of 1905. The various Victor Banerjee, Swatilekha described to be tall, uneducated villager Total Pages: 181 regional campaigns with military as who places actions before thoughts. Due well as non-violent ideologies and the Sengupta to some circumstances, both of them are consequences faced by the common

Historical verdict on section - 377

Ayushi Sen On 6th September 2018, the Supreme Court of India condensed the section 377. This was declared ll LBGT community came out on the under the supervision of Chief Justice of India Dipak country’s roads and colored themselves Misra , Justices R. F. Nariman, A. M. Khanwilkar, D.Y. Ain the ground of sky rainbow. A rainbow Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra. Though it was that was held captive in the dark closet until the clarified by the court that non-human sex is still decriminalization of Section 377, the section which criminalized, this verdict has proven to be a huge was established on 1861, when we, the Indians step for the LGBTQ+ community in India. were still under the British Rule. The Bollywood celebrity who reacted first was Mr. Karan Johar. He tweeted showing his love and support for the verdict in favor of the LGBT community which stated, “Historical judgment!!!! So proud today! Decriminalizing homosexuality and abolishing #Section377 is a huge thumb up The other celebrities, politicians, and activists also for humanity and equal rights! The country gets its supported the decriminalization of the Section 377. oxygen back!” India is the 27th country to legalize LGBT rights of having public relationships. Let us not forget the names of those behind this bright rainbow, like Ritu Dalmia, and the others who fought from start to finish, from a gloomy night to a sunny morning until this verdict was approved.

Like there are scars on the face of our beautiful moon, there are people like Mr. S.Swami who feels that after this verdict, there will be an increase in Modeled after the Buggery Act of 1533 of the the number of people affected by AIDs. There are Parliament of England, Section 377 stated that also many who are still in disagreement with the anyone voluntarily having intercourse with the verdict culminating in favor of the decriminalization same gender or animals or “against the order of of Section 377. This is just the beginning of the long nature would be criminalized.” road ahead, but at the end of the day, love won its battle. October 2018 Issue Volume 1 3 Wisdoms on Love

your lover’s feelings. He/she is not a toy, “It is an absolute human Arvind Swammy Manisha Shaw pet, or something disposable you can eth ki tilliyon ko kabhi sukhte do not fully understand love, as my certainty that no one can know dump all your frustrations on. They are just boondon se pyaar karte dekha hai? mind is unfortunately twisted, but I’m like you, living, feeling beings with minds, R I hoping that if I pen this down, I can help emotions, and struggles of their own. Use his own beauty or perceive a murjhaate patto ko kabhi pedh ki daaliyon myself and others understand it better. the Golden Rule; Treat others as you wish se lipatte dekha hai? to be treated. sense of his own worth until it Love is patient, love is kind. It does not naadi ko kabhi bewajah pattharon se envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It You willingly forgive transgressions and has been reflected back to him ladhte dekha hai? does not dishonour others, it is not self- mistakes. Guess what? Nobody’s perfect, seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no not even you or your kindly, cookie-baking in the mirror of another loving, gaud se kabhi raat ko din mein badalte record of wrongs. Love does not delight in grandma. Nobody. How would you feel dekha hai? evil but rejoices with the truth. It always if you made a mistake and your partner caring human being.” protects, always trusts, always hopes, attacked you for it, always making little pyaar isse kehte hai. always perseveres. digs at you about it and reminding you of that long-ago past screw-up? Awful, tumhare liye maa ko kabhi hanste huye Love never fails. But where there are right? If the person you claim to love really dekha hai? prophecies, they will cease; where there does mean everything to you, show it by ― John Joseph Powell, The are tongues, they will be stilled; where forgiving. You don’t have to forget. All nanhi si bacchiyon ko baarish ki woh there is knowledge, it will pass away. God asks is that you forgive, because He Secret of Staying in Love. cham-chamati awaaz me naachte forgave you first. This passage is 1 Corinthians from the Bible. huye dekha hai? God’s Book is the ultimate source for any Love isn’t the thing society and the we, as an Individual have different question one might have, and its message entertainment industry has twisted it out to viewpoints and meaning of Love, let’s see phoolon ki woh naazuk si saakha ko na on love provides us with everything we be. It is pure, gentle, and entirely precious. what others has to share in their cognitive chahte huye bhi kabhi jhukte dekha hai? need to know about it. Love is the brilliant blossom the world has sense. taken a machete and flamethrower to, gaur se kabhi niche padhi dhool ko hawa Love is not demanding, cruel, lustful, or completely defiling and distorting the Aniruddha Banerjee me badalte dekha hai? based merely on how your reproductive image until we end up thinking like this: organs react to another person’s only hotties with big penises/DD boobs don’t have to love you like a Ruby pyaar isse kehte hai. reproductive organs. It’s not found in who are animals in bed are lovable. So red rose topaz or a carnations or sex, beauty, or large silicone breasts. It’s wrong! Watch Beauty and the Beast to incantation that propagate fire. oas ki chamakti neer ko kabhi ghaas ke nothing you see in the least, nor is it an remind yourself that looks are far from I chote patte ko sparsh karte dekha hai? emotion, because emotions change. everything. I love you like a certain dark thing is True love is patient, understanding, and loved, secretly between the shadow and kabhi bacche ki choti ungli baba ke mutthi rejoices in the other person. While chemical attraction is indeed the soul. me aate dekha hai? important, do not confuse it with love! Love is not something you see, just like I love you just like the deepest burning nanhi si chidiyaan ko kabhi hawaaon se God. Rather, it is something , and if it summer nights with my flesh resting in the ladh ke jujh ke aage badhte dekha hai? is legit, it doesn’t immediately shatter the gardens of hope. moment the relationship hits a pothole. gaud se kabhi apne sapno ke kareeb Just like the Shepard loves him lamb his kisiko tezz bhaagte huye dekha hai? Love is protecting your partner from the flock driven in the sea of hope just as the world and even themselves when they’re way how it goes love is hope. pyaar isse kehte hai. not at a perfect 100%. Love is trusting your partner with everything about yourself, Only your feet which walked upon the purey raat baith kisike saath uske haathon and making sure you don’t break their earth upon the wind upon the waters se baat karte huye kabhi kisiko dekha hai? trust, as well. Love is being able to be until they found me in the infinity. completely vulnerable with someone with pata nahi kyu lekin jab bhi uske paas rahe no fear, because you know they’ll never Imagine the world in a grain of sand toh waqt ko tezzi se badalte dekkha hai? judge you. imagine the heaven in a lovely flower imagine infinity in Palm of your hands and na chahte huye bhi apne sapnoo se alag It isn’t always spoken in those three eternity in an hour. hote huye kabhi kisiko dekha hai? little words. It isn’t always expressed in teddy bears or heart-shaped boxes of And yes, shan’t I forget the lavish lavender gaud se kabhi kisike ishaare ko khudme chocolates. You can’t find it in moonlit tides the pitiful equinox of the sun and we tabdeel hote dekha hai? carriage rides or strolls on the beach. The woke up with bitter taste of the land on only place you find love is in your heart, our lips tangled and drowsy the summer sayad pyaar isse kehte hai. and it is a true gift from God. solstice begins sayad... So, I said, my love feeds on your love beloved, as long as you live in it. It will be You feel a sense of joy and genuine Flatter me, and I may not in your arms without leaving mine. happiness for your partner’s successes. You want them to reach greater heights believe you. Criticize me, and and succeed in everything they do, and you’re always right there encouraging I may not like you. Ignore me, them every step of the way. and I may not forgive you. You love someone not for how they make you feel, but for who they are. For everything about them, including the Encourage me, and I will not flaws and the quirks. forget you. Love me and I may You learn to control your emotions for the sake of your partner and not let anger and be forced to love you. tension make you insane so you lash out at them. If I had been kinder to my partner, I ― William Arthur Ward would still have him, but I did not choose love, I chose selfishly expressing my unruly emotions, leading to the crumbling of our relationship. Be mindful and courteous of

Fun Fact Want your articles to be featured? Do Trick or treating comes from the Middle-Age practice of the poor dressing up in costumes and going you have wisdoms to share and photo- around door to door during Hallowmas begging for food or money in exchange for prayers. The food graphs to be showcased? send in to us at: given was often a Soul Cake, which was a small round cake which represented a soul being freed from [email protected] Purgatory when the cake was eaten. October 2018 Issue Volume 1 4 Photo Story of Durga Puja your home – stuff like crockery, cutlery, Tirthankar Das decorative items and other utilities. While strolling through the bustling lanes one “Those places where can find amazing “” work on kurtis, sadness and misery abound and even sarees. “Kantha” are favoured settings for work is one of the oldest embroidery craft from the eastern region of Bengal and stories of ghosts and appa- . Done in simple , often ritions. Calcutta has count- known as “nakshi-kantha”, the works are less such stories hidden in quite delicate and represents nature. its darkness, stories that Another attraction this market houses is its nobody wants to admit they huge range of street foods available in all believe but which neverthe- prices. Literally, with only spending hundred less survive in the memory bucks you can have a satisfactory meal. of generations as the only But, the only thing to keep in mind while shopping from such vendors is to bargain. chronicle of the past. It is People who are not so good at bargaining as if the people who inhabit are usually taken for a ride by these guys! the streets, inspired by So beware. . some mysterious wisdom, relalise that the true history at reasonable rates. The local makeshift of Calcutta has always been shops over here is where you can get written in the invisible tales Gariahat Road connects Ballygunge Phari with Prince Anwar Shah Road and Raja S.C of its spirits and unspoken Mullick Road near Jadavpur Police station. curses.” The Ballygunge AC market and the ― Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Emporium are two of the main attractions Midnight Palace which houses stunning handicraft and emporium of the government can also be seen here. Few of them are a little costly, but with the right vendor you can If you are not from Calcutta then you have have array of clothing pieces with 120 to to visit Gariahat market, often known as 150 bucks. the paradise for shopping lovers in South Calcutta. Gariahat market is one of the Gariahat since time immemorial has been famous and busiest market in the city of known to house some of the most brilliant, joy with an inclusive range of products elegant and exquisite Bengali saree stores starting from household products to saree, in the city. This along with other authentic jewelries ad so on. ethnic wear for kids and men alike, all

everything you need for your home – stuff “Rebellion sounded like a like crockery, cutlery, decorative items lot of fun, but in Calcutta and other utilities. While strolling through the bustling lanes one can find amazing there was nothing to rebel “kantha” work on kurtis, dupattas and against. Where would it get even sarees. “Kantha” work is one of the you?” oldest embroidery craft from the eastern region of Bengal and Bangladesh. Done ― Bharati Mukherjee, in simple quilts, often known as “nakshi- Desirable Daughters kantha”, the works are quite delicate and represents nature. everything you need for October 2018 Issue Volume 1 5 1 2

3

4

5

6

7

1. “The Dawn Pursuit” by Souvik Sur

2. “Race of Life” by Nini Prasad

3. “Urban Reflection” by Tirthankar Das

4. “Path Take-away” by Ronit Sarkar

5. “Agomoni” by Deepbrata Dutta

6. “Victorian Vibrance” by Ronit Sarkar

7. “Glimpse of Sorrow” by Tirtharaj Bose October 2018 Issue Volume 1 6

Mysterious Feminine Debi

Manisha Shaw Anik Banerjee

Glimpsed Neath the jeweled moonbeams bright, Bathed in innocence, grandly framed by light, The Goddess lightly steps through forests dense, Arrives at the River’s sparkling vast expanse.

She, whose very movement shatters hearts, Whose tender lips can break a man apart, She, whose love can heal a broken nation, Her sovereign glance, a piercing vibration. Your lips, your smiles, your stillness, She fills the sky’s unlimited space, your ever-radiant cries, With her glorious beauty and unblemished would never fade away, face, how much you try, Her strength a shield, she protects the or maybe I, weak, to forget you and move on. Her breasts suckle the young, tender and meek. Gone around a year, or may be a week, Sacred Feminine, Virgin, Mother, Crone, you always appear, She walks proudly through life; amidst the feather flowers, yet never alone, in lush greens, For She carries the masculine deep within as the brightest of haloes, her heart, in my thoughts darkening. Blesses every man from birth to death; alone, apart. Oh! Debi!!! Ushering you again. Midnight wind in her glowing, silken curls With arms wide open, Caresses naked skin against the warm and faith renewed, night air, for the pain must end, She pulls from the vibrant ethers, around a change is what I viewed, and about, since you went away. Till cloaked in light. Her power defies all doubt.

Stillness settles as the moon ascends. Glory She smiles and knows new life begins Only through Her, as cycles start and stop, She is All Women, holy and cleansed of sin. Aniruddha Banerjee

The Goddess shines through the darkest hour, while she lifted her lamp beside the golden Nurturing all love, and welding all power, door, She embraces Man, enchanted and dismayed, unlike the brazen of the massive glory He is oft times weary, lost and afraid. shown,

He cannot understand her fabulous the lady stood her ground with flame in Mystery, her heart. For her secrets lie in Divine simplicity, She is his Other, completed, holy and A heart which imprisoned the light. whole, When embraced as One: The one that ignored the millennium of as above, so below. paradise.

Her beauty and mystery draw him near while armed with might and will of aurum Like the soft, alluring eyes of a dove. and dressed in the blood-soaked He will understand the Mysterious Feminine fragments of pain. Only when he learns to truly love. what gods of Olympus, sitting in their coven thrones and tall bower will see withering and cruelty.

And whence the stars fade for all I know,

the rivers of pain and sorrow shall meet at the sea of strength.

For then the world will bow to my eternal glory. October 2018 Issue Volume 1 7 The Mesmerising Trip to Somewhere Contingent En-Route Wager Places and Food

Priyanka Sadhukhan First destination – Har Ki Pauri. My trip had any hotels to spend the night in. After 19 and travelling solo. We had a bonfire begun with this beautiful ghat which looking here and there for a while, I came then which turned out to be a very jovial In this en-route of life, I am going to take was on the side of the Ganges. Not just across a cyber cafe and went in to search you through an interesting ride of my first another beautiful place to stand by for hotels on the internet. And finally, solo travelling experience. So, let’s begin and admire but the place was a major I found out an affordable one, which with the backstory of how it all started. landmark of Haridwar. The ghat is on the cheered me up as night wasn’t turning out west side of the Ganges canal, while the to be as bad as I would have otherwise. I was on a train, en-route to Varanasi. I was Ganges is diverted towards the north. It is After freshening up I went to a nearby travelling with my friend Yukti for a debate believed that Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva restaurant ‘River View’, which served competition, when I got a call from the visited the Brahmakund here during the its name right. A beautiful view of the organizers that the competition had got Vedic times. I was amazed by the beauty Ganges, gorgeous interiors decorated, cancelled due to riots going on in the city, and simplicity of the place. The feel of having flat tables and like the whole that was the moment when the journey tranquillity was something that you could city, it offered a positively tranquilising took a new turn to the unexpected and just feel relieved with. Meanwhile, I was vibe. I had some mouth-watering cheese amazing time that was coming up. looking for a place to eat at, I eventually noodles and lemon soda there.

The next morning, I went out of the hotel to take a stroll through the markets of Rishikesh. There were different shops displaying embellished showpieces and affair. The night sky was beautiful. Full of keychains. I came across a restaurant- stars and the watching them so intently ‘Bangali restaurant’ (Any Bengali would while lying down had rather been a get attracted by the name and so did I). delightful time. Beleive me, the vibe from I had aloo paratha and a cup of tea. The the place and the people made me have place was full of foreigners. Then, I walked one of the best experiences of life. I slept till Laxman Jhula which is a suspension earlier that night than usual and the next bridge across the river Ganges. As I day, a new chapter in this journey began. lighted it and travelled through it, it was a rejuvenating feeling of freedom that I felt The rafting was an 18-kilometre-long stretch as the fresh and cool breeze blew through from Shibpur to Ram Jhula. We had to sign my hair. bonds that exempted the authorities from Our plan was cancelled but we couldn’t came across the famous Mohan Ji Puri any liabilities in case of any harm inflicted get down there, because my friend Wale. It was extremely popular amongst My next stop was the prominent Tera during rafting. Initially, our rafting guide didn’t want to. We had to decide then the people and it served such delicious Manzil temple. It has thirteen storeys and explained the meaning of some signs and and we couldn’t go to Varanasi as it Puri and Aloo, much to my stomach’s each storey showcases various Hindu asked us to use them during the course would have been unsafe for us. So, we content. gods and goddesses. Next, I took a taxi of rafting. Those 45 minutes were the travelled and got down at Haridwar. till Ram Jhula and from Kailash gate, I most breath-taking and amazing time of Haridwar was amazing but something I reached the first stop in Haridwar, Pawan went for sightseeing in Rishikesh. I saw the my life. Although I was scared when the just didn’t feel right. Despite our primary Dham, in a vikram. Vikram there refers to beautiful Bharat Mata temple, Kamakshi raft overturned during the course of the objective to go to Varanasi was the a shared 3-wheeler, like an auto rickshaw. Devi temple, Trivenighat and Rishikund, journey, but I had much fun doing rafting debate, I had been so much more into The place was like a breeze of fresh air, which was a hot spring and had also been and I promised myself that I would do it going there and exploring the place. it was mesmerizing. From there, I visited converted into a holy place. Located at again whenever I will come to Rishikesh, in After getting down, we had to stay at a the Bharat Mata Temple, one of the most alpine altitudes ranging from 1800m to spite of my aqua phobia. secluded place. The whole affair had visited temples in Haridwar, famous for 4350m, this place fascinated me been totally unprecedented and we had consisting 160 gods and goddesses. I reached Ram Jhula once again. The next no immediate plans of going anywhere. with its ambience. Quite popular amongst place on my list was Neelkanth Mahadev We spent the entire night together in the Next came up the cable car, which took the trekkers and locals, this stretched out Temple. I went there by a scooter as it was waiting room of the Haridwar junction. me to the Mansa Devi Temple. Gorgeous wide and served s an excellent viewpoint. located at a relatively high altitude. On my During that time, we came across two as it is, but the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pura Eventually, we went to the Parma Niketan way back from the temple, I came across travellers, which was undoubtedly one of ghat took mine breathe away. It was a temple, which had a chariot situated right a beautiful waterfall restaurant which was the best things of the trip. It’s a wonder remarkable treat to my eyes, vibrant and at the entrance. It’s located along the in itself, a visual delight. It offered amazing how you find people out of nowhere, soothing it’s one of the 3 main places Ganges and is home to a 14m tall statue food and after having my supper, I went unexpectedly with such similar interests where the Ganga Aarti happens; the of Lord Shiva which provides an amazing back to the temple. The temple was and we start talking to them like you’ve other 2 being Rishikesh and Varanasi. This view of the ashram. Being the largest beautiful and following that, I returned known them for ages. It’s that connection and one of the most popular ashrams in back to my hotel. The trip had been which intrigues you the most to matter. aorta was a very powerful and spiritual Uttarakhand, it offered inexpensive, calm, simply, beautiful. No other word could They shared about their travel interest and activity, and thousands of people had serene and sacred stays to the pilgrims better describe the place, ambience, my reason for excitement was Nainital. gathered there to catch a glimpse of and tourists. The visitors used to engage the people and the amazing experiences We kept on sharing wisdoms about that it and pray in the evening. The Ganges themselves in different forms of yoga and that I had throughout the whole trip. The but unfortunately, Yukti didn’t share the looked beautiful at sunset, with lights set traditional and aesthetic exercises and journey was adventurous and in the same same excitement as me so we lost the on the water to drift downstream. People activities such as acupuncture, yoga, way, mesmerising. The whole experience flow of the discussion. But what matters floated earthen diyas with burning flickers lecture programs, , meditation, was an unprecedentedly beautiful and was that it had ignite a spark in my feelings and flowers which looked like fireflies. universal prayers and even more. calming experience, and travelling solo and had made me want to go there even just like this was like a dream come true. The more. The next day, we travelled back to But the unfortunate thing happened The next place on my list was the famous following day, I went back to Dehradun our hostel and consequently, our most when I was in Rishikesh; my phone went Beatles Ashram. The name clicks you and one thing that I was sure of, was that memorable journey started. Our trip to dead, and I was left with no other source about the globally popular English pop this was just the beginning. For all of us, Rishikesh and Haridwar. of communication, I couldn’t search for band, The Beatles and yes, they stayed travelling has always been a delight and here once. In 1968, the Beatles travelled once the gush of wanderlust begins, that to Rishikesh to study Transcendental passion is hard to compose. I am looking Meditation, at the ashram of Maharishi forward for more solo trips and adventures Mahesh Yogi. The Band’s inclination in the future, which probably are waiting towards these teachings also had a to offer so many amazing experiences positive impact on the ways how the ahead. Western world viewed these teachings, and indeed on the band too. The main Thank you so much for being a part of highlight of the place was the art work this journey, and I hope you enjoyed the and graffiti of the band, which brewed up virtual smoke of imagination with me. nostalgia n my mind.

Now, comes the most interesting part of my experience. I visited Step Himalayan Adventures office and booked a camping and river rafting package for myself. A car took me to the camping site in Shibpur. It was pitch-dark when we reached there. We were then allotted tents and then had our evening snacks. There was a couple from Delhi who were staying in the tent next to mine. They were really nice people and were shocked to know that I was just October 2018 Issue Volume 1 8 Interview Corner Indian Couple Running Youtube Channel With Sensation Ayush Maskara from different companies/ Brands.

We are totally into VR Games. We have ITGC (Indian Tactical Gaming streamed VR games like VR Chat and Robo Recall on our channel as well. It feels as if Community) we have entered a totally different world when we use VR, our surroundings change Surround yourself with people you like and and it makes us feel like we are a real character inside the game, in which our make cool stuff with them. In the end, at least movements in real life dodge the bullets in virtual life. For one to better understand in my experience, what you do isn’t going what VR headset does, one needs to play a VR game or watch a VR movie. to be nearly as interesting or important as Answer:- I (Naman Sachdeva) decided to Answer:- From Retro games like contra, start the YouTube channel as I love to play Mario, etc. to modern games like PUBG Q11. Have you ever been to a date where games. Plus, on top of it I love interacting you’ve played the same game the whole who you do it with. ITGC (Indian Tactical PC, Battlefield V, Spiderman, etc., we with people from all around the world play all games. People love to see us both day but haven’t even talked to each (different people, different country, streaming together and in the same game other? Any experiences? Gaming Community) was formed in the different language, different ethnicity) and they feel connected to us. We read and YouTube provides me this amazing every chat and comment on our video Answer:- Oh yes, many times. During our year 2014 by a core Tactical Realism opportunity to live stream and it makes and hence we are closer to our audience honeymoon, at Disneyland we played me and my wife share a hobby together as well. My (Naman Sachdeva) favorite a lot of games at the game station (old player in India. With emerging trends in and keeps us happy. YouTube provides game is PUBG PC, and my wife (Smiley) school games like donkey Kong, contra, a great platform for creators and gives a loves PUBG MOBILE. These days, we both Tetris, iceman etc.) and Once when we Battle Royale games, Naman Sachdeva good place to showcase one’s skills and are playing PUBG MOBILE together. PUBG went to Japan, in akhihabra we played personality to entertain one’s audience. MOBILE is very popular game these days. games whole day on the game station. Japan is a wonderful place for anime (a.k.a. Based Pajeet and Smiley, His I being a tech freak would love to work with brands and showcase their products Q6. Does gaming in virtual life contribute lovers and game lovers I must say. We live on stream and in my videos. One such to arguments in your relationship outside enjoyed every moment of it. Wife, residing in Agra and winning video is my Razer Phone unboxing video virtual boundary? which is liked and that was appreciated Q12. What’s your gamer tag and what is hearts all over India) collaborated to by my audience. Answer:- I would like to explain this in one your preferred weapon? sentence. Game Over, Fight Over. heed their gaming hobbies and present Q3. How long have you been knowing Answer:- In PUBG Mobile, my gamer tag each other and what major impact has In games, I am very competitive and is Bsdpajeet and my wife’s gamer tag is their team work and skills in gaming and been there in both of your lives since the sometimes my wife is too and when SmileyGgamer. day you met and today? playing games together, we tend to technicities. improve each other gaming skills. After My preferred weapon is M4 with RDS (Red Answer:- We are together since 7 years streaming, we decide on what to play Dot Site) and Smiely loves ScarL and QBZ. now. We did love marriage. and how to play the next game for our audience and how to keep it interesting. Q13. Any gaming records you want to talk Smiley: Since the day I have met him, about? I am evolving hencefoth and now, he Q7. Has gaming helped you in your dating being a Tech lover and me a person living scene or envy with the virtual cum reality Answer:- None. subscriber? Q14. What is the best/ worst game you have ever played? And why great/ Answer:- Gaming has surely helped me terrible? with the dating scene. I am lucky to have a wife who enjoys the gaming hobby as Answer:- The best game which we have I do. played is PUBG PC, as it is too much fun to play. But, it is terrible at this time as Q8. What made you get into gaming in the too many hackers. So, that needs to be 1st place? And describe your journey from corrected. the start to foremost moment in reference to the skills not related to gaming? Q15. Any tips or advices that you want to share to our readers? in fantasy land and who loves dreaming Answer:- I first played Star Wars episode makes a good match. He makes my life 1, when I was young and after that it Answer:- To all the readers, if you play Q1. Please insight us about your YouTube a lot practical to live, protects me and got my interest and I started looking into pubg mobile, come play with us. But, channel and its commencement since loves me. When I was young, my dad got magazines and games and also got into make sure you complete your studies/ job the first subscriber. games for me like contra, Mario etc. and technology. Never looked back after that. and important work first then in your leisure I loved playing them. Pajeet also plays time play games. Gaming is a beautiful Answer:- I, Naman Sachdeva a.k.a Based games since childhood, which connects Smiley: I have always been a studious hobby which keeps you enlightened after Pajeet started this YouTube channel ITGC us even more. student, got excellent marks in my school work and makes you happy. Enjoy life and (Indian tactical Gaming Community), and highest scores in computer science every moment of it. Live in the present. in which me and my wife, Smiley (An Today, we are stronger as a couple in my college, have loved outdoor Indian Gaming Couple) both live stream because we share so many hobbies sports. Since Pajeet came into my life, To viewers: We make family friendly and upload videos. We upload Vlogs, together and know each other so well. my computer games have taken priority content. Do watch and get connected Technology videos and highlights of the as we get to have so much fun together. with us. videos which we live stream. It feels very Q4. Is gaming the only common grounds Never thought I would be a part of this good doing the same and our audience of interest between both of you and what amazing channel ITGC and so many To Streamers: Just stream what you feel loves it. We have reached to 57,000 major challenges do you face from similar people would love to play with us. Always happy to stream and your audience will subscribers and growing day by day. channels running similar content? wanted to have a husband whom I can surely find you and start watching you. share everything with and he one of those Q2. When and who among you decided Answer:- It is not only our love for games gems. I feel proud to be his wife. to start a You Tube channel and is it all which keeps us together, it’s our love for your bread or just happened with the for food, movies, travelling to gaming Q9. What are the upcoming games that flow? conventions like E3, Gamescom and you are excited about? Tokyo game show etc. love for badminton which completes our puzzle. Gaming is Answer:- Since the time we played the just one piece of the puzzle. In short, we demo versions of Cyberpunk, Devil May love doing everything together. Cry 5, Anthem, Battlefield 5, Call of Duty Black Ops 4. at E3 2018 in Los Angeles and There are tons of people running similar at Gamescom 2018 in Cologne, Germany, content, but we try and focus on our we just can’t wait for the games to launch content, and we make interesting, funny and get hands on experience. and entertaining videos for our viewers. Viewers are very happy when they see us Q10. VR systems are gaining popularity. play the same game together with each Are you into it or are you worried about other and they enjoy our chemistry. the contingencies?

Q5. What is your favorite game while Answer:- It’s a very advance technology. streaming and what are your thoughts Me being a well-versed tech individual about it? Do you play them together? have already tried all the VR headsets