Jadavpur University Alumni Association Hyderabad Chapter

Megh Peon - Cultural Magazine old Editions

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From the Editor’s desk

There is darkness under the lamp. This proverbial statement echoed in our minds when ragging reared its ugly head in the campus of Jadavpur University last year. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to spend their formative years at this premier institution are aware of its mission to grow into a diverse and socially responsible learning community. Those years in the University exposed us to different ideologies and the concept of free thinking with the expectations that we would contribute to a more socially just and humane world. Yet we failed to dispense with the evil practice of ragging and bullying perpetuated by seniors. Our Alma Mater has grown by leaps and bounds when it comes to its ranking among global educational institutions but we failed the basic test of inculcating sensitivity, empathy and acceptance towards diverse human nature. A university which prides on the bonding forged between seniors, pass outs and juniors must turn the tide. And I am proud to say the Hyderabad chapter of the Alumni has upheld this commitment to build a better world. A vibrant community we join hands and raise funds every year to ensure a better future for the less fortunate children in orphanages and government schools and kindle in them scientific thinking. Let this be the torch, the guiding light to pass on to our juniors so that we live up to the vision and mission of our Alma Mater towards contributing to a more empathetic and humane world.

Anindita Chowdhury,

Editor, Megh Peon

From the Editor’s desk

Editor, Megh Peon

From the Editor’s desk

Editor, Megh Peon

From the Editor’s desk

Editor, Megh Peon

From the Editor’s desk

Editor, Megh Peon

From the Editor’s desk

Which word best describes a Jadav? Is it 'argumentative'? Just like the leopard which does not or rather cannot change its spots, we - the Jadavs - wherever we are, whether hanging precariously from the high rocks of Deccan plateau or busy in firmly entrenching ourselves in the hard, rocky soil of Hyderabad - do believe in the art of debate and the science of argumentation. One may add on a lighter vein, we are quite capable of engineering one too. And so, in the midst of this raging debate on intolerance, Jadavs are proud of the fact that they not only tolerant to dissent but believe nothing is sacrosanct enough to belie an argument. It is this inclination to question the status quo, that prevents us from growing cobwebs. At the cost of sounding cliched one is tempted to add change is the only constant factor in this world. 

And how have we changed! We have indeed come a long way from the initial days when our literary efforts were driven solely by the necessity of having a magazine for printing advertisements. This year, we have the largest number of contributions for our annual magazine and a brand new web edition which not only keeps the creative spirit flowing but also is a means to connect with the disconnected.  

So long we have been proud to share our name with Sunil Gangopadhyay's iconic work, Sei Somoy but we are finally ready to emerge out of the shadow of a gargantuan tree and stand on our own feet. Hence, we propose a change of name for our annual literary magazine. So, readers and contributors, do write to us at info@jualumnihyd.org to suggest your choice of name for our magazine. Hope, this spirit of argument will continue to burn brightly and lit up our hearts in coming days.

Editor, Sei Somoy

From the Editor’s desk

Hok Kolorob a Bengali term can be loosely translated as "Let there be noise". A noise that transformed mankind through time tested collective expression. Be it the early concerted yelling of the cavemen, the enthralling beats of powerful drums or chanting of hymns in unison, it was Kolorob that has marked the exuberance of mankind through collective expression of thought. With the emergence of language, consciousness and culture, the human race has learnt to voice opinions and feelings in more meaningful ways. Kolorob thus evolved into diverse forms of expressions and became the most powerful gift to mankind- to express oneself in a language that is shared by many.  

It is with this thought in mind that Jadavs in and around Hyderabad, for the last few years, continue to bring out Sei Somoy, their combined Kolorob; this is our seventh edition. The literary contributions are from our own Alumni, their families and our close associates, with whom we cherish our Kolorob.  

This time, we introduced a new section, "Kheyaal-Khushi", a literary collection, penned by the children and by grown-ups not yet out of their childhood! Let our Kolorob be carried on by the new generation and find expression through new, innovative ideas.  

Kolorob can only become a fascinating music of reason when we have people around us willing to harmonise their thoughts for a common cause despite diverse views. Jadavpur University Alumni Association, Hyderabad chapter has the privilege of having such musicians who enjoy the Kolorob and fuse together the various strains of music into a soothing symphony, heralding in change.  

Whether our Kolorob in Sei Somoy would raise a roaring sea of change or splutter merely to die down, only time will tell. Till then - Hok Kolorob.

Editor, Sei Somoy

From the Editor’s desk

"Nostalgia" is defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary as "the pleasure and sadness that is caused by remembering something from the past and wishing that you could experience it again". The 'Jadavs' in and around Hyderabad, in spite of their preoccupying schedules, do find themselves drenching in nostalgia time and again. We, therefore, come together, dream together, create together and, in the process, cherish together the deep rooted memories that our Alma Mater has implanted inside all the alumni across the world. "Sei Somoi 2013" is one such creation of Jadavpur University Alumni Association, Hyderabad Chapter. It nourishes our memories, helps us to look forward and creates that sense of togetherness, which is our primary building block as 'Jadavs'. The literary contributions are from our own Alumni, their family and our close associates, who are with us in this journey of cultural enlightenment for us and the society around us. Tagore had once said,  

"The butterfly counts not months but moments,  

And has time enough."  

In this time sensitive era, when every second is evaluated, it is difficult to find volunteers to devote time for this literary madness. But our Hyderabad Chapter and their editorial team has had the privilege to enjoy the luxurious contribution of ardent and zealous individuals, who like the "butterfly" have come together and created an assemblage of moments in the form of "Sei Somoi".  

This is the sixth volume of "Sei Somoi" and we hope this will further ignite the writing skills of our members and help them as well as our readers to fulfill their wish of experiencing the past.  

Till then, read on and drench in the moments of "Sei Somoi".  

Debopam Chakrabarti  

December 14, 2013

Editor, Sei Somoy