The phenomena called HARRY POTTER

It would not be inappropriate to say that a decade ago, magic did not mean much more than 'aabra ka daabra' to most of us until we were introduced to a rage called 'Pottermania' and the rest they say is history.

Flying broomsticks, magical potions, quidditch, or the Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry, it was all a first for us. It was an epic fantasy that captivated this generation. Harry, Ron, and Hermoine instantly became household names and after a decade of magic it would be fair to say that we grew with these characters, the so-called 'Harry Potter Generation'.

The book vs movie debate does not seem to cease but the common string is the attachment people have with them and the kind of hysteria it conjured on every release. What followed was a record-shattering box office collection and a mad rush at the book stores.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" is the eighth installment and first in 3D of a franchise that has generated more public excitement and media hype than any other in living memory. This would be a second chance for many to bid goodbye to the Potter boy after the final book was released back in 2007. Buildings are flattened, wizards and witches die and Harry steels himself for the final showdown with his evil nemesis Lord Voldemort. I am sure a lot of hearts will be broken and a lot of tears would be shed as the final credits start to roll and it's completely understandable considering the kind of uncanny emotional bonding people have with it.

Potter will surely be missed but I say 'The boy who lived' is called so for a reason, for he will live in our hearts forever.

Barcelona - an inimitable piece of magic

Let me start by asking a simple question, how many of you have seen poetry on a football field? Well, yesterday was a good chance in case any one of us was naive enough to miss it. It was termed as the 'final of the decade' where the two best teams in Europe were locking horns for the second time in three years in a champions league final. The champions of  England vs champions of Spain, and it could not have been bigger than this. In case you guys are wondering why am I over exaggerating this, well let me put it this way, it was BIG.

Now to see how these two clubs with completely contrasting styles of football would fare against each other would have been a job left for the football pundits. For us enthusiasts, it was time to sit back and watch as the action unfolded.

It took roughly ten minutes of Manchester's dominance for Xavi to hold the baton and take control of the proceedings, and from there on it was poetry flowing on the field. Crisp passes, accurate timing, precise control, and eternal possession were the order of the day for Barcelona. The United defense was stunned and helpless against such kind of a rampaging offense. The scoreline reads 3-1, with goals from Pedro, Villa, and Messi ( you beauty ), but it's needless to say that Xavi and Iniesta were the heart of the attack. The defense was often found wanting but was assured enough providing Rooney a solitary goal.

It was a case of method triumphed by magic, formula triumphed by fantasy - pure wizardry. It was a visual delight. No wonder Camp Nou is the ultimate destination for every young aspiring footballer.

Aam aadmi ka aam CM

Maa, Mati, o Manush - yes, this exactly was the slogan coined by 'didi' in the recently held elections in West Bengal. It translates into Mother, Motherland and Public. A leader with mass appeal known for her humble lifestyle, the seven-time MP successfully sold a vision of development, cashing in on the deep resentment among the middle classes and unemployed youths, promising jobs and development.

Being the union railway minister till now, she made it no secret that Bengal was always the apex project for her. The Trinamool-Congress alliance swept across the Bengal polls thus putting a comprehensive stamp. Mamta Banerjee or 'didi' as she is lovingly called was the face of these elections. Her energy, charisma and political astutenes made Banerjee one of the few mass leaders in the country.

A fireband orator, simple attire comprising cotton saris, jhola bags, cheap hawai chappals and you already know who I am talking about. She still humbly lives in a tiled single-storey house in a dingy lane close to the Kalighat temple.

Its been over a week that she has taken over the reigns of Bengal as CM and has already made several surprise unannounced visits to various hospitals, govt. offices and the Writers building to personally inspect the proceedings and functioning. Refusing any VIP treatment, she prefers traveling in her unassuming black santro without a convoy (which has been quite a headache for the police).

'Change' is not necessarily the word one associates with Bengal (both politics and the people), but after 34 years of 'RED', the state has finally seen 'GREEN'. Though unusual in her approach, it still remains to be seen if she can actually be the 'aam aadmi ka aam CM'.    

The City of Joy...

It's not a bad way to start blogging by writing something about your birthplace. In my case, it happens to be the 'city of joy' - Kolkata, but for some reason, I prefer calling it 'Calcutta' because it gives me a nostalgic feeling and that is what I relate to.

The first picture which comes to mind when one mentions this city is the iconic Howrah bridge stretching across the banks of the Hoogli river and trust me it's a spectacular sight. Being a former capital of India, a populous city of more than 15 crores, the local culture encompasses the cosmopolitan features plus regional norms and values. Often been dubbed as the 'Cultural Capital of India', the city is known for its literary, artistic, and revolutionary heritage.

The 'Adda' culture is one of the most integral parts of Bengali society. 'Adda' simply means a small informal gathering of people who often meet up in the evenings, have some tea, and discuss politics, sports, basically anything to everything. Be it the youth, the working class, or the senior citizens, everyone is welcome and I must add that it's a great way of sharing your thoughts and keeping in touch with everyone.

The imprints of the British Raj can easily be seen all across the city with one of the earliest and magnificent churches, museums, libraries, and universities spread all over the place. Trams, hand-driven rickshaws, metros, double-decker buses - you name it and it is there to see.

One of the best times to visit the city is during the Durga Puja. It's a carnival, one has to be there to experience it. Pandal hopping, dancing, driving through endless traffic, phuchkas, fish fry, biryani - easily the best five days of the year. It's a city full of passionate people (which furthermore adds color) - be it the relentless rush during the puja, political extremism, or madness during an East Bengal-Mohan Bagan clash, but that's all for another day.
   
I vowed to myself to keep it short but would not fail in mentioning the city during the monsoons. The romance and mystery attached to the rains give it a different edge altogether. It's a gift from nature to us selfish mortals.

As Kaviguru Tagore aptly penned it - "Amar Shonar Bangla", it is a city embedded in color, culture, and history.