1

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4 j−Ð]Lѯ... jÞuÊe auÊ jÊe\ e\ 6 [Ñ\à Ae[Ñ _t `[Þ 7 `ÊZÞ $ÊmVÞH Le Ae[Ñ _t `[Þ 12 Ganesha Krisha Rath 13 The Hypothetical Jackel Anjaneya Kar 14 My First Basketball Game Adi Dass 15 The Friendship Story Nilesh Sagar 16 My India Trip Anuska Mishra 17 Symbols ogh Symbols Anuska Mishra 18 Ishita’s Love for Pizza Ishita Patra 18 Houston Ratha Yatra 2010 Aryan Patra 19 Summer Vacation Aryan Patra 19 Mr. Doodle Head Rishav Mohanty 21 High Above the Trees Shilpita Mitra-Behura 22 High in the Storm Saswat Pati 23 Rhyme Saswat Pati 23 Jagannath in My Little World Saswat Pati 24 Plague Saswat Pati 25 Burger Islands Anuraag Routray 26 An Autobiography of a Tree Shyam N. Panigrahi 27 My Annual Day Shyam N. Panigrahi 27 Buchart Garden in BC Arnav Mohanty 28 My experience at BTSR Camp Arnav Mohanty 28 My Kumar Purnima Experience Devarun Dass 29 Cuttack Ma Ishita Patra 31 Shooting Star Ishita Patra 32 Dolphin Ishita Patra 32 2011 OSA Convention Dhara Chopra Mohapatra 33 Random Article Meha Mohapatra 35 Collection of Poems Divya Rath 37 Darkness Treeank Patnaik 38 Tectonic Plates Treeank Patnaik 39 The Fireman’s Escape Asha Dash 40 The Impatient Cat and the Fox Ishani Sahu 41 Anthony and Titus Ishani Sahu 42 Time Malina Maharana 44 My 8th Grade Schedule Simantini Mitra-Behura 45

@f[Ð, HLÐ]h jÕ²eZ, LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ, @Ò Ðae 15, 2011, kÔʽ_ç

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Home Away From Home Dr. Sanjukta Samantroy 46 Yoshi...in our life! Chetana Samal 47 Introducing my Late Grandfather Lisa Bedbak Alva 50 My Mouth, Your Mouth Gopal Mohapatra 52 17th Kelucharan Award Festival Soumya Rege 53

Bijoy Mahapatra Memorial Essay Contest: Imagination is better than knowledge 60 Group-A (Elimentary School) Devarun Dass 61 Saswat Pati 63 Anuraag Routray 64 Diksha Rath 65

Group-B (Middle and High School) Ishani Sahu 66 Divya Rath 68 Shruti Misra 70 Abhishek Routray 74

OCC Accounts details 75 Directory 76

@f[Ð, HLÐ]h jÕ²eZ, LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ, @Ò Ðae 15, 2011, kÔʽ_ç

3

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hÞhÊ j−Ð]L: hÐhé[ `[Þ

`Ío] `p hÞÁÑ: ¯ÊÒ_Ô_ç HaÕ @hÞé_Ñ e\

Alata An Annual Magazine of the Oriya Community of the Greater Houston Area

Editor: Arati Nanda Pati

Child Editor: Saswat Pati

Cover page: Yunuen and Aswinee Rath

@f[Ð, HLÐ]h jÕ²eZ, LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ, @Ò Ðae 15, 2011, kÔʽ_ç

4 j−Ð]Lѯ .... D_ê ʦ @Ò Ðae cÐj, HL aÞhÞ½ cÐj Ð @Ò Ðae 10 [ÐeÞM ÒafLÊ ÒNÐVÞL `Òe ÒNÐVÞH Ò_ÐÒamç `Êe²Ðee ÒOÐiZÐ bÐeÞ ÒeÐcÐqLe Ð jéÐyÔ, jÐkÞ[Ô, hЫÞ, @\à hб [\Ð aÞsÐ_ Òl[ÍÒe _Ë[_ ]ÞNç]hà_ [\Ð _Ë[_ DwÐa_Òe jÐeÐ `ó\ÞaÑ QfQqf ÒkÐBDÒW Ð b¦ÞÒe b¦ Òd`eÞ bNaÐ_*Ê `ÐBaÐe `ec jÞwÞLÊ @Ò`lÐ LÒe, aÞsÐ_ RÐ[Í, @aÒQ[_ c_Òe c^Ô Ò_ÐÒamç `Êe²Ðe `ÐBaÐe jÕbÍЫ jéÐ]LÊ jé`ðÒe D`m•Ñ LÒe Ð j[Òe `ÊZÞ d]Þ cÞÒf, `ÊZÞ HcÞ[Þ d]Þ cÞÒf, Ò[Òa [ÐkÐ bÐeÞ ]ÊÓM]! eÐmç$ç ½ÐB_çcÐ_ç _ÞÒS DwÐa_ LeÞ\ÞaÐ `Ð_çLÍÞAVÞLç LÔÐ_çjeçe QÞLÞjúÐ ÒLßÐhf `ÐBÜ ÒjÐcaÐe, @Ò Ðae 3 [ÐeÞMÒe Ò_ÐÒamç aÞÒS[Ð ÒOÐiÞ[ ÒkaÐ `ËaàeÊ ]ÊB]Þ_ `Ëaà hÊLÍaÐe ]Þ_ ÒjkÞ LÔÐ_çjeçÒe có[ÔÊ aeZ LeÞ\ÞÒm Ð _ÞÒS DwÐa_ LeÞ\ÞaÐ ÒLßÐhfÒe Òj QÞLÞjúÞ[ ÒkÐB QÐeÞaià aqÞ`ÐeÞ\ÞÒm aÞ `ó\ÞaÑ `Í[Þ _ÞS @a]Ð_e Ò_ÐÒamç ÒOÐiZÐe aÐZÑ hÊZÞ`ÐeÞ _\ÞÒm Ð ]ÊÓM mÐÒN có[ÔÊ `ËaàeÊ ÒjkÞ hÊLÍaÐe ]Þ_ Òj _ÞS mÐÒaÐeÐÒVÐeÑÒe D`yÞ[ \ÞÒm !

AmÊ@ mÞbÞNmÐ `eÞ ½Þbç Saçjç* @Ò`lÐLó[ lÑZ SÑa_ @]Þ_Òe TeÞNmÐ Ð hÞlÐN[ ÒdÐNÔ[Ð _\ÐB c^Ô HkÞ dÊNe _Ë[_ ]ÞNç]hàÑ ½Þbç Saçjç LÐfLÐfLÊ QÞe _cjÔ ÒkÐB ekÞÒa Ð Ò_ÐÒamç _ÒkÒm c^Ô [Ð* AB-Ò$Ð_ç `eÞ @Ò_L _Ë[_ ÒaßsÐ_ÞL LÐeÞNeÑ cZÞie Ò]ß_tÞ_ SÑa_LÊ jÕ`ËZà eËÒ` a]fÐB Ò]B\ÞaÐe `Êe²Ðe @[Ña ckré`ËZà Ð kÐ[e có]Ê ¸hàÒe, at OÒe ajÞ aràcÐ_ cZÞi bNaÐ_* `eÞ jaà[Í J jaà]Ð aÞ]ÔcÐ_ ÒkÐB `ÐeÊRÞ Ð dÊNЫLÐeÑ QÞ«Ð^ÐeÐ cZÞiLÊ @Ò_L D_ð[ J jÕbÍЫ LeÞÒ]BRÞ Ð [\Ð`Þ Òj\ÞÒe ekÞRÞ _Þ~àÞ½ jÑcÐÒeMÐ Ð SÐ`Ð_e `Íf¯*eÑ jÊ_ÐcÑ `eÞ lZÞLÒe `ó\ÞaÑ _ÞS LlQÔÊ[ ÒkÐB SÐ`Ð_LÊ ÒjkÞ A]Þc `ͪe dÊNLÊ VÐZÞ Ò_BRÞ Ð Ò[ZÊ jbÔ[Ðe `eÞ`ÍLÐh jk A]Þc[ÐLÊ LÞRÞ cÐ[ÍÐÒe SÐaÊXÞ ^eÞ eMÞaÐ DQÞ[ç Ð _ÒQ[ç, jcª aÊwÞe `eÞ`ÍLÐh LÕ`ÔÊVeçÒe kÞÜ ekÞÒm jaÊ]Þ_ `ÐBÜ _½ ÒkÐBdÞa Ð _Ë[_ dÊN baÞiÔ[Òe d]Þ LÞRÞ ÒMÐSÞ `ÐBaÐLÊ ÒQ½Ð LeÞa Ò[Òa ÒLaf ÒLÒ[L `âнÞLç ÒMÐfLÊ `ÐBa Ð ÒLÐZjÞ Dn `ͪeÒe d]Þ ÒLkÞ Ò`ÍcÞL Ò`ÍcÞLÐ _ÞS _Ðc ÒMÐÒ]B LeÞ\ÞÒa Ò[Òa baÞiÔ[ `Í[ð[ré aÞbÐN HL _Þ~Þའ@bÞc[Òe `kqÞa Òd "`Ëaà ÒmÐÒL ÒeMÐQÞ[Í A*Þ SÐZÞ\ÞÒm' Ð LÐeZ [Ð* `ÐBÜ ÒLßÐZjÞ `ʪL ÒMÐmÐ

@f[Ð, HLÐ]h jÕ²eZ, LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ, @Ò Ðae 15, 2011, kÔʽ_ç

5 ÒkÐB_\Þa, aeÕ jaÊ `ʪL LÕ`ÔÊVeçe kÐ[ ¸hàÒe at ÒkÐBdÐB\Þa Ð ASÞLÐmÞ `ÍЯ akÞ Ò]ÐLÐ_ ÒmÐ` `ÐBNmÐZÞ Ð [Ð RXÐ `te ]Þ_ c^ÔÒe LÕ`ÔÊVeç ÒVLçÒ_ÐÒmÐSÞ `ÊeÊZÐ ÒkÐB HcÞ[Þ @]eLÐeÑ ÒkÐB dÐDRÞ Òd ÒmÐÒL cЯРcóN `RÒe Ò]ßÐXÞ Ò]ßÐXÞ k« j« ÒkÐB NÒmZÞ Ð ASÞ AB-Ò$Ð_ç [ LÐmÞ aâÐLçÒaeÑ Ð ÒLÒ[ÒaÒf LÞH aâÐLç ADVç ÒkÐBdÞa [Ðe WÞLZÐ _ÐkÞÜ Ð

]Þ_ \ÞmÐ cZÞi kªÐle ÒmMÊ\ÞmÐ Ð Lmc jÐB[Þ eMÊ\ÞmÐ Ð aÞ]ÔÐf¯Òe QÞWÞ ÒmMÞaÐe @Ò_L jÒcÐé^_e ÒhßfÑ hÞMÊ\ÞmÐ Ð HÒa kªÐle aÐ QÞWÞ ÒmMÞaÐe ÒhßfÑe `Íhð DWÊ_Þ Ð LÐmçLÊÒmVeç aÔakÐe LeÞ 1 dʦ 8 jcÐ_ 9 ÒmMÞaÐe [ÑlçZ N[ÞÒe D_ðrÞ LeÞRÞ Ð B-aÊLç cÐ^ÔcÒe akÞ `YÐ dÐDRÞ Ð jkS D`m•Ñ Òk[Ê HkÐe QÐkÞ]Ð ÒahÑ Ð d]ÞJ LÕ`ÔÊVeçÒe akÞ `óºÐ 2D, [\Ð`Þ 3D ÒkaÐLÊ ÒahÑ ]Þ_ aÐLÞ _ÐkÞÜ Ð ÒaßsÐ_ÞL `w[Þ ÒdcÞ[Þ D_ð[Þ LeÊRÞ `ó\ÞaÑe ÒLÐÒZ @_ÊÒLÐÒZ BÃeçÒ_Vç ÒdÐÒN jaÊ sÐ_ D`m•Ñ ÒkÐB `ÐeÊRÞ Ð [\Ð`Þ `Íhð DÒW, jaÊ jÊM jéÐot \ÐB d]Þ \Òe `ó\ÞaÑ aâÐLçADVç ÒkÐBdÐH Ò[Òa @[ÔÐahÔLѯ SÞ_Þie cÐ_Ô[Ð L'Z ? Ò[ZÊ '@f[Ð'e H[ÞLÞ `ͯÐj lÊ]Í `ʪÞLÐVÞH ÒkÐB QÞe]Þ_ `ÐBÜ jcª* `ÐBÜ D_ê ʦ ekÞa Ð

cÊMÔ j−Ð]ÞLÐ LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ (@Ò Ðae 15, 2011)

@f[Ð, HLÐ]h jÕ²eZ, LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ, @Ò Ðae 15, 2011, kÔʽ_ç

New Arrivals

Ayan Biswal (June 24, 2011, 1:16:54 AM) Son of Arati Rani and Nrusingh C. Biswal, Houston, TX Teisha Dash (April 15, 2011) Daughter of Sushmita and Roopesh Dash, Jersey City, NJ (Honorary Houston Resident)

Anmol Alva (January 25, 2011) 2nd Son of Lisa and Ajjai Alva, Houston, TX

Ishita is 5yrs old and goes to Sugarcreek Montessori School in Katy. She is the daughter of Sarita and Gyanendra Patra. She loves to Dance, Sing and paint. She loves to play pretending as a teacher and wants to become one when she grows up.

Nishita is 6yrs old and is the daughter of Sarmistha and Jyotiranjan Kar of Pearland, TX. She loves to sing dance and read. She is the twin sister of Anjaneya.

6

jÞuÊe auÊ -jÊe\ e\

ÒLDÜWÊ AjÞR ÒLDÜ `ÍÐÒ« Oe, LÊk ÒcÐe `Íѯ auÊ, Ò_ßÐdÐ[ÍÞ [ÊÒc Ò_ßÐdÐ[ÍÞ cÊkÞÜ, `ÐeÞÒkaÐ AÒc `ÍhЫ jÐNe, TX Ò[Ð$Ð_ e jÞuÊ Ð

SÐZÞ_\ÞmÞ cÊÜ [ÊcLÊ[ ANÊ, _\Þm [ÊÒcÒcÐ ÒLÒa jÐkÐ, HB Ò[Ð$Ð_e jÞuÊ al yÒf, SÊAe bpÐÒe AÒtÐfÞ[ ÒkÐB, aÐkÊ@ÒR AÒc _ÞS _ÐA Ð

SÐZÞ_Þ cÊÜ [Êc @«ee L\Ð, kÍÊ]¯Òe S]Þ @RÞ LÞRÞ aÔ\Ð, @«ee ^é_Ñ kÍÊ]¯ ¸t_, Aj Aj auÊ NÐB NÐB dÞaÐ, @hЫ `ÍhЫ SÞa_e NÐ\Ð Ð

ÒafÐbËcÞ ÒcÐe ]Êe ]ÞNçaf¯, SÐÒZ_Ð cÊÜ auÊ [Êc mlyf, HB jc¯e jÐkÐ [ÊÒcÒcÐe, jc¯ ÒjÐÍ[Òe ÒMfÞ ÒMfÞ dÞaÐ dÐ[ÍÐ ÒLÒa Ac Òka_Þ _Þhç$f ÐÐ ~~~ jcЩ ~~~ It has been almost 16 years since I moved to Houston with my family. I have met friends at different points in time in the past. I have been blessed to have the friendship, love and support of all my friends in our not so big Houston Odia family. I dedicate this poem to all my past, present and future friends whose support, love and friendship I value the most during the course our journey.

@f[Ð, HLÐ]h jÕ²eZ, LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ, @Ò Ðae 15, 2011, kÔʽ_ç

7 [Ñ\à -Ae[Ñ _t `[Þ

Smt. Kanan Bala (Pari) Nanda

My mother passed away on a sacred Manabasa Gurubara day! I was on my way from Houston to Bhubaneswar alone with full of apphension. Since I received the news that she was in a hospital, I tried my best to see her as my most intimate and caring mother. The more I was hurried, the more I was delayed in Bombay. At the Bhubaneswar airport, my strides were even bigger than the "Selffish Giant". To meet her at a hospital in Cuttack would take me another one hour, was killing me. There came the truth! My mother was waiting for me in Bhubaneswar! Since 1995, whenever I went to India she was always there to receive me at the airport by traveling 10 hours from Bolani (Barbil). This time was no exception but with a great difference! She was ready to begin her final journey, the "Swarga Jatra". I touched her beautiful face! She was so soft and fresh at 63, as if she was sleeping tight with a beautiful dream! How could it was not a regular sleep?

@f[Ð, HLÐ]h jÕ²eZ, LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ, @Ò Ðae 15, 2011, kÔʽ_ç

8

I could not persive what was all happening infront of me. My heart was sinking in pain and everything went in air in the Land of Jagannath in the night of Dec 2, 2010! We all returned, without one, the most unique one, the most favorite one, my mother. It was a loss, a mega loss which has no substitute for the rest of my life. On my return, on January 1st, when the plane was taking off, in the Bhubaneswar airport, still I was searching for the presence of my mother near Swarga Dwara, in the higher sky, maybe in the heaven. Back in Houston, whenever I needed her the most, she is always there, but from a frame, she smiles with a cofident charm, that I left in 1995, when I left the country for the first time. She is my star in the dark of my pain. "Tirtha" is my tribute to my beloved mother in the most passionate way. Below is a part of it. She is my pilgrimage in the land of Jagannath, Puri.

****************** cÐÒmÐ [Ê LÐkÊÜ @RÊ _ËA a± jÊÒhÐbÞ[ hÊZÊ_ÐkÞÜ ÒcÐe XÐL Ò[Ð h< kÊfkÊfÞ VÞÒL ]ÊÓÒM `XÊ\ÞmÐ _ÐÒ] Nók cÊMeÞ[ Ð Ò[Ðe kóÒ] aX $Ð* Ð cÐNÞÒ_mÊ AhÞi LÐtÊRÞ cÊÜ ]Þ_ eÐ[Þ Òj `Í\cнcÑ [Þ\Þ Ò$eÞLÞ AjÞa aÞ^Þ A`ÔЯÞ[ LmÊ cÐ `YÊAÜ @½cÑÒe @bÞAN[ @[Þ\Þ Ð ÒkaÞ `ÊZÞ ÒLÐVÞ_Þ^Þ Ð aià `Òe `ÐkÞRÞ ÒLÒ[ d[ðÒe cÐÒmÐ @NZÞ[ aià aià aÐjúmÔ e có]Ê ÒaÐfÐ ^_Ô Ò[Ð cÐ[ó[é cÐ ^Ë` ]Ñ` Ò_ßÒaÒ]Ô l¯ ÒkÐB_Þ c^Ë ¸hà Ð @`Þà [Ê `YÊAÜ XÐmÐ Ð ÒLcÞ[Þ LkÒmÐ cÐ c¨Ð H¨ÊeÑ NYÞmÊ HcÞ[Þ ÒLcÞ[Þ ÒkmÐ cÐ[ó[é LÊ jÞqÞjÞqÞ MÐBaÐe \ÐfÞÒe @có[e LʨLÊ Ò[Ðe eÐkÐ _ $ÞVÞmÐ ? _ÞS kÐÒ[ aÞqÞ aÞqÞ Ð MÐD MÐD kWÐ[ç LÊjÊc ]ÊaàÐ]f _Þª• LÐkÞÜLÞ ÒkmÊ ?

@f[Ð, HLÐ]h jÕ²eZ, LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ, @Ò Ðae 15, 2011, kÔʽ_ç

9 ]ÊB M¨ QLÊfÞ [ ScÐ MÐB[ \ÞmÊ Ð cÐ[ó[ée ÒNkâÐÒe \ÞmÐ Ò[Ðe _Þ[Þ hÞlÐ aÐYÊ aÐYÊ LÐtÞmÐ ]ÊÓMÒe LÐ[e_Þ Do_ð VÞVÊ cÐ'cÐ LkÞ aÐu ÒaÒN _ÞS LoÐ Ð Ò[Ð LÐ_Òe ÒLcÞ[Þ ÒmÐ cÐ _ hÊbÞmÐ ekÞ Ð kpÞ dÐB_Þ ÒmÐcÐ VÞVÊ @aÐ mÞÃÊ ]Ê~àhÐÒe QÐkÊÜ QÐkÊÜ @NZÐ ]h cÞ_ÞVÒe MÐXÐ ÒkÐBNmÐ ÒmÐLÐeZÔ QÞLÞjúL aÐe¨ÐÒe Ð Ò]ßÐXÞ AjÞmÐ mÞÃÊ ^eÞ [Ð jÐ\Þ aÒeZÔ Ð AjÞ _\ÞmÐ Òj]Þ_ a_ÔÐ LÐÒeÐ _]Ñ NÒbà XÐLÞ\ÞmÊ mÞÃÊLÊ DSÐZÞ `Ê[Í AMÞ _ÞcÞiÒL Ò$Ð_ç LeÞ dkÞÜ XЦe LÒe jÒbà Ð Aj jbÞHÜ jÐ\Þ MÐ@Òe c¨Ð H¨ÊeÑ Ð amÐZÑe `ÐkÐX _Þª• _Þ¾f `ÍЯ ÒbÐSÞe cÒkÐjúa @NZÞ[ `ͪe mÊQÞNmÐ @NZÐe LÞ«Ê MÊtÞmÐ kó]¯ Ð Ò[Ð ]ÊAÒe @[Þ\Þ LÐkÞÜLÞ [Ê _ÞeÊre ? jtÞ' j«`àZ kÊ kÊ aYÞmÐ eÐ[ÍÞe HcÞ[Þ a^Þe [Ê _\ç _Ð\ç `XÞmÐ Lk ÒLcÞ[Þ jÐSÞmÊ VÞVÊ Ò]MÞ _ÐXÞ Ò[Ðe Ð @[Þ\Þ ANcÒ_ `eÐ `ËSÐ LeÊ\ÞmÊ ? A¾dàÔ Ò[Ðe _Þ]ÍÐ LÐkÞÜ HÒX A_c_Ð ÒLÐkÒe cÞhÍ NfÐ hÊZÞRÞ akÊ\e \eÞ DWÞmÐ NN_ Ò[Ð LràaÔe _cË_Ð Ð @aÐeÞ[ @hÍÊ jk mkÊ ÒaÐkÞmÐ _¯_ Ð NYÞ\ÞmÊ QLÊfÞ

@f[Ð, HLÐ]h jÕ²eZ, LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ, @Ò Ðae 15, 2011, kÔʽ_ç

10 LqÐ QÐDf eNXÞ LeÞ@RÞ VÞVÊ `Z Ð @cÐaÐjÔÐ Òe QÐt cÐNÞ\ÞmÊ kÐ[ ÒdÐXÞ Ð jÐaÞ[ÍÑ* SÞ]Þ Òe WÞA Òka dc]éÐÒe LÐÒMB\ÞmÊ OÃÐ LÐtÞ [Ê_Þ aÐkÊ_Þ aÐAªeÑ @aÞe[ Ò$eÐBa cÐ, jé`ÊÒe Ð héÐ_ h¯Ò_ \ÐB SNÞmÊ `ÍÐZ j[[ Ð _Þ@ _ÐkÞÜ aÐaÊÒe cÐ_ XЦe* L\Ð SNÞRÞÒmÐ cÐ Ò[ÐÒ[ [Êc cÐ' jÞeÞ¯jç VÞVÊ WÞLç Ò[ÐeÞ `eÞ aÐÒV TÊeÞa @_Ô\Ð Ð mlêZe [Þ_ÞNÐe ÒXBÜ dÞaÊ_Þ Òj`ÐeÑ Ð cÐÒmÐ [Ê QÊ`ç LÞÕ`Ð jÐkje cËf jrÐ aÐ`Ð Òd dÐBR«Þ aÞic `eÞyÞÒ[ NÐÜ, [Ð*Ê jaÊ @SZÐ _ÞÀà¯e aÐV a[Ð ? eÐ[ÍÞe DNÍ ]ÐD @QÐ_L ]ÊOàVZÐ Ð LÞÕLràaÔ aÞcËY ]éte [Шa mÑfÐ aÊTÞ kÊH_Þ LÞRÞ c_ aÞÒaL dÊÒw _ÊMÊeÐ DiÐe bÐiÐ kÊH akÊÒQÐeÑ ÒMfÐ Ð Yf Yf _¯_ _ÞÒªS AhÐ bejÐ Ð amÐZÑeÊ LVL aYÞ aYÞ dÐH ÒLÐÍh ]ÊÓMe ckÐÒceÊ ]Êaàf c_ ÒdÐÒX ScÞmÐZÞ aÊLÊ `Òe 'hÍaZ' e af @Õh Ð j[Là[Ðe OÃÞ hÊbÞmÐZÞ ateÒe Ð jaÊ _ÐkÞÜÒe HL jée, bÑiêe _Þ¸rÞ Ò$Ð`ÐXÞa HB_Ð aÞ_Ð ÒQ½ÐÒe LÞH `ÞASe AyÐeZ Lk mOÞÕRÞ aÞ`rÞ ? ]ÊÓMe Òj `eª

@f[Ð, HLÐ]h jÕ²eZ, LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ, @Ò Ðae 15, 2011, kÔʽ_ç

11 _ÒRÐXatÐ VÞVÊ TeÐH AMÞe mÊk cÐÒmÐ HWÞ ÒhÐB\Ð [Ê jLÐf LÐLee dÊTÞaÐLÊ jÕOjà Ò\Ð`Ð Ò\Ð`Ð ]' ÒLÐk ÒXBÜaÐLÊ mcéÐ Òj[Ê Ð ctÞee Af[Þ Ò[Ð aÞ_Ð hÊ_çhÐ_ç Oà Òb]Ê_Þ @_« H_ç SÞ aÐe _cée _ÞeÞcÐMÞ `lÑVÞ ajúÐe k®Ð eXÞ QÐkÞÜRÞ _Nð ]ÞN« Ð _ `ÒX AD LÐ_e Ð ********** L@Üf ]ÊaàÐ]f

@f[Ð, HLÐ]h jÕ²eZ, LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ, @Ò Ðae 15, 2011, kÔʽ_ç

12 `ÊZÞ $ÊmVÞH Le

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13 Ganesha Krisha Rath

My favorite god is ganesha Ganesha has an elephant head because he has an elephant head and I because his father Shiva fought him love elephants. I also like ganesha because he wanted to get inside the door, because he is very smart and brave. and so he got killed.

Ganesha’s mommy is Devi Ganesha rides a mouse because he Parvati and his Daddy is Lord Shiva. does not have a bicycle. Ganesha was created by Parvati to help her guard the door of the palace.

KRISHA is the youngest daughter of Durba and Kalyan Rath of Jasper TX.

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14

The Hypocritical Jackal -Anjaneya Kar

Every morning, the Bodhisattva and the other rats came to pay their respect to the jackal. The jackal was very happy, because he had gained their trust. Everything was going as per his plan. Once upon a time, a Bodhisattva Everyday when the rats started to return was born as a wise rat. He lived in the home, he would grab the last rat and eat forest with hundreds of other rats. He was it. as huge as a young boar. All the other rats had great regard for him. Nobody even realized that the jackal had eaten one of the rats. With every passing In the same forest there lived a day, the rats became fewer and fewer in cunning jackal, who had an eye on the number. All the rats started getting rats. The wise rat observed the jackal worried. closely, and thought that the jackal was a The rat turned around and shouted at him. saintly being, who was engrossed in his “You are actually a devil dressed as a meditation. So he decided to talk to him. saint. You pretend to be very pious, but “What’s your name, my friend?” asked you are very cunning.” The jackal was Bodhisattva. “Godly is my name,” said taken by surprise. He did not know how the jackal. ‘Such a holy name,’ thought to react and so he pounced on the the rat. Then he asked the jackal, “O Bodhisattva again. The Bodhisattva divine one, why are you standing on one started screaming and shouting in pain. leg?’ All the rats were up against the jackal and The rat’s curiosity about the attacked him. They made sure that the jackal grew. Why do you keep your wicked jackal was killed and would never mouth open? He asked. “To breathe in trouble any animal again. And thus, the fresh air.” I live on air. This is my only Bodhisattva and the rats got rid of the food,” said the jackal. Amazed with the wicked jackal and began to live jackal’s answers, the rat further went on peacefully thereafter. and asked, why do you face the sun? “I worship the sun,” said the jackal.

Anjaneya: Twin brother of Nishita Kar and son of Jyotiranjan Kar and Sarmistha Nanda. Anjaneya is in first grade and loves to play soccer, cricket and memorize birthdays of friends and family.

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15 My First Basketball Game -Adi Dass

Coach Markus was a great coach. In I played basketball at YMCA during practice games, our coach did warm-ups summer this year. Our team was called to start practice. He taught us to play at Lakers. We were very lucky to have different positions. He wrote to our Coach Markus. He was incredible. He parents coaching tips after practice taught us drills and dribbles. After the games. We won every single game. We games, we got snacks. were the undefeated team.

Five players play at a time. We rotated We learned how to play as a team. We every five minutes. We learnt offense, made new friends. Our parents watched defense, and boxing out. I was good at us play games. There was party in Clay defense. We had seven practices on Restaurant to celebrate and award Tuesdays and seven games on Saturdays. trophies. I scored well.

Adi is the second son of Arunima and Raghu Dass. He is a second grader at Harmony School of Excellence. He likes playing sports and loves reading books.

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16 The Friendship Story -Nilesh Sagar

Once upon a time there was a when trouble came Jack and Robert bear. That bears name was Jack Carr. worked liked a team. Jack and Robert Jack was 8 years old and Jack loved to do also like to talk to each other in the a lot of things like dance, write, soccer, cafeteria. And it’s been like this for math, read, run, fundraise, and draw. But months. We are like brothers. And in school there are a lot of bullies but everyday after school they would knock worst of all Jack had no friends in his on each others doors and see if they could school so at recess he would just sit down play outside. And when they have a and draw. But one day when Jack was project they would study together in the getting his lunch he saw another bear sad. library. They would both help each other He asked him why he was feeling sad. if one another gets hurt. And also share a The bear said his name is Robert and he lot for the rest of the year. did not have any friends too. Jack said the same thing. May be we both can be TO BE CONTINUED… friends thought Jack and Robert had to BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR MORE agree with that decision. Jack and Robert ADVENTUERES WITH JACK AND were good friends. So instead of drawing ROBERT [JUST KIDDING] at recess Jack would play together. And

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17 My India trip

-Anuska Mishra

My India trip was awesome. We went to Chandigarh first to see my cousin sister Ritul nani. She is 12 years old and she also has a computer. She gets to play with me too. One night we got popsicles. I ate mine in their car. A drop almost fell on my shirt. But I wiped it off. Next we got some really hot salad. I threw mine away and got a plain one. I went to the music class at their house. Her mom is a music teacher. Then we went to see the rock garden and Sukhna Lake. I wanted played. I wrote my name in the wet sand. to go boating but it was closed. The wave washed it away. My mom wrote our entire name in the wet sand. I went back to Delhi and after a few days The fun part was I almost sat in the water I went to Puri. I had lots of fun. I love my and got messy because I liked to. Then grandpa. He loves me a lot. I went to see Title also joined me and sat in the water. the Rath Yatra on a motor bike. I went My mom got wet and complained about with my cousin sister Titili. I got to sit in it. We went to a temple to celebrate the the front of the bike. It was so crowded famous Rath Yatra. The soon Dad came near the chariot that I almost got back to Houston. After 2 days, I also smashed. I went to the beach. It was a lot came back to Houston with my Mom. of fun when we went to the water and The return flight was really good.

Leena & Rajmohan are Anuska’s proud parents. She is a 2nd grader at Wilchester Elementary school and she has an innate inclination towards drawing, art and science.

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18 Symbols Oh Symbols: A small poem

-Anuska Mishra

Symbols of symbols of the United States, tell me what you mean. The white House and the Bald Eagle, I see you mean freedom & joy Statue of Liberty, standing so high! People looking high up at your face United States Symbols, so amazing symbols! Hey you see the flag with 50 stars? You see the flag with 13 stripes? You see the United States flag, so many states as stars, 50 in all.

Leena & Rajmohan are Anuska’s proud parents. She is a 2nd grader at Wilchester Elementary school and she has an innate inclination towards drawing, art and science.

Ishita‘s love for pizza -Ishita Patra

I love pizza I love pizza Do you love? Do you love? Yummy Yummy Pizza Yummy Yummy Pizza My brother likes it too.

Ishita is 5yrs old and goes to Sugarcreek Montessori School in Katy. She is the daughter of Sarita and Gyanendra Patra.

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19 Houston Ratha Yatra 2010 in Aryan's Word's... -Aryan Patra

We celebrated Ratha Yatra on 7-24-10. It was held in India House. The chariot was carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Lord Subhadra. The chariot was well decorated. It was pulled by lot of people and I got to stand on it.I enjoyed the day.

Summer Vacation 2011

I and my family went to a lot of places in mami. I enjoyed my stay with my cousin summer vacation. They are called Adi and then left for New York City. Washington D.C, New York City, Boston My favorite thing in NYC was the and Harrisburg which is the capital of Empire State building because from the Pennsylvania. That’s all. 86th floor we got to see the entire New York City. The city looked very big and When I went to Washington D.C I saw bright in the evening. After seeing the the white House, Washington monument, empire state building we went to the Capitol Hill, Lincoln Memorial, Museum Times Square which looked like a very Of Natural History and Museum of busy place with lot of people walking Aerospace. The white house had lot of around. I and my sister took a picture windows which made me think it had lot with a NYPD police officer. That was of rooms. We took pictures in front of it. cool. The next day we saw the statue of In front of the Washington Monument I Liberty. The statue is very big. We could got to play with my little cousin Brother not go inside due to some security Sid. In DC I met my aunt and uncle. checking going on in the island. Their names are Chiku mamu and Tiki After seeing NYC we left for Boston. In mami. Then from D.C we went back to Boston I met my dad’s friend Shripad Harrisburg. Uncle and his family. I met a new friend In Harrisburg we went to the Hershey named Rishi and my sister met her new chocolate World. There was a ride about friend named Ansh. We saw the Boston how chocolate were made in Hershey. Downtown and Boston museum of After the ride we got to eat chocolate. It science. My favorite thing in Boston was yummy. We also went to the Science Museum was the Theatre of Hershey amusement park. My favorite Electrical Science. ride was the rope ride which went over a In Boston I enjoyed with my friend at the lake. In Harrisburg we stayed with my sea beach. During our stay, Rashmi aunty cousin Adi, Sid and Tilu mamu and Silu made yummy food like Puri, paneer, beans and yummy milk shakes. The

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20 special thing about their house was the This is how I spent my summer vacation basement which had a big movie screen in 2011 but I missed my home, my like a theatre. I enjoyed watching movies friends and Ratha Yatra of Houston. there.

Aryan is 7yrs old, son of Sarita and Gyanendra Patra. He is a 2nd grader at Bonnie Holland Elementary School in Katy. He loves to play Basketball, Cricket and Tennis. His also loves to play chess and likes solving Sudoku puzzles. He loves biking and playing with his neighbourhood friends.

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21 Mr. Doodle Head -Rishav Mohanty

One day there was a student named Mr. Rishav Mohanty is the youngest Doodle Head. He was 48 years old, so he son of Debasis & Bindi. Rishav is a blue dropped out and became a teacher. On belt in Taekwondo. He loves to play the first day of the school, a very smart football, swim, bike, and is a prankster. boy came and finished everything he had Currently he is in 3rd grade. on his desk. Then he showed it to Mr. Doodle Head. Mr. Doodle Head said you got a big zero. Because you got them all right!! The boy was disappointed and said you are cuckoo in a furious voice. Mr. Doodle Head said ‘’Thank You’’, and gave him a lollypop.

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22

High Above the Trees -Shilpita Mitra-Behura In summer I am very glad The spring rain has Sailed out to sea Children squeeze Nectar out of flowers And play among the Grass and stones But, when the snow Is on the ground And water always freezes I wish I were taller So tall I was high above The trees.

Shilpita Mitra-Behura is the daughter of Somdutt Behura and Shrabanee Mitra. She loves to dance, play piano, viola, and play soccer. She is in the 5th grade of T.H. Rogers School

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23

High in the Storm

-Saswat Pati

That lit up the dark

There was sand Which illuminated his hand

Which lit up a spark In everyone’s heart High in the storm There was a dorm So everyone knew his love Which was as soft as a dove With shackles of light That destroyed all in spite His brain is greater than the farthest reaches of math The beaker was tipped And evildoers shall face his wrath In a drift And then light shall pass through those That showered the earth below shackles and go above To keep balance in tow And everyone with their hearts pure shall Which gave a spark behold his crackling love

Rhyme

Once upon a time There was a rhyme Who didn’t rhyme Because he thought, do I eat thyme? Eventually there was a game Which lost all its fame And the rhyme was to take all the blame Then spring bloomed And the rhyme knew time was doomed So he boomed And he rhymed

This is my story on how rhyming came to this world and how it rhymes!

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24 Jagannath in My Little World

I see Jagannath in numerous places. As if my world is encircled by Him. Every day I recite the Gita in front of Him. Some places I His circular eyes watching me are of course in the Puja altar in our house, and in ordinary places like in the dashboard controller in my mama’s car. Did you know that the word juggernaut originates from Jagannath? Some cartoons have this word in it. For instance, in Bagukan they have a bakugan called Juggernoid. Also in Star Wars they have the Juggernaut which is a colossal vehicle which remained in the saga for an extreme amount of time until the AT-AT eclipsed the Juggernaut and eventually became more desired. Jagannath has spread throughout time and the planet, but it has spread through me and my little world.

Balabadhra in My Little World

Balabadhra was a different case. We transported Him (the deity) from Orissa last July, in a way that was so exciting. First when we got him in Bhubaneswar from Debasis Uncle’s house, He was in a steel box. When we opened it, the box was full of cardboard. It took TEN minutes for us to get all the cardboard out! After we got all the cardboard out, He was in newspapers. Then we had to struggle to put Him in the luggage. When we got Him to the Delhi Airport, He unfortunately weighed too much. Bapa had to use the wrapping system (a device) which made Balabadhra enclosed totally in plastic. That was amazing to watch. The process was extremely fast. If I made a name I would name the device INSTA-WRAP. After this was over we transported him home. Did you know that Balabadhra is the avatar of Shesha?

I am a devotee of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabadhra, and Devi Subadhra. I see them universally.

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25 Plague 1 Once upon a time there was a city named Frenck, which was paradise except for one thing, the fact that a devastating plague foretold in a prophecy. Unfortunately, the antidote was half way across the world. The leaders called mercenaries to find four amulets to make a ship which had the directions to the antidote.

2 The amulets were found after three days of gruesome searching. The first one was found in the sewers of Frenck, the second one a peasant owned, the third one was found in the sign of a temple, and the last on was found in the royal jewels. This made a vessel which would take the mercenaries to the antidote which was in an abandoned city called Andicron.

3 The mercenaries had few obstacles on the way. The first was the city of Serut. They avoided Serut though one of the escorts was destroyed. Now down to three escorts, the party made land on the continent of Ravedin. They docked the ships and made headway until they reached the outskirts of Andicron which somehow was populated by hostile reptiles called Fevrus.

4 Meanwhile at Frenck, the plague had begun. Millions were dead. The leaders feared what would happen.

5 On the outskirts of Andicron many men were killed or injured when reptilian beasts attacked the party. They made their way through the city without being noticed. They finally realized what the antidote was. It was toxic to non-affected people but cure to affected people. It was the venom of the beasts that attacked the mercenaries. After this, they captured five beasts. Finally when they returned to Frenck they cured and exterminated the plague. 6 Meanwhile a man was sitting and staring happily and thinking, “My plans are working exactly.” THE END

Saswat, lives at East Glen Haven Blvd in Houston, TX. He is the son of Arati and Debananda Pati. He is a fifth grader at St. John’s School. He loves to play Soccer, Star Wars, Lego,s and reading books. He wants to be the first man on Mars.

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26 Burger Islands Anuraag Routray

government. It will help us because the government will give us onionmoney! Also the people will make goods there so Dear general Steve, we don’t have to trade. Please Approve As planned, we have sent down 5 this. submarines to get revenge on the Ten Years Later…………. Foodop0ly Republic. They are loaded $$$! Hey Steve! Our army has grow from with 5 tons of ketchup to squirt with. 2000 troops to 100, 000 troops! Here at Also, 3 battle ships each loaded with Burger Island things are peaceful except mustard are under way. Boy, this is big the Save the Chicken group. They have revenge for them. I still do not caused many riots because the understand why they threw orange peels government has started getting rid of at us. I guess they were mad at us for chicken nuggets because there is salads’ giving a hamburger to their president hiding in houses now. Our army has Plum Apple. Also, we have arranged for gotten tired of burgers so they started 7 aircraft carriers to escort them. Each is planting pizza, bread sticks, and pasta loaded with 2 tons of mayos! And 5 plants. Also, a lemonade water treatment jumbo cargo jets will drop chicken plant to purify the lemonade has opened burgers to use with the sauces. We hope up. Oh and we get 500 onionmoney per a they have a saucy day. Can we build a day from the government! I’m glad that navy base at burger islands? We have had we are here. But 5 years ago the nearby some kids come and eat our troops. At country of Meat Republic had claimed burger islands we do not have to worry Burger Islands are theirs. They wanted about lunch and dinner. Just walk over to our big reserves of barbeque sauce. They some trees and each ingredient needed to thought our army was weak but we make a burger will be there. Also there fought right back at them. It was a are no kids there. But there is a problem. success! Most of us are on vacation right A big problem, that is. The native now. I am on the beach surfing on animals there are salads and chicken Chicken Tikka Masala gravy! This has nuggets. The salads do not ever want to been a great decade for our army! touch them because they hate meat. After the chicken nuggets learned that, they Sincerely, started annoying them by throwing Anuraag Routray hamburgers at them. But maybe we can P.S. I have promoted myself to 5-star rank! take some citizens with us and establish a

The End

Anuraag Routray is a 4th grader at James E. Williams Elementary. His favorite thing to do is to play with his best friends. He also loves anything to do with airplanes. He can be contacted at [email protected].

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27 An Autobiography of a Tree -Shyam N. Panigrahi

I am a Banyan tree in the village of Dholakpur. I was planned 33 years ago. I was nurtured with love and care by a kind, helpful and cleaver man called Kshitij. Each day he watered me. He made a tall fence so that children cause no harm to me. Now I have grown up and I provide mankind with oxygen, fruits and cool shade. Birds such as parrots, pigeon, sparrow etc. make their homes on my strong branches. I am worshiped every year in some festivals. I owe my life to the man who nurtured me with such love and care.

********

22nd December 2010, My Annual Day

A historical day it was, it was my annual Finally it came to the grand finale part. day. Many colorful dresses were worn. We entered the stage and started singing There were dances and songs of many with actions. After the song the parents foreign lands. This included the Chinese, clapped so loudly that it could be heard Mexican, French and African. There was for at least a kilometer. I felt happy also Chess dance & cheerleaders. Really I within myself and I was proud and that enjoyed the Chess dance which was very was very experience of my annual day. very unique. The parents were thrilled.

Shyam also known as Satyam Babu is the son of Bharati and Jyoti Panigrahi of Mumbai. He is in 5th grade. Satyam is the cousin of Saswat Pati of Houston, TX

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28

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29 Buchart Garden in British Columbia -Arnav Mohanty

“Where are we going?” I asked Baba. He the more beautiful the flowers were. said that we are going to Buchart Garden There were colors of red, yellow, blue in Victoria. We took a 2 hour ferry from and many other colors. The scenery was Vancouver to Vitoria Island. exhilarating. When we came across a When we arrived at our large lake, jets of water shot up like destination it looked boring. Suddenly rockets. The water turned red and blue. when we entered through the gates, the We went to the heart of the Buchart scenery became beautiful. This is a once Gardens and there was a purple tree on in a life moment. We were surrounded by the middle surrounded by beautiful a vast variety of beautiful colors. Those colors. When we exited the gardens I colors were all flowers. There was a trail thought it was beautiful. Too bad, this is which we followed. The deeper we went Vancouver, Canada and not Katy, Texas!

****** My Experience at BTSR Camp

I was very excited for my first We were taking Merit Badge classes week long scout camping. Buffalo Trail which took forever. One of my favorite Scout Ranch (BTSR) was the venue for merit badges was swimming. The only the camp. It was a very long trip to BTSR demerit about it was that the water was from Katy, TX. The thing that was good freezing cold. Breakfast, lunch, and about the trip is that we could bring our dinner were included. We had different electronic devices to play on. The reason meals every day. My favorite meal for we were allowed to bring it was the trip lunch was mashed potatoes and chicken would take 8 hours. When we arrived at tenders. My favorite dinner meal was BTSR we saw more than 50 Boy Scout pasta with red sauce and a piece of Troops in line for the check-in at BTSR. chocolate cake with vanilla frosting. After we checked in we strolled to our When it was 7th day of BTSR we all went campsite. It was pretty small, but we into our SUV’s and went home. When managed to fit all our tents. It was very everyone arrived at home it was like late in the night so we setup our cots family reunion. Everyone missed me at (cots are portable beds), sleeping bags home for 7 days, I was glad to be back and went to sleep. The next 6 days were home after 7 days. exactly like school except even cooler.

Arnav Mohanty is the eldest son of Debasis & Bindi. Arnav is a third degree black belt in Taekwondo. He loves to swim, bike, read books and play on Wii. Currently he is in 6th grade.

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30 My Kumar Purnima Experience -Devarun Dass

Yay! Autumn has finally arrived handsome Kartikeya. Kumar Purnima is after a record hot summer season in known for Kartikeya’s birthday. Houston this year. We are back at Unmarried girls pray to Kartikeya for school. The weather is changing for good qualities of their future soul mates. better. The Indian Festival season has Girls pray to the moon as it shines with begun with Ganesh Puja celebration in beauty. People also celebrate Gaja the first week of September. Lord Laxmi Puja, the goodess of wealth. Ganesh is the god of learning and new People fasting on this day can only eat beginning. Lord Ganesh and Lord rice flakes and cold milk. Kartikeya are two sons of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Kumar Purnima is Preparation for Houston Kumar Purnima celebrated as birthday of Lord Kartikeya. 2011 starts with selection of drama and Houston Odias have been celebrating dance groups from different age groups Kumar Purnima since 2000. This is an for rehearsal over next six weeks. Last elaborate cultural festival with year we had to go to houses of different participation from both young and old. aunties and uncles to practice our dance There are moon worship by girls, and to make it perfect. We practice for 2 classical and modern dances and drama hours. Arnav has been my dance partner performed by young kids and adults. This for 2 years. Gopal uncle is the director is a very memorable cultural event in our and Sarita Auntie is scriptwriter of the Odia community. drama. Bindi auntie is the choreographer of the dance programs with help from Kumar Purnima is a harvest festival other aunties. We practice every celebrated on the full moon day of the weekend to learn moves for different Hindu Lunar month of Ashvin songs. It is the most fun time of the year (September-October) in Odisha. When visiting friends weekly for practice. the rainy season is over, the brightness of Sometimes I get to have sleepovers with the full moon brings special joy to Arnav. There are rewards for our people. This is a traditional celebration participation in cultural programs and of the moon and is also called the essay competition. It provides us Kaumudi celebration, Kaumudi meaning motivation in addition to our learning our moonlight. It is dedicated to the most

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31 heritage. Our parents spend time to drive participation and display of our artistic us to practices to expose us the cultures skills. After that we get to see the adult and festivals of Odisha performances. Uncles and aunties are very talented showcasing different tribal Yah! Today is the Kumar Purnima it is and Bollywood dances. Middle school my favorite event of the year!!! We get and high school girls dance Odissi dances dressed up with our best dresses to the perfecting their artistic excellence learnt Kumar Purnima venue at 5 pm. The over the years of training and practice. aunties get 250 flower petals for floral We also get opportunity to have decoration. We sing bhajan Ahe sumptuous dinner catered from a good Dayamaya and eat good bhoga! We put Indian restaurant. Kumar Purnima is full on our costumes for different programs of fun and frolics for me. for the evening. We get good snacks and Kumar Purnima 2011 will be celebrated pizza. Our writings, essays, poems and on October 15, 2011. I look forward to art works get published in Alata, an this exciting program every year. annual literary journal edited by Arati auntie. We get trophies for our

Dev Arun is the eldest son of Raghunath and Arunima Dass. He loves to participate in Kumar Purnima Festival. Dev is 5th grader in the Harmony School of Excellence.

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32

she was a very kind person and always Cuttack Ma had a happy life, a good listener and a good role model. -Ishita Patra (Gini) I then saw Cuttack ma eat for the first On a hot summer day I went to India. time. I never saw an elderly person eat On July 16th, 2010 I arrived at like that. My mom wanted to take a BBSR. I spent some time with my two picture but it was too dark. Slowly my wonderful cousins Papun Bhai and Dona. Cuttack ma stood up with difficulty and After 2 weeks my mom told me we had moved to where the sun was shining. All to go to Cuttack. I really didn’t want to that struggle for taking a picture. When go to Cuttack. After many minutes of we had to leave I looked at my Cuttack begging I finally decided to go. before going to BBSR. That was my last When I first stepped into the house the time to see Cuttack Ma. This year when first person I saw was an elderly woman my mom went to India to see Cuttack ma, asleep on the bed. I asked my mom who she told my mom to teach me Oriya. she was and my mom told me this is your After 1 month I got to know Cuttack ma great grandmother. Then a flicker of died of old age. I know Cuttack ma is not remembrance floated in my head. My alive but she always has a place for me in mom then introduced me to Cuttack ma. my heart. People are always wondering how Cuttack ma got her name. Here is why ******* she lives in Cuttack so that’s how she got her name. Cuttack ma was my grandmother’s mom. My mom told me

With my Cuttack Ma

Ishita (Gini), daughter of Subhashree and Dillip Patra, is a 5th grader at the Hunters Creek Elementary

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33 Shooting Star -Ishita Patra (Gini)

There’s a million stars up their But one catches my eye So different from the others You’d never expect it to tell a lie It’s bright and colorful But different from the rest It’s one of a kind It’s my shooting star

Dolphin

There is a spot where you can relax And see one mammal jump and glide In the blue glistening water Their tails swoosh in the smooth water Making the most beautiful noise This mammal is different from his rest One in a million This mammal is an animal that is special This mammal smooth and sleek Blue and bumpy It’s my own special dolphin

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34 2011 OSA Convention: My Experience -Dhara Chopra Mohapatra

On Friday, July 1st, we headed We danced and played and had race. We out for Dallas.It was the 2011 OSA were having so much fun, we didn’t convention. I couldn't wait to get there notice what time it was. In the morning, and see my friends and meet new ones. we had to do a tribal performance for the When we were in the car, we were beginning scene and we represented smushed. In the front were Somdutt Houston, Texas. The People in the tribal Uncle and my dad. In the middle were dance were Sumi, Gini, Ria, Swati, and Sumi, Shrabanee Aunti, my mom, and me. In our opening performance, we also then me. I couldn’t move a muscle in the had a drama done by the boys, a tiger middle of the car. In the back were Soma, dance done by the little kids, an odissi Meha, and Swati. They were having a dance done by the older girls, and then a much better time than I was. fusion where all of us were mixed together and did a small dance. Right When we got to Dallas, it was after that we all ate lunch. The lunch was about 7:30 p.m. because it took about so delicious! I am not going to tell you four hours to get there. We arrived at the what the food was because then your Marriot Hotel which we were staying in mouth will get all watery and I don’t and also where OSA convention was want that happening. taking place. When I went into the hotel, it looked pretty much bare. There were Sumi, Gini, and I then went only a few people checking in to go to upstairs because we were bored. The the hotel. But when I went to where all boys were playing xbox and ping-pong. It the fun was happening, I was astounded. was really annoying so we went Everywhere I looked was decorated. I downstairs. We met Neha, Meghna, didn’t meet anybody whom I knew yet, Megha and Disha. We all went to the so I went to help my mom put the bags auditorium to see if there was something away in our hotel room. going on. The adults were singing bhajans so we went back upstairs to try When I went to the lobby, Gini and annoy the boys. Just to make a long was there. But with annoying Ashu. story short, it worked. That was the end Anyways, Gini was there so of course her of the day, but we kids still had to have mom was there. We went out to say hi our fun. We had a disco party downstairs and then we went to the place where and it was awesome. We all stayed up so OSA convention was going to take place.

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35 late that my mom had to come and get us games until my mom had to come over to go to sleep. and tell us to calm down. Next, we went to Neha's suite and watched a movie. On Sunday, we had way more fun Finally, we heard about the khulfi that than the day before. We ate breakfast, they were passing out and went and got dressed up and then did an odissi some and then came back and ate. After performance for the talent show. In our dinner, there were fireworks outside to group, we had Ria, Sumi, Swati, Meha, celebrate the night before Independence Gini and me. We totally lost to the other day. dances. Then we all watched Dallas's play by the kids and I have to admit that We went to the disco party again it was really good. Then, we went to the and that was that. On July 4th, we all Marriot pool. It was so small, but the went home and thought about how great good thing was that they had a sauna. I that weekend was. thought it was so cool. After coming from the pool, we dressed up and went ***** downstairs for lunch. At lunch we played

Dhara is the daughter of Reva and Gopal Mohapatra. She is a 5th grader at Mark Twain Elementary School. Dhara likes to take pictures, watch bollywood movies, listen to music, have fun with friends and when she has spare time, she does her home work. Her favorite actor is her dad and favorite actress is Priyanka Chopra.

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36 Random Article -Meha Mohapatra Hi! Ok we were supposed to throw up every time I saw the DS. Well write an article but since I have nothing first of all it wasn’t my favorite color but to write I’m just going to write about how still. So I just lost the charger on purpose I have nothing to write about and some and I think it’s in the dump now! other random stuff that might be of use to Technology is making me bored. life. Ok new topic. So today I go to Life is a game because you read school looking like I do every day 2 the instructions, which is like school. braids and my uniform and all the other You are learning the basics of the game. stuff right? So I’m just walking to my Then when you go to college, you start locker and all of a sudden I feel weight the game but you’re still using the on my braids. So I turn around and find instruction manual. Soon you’re on your myself looking at people I don’t know way to death! Basically life is a game that adoring my hair and touching it and only the CHOOSEN ones can play. We asking me all these questions about it. are awesome!!! That was annoying but then I barely make it to dance (downstairs) because I Ok the second thing I’m going to was at my locker multi-tasking and talk about is… uh… ok I give up. Let’s juggling all my stuff! The next day I go see we can…oo I know ok let’s talk to media team and I write my paper on about when you’re a lone and how you the back of my notes, then the teacher want to be in a group and then you’re in a comes up to me and takes my hair and group and you want to be out of it. So whip it on my face (playfully) I was ok another example is school. In the summer with that. But some classmate then you want to be in school and then when started playing with my hair. It was weird you are in school, you want to get out so now I’m debating should I go with my ASAP. What else? I had one at the tip of friends requests and leave my hair down my tongue. Ok well let’s move on to our on the day before winter break or should next subject. I keep it in two braids? But I’m ok with the aunties that touch my hair because a) Let’s talk about boringness. You I know them, b) they are not annoying, c) can go anywhere in the world even a they make my hair tidier because restaurant with the yummiest food (sorry sometimes I’m just too lazy to do I’m hungry he he) and still be bored. Isn’t anything besides blink, breath, and the that cool? No it’s not. Parents need to other natural things you do when you do find better occupied things for kids. Even nothing. this computer I’m on is getting boring. I got a DS and I started to play games and Well now let’s start blaming the stuff, I exchanged games with friends, people who made this article possible. I played so many games and other stuff sent an email to everyone that I have on that I thought would take up my my contact list that said has anyone had a boredness but, I found myself wanting to

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37 stupid dream? Well that question was your imagination will lead you to useless because the only answer I got was knowledge and plus people didn’t make “do the writing competition” so I was this world out of knowledge; they made it like when is it due? The answer was with imagination leading to knowledge. tomorrow. Ok let’s think this through I And that is why I love to ask “What If ” have to write a hundred papers, do this questions. math quiz, make a map and dichotomous key, study for a Spanish test, wash my No offence adults, but sometimes when dog and then I have dance class for an you don’t answer a question we kids (or hour but then I get to stay another hour maybe just me and Calvin) think you are waiting for my sister. Then realize she is kind of dumb because you always have going to Gini’s (not that that is a problem the same answer I don’t know!Ok well I but I could have been done with so many have to go eat dinner ugh… I’m not even things). So thank you to the people on my hungry. Wait, yes I am but not for the contact list for emailing me with the food my parents make. wrong answer. The question was what is And if this was an actual story like I used more important, knowledge or to say or I was told how I said this imagination? Right? Well, I think that imagination is more important because, An END

I’m Gopal and Reva Mohapatra’s oldest daughter. I’m in 7th grade, 12 years old in Lanier Middle School (if you like dogs you will love our school) and I hate to be bored. Thank you for your much divided attention (you were probably eating). Actually I like to play the violin, try to play different songs that I have yet to learn on the piano, read (not the textbooks), make no sense, give people the “What If…?” questions and I hate common sense because sometimes it never works with life. Ok I think I’m done now.

Oh my name is Meha Mohapatra. Sorry hehe.

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38

Collection of Poems - Divya Rath

Courage Courage means to be strong To stand up to wrong To seek what is right This may not be in other’s sight But don’t stay with wrong, you do not belong.

Harmony Peaceful, Happy Joyful, United, Together, Equal, Friends, Diverse, Enemies, Fighting, Screaming, Injuring, Unhappy, Frightening Disharmony

Divya is the eldest daughter of Durba and Kalyan Rath of Jasper TX. She is a 6th grader at the Vista Academy of Jasper, TX

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39

Darkness -Treeank Patnaik It’s just a tiny option But it can reduce you to fractions That small action Can cause a chain reaction Talent, potential Hardly any issues I had it all That’s how it seemed, Then light was gone And I couldn’t see So I took it to the brink Let all my thoughts sync Finally I could think Shut off the light And open my mind Enjoy the darkness, while it’s inside

I was smart learned, to make a bond But I knew to break it when it became too strong I knew I couldn’t be way too fond Of someone I couldn’t trust for long There was a train of connection Everyone listened I was alive That’s how it seemed Until the blackness came to drive And I couldn’t see So I took it to the brink Let all my thoughts sync Finally I could think Shut off the light And open my mind Enjoy the darkness, while it’s inside Don’t take it And then break it Try to fake it You can’t remake it Causes then you use me And then you’ll lose me The darkness you can’t see I think it’s friendly So just take it to the brink

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40

Let all of your thoughts sync And then try to think And you’ll be like me Shut off the light And open your mind Enjoy the darkness, while it’s inside It’s a phenomenon And it’s the only one Something you can’t see But it’s a part of me Darkness ***** Tectonic Plates Tectonic plates Are heavy weights Moving on the asthenosphere Like 2 centimeters a year

When these plates slide and shake What we feel is Earthquake And when the Earth quivers Every body shivers

When the plates converge A mountain will emerge And when Tsunamis storm Inside, energy forms

Apart go the plates And a trench is made New crust comes high While old crust goes “Bye-bye”

And while we have soil The earth’s core boils And even though on crust it’s cool To go in the mantle you‘d be a fool

That’s a song about plates that move Moving continents through and through So when you’re asked about tectonic plates Say you know them, don’t hesitate. ***** Treeank Patnaik is the son of Manas and Sarita Patnaik of Houston. He loves reading books and plays basketball. He enjoys humor and a very happy kid. He is currently studying in 7th grade.

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41

The Fireman’s Escape -Asha Dash

2003. Kindergarten year. It was one Where should I hide? The small step for a child, but one large step for dollhouse? No, everyone hides there. The me. Let me take you back. tree house? Too visible. The Big Structure? I looked down. A ten foot drop lay Too big. I know the tree house! in front of me. All I had to hold on to was a I ran to the top of the tree house, and metal pole. positioned at the slide, if I needed to Come on Asha! All of the other kids evacuate. Derby’s eyes were open and she can do it, why can’t you? Okay ready, set, was running to the dollhouse. one, two, three, GO! Okay, not that time, I knew it. okay now! No? One, two, three, NOW! Girls ran from the clearing where the God. dollhouse was. Derby had found another “Hey, are you gonna go or what? prey. Catherine was it. I watched her, but We are all waiting. I’ll push you if you lost focus thinking about our reading don’t go now,” Veronica said. assignment. I always hated her. She had huge Why did George Washington cut blond pigtails, a huge body, she always down his father’s cherry tree? Doesn’t one smelled like the bathroom at Wal-Mart, and think before doing something? He could pretended anyone was her friend just so she have just asked his father for something to could get what they had, like lunch food. cut. I moved and sat on the edge of the I felt a thud on the side of the tree dock. I sat there the rest of recess watching house. I looked down. Catherine was the other kids hop onto the pole one limb at climbing up the side! Her beefy hands a time, and slide down. The bell rang. I slid grabbed the top and reached to tag me. I down the slide and took one last look at the slid down the slide, and ran to the only safe pole. place left. The Big Structure. I sat on the edge of the dock. The I ran up to the top. The slide was bell rang. I went inside. occupied by Ella. She wasn’t going to leave I sat on the edge of the dock. The until Catherine came. I looked behind me. bell rang. I went inside. Catherine was coming up close, so there was “TAG!” no turning back. She was right on my tail! I I joined the group of girls in crowd jumped onto the fireman pole and slide for tag, and put my foot in the circle. down to the ground below. “Bubblegum, bubblegum in a dish, Wait. I just slid down the fireman how many pieces do you wish?” pole! I just slid down the fireman pole, yes! “Five.” This is great! After three minutes of the The bell rang, and I ran inside. I was bubblegum game, Derby was chosen as ‘it’. now one of them. She counted to ten to give us a head start.

Asha Dash, 13 years old, an 8th grader in Louise S. McGehee School, New Orleans, is daughter of Srikanta and Soudamini Dash, and big sister of Rohan Dash.

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42 The Impatient Cat and the Fox Ishani Sahu

A portly, calico cat with a tummy so Patiently the fox replied, “No, no. large that it dragged on the ground, There is nothing to get ready for. I will waddled down the dusty dirt road. The not be around for the next couple of days cat proudly carried two new China plates because my wife’s birthday is coming up. bought in town especially for his weekly Also, this river has even better fish than Friday night fish feast. the food served at the weekly feast. It is A sly fox, seeing the cat and his the best fish available in the whole dazzling plates, thought how lovely they country!” would be for his wife’s birthday present. The cat struggled to make a He had procrastinated and had no gift for decision. He could imagine the juicy, the celebration at his house that night. scaly food on his China plate, just Running to greet the chubby feline, he waiting to be devoured. He did not want cunningly smiled, “Hello, cat, how nice to get home late and end up missing the to see you on this lovely Thursday feast. “Maybe, but how long will it evening.” take?” “Hello, fox. I am coming back “Oh, not long at all. It is a short from town with these wonderful new distance from here. That way, you don’t China plates that I have purchased for the have to wait until tomorrow to eat fish. fish feast tomorrow. I yearn for Friday, You can eat it today and then again for I have been waiting all week for this tomorrow!” event to take place.” The cat’s impatience bottled up “I am sure you have. I can inside of him burst out of its place as the honestly assume that you have not missed cat cried, “Wow! That sounds really one feast since your grandfather started it great. Well if we can get home on time, I when you were just an innocent kitten. shall go. Can you take me to that place?” Although you have a fish fest coming up “Yes! Follow me.” tomorrow, I have heard of a river teeming The fox led the cat deep into the with plump, delicious fish that practically dark forest for many miles where a raging prance into your mouth. I can take you to river roared menacingly. When they got the river if you would like to go.” to the bank of the river, the fox Drooling with anticipation, the cat exclaimed, “Oh! There are so many fish!” debated. He needed to rest for his feast The cat, licking his lips, could not tomorrow, but the place that the fox wait to consume the scrumptious delight. talked about sounded very nice. “Oh? But I cannot see the fish.” Uncertainly, he quibbled, “Oh, I don’t The fox, not giving up easily, know. I have to prepare for the feast answered, “Oh, cat, are your eyes messed tomorrow. The place does sound very up from the radiant sun? I can see the nice, though. Maybe you can take me river plainly, which abounds with fish some other time.” splashing with joy.”

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43

The cat, hearing this remark, said, him as he was swept away. Before “Fox, can you hold my China plates completely disappearing, the cat yelled, while I jump into the river and catch the “Fox, you tricked me!” fish?” The fox, chuckling, yelled, “You The fox knew that he had won. should have looked before you leaped!” “Of course, cat.” Smiling, he walked away with the plates. The impatient cat jumped into the He knew that the cat’s impatience had river to find that there were in fact no fish won the cat over. at all. The current pushed hard against

Anthony and Titus

The earth was a very dark planet. Titus, a themselves. God of Strength, Othello, massive giant, had stolen the sun from heard of the grim situation that the world the sky. Apollo, the sun god, was quickly was in and decided that he wanted to beginning to fade, for all his powers had attempt to successfully slay the giant and been stolen. Bit by bit, the giant was return world peace. He had no clue, consuming the sun. People around the though, how strong Titus really was. world were dying! With no sun, the In the pitch-black darkness, farmers could not depend on their plants Othello appeared out of nowhere onto the to thrive; this was very dangerous island, hoping to engage in a fight with because now the humans did not have the mighty beast while it was inside of its much food to live on. Also, jobs could cave. Boldly, he strode to Titus’ side not be fulfilled because there was no light thinking he was asleep. Raising his knife, to see anything. The human race was he got ready to stab the giant’s enormous hurtling toward extinction. arm. At that moment, a bright, radiant Zoe, goddess of Death, decided to light blinded him from seeing. His eyes, try to vanquish the great giant who lived paralyzed by the bright light, caused him on the island Titania. Bravely, she set sail to stagger around in the cave until he toward her destination. The goddess did bumped into the giant. With one flick, not notice when a huge shadow fell over Othello was flung out of the cave and on the boat and crushed it, along with its to the shores of Titania. He was single passenger. Being the master of extremely injured and lost much of his death and also an immortal being, she powers. The world was now in complete was not able to die. However, she desperation. Their last hope was in the suffered horrible injuries as her dreams of hands of the god of Deception, Anthony. conquering the giant were crushed. All If he failed to get the sun from the giant, over the world, the many people who had the world would die out. The fate of the faith in Zoe were appalled that the giant earth depended on Anthony. had easily defeated the goddess of Death. Disguised in a cloak of Their hopes crushed, many humans invisibility and glasses to protect his eyes believed that survival was futile. As a from the sun’s harmful rays, the mighty result, they committed suicide by Anthony set out by ship to slay the giant. jumping off cliffs and stabbing As he reached the shore of the island with

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44 his celestial bronze sword hidden under sun from Titus’ hands, and threw it back his cloak, the god of Deception crept up into the sky where it belonged. When toward the cave where the giant ate the Anthony went back inside the cave to sun in his lair. To get Titus’ attention, retrieve his sword, he found a river of Anthony stabbed the ground, sending magical blood gushing out from the cracks on the ground across the island. wound. Also, coming out with the Bellowing with rage, Titus took heavy magical blood were tiny balls of light. steps toward the source with the sun in These were the pieces of the sun that his hand. As soon as Titus moved out of Titus had eaten. As the god watched, the the cave, Anthony hurried in and created balls of light flew up to become a part of a humongous, invisible trap with bonds the sky, shining brightly next to the sun. that could not be severed. After creating After Anthony saved the world, the trap, the god rushed back out and the god of Deception was greatly honored observed the giant’s reactions. A few and revered for his courageous acts of minutes passed and Titus finally calmed bravery and wonderful talent of down and seemed to accept that the deception. The human race was restored, cracks were random happenings of and from then on, Anthony was nature. As the giant headed back through remembered by the little balls of light the cave, the trap snapped shut. Titus that flashed alongside the sun. Humans squirmed inside the trap but the bonds were reminded, as they looked up at the were too tight. Taking off his cloak, small balls of light, that thought and Anthony demanded, “Return the sun to intelligence can matter more than the sky! You have caused so many strength and physical power. Anthony’s people to die because of you!” deeds shone down on the human race The giant replied, “I won’t return every night. His story lived on within the it! It belongs to me now.” After they both tiny balls of light in the sky called stars. argued back and forth, the god finally stabbed the giant in the chest, took the

Ishani is the daughter of Upendra and Rita Sahu of Sugar Land, TX. She is a 8th grader at Fort Settlement Middle School, who loves to write poems and stories. She enjoys soccer, dance, chess, math, and hanging out with her friends.

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45 Time -Malina Maharana

What is time? Time is fleeting, time flies by, time is of the essence. Time is ever-lasting, yet it will not wait for you. Time transcends through the years, changing, developing, yet staying the same. Time repeats, yet time already lost will never come back Time’s rhythm can never be changed Time’s beauty can be portrayed in many different ways Watches, clocks, sundials, it does not matter, Because time will always remain the same. Time is used in almost everything: Going outside, baking a batch of cookies, or even going to sleep Time has become a word you use everyday in your life: “Be on time; your time starts now; it’s almost time!” Time is short, yet time can be long. Time is limited, and time is free. Time changes nearly everything. Our whole lives are built on Time.

Malina (Lina) is the daughter of Smita and Madhav Maharana. She goes to Cornerstone Academy in Spring Branch ISD

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46 My 8th Grade Schedule -Simantini (Soma) Mitra-Behura

“HAAAA…” It’s 6:25 AM. My mom’s We talk about “To Kill a Mockingbird” shouting my name. This is how my day and how the characters are important to starts. I topple out of bed, totally forget the stories. In Art, we talk about Greek about making my bed, and slink to the mythology, more specifically about toilet. My sister is ALWAYS using the Medusa. During lunch, I first went to free closest one so I have to go all the way to play and then had my lunch of pizza. the master bathroom. No details on the Then was orchestra, We played all the toilet. I pull my toothbrush out of the songs we would be playing in the green cup (I always wonder why it’s upcoming concerts. We finally had a shaped like grapes) and get some of my scream for our Halloween song and it green, watermelon-flavored toothpaste. was done by a 6th grader. I believe I went As usual the cap breaks off and I have to a little deaf from that. Finally it was go to an annoying measure to fix it. homeroom and then the bus back home. Putting my contact lenses on is usually At home, I collapse on the sofa easy, but today it hurts pretty badly so I with a book borrowed from Teresa, “The have to remove them and put them back Speaker of the Dead.” I revel in the in THREE times. I wasted time with time science-fiction for maybe an hour or so with that so I change quickly, tripping and then finally start on my homework. I over everything and hurry to the kitchen. start with US History and then move on A pop-tart is the quickest choice so I grab to Spanish. Luckily there’s no science one and shove it in my mouth. I tie my homework so I get out my math binder shoelaces while chewing like crazy. Then thinking I’ll get some homework done for I hear my mom yell at me for not making later on but before I know it I’ve dozed my bed. I ignore her thinking I’ll do it off. The next thing I know my mom is later after school. Rachel’s (Shenoi) car yelling at me to go take a shower. I pulls up and I run to it with my sister sleepily look at the clock. I spring up and trailing behind. leap to the shower. It’s already 9:30 PM! We get out of the car in front of Right after coming from my shower, I the school talking the entire time about hear my mom shouting for me again. She things I don’t remember. The second we tells me I have to make my bed even if reach the courtyard the bell rings and I’m going to sleep in it again. I forgot to we’re off to first period. Algebra class is do that too! Finally I collapse in my just just like normal. Another quiz is coming made bed and hope tomorrow I won’t be up next class. Next, I’m off to English. as forgetful.

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47 Home Away From Home - Dr. Sanjukta Samantroy

She clutched her son’s hand and prayed After her initial excitement of fervently. Beads of perspiration appeared adjustment, depression set upon her. on her forehead inspite of the cool Loneliness hung on her like the black fog interior of the plane. The plane was about stifling her and suffocating her. With no to take off and Kuntala felt as if she was one to talk to and only strange faces being uprooted from her soil, her culture which smiled at her without recognition, – the land of her forefathers. Som, her she felt herself an alien .The only time only son, had fared brilliantly in his she looked forward to was Som’s return studies and landed himself a job. But, from work .But his long working hours alas! It demanded a project abroad in and his socializing left her alone most of U.S. When Son had broken the news, she the time .She cried often and slept at odd was shocked. Her husband’s demise had times. Som noticed his mother’s sad face. already broken her heart .Her sole hope That weekend he surprised her by taking was her son and if he left her…. her to Jagannath temple. There in front of the deity, tears streamed down her face. However, Som did leave her with a The pain of alienation burst out in a flood promise to return soon. He kept his of tears. As she started chanting her promise and came back after a year.” prayers, she felt a hand on her shoulder You will have to accompany me “,he and she turned around. The smiling face said.”I have rented an apartment and you of an elderly woman greeted her, “kemiti will enjoy there .It’s a wonderful place achu maa,kahinki kanduchu”?(How are ma,I can’t leave you alone” .Kuntala’s you dear ,why are you crying?) Her kind, dilemma was killing her ,on one hand gentle and soothing words brought forth a was her son and on the other hand her fresh flood of tears. She burst out all her home ,her village and her relatives .In the feelings and apprehensions. The old lady end she relented to her son’s wishes and listened calmly stroking her head. “My here she was on the plane. dear, you have heard this ‘vasudevam kutumbakam’ meaning the whole world Som’s apartment was heavenly .All is one family. The Almighty is also one modern amenities which she never had in who manifests in different ways as her small town. The big glass windows different gods. It is we who differentiate gave a panoramic view of the town .She between them. You left your mother’s was surprised to find all Indian food house after your marriage, did you loose items. The only thing which made her your family? No. You adopted a new uncomfortable was not being able to family while still loving your parents and wash after her abulations. She soon siblings. Similarly, you have migrated to devised an alternative – a big bottle with a new place and adopted a new lifestyle. its neck cut .She kept it hidden from It does not mean that you are alienated .It view. only means that your world has grown bigger .Embrace it with love, observe the

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48 good things in culture and appreciate it. was crippled and waiting for death See the respect and facilities they give to because everyone looked down upon her elders and handicapped. Make yourself as a burden to society. “Thank you Apa, useful by lending support where it is you have opened my eyes.My behavior needed and you will surely enjoy yourself must have disturbed my son too.I shall “On hearing these words Kuntala felt always heed your words “.On the way peace decend upon her. She realized that back Som was relieved to see his mother the old lady was actually sitting on a smiling after a long time. wheelchair and she recalled her aunt who

******

Yoshi…in our life! -Chetana Samal

I had barely reached home that Romil always there. She knew the rules of the announced, “Mama, we are going to house. Won’t even give a slightest downtown tomorrow to get the puppy”. trouble to anyone! Instantly became The excitement knew no bounds as days friendly with kids and all their friends. before he had ‘lost ‘another cute puppy in Summer just zoomed by! the shelter to other prospective parents. Now she is seven months old and wow, is We got ready and went to see Yoshi. On she playful! our way, our lecture continued to see if As soon as I return from work, she would kids were ready with the sense immediately, she would roll, jump responsibility…If we were ready for a and lick as if she hasn’t seen me for ages. pet! It seems Ranjan and Romil had made We are so used to her language now- her up their mind. requests, her demands and when she We saw Yoshi and fell in love with her ignores us as if we don’t exist! charms. She was quiet and very friendly. Very soon kids had the realization that We brought her home only for a day to they have to make space for Yoshi in the see if we can get along with a pet in our car. She sits in the middle stretching as house. Before we knew, the day passed much as she can, face on Rijul's lap and and we didn’t even feel like returning her legs towards Romil and after a while vice to the foster mom. But in a week we had a versa. Rijul would ask the official ‘pet to go for OSA convention, so we were owner’ Romil, “can you please ask your not ready. puppy to leave some room for me so that On our way home from Dallas, we I can sit comfortably?” and Romil would stopped and picked up Yoshi and brought give some cursory look! home. I don’t think we made any Her first long drive was when we significant change to our lives to adjust dropped off Rijul at summer camp and with a pet; it appeared as if she was next one was when we picked him up.

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49

This time we decided to take a mini would pray God to let the one hour lesson vacation at Fredericksburg. We went to pass as quick as possible. But he see Enchanted Rock. Yoshi as she heard graduated earlier than Romil graduated the name thought must be enchanting. As from Elem School; he wore the hat, we reached, Ranjan wanted us to take a danced as the music played and some hike, a round bald looking hill and at 100 extra treats from Romil! plus temperature this year, the idea was When Rijul and Romil are both out on far from ‘enchanting’. activities, Yoshi thinks it’s her job to give Still we decided, let’s try. Yoshi gave all me company while watching my favorite of us a look, “are you all crazy”? Well, TV Serial and she would jump onto the we started hiking, but 10 more minutes, I couch right away and sit comfortably. I and Rijul gave up and so did Yoshi. She would say, “Yoshi, don’t do that. You won’t move an inch! Romil continued know you are not allowed there.” She with Ranjan with a promise that he will would roll her eyes and tell, “oh really? be rewarded with a trip to Famous Who did write that rule?” As I step into Fredericksburg’s pie company. “Trust the kitchen she would slide over to me, Romil, don’t be that adventurous. exactly where I sit! Let’s go back to that shade where the She is so fond of her toys. Any time she truck is selling ice cones”, Yoshi gets a new toy, she would grab it and run whimpered. But Romil made it to the top and try herself to understand what the toy of Enchanted Rock and next morning he is capable of! And sometimes, her toys tried all kinds of pie!! roll down under the bed and she cannot We went to Lily Apa’s house for a dinner reach. Or she is just plain lazy…she invitation and Yoshi was playing with all would be looking around who can be of kids in the yard. And suddenly (I think, it use! she will look around and talk if she was Dhara) I heard that Yoshi had an egg find a brother, “hey, would you mind in her mouth. Ranjan and I had getting it for me?” and often it would be imagination that it must be a plastic Rijul as Romil will be biking or taking Easter egg or something. Guess what? care of stuff in the neighborhood!”. She had a full mouth with a Duck’s egg Once I found this beautiful fluffy bed in and she knew a slight pressure will break the store which I thought Yoshi would the egg. She was holding the egg so enjoy as she had outgrown her small bed. softly and playing with kids giving them To my surprise, she tore it up! I told a reason to have fun. Later I heard from Frances (I often get dog-advices from her Lily Apa, being waterfront house, often and I know she genuinely loves dogs). ducks came over to yard and lay eggs. She suggested, find a bed closer in look I must tell you about her lessons. Her and feel the one she is used to. Finally instructor was no less than any principal Ranjan found one and you should see in any of your Elementary School. And how comfortably she snores the whole the Yoshi who would behave so nice at night. home, won’t listen at all. Romil would She must see off Rijul and Romil in the hide his face or ask “Mama, could you morning when they ride the buses to please demo? I will pass on her treats”. school and she will be waiting for them While she loved all the treats when it when the bus comes to the neighborhood. came to demo what she practiced over the And if she doesn’t find the boys getting week, the hell will break loose. And I down, would look at Ranjan- “Do they

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50 have after-school activity”? Oh boy, is With Yoshi in our home, we can feel for she smart? our kids, sense of responsibility, being Anytime our neighbor’s dogs bark, she tolerant towards other pets, being would never hesitate to reply. “Hey, are considerate of giving company if you okay? Do you need help? Tell me… someone is feeling sad. We wish a great I will jump over the fence”! time ahead with Yoshi.

“Yoshi on her new bed, sitting cozily in Ranjan’s office and playing with Samu, that Rijul brought from a trip to Seaworld”

(This article is written keeping all our kids in mind who love Yoshi so much, they have played with her or take out for a walk. Yoshi reciprocates by playing Frisbee or simply by sitting with them if they are watching a movie or just playing a board game.)

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51

Introducing a remarkable man called Dasarathi Mahapatra-My late Grandfather

-Lisa Bedbak Alva

It was the winter of 1981 when I was personality and he loved travelling. He traveling to Bombay with my grandfather visited England in 1988 when he retired (aja) and grandmother (aie) and I from his job at the AG Office in suddenly became very sick. We were Bhubaneswar. He arrived in Heathrow supposed to take a train from Jharsuguda airport in London and traveled to (near Sambalpur) to Bombay. I was sick Norwich all by himself to meet my uncle like hell with high fever and my who was doing his Ph.d in East Anglia grandparents canceled their trip and came University on a Full bright scholarship. I back to Sambalpur. That was the first think it was a great thing those days when time I had an Asthma attack……I was 4 there was no internet and few phone years old and I still remember that so connections, even in a developed country clearly. My grandfather took one month like England. My grandfather was 62 off just to take care of me as I had to be years old and had no knowledge about hospitalized. He was always by my side, computers and had spent all his growing always. I remember keeping my little years in Bolangir. He certainly knew how head on his chest and falling asleep and to rise to a challenge. He always used to waking up in his arms. It was pretty tell me “Achievements aren’t about big obvious I was his little angel and he was things, they are actually about very small really worried about me. Time flew and things. Achievements are about day to as I was growing up, I realized I shared a day to life, being nice to someone is an very special bond with my grandfather. I achievement, making a nice meal is an was extremely possessive about him. achievement, doing the homework When I was in enrolled in first grade at a properly is an achievement, giving a convent school in Unit 4 in goodnight kiss and to make someone feel Bhubaneswar, he would bring me my special is an achievement, wishing favorite snacks every single evening. I someone on his/her Birthday is an was indeed a spoilt brat. I still am achievement, reading well and working actually……..:) towards a goal is an achievement by There are some people with these larger itself, accepting life as it comes and than life personalities who are simply trying to make it better with small tiny amazing and my aja was surely one of steps is an achievement, to make them. My grandfather had a remarkable someone smile is an

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52 achievement…….the list goes on. Now complained about food, weather, that I am writing this, I can’t stop pollution, no complaints at all. He always thinking what an amazing man he was!! I wore a smile on his face. have always admired this trait of his I miss talking to him, I miss listening to personality and how he never bothered to his stories, I miss his humor, I miss his think about the obstacles he faced on his warmth that everyone felt including me. I way. He had a strange drive in himself do and always will miss my grandfather and the more challenges he faced, the dearly. But I will treasure his memory stronger he became. Sometimes when I forever. am overwhelmed, I always think about My only regret is that he could not meet him and I get my determination back. Ajjai, he could not spend time with Arjun My grandfather was a feminist and was and Anmol. I know Ajjai and Aja would much ahead of his time. He was very have made a nice team. He would have well versed in History and he introduced absolutely doted on Arjun and Anmol. I me to the world of Cleopatra, Anna would have loved to take him around and Comnena, Catherine I, Maria Anna, showed him the places. But I guess that is Queen Victoria, Indira Gandhi, Corazon what life is all about and sadly we don’t Aquino, Margaret Thatcher and many get everything we want. He is up there more. and he showers all his blessings on me The 25 years of life that I spent with my and Ajjai as we raise our two boys. grandfather, I never saw him talking to God bless!! anyone rudely and his calm demeanor was something that inspired me. I don’t think I can ever be as calm as he was. His attitude towards life was infectious. He never cribbed about anything, never

Lisa's article is a tribute to her late grandfather (aja), who died in 2003. Lisa was very close to her aja....

Lisa Bedbak Alva lives in Houston. She is married to Dr. Ajjai Alva and has two sons, Arjun (5 years old) and Anmol (8 months old). Lisa is originally from Sambalpur and came to the US as a student 10 years back. She loves to spend time with her boys, loves to paint and write in her free time.

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53

My Mouth, Your Mouth -Gopal Mohapatra

I cannot claim that I have sincerely Years abided by that realization. There have ago in a been times when the scent of mutton or dinner my impatience with someone has moved party me away from that realization. But the some of realization has certainly not left me. my friends Legend has it that head and heart are were envious of mouth – because mouth gets debating whether it is heart or head that all sorts of first-hand experience – be it shapes one’s life the most. At that instant food, communication or even a kiss. I was chewing a piece of mutton in my Head and heart have been passive mouth which obviously did not allow me receivers of all this experience. Although to chime into the debate. But once the they have got full authority over mouth, spiced pieces, chewed beyond the latter has the power to veto and can recognition, found their way into my do as many times as it wants. As a stomach and settled down in the consequence, mouth is punished by designated chamber, I said loudly “It is having to loose the teeth one by one. But not heart not head, it is your mouth which with technology, it has been able to shapes your life.” Everyone had a good surmount even that obstacle. Thus mouth laugh and asked me to continue doing really does not care about head and heart what I do best – taste half cooked mutton which aggravates the whole situation. to check if the salt in it is adequate. The only solution is to distance mouth from food and people – and this is the After pocketing a few more years into my real reason why some people leave age-wallet since that event, I came to family and society and go to the forest so realize that what I had said that night was that they can only live on fruits and live right. It is actually your mouth that with animals with whom they cannot pick shapes your life. Heart and head provide up a fight. the material and glue of life. But the shape is given by mouth – what goes into On a serious note, words we utter are as mouth affects your health and what powerful as pens or swords. Let us use comes out of your mouth affects your them more as pens, not as swords. relationship with dear ones and the society. I realized that mouth can make ******** Gopal Mohapatra and his family have been living you or break you – what you eat is in Houston for last fisteen years. These years important to you and what you say is not have gone by very fast – the small Odiya only important to you but also to others. community (and mutton curry) being one of the main reasons.

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54 The 17th Guru Kelucharan Award Festival -Soumya Rege

Principal Secretary, Dept. Of Culture & Tourism, Shri Bajrang Lal Bagra, Chairman & managing Director of During my recent visit to Bhubaneswar, I NALCO. had the good fortune to enjoy a fabulous Followed by a flute recital by Surmani cultural event featuring some of the Pravin Godkhindi & ghazals by Pt. Jagjit nation’s greatest artists – the 17th Guru Singh. I couldn’t attend this evening Kelucharan Award Festival. I thought I because of another overriding would share my experience in the form of engagement that could not be a diary. rescheduled. The next day the newspapers reported that a great crowd This festival, held at Bhubaneswar’s one had gathered at the door to gain entry to & only Rabindra Mandap, the setting for listen to Pt. Jagjit Singh, but was denied many a great performance, is organized admission without an invitation. The by Srjan, Guru Kelu Charan crowd then became violent and security Mohapatra’s (Guruji) residential dance had to be called in to restrain the crowd school in BBSR where students come and let the invitees in. from all over the world to stay & learn Odissi dance. The festival is held each Day 2, Sept 8, 2011 – Started with Deepa year in honor of Guruji’s memory and his Jalan & speeches by two of the event legacy of bringing Odissi dance to sponsors. prominence. Each year artists are The first featured artist was renowned selected to receive a “lifetime Odissi dancer Padmashri Smt. Kumkum achievement” award. This year’s award Mohanty. She is 67 yrs old, but gave a winners were Smt. Kumkum Mohanty for sterling performance. She danced a Odissi dance, and Smt. Gloria Mohanty Pallavi set to raag Hansadhwani. In for Cinema (acting). 1965, after the birth of Ratikanta, Guru Srjan is run by Guruji’s son Ratikanta KC composed a Pallavi in along with famous dancer Smt. Sujata Sankarabharana. He then cultivated and Mohapatra. I visited them with my promoted the Pallavi as a significant parents at their school. Attendance at this aspect of Odissi dance. Before this only event is by invitation only. two Pallavi compositions had existed. Smt. Kumkum danced a Pallavi to honor Day 1, Sept 7, 2011 – The Inaugural the guru’s legacy. function featuring speeches by the following dignitaries: She then danced an abhinaya to Shri Murlidhar Bhandare, Governor of Bhaktacharan Das’ rachana “Arre babu tu Orissa, Shri Prafulla Samal, Minister of gale madhu bhubana, kaha mukha anaayi Culture & Tourism, Shri Ashok Tripathy, banchibi”. Yasoda tells Krishna, “if you

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55 go to Mathura (to Kansa), whose face with 13 chakkars (twirls typical of will I look at in order to live.” Her kathak) so gracefully! At 53 years of age abhinaya was superb! She is well known she was so full of vibrant energy, spirit for her excellence in abhinaya. and a gorgeous smile, the audience was It was wonderful to listen to the mesmerized. It was clear that she was accomplished musicians. Singer Dr. having fun and so was the audience. Mitali Chinnara’s powerful voice lent such richness to Smt. Kukum’s dance. This was followed by an abhinaya – Mardala Guru Banamali Moharana was Khandita Nayika (aka Virohini Radha) – honoured on stage with a bouquet of one of nine nayika representations of flowers. Guru Moharana has gained Radha – Radha excitedly gets dressed renown for taking the mardala beyond an and awaits Krishna, but she waits in vain “accompanying” instrument to all night. In the morning when he comes, prominence on its own merit. she recognizes the signs of his amorous Accompanying Smt. Kumkum were night with the gopis, red eyed and with violin, flute, mardala & voice. scratches on his arms... “hato ji hato, na pakdo meri baian, mere saian – jaao ji The second featured artist was renowned jaao ab bolo na mithi mithi batiyan, Kathak dancer Smt. Uma Dogra of the nirmohi saian...”. Jaipur Gharana, disciple of Guru Shri This particular composition had been Durga Lal. She started with a Ganesh created by Guru Shri Durga Lal, in Vandana “Vakratunda Mahakaya...” consultation with Guru Kelucharan followed by “He Gajaanana...” (originally Mohapatra, for a performance at the 1989 sung by Suresh Wadkar) Gateway of India festival in Mumbai. Hence the song is a close translation of She followed this by a set of padhants in poet Banamali’s poem for this dance. the 14 beat Dhamar taal, raag Bhawani. Smt. Dogra’s exquisite abhinaya brought Bhawani is a modern raag and has the the story alive! So much feeling and unique distinction of being created out of angst was portrayed you could feel only 5 notes (whereas the shastras dictate Radha’s pain. a minimum of 6 notes necessary to form a raag). This raag was created by She ended the recital with the shloka Madhusudan Patwardhan, son of famous “gururbramha, gururvishnu...” in honor Pt. Vinayakrao Patwardhan, who in turn of Guruji, then a very fast footwork piece was a disciple of the legendary Vishnu in teentaal. The audience was vowed Digambar Paluskar. with her precise & superfast footwork! Padhant: means recitation (of the bols for the dance steps). Normally kathak She was accompanied by flute, sarangi dancers recite the tabla bol followed by (rarely seen these days), voice and tabla. the toda bol before dancing. This helps The tabla maestro was outstanding! I the musicians set the laya (speed). Smt. never imagined a human being could be Uma Dogra’s performance of this capable of playing tabla so fast without segment was an absolute masterpiece! losing precision – fingers flew faster than Complicated bols followed by anything I had ever seen, and we do get complicated footwork held the audience to see great tabla players in Houston. captivated! She demonstrated a padhant The beautiful male voice, and the songs

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56 sung with such melody and depth of praying to Shiva, Krishna comes to her. feeling became one with the dance. To The abhinaya is about the struggle she quote an audience member “It felt like faces between her loyalty to Shiva and the notes were flowing down from her uncontrollable attraction to Krishna, Gangotri – so pure & emotional were “oh Krishna, why do you come to me, they”. why do you close your lips with mine, why do you pull on my sari, the heart in Smt. Uma Dogra said – She reveres three which Shiva should reside cannot beat for people as her gurus – Guru Shri Durga you....” She says “go’”, but her eyes say Lal from whom she learned to dance “stay”. What exquisite abhinaya! I have kathak, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra heard people frequently refer to from whom she learned appreciation of Bharatnatyam as “dry”. This other dance forms, and Michael Jackson performance was anything but dry, so full who inspired her to learn to dance with a of emotion (bhavana) and grace! vibrant spirit. How interesting! The second abhinaya peice was a telugu Day 3, Sept. 9, 2011 – Also started with “javali” about a heroine who is strong & Deepa Jalan & speeches by two of the spirited. She has been promised many event sponsors. things by the man in her life, but he has The first featured artist was not delivered any of them “you promised Bharatnatyam dancer Padmashri Smt. me bangles for my love, you promised Priyadarshini Govind. Because of my me a necklace for my attention...... what daughters’ training in classical South happened to all your promises?” The Indian dance forms, I have been ending of this dance is left to the intimately connected with the discretion of the dancer to render. This is Bharatnatyam dance style. Watching a popular piece that I have seen before. Smt. Priyadarshini and listening to the But, this abhinaya was truly outstanding. song brought back familiar memories. Towards the end, she shuts the door & She started the evening with a Kartikeya walks away from him, he knocks Koutuam (or Kavitwam), an invocation repeatedly, she is undecided whether to to Lord Kartikeya, in raag open the door & let him in (hoping that Shanmugapriya, taalam Rupakam. he might make good on his promises), Padmashri Smt. Priyadarshini has then at the last minute she makes a received the prestigious Kalaimamani decision and bolts every latch on the door award from the Tamilnadu government, with fierce determination & walks away. and it is easy to see why. She is It was a surprise ending and got a hearty beautiful, graceful, and gave a sensational laugh from the audience. performance! Her next piece was a “Tillana” composed Her next two pieces were abhinayas. The by none other than the famous Dr. first one was a heart wrenching telugu Balmurlikrishna in raag Kadanakutuhala. “padam” – Parakiya Nayika - about a I heard this unusual and amazing raag for woman torn between two opposing forces the first time – its special arrangement of – her diksha to Shiva with her notes and its melody resembles a lilting commitment to serving him, and her western style of music (not to be attraction to Krishna. One day, as she is confused with the Texas “western

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57 music”). It was a beautiful Tillana (the tabla jump at his command....and he is equivalent of Pallavi in Odissi dance). left handed.

She ended the performance with an Pt. Bhatt followed this with a Rajasthani unusual “Mangalam” - “Vande composition “Kesariya”, that he Mataram”, again beautifully executed and proceeded to sing first, & then play. I extremely pleasing. couldn’t stay for the entire rendition, but She was accompanied by a violin, Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt sings as well as Mridangam, female singer and a he plays! Incredible, how one person can “Nattuvangam” (the person who calls out be so multi talented! the bols). The singer, Smt. Priti Mahesh sang like a koel. The sweet melody and Truly a great evening! bhavana in her voice, the brilliant variations in her style of singing, and her Day 4 - Sept. 10, 2011 – This day’s event superb rendition of the commonly sung brought a special surprise for us. “Kokila “Vande Mataram” made the audience feel Kantha Gaayika Smt. Arati Misra” was humbled in the presence of such great art. invited to perform Deepa Jalan & speak a few words in honor of Guruji & his The second featured artist was world legacy. Mardala Maestro, Guru famous artist Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt on Banamali Moharana, was also invited to the Mohan Veena. Pt. Bhatt was the first do the same. Smt. Arati Misra credited Indian to receive a grammy award in Guru Ratikant Mohapara with carrying 1994. He received the Sangeet Natak Guruji’s legacy forward with his hard Akademi Award in 1998 and the work & dedication. We had front row Padmashri in 2002. The Mohan Veena VIP seats that day. (aka the Indian slide guitar) is a combination of the acoustic guitar and The first presentation was a the Veena. It has 13 strings added to the Mohiniyattam dance by Smt. Sunanda guitar and has a unique sound. Pt. Bhatt Nair. A brief note about Mohiniyattam: first learned the sitar under the tutelage of Mohiniyattam is performed as a solo Pt. Ravi Shankar, but was dissatisfied recital by women. It is a drama in dance with the sound of the sitar, so he invented and verse, and has influences and the Mohan Veena....a brilliant man elements from two South Indian dance indeed. forms, Bharatanatyam and Kathakali. The term Mohiniyattam comes from the Accompanying him was another stalwart words "Mohini" meaning a woman who of the music world, Pt. Kumar Bose on enchants onlookers and "aattam" tabla. Pt. Bhatt started the evening with a meaning graceful and sensuous body vilambit and then a drut in raag movements. Marubehag. A truly brilliant performance as ever. The two musical Smt. Sunanda Nair did not introduce her giants kept the audience excited with dance. It would have been nice if she had their brilliant executions of taans, tihais done so. But, in spite of the song sung in and sweet melodies. The duo performed Malayalam & Sanskrit (mixed), it was as one! Pt. Kumar Bose’s dexterity, and clear from the beginning that she was his superfast speed literally made the depicting the story of Ramayana.....so

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58 clear, detailed and intricate were her close to vocal music that today her violin mudras & facial expressions. Compared is called The Singing Violin. to the other dance forms presented thus She was awarded the prestigious Jasraj far, this was, by far the most graceful & award in 1999. It was announced that feminine of them all. She started with she had participated in the background the birth of Lord Rama, then Sita music for the Hollywood movie “Blood Swayambara, Rama’s fight & defeat of Diamond”. Tarakasura, Rama’s encounter with She played raag behag, ektal (rarely Jatayu (this was an outstanding depiction played on an instrument), followed by a of Jatayu!), Surpanakha episode, the madhyalay in teentaal, then a drut & a golden deer episode, then Sita Haran, taraana, both in teentaal. Ravana’s fight with Jatayu, Rama’s She was accompanied on tabla by Ustad tender ministrations to the dying Jatayu, Akram Khan, disciple of Md. Sakhi Khan meeting with Hanuman, Rama’s first & Ustad Hazmat Ali Khan. Ustad Akram disheartening realization that a sea had to Khan is truly an accomplished be crossed, then the building of the accompanist....his harmonious playing bridge by the Vanaras, Hanuman’s added great depth to the entire meeting with Sita at Ashok Vana – Sita’s performance. fear at seeing Hanuman, and then her Smt. Kala Ramnath then played raag eventual thrilling realization that he was Kafi, in taal Deepchandi. This too was Rama’s emissary – the famous Lanka an extremely brilliant & well executed Yudh, and then Rama’s happy return piece. She then decided to end the welcomed by the people of Ayodhya. program, and the audience began to leave, so we left. Later we heard that she All of this was portrayed sequentially in was requested to sing something because one single unbroken piece without a she was also an accomplished singer break. The music was a raagmala. The having started her musical career as a music was presented by a male vocalist, disciple of Pt. Jasraj. Too bad we missed violin, “maddalam” (same as our that. mardala), a large mardala called “chenda”, and a small drum called Day 5, - 11 Sept, 2011 – This was the “chengila” (a bell metal gong) that was crowning evening of the festival – Dance played standing up. Drama “Ravana” presented by Srjan. This was a special evening, many The second performance of the evening dignitaries were present and security was was Smt. Kala Ramnath on violin. Smt. tight. Attending dignitaries were: Kala Ramnath had visited Houston Chief Minister – Shri Naveen Pattnaik before and we had heard her perform. Minister for Tourism & Culture – Shri But this performance outshone that Prafulla Samal previous one. She is a disciple of famous Minister for Forest & Environment – Shri violinist Guru N. Rajam, and is known Debi Prasad Mohanty for playing in the Gayaki (vocal) style – Commissioner cum Principal Secretary, Her violin playing is characterized by an Dept. of Culture & Tourism – Shri Ashok immaculate bowing and fingering Tripathy technique that revolutionized the playing Vice Chairman of Sangeet Natak of the violin by taking this instrument so Academy – Ms. Shanta Sarbjeet Singh

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59

Chairman Swosti Group – Shri Jitendra boon of immortality with the caveat that Mohanty he would die only if he abducted Sita and was killed in battle with Lord Rama. They all gave speeches – some lengthy Thus Ravana engineered the abduction of some short, some interesting some not, Sita and started the ball rolling on the but the worst speech was by the Chief subsequent chain of events. Minister. With all due respect to his position, his speech was pathetically Ravana was played by Guru Ratikanta inadequate. He cannot speak or read Mohapatra, Sita was played by Smt. Oriya, but wants to deliver his speech in Sujata Mohapatra, Sutradhar was Oriya, so he has his speech writer write portrayed by a bevy of dancers, and of his Oriya speeches in the devnagari course Bramha, Rama & Lakhshmana script. Then when he delivers his speech, were played by the male dancers of Srjan. the hindi accent sounds awful, and he mispronounces words so much that the Ravana was a good production. It was meaning changes completely. This was clear that enormous effort and time had clearly a forum where he could have gone into the making of this dance delivered his speech in Hindi or English. drama. Some of the parts were really good, for example, how Ravana explains The speeches were followed by a short to Mandodari why he MUST go to war Odissi dance performance “Krishna with Rama “If I give up Sita, I cannot Swagatam” in raag Mohana, music die. How can I live forever when all my composed by Yesudas, taal ektali, family and dear ones depart and I am still choreographed by Guru Ratikanta alive? If I do not die, how can I attain Mohapatra, and performed by the junior “Vaikuntha”?” But the overall dancers of Srjan. It was a pleasant piece, production left something to be desired. and the male dancer was extremely good. Perhaps some of the key incidents of Ramayana leading up to the war could Then came the much awaited have been presented in a little more detail presentation of Ravana. – like, Sita’s attraction to the golden deer Ravana’s gorgeous and elaborate music leading to her abduction, Ravana’s fight was composed by Shri Debasis Sarkar, with Jatayu – these stories were all just and also rendered by him, & the writing related (thru dance) by the Sutradhar. was developed specifically for this dance (in Sanskrit) by Shri Manmohan All in all, the festival was a great success. Acharya. Famous artists were featured, their performances were outstanding, and each The premise of this dance drama was: day’s function went without a hitch. It is Ravana is the primary character clear that the entire festival was “Muladhar” of the Ramayana. Without organized with a lot of hard work, great Ravana the Ramayana would not exist as care, dedication and attention to detail. we know it. Ravana, an accomplished The fund raising ability, the political musician, a great scholar, a devout savvy, the public relations qualities, and follower of Dharma, attained immortality the overall vision required for thru penance and devotion to Lord successfully presenting a festival of this Bramha. Bramha then granted him the magnitude and calibre should be

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60 respected and applauded. Credit for system, the comfortable seats, the artistic presenting a great festival like this, to audience (and of course the A/C) all perpetuate the great Guru Kelucharan contribute to an evening of pure Mohapatra’s legacy, can be attributed to enjoyment. his son, Guru Ratikanta Mohapatra and Srjan. Why don’t we have deepa jalan at out functions in Houston? Notes: An event like this at Rabindra Mandap We visited Srjan, but unfortunately, brings out so many artists (dancers, could not meet Guru Ratikanta singers, musicians), writers and poets Mohapatra. We did have the privilege of along with all the upper echelons of meeting with Smt. Sujata Mohapatra. BBSR society...it is the cultural “scene”. She is beautiful, charming and soft spoken. She operates Srjan. The festival was a once in a lifetime feast for the senses. The excellent sound

Soumya Rege and husband Ajay Rege have lived in Houston for almost 30 years now. They have 2 daughters Renuka & Rohini who have made them proud. Renuka studies at Rice University and Rohini at the University of Rochester. Soumya is an accomplished mother, wife and singer.

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Bijoy Mahapatra Memorial Essay Competition

Shri Bijoy Mahapatra 1941‐2009

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Bijoy Mahapatra Memorial Essay Contest

Group-A (Elementary School)

Imagination is more important than knowledge

Devarun Dass

5th grade Harmony School of Excellence

1st Place

Sir Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”

The dictionary meaning of “imagine” is to form a mental image of (something not actually present to the senses such as sight, smell, taste, hearing, etc). We imagine using our mind. Human mind is the most advanced mind. The early human beings lived in Stone Age without the comforts of world today. Using their mind and available resources, they invented and created products and amenities for their comforts.

Imagination was a key to think beyond the available knowledge. Human beings used their environment and imagination to improve their living conditions. They built houses, roadways, cars, ships, aeroplanes, telephones, computers, etc. Scientist and inventors first used their imagination to make a mental exercise or vision of their products and theories. Without imagination, these inventions would not have been possible.

For example, Henry Ford wanted to make people move faster by driving cars than walking or using horse-driven carriages. He imagined first the design of the Model T car. He built the factory to build different models of cars in large numbers. This helped people move faster from place to place. The Wright Brothers imagined how to build the airplanes.

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They first got the idea from a flying bird. They had to model several airplanes to make it work. The Kitty Hawk was the first successful model before the advanced planes we have today. Steve Jobs imagined about MP-3, I- Phone and I-Pad as the advanced tools of modern high-speed communication. He thought ahead of others through his insight to put together voice, data, Internet, video, and apps in a small handheld integrated machine. He improved the modern communication.

Einstein was the greatest thinker of 20th century. He used his imagination to develop the theories of relativity. His equation, E = mc2 is a product of his imagination. This is a relationship between energy and mass at the speed of light. This equation was used to build the atomic bombs. His equation was misused to bomb Japan in 1945. Terrorists used aeroplanes to destroy the World Trade Center in New York on September 11, 2001. They planned very well death and destruction through their imagination for these daring attacks. Negative imagination can be used against the human society.

Without constructive imagination, new products would not have been invented or produced. For new thinking, imagination is necessary. Students should imagine new ways to solve problems. They should use the power of imagination to think beyond the available knowledge. Parents should encourage children for free thinking and healthy imagination. Teachers and parents should help children imagine as an exercise in their daily routine. This essay contest may be a small imaginative step in the right direction.

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64 Imagination is more important than knowledge

Saswat Pati

5th grade St. John’s School, Houston, TX

2nd Place

Imagination is like a factory, kingdom or workshop. Knowledge is the boss and imagination is the worker. Imagination makes thing possible. Knowledge is a slab of marble and imagination is the hammer and chisel that makes it a sculpture. Without imagination we humans are hollow shells. We would be black and white and without color. Imagination is what makes a human a human and not a marionette.

Some may approach knowledge with more thought than others. Meher Baba says “imagination can go up to the beginning of infinity where God lets only knowledge pass.” Imagination is “creative ability” (Webster Dictionary 2004.) Knowledge according to the same source is “understanding gained by actual experience or a range of information” which is very relevant against knowledge. With imagination we dream and have ideas. Without it many of our greatest people would have never been great such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., and Srinivas Ramanujan. Mark Twain once said “You can’t depend on your eyes when you imagination is out of focus.” And Frank Lloyd Wright said “An idea is salvation by imagination.” Some other quotes are “Imagination is everything. It’s the preview of life’s coming attractions.” And “The human race is governed by its imagination.” by Albert Einstein and Napoleon Bonaparte, respectively.

Imagination is essential to life. Imagination gives the power to your thoughts you envision. Knowledge is contained like a fly in a cage, while imagination is a butterfly spreading its wings. These aspects show why imagination is better than knowledge. The fusion of dreams and ideas is imagination.

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65 Imagination is more important than knowledge

Anuraag Routray

4th grade Williams Elementary, Katy, Texas

3rd Place

"Imagination is more important than knowledge By anuraag routray 4 grade Some people would think that knowledge is more important than imagination. Then there are those who think imagination is better. Then there are some who think some of both. Read this story and then think about it.

Jules Verne imagined one day a man would be on the moon. At that time people thought he was crazy. But if he said that now people would say “it was possible just because humans are smart!”. What the people didn't realise is that space shuttles would not have been made without imagination. The shape of it was only made by a humans imagination.

Alexander graham Bell imagined about an invention that could connect people around the world. That was only possible with his imagination. Do you love art? Well art is 95% imagination. Do you like Pokemon? That is completely imagination. Did you know people wouldn't be what they are today if they had not imagined?

Even though both do not have the same capabilities they both have some advantages. For example in art if you are the smartest but didn't have a strong imagination then you would not do as good as someone who was the complete opposite. Why? Because like I mentioned before art is made up of 95% imagination.

Imagination means to have the ability to form images and ideas in the mind, especially of things never seen or experienced directly.

All inventions were imagined. If you imagine you can do something then you can do it!

So this story has proven that everything needs both some imagination and some knowledge sometimes a little more imagination and vice versa. Albert Einstein said Knowledge is not the sign of intelligence, believing knowledge is the sign of intelligence is the sign of stupidity. “

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66 Imagination Is Better Than Knowledge!

Diksha Rath

4th grade

Vista Academy of Jasper, TX

4th Place

Why is imagination better than knowledge? Because you have to gain knowledge but your imagination is simply there all along. You just need to find it. Also knowledge is not always the solution. One example is dinosaurs. If you were a scientist instead of just studying fossils of dinosaurs to know about them why not imagine how they may have looked ,what they might have ate , what color they were, etc. But do not think that knowledge is not useful.

Knowledge is also very useful in many ways. Without knowledge no matter how much imagination you have, that imagination is totally useless. If you try enough you can use knowledge and imagination when you need them. Or you might want to try and mix the two together. But when we do not have imagination everyone will start taking all things for granted and will never think about making things better.

I would like to give some examples. Imagine how computers were big and bulky a few years ago. I remember my dad’s old computer which was huge. If someone would not have imagined about computers we kids would still be dragging a big backpack with 10 different books instead of doing most of our work on line. If someone had not imagined about i- pods and i- pads we would not have a device that would work as a phone, messaging system, notebook, camera, music player, video camera, and computer at the same time.

I have heard from my mom about “ Aaa Janha Mamu Saraga Shasi “. For ages people did not know exactly what was the moon and someone imagined that we can actually go to the moon and it became true. In the same way we are imagining about living on the Mars some day. Knowledge is better than ignorance because it helps us to understand things better and helps us to make the right choice. Imagination is better than knowledge because it drives human beings to think differently and helps us to create new things every day. Without imagination the world would be dark and dull.

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Group B Essay Competition (Middle and High School)

Imagination is better than knowledge Ishani Sahu

Grade 8

Fort Settlement Middle School

1st Place

“Logic will get you from point A to B- imagination will take you everywhere.”- Albert Einstein. I have to agree. Currently, we live in a world full of technology that would be unfathomable ten years ago. I am constantly telling my dad of tasks he can perform on his smart phone, and my mom will be laughing in the background. (Then I give her that ‘I- wouldn’t-be-laughing-because-you-didn’t-know-that-either look and her laughter immediately stop.) But how did these amazing inventions come to this world? Certainly they did not appear out of thin air. Somebody imagined such a product and made their dream come true. Sure, it took some amount of knowledge to design their gadget, but it all started from one tiny little seed that started to sprout in someone’s head. It is the imagination, though- not only the knowledge- that helps our world progress.

If you have knowledge, then you are smart. However- if you have knowledge with a great imagination, then you are a genius. Subtracting the two equations tells that the difference between being a smart person and a genius is having a wonderful imagination. One of history’s most important geniuses was born in 1847. Thomas Alva Edison- sound familiar? Yes. We all know that Edison invented the light bulb. What we don’t know is that he got kicked out of school at age twelve. Why? He was too ‘dumb’. In other words, he was dyslexic. Thomas Edison, the great, mighty Thomas Edison, had dyslexia. Obviously, this did not stop him from coming up with marvelous ideas. I wonder if the teachers knew that they had kicked out one of the brightest inventors of the century.

Have any of you heard of the comic strip ‘Dilbert’? Or, more importantly, have you heard of the creator of ‘Dilbert’, Scott Adams? Mr. Adams attended a small college in New York while majoring in economics. A few months ago, he wrote an article in the Wall Street Journal about B students, and how not everyone is cut out to be a straight-A student.

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This is because he too was not a brilliant student who excelled in math. Now, he creates his own comic strips. I don’t know if you have ever tried making a comic strip, but it is HARD. You have to think for hours before you finally get a satisfactory idea. For him to come up with a new comic strip every day requires a great level of imagination. Through the eyes of any sane person, Scott Adams is a highly successful man.

To any religious person, God exists. It is not like He comes and visits us every Sunday; we go visit Him. When we sit down to pray, we form an image of God, in any size, shape, or form, inside of our heads. As people tell us stories of God, we imagine them and assume they are true. Anyone religious can be imaginative; that is because we are not certain that God exists. We have no proof that everything people say about God is true. But if we believe in God, then we believe in what he did. You cannot believe in Him if you base your opinions only off of knowledge. With barely any evidence, we base our thoughts and prayers off of pure imagination.

Many kids play video games these days. Playing video games is not as baseless as it seems, so give players some credit- it requires some amount of knowledge. Still, if they were asked to CREATE a video game, they would not have a clue in the world of how to accomplish that task. (Not to be stereotypical- I am sure that some players know how to make one.) Someone’s imagination is not common knowledge until they pursue this image and make it come to life. To come up with such a gaming device is… genius.

It’s funny how things work out. An average kid with a wild imagination can get farther in life than a really smart kid who knows a bunch of formulas. Imagination is a great expansion, much greater than any amount of knowledge. No wonder they say that a picture is worth a thousand words.

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69 Imagination is better than knowledge

Divya Rath

6th grade Vista Academy of Jasper, TX

2nd Place

Albert Einstein was a great person. He was a master of physics and science. But, I am not going to talk about him. I am going to talk about this famous quote he said, “ Imagination is better than knowledge” .

I strongly agree with Mr. Einstein. Imagination has to come before knowledge, Why do I think this? Because you cannot do anything new without imagining about it first. It’s just like trying to find a watch or a small object in a dark room, but you do not know how to find it because the light is off. Similarly, you can’t have knowledge without imagination.

Another reason why imagination is good is that it lets us make, create, and invent things. Of course, knowledge is good to have, but in a different way. I will demonstrate this concept in the form of two familiar people, the Wright Brothers. They used the method “imagination before knowledge” in this way : They imagined flight first, then they used their knowledge to create flight. Flight would not have been created if someone had not stopped for a moment and thought, “Why can birds fly, but humans and animals have not been able to”? After the Wright brothers thought of that question, that same question turned into a strong will, firm determination, and a powerful desire to acquire the ability to fly. It was achieved with great persistence and perseverance. On December 17 in 1903, the Wright brothers Wilbur and Oliver flew for 12 seconds at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

In my own experience as a student in my computer course, I feel imagination is more important in designing a good web-page . Becuse you will have to imagine first how a website should look like with its unique features to be attractive to people before you apply your knowledge of programming.

My point is, that even if knowledge is A++, imagination will be A+++. However, knowledge is very essential. You need knowledge in a lot of everyday tasks, such as cooking, writing, teaching, construction, and business management just to name a few. Let’s get more specific. I will take cooking as an example. You first need a basic background of what you are cooking, but then you also need a detailed recipe so you know all of the spices and directions of the dish that you will be serving. However, to create a

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70 new recipe, you will sometimes need to use your imagination. Just imagine if people did not use their imagination to create a new recipe. We would be stuck eating the same thing every day. (yuck!)

Another example of knowledge being good is it’s usefulness in managing different day to day activities and improve the quality of our life. When you are getting education, it is basically just building up more and more information into your mind. It is very important to get a good education, otherwise you will not succeed at all in life. But without imagination, the knowledge will not be able to make any progress in this world.

I have now shown the characteristics of both imagination’s and knowledge’s traits separately. I will now write about both imagination and knowledge as a whole.

Imagination and knowledge are both fundamental characteristics in life. Let me put the two and two together. We have a science poster. You have to imagine the layout and the design, but the poster will not be completed if you do not have the knowledge that will fill the poster up. Imagination and knowledge go hand in hand. First imagine everything, then prove the facts with knowledge.

I wanted to give the last example of imagination coming before knowledge. “Thousands of people saw an apple fall, but only Isaac Newton asked why”. If no one imagined that question, we would have never known about gravity, even if we had knowledge. That is how the imagination brings us the most essential knowledge. That proves imagination is better than or superior to simple acquisition of knowledge.

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71 “Imagination is more Important than Knowledge.” -Albert Einstein

Shruti Misra

Grade 7 Grady Middle School

3rd Place

What is imagination? Imagination consists of your dreams, your ideas, your hopes. One of the most significant aspects of imagination is religion, in other words your faith, your beliefs, and your way of living. Of course if you ask a follower, or a devotee, they will vigorously deny that their beliefs are actually their imagination. They have utmost faith that their God or Gods exist and control the primordial forces of nature and humanity. But do we have absolute proof of their existence? No. Of course, the Christian God may be real, perhaps the Hindu devas and devis actually exist. However, until we have absolute proof, they are considered imagination. Knowledge is something you know for sure, the hard cold unbreakable truth. It’s the stripping down of ideas and beliefs until all you have left is the core. Perhaps not very exciting, but it’s true.

This brings us back to the question: is Einstein right or wrong? Naturally, it simmers down to the kind of person you are. If you base your ideas on all that you gathered from your five senses, you will think that knowledge is undoubtably much more important and useful than imagination. But if you are dreamy and always looking for ways the world can be changed or improved upon, if you are imaginative, you will probably think that imagination is more important.

As for me, I agree with Albert Einstein and believe that imagination is much more important than knowledge. Without imagination, we would not be able to live in a world in which messages can be sent to any distance across the world in mere seconds when a century ago, it would have taken at least a week. We could not live in a world you can cross in less than a day (if of course you have the money to pay for it) or a world connected by vast networks of computers and social networking sites, notably Facebook.

If you think about it, one of the simplest and oldest inventions in the world, the wheel, would not have been created without the power of a human’s imagination. The wheel, which has ensured the creation of some of our most invaluable inventions, would be

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72 impossible to live without today. Where would our speeding cars be, our trucks, our vans? Where would our airplanes and helicopters be? How could our immense selection of goods and imports be brought to us? Just imagine a world as such. Would you like to live in that world? Here we must appreciate the genius of our ancient ancestors. They might have seen a cut tree cookie rolling on the ground and thought to themselves that they might be able to lighten their workload by mimicking the shape of the tree cookie and putting the shape on a cart. From that one ingenious invention,we gained a treasure trove of knowledge from which a million more invaluable inventions could be created.

The story of India’s struggle for independence is a heart rending tribute to the powers of imagination. Gandhi, the most famous of the freedom fighters, had seen what damage war could do. He had lived through two world wars and had seen the pain and anguish of the families of soldiers as those dreaded telegrams and letters brought news of death. Gandhi did not want that to happen again, he did not want his home land besieged by death and savagery. He imagined the non-violence movement. And through that movement, India gained her freedom.

One of the most beautiful ways imagination has reached out to us is through the great mythological stories and epics. In those words, the imagination and power of those ancient authors is brought out to us. Look at the beauty of the lines, those fleeting glimpses of ancient life- a pathway to a world completely different from ours. Epics have influenced our minds for millenia. Think of stories as letters to us from the past for that is what they truly are. They were created for new generations of people, people like us. They were made to show us the good and bad of life, to appreciate the world as it is, something I fear we never have done.

Epics also can set our imaginations to work, to make things in the stories into reality. One example is the ancient Greek legend of Daedalus. Daedalus and his son, Icarus, were imprisoned by King Minos. To escape, Daedalus and Icarus wrought two pairs of beautiful wings. As they were flying away, Icarus flew too close to the Sun and his wings melted and he fell toward the sea. That was the end of poor Icarus. Maybe, that legend awoke in us a desire to fly. Parachutes were designed, then hot air balloons, and eventually the airplane and helicopter.

Another great work of literature is the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. In this marvelous myth, the sage Valmiki crafts a poem which will survive in our hearts for generations. In this epic, the main character is Rama, an avatar, or incarnation, of Vishnu, the Preserver. The reason or Vishnu’s descent to Earth is that Ravana, an evil demon, has captured the three worlds (Earth, Heaven, and the Underworld) and has brought down the gods. Thanks to a boon, Ravana can only be killed by a man. The main story is that Rama is forced into exile by his evil stepmother and his lovely wife, Sita, was captured by Ravana. The narrative then focuses on the war between Rama and Ravana, with the eventual destruction of Ravana at the end. It is relevant that the act of flying is used throughout the epic. Flying is achieved through the use of magic in the story, sometimes by characters flying by their own celestial power, other times by the use of magical carriers, notably the Pushpaka

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Vimana. This, along with the story of Daedalus and many others, might have helped us to develop the idea of flying and give us courage to make that dream a reality.

The Space Industry is represented as one of the greatest embodiments of imagination. What began as a far off dream is now a reality. For millennia, people have gazed wistfully at the vast expanses of the sky and dreamed of landing on the Moon, visiting far away planets, maybe even of discovering other intelligent life forms, commonly known as aliens. Only in the last century or so have people been working toward making these goals come true. A few decades ago, we realized the ambition of landing on the Moon. This was a life changing moment for many people around the world. As the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, so rightly said, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Landing on the Moon was one of the greatest achievements humans have ever made. The amazing degree of intelligence and imagination of these scientists opened portals to knowledge culminating in landing machines and probes on Mars and having space probes go to every single planet in the solar system and beyond, bringing us high definition images of the space around us.

Imagination can be considered as the stepping stone to knowledge, without which the path of knowledge would be almost impossible to tread.

That being said, not all knowledge has to be accessed through imagination. Our prehistoric ancestors, commonly called ‘cavemen’, were not motivated to hunt because of imagination, more likely that decision was fueled by a basic need to survive. Then, a few generations later, driven by intense cold those early humans wrapped an animal pelt around themselves and blankets and clothing were born. Knowledge can also be gained through an accident. For example, perhaps someone dropped a haunch of meat into the fire and not willing or too desperate to waste the meat, they decided to eat it. Cooking had been discovered. Inventions can be produced that simply.

Some of the most popular inventions in the world were produced by accident. One of these was the popsicle. A boy named Frank Epperson left some soda with a stirring stick outside. The next morning, the juice had frozen solid. The popsicle was invented.

These important or popular advancements, which were fueled by simple human need or pure accidents, are not very common. As yet, most knowledge is gathered through the power of imagination and invention.

Imagination and knowledge go hand in hand. Alexander Graham Bell, the widely acknowledged inventor of one of the most important technological advances of the modern world, the telephone, dreamed up the idea of a device which could transmit sound over great distances. He then had to research and experiment for many many years before achieving his dream.

Einstein himself demonstrated this quote several times. He refused to accept that Newton’s Laws were enough to explain the physical principles of the nature. He developed the theory of relativity, which time has not yet managed to unravel. This great theory,

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74 though many aspects of it still remains in the realms of imagination, has helped us to understand many principles of nature, time and space.

Yet what is knowledge without imagination? What good will any amount of knowledge do to you if you have no ideas to apply it? If mankind had no imagination we would probably still be hunter-gatherers, hunting animals for food with our crude weapons, no better than a dumb animal.

In conclusion, I believe that imagination is much more important than knowledge. Without imagination we wouldn’t have anything that we so prize today. We would be nothing more than animals, scavenging for food with almost no knowledge of the world around us.

Yet we know so little! We have barely scratched the surface of the mysteries this planet holds, much less so the wonders of the vast expanses of Space. How was the Earth truly created? Was it really a a small super hot ball of rock, or was there some other force at work? Are there aliens out there? How was mankind created? Was it through Evolution or godly creation? What was there before the Universe? The answer to these questions, only time will tell......

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75 "Imagination is more important than knowledge." -Albert Einstein

Abhishek (Rijul) Routray

Grade 9 Cinco Ranch High School, Katy

4th Place

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." The quote mentioned here by Albert Einstein is the rule of innovation. Imagination is what brings brilliance into play in our society and keeps the world moving. Without it, we would still be in the dark. Great inventors and philosophers have stood by this rule. Edison, Tesla, Ford, Einstein; had it not been for great minds like theirs, we could not have advanced this far in civilization. Imagination offers us a means of interpreting information gained from the sensory organs such as our eyes and ears. It allows us to understand things in ways we may not have thought of before. Our world is full of randomness, inconsistency, and uncertainty. If we cannot comprehend things, we often ignore it and miss out on many things in life. We have a difficult time interacting directly with our real world already. Using our minds and imagination, however, we can recreate the real world in a way that is easier for us to understand. Secondly, imagination is just as important, if not more so, than knowledge. Knowledge is very limited; it is based generally upon only what we know is fact, and therefore complicated to sprout ideas from. Knowledge is so small compared to what imagination enables us to do that it is almost superfluous in some cases. But that is a little overboard. Actually, without prior knowledge, imagination loses its focus and is not always fruitful. Finally, imagination gives us a sense that is not commonly associated with imagination; anticipation. Planning and anticipation comes from us interacting with the future through our thoughts. It gives us a model we can use to predict what could happen in the future. Many things, including planning, innovation, and moral decisions are made through the models in our imagination. In essence, imagination is what inspires us to create anything and everything. It is what gives us ideas, the foundation of every business plan, build buildings, or to write stories. Imagination is our door to creativity, and without it life would be dull and mankind would progress very little.

@f[Ð, HLÐ]h jÕ²eZ, LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ, @Ò Ðae 15, 2011, kÔʽ_ç

76 Orissa Culture Society (OCC) Accounts Details (20010-2011) as of 09/28/2011

INCOME Contribution from community for Rathajatra $14,279 Contribution to OCC from other resources $32,724.16

EXPENDITURE

Rathajatra Expenses - $ 21,898.92

Alataa 2010 Total Contributions $760.00 Expenditure $778.40 ------Balance - $18.40 Previous years balance $405.85 ------Total Balance after 2010 $387.45

Kumar Purnima 2010

Total Contribution= $2640 Total Expense= $2300.99 Previous years balance= $386.39

Total Balance after 2009 KP=$725.40

OCC Short Term Interest Free Loan & Donation from the community members (total 1) Returned to the member $2,000

OCC Expenses

Jose Arguello to clean and level OCC land at Desoto $10,500.00 Silversand Services to clean up the OCC land at Desoto $1250.00 Check reorder $23.95 Return of contribution to the member $201.00 Janmastami 2010 poster $203.00 Fence at Desoto $875.07

Current available balance $50,938.19

@f[Ð, HLÐ]h jÕ²eZ, LÊcÐe `ËÀàÞcÐ, @Ò Ðae 15, 2011, kÔʽ_ç