A young boy discovers the excitement and unexpected delight of exploring his city--and so will readers of this vibrant picture book. Max is asked to mail a letter for his mother. As he walks through his neighborhood in search of a mailbox, he encounters all sorts of interesting things like falling leaves dancing in the wind, skyscrapers towering in the distance, and junk being piled into a garbage truck. All around him adults hurry on their various errands, too busy to appreciate these wondrous details. His walk through the city leads Max to discover that the mailbox is actually right next door to his own house. Children will enjoy following Max on his adventure and seeing things from his perspective as they explore Joanne Liu's colorful celebration of everyday life in a busy city.
A Year Of Landmarks, Success Stories And Lessons For The Future 2019 will be remembered for a long time in Odisha’s political history. Naveen Patnaik returned to power as Chief Minister for the fifth consecutive time, only the sixth person in the country to hold the office for over 20 years. The Lok Sabha elections also threw up some winners who did not come from a political background. The year saw another cyclone, and another marathon effort to keep the loss of lives to the bare minimum. The state continued to reinforce its status as the country’s sports hub even as individuals from diverse fields made a mark at the national and international stage. We bring you snapshots of the major happenings of the year gone by in this edition’s Cover Story. Continuing with its innovative approach to promote tourism in the state, the authorities came up with another unique initiative. The 45-day Marine Drive Eco-Retreat Festival near Konark promises to change the face of tourism in the state. We bring all the interesting details in City Lights. The section also explores how the Odisha Biennale has been growing in popularity over the years. Elsewhere in the edition, we have put together a list of some stunning waterfalls across Odisha that are a must-visit during the winter. The next time you see food being wasted by the group sitting at the next table in a restaurant, you can take hope from a new concept that seems to be gaining popularity across the state. In City Lights, find out more about the practice of using community fridges to prevent food from restaurants and eateries going waste. City Interactive has an interesting article on how a strong reading habit can end up as a success story. The section also has an interesting take on creativity. One of the contributors takes you to an off-beat travel destination in Koraput. There was much anticipation when Odisha was chosen for one of the tiger translocation projects by the National Tiger Conservation Authority a few years ago. Two years down the line, the exercise has become a lesson in how not to implement such a scheme. Read City Beat to find out what went wrong, and how. Our CityZens this time are two Odia chefs who have added spice to Masterchef India, the reality cooking show. We also profile Biswakarma Maharana, a craftsman who infuses life into scraps of wood as he continues a family tradition.
The past few weeks have seen the political temperatures shoot up as parties launch a no-holds-barred campaign for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are campaigning vigorously; the Congress hopes it will improve on its 2019 performance. The entry of several political heavyweights into the electoral fray has only added to the sense of anticipation and excitement. In our Cover Story, we provide you a bird’s eye view of all that is happening on the political front. From high-profile battles to contrasting political ideologies and diverse electoral planks, these elections promise variety and excitement all the way. When she started off as an architect in a profession traditionally dominated by men, few around her would have thought that Neha Jain would one day bring laurels to Odisha. Selected for the prestigious ‘Golden Door Award’, Neha joins us for a Q&A session that provides an insight into her initial years and her expectations for the future now that she has made a mark for herself. As the mercury soars, there’s nothing like a tall glass of something cool to help you pull through a gruelling day! And if that something is natural, it will likely cool you down more efficiently than the soft drinks available in your neighbourhood market. So, head to our Food & Wines section for recipes of some traditional, natural coolants to beat the heat. Should you choose to explore the city properly, Cuttack has this innate ability to surprise; the city and its people can hold you in a spell through the sheer range of experiences and emotions that they embody. In City Culture, we go on a quaint journey of the senses as we get talking to Ayejaz Patel, a perfume maker whose life sounds as mystical as the fragrances he helps bring to life. Technological evolution is a continuous process, as is the pursuit of perfection in a specific field. Decades after we read about them in books and saw them in movies, the creation of the perfect personal robot is something that can best be described as ‘work in progress’. In this edition, we take a deep dive into the world of robotic technology, speaking to experts and tech enthusiasts about where the world stands when it comes to personal robots who can assist and enable human beings across a variety of functions.
This deeply felt memoir is a love letter to Washington, DC. Carol Lancaster, a third-generation Washingtonian who knew the city like few others, takes readers on a tour of the nation’s capital from its swamp-infested beginnings to the present day, with an insider’s view of the gritty politics, environment, society, culture, and larger-than-life heroes that characterize her beloved hometown. The former dean of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, a friend of presidents and dignitaries all over the globe, Lancaster colorfully describes the city’s three near-death experiences and the many triumphs and tribulations that emerged as the city took shape. Along the way she provides brief biographies of three of the most influential figures in the city’s history: urban designer Pierre Charles L’Enfant, whose vision for the city was realized only after his death; civic leader “Boss” Shepherd, whose strong-arm tactics cleaned up the downtown area and helped create the walking mall we know today; and controversial mayor Marion Barry, whose rise and fall and resurrection underscored the contemporary challenges of home rule. Teeming with informative anecdotes and two dozen illustrations of landmarks and key characters, Lancaster’s memoir is a personal and passionate paean to the most powerful city in the world—from one of its most illustrious native daughters.
The cheers have faded and the fans have long returned home but the memories linger on, such was the scale of the sporting extravaganza that unfolded through January. With Odisha hosting back-to-back FIH Men's Hockey World Cups in 2018 and 2023, the state has firmly established itself on the sports map of the world. The 2023 Men's Hockey World Cup was not limited to the stadiums in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela where all the matches were played. The excitement and the celebrations spilled over onto the streets of cities and villages all over Odisha. Our Cover Story brings you a recap of all the action and excitement. Our City Zen for this edition is Sarthak Pradhan, who was awarded a gold medal during Utkal University's recent convocation ceremony. While he works in the private sector, he is also an author and columnist. He opens up about his journey so far. The recent outbreak of flu across the state sparked fears due to similarities with the symptoms of a Covid-19 infection. While the flu has become a common enough occurrence during the winters, this time, the fever lasted longer. We look for some explanations in the City Health section. This edition salutes women who have broken the glass ceiling and made a mark in a field which has traditionally been considered to be a stronghold of men. These are scientists who are excelling in research, innovation, and exploration. Read all about them in City Beat. The City Lights section brings you highlights from a five-day fashion and lifestyle extravaganza that was headlined by top names from the world of fashion, entertainment, and sports. Our City Biz section focuses on what is fast emerging as the latest obsession around the world. We are talking about Web 3.0, and its use of components of Metaverse technology like Blockchain and Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs). The past year can be considered a watershed year for Odia cinema. Several Ollywood films enjoyed theatrical success - a rarity in recent times - while a few offbeat films also managed to draw the audience to the theatres. In Screen Shots, we explore if this marks the beginning of a new era for Odia cinema.
Ask anyone who they look up to and give credit to for being the person that they have become, chances are that a teacher will be on their list along with parents, family members, and close friends. To mark Teacher’s Day, our Cover Story for this edition pays tribute to the role that teachers play in our lives. Anybody who was around in the 80s would remember the pulsating beats and the psychedelic lights that were synonymous with a new form of music that held the world in thrall. A special feature in City Tales revisits the birth of Disco music, its impact on the Bollywood film industry, and its eventual decline of sorts. With the growing realisation that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay, discussions these days often veer around to the influence this latest revolution in technology can have on different human endeavours. In City Tech, we take a look at some of the latest AI tools that can be used for a variety of functions. As it happens, advances in technology invariably come with their own unique challenges. Preventing cybercrime and identifying the perpetrators is one such challenge for law enforcement agencies these days and official data on the nature and number of such incidents presents a grim picture. Twin City police chief Soumendra Priyadarshi discusses the challenges in City Beat. The section also looks at diseases like dengue that make an appearance during the monsoon season. We speak with health and municipal officials to bring you a ground report. In Screen Shots, we catch up with the newest star on the block who is creating quite the buzz on the OTT circuit these days. Life has not been the same for actor Prem Parija, who had earlier worked as an assistant director for Bollywood films, since he was signed up to play the lead role in the ‘Commando’ series. The section also features Odia film producer Sanjay Nayak and filmmaker NG Reddy. During the course of a freewheeling chat, they discuss the current state of the Ollywood film industry and what needs to be done to draw the audience back to the movie theatres. This edition explores the interesting 200-year-old Urdu poetry tradition of ‘Mushaira’ in the city of Cuttack (City Culture) and the inspiring story of an 18-year-old entrepreneur who is rewriting the rules of success (City Biz).
Seventy-five years is a short time in the history of a city. In the case of Bhubaneswar, however, this has been enough for its evolution from a sleepy and thinly-populated but neatly laid out state capital to a modern and bustling city that is now a centre of commerce, education, and sports. In our Cover Story, we trace the early years of Bhubaneswar's existence, its anointment as state capital, and the subsequent decades that have shaped the city into what it is today. Dreams have a way of coming true if one perseveres and works hard. City Biz brings you the story of two women who came together with a shared passion to preserve and promote the dying art of Odisha's handloom through their brand, Hatbunai. City Biz also features Charkha, a homegrown fashion label that is traditional and modern at the same time. The City Lights section brings you snapshots from the global trade show, Resurgent Odisha 2024, and the launch of a coffee table book on Bhubaneswar. Trying to achieve meaning and joy in life is often an unending quest in a fast-paced world. A book on Ikigai, the Japanese expression for a passion that gives value and joy to life, tries to help readers rediscover the purpose of living. Read more about it in City Literature. With September 8 being celebrated as World Physiotherapy Day, City Health takes a closer look at this modern medical science and the remedies it can offer. Our CityZen for this edition is a person who is fondly referred to as the “Radio Man” and it is not too difficult to understand why once you visit his small shop tucked away in the bylanes of Cuttack. Afzal bhai, who has dealt with audio products for over 40 years, talks about his repair business, the challenges he faces, and what keeps him going. In ScreenShots, we catch up with three talented Odia artistes who were associated with one of the biggest box office blockbusters that Bollywood has produced - Stree 2. Associate Editor Madhubrata Mohanty, foley artist Varun Visoi, and focus puller Saroj Kumar Sahoo give a peek into what went on behind the scenes during the film's making. They also open up about their experience in the film industry. Meanwhile, movie buffs who are unsure about what to watch next on streaming platforms can turn to Cityflix.
Odisha has as many hues of culture as it has living examples of heritage and tradition handed down to the generations. Our Cover Story for this edition celebrates one such practice which comes alive in Puri every year. While the Jagannath Dham Rath Jatra may be better known globally, the ‘Gosani Jatra’ dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga is no less important when it comes to the Hindu calendar. Organized during Durga Puja and Dussehra, the Gosani Jatra is a tradition that has continued uninterrupted since the twelfth century. Read on to learn more about what the event entails and the significance of all the practices and rituals associated with it. Our ‘Life of a Boss’ section features Nilanjana Mukherjee. As Managing Director of Kalinga Hospital Limited, she has been setting new benchmarks in the healthcare sector. In a free-wheeling interview, she talks to us about her formative years and the switch from the hospitality industry to the healthcare sector. Over the years, the Showcase Odisha Awards have become a keenly-awaited event. The 9th edition of this initiative to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Odias in India and abroad was held in Hyderabad recently. We bring you a report on the event which honoured individuals from diverse backgrounds, ranging from sports to the corporate world. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental issue in children. It is in this sphere that the Zain Foundation Trust has been trying to make a difference, by creating awareness and working towards building a more inclusive community. We bring you more about this in the City Health section. City Lights brings you excerpts from a recent episode of ‘Our Change Leaders’ where My City Links hosted senior Indian Police Service officer Manoj Chhabra. He opens up about his entry into the service and his experience of serving in various parts of Odisha. City Culture zooms in on the Indian Documentary Film Festival, an initiative by the Film Society of Bhubaneswar, which has developed a healthy repertoire of events and screenings for cinema lovers. In Screen Shots, we shift our focus to ‘Pushkara’, the Odia film that has been receiving rave reviews from the critics and the audience alike. My City Links catches up with lead actor Sabyasachi Mishra and director Subhransu Das to find out what went into the making of the film and the reasons behind its phenomenal success.
The incidence of cancer has seen a surge in recent years as more and more people come under its vice-like grip, particularly in the urban areas. Never has there been a greater need for concerted action to combat this deadly disease than now. With February 4 being observed as World Cancer Day, our Cover Story for this edition highlights some critical facets of the fight against the disease that is one of the leading causes of deaths globally. We speak with senior medical professionals with domain knowledge and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer as well as the care of patients to bring you the big picture. The current month will also see the celebration of a technology and a medium that was identified as an important means of information and entertainment much before television and the internet changed the landscape completely. Yes, we are talking about the humble yet ubiquitous radio. On World Radio Day (February 13), we explore the relevance as well as the utility of radio in today’s digital era. He has seen action from close quarters in his days as a doctor with the Indian Army and would have doubtless saved many lives during his career. Recently, however, it was the turn of a Good Samaritan to come to the rescue of this Army veteran when he met with an accident while returning from Puri to Bhubaneswar during a cycling expedition. Read all about it in City Tales. This edition also brings to you the moving story of a dancer who is keeping the memory of her late husband alive. Maya Das, wife of renowned actor Ajit Das, who has continued the theatre festival started by her husband, talks to us about how she is taking a rich legacy forward. In Screen Shots, we feature an Odia film that has tried to look at the issue of gender equality through a different lens in order to provoke a discussion on what men go through. In a free-wheeling chat, director Jiit Chakraborty talks to us about what inspired him to make ‘Dear Purusha’. We also speak to some other experts and activists for their take on the subject. In CityFlix, a new section dedicated to reviewing global cinema, brings you a preview of an interesting Tamil film that deals with a problem that has become part and parcel of urban living – parking.
Scipio Slataper is one of the most prominent writers from the Italian town of Trieste. Before the onslaught of World War One, Trieste was a unique urban environment and the largest port in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was a financially powerful city and a cosmopolitan centre where Slavic, Germanic, and Italian cultures intersected. Much of Slataper's oeuvre is highly influenced by Trieste's cultural complexity and its multi-ethnic environment. Slataper's major literary achievement, My Karst and My City - a fictionalized, lyrical autobiography, translated here in its entirety - offers a unique example of an Italian modernist narrative, one that is influenced both by Slataper's collaboration with the Florentine journal La Voce, and by the Germanic and Scandinavian literature that he absorbed while living in Trieste. My Karst and My City, together with the excerpts from his reflections on Ibsen and other critical essays included here, adds a new voice and a different dimension to our understanding of European modernism.
