BORDOICHILA

Bordoichila rushes

To greet her mother,

Enthusiasm turns wild

And some heavy shower.

 

Proceed of destruction

All throughout the way,

Lightning, thunderstorm,

Trees tremendously sway.

 

Her advent conveys

Onset of spring season

And Assamese worldwide

Enjoy their Bihu celebration.

 

[Published in ‘Bordoichila’ on 14 April 2012. ‘Bordoichila’ is the annual bilingual (Assamese & English) e-magazine, published on the Rongali Bihu day from USA]

Short note: ‘Bordoichila’ refers to a thunderstorm that hits Assam and the neighbouring states (North-East India) during the spring season every year. As the powerful wind lashes, trees get uprooted causing severe damage to houses, light posts etc. According to a common belief, ‘Bordoichila’ is the name of a bride, who longs to meet her mother and with her long hair unfastened, she dashes towards her home for an annual sojourn.

GET-TOGETHER

Life becomes tedious

By workload and stress,

A daily routine trails

If nothing found fresh.

 

A reunion of course

May change the way,

As ‘har ek friend

Jaroori hota hain’!

 

Families introduced,

Extends friendship,

Experiences shared,

Association grows deep.

 

It’s been a long time

Since we all met,

A get-together once more,

Come, let’s celebrate.

 

[Published in the website of Assam Engineering College 1984-89 Batch on 9 March 2012, on the occasion of their Second Get-together]

A GIFT

(Dedicated to my mother)

 

You smiled at me,

Even though you were in pain,

You sacrificed for me,

Never thought about your gain.

 

You brought me up,

With lots of love and affection,

You stood by me,

Giving me utmost protection.

 

You inculcated in me,

Good habits and values,

You patiently taught me,

Prepare savoury menus.

 

You still care for me,

Although I stay remote,

You are divine to me,

My precious gift from God.

 

[Published in ‘The Assam Tribune’ on 4 February 2012]

DIGBOI

Located in Tinsukia district of Assam,

In the north-eastern part of India,

The town stands with pride

As it has the first refinery in Asia.

 

During the nineteenth century,

While a railway track was being laid,

Crude oil was accidently discovered

And the place got its name, it’s said.

 

“Dig boy dig” were the words,

When the first oil well was dug,

Digboi still remains unique

As it has the oldest producing Oil Park.

 

[Published in the souvenir ‘Yuletide Jamboree’ at Digboi Club Annual Meet held from 18 to 25 December 2011]

‘KOPILI’ IMMORTALIZED

Kopili Kopili rangdhali suwali…

Lovely verses flowed through his pen

When he stayed in an inspection bungalow

Thirty three years back on July ten.

His artistic insight captured the beauty

Of meandering Kopili gushing down the hills,

Her changing moods, her fascinating youth,

Immortal lyrics composed with finest skills.

His inspiring rendition enthralled Umrongso,

Each and everyone that loved his golden voice,

With a heavy heart Kopili today pays her tribute

And she shall ever cherish the song and rejoice.

[Published in ‘melange’, the Sunday supplement of ‘The Sentinel’ on 13 November 2011]

Short note: On 10th July 1978, Dr Bhupen Hazarika came to Umrongso in Assam for a performance and during his stay in the NEEPCO I.B. of Kopili Hydro Electric Project, he composed the lyrics of the Assamese song ‘Kopili Kopili Rangdhali Suwali’. The river Kopili is a tributary of the mighty river Brahmaputra but through the artistic eyes of the legend, the enchanting river has been personified as a lively girl whose mood changes as the monsoon arrives. She remains restless but her beauty lies in her fascinating youth and she appears bright having the shine of numerous suns. Dr Hazarika’s song has inspired all and this piece is a tribute to his immortal contribution. I, on behalf of the people of Kopili Project in Umrongso, pray to God for the eternal peace of the noble soul.

RONGALI BIHU

Spring has arrived

And Bohag beckons,

Parents await their

Homeward sons.

 

The cuckoo sings

And kopou blooms,

Dancers dance

To the Bihu tunes.

 

Tinge of jetuka

On the delicate hands,

Offering Bihuwan

To pay reverence.

 

Chira, pitha, laru,

Home-made delicacies,

Muga mekhela-chador,

Pride of the ladies.

 

Dhol, pepa, gogona,

Rendition by Husori,

Merriment fills the aura,

Ah! Spirit of Rongali!

 

[Published in ‘Bordoichila’ on 15 April 2011. ‘Bordoichila’ is the annual bilingual (Assamese & English) e-magazine, published on the Rongali Bihu day from USA]

BEAUTIFUL ARUNACHAL

She engrosses her lovely name,

As the first spectator of the rising sun,

Her picturesque beauty conceals within,

If tourist destinations remain undone.

 

Mighty Siang River flows across her,

Also Lohit, Tirap, Kameng, Subansiri,

Amidst the valleys towards the plains,

To cultivate crops, produce electricity.

 

Bhalukpong on her foothills greets visitors,

Tipi attracts numerous orchid lovers,

Tawang Memorial salutes her war heroes,

Snow-clad Sela Pass delights travellers.

 

Itanagar is her capital and hornbill, the state bird,

Apong, the local brew and chubas, the local dress,

Sanctuaries, monasteries, fair at Parasuram Kund,

Losar, a festival and Ajilhamu, a colourful dance.

 

She’s home to several major native tribes,

A house of exotic flora and endangered fauna,

An enlightening adventure to discerning trekkers,

A treasure-trove of natural scenic splendour.

 

[Published in ‘Spark’ of ‘The Arunachal Times’ on 12 March 2011]