Since last month, the number of visitors to my blog has increased abruptly from 200–250 to more than 2,000 per day, with 80–85% originating from China. After reviewing Google Analytics, it appears that AI crawlers, rather than hackers, are responsible for the rise. Nevertheless, I can’t help but question—are any of these visitors genuine readers?
Beneath Bengal’s quiet soil once lay the mineral that shaped world empires—saltpetre. This unassuming white crystal powered Europe’s guns, fueled its navies, and altered global history, even as the people who produced it remained unaware of its immense value. In a tragic twist, Bengal’s own natural wealth became the lever that enabled its colonization.
A modest clay tablet preserves a snapshot of life in the Ur III dynasty. It records messengers’ rations—soup, fish, and mutton—alongside their missions. From carrying royal offerings to capturing fugitive workers, these couriers kept the empire connected. Four millennia later, the tablet speaks across time, showing the ingenuity, discipline, and human heartbeat behind one of history’s earliest bureaucracies.
Today marks another year since we exchanged garlands on 22 November 1991. As we celebrate 34 years of togetherness, my heart is filled with gratitude—for Jagrata’s unwavering companionship and for Judhajit and Tania, who bring warmth to our home. Our journey has been one of love, resilience, and cherished memories. Here’s to us and the beautiful road ahead.
Rohit and Ananya ventured into Le Mystique, lured by promises of “transformative” fine dining. The portions were tiny, the descriptions poetic, and the bill—heart-stopping. Half an hour later, they were at a roadside tiffin corner, devouring masala dosas with unadulterated joy. Sometimes, true sophistication isn’t in the plating—it’s in the taste, the comfort, and the sheer happiness on your plate.
On November 2, 2025, the Indian women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, claimed their historic first ICC Women’s World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 52 runs. This victory ended a 12-year drought, symbolizing hope and empowerment for women in sports. The players’ journeys showcase resilience, sacrifice, and unity, signaling a transformative moment in Indian cricket for future generations.
We Bengalis practiced “healthy eating” long before it became fashionable — detoxing with nim-begun (neem and brinjal), finding protein in dal aar bori (lentils and dumplings), and strength in macher jhol (fish curry). Each meal balanced teto (bitter) for wisdom, mishti (sweet) for hope, and sorsher tel (mustard oil) for pure attitude.
In the ebb and flow of faith and philosophy, Sanatan Dharma stands not as an ancient relic but as a living continuum — ever-evolving, inclusive, and deeply human. From the Vedic hymns to the Bhakti verses and modern reinterpretations, it reminds us that true faith is not a system of control but a personal awakening — a journey inward, toward harmony with the eternal rhythm of existence.
In the heart of Erbil, where modern life hums around an ancient hill, history still breathes through stone. The Erbil Citadel — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places — rises above the city like a memory that refuses to fade. Beneath it, the Old Bazaar buzzes with life: men sip tea and smoke shisha under the autumn sun, children feed pigeons, and the aroma of kebabs drifts through narrow lanes once walked by traders and conquerors alike. Watching people enjoy these simple pleasures, time seems to dissolve — and you realize that in Erbil, the past and present are forever entwined.
The experience of dining on Iskender Döner at BayDöner in Erbil's Family Mall transcended mere consumption; it became a vivid memory. This iconic Turkish dish, rich in flavors and prepared traditionally, transported me through culinary history while also reflecting Erbil's diverse culture, blending Turkish culinary heritage with local life.
