The next day, Arun visited the local music school, where his grandfather had once taught. He met with his grandfather’s old friend and fellow musician, Pandit Sharma. When Arun mentioned the tape, Pandit Sharma’s eyes lit up with recognition.

“Ah, ‘The Melody of Life,'” he said with a smile. “Your grandfather was working on that composition for years. It was meant to be a tribute to your grandmother, who passed away when your father was just a boy. But he never finished it. Something always held him back.”

Arun was intrigued. Why had his grandfather never completed the piece? What had held him back? Pandit Sharma suggested that Arun explore his grandfather’s old notes and compositions, which were still stored in the music school’s archive.

As Arun delved into his grandfather’s work, he began to piece together the story of his grandparents’ love—a love that had been both beautiful and tragic. His grandmother, Meera, had been the muse for many of his grandfather’s compositions, but her sudden death had left a void that even music couldn’t fill. The unfinished melody was Raghav’s attempt to capture the essence of their love, but he had never been able to bring himself to complete it.

Arun’s days in Chandanpur became a blend of the present and the past. By day, he explored his grandfather’s notes, trying to understand the man behind the music. By night, he listened to the haunting melody on repeat, letting it seep into his soul.

The more he immersed himself in his grandfather’s world, the more Arun began to question his own life. He realized that he had been living on autopilot, disconnected from his passions and from the people who mattered most to him. The melody became a mirror, reflecting his own unspoken desires and fears.

One evening, as Arun sat by the riverbank with the cassette player, he felt a sudden urge to play the sitar again. He hadn’t touched the instrument in years, but the pull was irresistible. Back at the house, he dusted off his grandfather’s sitar and began to play, hesitantly at first, then with growing confidence. The notes came to him naturally, as if they had been waiting all along.

As Arun played, he felt a sense of peace that had eluded him for years. The music flowed from him effortlessly, filling the house with a warmth that he hadn’t felt in a long time. In that moment, Arun knew that he had found what he had been missing.

The next morning, Arun visited Pandit Sharma again and shared his thoughts. “I think I know how to finish the melody,” he said. Pandit Sharma nodded, recognizing the determination in Arun’s eyes.

Over the next few days, Arun immersed himself in the music, working tirelessly to complete his grandfather’s unfinished composition. He drew on everything he had learned—from his grandfather’s notes, from the haunting tape, and from his own heart. Slowly but surely, the melody began to take shape.

The final piece was a blend of Raghav’s original composition and Arun’s own interpretation. It was both a tribute to his grandparents and a reflection of his own journey. When Arun played the completed melody for Pandit Sharma, the old man’s eyes filled with tears.

“Your grandfather would be proud,” he said softly.( To be continued)

Rajat chandra Sarmah

21/08/24

Guwahati , Assam , India

Mail ID : rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

Instagram :@ rajatchandrasarmah5

Arun Mehta, a 30-year-old software engineer, lived in a world of screens, codes, and conference calls. His days were a blur of deadlines and deliverables, with little room for anything else. From his cubicle in the high-rise office building to his one-bedroom apartment, life had become a well-oiled machine, efficient but devoid of any true joy. Even weekends, once filled with spontaneous outings and laughter with friends, had turned into extensions of his workweek, with meetings squeezed in between grocery runs and laundry.

But beneath the surface, something gnawed at him. A sense of emptiness that he couldn’t quite put into words. It wasn’t that he was unhappy, per se, but rather that he felt disconnected—from himself, from others, from life.

One Friday evening, as he returned from yet another exhausting day, a call from his mother interrupted his thoughts. She asked him to visit their old family home in the small town of Chandanpur Arun’s grandfather had passed away five years ago, and since then, the house had been left untouched. Arun hesitated but eventually agreed, feeling a strange pull towards his ancestral home.

Chandanpur was a far cry from the urban jungle Arun was used to. The air was cleaner, the pace slower, and the sounds of honking cars were replaced by the chirping of birds. As he stepped into the old house, memories of his childhood flooded back. The smell of incense, the creaking wooden floors, and the sight of his grandfather’s sitar resting in the corner of the living room brought back images of lazy afternoons spent listening to classical music.

Arun’s grandfather, Raghav Mehta, had been a renowned classical musician. A man of deep passion, Raghav had dedicated his life to music. He often said that music was the language of the soul, a bridge between the mundane and the divine. Arun had spent countless hours sitting by his side, mesmerised by the intricate melodies his grandfather played. But as Arun grew older, life took over, and the music faded into the background.

As Arun rummaged through his grandfather’s belongings, he stumbled upon a dusty old cassette tape tucked away in a drawer. It was labelled, “The Melody of Life.” Arun’s curiosity was piqued. He vaguely remembered his grandfather talking about this composition, but he had never heard it. Unable to resist, he searched for an old cassette player in the house and played the tape.

The music that flowed from the speakers was hauntingly beautiful. It was as if every note was infused with emotion, carrying with it the weight of a thousand unspoken words. Arun closed his eyes and let the melody wash over him. For the first time in years, he felt something stir deep within him—a connection to something greater, something beyond the routine of everyday life.

Rajat Chandra Sarmah

Guwahati , Assam , India

19/08/2024

Mail Id : rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

Instagram : rajatchandrasarmah5

Continued from part- II

Now let us discuss the 3rd assumption

 “A poor person suddenly got some money in the lottery and with his prudent decisions made him a billionaire. But he suddenly has no time for his family or about himself also.”

In this scenario presented,raises important questions about the true nature of success. If we use the definitions of success from the Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries—achieving a desired result or having a positive effect—the man who won the lottery and became a billionaire could certainly be considered successful in a material sense. He achieved wealth, which might have been a desired result.

However, the question arises: Is this success fulfilling? The man may have gained financial success, but at what cost? If he loses time for his family and personal well-being, he might not feel truly satisfied or happy despite his wealth. This situation suggests that success should be measured not just by material gains but by overall life satisfaction, including relationships, health, and personal fulfillment.

This analysis shows that success is multifaceted. Achieving wealth is one form, but if it comes at the expense of other important aspects of life, such as family connections and personal happiness, it may not be the holistic success that truly brings contentment. Success, therefore, may require balancing various life elements, ensuring that no single achievement overshadows the broader picture of a fulfilling life.

The scenario you’ve presented raises important questions about the true nature of success. If we use the definitions of success from the Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries—achieving a desired result or having a positive effect—the man who won the lottery and became a billionaire could certainly be considered successful in a material sense. He achieved wealth, which might have been a desired result.

However, the question arises: Is this success fulfilling? The man may have gained financial success, but at what cost? If he loses time for his family and personal well-being, he might not feel truly satisfied or happy despite his wealth. This situation suggests that success should be measured not just by material gains but by overall life satisfaction, including relationships, health, and personal fulfillment.

This analysis shows that success is multifaceted. Achieving wealth is one form, but if it comes at the expense of other important aspects of life, such as family connections and personal happiness, it may not be the holistic success that truly brings contentment. Success, therefore, may require balancing various life elements, ensuring that no single achievement overshadows the broader picture of a fulfilling life.

What about scenerio 4 th

“A middle class person always having shortages , but live happily with his family and spent lot of time with them though he could not fulfil all their requirements”

In the case , lets go for a detailed analysis-

Achievement and Intention -This individual might not have achieved all their material goals or fulfilled every requirement, but they have succeeded in maintaining a happy, loving family environment. If the goal was to have a close-knit family and to enjoy life despite financial constraints, then according to the Oxford definition, they have achieved what they set out to do.

Desired Results and Positive Outcomes: According to the Cambridge definition, success involves achieving positive results. This person has succeeded in creating a nurturing and happy family life, which can be seen as a significant positive outcome. Their success is not measured by material wealth but by the quality of their relationships and personal contentment.

Holistic View of Success: Hence from assumption of condition 3 and 4 Success is not solely about achieving material goals or fulfilling all requirements. It also encompasses personal satisfaction, quality of relationships, and emotional well-being. The middle-class person’s success is evident in their ability to maintain a loving family despite financial limitations.

Subjective Nature of Success: 

Success is subjective and can be defined differently by different individuals. For this person, success might mean family happiness and personal contentment rather than financial abundance. Their life exemplifies that success can be about achieving what is most meaningful to oneself, not just adhering to conventional measures of wealth and achievement.Balancing Goals and Fulfillment: The analysis suggests that achieving a balance between material aspirations and personal fulfillment is crucial. While financial stability is important, it is equally vital to nurture relationships and personal happiness, which can be a substantial measure of success. ( To be continued)

RAJAT CHANDRA SARMAH 

GUWAHATI , ASSAM INDIA

EMAIL: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

Instragram : @ rajatchandrasarmah5

I referred to the Oxford dictionary and it says- Achieve something that you have been trying to do or get, to have the result or effect that was intended.

In Cambridge Dictionary Success means – The Achieving of the desired results or someone or something that achieves positive results .

Let’s start our discussion by asking some questions  based on the above two definitions from the Best of the English Dictionaries.

 First , assume a person desires to achieve something and day and night he was behind that even during his sleep he thought about his dream . Alternatively about his target. But unfortunately on the day of his crucial date , he under performed or he could not participate due to some genuine  critical reason . Is he lost or has he had success ?

Secondly -Suppose , in the field , someone wants to be the Olympic winner . with all his past performance shows that he has really no major threat. But in the final someone else went ahead of him.

 Third , a poor person suddenly got some money in the lottery and with his prudent decisions made him a billionaire. But he suddenly has no time for his family or about himself also. 

Fourth , a middle class person always having shortages , but live happily with his family and spent lot of time with them though he could not fulfil all their requirements

Fifth – A person is fully qualified for something say for a job , but someone else took the job from him through some illegal means 

Sixth – A person with honesty and dedication has contested an election with a rowdy , uneducated but rich person , and the honest competent person lost. Is it a success or failure?

Seventh -In the field , a leading runner saw one of his competitors fall down and he helped him to lift up . As a result he could not reach the target in time .

Eighth – Suppose  You are very busy going to the office and at that time a very old person requests you for help to cross the road . The busy man helped the old man to cross the road and get a banging from his boss and lost a casual leave 

Ninth -In the road , you saw a dog in distress as a car hit him and the driver did not stop . you arranged his treatment and the dog gradually recovered . this was not in your plan and target but happened . what do you say to it

Tenth- There was natural calamity and many people , animals get affected and knowing all this you sit comfortably in your house enjoying holidays due to the calamity

These are some questions I asked myself to understand the meaning of success . Every time one more word comes to mind while trying to explain the above kind of phenomena . That is Satisfaction .( To be continued)

RAJAT CHANDRA SARMAH 

GUWAHATI , ASSAM INDIA

EMAIL: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

Instragram : @ rajatchandrasarmah5

In the quaint village of Rampur, nestled amidst lush green fields and flanked by the serene Ganges, election fever had gripped every soul. The village, known for its age-old traditions and simple lifestyle, was suddenly the epicenter of political drama, comical in nature but deeply revealing of the underlying social conflicts.

The two main contenders for the coveted position of Sarpanch were Ramesh and Suresh. Ramesh, the son of a wealthy landlord, was a man of few words but many promises. His campaign slogan, “Vikas ki nayi lehar” (A new wave of development), was plastered on every wall and tree in Rampur. On the other hand, Suresh, a humble school teacher, campaigned on the platform of “Nyay aur insaaf” (Justice and fairness). The village was divided, not just by these slogans, but by caste, class, and ancient rivalries.

One hot afternoon, an amusing but poignant scene unfolded at the local tea stall. Chhotu, the tea vendor, a Dalit himself, had a knack for humor. As Ramesh’s supporters gathered, he started serving tea in new, shiny cups for them, and old, chipped ones for Suresh’s supporters. When questioned, he cheekily replied, “Just following tradition. The new cups for the rulers and the old ones for the ruled!”

“Arrey Chhotu, you’re making us look bad,” joked Kishan, a staunch Ramesh supporter.

“Well, Kishan bhaiya, maybe it’s time we all get shiny cups!” retorted Chhotu with a grin. The sarcasm was not lost, and a ripple of laughter, mixed with uncomfortable silence, spread through the crowd. It was a humorous jab at the deeply entrenched caste system, but it hit the mark, making people reflect on the absurdity of their divisions.

Next, the village saw a battle of opulence. Ramesh’s campaign was funded by his father, who left no stone unturned. From lavish feasts to distributing freebies like blankets and liquor, the Ramesh camp was a carnival of excess. Suresh, with his modest means, could only manage small gatherings where he spoke passionately about honesty and integrity.

One evening, during a village meeting, Suresh, in his simple attire, addressed the crowd, “Brothers and sisters, you see the grandeur of Ramesh’s campaign. But remember, a lavish wedding doesn’t guarantee a happy marriage!”

The crowd chuckled. “Suresh bhai, you always know how to make a point,” commented Ravi, a farmer.

Ramesh’s camp tried to counter by showcasing their wealth further, but the seeds of doubt were sown. The villagers began to see through the facade, questioning if wealth equated to capability.

Women, often sidelined in village politics, found a voice through Suresh’s wife, Lakshmi. She was a fiery woman with a sharp wit. During a campaign event, she humorously narrated an incident, “Yesterday, Ramesh’s men came to our house with a sari for me, asking for my vote. I told them, ‘Why a sari? Give me an equal share of the fields instead!’”

The crowd burst into laughter. “Lakshmi didi, you’ve got more guts than all the men here!” shouted a woman from the back.

The message was clear. Women wanted more than token gestures; they demanded equality and respect. Lakshmi’s involvement brought women to the forefront, breaking the patriarchal norm. They began organizing meetings, discussing issues that affected them directly – health, education, and employment. The village elders, initially dismissive, had to acknowledge the growing influence of women in the electoral process.

Rampur’s youth, often caught between tradition and modernity, were vocal supporters of change. They were drawn to Suresh’s vision of a progressive village. One evening, at the local playground, a cricket match turned into a heated debate.

“Raj, why are you supporting Suresh? Isn’t Ramesh’s plan better for our future?” asked Mohan, panting from the game.

Raj, a college student, replied, “Our fathers and grandfathers have always voted based on caste and money. It’s time we think about our future – jobs, education, and technology.”

The elders, sipping their tea, retorted with nostalgia-laden tales of the past. “In our days, we respected our elders and traditions,” said one elder, shaking his head.

“But Dadaji, times have changed. We need to look forward,” Raj insisted.

The generational conflict was evident, but it was laced with humor and respect, making the debate lively and enlightening.

Rampur, though predominantly Hindu, had a small Muslim population. Over the years, communal tensions had sporadically flared, often manipulated by political interests. This election, Ramesh’s supporters tried to play the religious card subtly, warning against ‘outsiders’ influencing the village.

Suresh, with his inclusive approach, organized a communal harmony event. At this event, the village’s oldest residents, a Hindu priest, and a Muslim cleric, both in their 90s, shared the stage. They recounted stories of their childhood, playing together, celebrating each other’s festivals. The priest joked, “I still remember, Imam sahab used to steal my sweets during Holi!”

The laughter was hearty, breaking the ice and the walls of mistrust. “And I still owe you some sweets, Panditji!” the cleric replied with a twinkle in his eye.

As election day approached, Rampur was abuzz with excitement. The humorous anecdotes and clever jabs had made the campaign entertaining, but the underlying messages were powerful. The villagers, through their laughter and debates, had begun questioning the age-old social conflicts.

Election day in Rampur dawned with a mix of excitement and tension. The village, buzzing with activity, saw long queues of voters at the polling booth set up near the ancient banyan tree. There was an air of festivity, with people dressed in their best clothes, and street vendors selling snacks and sweets.

In the midst of the crowd, Chhotu, the tea vendor, was having a field day. He had set up a makeshift stall right outside the polling booth. As villagers sipped tea and debated fiercely about their candidates, Chhotu added his own brand of humor to the mix. “So, did you vote for the sari or the schoolbooks?” he quipped, drawing hearty laughs and some embarrassed smiles.

The tension peaked as the day drew to a close. Villagers gathered in the community hall, where the counting of votes was to take place. The air was thick with anticipation. Ramesh, dressed in his finest kurta, stood confidently with his entourage. Suresh, ever humble, mingled with the villagers, shaking hands and sharing jokes.

The results were announced with much fanfare. To everyone’s surprise, it was a close call, but Suresh emerged victorious by a narrow margin. The celebrations were modest but heartfelt. Ramesh, though disappointed, gracefully accepted the defeat, promising to work together for the village’s betterment.

As the celebrations continued into the night, the villagers reflected on the election. The humorous episodes, the witty remarks, and the spirited debates had made the campaign unforgettable. But more importantly, it had opened their eyes to the deeper issues plaguing their community.

The village elders, who had initially dismissed the youth’s ideas, now sat in thoughtful silence. The women, who had found a new sense of empowerment, discussed plans for community projects. The youth, buoyed by their success, began planning initiatives to bring technology and education to Rampur.

Lakshmi, ever the firebrand, addressed the crowd one last time. “This is just the beginning. We have proven that we can laugh at our problems, but we must also work to solve them. Let’s make Rampur a model village for all to see!”

In the end, Rampur’s election drama, filled with humor and wit, had done more than just elect a new Sarpanch. It had initiated a dialogue on social conflicts, making the villagers laugh, think, and, most importantly, change. The village had taken its first step towards a more inclusive and progressive future, proving that sometimes, the best way to tackle serious issues is through a good dose of humor and a hearty laugh.( END)

Rajat chandra sarmah

Guwahati , Assam , India

5/8/24

Email ID : rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com

Instagram : @rajatchandrasarmah5