Whiff of Air.

The other day, I was thinking over the good times that we had together in the three tours that was organized, during my University Days. Just as the thought came, the idea transformed into near reality. We may be heading the beaches soon, with Tajpur in our itinerary. The last time, a success was feathered in our hat was almost an year and a half ago, when we managed to tour Ghatshila for four days. A tour to be cherished. This time, it is Tajpur. A Locale, never heard of by most, but with publicity, may be it will be transformed in a hot tourist spot of West Bengal. Some thing our beloved leader, Miss Mamata Banerjee should take heed of, if her dream to turn the beaches of Bengal into Goa-II.

Direction and other specifications would be mentioned after the tour, but, come June/July, Tajpur will rest our foothold tight. An year and a half ago, situation was very different. The touring party comprised of (present status for the coming tour):

* Arijit (Joined a Lab in Kol; available)
* Avisek (Joined a Lab in Lucknow; not available)
* Kanad (Joined Animation in Kol; Available)
* Soma (In Kolkata; Ladies option not taken)
* Budha (In a Lab in Kolkata; Available)
* Ankita (In Delhi; Ladies option not cnsidered)
* Raktim (As RMO in Kol; dicy)
* Joydeep (In Kol; Available)
* Myself (In job, Kol; Available depending on leave sanction)

Another member, who might join in is Dhiman, who accompanied us in our first ever tour to Digha.

Anyways, life is too suffocated up thy sleeves. Its always better to start afresh!!!

Changing Lanes

REMEMBERING THE SCIENCE COLLEGE DAYS.

18th March, 2009, as my friend Arijit would put the idea forward like "Rekindling Old Fire", I accompanied Arijit and Dhiman to the place where we once came together two and a half years ago. The tables were same, the walls smelt the molten agar. A fresh coating of yellow lime has clad the department half way down the lane that moved in through to another 30 meters, having two new classes as addition to the department. A new editorial office called the "Nucleus" was neat and clean, with hardly anyone seen behind the desk! It was pre lunch time, and they managed to kiss the clock for an advanced luncheon session.
The tables were filled with many new faces, but the pakoras and the tea tasted the same in Gopal Da's Canteen. The lift man had his ups and downs in his career sitting on that small backless seat, waiting for the new faces and lending a biding smile to the old, like we were! The puff was all so heavy, we were older..we were X. Interestingly, I followed many more images that I loved to spend when I were in my days. That backyard, that pond, those stairs, the Tank...we missed each and every thing, but never talked about them because we were all very enthralled with the new problem at hand. Having cracked the IIT-GATE, Arijit and Dhiman were facing dillemas of applying and start off their PhD career. I myself was tensed with my issues, so lets not talk about that!
Joydeep and Budha wwas missed, Kanad's puff and style was lacking, Ankita's jollyness, Arpita's complaints as well as sporting shoutings were missed. Avisek's idealogies and Shoma's innocence was lacking that made the presence bland. Life was itself hard, life was missing in a place that for us was once very very lively!

The last look....

Howrah, platform number 8. Amritsar Mail, 19:10 hours IST. Right on time, very rare, but very unfortunate as the rare auspicious thing happened when the time was really demanding, for a small stay of our beloved pal, Avisek Basu. The locomotive slowly gained speed. A WAP4 engine slowly made the look finer and smaller as the coaches rattled by. Avisek looked back, looking unto us back in his home town here in Kolkata, his beloved Lyaad group members Joydip, Budhaditya and myself, his very close pal Soma and his maternal brother Guddu, all waved to him. Then round the turn he disappeared. The drag of the coaches smudged us with the whiff of chilled air, making us shiver back to reality. This same station we have met a lot of times, different venues. Be it our short tours to Barrackpore and Khardah, long tours to Ghatshila or Digha and some mini night over at Diamond Harbour. They all came back, reflecting their images in the pool of tears. But the wripples did shine with hope for a new dawn, a dawn where we all will be ultimately settled in our lives as some one or some thing. Varied aspects, varied colours and varied ratios!

Saonara pal... we will miss you..... See you soon!

Time to Say a Bye...

POST #215.

Surely the above heading shall have you all get the sniff of something very unique. Its about converting from an irrational frame of mind to a rational frame, and that too in a day.
11:45AM : We boarded the Ranaghat Local from Sealdah. Joydip, Budhaditya, Kanad, Ankita and myself, represent a section of the lyaad group which has members namely Arpita, Abhisek, Soma, Raktim, Dhiman and the little master, Arijit. Raktim, Arpita and Dhiman couldn' make it, but the rest were all but determined to make it over to Abhisekh's house, may be for the last time in many many days to come... Till now, the thought didnt grip us like what it did and devastated us in the last few minutes.

The train came to a halt at Barrackpore, from there we went to Moorgimahal, Abhisekh's place and gotten ready to get a helping over the beautiful cake to commemorate the day, by Abhisekh. A HAPPY GET TOGETHER cake, that made the event a cake walk for some smiles as well as some tears.

Arijit came in a little late. He too joined in the aprty, and before long we made our way to Gandhi ghat, but in the middle of our way, decided against going there for we had some other things in mind... We would sit together to cheers some of the best memories a person could have given a friend circle! Our Lyaad Group, as we had named it since our University Days, studing Genetics, have overseen the tension of time and its tide, and have shaped up into a strong friend circle where we have a strong ELEVEN members, even outside our class arena...

Before we made ourselves comfortable at Ubique, Barrackpore, we took a small walk across the Banks of Ganges, from Gol Ghat to Ferry Ghat! The crane looked awesome in the golden reflection and so did our group members with the river in the back drop. On the other banks was Sreerampore. Feels quite thrilling to think that one place can be accessed through Howrah while the host bank can accessed from Sealdah, two extremities of Rail Junctions of Kolkata/Howrah!

The group slowly and steadily advanced towards Ubique, the three star Bar cum Resturant of Barrackpore Cantonment. Everybody were upto a few sips. The Fosters, Mc Dowells and Smirnoffs . But as time advanced, and we were about utter the words, farewell.... we felt that things will never be the same again... may be ever!!

Abhisekh will be off to Lucknow in a few days time to pursue his PhD. Ankita will be off to Delhi to stay with her family. I, in near future will, may be not around... and so forth... In Dil Chahta Hain, there was a touchy dialogue which in english, if translatedwould mean that the Ships come to the harbour, only to leave and seperate when they are reloaded or unloaded! Everything depends on time, to steer the ships... may be in time, they will meet either at the same harbour orin a different place all together! Its very easy to say, philosophically feelsenriched text, but as Portia says, Its easy to teach twenty that to one of the twenty to follow your own teachings, a validation made by the untrained and disobedient eyes of Soma and Ankita followed by the hearts of us... Soma made the tears come out, Ankita got induced and we felt the heat inspite of a bone freezing chill outside.

But this photo outside Ubique will remain an asset, for ever...

Best of Luck Guys, hope to see you all soon!!!

May be..... soon... or later...

Those Days of Science College, Ballygunge- VII

NEVER MIND.

Like the river that maintained its course after carving its way through the land, the waters expect to move along the path, once treacherous, now watery. In that same way, the expectation from the group increased a lot. Slowly but steady, we startedto realize each other incomplete without the other. Be it any occasion, or tour, whenever everyone was available then only did the plan get executed, atleast we required a Quorum to execute our plan.

In this context, quite individualistic, I can cite one incident. It revolved over a personal matter but which turned upon Joydeep, Ariit and Budha. After a long drooled day, I wanted to each phuchka, a great Indian Fast Food delicacy! But no one was competent enough to get down to the ground floor. I supressed my wish, but little while later, all agreed to go down for smoke. That made me little tarn! After all, they could have done the same job a little ago, but opted not to! I hurried past them, showing an abominable attitude. Acrid in behavior, I made my way down to have the food. On challenging, they lost, but again as per the deal, didnt bring up a suitable act to keep the bet! That too tempered me!

Later on, as the "Group" catalysed a mood swing, traeting my anger and quenching the hatred with the bet...by keeping it! That was a really special moment, where, we all had some fun, pulling my legs!! Ironical! :-D
P.S: The Bet was on Dahi Phuchka!

Those Days of Science College, Ballygunge- VI.

THE HOT SUMMER OF 2007.

Amidst speculations, the Summer of 2007 crept in. Many new friends made through the net, many faces known but voices unknown till the second semester, came prominent. And not to mention, the many new people who managed to shape up my summer project days at Manovikas Kendra, Kolkata, an enjoyable one. Not missing the names of Disha Di, Debarati Di, Emily Di and Achintya Da along with my Sir, Dr. K. Nandagopal. Besides Samikhan Da, Subhrangshu Da, Barsha Di and others made it a smiling experience. Sitting at the E.M.Bypass tea stall having the brief lunch and then hurrying back with my western blottings, the frequent feasts and the Grand Fiesta at Hiland Park Food Court are some memorable experiences well gathered in those two and a half months spanning from mid-May 2007 to July 2007.

The frequent rumors of the second semester examination result out was always in the air. With Biotech and Micro-Bio results already on the board, we awaited ours! In that course, we had some false outings at Rauls after a futile visit to the department! Joydeep, Budhaditya and myself made our respective ways for the chart busters!

The major gang of the time was out stationed or un-available! Be it Arijit who was in Noida or Kanad, who was in IIT KGP. Basu was in VMS along with Arpita and the dilapidated Lyaad Group, counting down to the mere three made our presence felt once every alternate week. Those days made the realisation of a service life, be it research or simple office work... the feeling of compulsion and responsibilty merged with a compassionate proportion that made the feeling unique and quite valuable for a future use.

At the end of the day, the Project entitled: "GARS-AIRS-GART a trifunctional enzyme protein used in de Novo purine biosynthesis and its relation with Down Syndrome" stood its ground, whose presentation was scheduled in the last week of May, 2008.

Will it be a Swan Song?

Will it be a Swan song or the Rythm Divine? Lord almighty knows the answer as the end of this day, things would turn up either beutified by the Tanning or may turn Tarnished and sour. A lot depends on the situation and the mood of the superior individuals who would be in the process to make us endured enough to be successful in our respective lives! Facing them is not a compulsion, nope, not a mere compulsion but an honor as well as dignity, where by we will come in touch with the best in the business of the University and around. A good rehearsal for the days to come, where by as I am dreaming to be in States in a year from now, it is really a very good excercise no doubt!

But amidst the positives the feeling of leaving one of the greatest friend circle possible with whom I managed these post graduation years with grace and pomp show was really mind blowing achievement! It was whole lot of fun with Climaxes and AntiClimaxes, Liquor and Tour, Fun and Laments! Wonder Years in true sense! But at the end of this day, the tree will remain but without proper leaves on it.

Those Days of Science College, Ballygunge- V

NEBULA AND PROTON STARS
With the entry into the second semester, and the organisation of the Digha tour, the Nebula has been activated whereby the Proton Star or rather put it like this, the Kernel of The Proton Stars got initiated. With the Black Holes initially avoided from being integrated, especially the BHODKU 8883, which would have sucked all the existing matter in a matter of no time. Such a cataclasmic aversion was possible with the correct strike of spark between JOY P125 and the emitted fumes generated the needed momentum to drive the matters of the Nebula away from the Monster!

The Stars amidst the Constellation called LYAAD GROUP:
JOY P125
ARI G125
AVI B125
BUDA B125
KAN B125
ARP D125
DHM D125
ABI B125
SOM P125
BAS R125/1
SUN S125/1
ROS R125/1
The /1 were no more to be sparkling in the heavens within the constellation, for certain mismatch in theor laws governing Astro Physics didnot allow them to co-exist!
This costellation was later re named as Lyaad Party with a minor belt called The BrotherHood.

Stories regarding these stars will be uttered later on.

Those Days of Science College, Ballygunge- IV

CHEERS IN THE DECEMBER RAIN.

When I came to this place from Presidency, my Under-Graduate instituition, a thought dawned upon me. I will miss Presi Days and amongst boresomes, my life will become a whole mound of soaked alluvial. Potent, yet unused because of amount of Sweat content! That first semester was a night mare to put it in the correct sense. At that time, had very few friends to chat with. With Sukesh, Sayantani and Diya in Biochemistry and Kanad in my own department, I had very few people to chat with once they went away home. I being a Canteen - parasite slowly started missing Pramod Da and developed a kind of de-taste for Gopal Da.

There was transition soon. Sukesh left to pursue his dreams in MBA while Sayantani made way to Rajabazar Campus forPhysiology M.Sc. I became almost a loner, when slowly but surely I started to discover few more gems in my collection of friends. It was LINKAGE 2006 a departmental Reunion as well as fresher's welcome that I slowly discovered the people. Joydeep, Budhaditya, Arijit, Basu, Arpita, Dhiman, all came into the picture with a different hue. They were completely different with different problems and solutions. Kanad came out as a different personality in few aspects compared to what I saw in Presi. I still remember that it was a Saturday. And as the Linkage got over, Joydeep, Budha, Arijit, Kanad, (Bhodku) and myself made our first visit to Rauls. A nearby Restro Bar and enjoyed the first CHEERS with a big smile. There was little winter rain: December Rain. And in such a joyous mood, it was really awesome to get drenched in the cool waters of Mother Nature. The scorcher of Summer Pain, was all cooled down, and the thirst already drenched by the three pegs of Old Monk and one peg of White Mischeif. Too bad, I didnt take out my digicam to capture the moments that now seems to be a candidate in the Hall of Fame.

Those Days of Science College, Ballygunge- III

COLOUR-FOOL MEANINGS:

Meandering Ox-Bow Lake. It seems to be seperate water body, but its origin has the same source. Groupism was never a problem in those initial months. And why not, even the Lion feels good in His Den rather than infront of a mole hole...!

But it was after the first semester that the initial seeds of Lyaad Group got sowed. With a few elements out of the scenario, the Lyaad Group came into its colours! It was colourful especially thinking of the proper utilization of the free time cursing the GoneBy elements or going to the regular spots for our then "regulars"!

Amongst the maximal proportion of the time we either spent it in the Net Lab, sitting in the A.C. or boozing at Rauls!
One of the famous encounter at Rauls:
That Day the crowd was Hi Fi. We were the few college students who flocked at Bar. May be the seat where we were seated was reserved or some what something else, and the waiter serving at the table had a Rochchilde who came in after we did. He got very energized seeing his Patron and tried to see us off! he initially unco-operated a lot, saying this is not served here or that is not served here. The funny part is that everything in the Menu we tried and asked for, he said not served! Then Arijit said: " Then Why have you opened the BAR if everything is OUT!!!" AND THEN CAME KANAD'S FAMOUS TAGLINE IN ORKUT: WHY IS THE RUM ALWAYS GONE!!!!

We still laugh thinking of that Day. That day we went for our first ever outing as Lyaad Group. Arijit, Basu, Joydeep, Budha, Kanad and myself. That day while returning, we encountered a mild rain. It was the month of Nov 2006. Bit Chilly, but the warm bitter did really made us feel good!!!

Later on the Lyaad Group expanded and then it had newest members in the form of Arpita, Shoma, Ankita and Dhiman.




pic: (L-R): THE LYAAD GROUP: Joydeep, Dhiman, Budhaditya, Arpita, Kanad, Avisek, Arijit and Urs Truly. Other members missing~ Ankita and Soma! Taken at Avisek's House.

Those Days of Science College, Ballygunge- II

LUCIFERASE ACTIVATION:


LUCIFERASE is an enzyme that helps LUCIFERIN emit fluorescent light creating the BioLuminescence!!!
This phase of Science College, did brighten up some characters, helping to understand them better. Better say, reading them and their character-Open Book!!!

With Digha on the tour iteniery, many people came close to this small caged heart. I still remember reaching late to Digha, with Joydeep, Avisek Basu and Arpita accompanying me in the bus journey. I still remember, how on Bassab's proposal we all sprang on our feet in the recess time of Biotech Class Room 1, so that we take up the challenge and show that we can also have a good time out with friends. The first tour party was huge! unexpectedly huge from my behalf...a very innocent acceptance of the fact!
This tour gave me agood insight of a number of people.... those will be highlighted in subsequent articles categorizedinto: "Memories".
For the time being here is the Video.
Coutesy: YouTube.
Creative Director: Somnath Paul.
Production: Lyaad Group.

Those Days of Science College, Ballygunge - I

HIGHWAY LEFT BEHIND:


When my Life will be written on the epitaph, by some Golden Angel, the investments and dividents of University College of Science, University of Calcutta will be written down as a whole new chapter, may be more than one chapter. Infact each semester does have its own pros and cons, with every aspect to be held infront of the wide eternal world.

Friends like Joydeep, Arijit, Basu, Budhaditya, Kanad, Dhiman, Arpita, Ankita and many more to name... and you get the fame!!!

Leaving Presidency college, coming to a peery environment of the University was little bit sulky day in and day out initially. Tried to find vents from where, the exhausted humid bored fumes would get released. The first semester ( Sep 2006- Dec 2006) went like that. Then came a turning point with the trip to Digha! It was something to be remembered, dreams realized like anything. Since the release of DIL Chahta Hain, I bet it has been the dream of any average teenager to have night out with friends, without any obligation, on the beach. Since 2000, the dream brooded, and it just burst into smiles and laughter at the end of Semester I, when the other bio Science departments went to Sunderbans, leaving us, the students of Department of Genetics, behind. As part of a challenge we realized this tour, and made all the necessary arrangements at a four day notice to make ourself present at Digha!!!
Lots of Fun and Frolic awaits in the upcoming articles in this Blog. So keep a watch to those Days of Science College.