The Nerdy Traveller

Smt. Satyabati (Bela) Sahu (Early 1940s - 23 Aug. 2019) Sambalpuri:  ମାମା (Mama) Odia:  ଆଈ (Aai) Hindi:  नानी (Nani) English: Maternal Grandmother The poem is dedicated to my maternal grandmother on the occasion of her fourth death anniversary (according to Hindu Calendar). Her name was Halka, yet she was original in all her work. (Halka = duplicate; She was from Halkadadar Village, so everybody used to call her Halka) She was illiterate, yet she was the most knowledgeable person I know. I have my father & mother, yet she was my guardian angel in my childhood. She was short in stature, yet her heart was so big. She lived in poverty, but ensured that her future generations lead a good life. She had no formal education, but knew the importance of education. She would pray everyday for hours, but not for herself. She had every chance to complaint, but smiled all the time. My Last Photo with Mama  (Jul. 2019) She was systematic as well as flexible. She was ...

A portrait of me by Prabhata Das (ISS  2021) Bhai Nuapali, Kansingha, Bargarh, Odisha This Day, 18 Years Ago 22 May, 2005 The day that changed my life forever. The day I got a letter of admission from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Sambalpur. I still remember the day vividly. I was going for a bath with Bapa on our M80 bike to Mamu's tubewell. The postman encountered us midway under the shades of mango trees and informed us that I had passed the Navodaya Entrance Examination successfully. I was overjoyed. The emotions that can't be described in words. Bapa and I returned from there itself and informed everyone in the village. We distributed sweets to this effect. Everybody was very happy on hearing this auspicious news. I have secured second rank in the State on two occasions , have got admission into the two most famous IITs and have secured All India Rank 7 in UPSC Indian Statistical Service Examination . However, I still consider 22 May, 2005 to be the best day of my life....