adhunika blog

I would like to recommend a recent movie on Women of the Bangla Language Movement called Bhashajoyita by Shabnam Ferdousi. Following is an excerpt on the movie from a post by Ihtisham Kabir at ‘Back to Bangladesh‘.

“The movie itself is priceless because it has a lot of interview footage with, and about, the role of women in the Language Movement. It weaves the story of the Movement with these interviews, historical footage and location shots. It becomes clear, for example, how hard it was for women at that time to participate in political movements. In retrospect it looks like the obvious thing to do, but breaking the 144-Rule (against congregating in groups) on Feb 21, 1952, was not an easy decision. Only a handful of the women students in the university had the guts to do it… (more…)

21 February was proclaimed the International Mother Language Day by UNESCO on 17 November 1999. Its observance was also formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution establishing 2008 as the International Year of Languages.

International Mother Language Day originated as the international recognition of Language Movement Day, which has been commemorated in Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) since 1952, when a number of Bangladeshi university students were killed by the then East Pakistan police and army in Dhaka, formerly Dacca.

International Mother Language Day is observed yearly by UNESCO member states and at its headquarters to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. (more…)

Thoughts on Pohela Falgun & Valentine’s Day by our regular participant Moutushi Islam. Enjoy!

Love actually: Flowery as it can be?

The time of the year has come again to the singing and dancing, creating rainbows of saffron, yellow, and red, girls giggling, vibrant sarees by white punjabis, sudden glimpses of roses and hands, candies and chai- the festive ‘Bangalees’ are out again in the road, celebrating life, sharing their tales on the Pohela Falgun. Despite all our misfortunes either political or social or the climate catastrophe, we the Bengalis, have always been the agent of celebration. The recent popularity added to Pohela Falgun, is the Valentine’s Day, it’s the day to express one’s love to their loved ones, to the lover or the friend or the family. Be it the first day of the Bangla month of Falgun or the Valentine’s Day, like a long awaited lover of festivity, Bangladeshis are blowing their whistles loud, happiest and hopeful diving into the spirit of life. (more…)

The following article is written by our regular participant Priyobhashini. The following account was her reaction to Syed Badrul Ahsan’s article titled ‘The Mangled Bangla That We Speak‘ - which was published at The Daily Star. Enjoy!

My reaction to Badrul Bhai’s article is a very deep “WOW”. And American as it might be, that’s the best way I know how to explain my reaction. I agree with almost everything Badrul bhai has said in his article, where did we get mangled is what I ask often too. And not only in the language spectrum!

We are such elitists (or purists) that we have no pride of our own sometimes. Many a times it is borrowed, be it in the form of a “accent” or a piece of garment. If you don’t speak pure Bangla but “Benglish” at a shop, to hail a cab or even across the counter of a bank…it helps to be very honest. Because I have seen people who do that get a quicker and more positive response. You are served with finesse swifter than what the ordinary customers get. Like I said, it helps. What helps, catches on just like what doesn’t really help. (more…)

A post by our participant Nuzhat Karim Himi, Enjoy!

As cardiovascular disease is America’s No. 1 killer, the month of February has been proclaimed American Heart Month. According to the American Heart Association, each year, heart disease kills more than 6,000 women in the 35-to-44 age range, and 10,000 women between the ages of 29 and 44 have a heart attack, in the US.

I came across this personal heart health assessment in a magazine published by CVS Pharmacy a few days ago. As we celebrate American Heart Month, I thought that filling out this evaluation would be a good way to get jump started on starting to take care of our hearts. Knowing how much we are at risk, will make us more aware of the possible outcomes and find out ways for early detection and prevention.

The more boxes you check in this evaluation, the greater your risk for heart disease. If you check more than 3 boxes, you should see your doctor to review the results and schedule a complete medical evaluation. (more…)