The Folly of Sameness

Growing up in a homogeneous group can breed a kind of cultural illiteracy — not just ignorance of other traditions, but a deep-seated discomfort with difference itself. The cost? Empathy narrows. Curiosity dims. And a fear of the “other” festers.

There is a subtle tyranny that can emerge within homogeneous groups, especially during formative years, where anyone different is looked down upon or ridiculed. Here’s a reflection:

The Folly of Sameness
————————————
In halls where every voice sounds just the same,
Where mirrors line the walls with matching frames,
A child is taught to fear the foreign name,
To mock the soul that dances in new flames.

The laughter sharpens like a teacher’s rule,
The different child becomes the class’s tool—
A joke, a jest, a silence carved in stone,
Their colors drained until they match the tone.

What harm is done when no one sees the sky
From any lens but theirs? They don’t ask why
Another walks with songs they’ve never heard,
Or shapes their dreams with an unspoken word.

Sameness is easy, sameness is safe.
It feeds the need to not feel out of place.
But sameness blinds, and sameness breeds a wall,
Until the mind grows narrow, false, and small.

And those who dare to speak or dress or pray
In ways that drift from the accepted way—
They bear the weight of sneers that wound the soul,
While they still rise, and make the fractured whole.

Inside the Chrysalis

Inside the hush of a green shell,
A quiet catastrophe begins.

The caterpillar, soft-bodied wanderer,

unthreads itself

from the inside out.

No gentle sleep—

But a dissolution,

a flood of enzymes

breaking every known shape

into memory-soup.

This is not survival.

This is a sacrifice.

This is trust in annihilation.

Within that rich, primordial broth,

lie imaginal discs—

seeds of wings,

blueprints of eyes that have never seen sky,

antennae attuned to the wind’s whisper.

They do not guess.

They remember

W
hat they were meant to become.

And somehow—

even as the old self liquefies—

a thread remains.

A flicker of memory,

a trace of yesterday’s hunger,

a taste of a certain leaf

lingering like a ghost

through all that unmaking.

When the chrysalis shivers open

and the new body unfurls—

painted, fragile, free—

it is not just a new form.

It is a resurrection.

A creature

who has lived

two lives

within one skin.

Who has died

without leaving.

And flown

from the ruins of itself.

The Secret the Bees Keep

 

When the queen falls—
That single pulse of order,
The mother of rhythm—
The hive holds its breath.

No eggs.

No future.

Silence creeps between the honeycomb corridors.

Stillness,

Where flight once sang.

But the bees do not mourn.

They do not wait for rescue

Like prayers sent upward

Into the indifferent wind.

Instead, they begin.

Not with miracles.

Not with might.

But with the slightest gesture:

A feeding.

One larva,

Then another—

No different than the rest,

No gold-threaded birthright,

No lightning in the womb—

Is chosen.

Not for what she is,

But for what she might become.

They feed her royal jelly—

A nectar thick with purpose,

A mother’s whisper made into substance.

It coats her future

In protein and light,

Rearranging time,

Rethreading the body

Into something larger

Than labor

Or lineage.

She is not born a queen.

She is made.

By attention.

By care.

By collective will.

She rises not by chance

But by design—

Not of blood,

But of belief.

And when she spreads her wings,

Carrying the future in her belly,

The hive hums again.

The order returns,

Not as it was,

But remade

Through crisis and instinct

And quiet revolution.

The bees remember what we forget—

That greatness

Is not in the bone,

But in the tending.

The Eligible Bachelor

There once was a man past his prime,

Who thought therapy’s just a scam, a crime.

With podcasts galore,

He preached, “I want more,”

But ghosted each girlfriend before dinnertime.

He claimed that he felt very deep,

Yet his chats were as woke as sleep. 💤

A “guru” in his jeans,

To girls in their teens,

His wisdom? Just red flags on repeat.

He’d sip from his weird-looking brew,

Say, “Commitment? I’ve paid all my dues.”

Though his age neared forty,

He dated only the sporty—

Fresh grads with no bills and no clues.

“I’m old-school,” he’d proudly declare,

While brushing his graying chest hair.

Yet somehow forgot,

While dodging the growth he sought—

That’s why grown women just wouldn’t care.

After Making Love to a Woman

Stay.

Not just in body,
But in breath, in touch,
In the quiet whisper of your heartbeat
Pressed against her back.

Don’t vanish into the cool air,
Don’t turn to shadows,
Don’t let the sheets become borders.

Stay.

Trace the curve of her shoulder,
A wandering whisper of fingertips.
Tangle your legs like lazy rivers,


Speak—softly, slowly—
Not with grand confessions,
But with the gentle drizzle of sweetness.
Tell her how her laughter
Feels like spring rain,
How her touch is a memory
You are still savoring.

Look at her—really look.
Let her see that even now,
Even in the quiet,
She is still the pulse beneath your skin.

If she pulls you closer,
Let your bodies fit like a puzzle solved.
If she smiles, smile with her—
A shared joke, a stolen breath.
If she drifts to sleep,
Breathe with her,
Be her safe harbor.

Moments like these are echoes
That linger,
Not just because of the passion,
But because of the peace.

This is where intimacy grows roots,
Not just in the fire,
But in the ash,
In the warmth that stays.

অবৈধ প্রেম (নতুন কবিতা )

তার সঙ্গে সংসার করেছি দেড় বছর -

দু -তিন ঘণ্টার সংসার।

শুক্লপক্ষের চতুর্থীর চাঁদের মতো, 

অর্ধেক আলো,

অর্ধেক অন্ধকার,

তবে অন্ধকারই বেশি ।

রোজ সকালে 

মেসেজ আসত তার,

একটা সূর্য ☀️

একটা চাঁদ 🌙

যেন অসম্ভব প্রেম ।

দরজা খুলে রাখতাম,

তার নির্বিঘ্নে আনা গোনার জন্য

পাশের বাড়ির প্রতিবেশীও

তাকে চিনতে লেগেছিল ।

দেখা হলেই বলতো

"I missed your smile”

তখন তাকে দেখে আরো হাসতাম ।

প্রাণ ঢেলে দিতাম তাকে।

আমার চুলে হাত বুলিয়ে বলত,

“চা বানিয়ে দিই?”

আমি মাথা নাড়লে রান্নাঘরে মিলিয়ে যেত।

চা-পাতা, লবঙ্গের গন্ধে ঘর ভরে উঠত।

আমি নির্বস্ত্র হয়ে তাকে দেখতাম

মনের মধ্যে ছবি তুলে রাখতাম ।

কখনো তুর্কিশ কফি

দারচিনি দেওয়া,

কখনো নিজের হাতে 

বাজার করে 

রান্না করে দিতো 

আমার প্রিয় 

আচারি চিকেন উইংস ।

তারপর তার মজবুত বাহুডোর,

পুতুলের মতো তুলে নিত আমায়

রান্না ঘর থেকে আবার

শোবার ঘরে 

নিয়ে আসতো কোলে করে ।

আমাদের নিঃশব্দ কথোপকথন,

আলোর মাঝে ছায়া, 

ছায়ার মাঝে আলো।

একা জীবনে ওইটুকুই অনেক ।

এই জন্যে অন্য কারোর গন্ধ 

ওর শরীরে পেয়েও

নিজেকে বলতাম

ভুল ভাবছি ।

কিন্তু একদিন…

দেখলাম তার বুকে আঁচড়ের দাগ 

আর 

আমার বুকের ভেতর শীতল শূন্যতা।

বুঝলাম অন্য কেউও আছে 

জেনেছিলাম, সে কারো স্বামী,

আমার সংসার শুধু দু -তিন ঘন্টার ।

প্রেমটা অসম্ভব নয়, 

অবৈধ ।

আমি সরে এসেছিলাম।

ফোন বন্ধ, দরজা বন্ধ,

রান্নাঘরে এখন অধিকার শুধু আমার ।

তবু, যখন বৃষ্টি নামে,

কখনো কখনো মনে হয়,

সে এসে বলবে, “কফি, না চা?”

আমি আবার বলব, “কফিই করো।”

কিন্তু জানি, সে আসবে না।

তবু তার ছায়া আমার চায়ের কাপে,

তার হাতের স্বাদ এখনও আমার ঠোঁটে।

10 Canva hacks to save you time (for beginners)

Canva is popular because it makes design easy and accessible. Even though I still use Adobe CC for work, Canva has made my life easier as a designer. Especially, when I am creating assets for the organizations I volunteer for.

Here are some useful Canva hacks that can save you time, especially if you are a beginner:

1. Quick Keyboard Shortcuts

T – Add a text box instantly.

R – Add rectangle.

L – Add line.

C – Add circle.

Shift + click – Select multiple elements.

Cmd/Ctrl + D – Duplicate an element.

2. Use the Brand Kit (Pro)

Upload your brand colors, fonts, and logos once, then apply them instantly across all designs for consistent branding.

 3. Magic Resize (Pro)

Design once and resize for different platforms (e.g., Instagram post to Facebook cover) with just one click.

4. Background Remover (Pro)

Remove image backgrounds with one click—super helpful for clean product shots or profile pics.

 5. Use Grids & Frames

Drag images or videos into **frames** or **grids** to keep everything aligned and visually appealing. Great for layouts and collages.

 6. Layer Elements Easily

Use Position tool to bring elements forward or backward, or right-click > Send to back/front.

7. Search with Keywords + Filters

Use keywords like “minimal,” “aesthetic,” or “hand-drawn” in the Elements tab to refine search results. Add “free” filter if you’re on a free plan.

8. Add Animation (Free & Pro)

Using the animate button, animate elements or entire pages for social media posts, presentations, or reels.

9. Lock Elements

Lock background or logo layers to prevent accidentally moving them while editing.

10. Create Custom Templates

Save designs you use often (like quote posts or flyers) as templates to reuse and keep things consistent.

A Cowardly Act Against Humanity: Condemning the Pahalgam Attack

Once again, the serene valleys of Kashmir, known for their breathtaking beauty and timeless tranquillity, have been stained by the blood of innocents. The recent terrorist attack in Baisaran, six kilometers from Pahalgam, has claimed the lives of 26 people. It is not just an assault on a place or a community — it is an assault on humanity itself.

There are no words strong enough to denounce such a heinous act. Targeting unarmed civilians, shattering families, and spreading fear under the guise of ideology is nothing but cowardice of the highest order. No cause, no grievance, no political ambition can ever justify the deliberate massacre of innocents.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for this atrocity. These acts are not of warriors or revolutionaries, but of those who have lost all sense of humanity and morality.

But let it be known — terror may wound us, but it will never break the spirit of a united people. We mourn the lives lost — whose only fault was to live freely or travel peacefully. Our hearts go out to the grieving families.

It is imperative now, more than ever, for the global community to recognize and act decisively against the breeding grounds of such terrorism. Condemnation must be followed by concrete action — dismantling networks of terror, cutting off their resources, and holding accountable those who harbor and support such groups.

Let us also remember that the answer to terror is not fear or hatred, but unity and unwavering resolve. We must continue to foster peace, protect the innocent, and uphold the values of humanity, even when faced with such darkness.

Today, we bow our heads in sorrow — but tomorrow, we rise in defiance against terror. The blood spilled in Pahalgam will not be forgotten, and justice must — and will — prevail.

#StandWithPahalgam

#CondemnTerrorism

#PeaceOverViolence

Badal Sircar and the Revolution of Third Theatre

In the annals of Indian theater, few names evoke as much reverence, innovation, and disruption as Badal Sircar. A playwright, director, and performer, Sircar (1925–2011) wasn’t just an artist—he was a movement. His most groundbreaking contribution to Indian theater came in the form of what he termed the Third Theater—a radical shift away from the proscenium stage, expensive productions, and bourgeois sensibilities. In a country teeming with socio-political contradictions, Sircar's vision was both urgent and revolutionary.

The Making of a Theater Maverick
Born in Calcutta in 1925, Sircar was trained as a civil engineer and later studied town planning in London. But it was in the alleyways of Indian cities and the pulse of working-class struggles that he found his true calling. His early plays, like Ebong Indrajit (1963), were still rooted in Western theatrical structures, but already hinted at a deeper restlessness—a yearning to speak more directly to the Indian experience, and more importantly, to the Indian people.

What Is Third Theater?
Sircar’s Third Theater was a deliberate break from both First Theater (rural, folk, traditional theatre) and Second Theater (Western-influenced, proscenium stage of the city theatre ). The Third Theater was minimalist, mobile, and people-centric. It was meant to decolonize the stage and bring performance to the people—on street corners, in villages, on the steps of a public building.

Gone were the elaborate sets, artificial lighting, and ticketed shows. In their place came bare stages, raw performances, and collective participation. His troupe, Satabdi, performed in open spaces with simple props and a commitment to honesty and social relevance.

Theater of Resistance
Badal Sircar’s plays tackled subjects few dared to touch. He questioned blind patriotism in Bhoma, dissected the emptiness of urban existence in Michhil (The Procession), and unflinchingly portrayed violence, displacement, and class struggle. For Sircar, theater was not just entertainment—it was a tool of resistance, a mirror to society, and a space for dialogue.

He often said, “Theater should belong to people. If people do not come to the theater, the theater must go to the people.”

Language, Movement, and Innovation
A hallmark of Sircar’s Third Theater was its physical expressiveness. Inspired in part by traditional Indian forms and contemporary global movements (like Grotowski’s Poor Theater), his actors used body, space, and rhythm in innovative ways. Language was important, yes—but gesture, breath, and ensemble carried as much weight.

This democratization of performance also extended to audience interaction. In many of his street performances, the line between actor and spectator blurred, and engagement became visceral and immediate.

Legacy and Contemporary Resonance
Badal Sircar may have left us in 2011, but his spirit lives on in every socially engaged performance staged under open skies or in community halls. His influence can be seen in the work of countless theater groups across India—from Jana Natya Manch in Delhi to street theater collectives in Kerala, Bengal, and beyond.

At a time when commercialism often threatens to dilute meaningful art, Sircar’s vision reminds us that theater can—and should—be radical, accessible, and real.

Final Curtain, Eternal Impact
Badal Sircar did not just write plays. He rewrote the relationship between theater and society. In giving birth to Third Theater, he gave India a people’s stage, where every performance was a protest, every actor a comrade, and every audience member a witness to truth.

More than a director, he was a people’s dramaturg, choreographing empathy, dissent, and hope.

“Theater is not in the building. It is in the body, in the breath."

**

 At Bay Area Bengali Natyamela 2025, I will perform with Team Yatraa to pay homage to some of Badal Sircar's most famous works. Please join us on June 14, 2025, in Union City, CA.

Tickets available at: https://www.tugoz.com/events/sanskriti/natyamela-2025 

Please use the referrer code Bodhi-Yatraa to support our team.

Different kind of friends we need in our lives

1. The Cheerleader

Always in your corner, this friend hypes you up when you doubt yourself. They celebrate your wins like they’re their own and remind you of your worth when you forget.

2. The Honest Critic

They won’t sugarcoat things — and that’s a good thing. They tell you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear, because they care about your growth.

3. The Listener

Sometimes you don’t want advice — just someone to hear you out. This friend gives you space to vent, reflect, and feel heard without judgment.

4. The Adventurer

Spontaneous and full of life, they push you out of your comfort zone — whether it’s travel, trying something new, or just breaking routine.

5. The Wise One

The calm, thoughtful friend who gives the best life advice. They help you see the bigger picture and are often your go-to for perspective.

6. The Rock

Steady and reliable. You may not talk every day, but they’re always there when you really need someone — no questions asked.

7. The Memory Keeper

They remember everything — birthdays, inside jokes, the name of your first pet. They remind you of who you were, how far you’ve come, and they help you stay grounded.

8. The Work Buddy / Goal Partner

This friend is all about leveling up with you — sharing goals, accountability, and the drive to grow, whether it’s career, fitness, or personal dreams.

9. The Fun One

They bring the laughter, the lightness, and the good times. Life feels easier and more joyful with them around.

10. The Friend Who Feels Like Family

You can be your raw, unfiltered self with them. They’re the ones you can go months without seeing, and still pick up right where you left off.

A checklist for event promotion

A significant part of my job entails promoting my company at industry events. We all need a checklist to make sure all areas are covered. Here is something you might find handy while planning for the success of your event.

📍 Before the Conference

1. Social Media Teasers: Announce your presence, booth number, and special events (e.g. demos, giveaways) on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Instagram, etc.
2. Email Campaigns: Send out emails to clients, prospects, and newsletter subscribers inviting them to meet you at the conference.
3. Schedule Meetings in Advance: Reach out to key people attending and pre-book meetings to make the most of your time.

🧲 At the Conference – On the Floor

1. Engaging Booth Design: Eye-catching visuals, interactive displays, and a clear message about what you offer are essential.
2. Live Demos or Product Showcases: Show your product in action to draw a crowd.
3. Swag That Doesn’t Suck: Offer branded merch people actually want (think portable chargers, quality notebooks, quirky socks, etc.).
4. Gamify It: Use games, contests, or raffles to engage attendees and collect leads. Spin wheels, scavenger hunts, or mini-challenges work well.
5. Photo Ops or AR Filters: Set up a branded photo booth or offer fun filters for attendees to use and post.

💬 Content & Conversations

1. Speaking Engagements: Secure a panel, keynote, or workshop spot if possible. This boosts credibility and draws traffic.
2. Branded Collateral: Make sure brochures, business cards, and QR codes are sharp, informative, and easy to scan or carry.
3. Storytelling Staff: Train your team to tell the company’s story in a compelling, concise way – beyond just the sales pitch.

🔁 Post-Conference Follow-up

1. Thank You Emails + Extras: Send personalized follow-ups with bonus content (e.g. whitepapers, special offers).
2. Social Recap: Post a highlights reel, tag people you met, and share insights or wins from the event.
3. Retargeting Ads: Use email lists or QR scan data to retarget attendees with relevant ads and offers.

World Theater Day 2025

Theater helped me express myself in ways I never expected. Before stepping on stage, I often struggled to say what I felt. But in theater, I found a space where emotions were not only accepted—they were encouraged. I could be loud, vulnerable, angry, joyful, or heartbroken; it was all part of the process. It gave me permission to feel deeply and out loud.

Learning to embody different characters also helped me understand myself better. Sometimes, stepping into someone else's shoes made exploring my emotions easier. It was like unlocking parts of myself that I hadn’t known how to access before.

Theater also gave me my voice—both literally and figuratively. I learned how to project and speak with intention, and over time, I started to carry that confidence with me offstage, too. I became more comfortable sharing my thoughts, standing up for myself, and being seen.

Being part of a cast made me feel like I belonged. The connections I built backstage—the long rehearsals, the shared nerves before a show, the inside jokes—created a sense of community that helped me open up more. I wasn’t just pretending to be someone else—I was discovering who I was, too.

Most of all, theater gave me the courage to tell my story. Whether performing a monologue or writing something of my own, I finally felt like I had something worth saying—and a way to say it.

Different forms of poetry

Poetry comes in many different forms, each with its own structure, style, and purpose. Here are some of the most common types of poetry, along with brief explanations and examples:

1. Sonnet

A 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme, often exploring themes like love, beauty, spiritual contemplation, and time.

Shakespearean Sonnet (English Sonnet):

Rhyme scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG

Example (by William Shakespeare, Sonnet 18):

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate...

Petrarchan Sonnet (Italian Sonnet):

Divided into an octave (8 lines) and a sestet (6 lines)

The octave usually presents a problem or situation, while the sestet offers a resolution, reflection, or response to the initial theme.

This poetic form has been widely used by poets such as Petrarch, Dante, and Shakespeare.Rhyme scheme: 

Octave : ABBAABBA 

Sestet: CDECDE or CDCDCD 

Example (How do I love thee? Let me count the ways, By Elizabeth Barrett Browning)

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

2. Haiku

A traditional Japanese form with 3 lines and a 5-7-5 syllable structure, often focusing on nature or seasons.

Example:

An old silent pond—

A frog jumps into the pond,

Splash! Silence again.

3. Free Verse

Poetry without a fixed rhyme or meter. It emphasizes natural speech patterns.

Example (by Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass):

I celebrate myself, and sing myself,

And what I assume you shall assume...

4. Limerick

A humorous five-line poem with a distinct rhythm (AABBA rhyme scheme).

Example:

There once was a man from Peru,

Who dreamed he was eating his shoe.

He awoke with a fright,

In the middle of the night,

To find that his dream had come true.

A pearl is born

 

An oyster won’t craft a pearl so bright,

Unless it faces a wound or slight.

A grain of sand, a tiny pest,

Invades its shell, disturbs its rest.

To shield itself, it coats with care,
Layer by layer, smooth and rare.
Through time and pain, the pearl is spun,
A gleaming gem when all is done.

From hurt and trials, beauty grows,
A lesson nature softly shows.
The more the pearls, the more the grace,
Adversity can be embraced.

Why is Digital Marketing important for your brand?

Wide Reach: The internet has enabled businesses to reach global audiences at a fraction of the cost of traditional marketing methods. Social media, search engines, and websites allow businesses to connect with potential customers no matter where they are.

Cost-Effectiveness: Digital marketing is often more affordable than traditional marketing channels (e.g., TV, print ads). Small and medium businesses can compete with larger companies by utilizing digital strategies like social media marketing, email campaigns, and pay-per-click advertising.

Targeted Audience: Digital marketing allows businesses to target specific groups based on demographics, behaviors, interests, and online activities. This ensures marketing efforts reach the right people, leading to more effective campaigns.

Measurability and Analytics: Unlike traditional marketing, digital marketing provides detailed data on campaign performance. Tools like Google Analytics and social media insights allow businesses to track metrics such as click-through rates, conversions, and return on investment (ROI), which helps in refining strategies.

Engagement and Interaction: Digital marketing fosters direct interaction with customers. Social media platforms, email, and other online channels enable businesses to engage with their audience, answer questions, address concerns, and build relationships, creating a more personalized experience.

Brand Building: Consistent digital marketing efforts can significantly enhance brand recognition and reputation. Through content marketing, social media activity, and SEO strategies, businesses can strengthen their brand identity and foster customer loyalty.

Adaptability and Real-Time Feedback: Digital campaigns can be adjusted in real-time based on performance data, allowing businesses to adapt quickly. This flexibility is crucial for staying competitive in an ever-changing market.

24/7 Availability: Unlike traditional stores or businesses, digital marketing operates around the clock. Your website, social media accounts, and email campaigns are accessible anytime, increasing potential sales opportunities outside business hours.

Building trust through authenticity in Marketing

In ethical marketing, believing in the product is crucial because authenticity builds trust. 

When marketers genuinely believe in what they’re promoting, their enthusiasm is contagious, making their messaging more persuasive and credible. Hence, it is important to experience a product or service before you review it.

If you are selling/marketing something as serious as a life-saving drug, prioritize transparency and education over sales. Provide clear, accurate, and science-backed information about the medicine, including benefits, risks, and proper usage. Avoid exaggerated claims. 

Customers can sense when a brand or salesperson is simply trying to push a product versus when they truly stand behind it.  

You can narrow it down to personal branding as well. Believing in yourself—whether it’s your skills or expertise—is essential because it shapes how others perceive you. People are more likely to trust and invest in someone who genuinely stands behind their value.  

You had a bad experience? Don’t try to sugarcoat it because someone offered you money/ other benefits to promote it. With so many brands competing for attention, audiences often tune out, leading to ad fatigue and reduced effectiveness.  And consumers can sense inauthenticity.

Marketers need to focus on creating memorable, relevant, and engaging content to break through ad clutter. Strategies like personalization, storytelling, and non-traditional ad formats (such as experiential campaigns) help capture attention in a crowded space.