A MIX OF CULTURES An inside story on the cover shoot

COUPLECOUPLE OFOF INTEGRALINTEGRAL THINGSTHINGS Vicassam couples talk of why their partners are better than them

ANAN ACTOR’SACTOR’S CONFESSIONCONFESSION SOAR HIGH An exclusive interview SOAR HIGH Our little ones talk with Urmila Mahanta of their ambition of Kothanodi fame EDITOR’S NOTE RING OF CHANGES hen I was asked to head Enajori for this year, I'll tell you I was more nervous than I was excited. Writing has been my passion and jour- nalism my profession, but it is quite a different ballgame when you are working for a community magazine. I was told I had a free hand to turn the magazine whichever way I wished. This, was an exciting opportunityW for me because sometimes we don't need rules to follow. Sometimes we just need to follow our heart. Enajori felt that to me, I was to work with my people, it felt spe- cial. My goal was to bring the community together through Enajori. A small yet such a spread out community. Bringing to focus on some of the seemingly obvious yet special parts of our lives, our people and our homes was something I wanted to bring forth in the issue. Some of the accented features of this edition are the news section I have tried to inform and highlight the achievements of around the globe and in the past one year. Also, there is an an exclusive interview with Urmila Mahanta who starred in movies like Kothanodi and Padman among others. It's sometimes important to sit back and take notice of your partner for life and ask yourself why you love him/her so much. I got some of our wonderful couples to do just that in the story Couple of integral things. In another feature, Cross Connection I asked our non-Assamese partners to talk about their Assamese better half and their opinion about our culture. A fashionable bunch we are, I, unfortunately couldn't get everyone on board but tried, check out the streetstyle fashionistas sharing some really cool style inspirations. Lest not to forget is the cover shoot and all the fun we had while doing it. Do read the inspiration behind it. In the Young at Heart segment I have let the little humans of VicAssam share their views, their knowledge et al among other stories. Last but not the least is SESTAA being the real hero of this edition with their tireless yet quiet efforts to better the life of disabled children of Assam, also the good news is that the ATO has granted deductible gift recipient (DGR) status to SESTAA which means that all donations over $2 are tax deductible. We are proud of the efforts put by the team. I would like to extend my thanks to the VicAssam committee for believing in me with Enajori, I tried my best to bring out the community spirit in the magazine and thank all the people who made it possible for me despite my unreal deadlines. My ex-colleague and now a dear friend who made this magazine look the way it does, thank you Sandeep for your creativity, sincerity and patience! Lastly, Mudasar, my husband, my pillar of support, my best critic and my best friend for his constant support. On this wonderful occasion of , I wish each one of you a wonderful and a pros- perous Rongali Bihu. Hope you enjoy reading this issue of Enajori.

SANDEEP VEER PRINCIPAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nagma Hasan PHOTO: ERKIN KALAYCI & TALIA CAGLAYAN MESSAGE FROM VIC ASSAM COMMITTEE

Convention in Melbourne on ic Assam 28 September and 29 Committee was September 2018. The Vic extremely Assam committee has started delighted to be working for Assam Convention able to welcome while simultaneously working so many new members to our V for Bohag Bihu. The venue for community on Magh Bihu this the event is booked, the pho- year. The new members not tographers and the videogra- only attended Magh Bihu, they phers are finalised too. President : Sundar Sarma also made the event a big suc- Preparations for cultural activi- cess with their huge contribu- ties and for the Convention tions in preparing the yummy publication Xomonnoy will start delicacies, in festooning up the after Bohag Bihu. The first hall, in arranging the children Assam convention in Sydney in activities as well as some sports 2016 was a big success. activities. The new arrivals Delegates from various states have demonstrated their talent in Australia had attended the in cooking, in literature, in convention. This year del- Vice President : arts, music and dance. egates from New Rangam Rajkhowa We are always Zealand are also appreciative of attending the members who take Assam on a proactive Convention. stance and willing Support and co- to give their valuable operation from every time and energy for the one of our community in welfare of our small communi- Melbourne is earnestly request- ty. Every one of us here is time ed to make the 2nd Assam poor but fortunately is blessed Secretary : Convention a big success. We Ritu Raj Rajkhowa with a skill or talent of some shall come with details of how kind. If we can share it with you all can contribute to the others, the whole community Assam Convention 2018 after can benefit from it. the Bohag Bihu celebrations. We are celebrating Bohag The Assam Convention com- Bihu on 14 April 2018. It is mittee has two delegates from our most important function of each participating state and the year and preparations for they are busy working out the Bohag Bihu had started in full various aspects of the conven- Treasurer : Kurnic swing in February 2018. With tion which includes the budget, the added support and talents fees of the delegates, time that of the new members, no doubt may be given to each state for Bohag Bihu this year will be cultural activities etc. even better than the past years. Let us all look forward to a Greetings and best wishes to very successful Assam all our members for a very Convention in Melbourne in happy Bohag Bihu. September 2018. Also, this year is a very Members : Jonali Handique Gogoi and special year for us in With best wishes, Mridusmita Haloi Melbourne. The Assamese Vic Assam Committee community of Melbourne is 2017-2018 hosting the 2nd Assam Melbourne will be the proud axomiya lettering. host of the 2nd Assam Convention ACA's Facebook page is Australia (ACA) on 28th and 29th https://www.facebook.com/assam- Sep 2018. This event will see peo- convention.au/ and the Website ple from all over Australia come link is https://ozassam.org/. For together to celebrate our rich more information and updates, Assamese culture. The New Zealand please visit these pages. community will also join us for the Here's hoping that we will meet first time in this event. To add to you in our 2nd Assam Convention our joy, Yarra City Council has Australia! become a major sponsor of our Best wishes, event by covering 90% of the hir- ACA Coordination Team (Vic) ing costs towards the historic Rangam Rajkhowa and Jonali Collingwood town hall for the Handique Gogoi event! The 1st Assam Convention was held in Sydney on 1st October represent Assam. The blue repre- 2016. ACA is held once in every 2 sents Australia - with the kangaroo, years. which is found only in Australia. The ACA logo was designed by The intersecting A&A represents a Melbourne's talented Rashmita meeting ground or interaction. A Bardalai Chelleng. This logo signi- convention is a starting place for fies AA (Assam & Australia). The discussions hence the 'aa' was also red A stands for Assam - used as an Open Inverted Coma (") and the one horned rhino which is - the starter of a conversation. The found only in Assam in the whole lower-case lettering of assam was world, hence it has been used to used as it gave a feeling of the Contents

1 NEWS 19NOOK AHEAD 35COUPLE OF INTEGRAL Know what Assamese people Vic Assam women talk of their THINGS are doing around the globe favourite corner in their house Vic Assam couples talk of their partners and why they are 3 CAN ASSAM REGAIN ITS 20CROSS CONNECTION better than them GLORY? The non-Assamese partners talk of their Assamese better halves 4 ONE STEP AT A TIME ASSAMESE CORNER 30USUPONI 5 AN ACTOR'S CONFESSION Momi Syed's short story An exclusive interview with Urmila Mahanta of Kothanodi 32WHAT IS YOUR CASTE? fame An YOUNG AT HEART 39SOAR HIGH Our little ones talk of their ambition

22SPORTS DAY 2017

24AWARENESS ON NEURO-REHABILITATION

25BID ADIEU Prashanti recalls her times with Pranjal

26GOURMET'S NOOK Some delicious recipes to savour

8 HEAD TURNERS 42SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL Streetstyle of Assamesetas 43DARKNESS

12 BOHAG BIHU 2017 44A MEMORABLE TRIP

14 BEING ASSAMESE 45FUTURE OF SPACE X Jennifer Zaman's experience in representing her roots 47PIZZA MAYHEM/ ROBLOX

16 A MIX OF CULTURES 48TALE OF MY CHILDHOOD An inside story of the cover- 33MAGH BIHU 2018 shoot A COLLAGE 49BLACKBIRD 1 Forbes recognises Pitoloi B'TOWN uwahati-based Assamese designer Ranjan Bordoloi has been selected for the Forbes 30 under 30, 2018, a G prestigious list of achievers award across 15 categories. EYES ASSAM Ranjan is a founder and creative director of Studio Bordoloi and specialises in reviving the ancient craft of brasswork dominant riyanka Chopra's love for among Assamese artisans. His collection Pitoloi includes small Assam is getting stronger, stools and barstools by cutting sheets of brass and shaped by after becoming a brand wooden moulds with a floor-based welding technique. His in- P ambassador of Assam novative take on an age-old artisan technique has won Bor- tourism, in a video clip at a press con- doloi international recognition apart from multiple awards in ference recently she announced her India and overseas. At India Design ID in February 2015, first Assamese production Bhon- his work was selected by Giulio Cappellini, art di- ga Khirkee (Broken Window), which rector of Milan-based Italian design firm - is a joint venture between her pro- pellini, and was put on the Cappellini Next col- duction house Purple Pebbles lection/stage in Milan's Salone del Mobile.

Pictures and Easterly Enter- PICCREDIT: STUDIO_BORDOLOI.INSTAGRAM.COM tainment, a -based com- pany. The film is based on the real life experience of a village girl in upper Assam and is set MORE JOBS BEAUTY AT against the socio-political landscape here is hope of an influx of em- of Assam in 2015. It is written and di- ployment in Assam with several busi- ITS BEST rected by internationally acclaimed As- T ness stalwarts looking out to invest samese director Jahnu Barua with a in Assam. Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Indus- eshita Baruah won the second cast that includes Zerifa Wahid, Seema tries recently made an announcement of in- runner-up title and Mrs Con- Biswas and Joy Kashyap among others vesting Rs 2500 crore in Assam including re- R geniality at the Mrs World con- and is slated for a December release. tail, petroleum, telecom, tourism and sports. test held in Seattle, USA last year. Be- This move will create an estimate of 80,000 ing one of the firsts, Reshita is the only jobs in the next three years, the company pre- contestant from the Northeast to rep- dicted. At the Global Investors Summit 2018 resent the country internationally at a Silky way Ambani said, "We are also going to open new beauty pageant. She hails from offices in all 145 tehsil headquarters across and is a perfect blend of beauty with Assam. Our approach has always been to cre- brains, she not only has won a beau- ate sustainable livelihood opportunities and have ty pageant but has also been award- to Paris generated 20,000 jobs in Assam," Mukesh Am- ed a fellowship for a PhD research at bani said. Tata Sons Chairman, K Chandrasekaran aris dictates fashion rules, being the Bangalore University, India. also promised that the firm would invest one bil- the hub of to street PICCREDIT: [email protected] lion dollar in Assam in the next two years to touch style it was indeed a moment of P the lives of two million people in Assam. The CMD pride when Assamese designer Kunal of Spice Jet, Ajoy Singh disclosed the plan of the Kaushik showcased his collection of Assam airline which have good presence in the region, silk at the Tiffany's Fashion Week in Paris last to use International airport as a gate- year, and he not only enamoured the Parisian way to ASEAN countries and introduce sea fashion fraternity with the gorgeous collection planes in and its numerous but also clinched the award for the tributaries to promote tourism and provide Best Designer. employment avenues to local youth. Under his label 'Looms of As- PICCREEDIT:TIME8.IN sam' Kunal's cou- ture collection was Gone forever as colourful as it There are actors and then there are legends, was contemporary prominent Assamese actor Biju Phukan was one appealing to the such legend whose passing away has left an irre- western crowd. He placeable void in the Assamese Film Industry. The went on to showcase actor was suffering from heart ailments before he his 12 garments col- was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Guwahati. A few lection at the red car- hours after his admission the actor died of a car- pet show of Cannes diac arrest. He acted in over 80 films including Film Festival followed some Bengali films apart from delivering superhit by shows in Monaco, movies in Assamese. He was 77 and is survived Bangkok among other by his wife, daughter and son. countries. PIC CREDIT: KUNALKAUSHIKOFFICIAL.INSTAGRAM.COM 2

ASSAM SHINES ON THE RAMP n the recently concluded Lakme India Fashion Week, Fash- nspired by the traditions of North East India, Sanjukta Dut- ion designer Sonam Dubal's label San- ta's collection at 6Degree Studio during Lakmé Fashion I skar showcased I Week Summer/Resort 2018 was a carefully crafted and his collection , ethereally unique blend of history, art and celebrating As- comprising of silk, cotton, silk-blends, muga and brocade. Her samese silk. Being silhouettes were constructed with , , and part Maharashtrian , in opulent shades of gold, beige, emerald, sapphire, and part from Sikkim, saffron, dusky lavender, onyx, blush, rust and shimmering off- and Assam being his white. Bollywood beauty Dia Mirza stopped the show with a birthplace, Sonam took full-sleeved ruby red , matched with ochré -gold toned his Majuli collection to with shimmering embroidery that comprised gold express his love for the work, stones and sequins. textiles and beauty of the culture of Assam. Taking inspiration from the dances and weaves of As- sam., he has worked his collection in winter shades of black, cream, red, brown, grey and beige and embel- lished it with dori and wood- work. The Eri and Muga silk as well as cotton weaves with hints of ikat and Assamese Gam- cha were turned into layered creations that merged perfectly into a single outfit or could be worn as separates.

FIRST OF ITS KIND International leanings PICCREDIT: THUMBPRINTMAG.COM ssamese origin vanhoe Pictures, a Hollywood based Pro- English novelist duction house and Easterly Entertainment, ARohan Gogoi, I a production house in Mumbai are joining after his debut novel hands to produce the first ever Indo-American Chasing Maya in 2012 co-production with Jahnu Barua at its helm as has now penned down the director. The film has been titled 'Unread a collection of poems Pages' with the storyline of a happy family torn in -Urdu and is apart. The protagonist moves away from his land called "Rahgeer-e-Re- and culture and later returns from New York to hguzar" which consist Assam to restore his identity. The cast has not of 40 poems and lyrics. been decided yet. The film will be shot in both Assam and North America. Hailed as the first Parts of the movie will have dialogues in English but most of it will be in As- northeastern poet to publish a book in ing his research then that he realised samese. The film will get all the benefits of the new state tourism policy. As- Hindi-Urdu, Rohan discovered his love his personal inclination for the language. sam Tourism Development Corporation chairman Jayanta Mallah Baruah said for urdu when he was working on his The book is published by Pune-based the department will bear up to Rs 1 crore in making the film, besides giving second novel and one of the characters Western India Imprint and was released other benefits as per the tourism policy guidelines. was a lover of Urdu poetry, it was dur- last year. SHOOT FOR THE STARS PICCREDIT: YOUTUBE rom a remote Australia, 18 year old Hima nothing is impossible. The by qualifying for the semi- Dhing Village in Na- Das has made every Indian youngest of five children of finals of the women's 400 F gaon, Assam to not only proud of her a rice farmer, Ronjit das metre event at the Com- rocking it at the Common- achievements but also and mother Jomali, Hima is monwealth Games. We wish wealth Games in Goldcoast, made everyone believe that shining brighter than a star her all the best. 3 Can ASSAM regain its glory?

n the last 40-50 years the situa- cooperate in each and every act fast. They have to put plants and fauna. No other state has all tion in Assam went downhill rap- project if they want Things the interest of the state these resources in one place. In addition idly and reduced Assam to one Assam to move for- are looking up for first and everything Assam has significant reserves of oil I of the worst states in India. I vis- ward. else next. and gas, coal and other minerals. ited Assam in December 2017 If the ministers Assam, with a lot of Australians But the Assamese did not learn and to my surprise I found people find that the exist- call their country how to take advantage of all these natu- becoming optimistic again. Rays of ing officers are projects and budgets a lucky country ral resources. They destroyed the hope for Assam moving forward again incompetent or issued towards the interest for the forests by cutting all the trees. The is appearing in the horizon. Will that are not willing to immense min- exposed soil got eroded in the heavy hope materialise? I say yes, if the peo- cooperate, they of Assam, SUNDAR SARMA eral deposits monsoon rains and filled the river sys- ple of Assam try to remember that have to act like and other tem with silt. They cut the hills and used famous sentence of the great Lachit Barphukan shares his perspective and resources it that soil to fill the swamp areas and the Assamese hero Lachit Barphukan " who sacrificed his why he thinks Assam has. I can say lakes. The shallow river system cannot Deshat koi Mumai Danghar Nahoi - my uncle for the coun- that Assam is the carry all the rain water. The excess rain uncle is not more important than my try. They have to sac- may have a bright luckiest state in water has no place to collect and country" . The real meaning of the sen- rifice these incompe- future… India for all its natural Assam suffers from massive floods tence is that the interest of the country tent officers for the inter- resources. Assam has every year. is more important to me than my own est of the state and replace the huge Brahmaputra river First of all Assamese should realise interest or the interest of my relations. them with competent persons. They system with hills on both sides of the how lucky they are to receive so much For a state to move forward eco- have to find people who are capable of river. Assam gets world's highest rain- rainfall. All over the world there is scarci- nomically the people, the politicians and planning, designing and completing fall. The rain and the river system has ty of water. The states in South India the government servants (officers and these projects in time. There is no time made the land very fertile over the ages have a chronic water shortage problem. administrators) all have to put the inter- to relax and talk. The ministers have to and created the forests rich with various across the border needs water est of the state first and their own inter- and started using the water on their est after. Based on the news in various side of river Brahmaputra. Instead of media, for the first time in the post-inde- complaining to China, Assam should try pendence , I have seen to store the monsoon rainwater for use Assam receiving so much attention from in the dry seasons and at the same time the centre. Huge sums of money is save Assam from the flood. The stored being offered for various projects in water can be used by the farmers to Assam by the government of India. If grow additional crops in the dry sea- the is able to use sons. Let us hope after the result of the all that money and complete all those study on controlling the flood, Assam projects in time, everyone in Assam will will receive sufficient fund from the cen- benefit. Everyone in Assam will find tre for various projects to control the employment, the spending power of flood. That money may be used in so each person will increase significantly many ways to reduce the flood. The and Assam will prosper again. available swamps and lakes should be The sum of Rupees 100 crores dredged and made deeper to store offered to find permanent solutions in more rainwater. Every river should have controlling the flood alone, if used prop- a dam where the excess rain water can erly, will not only eliminate the flood for collect before flowing downstream. years to come but it will also help the Those dams should be designed in a farmers to increase productions and the way that it only collects the excess rain- associated projects will employ a large water and does not interfere with the number of skilled and unskilled people. normal flow of water. The excess water Once unemployed people get collected in the dams may be released employed, money will flow into the econ- during the dry season to the river sys- omy and growth will occur in each and tem. This will enable to create space in every sector of the economy. I just read those dams for collecting water for the in the media that the Central next year. This will also help Government has already started Brahmaputra from drying out during the dredging work in the Brahmaputra dry seasons. River to make it suitable for heavy I read in the media that steps have river transport and followed by the been already taken to initiate massive building of 7 river ports spreading plantation measures on both sides of from east to west. That is also a huge Brahmaputra to control land erosion. project of Rs 1100 crores employing a But majority of the deforested areas lie large number of people and will enable in the hills which are located in the easy and cheap way to transport goods neighbouring states and Assam govern- to and from Assam. I have also heard ment has no control over those areas. If that significant sums of money has been silting in the Brahmaputra River is not offered to Assam for other projects in reduced to the acceptable level, flood- the field of health, education etc. ing may occur again in few years' time. The Assam state government has Another project may be initiated. Huge to work hard to take advantage of this pipes open at the to collect the golden opportunity. The government water over the danger level may be laid must be able to use all these funds on both sides of Brahmaputra River and properly in time. The projects must be these water may be pumped out from planned, designed and completed in the pipes downstream in areas where time. For the government to be able to flood does not occur. do so, the government will need sup- Let us hope Assam will move for- port from the government servants and ward again by making good use of the from the people. The people have to funds made available to Assam. 4 One step at a time SESTAA's tireless efforts of working towards the improvement of disabled children in Assam is commend- able, SMITA SABHLOK tells us what has been their most recent step to working towards their goal.

can't help but share (Deductible Gift Recipient) status SESTAA's latest news with which means that all donations our committed supporters over the amount of $2 are tax from Vic Assam. As all of deductible. In other words, you are aware, SESTAA has donate to SESTAA and claim a beenI working tirelessly to deduction in your tax return. Isn't improve the mobility and inde- it great that before the end of the pendence of disabled children in financial year, all of us can put Assam. SESTAA in our donations list for We stepped into the new the year 2017-18? year, 2018, with the great news On the 16th of December, I that the Australian Taxation Office joined the team of therapists has granted SESTAA the DGR from Shishu Sarothi, Guwahati

and made the trip to to tances of 150 -200 km away. visit SESTAA-funded Early Attendance on the day was 37 Intervention Centre. Not very far children and the therapists had to from Guwahati and with a good work non-stop for five hours to road, it should have been a be able to look after everyone smooth trip. Sounds easy, not and complete their work. It was quite! For a distance of not easy. 139 km one way, even On top of that, parents if there were no traf- (mostly mothers) had fic jams, it would travelled by bus or any have been a 10 other mode of trans- hours grueling day port they could afford (6 hours travel seeking help for their time and 4 hours children. And there was in the Centre). But it not even a functional toi- became more than a let for them to use in the 15 hours day - the jour- Centre. The men 'manage', ney from Guwahati started at 6 but no one knows or dared to am and the therapists would have ask what the women did. The been lucky to reach their respec- therapists' team had to make tive homes by 10 pm that day. the compulsory halt at roadside Every weekend, the therapists hotels for the sake of the ladies are giving up their holiday and in their group. making this grueling trip to help Can we depend on your sup- the disabled children and parents port to give them the facilities of who turn up at the Centre in a functional toilet? Goalpara. They come from as far For further details and how as Mankachar, and to donate, please visit www.ses- other places, which are at dis- taa.org or contact Smita. 5 An ACTOR'S confessions

Meet Urmila Mahanta, of Padman and Kothanodi fame. She talks of her journey, her movies, her love for Akshay Kumar and her dream to work with the King Khan

WORDS: NAGMA HASAN 6

The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams - Oprah Winfrey

etween life's troughs and crests, ents and caring siblings. She recalls, "I remember we all have a life to live and we attending my first acting workshop along with all have a story to tell. It's not my brother when I was in Grade 6. Both of us what life has to offer you, it's The role I played in Pad- had participated in the workshop to pass our about what you make of all that man wasn't as challenging summer holidays fruitfully. Although my broth- comes your way that makes it er left the workshop half-way, I continued with Bcount. That, is what life is worth living for. as it was sharing screen it till the end. That was to be my first brush with Not many years ago, an ordinary girl from the acting world that sparked a passion in me an overlooked part of Assam- Sonapur was space with Akshay Kumar. that continues to rage till this day." She knew dreaming a little dream to make it to the ce- she didn't want to be anything but an actor, so lestial world of stars and making a mark in the I grew up on his films, and joining FTII, Pune was only a natural progres- acting fraternity. Being from a small town did- here was him in flesh and sion. Although she says, "I always thought that n't bother her. Not having a mentor did't bog one can't teach acting, you either have the skill her down either. With be- blood. It was a such a spe- in you or you don't until I enrolled in it. Once I lief in herself and entered its hallowed corridors, I realised how support from cial moment for me. wrong I was. One can have inherent acting skills her family, but one has to learn about films and acting and she raise the awareness levels, to be able to hone dared oneself as an actor." After graduating, in 2008 to step out of the conventional path and pursue while attending the International Film Festival of her dream. She began her India in Goa she was spotted by Director Bala- journey and she is not ji Shaktivel for the lead role for his drama-thriller one to stop. Meet Urmi- Vazhakku Enn 18/9. It wasn't as easy, she re- la Mahanta, of Padman calls that she underwent several auditions and and Kothanodi fame. look tests in real locations conducted by the di- She talks of her outing rector over a period of two tedious years but it with movies, her love was all worth it when the movie raked in mon- for Akshay Kumar and ey and won her multiple nominations and awards. her dream to work with With a hit on her shoulder she was ready to test the King Khan. the water on a wider platform. She couldn't have hoped for a better film to make her mark in Bol- On the lywood when Ketan Mehta's critically acclaimed Journey Manjhi with Nawazuddin Siddiqui was offered to Being born and her as the second lead. There was no looking schooled in Son- back, movies like Akira by A.R Murugodoss (Ga- apur, Urmila rem- jani fame) along with Sonakshi Sinha,Konkona inisces her Sen and Anurag Kashyap and "Padman" by R.Bal- childhood to ki with Akshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor fol- be a happy lowed her way apart from working for successful one with Bengali, and Assamese films. loving par- On Padman Padman is a significant film for many a rea- sons. Apart from being a Sonam Kapoor and Ak- shay Kumar starrer, it had an ace director R Bal- ki, produced by Twinkle Khanna and the ignored yet pressing issue of women's personal hygiene in rural India that was addressed in the movie. When Urmila got a call from Balki's casting of- fice for an audition she was thrilled and was des- perate to make it through. She feels overwhelmed to be part of such a reputed project, "The role I played wasn't as challenging as it was sharing screen space with Akshay Kumar. I grew up on his films, and here was him in flesh and blood. It was a such a special moment for me. I was swept off my feet by his good looks and demeanour. Despite Balki Sir's and Akshay Kumar's stardom they are hum- ble and friendly and appreciative of tal- ent. I am also an admirer of Sonam who is beautiful inside out." 7

On the challenges Despite her effortless acting skills and critically recognised films (Ballad of Rustom for Academy awards) it was an out and out commercial movie that Adapting the role of Kete- got her national recognition, we quizzed her if Bolly- ki, a mother of an outen- wood is the only way to gain recognition as an actor. While she agrees commercial films help avail more ga(Elephant apple) was a recognition because of its wider reach, she believes content oriented films have a lasting impression on real challenge. I was a movie goers. "Fortunately the trend is changing, peo- mother to a vegetable and ple are opening up to good films. Audience don't only want to see commercial product but also content ori- had to treat it like a living ented product. Padman is a commercial film howev- er it's quite rich in content and delivery. Every actor object. It was a difficult involved in the film gave their best and that's why I feel it's been accepted warmly by the audience. Also yet wonderful experience every film is a journey and every film has its own share of challenges. For actors like us without a mentor we undergo a rigorous process of filteration through var- ious rounds of auditions, look tests, costume trial be- the likes of Seema Biswas and Adil Hussain doing very fore we play the role on screen. However being an well in the industry although the ratio may be low as FTIIan helps to a great extent but it is never easy!" opposed to talent from other parts of the country. But the upside is that Assamese people are marking their However she is a proud Assamese, she says, "What On being Assamese niche at national and international level in the field of I love most about being Assamese are our values, If statistics are anything to go by, there aren't as music, sound, costume, art direction etc." She fur- our culture and our equality. We are emancipated and many Assamese talent as there should be. Urmila ther states, "We also need to break the glass ceiling believe in gender equality. Our women are empow- agrees to disagree, "We do have acting stalwarts with of being a North Eastern, language barrier and ori- ered since ages. Thanks to my parents and strong ental features cause a major setback in bagging work." values, I continue to respect and be fair in everything that I do." On Kothanodi How often do you share screen space with an actor who taught you those very skills? Urmila recalls, "Adil Hussain was my teacher at FTII and here I was acting in a film with him. When my director approached me with this script, I was quite impressed by the pitch- ing trailer and when I knew I was to be a part of a proj- ect with the noted cast I didn't think twice." Buri Aair Xadhu is to an Assamese what Enid Blyton is to every book loving child, she tells, "As a child I was fasci- nated by the stories of "Burhi aair xadhu ". Adapting the role of Keteki, a mother of an outenga(Elephant apple) was a real challenge because I believe acting is reacting but when you have an outenga for your co- star for most part, how do you react? I was a moth- er to a vegetable and had to treat it like a living ob- ject. It was a difficult yet wonderful experience." On her future She has a busy schedule and is trying to live the moment as it comes,"I am eagerly awaiting my first international project called "Beyond the Clouds" by critically acclaimed international director Majid Majidi which is scheduled to release in April. There are some What I love movies in the pipeline in Bollywood, a female lead in a Malayalam movie and few more in Assamese." Quiz most about being her about her dream role, and she says, "As an actor Assamese are our I would like to test all characters and shades." values, our culture and Armed with ace acting skills and determination our equality. We are to do quality work, Urmila Mahanta wants to work with Shah Rukh Khan one day and it will be wonderful to emancipated and see the pair together on silver screen. Until then we believe in gender wait and wish her all the success. She dared to dream equality and she made it, as Nelson Mandela once said, "It al- ways seems impossible until it is done." 8

Why would you go as far as Hollywood or Bollywood for style 2 inspiration when we have a de WHO: Antara riguer bunch amidst us? Elegant, Siddhartha Kataki glamorous, avante-garde, suave WHAT AM I WEAR- and sexy, their sartorial choices are ING worth noticing. Here are few of the Top: Dotti many fashionistas in VicAssam Wide legged pants: Zulily.com : Best and WHO: Anjana Borgohain Deka Less 1 WHAT AM I WEARING Bag: Collette : H & M Accessories: from SuperDry and from Vogue Heels: Novo

3 WHO: Mrinmoy WHAT AM I WEARING : Levis T-: Zara : French Connection Accessories: Sunglasses from Ray-Ban and Samsung Gear Smart Watch Shoes: Puma HEAD TURNERS HEAD TURNERS 9

5 WHO: Mudasar Ghansar WHAT AM I WEARING : River Island Business suit Shirt: Bell & Barnett Shoes: Patrick Cox

WHO: Ipshita Chetia Collins WHAT AM I WEARING WHO: Jhum Rajkhowa : ASOS WHAT AM I WEARING 4 Accessories: Sunglasses Top and : Sports Craft from Cotton On 6 Statement neckpiece: From Venice Shoes: Cotton On Shoes: Winter shoes : Lovisa 10

WHO: Indrani Bora WHAT AM I 7 WEARING Mekhela Chadar: Silkalay, Guwahati, India Jewellery: Dudugi and Bena set

WHO: Jennifer Zaman 8 WHAT AM I WEARING : Forever New : Supre : Made in India Accessories: Sunglasses from Dotti Jewellery: Lovisa

9 WHO: Bibhuti Mahanta WHAT AM I WEARING T-shirt: Abercrombie and Fitch Jeans: C.K Shoes: New Balance Hype

WHO: Papari Barman WHAT AM I WEARING 10 Shorts: Temt Top: Being Human by Salman Khan and Shirt dress from Temt Accessories: Watch from Emporio and Co and Sunglasses from Ray-Ban Boots: Custom-made in India by RR Chaussure World 11

13 WHO: Chinmayee Bezbaruah WHAT AM I WEARING WHO: Ujjal Roy Top: Bardot 12 WHAT AM I WEAR- Skirt: Supre ING Boots: Converse Suit: Business suit from Accessories: Watch from Fossil Van Heusen and Sunglasses from Ray-Ban Shirt: T M Lewin Shoes: Hush Puppies

11 WHO: Syeda Sultana WHAT AM I WEARING : Portman Bag: Gucci Boots: NineWest 12

We rang in Bohag Bihu with gusto last year. With music and dancing being the pivotal part of the new year celebration, the Assamese diaspora had a memorable evening to remember.

PHOT CREDIT: SUNDER SHARMA,

BOHAG BIHU 2017 ANJANA AND PRASHANTI 13 14

BEING ASSAMESE

JENNIFER ZAMAN SHARES HER EXPERIENCE IN PARTICIPATING IN MANY FASHION PAGEANTS REPRESENTING HER ROOTS, HER BEING, THE ASSAMESE CULTURE. SHE DIVULGES THE ORDEALS AND THE JOYS…

ut of all the ques- of participating in a pageant but also tions, people general- because I would represent my culture ly ask me, my most and roots on an International platform. anticipated one is Like every other Assamese, I, too, "Where are you wish that Assam is recognised on the from"? I always world map, analogically saying. respondO with an air of mystery "Where However, that won't happen unless we do you think I'm from?" After naming magnify ourselves in the eyes of those all the Asian countries my features who are ignorant. Therefore, I tried to could possibly match with, they zero it make the best use of the opportunity down to India with disbelief. Here as a finalist to this pageant. And my comes my favourite part of the con- obvious answer when the organisers versation. To help the listener turn his of MIQ asked about what I would like or her disbelief into conviction, I finally to perform in the talent round was open the Pandora's box - "I belong to "". To be honest, I learnt to a mystical and picturesque state in the perform Bihu only after migrating to north-east of India, and sadly, very few Melbourne. The enthusiasm I wit- know about us. Our region borders nessed amidst the Assamese China, Nepal, Bhutan, , and Community of Victoria (VicAssam) was Bangladesh. We are marginalised so inspiring that I joined the Bihu Indians and represent its Asian ingredi- group the very year I set my foot here. ent. We follow the legacy of unique And let me tell you this- it takes years traditions, culture, food, and music, not to mention the rich history curated by our forefathers. We stand out for In September last year, I our distinct Mongolian looks and are was offered the opportu- proud to be different!" In September last year, I was nity to represent my offered the opportunity to represent state 'Assam' in the my state 'Assam' in the South Asia Australasia MIQ Beauty South Asia Australasia Pageant 2017 held in Melbourne. I grabbed it with extraordinary pride MIQ Beauty Pageant 2017 and happiness, not only because I had held in Melbourne. a chance to live my childhood dream 15

reminds me of an interview I had with drew an audience full of curiosity and an Indian-Australian Radio Station amazement and I still remember the based in Melbourne where the inter- joy of being watched and celebrated viewer kept confusing my origins with in a land unknown to our ancestors. that of an Oriya. Although, I contin- As a model, representing Assam ued to stress that the two-piece at any forum would always be a matter mekhela-sadowr is our traditional out- of extraordinary joy for me. I shall con- fit and not any form of saree, the tinue to work towards promoting this interviewer, who was an Indian too, beautiful culture and the ethos of our didn't change her mind. I felt baffled community. and funny at the same time as this wasn't the first time I faced such a situation, however, since we were live on radio, I stayed calm and waited for the next question. Once the video was published on my social media page, my Assamese friends com- mented furiously on the lack of research and stereotypical demeanour displayed by the Interviewer. Most of them felt offend- ed and disappointed; tired of being meted out this attitude by fellow to get the steps and rhythm my interviews with the popular Nationals. Later though, she did apol- right, it's not as easy as it may look Bollywood actor Adil Hussain, of Life ogise and corrected herself on her like. Although I have a long way to of Pie fame, who is an Assamese to own accord. go, I still participated every year at the amazement of many, I asked him Following the pageant, the con- the Rongali Bihu event. A huge contri- "If you had to invite someone to testants were bution to my preparations for my per- Assam, what would be the interesting formance at the pageant came from facts you would like to mention to our Assamese friends here. Right impress him/her about our native from my Muga set to my accessories place?" Keeping this interview very offered were borrowed and so were the candid he replied that if someone several opportunities dance moves. The presence of our wants to visit Assam, he would rather to participate in Community members in the audience say "Don't" because everyone who Fashion Shows where instilled sublime confidence in me. I goes there turns into a sheep and we were requested to ended up winning the sub-title of "Ms. never wishes to leave. He further represent our Model MIQ 2017". And until this explained this metaphor by adding National/ Regional moment, I receive compliments on how great climatic conditions make outfits and, needless my mekhela-sadowr, the dance lives easy. Vegetables simply grow to mention, in each of moves, the nuances, music, and the on its own without much or any hard those events, I flaunt- Xorai I placed on the stage as a labour and therefore, people living ed our beautifully prop. And I bow more and more to there tend to become lazy and com- hand-woven fabrics. I the traditions and culture that sculp- fortable with the facile lifestyle. That's love to educate peo- tured my identity. where the reference of a lazily graz- ple about the unique During the two months preceding ing sheep comes in. patterns and assort- the finale, I tried to promote and edu- It stuns me how, even the rest of ed silks and never cate my social media followers about India, too, unabashedly boast about fail to grab the our side of the globe and stress on their limited knowledge about the attention of specta- the fact that its safe to live there north-east. The closest most would tors. The spark of amidst all the disturbing news of reach to establish our association happiness that insurgency. And that, our soil is so with mainland India is to bring in the flows through my fertile, the air so fresh, animals so references to the states of either heart when people free, and food so abundant; its hard West or Orissa, which aren't compliment on not to gain a pot-belly. During one of even a part of north-east. This our traditional out- fits and jewellery, and express a desire to wear them, is truly exhilarating. My obvious answer Last year, I arranged a pho- toshoot for the cover of Enajori when the organisers at Altona and the team, all of MIQ asked about dressed up in Bihu Dance cos- tumes along with , , what I would like to Taal, Japi, and Xorai, was a sight to behold for the beach perform in the walkers that morning. We danced to our heart's con- talent round was tent on the beachside with live music played by the "Bihu Dance" Dhooliyaa. Our colourful get- up and extraordinary music 16 Mix of cultures Behind the scenes Overcast skies, tiny droplets of rain and gusts of wind greeted us on the day we picked to have our photo shoot for our Enajori cover. Forgoing dear sleep, the crew started turning in from 8:30 am. A delightful mix of tradition, art and cre- ativity is what we saw in the attires of our enthusiastic mod- els. We had a stipulated time frame to get our best shots, so we raced against time and the ever worsening weather to make the cover what it is.

We love being Assamese, we are proud of our rich culture, empowered upbringing, intricate textile designs, scenic landscapes and our people yet we blend in seamlessly with any part of the world we are in. That inspired the theme of this shoot. I wanted the cover to reflect what our com- munity is all about. Caught up in the web of our daily lives in a city far far away from home, we never forgot our roots yet effort- lessly we are melburni- ans. We love our bar- becue parties, we ever so adventurously go on camping trips, angling for some of us is as much a part of our lives as is the feast after that, surfing and swimming and drinking and party- ing, we do just as well as the quintessential Aussie local. That's us... you can get an Assamese out of Assam but not Assam ERKIN KALAYCI & TALIA CAGLAYAN out of an Assamese! COVER PHOTOGRAPHERS PHOTOS: GAURI KONWAR 17

JENNIFER It felt effortless to interlace oneself with the Melburnian milieu coming from a progres- sive and accom- modating envi- ronment that every Assamese is blessed to grow up in. Our liberal thoughts and for- bearing nature resonate the very ideology that this city is based on. It feels wonderful to represent our GAURI distinct culture in this unrivaled multi-cultural hub. NITISHIKHA

I think my openness to embrace the many changes in every aspects of life in this new city makes me a Melburnian and my ardent efforts to stay connected to my roots through food, music, and traditions makes me yet an Assamese.

SUNDAR

Being born and brought up as an Assamese I hold my culture close to my heart and the multicultural policy of Australia encourages us to maintain our inher- ited culture as well as expects us to contribute to the formation of a homogeneous society. That's a beautiful mix of two cultures I hon- our.

SHEETAL TAWHID 18

PRIYAM

"I sight through my window the mighty Brahmaputra, The hug of the sheer hills that are hundred years old, And wander my mind to the tea plantations, and feel how lucky I am to behold this picture. I have within me, a part of Assam! Now I overlook the city of skyscrapers, where the gushing wind touches my tresses. Embossing the gleeful tides of the beaches to the people, The aroma of coffee is now what I Crown my mornings, and encompass to be part of this multicultural emblem. And now I realise, I have within me, a part of Melbourne too!

SANGEETA

I'm a proud Assamese who values our culture and tradi- tions and at the same time, I appreciate and enjoy the cultural diversity of the RAYHAN Australian society. Hence it's easy to adapt as a Melburnian with a rich Assamese her- itage in mind.

LOCHANA

No matter which part of the world I live, my soul will always remain a true Assamese. Melbourne has just been the perfect place that turned out the best RITWIK Assamese in me. I'll and I am always proud to carry along the traits of Assam and its culture with YOANNA me.

TAYYABA 19

Home is where the hearth is and where the heart is. Some of our Vic Assam ladies tell us which is the favourite corner of their house NOOK AHEAD that they look forward to retreat to and why… INDRANI BORA rest of the year, I enjoy the chillies, My favourite part of my house is my eggplants & cauli- study, this is where I relax, think and flowers which are all plan my things. I can read my maga- organically grown!. 1 zines and also have a yarn with my My seasonal friends. I can look out directly onto the road flowers are my and have a sticky beak of what is happening sweet delights they outside! bring me cheer of dif- But nonetheless to say I am very proud ferent seasons and the colours are my joy and happy with my little vegetable and flower and I begin to appreciate nature’s doings. Life garden! Every year I get about 8 kgs of toma- is beautiful, and we must bless ourselves with toes which I freeze up and use during the this beautiful country of ours!

MOUSUMI RAJKHOWA (JHUM) BIDISHA MAHANTA niture, the contrasting carpet and the odd When I was asked about the favourite corner of my and misaligned pictures in the wall makes it house, I did not have a second thought. Kitchen is anything but perfect. But despite all its flaws the most favourite place for me in the house where As I think about my favourite corner it's still my most favourite place in the house I spend a great deal of time cooking or preparing of the house, I realise that I am to be. I have spent some of the best times in 2 already sitting in there while pen- that room. Be food for the family and often also for my friends. Spending time in the kitchen is never tiring for me even after coming 3 ning this down. It from a long and hard day of work. Cooking provides me is my first pit stop as I enter immense pleasure and unexplained joy. For me "eat to live" is the house after a long day at not the right expression associated with food because it not work. Purpose of going there only meets our hunger but it is so much more than that. are plenty, mostly in search Almost all our senses are involved with it as we not only of my husband and daughter, enjoy the test of food but also feel happy seeing, smelling, who also spend considerable and even touching food. Besides having such a huge impact time in that room. It is the on nutritional as well as mental health, cooking and presenta- noisiest; the untidiest and the tion of food are excellent forms of arts. Artistic appearance most imperfect part of the of the meal is very impor- house. It is our TV cum music room. Or rather that was what it was meant to be at the begin- ning until the toys started to find it entertaining friends, watching a their way on the floor, and until we decided to good horror flick, or simply having a good start carrying our dinner plates there each music session. It is one place that brings my night. One look at it and you can tell that this family together each day, and so it will always room was designed in a hurry. The cheap fur- be my favourite.

NILAKSHI BARAH To me dancing is an exten- sion of who I am. Dancing gives me strength to face tant for me any hardship or complica- because it may enhance or retard the appetite of a 4 tions that life throws at me and that's person whom I am serving. Cooking has been an integral why the favourite nook of my home part of our culture and inevitably remains an identity of who is my dancing room. It is sacred to we are. I have come from a very colourful, assimilated socie- me, because apart from my little ty which gives me a distinct identity and it reflects on all my temple set in there I also dedicate culinary skills. I have grown up in an environment with strong my time planning out my day, it calms me appreciation for culinary skills and the festivals and celebra- down when I am emotional or stressed and relaxes me when I just want time for tions for us Indians provide us further inspiration to be myself. I am blessed as well as it gives me immense satisfaction to think that despite my involved in cooking and motivates us further to remain so busy schedules at work as well at home I have never let my passion for dance ever recede. I attached to our kitchens. have continued with my love which I think is a big feat in itself. It is my happy space. 20

Men are from Mars and women are from Venus, like that difference wasn't enough in a marriage to make it ever so hard to deal with its daily tribulations, that some couples take the complications a notch higher and make the differences between them even wider. No kidding, we asked some couples to talk about their Assamese partners and their cross cultural plunge. Here is what they have to say… CROSS CONNECTION

Assamese people are very down to earth and friendly. They have always been very accepting of me and have welcomed me with open arms into the community. I am a big fan of the food and I love shoot and pork. I love Japis and gamusas, I brought back a lot of them for my family. My mother proudly put them up in their living room. I also like Assamese tea, mostly when my wife makes it. Assam itself is very beautiful, it was definitely one of my favourite places to travel in India. Kaziranga LIAM COLLINS was a lot of fun, seeing all the rhi- nos and anticipating that we might see some tigers although that didn't happen. UPEKSHA GAMAGE But it was a great experience. Everyone there kept calling us for dinners and I got to eat a lot of delicious Assamese food. A definite favourite were the tiny I first met Saurav in 2004, when I was studying in Bangalore potatoes. And when it comes to my wife she is Assamese but she is very worldly University. We were initially good friends and then gradually love and fits very well in Australia and gels really well with my family and friends blossomed between us. He and his fellow Assamese friends always used to tell me how fascinating Assam is. My first visit to Assam was in the winter of 2006, having travelled 3 days by train and a further 12 hours by bus from Guwahati to Margherita, it was such an amazing experience and his parents were very welcoming. I fell in love with Assamese food, its natural beauty and very hos- pitable and down to earth people. Everyone I met was very wel- coming and what I loved the most is the way Assamese people are so accepting of people from other cultures. The same way every- one I have met in the Assamese community functions have made me feel as I am one of their own, for which I'm very thankful.

Assam is a beautiful place full of rich culture and heritage. I came to know about Assamese culture and MUDASAR GHANSAR heritage after meeting my husband Ankur. I am grateful for my hus- Marrying Nagma has been one of the most life changing band who has given me the won- events of my life. It's amazing how a community so emanci- derful opportunity of experiencing pated with a culture so rich is hardly known to the rest of Assamese culture in both India. Marrying her has not only introduced me to a whole Guwahati and Australia by intro- new world of beautiful people but also made me more open ducing me to a friendly and warm minded. The Assamese people stand out for me because community. Travelling through they are warm, welcoming and ever so humble. I love the Assam, I have grown to love and assamese paan. My in - laws and my wife have had an learn about its culture and with impressionable influence on me and my family. Our differ- the friendly community and my ences is our strength and this help us raise our children bet- loving family back in Guwahati, I ter. I can write a book on Assamese people if I had to, but really feel a part of it. It can be if I am to mention a significant observation of this commu- at times difficult to keep your ATREYEE ROY nity I would like to talk about their pet names which are as culture alive when moving to a differ- different as chalk and cheese to their real names. I know ent country. I like how the have formed and kept up with the a Moon uncle and an Apple grandaunt and Don, Dipu, culture. I am lucky to be a part of such a friendly, warm and loving community. Jitu, Fullmoon among other pet names who have no real connection with their real names. I continue to wonder why? 21

VIDHI SHARMA

Assam! I have received the privilege to learn and enjoy a beautiful culture in 2015. I have never attended any Assamese event yet in RAKESH SABRAH Melbourne but once my husband Ujjal attended one of the events in Melbourne and has returned home saying ' I have found my sec- When I met Priyam, I didn't think of which state she was ond home'. I have been to two places in Assam and without fail from, what culture she came from and what traditions have realised the amazing sense of fashion, have felt very easy to she would bring along with her, but fell in love with her start a conversation with the people especially the warm greet- as a person. As I spent more time with her and her fami- ings. I express my gratitude and thankfulness for the rich culture ly, I realised what brings the beauty in her is from the and accepting me as a part of the community. place that she belongs to - Assam. Despite being from Maharashtra I could easily amalgamate to her culture and traditions for the person she is. This intrigued me to know more about the Assamese culture, the food, the places, history and its mere elegance which I fortunately experienced this during our wedding in Guwahati. I got When I got married to Kurnic I was the opportunity to embrace the uniqueness of Assam completely ignorant about the through her and was amazed to learn about the one Assamese culture. But as days horn Rhino, Majuli, Tea plantation , , passed by I started learning the lan- and Muga. So many things to be proud of yet the peo- guage and loving Assamese delica- ple are still humble. These are a few blissful anecdotes cies. I didn't even know how to wear I love being married to my Assamese wife. a saree let alone a mekhela chadar. But now I think I have more mekhe- las in my closet than sarees. I have grown to love the outfit. I loved how I will admit prior to I was treated when I was pregnant, meeting my husband I SHEETAL SOLANKI BARUA and the rituals that followed at my had very little under- 5th and 7th month, even the con- standing of the Indian cept of annaprasan was novel to me. culture. My only experi- Moving to Melbourne has made me closer to the community and the cul- ence or understanding ture and I can proudly say I love being an assamese buwari. Marrying into of India was eating a cross cultural family has taught me to respect our differences. Indian takeaway from our local restaurant which was considered at the time a massive Before I met Tawhid I was treat for my family absolutely ignorant about Assam until and I. Fast forward I went there for my nikah (marriage). some years later and I No exaggeration, but I was mes- would meet my hus- merised by the natural beauty of band who would Assam and its lush green expanse. expose me to the Apart from that I was impressed by most amazing cul- the rich cultural and family values of ture. I would soon the people. The love and affection see that my own shown by my in laws and the people Greek heritage and FRANCES was overwhelming. Despite the lan- the Indian way of liv- guage barrier their efforts to com- ing is comparable. I sum this up by saying we both municate was heartening. It is an YASMEEN FATEEMA have a big sense of family, tradition and showing emancipated society where there is our love through food. I can honestly say that I am no dowry and not a significant difference between genders. My husband very fortunate to marry into the most beautiful cul- was happy to have just a daughter especially when we always hear ture with the most humble, warm and passionate around us about families' need for a son. Last but not the least are the people. yummy assamese delicacies of which maati dal, banana stem and fish curries are my favourite. I am proud to be married into the community and part of the Assamese society in Victoria as well as back home. 22

We work hard, we party harder but we also believe in striking a good balance between them. To boost our physical and mental health along with promoting the community spirit, the VicAssam members met up one day to play a good game of badminton, both singles and doubles. A spirited day, indeed! 23 24

I am not a doctor. Nor am I related in any way to the medical profession. This piece is based entirely on my experiences as the spouse of someone who Awareness on suddenly suffered from a severe brain stroke and the innumerable challenges that we have had to negotiate since then. Dr. Priyam , shares NEURO REHABILITATION her experience…

y husband, Binode Mohan Goswami, taken over by an undamaged part. The brain and the an engineer by profession, had In order to achieve these goals, spinal cord can actually form new connections once always led a very disciplined life. He a rehabilitation programme existing connections have been damaged. But for this hardly ever missed his daily early to happen, experts say that the most important ele- morning walk or his hour long yoga usually includes the following ment in any rehab programme is carefully directed, sessions. He has always eaten well -focused repetitive practice. Repetitive Exercises Mhealthily, enjoyed his work and, in general, has led a „Physiotherapy to strengthen the body and therefore play an important role in neuro recovery. full life. After every annual medical check up , his doc- help regain mobility Individualised programmes based on the patient's tor would comment that he was in "perfect health" for „Occupational therapy to assist with activi- needs are set in place which can often improve func- his age. tions, reduce symptoms and improve the general well - ties of daily living We had just returned from a very relaxing two and being of the patient. The goal of neuro rehab is to help a half month holiday with our children and grandchil- „Speech therapy to help with speaking, read- the patient to return to the highest level of function and dren and were settling down once again to the regu- ing and swallowing. independence possible while improving the overall qual- larity of life in Guwahati. Then all of a sudden in the „Exercises to improve gait and balance ity of life-- physically, emotionally and socially. early hours of the 25th of September ,2016, it „Electrical stimulation to relieve pain It is thus a holistic programme and all the thera- struck.... something that caught us completely „Robotic exercise therapy pists work in coordination and under the direct super- unawares and threw us off totally overboard. Binode „Respiratory therapy vision of a physiatrist. APOKOS Rehabilitation Hospital woke up early morning sweating profusely and min- „Psychological evaluation and support; has all these facilities and probably some other hospi- utes later threw up. Even with my limited medical counselling to relieve the patient of stress, tals across the country have them too. What is dis- knowledge, I knew that these were not good signs. I turbing, however, is that no hospital in the North immediately called for a doctor and an ambulance. anxiety and depression Eastern region offers any form of rehabilitation pro- Fortunately, both arrived within minutes and we rushed „Counselling for caregivers. gramme at all though statistics show that 1 in 7 him to the hospital. By now he had become uncon- to swallow anything- solids or liquids- and constant adults in India suffers from some form of neurological scious and his left side had become paralysed. A CT bouts of coughing often resulted in shortness of breath disorder. Where are patients supposed to go for treat- scan revealed that he had suffered from an ischemic and increasing dependence on assisted oxygen. ment? How many have the resources to travel to dis- brain stroke. We soon realised that after the initial treatment tant places? Are patients expected to resign to their A clot buster injection was immediately adminis- was over, the hospital had little to offer to aid the fate? It is even more disturbing that awareness tered. I was told that in order to be effective, this complex recovery process of the patient. Even the among the general people about neuro rehab is practi- injection must be given within four and a half hours of physiotherapy that was given was of an extremely cally non existent. In fact, before I was personally the stroke. Luckily, we were well within that time. basic nature. We were faced with a dilemma, for nei- affected, I too had no idea about it at all. Had I known There was reason to cheer for by afternoon he had ther was the patient in a position to be taken home then what I know now, it would have helped me not only regained consciousness but had also started nor was there a rehabilitation centre where we could tremendously in taking timely decisions. moving his left limbs and responding to commands. shift him. The doctors suggested that the only way Globally, 13 August is recognised as Neuro The crisis was apparently over. out was to hire trained home help and bring him back Rehab Awareness Day. "Do we really need another Our happiness, however, was short lived. The fol- to the hospital if an emergency arose. I was not con- awareness day" ? someone asked. Yes, I think we do. lowing day his condition suddenly deteriorated and vinced and did not consider this a viable solution to It is very important to raise awareness about the fact once again he slipped into a state of unconsciousness. the problem. After many frantic enquiries we zeroed that neuroscience discoveries are not being translated Hectic consultations among the doctors, followed by down on APOKOS Rehabilitation Hospital, Hyderabad. into accessible therapy support. more CT scans and an MRI, eventually resulted in the Since he was not in a position to travel by a commer- I believe that as concerned citizens we can play case being transferred from the neurology department cial aircraft, we transferred him to Hyderabad from an important role here. While we may not be able to to the neurosurgery department. The tests had Guwahati by an air ambulance. Throughout the journey build therapy centres or hospitals, we can surely revealed accumulation of fluid in the brain resulting he was on oxygen support and had to be put on the help by engaging in public awareness and advocacy from a clot, which clearly the clot buster injection alone ventilator twice. initiatives. In partnership with neurologists, neurosur- had not been able to solve. We were informed that In the last few months I have realised that for a geons, therapists and other professionals related to immediate surgical intervention was the only way out. stroke patient, rehabilitation constitutes the most the field, we can help create public awareness The surgery, to remove damaged brain tissues important phase in the recovery process and that this about nuero rehabilitation systems and accessibility and drain accumulated brain fluid, took several hours. can be provided only in a neuro rehabilitation centre. to them. Would this not be a socially responsible ini- A small opening was kept in the skull to drain out But what exactly is neuro rehabilitation ? It is a tiative for the community? excess brain fluid. Once in the ICU, he was wired up doctor-supervised programme designed for people suf- to several machines and was on ventilator support. fering from trauma or disorders of the nervous sys- Dr Priyam Goswami is an academic gold medalist He remained unconscious for five days. On a scale of tem. Rehab helps survivors to relearn skills that are of Gauhati University, she obtained her M Phil 1 to 6 measuring consciousness levels, he was at 2.5 lost when part of the brain is damaged. For example, and Ph.D degrees from the North Eastern Hill when he was expected to be at or around level 5. We these skills can include coordinating leg movements in University, Shillong. She retired as the Head of the Department. In 1999, she was selected by the were told that the prognosis was not very positive and order to walk. Rehab also teaches patients new ways Indian Council for Cultural Relations as Professor that our only hope lay in prayer. Miraculously, on the of performing tasks to circumvent or compensate for of Modern Indian History at the University of sixth day, he blinked his eyes. any residual disability, for instance to dress or eat with Trinidad, West Indies. She has a large number of But it was not before three weeks in the ICU, High one hand, or how to communicate when the ability to research articles and several books to her credit Dependency Ward and then the semi ICU that he was use language has been compromised. including her latest book on 'KAMAKHYA The eventually shifted to a room, albeit with oxygen sup- Research has shown that the human brain has an Mother Goddess' with beautiful photographs by port. The massive stroke had reduced my husband to amazing capacity to change and adapt. This is known Biju Boro and Bhaskar Gogoi. a pale shadow of his former self. His left side was as neuroplasticity and is the basis for much of our Priyam Goswami is an active member of Rotary completely paralysed making him practically immobile. cognitive and physical rehabilitation practices. This Club, Gauhati South, and is also closely associat- He lost his speech and all his fine motor skills leaving "rewiring" of the brain can make it possible for a func- ed with the Indian Council for Child Welfare, him with little scope for communication. He was unable tion previously managed by a damaged area to be Guwahati branch. 25

Prashanti Rajkhowa writes a eulogy on Pranjal Bora, a BID ADIEU significant Assamese of Western Australia Painful though parting be, I bow to you as I see you off to distant clouds -Emperor Saga

was standing there transfixed by the sheer number in the crowd. Never had I ever sung in front of such a large audi- ence, I was nervous, wobbly even. I told Pranjal Da how I felt, he looked at me and said, "let's go and rock the show", and Iboy rock the show we did. That was last year in Perth and if I had known that that was the last time I was seeing him, I would have held on to the moment more dearly than I already have. A man of character and a delightful com- pany, that was Pranjal Da. I met him five years ago, during his visit to Melbourne. It's hard to remember him as a stranger ever, because the first time I met him it never felt like it. He was friendly and amica- ble, we were Assamese and we spoke the same language passionately- the language of music. Our jam sessions were memorable and something I remember most fondly. Technically he was a tabla player, step into his music room in Perth and you won't think the same any- more. He was magical with all the musical instruments, he would spend immeasurable hours in his room mixing tracks and planning gigs there. Music to him was what breathing is to life. He was the first person in Western Australia to start the Assamese Radio Live. He was a proud Assamese whose love for people didn't just confine to his people alone, he was as pop- ular and loved by fellow Indians living in Perth as did the local Australians. I remember visiting Papori ba, his wife and him in Perth one time, we were at Fremantle market and as one of the store owners realised I was their guest, she was not only warm toward me but she present- ed me with a gift as a gesture of love. That was how people around him showed their fond- ness for him. He was a true friend, he would go far and beyond to help out those who need- ed him. After his death, there was an event in his memory that was conducted, I was told the crowd comprised of 80% local Australians, that's how far and wide he touched people's lives and hearts. He was my mentor, a man with a heart of gold. His passing away will always leave an irreplaceable void in our lives. I miss him and I know heaven is a far more melodious place now that he is part of it. 26

CHEF: SAKIBA MOHAMMED | Sakiba Mohammed resides with her family in Guwahati. Growing up in Shillong and having lived in Dubai for 12 years, she was exposed to a wide variety of food and rich cuisines. Over the years she developed her love for food and the joys of cook- ing. Today, a self taught baker and a delightful cook, she ocassionally takes orders for cakes and has won many a local cookery compe- titions. NOROHINGO PAATOR CHICKEN CURRY Ingredients : 1) 1 medium chicken 2) 1 bunch curry leaves 3) 6-7pods garlic 4) 1 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly crushed or powder 5) 1/2 tsp haldi 6) 2 tsp mustard oil 7) 1 medium size onion sliced 8) Salt to taste METHOD 1) Cut the chicken into medium size and wash it. Drain the excess water and keep aside 2) Grind the curry leaves and garlic together 3) Heat oil in a wok or kadhai 4) Fry the onion till light brown, add the curry leave paste and let it cook on low flame for sometime then add the turmer- ic powder, black pepper and salt. 5) Cook for sometime then add the chicken. Let it cook in low flame till the chicken is done, stirring occasion- ally throught out the cooking, add lit- tle water if required. Serve it with steam rice. 27

CHEF: SYEDA NISHAT SIREEN ZINAIDA | Syeda Nishat Sireen Zinaida is a home- maker and a self taught cook. She loves baking and loves because it is not only healthy but so simple to cook. When she is not cooking, she loves to read. POKA TETELI BURA BORALIR RON- GALAU DIA ANJA Ingredients : 1) Borali maas (catfish ) 500gram (whole fish should be about 4 to 5 kg) 2) Pumpkin 1 cup diced. 3) Tamarind pulp 1/2 cup 4) Green chillies 3nos. 5) Garlic paste 2 teaspoon 6) Turmeric powder 2 teaspoon 7) Salt to taste 8) Mustard oil 1/2 cup 9) Coriander leaves METHOD 1) Mix salt and turmeric with fish and fry. 2) Heat 2tbl spoon oil, add garlic paste and green chillies and fry lightly. 3) Add salt and turmeric and 3cups of water. 4) Bring it to boil and add fish after about 8 minutes add pumpkin and tamarind paste. 5) Cook for another10 mins. 6) Add coriander leaves. 7) Serve with rice and assamese mashed potato (aloo pitika). 28

CHEF: TAANISHI INAM | With a formal Masters degree in Business Administration, Taanishi Inam is a director in Nestor Nutritions Pvt.Ltd and has been awarded the title of “Jackfruit queen” by “the Thumb Print magazine for innovating an ice cream using jackfruit. She is also a well known chef in the cooking fra- ternity known to experiment with Assamese recipes and cuisines. ASSAMESE STYLE TIL DIA CHICKEN Ingredients : 1) Chicken cut into big pieces- 1kg 2) Sesame seeds 1/2 cup 3) Mustard Oil 3 tbspn 4) Coriander powder 2 tbspn 5) Ginger and garlic paste 2 tbspn 6) Onion finely chopped 1 cup 7) Green chillies 2 numbers 8) Lemon juice 2 tbspn 9) Turmeric powder 2 tspn 10) Salt to taste PROCEDURE 1) Marinate chicken pieces with lemon juice , salt and 1 tspn turmeric powder and keep aside for 1 hours 2) Roast the sesame seeds and blend it into a fine paste 3) Heat oil in a pan or karahi , add finely chopped onions and fry for some time. 4) Add ginger garlic paste and keep stirring for 3 minutes. 5) Add turmeric powder and coriander powder. 6) Add the green chillies and keep stirring 7) Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook over low flame till chicken pieces are half done. 8) Add hot water if required. 9) Now add the sesame seeds paste and cook untill the chicken pieces are fully done and the gravy reaches the desired consistency. Chicken with sesame seed is ready to be served. Serve with rice. 29

HIMANGSHU LAHKAR , GRAPHICS AND LAYOUT DESIGNER, GUWAHATI, ASSAM (FOR THE ASSAMESE SECTION) 30 31 32 33

PHOTO CREDIT: TAWHID RAHMAN

Sometimes you don't need to be home to celebrate the warmth of home, sometimes you just need to be with loved ones and that's what we did in Victoria when every one came together and rustled up the most delicious spread of Axomiya pithas and snacks followed by a scrumptious lunch for Magh Bihu. A creative display of our little ones’ artworks, some fun play activities for both adults and kids and a showcase of our young ones' talent on stage were the highlights of this day. Our sine qua non for Magh Bihu- a harvest festival of bonfires, deli- cious food and merriment were well met. 34 35

NITISHIKHA AND RITUPARNA Someone very wise once said, The wife says: My husband Rituparna, has "A good marriage is one where each been my rock solid support system ever partner secretly suspects they got the since we got married. He's an amazing brother to my only brother, a son to my better deal." When we asked VicAssam cou- parents, and now a father. He is a ples what makes their partner better than them, hardworking man and brilliant at his they hesitated, they flinched, they even tried to evade work. He wants the best for our but we caught them by the noose and made them walk through the aisle of lost memories, hidden emotions kid, for us. He is a very planned and unexpressed love because after all mar- person unlike me. They say matches are made in heaven. I did- riage is like a walk in the park… Jurassic n't believe it until I experienced it. Park. They let the cat out of the bag and The man says: Its’ such a wonderful said something… something nice feeling when your better half makes you about their better halves… complete. It has been wonderful a 7 years of marriage. Niti has so many amazing quali- ties. It's a pretty difficult task to describe it in a few words. She is down to earth, she believes in helping others, and one of the best qualities about Niti is her honesty and commitment towards the family. She does every bit possible to bind the family together. Last but not the least I can't finish off by not mentioning her cooking skills. Always a fan of her tasty food, specially momos.

ANTARA AND SIDDHARTHA The wife says: Siddhartha brings maturity to our relation- ship. He has an extraordinary abil- ity to work out the numbers to run the family which I think is a unique quality. He always gives us that extra bit of reassurance with love toward us. He is not perfect but he will do anything in his power to make sure we are happy. That's Siddhartha for me. The man says: Antara is a better partner because

she takes good care of the family, she values time which makes her a punctual person and keeps her on top of her game. She is responsible and juggles her work and family tasks effortlessly. I am proud of her. 36

BHARGAVI AND SHEKHAR The wife says: My reason to believe my partner is more important than I am is an absolute no-brainer. It's because only I know what it would take for someone to take care of someone like me!!! I am moody, I throw tantrums (such a girly cliché I know), but it's true! Hand over my heart and I know that this guy has been and will be there by my side holding my hand, no matter what I do or become. If this is not reason enough to believe Shekhar's more important than I am in this rela- tionship, I really don't know what is.. The man says: My reasons to believe my partner is more

SURAVI important than I am in this AND GAURI relationship are beyond what this short paragraph would ever The wife says: I could be able to encapsulate. Being the give a myriad reasons person who I get up next to every morn- why my husband is signifi- ing, to being my confidante and financial cant to me. I am thankful to mentor, she is there for me…always. Life hasn't him for showing me the sim- been this beautiful until we met. My gorgeous wife plicity of everyday life. My Bhargavi has taught me the little nuances of rela- LOCHANA AND tionship with her pragmatic approach to anything spendthrift nature knew no MRINMOY and everything. With all honesty, I can't even bounds before I met him. The wife says: I always wished to date think of day without her being around, which But him coming into my and marry someone who felt like home, a makes me realise what I would otherwise life has played a huge best friend and an adventure all at ONCE. 10 have missed out on. No wonder why role in changing how I years of knowing each other and 2years of being she's more important. Told you perceive my life and married maybe it's just the 'something's are best these 5 lines won't be find happiness in unsaid' kind of relationship we behold. Like any other enough! relationships, there is love, compassion, adventure, laughs and lots and lots of fights. Not to brag, but it is a cute friendship we share. He and I are two difficult and imperfect people who chose to travel this journey the simple things of of life together. Like he has accepted me with life! I would gladly say all my flaws I too have accepted the fact of that he is my "Happy" how big a 'BHAAT (rice)' lover he is and emoji *:) I can expect myself carrying a pres- The man says: Food has sure cooker in any barbeque or always been my weak point. And I am actually very lucky camping possible. Our journey that my wife dishes out some isn't perfect but it is ours and I amazing food which keeps my will stick with him till the end. appetite happy and satis- The man says: My life is like a real-wheel fied. I truly believe that if drive car. My wife acts like the rear wheel my tummy is happy then of the car in my life. She pushes me and gets everything is sunny in me to my destinations in life. She is literally my my life. lifeline. I always wanted to look for a friend in my wife and I did. Our journey has been a rollercoaster ride with many experiences since we met each other 10 years ago during our college days. We have just one motto in life-Live as if you were to die tomorrow. 37

KASTURI AND UDIPTA The wife says: We have known each other for 18 years and now married for 5 . He is my best friend and has been a doting hus- band, partner in all aspects and now a doting father to our 1.5 year old son Vivaan."Important" wouldn't be an apt word for him, as he is the sole reason behind our happy existence. Our life goes upside down when he is not around (even if he goes out for a 15 mins grocery shopping). The man says: My Kasturi has always been more important to me than anything else

since the beginning(we BARNALI AND met in 2001). Now that I am SANJAY thinking why she is better, it The wife says: I am proud of seems so obvious. She fills up my love because he is always all the gaps in my life both social- encouraging and open to the idea ly and personally. She has so many of adapting to new changes. He is a attributes that I do not or can never great father. We are fortunate to possess. She is a kind hearted, loving have each other and be parents to three lovely children. We have no com- and caring human being. She values rela- ATREYEE AND ANKUR plaints in life. We have each other's back, tionships, is very sensitive (I can be the The wife says: I met Ankur while studying in Canberra and ever since then we complete each other. If I can't do exact opposite for most/all people) and something, I have faith in my darling to thinks about everyone. I can go on so he has been an inspiration. He is supportive and has helped me achieve highest standards in fill in for me. We are made for each many more things like this but I everything I do. Ankur has also taught me about other and I know that he is better believe the most important point the Assamese culture and has made me feel welcome than me. for me as to why Kasturi is in the society which has given me the opportunity to The man says: My wife is defi- more important than me is meet some amazing people and make new friends. This has nitely better than me because she loves me more helped me to grow, learn and experience new things. I feel because she is a smart than I do. Ankur has made me a better person with his constant support decision-maker, marrying and encouragement in everything I do. The man says: Ever since I have known Atreyee she has been my pillar of strength. Moving to Australia was me was the smartest my first move overseas and a completely new decision in life because experience for me, which at first was a little today we are blessed with scary. However, after meeting my wife my a beautiful family. She is a life changed for the better. She has go-getter, I am not sure how helped me through the most diffi- she does it, but she gets her way with what goals she sets for herself, I am yet to understand the mystery and the technique. She is a great mother, she bonds with her chil- cult times and has given me the dren as though she is one of them, happy strength to continue and achieve and living every moment. She takes my highest standards. She encouraged care of all of us and her culinary skills me to reach out and be a part of the are excellent and makes us finger- Assamese community to keep my culture alive licking food everyday. Surely, she while I am outside Assam. is the best I can ever have. 38

MRIDUSMITA AND ACHYUT JONALI AND The wife says: I am tempted to say PARTHA that my husband and I are in an equal The wife says: Partha partnership, but I wouldn't, only because I know it isn't. Achyut has all the qualities seems to be a better charmer expected of a good partner, like than me. He is also more easy giving me a pat on my back when going. On days when I am I deserve it, egging me on when annoyed with him, I the need arises, or even pulling me down gently to feel he has a better spouse! :P

earth when he sees The man says: that I am soaring too high. But what sets him apart from Jonali's calmness me is his ability to see the funny when things go south, side of things. When things are not her logical reasoning skills moving so swimmingly he could perk it up with his wicked sense of humour. As a and her ability to stand true result, even when the ride is a bit bumpy and tall to what is right even if he could make it seem enjoyable, and it hurts her are some of the I am truely thankful for that! qualities I think makes The man says: She comple- her a better partner ments me in all aspects of than me.

life. She manages my ever fluctuating emotions well. Besides, I think we are a perfect match. We are similar in so many aspects- we love to dance, sing, cook, and the list is endless. However there are certain skills in her I envy, she is deft at 'Whatsapping' with one hand while parallely making rotis PRASHANTI and bhaajis with the other hand. AND RAJ And recently she has also acquired the skill of snor- The wife says: Raj is a people's ing, she is not perfect person, he has many friends and goes far and wide for the ones he cares about. He is the Rahul Dravid in yet, but I know she will the Rajkhowa household, always get there(I know she is calm and composed no matter going to see red after read- how great and grave the sit- ing this). But the good thing is, I uation is. Last but not will stick with her until I master these unique skills of hers- which means forever. Apart from that, she is the best human I have ever met, a big heart and a happy mind, she is the the least is that he perfect integration of beauty, never questions my cred- fun, love and care and I am it card bills. so lucky to have her. The man says: I think Maani is better than me because it doesn't take much to be better than me. 39 SOAR HIGH

Rhea When they are not busy mucking around or driving their parents up the wall or even caught between very serious I would like to be a doctor when I grow up. Because I conversations of superhero acts, our little entertainers are like to give lollies and med- dreaming. Dreaming of being someone cool, smart and very icine to sick kids. I can also important. We asked our Australian-Assamese troop and check their temperature, here is what this cute brigade had to say… ears and the heartbeat of sick people and make them happy by giving lots of lollies :) Aarush I like to build stuff. I want to be an architect when I grow up and design real life structures and cre- ate lots of new things that people have not seen before.

Rayhan them, well mostly. I Aayan also like to dig around, I want to be a palaeontolo- There are many things I and that's why I want to gist, an archaeologist and a want to be when I grow up be an archaeolo- Youtuber. Did you know like chemical scientist, pilot gist too. Also I palaeontology is not only and an automobile engineer want to be a about digging dinosaur fos- or get into information tech- Youtuber and sils, but all animals? I want nology because I really love Tayyaba show people to be that because I love to maths, science, I want to become how to use read about animals cars and a Doctor as I like some really and I planes. them. Every time cool know all I meet them, they toys. about give me lollipops and i also want to give injection to mummy n dadda as they have cold and body pain.

Rayaan I wish to be Aarohan an I want to drive a Oceanographer car like Dadda with a red Ferrari when I grow up when I grow up! I and go for love learning about sea shopping with animals and hope to buy Mumma. a red Ferrari one day. 40

Eashan Rohan Kakati When I grow up Iku Kakati I will have two jobs. I am going to be a YouTuber and also a Palaeontologist because I know a lot about dinosaurs. I want to use that knowledge in find- ing dinosaur bones. People will learn a lot about them and Ubring them back to life and make a Priyanka Jurassic world. My dream occupation is to be a veterinari- Every person has as aim Lisan an. I love animals in life. My aim in life is to and I think that I want to be an architect. I would being able to help be a police like to design building. I and care for the help- officer think designing building less and needy is very when I will be fun and exciting. I noble work and is also grow up. want to be an archtect something that I would love to do. becuase I like drawing and designig. Rahul Krish I want to be a nurse for the When I grow up, kids because I like to take I want to be a care of kids who are sick or fireman because Lisa injured. I want to make he puts out I want to them feel better. I want fires. Fireman be an kids in the hospital to rescues people, adventure feel ok and comfortable. houses and ani- r when I This will make me feel mals. I will wear grow up. proud of myself because a red , a fire- that would mean I have man dress and taken care of the sick will drive fire kids well. truck too."

Sayuru I want to be a doc- tor when I grow up.

Idhant I want to build rockets and Angela go to space because I When I grow up I want to be like someone very important in the planets. field of law because I want to help all the unfortunate people who has been denied justice" 41

Barsa Jai I want to be a I want to be forensic scien- a video tist as well as a game veterinarian. programmer. I love building codebases for video games as it is fun and challenges my brain.

Riha Yoana I want to be a shopkeeper for a kids science experiment shop because you can talk to people and I Nihaal also want to be a teacher When I grow up, I in my school desire to be a Haileybury. Master Chef! I am Cooking food and exploring new working Nigel on my dishes, ensuring to plans of When I grow up, I make a 100% my shop. This want to be a soft- taste satisfaction is really hard ware engineer to everyone using work for me. because I want to the freshest ingre- invent new things dients and the to help people. most innovative methods.

Vivaan I want to be a pilot because I love aeroplanes as they fly very fast when they Rajvir take off. And I want to also, the pilot be a uses lots of Policeman buttons and a and catch all handle to fly the baddies! the plane. 42 S MA L L I S BEA UTI FUL

JAI

AAROHAN

YOANNA

RAYAAN

RAHUL HREYANSH

TAYYABA

NEEV

REANNA THESE TINY ONES ARE SO CUTE AND WE COULDN'T HELP LOOK AT THEIR SENSE OF STYLE. WHAT AN AWESOME ASSEMBLAGE FASHIONABLE TOTS, THESE… VIVAAN 43 Darkness

Lisa Sharma's short story fills you with imagination and mystery, unravel the truth as you read on…

ou stood in you; it was a golden blur. ness. "The only exit is light. Light that made you the creeping Light! You thought, exhila- you," your mind leaked daydream or the light that darkness. rated. Being the growing out information. It was always brought you back Pitch black darkness with no sound like a voice entered your home. Your coldness loomed in was unpredictable what mind or was it your own melted away , the arms of Yevery direction you could happen. You tried voice? You slowed your the sun wrapped around turned. Fear rippled running but it felt you steps, thinking about that you. Your eyes seem to through you as of were the slowest runner message. Maybe, you adjust as your eyes sweat reminded you of ever. , the golden thing thought just maybe this is widened. Vast desert being lost in nowhere. No was hovering over you, a dream. So you pinched lands lay upon you like sound or voice called out urging you to follow. You yourself. The skin turned stretched seas of sand. to you, your breathing could see its thin trans- red and the pain cho- This is an endless illusion became slow. The silence parent wings glowing. Yet rused over your arm, it that never wants to stop alerted you. Some things there is still silence, but wasn't a dream. So, what its tricks. Never. But this passed you and you shud- this time it feels different. was is it? The glowing idea was uncertain. You dered in the darkness. The golden thing whizzed thing hovered over you wish this would… Your footsteps were like forward. "Wait" your expanding as you Hours pass. It was fairies tip-toeing across voice was thin and thought. It was glowing endless. You gave up eas- the floorboards without soft, you could feel strongly, it was turning ily, letting yourself col- making a single squeak. the dryness of your into a mouth of a cave. lapse on the heating Your fear controlled you throat and your Should I go through sand. You fell and with as you walked but the lips covered in a that or leave it? You that you felt water rushing walking didn't feel right. thin layer of cold- thought for a while. through you. The sun You walked to nowhere, ness. I'm going to do it. sparkled in the river. you couldn't control your You bolted, You passed the Nothing can stop it, when- fear and you had no idea your legs felt the golden thing; it was ever you gave up, you where you were. There power swirling like a portal. When enter another world. was a faint smell of damp- inside you. Your you entered it were "She opened her eyes" ness and rain hanging in mind had one like waves rippling a nurse squealed and the air. The air felt like it goal: Follow the when you passed. came near you. became denser as you golden thing. You When you reached "You have been in a walked. The growing dark- followed for a the other side, sun- coma for 3 years and you ness was 'Where was I long time light poured in all finally wake up". going?' You would ques- but nothing directions. That's all she said and tion yourself for an had Your eyes I looked across the win- answer. It felt like you changed felt so used dow. The world had have been here for years. just the to the dark changed. It changed a Suddenly, a glowing eerie silence that you for- lot. You just sat there, golden streak passed and the dark- got about staring.

PIC CREDIT: PEXELS 44

Young Ayaan tells us all about his trip to Assam recently.

y trip to our destination, Assam! Assam was an After we landed in Assam we awesome trip went to get our luggage and we M and I'm going headed straight for our house to tell you all where we would get a good about it. On a Sunday afternoon night's rest knowing that this was we were preparing to go to a rel- the start of a long journey. For ative's place in Melbourne where the next couple of days we we would keep our car and take attended lots of marriages until a taxi to the airport. After a very Christmas! That day my dad, my short journey we arrived at the Grandpa and I went Christmas airport where we would be taking shopping and soon enough we off in an A380 to Singapore. got everything we needed and After we checked-in we went headed back home. I called my through security and waited at good friend, Lucky, who happens our gate until we started board- to live upstairs and we got ing after a long wait. together to decorate the We managed to board the Christmas tree. Unfortunately, we plane and settled in on what we weren't really celebrating knew would be a very adventure Christmas, so the tree and the filled and fun journey! After a presents were basically the only long flight we arrived in Christmas things we did that Singapore where we went to the day9. And then after that we hotel we had booked to rest. started getting ready for my After a relaxing stay at the hotel cousin's wedding. On the day of we explored Singapore for a bit Sangeet I had a little group that I till we went back to the airport to danced with on that day and I board our next flight. After we think we went brilliantly! We got past security we just waited attended every single event that till they announced that our flight was related to my cousin's mar- riage and it was one of the most rity and waited a bit fun things I did in Assam. After till we boarded all the marriages unfortunately our flight. It was a my dad had to go back to very short flight, Australia. And time just flew by just 40 mins. But I till it was our turn to go back to really did enjoy the Australia. We repeated the same views that I got in journey we had on our way to those 40 minutes- Assam but this time backwards. the farms, the And finally we arrived at river and the little Melbourne where I got to reflect towns that we at the epic journey that I had and could see below. in fact that's exactly what I'm Soon we were doing right now. ready to land at was boarding so we readied up knowing we had another long flight ahead of us. But because of the amount of movies I'd watch the time just flew by till the captain announced that we'd be landing at Kolkata airport. When we landed we realised that it was a very smoggy day there but we knew it wasn't so it had to be pollution. But we decided to gloss over that and get past immigration and meet up with my grandparents who came to pick us up and take us up back to the hotel we were staying in for the next 2 nights. It felt like time just flew by at our stay in Kolkata we were finally ready to take our last flight to Assam. We checked-in, went past secu- 45

The recent launchlaunch ofof thethe Falcon Heavy SpaceX's latest rocket The Future of latest rocket caught MRIGANK BORA'S interest.interest. HeHe SpaceXSpaceX shares his knowledge…

am going to talk about the cargo of up to 64,000 kilograms years. About one hundred thousand most recent launch of the into orbit in the near future. Musk spectators went to witness the BFR Falcon Heavy, SpaceX's lat- has also said that they will be launch at Florida's Space Coast. (Big Falcon Rocket) est rocket. This specific ready to put satellites into orbit on Among those seeing the launch Well the company's primary goal is launch was one that I found the following mission which will was Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz to send humans to colonize the particularlyI interesting, having a occur in the next three to six Aldrin, who in 1969 launched from planet Mars. The Falcon Heavy is profound liking for space travel. months. the same pad as the Falcon Heavy quite an enormous rocket but in After watching the livestream of the The launch of SpaceX's Falcon did to fly to the moon. order for this SpaceX needs a rock- launch on YouTube I decided to Heavy was debatably one of the So after all this, what is next install et "way bigger than that." look deeper into what the future most hyped rocket launches in for SpaceX? holds for Elon Musk and his compa- ny. Here is what I found out. On the sixth of February 2018 the world's most powerful rocket launched in to outer space carrying a brand-new Tesla Roadster towards Mars. It is called the Falcon Heavy and currently, it is the most advanced and the biggest rocket in the world standing at 23 stories tall. SpaceX's latest rocket to date. Powered by three main boosters, all firing simultaneously to release five million pounds of thrust at liftoff. SpaceX is the first privately owned American space- craft manufacturer to make its rocket reusable. Hoping all three boosters would come back to land on Earth, one of the boosters missed its position. A minor hiccup in an otherwise successful launch, the CEO of SpaceX Elon Musk said. The rocket will be able to carry 46

The company's thoughts on how it three to four years, performing an does this, launching 18 complet- along the way, doubling the load it will bring humans to Mars has orbital test flight of the BFR. This ed missions in 2017, which was can carry to orbit. The final ver- changed during the years. Musk is near to the timetable he laid out the most for SpaceX to date. This sion of the Falcon 9, the "Block 5", has discussed his most recent when he announced the rocket last year the launch calendar is even will be seen taking flight this year, plan whilst at a conference in year but he has said some of more daring. having nearly triple loading capaci- Australia last year where he these goals were "aspirational". Most of these launches will ty of the original. revealed plans for a truly massive see satellites or ISS (International rocket. It was also suggested by Space Station) go to space. Musk that the rocket can be a way Falcon 9 SpaceX has been flying the Falcon Other Endeavours having quick flights around the SpaceX being a business needs 9 for nearly eight years now, with Over the next few years SpaceX planet within just thirty minutes. to earn money. The Falcon 9 the company giving it upgrades has a number of ambitious goals. Flying from Hong Kong to With plans to increase the amount Singapore in twenty two minutes, of launches, which is currently Los Angeles to Toronto in twenty The rocket will be able to carry cargo of up to standing at more than one per four minutes and London to Dubai month; begin flying people to the or New York in twenty nine min- 64,000 kilograms into orbit in the near future. International Space Station and utes. The BRF (Big Falcon Rocket) throughout the moon; and finish would give off more than double Musk has also said that they will be ready to development, testing for the BFR the thrust of the Falcon Heavy, which would clear the path for coming at eleven million pounds of put satellites into orbit on the following mission Elon Musk's ultimate goal of inhab- thrust. which will occur in the next three to six months iting Mars. Now that's plenty of Musk has said that it is "con- thing to look forward to but it's not ceivable" SpaceX could be, within the full picture. Besides showing all of us a few insights of lunar and Martian bases, there are still zero solid details on how he will build these accommodations. And most impor- tantly how will he keep humans alive while long space trips, in which radiation will become an issue. Also it is still not clear on how Elon will fund the whole proj- ect. But after all this one thing sole- ly stays positive. That all these future aspirations are quite ambi- tious but possibly a few or maybe the entirety of the plans may change - even a little. Not only is Elon Musk guilty of extending and missing deadlines, but he usually eliminates the plans completely. The by-product of that process however is frequently quite special. 47 PIZZA MAYHEM BY NIHAL PHUKAN down. Have I forgotten how to "YOUR AT PIZZA PLANET!" make my own favourite food, says the pizza, Then I burst which is pizza, have I? I have. into laughter! And so, I take out grandma's The laugh was so loud that special cookbook then flipped a sheriff looking pizza burst to the Pizza page… through the Pizza door "SPLAT",'EEWWWW', I have "WHAT ARE YOU? A MAN landed on pizza. Pizza is nice OR A MOUSE? He shouted to taste but not nice to land "I'm a kid!" I say on! Then I see something I "Oh, FALSE ALARM", then have never seen before…. A he turned away. As soon as PIZZA CITY! I open a door of a the sheriff looking pizza small pizza building, I think it's walked away, I started eating a nursery because there's all everything in sight: these little pizzas running Pizza cars, Pizza houses, around. I walk to a Pizza Pizza trains and Pizza People! behind a Once I have finished eat- counter smiling at me. ing, I don't feel well; I think I "Hello?" I say to the pizza, am going to throw up. I run to wait, what am I thinking piz- the nearest pizza sink, but zas can't talk! there isn't one because I've "HELLO!" says the already eaten it all up! But now pizza… I am it's too late and I start puking shocked! on the damp pizza floor. While "Where am I vomit everything suddenly I?" I say changes back to the kitchen, after I where I opened Grandmas spe- calm cial cookbook… You know what, I think I've got a new favorite food, HAM- BURGERS. I turn Grandmas special cookbook to the Hamburger page. "SPLAT"

ROBLOX BY LISAN In a Roblox game called ride a train through a black hole. I was waiting for the train I saw a man he was a scientist. I had a chat with the dude. He said? Wait bye bye the train is here. Hop on said lazer_ex. And if you don't know he is my friend. Ok stay calm let's go! WOW!! SO NI AHHHHHHH!!!!! GET OUT! Gooooooooo! No!!!! Lazer_ex you are going to die!! WHAT WHY!!!! YES!! YOU SURVIVED oh it is time for my death bye… no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 48

Rahul Doloi reminisces his trip with his family to Disneyland in the United States of America… PEXELS PHOTO

MY CHILD PIC CREDIT: OF ed in me to fig- H E 1928, so of course, ure that I was the one O L it was black-and-white. that lost them. O I had my picture taken At first, I thought of going that D A with a great quantity of to the Los Angeles Police flooded my T Disney characters and with Department (LAPD), but at that insides with a fuzzy feeling. He asked hen I was six other sorts. With Shrek and time I wanted to be a detec- me 'Are you lost?'. I nodded ever so years old, my par- Princess Fiona, a tive, so I thought maybe, I slightly, but that was enough for the ents took my Frankenstein, and The could perhaps conduct a little kind-hearted man to acknowledge that I brother (who was Wiggles, just to name a few. investigation of my own. I was was scared. nine at that time) Just as we made our way through a smart that way, so instead of shouting He took my hand gently and said and me to few of the dozens of Mickey Mouse gal- 'Mum!', I yelled 'Monjita!' (which was my he was going to take me to the recep- America.W We visited Washington D.C. leries I had made my parents visit, my mother's name). I later explained to tion. Meanwhile, my parents were star- and New York, to view the Statue of thoughtful parents wanted to see my Mum (who heard the whole thing but ing dumbfounded at what was unravel- Liberty. Thenceforth, we travelled by reaction to what I'd do if my family was- decided to wait and see what I did ling in front of their eyes. At that exact plane to Los Angeles, consequently, to n't there, surprisingly they managed to next) that instead of confusing the moment, Mum ran forward from her visit Disneyland. pull it off. other mums thinking their sons were hiding place, along with my brother and After a tedious 7-hour duration on I was too busy staring at a little calling them, I only directed it at my Dad behind, and laughed uncertainly. the plane to Los Angeles, I was literally boy, my age, if not, perhaps a bit mum. After shouting a few more They both exchanged a few words bursting to get to the theme park. My younger, having a picture taken with times, I was stopped as an adult then we walked off. I didn't really make family took me into a whole bunch of Aladdin and Jasmine. I was staring hand clamped around my miniature any sense of this incident, as my 6- Mickey Mouse galleries, and a theatre in awe at the couple that went way shoulder. I slowly looked up, year-old brain couldn't interpret any room displaying the first original back in 1992. My parents and my expecting to see my Dad, instead, of it, not until a few years after the Mickey Mouse film: Plane Crazy, creat- older brother snuck away, leaving it was a man with a warm smile trip to America.

PHOTO CREDIT: OHMY.DISNEY.COM 49

The story of a blackbird and her chicks, aspiring author Barsa Sarma tells a tale BLACKBIRD ilvery flakes drift- "They're still not golden fingers of sun- Mopsy ed downward, glit- hatched yet. They'll be fine light warmed him, he opened her tering in the bright without me for a little took in his surroundings. ebony eyes and the light of the har- while," The trees were draped both of them watched vest moon. The Moony followed his over with a snowy white in patience. The eggs gave Sblackbird soared. The mate, Mopsy back to their . The pointy tips of ici- way to the insistent blackbird screeched to the nest. When they arrived, cles clung on to the trees' scratching beaks of the arrival of winter. A plethora they found their three branches. It was like a big chicks. The chicks stood of hoots and barks glossy black eggs engulfed white wing was draped unsteadily on the floor of announced winter with in metallic silver. Mopsy over the whole forest. the nest. Two of the chicks thanks. The blackbird as swift as an arrow, nodded in approval and curtly left the silver gaze of the moon-lit clearing. Breathing in the scent of a fresh upcoming winter, the blackbird flew eagerly back in the direction of home. Sensing another pres- ence, the blackbird cocked his sleek black head side- ways and saw it was the swift, darting movement of another blackbird. "Hello there, Moony!" cried the jet-black female. Moony glanced at his beautiful, sleek mate. "Hello, aren't you sup- posed to look after the eggs?" asked Moony, con- cerned. tucked the three eggs to Moony could faintly hear had coal-black, scruffy her underbelly, the deliberate scratching feathers and the same "Well? Help noise again. He looked at ebony eyes as their mother me; the eggs the peaceful sleeping face while the third chick had are about to of Mopsy, her feathers pure white feathers and hatch, cover shining brightly as the pale two lovely sky blue eyes. them too," snapped golden sunlight descended Moony and Mopsy gasped Mopsy back at her on him. He stared at the in affection and awe. They mate. Moony snuggled black dappled eggs; one of continued to observe the next to Mopsy and the them barely twitched but chicks as they opened black eggs with his under the keen eyes of their eyes for the first time inky black wings. He Moony, he knew the eggs to a world covered in mag- instantly fell into a were going to hatch. "Wake nificent pure whiteness. deep sleep. up Mopsy, the eggs are The chicks gave cries of A soft scratching due to hatch anytime now," pleasure as their life noise roused him, the Moony crooned softly. began. PHOTOGRAPHER: TONY COLLINS

Vic Assam Inc appreciates the financial support received from the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Government of Victoria towards the celebration of Bohag(Rongali) Bihu 2018.

Disclaimer: The Editorial team has included all the submissions without any revision of the contents and is not responsible for the comments and/or opinions expressed by the authors. Copyright: All the rights of submissions published in this magazine are reserved by the authors. No part may be reproduced without permission from the authors. For any correspondence related to Enajori 2018 submissions, please contact „ Sundar Sarma at [email protected] „ Nagma Hasan at [email protected] For any correspondence related to VIC Assam Inc., please contact [email protected]