Aideu Handique: The Tragic Tale of Assamese Cinema's Forgotten Pioneer.

Aideu Handique (আইদেউ সন্দিকৈ) (27th June, 1920 ~ 17th December, 2002)

Aideu Handique, born on June 27, 1920, stood as a trailblazer in the realm of Assamese cinema. At the tender age of 15, she graced the silver screen in the iconic film "Joymoti" (1935), directed by Jyoti Prasad Agarwala. However, her bold portrayal of a character and a simple act of addressing her onscreen co-actor as 'Bongohor-deo' (husband) challenged deep-rooted cultural taboos, resulting in a series of hardships that marred her life.

In a society steeped in conservative traditions, Aideu Handique's audacity sparked disapproval and condemnation. Labelled as a cultural transgressor, she found herself shunned and isolated. The stigma attached to her portrayal as a married woman onscreen rendered her undesirable for marriage in the eyes of the society. With her family ostracized and her prospects bleak, she was left destitute, forced to endure a life of poverty in a cowshed and a meager thatched hut.

Despite her exceptional talent, Aideu Handique's acting career was tragically short-lived. She never graced the screen again after "Joymoti," except for a minuscule role in "Ganga Chiloner Pankhi" (1975) and a guest appearance in "Aideu" (2007), a film dedicated to her life. For decades, she languished in obscurity, her contributions to Assamese cinema forgotten.

It wasn't until 1985, a staggering fifty years after her debut, that Aideu Handique received some recognition for her pioneering role. Her story resurfaced, shedding light on the injustice and hardships she endured. It served as a sobering reminder of the societal constraints that curtailed her artistic journey and the profound impact it had on her life.

Today, Aideu Handique's name holds significance as a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and the struggle against societal norms. Her remarkable spirit and talent, stifled and overshadowed, serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by trailblazers in the face of adversity. Her untold story underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of forgotten pioneers who helped shape the course of Assamese and Indian cinema.

As we delve into the rich tapestry of cinematic history, let us not forget Aideu Handique, a woman whose passion for acting propelled her into the spotlight, only to be eclipsed by societal prejudice. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the need to acknowledge and celebrate the unsung heroes who paved the way for future generations, even in the face of personal tragedy and the erasure of their legacy. #AideuHandique #AssameseCinema #IndianCinema 

Photos: Google.

World Music Day || Bhimashankar || Maharashtra

#WorldMusicDay
Watch Here: || https://youtu.be/bcC3gz9UeJo ||

Immersed in the enchanting vibes of the Full Moon Festival (Poornima Mahotsav), held at the serene MTDC Holiday Resort in Bhimashankar, Maharashtra the locals joyfully sing, filling the air with their beautiful melodies. It's a heart-warming celebration that perfectly aligns with World Music Day, bringing people together through the universal language of music.

I was fortunate to witness this magical gathering, where the locals sang with pure joy, passion, pouring their emotions into every note. Their music transcends boundaries, touching the hearts of all who listen. These melodies, passed down through generations, carry the spirit of the land and its people. They remind us of the power of music to connect and unite us all.

The Full Moon Festival at MTDC Holiday Resort in Bhimashankar is a testament to the magic of music. It celebrates the diversity of musical traditions reminding us of the bonds we share through melodies. On World Music Day, let's cherish these connections and continue to celebrate the transformative power of music in our lives and around the world.

#Bhimashankar #Maharashtra #India #IncredibleIndia #Music #Musician #Local 

'Saat Saheber Bibir Kobor' (Grave of the Wife of Seven Europeans) or 'Memsaheber Kobor' (Grave of European Lady), Chinsurah, West Bengal, India

 I was travelling towards Kolkata through the Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) when I saw this monument at Chinsurah and stopped to take a few pictures. I had no idea about the fascinating history associated with it. Today before posting the photos, I searched about it and much to my surprize I find that this structure/monument is the mausoleum of a Dutch lady named “Susanne Anna Maria” who died in 1809. It is an Archaeological Survey of India protected site. The neo-classical and baroque hybrid monument is a classic example of Indo-Dutch architecture. The drum of the dome contains an inscription which read as: "SUSANNA ANNA MARIA YEATS REBOORE VERKERK OBiIT 12 MAY ANNO 1809".

The tomb is locally famous as 'Saat Saheber Bibir Kobor' (Grave of the Wife of Seven Europeans) or 'Memsaheber Kobor' (Grave of European Lady) though the official records only vouch for her two husbands. This had inspired Ruskin Bond to write his short story, ‘Susanna's Seven Husbands’ which further was adopted into the Hindi film ‘7 Khoon Maaf’ (7 Murders Forgiven) by Vishal Bharadwaj. Also, this monument is an exact replica of Tammerus Canter Visscher's mausoleum in Cossimbazar (View: https://i0.wp.com/indianvagabond.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Places-To-Visit-Around-Cossimbazar-19.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1).

Also read this interesting article on the mausoleum (though in Bengali): https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/howrah-hooghly/tomb-of-susanna-anna-maria-or-dutch-mandir-has-been-standing-for-200-years-in-chisurah-dgtld/cid/1264494 .
YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/gW1BMrK3mLQ?feature=share .
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CminXSxhxuf/?igshid=NTdlMDg3MTY= .
#Chinsurah #Bengal #WestBengal #India #IncredibleIndia #Photography #Reels #Architecture #archaeologicalsurveyofindia #Mausoleum #Monument #Tomb #History

Environmental consciousness in India

Environmental consciousness in India is gaining momentum as more people recognize the urgent need to protect and preserve our natural resources. With a population of over 1.3 billion, India faces unique environmental challenges, but it also holds tremendous potential for sustainable development.

 

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the impact of pollution, deforestation, and climate change on our ecosystems. People are realizing the importance of preserving biodiversity, conserving water, and reducing waste. Efforts are being made at both individual and collective levels to adopt eco-friendly practices.

 

India's rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in nature, plays a significant role in promoting environmental consciousness. Traditional practices like rainwater harvesting, organic farming, and sustainable living are being revived and integrated with modern approaches. Communities are reconnecting with their local environment and embracing indigenous knowledge for sustainable resource management.

 

The youth of India, in particular, will and should be playing a crucial role in driving environmental consciousness. They are at the forefront of climate strikes, advocating for sustainable practices, and demanding policy changes. Social media platforms serve as powerful tools for spreading awareness and mobilizing support for environmental causes.

 

However, challenges persist. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth pose significant threats to the environment. Balancing economic development with environmental sustainability remains a complex task.

 

India has immense potential to become a global leader in environmental sustainability. By nurturing environmental consciousness, adopting green technologies, and promoting responsible consumption, we can pave the way for a sustainable future that balances the needs of people and the planet. Let us join hands and work towards a greener, cleaner, and more resilient India.

 

#WorldEnvironmentDay #EnvironmentalConsciousness

World Environment Day

 

#WorldEnvironmentDay

Embracing the sun's power for a greener tomorrow! Here I am, standing in front of the impressive array of solar panels at the Amar Seva Sangam Campus in Ayikudi, Tamil Nadu. These towering structures symbolize our commitment to sustainable progress. Surrounded by these remarkable sources of clean energy, I'm filled with a renewed sense of hope and optimism for a brighter, cleaner future. Let us unite in embracing renewable energy and working together to protect our precious planet. Amar Seva Sangam is actively engaged in various Renewable Energy Initiatives, including Solar Light, Water Conservation, Plastic-Free Environment, Biogas Energy, and more. It is sure to result in a sustainable future for generations to come.

#SustainableFuture #AmarSevaSangam #ArinPaulProductions

Exploring the Delights of Kolkata Street Food in Mumbai ~ Kusum Rolls

When one thinks of Kolkata's vibrant street food scene, it often conjures images of delectable rolls, puchkas, sweets, and many other mouth-watering delicacies. However, among the diverse array of culinary delights that Kolkata has to offer, one cannot overlook the immense popularity of street-style noodles. Kolkata’s street noodle dish is known as Chow Mein. The flavours of Kolkata's street food have now found their way to the bustling streets of Mumbai, making it a remarkable culinary achievement. A prime example of this is the Kusum Rolls in Mira Road, where one can experience the authentic flavours of Kolkata through many dishes and in this case, it was the Chicken Chow Mein and Chilly Chicken.

 

Chicken Chow Mein at Kusum Rolls, Mira Road East

Kusum Rolls, a renowned and iconic food destination in Kolkata, first established its presence in 1971 at Karnani Mansion, 21 Park Street. Famous for its signature Kathi rolls and a variety of kebabs, Kusum Rolls expanded its operations to Mumbai a few years ago, starting with their outlet in Mira Road. Today, Kusum Rolls has several outlets across Mumbai, including Malad, Thakur Village in Kandivali East, Lokhandwala in Andheri West, Andheri East, and possibly more. During our visit to the Mira Road outlet, we were delighted to find that it also offered seating facilities, allowing us to enjoy the food in a comfortable setting. True to its Kolkata origins, the food at Kusum Rolls in Mumbai tasted just as authentic and flavourful as the renowned Kolkata Street food.

 

                                     Chilly Chicken at Kusum Rolls, Mira Road East

In conclusion, the availability of Kolkata Street food flavours in the bustling streets of Mumbai is a testament to the diverse culinary experiences that the city has to offer. Kusum Rolls' expansion from Kolkata to Mumbai has brought the essence of Kolkata's street food to a new audience, providing a delightful opportunity for Mumbaikars to savour the same incredible flavours.

#KolkataStreetFoodInMumbai #FlavoursOfKolkata #KusumRollsMumbai #AuthenticCulinaryExperience #StreetFood #MouthwateringDelights #FoodieHaven #KusumRolls #CulinaryJourney #BurstOfFlavours #MumbaiFoodScene #KathiRollsInMumbai #StreetFoodCravings #FoodieParadise #SavourTheDeliciousness #Mumbai #India #MiraRoad