Geetima Baruah Sarma, 2 february 2013
Located in Tinsukia district of Assam,
In the north-eastern part of India,
The town stands with pride
As it has the first refinery in Asia.
During the nineteenth century,
While a railway track was being laid,
Crude oil was accidently discovered
And the place got its name, it’s said.
“Dig boy dig” were the words,
When the first oil well was dug,
Digboi still remains unique
As it has the oldest producing Oil Park.
[Published in the souvenir 'Yuletide Jamboree' at Digboi Club Annual Meet held from 18 to 25 December 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 30 january 2013
Does she cry in desolation?
Equally gifted with a body
And endowed with a talent indeed,
But abandoned,
As failed to fulfill her parents’ need.
Education in reality,
The light of life,
Tears her cocoon, destroys hibernation,
Her career,
Now breaks barriers of discrimination.
Happiness gained,
Her smile makes the stars twinkle
And she finds love on the horizon,
To celebrate
And cherish moments on a pristine occasion.
[Published in the e-magazine 'Frog Croon' in December 2011 issue]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 29 january 2013
The veil of darkness fell
As refreshing dawn emerged,
The stretch of silence snapped
As feathered friends twittered.
A wish to watch their frolic,
I peeped through the pane,
Oh, but I could perceive
Only a number to name.
A flashback reminded my home…
Our courtyard filled with multitudes,
With hay in their tiny beaks,
To make shelter on our roofs.
Now perhaps, one can figure,
Their reason behind being sparse,
High-rise buildings and apartments,
Social upgradation at large.
[Published in the e-journal 'Indian Ruminations' on 14 November 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 24 january 2013
Kopili Kopili rangdhali suwali...
Lovely verses flowed through his pen
When he stayed in an inspection bungalow
Thirty three years back on July ten.
His artistic insight captured the beauty
Of meandering Kopili gushing down the hills,
Her changing moods, her fascinating youth,
Immortal lyrics composed with finest skills.
His inspiring rendition enthralled Umrongso,
Each and everyone that loved his golden voice,
With a heavy heart Kopili today pays her tribute
And she shall ever cherish the song and rejoice.
[Published in 'melange', the Sunday supplement of 'The Sentinel' on 13 November 2011]
Short note: On 10th July 1978, Dr Bhupen Hazarika came to Umrongso in Assam for a performance and during his stay in the NEEPCO I.B. of Kopili Hydro Electric Project, he composed the lyrics of the Assamese song ‘Kopili Kopili Rangdhali Suwali’. The river Kopili is a tributary of the mighty river Brahmaputra but through the artistic eyes of the legend, the enchanting river has been personified as a lively girl whose mood changes as the monsoon arrives. She remains restless but her beauty lies in her fascinating youth and she appears bright having the shine of numerous suns. Dr Hazarika’s song has inspired all and this piece is a tribute to his immortal contribution. I, on behalf of the people of Kopili Project in Umrongso, pray to God for the eternal peace of the noble soul.
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 22 january 2013
A secret remains a secret
Till it's kept a secret,
If once it's revealed
It doesn't remain sealed.
All depends upon self-restraint,
The power to retain and refrain,
Indomitable spirit - unyielding,
Sheer determination - untiring.
Aren't these secrets
Of keeping secrets?
If we try we can succeed,
A resolution to just proceed.
[Published in the "feelings" column of 'Horizon', the Saturday supplement of 'The Assam Tribune' on 8 October 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 6 january 2013
Nature embellishes with
The advent of autumn,
The blooming of sewali,
The swaying of kohuwa,
To herald Divine Mother,
Who alights with her children,
For an annual sojourn,
Bedecked in ornaments,
Equipped with weapons,
To represent
Elimination of evil
And symbolize
Victory of the virtuous.
Her earthly sojourn
Delights every worshipper,
Enthralls the youngsters
And elderly equally,
To the rhythm of dhak,
To the sound of uruli,
To the illuminated mandap,
To the instant jalebi.
Her sojourn ends
On the tenth day
Of the moon's phase
And she proceeds
Towards the river
With divine grace,
Along with the crowd
Who follows her
With utmost reverence.
[Published in the e-magazine 'Enajori' in October 2011 issue]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 3 january 2013
Creeping slowly,
Each day, every moment,
Through my thoughts,
It haunted, attacked,
Made me miserable.
The enemy,
Mocked at my resolutions,
Began to build its base,
An attempt,
To ruin my imagination.
Helpless, frightened,
I searched for aid everywhere,
To evade the silent enemy,
But none could rescue me
Or provide a defending solution.
One day, exhausted,
I dropped on the floor,
And dormant self-confidence sprang forth!
Ah! I discovered my remedy ultimately!
To overcome fear, the silent enemy.
[Published in the 'feelings' column of 'Horizon', the Saturday supplement of 'The Assam Tribune' on 24 September 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 11 december 2012
Big dreams and high ambitions
Engulf the young minds,
Desire for a rosy life
Of fame and comfort,
But feelings of despair
Cripple imagination,
When incidents occur
That never wished before.
It's all right O seekers,
Bravely endure challenges...
The blows shall immune you and
Extract hidden talents from within,
You fall to rise again,
The dawn shall usher new scope,
Hard times come and go,
Pursue and enjoy life's rainbow.
[Published in 'Writers Web Well' on 4 September 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 18 november 2012
A pleasant day 'twas,
That turned into tears,
Long drive, long journey,
A trip to a distant city.
Left home in the morning,
Dad at the wheel was driving,
Brothers asked me riddles,
I tried to solve the puzzles.
The sun reached overhead,
Sandwiches, sweets we shared,
As destination half-way remained,
A soul-stirring incident happened.
Suddenly the road turned wavy,
The car toppled topsy-turvy,
Rolling once, twice, thrice,
Our tender nerves froze like ice.
I closed my eyes in fear,
O God save us, an earnest prayer,
Then slowly opened my tearful eyes,
But just couldn't believe my eyes!
Our backs were on the ground,
With countless people all around,
Dad, brothers looked at me,
I heaved a long sigh faintly.
Gradually the crowd dispersed,
Our car lied with wheels upward,
The day in my memories remained,
I thanked God for our lives regained.
[Published in the e-magazine 'Fried Eye' on 1 September 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 25 october 2012
Strolling on the sandy beach,
Enjoying the cool gentle breeze,
I looked at the people around.
Little children built sand-castles,
Young couples sat close together,
Elderly people enjoyed the waves.
My eyes fell upon a pair -
A grandchild and a grandfather,
Talking and munching ground-nuts.
One rising sun, the other setting...
Miles apart, yet, both rising and setting
At the same place - the horizon.
[Published in the 'feelings' column of 'Horizon', the Saturday supplement of 'The Assam Tribune' on 13 August 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 6 october 2012
We cry for change,
A better place to live in,
We long for peace,
A world sans misery, fear.
Who shall change?
Do we ever ponder?
Am I not the first?
Oh! Fingers point exterior...
Absolute power is within us,
Only efforts needed to afresh,
Just dare to speak the truth
And bring about a change.
[Published in 'Creative Thoughts' on 7 August 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 19 september 2012
crimson sky
a pair of mynahs
pen and sheet
[Published in 'Your Space' of the e-journal 'Muse India' on 2 August 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 25 march 2012
Life ceases,
not for the soul
that travels through
myriad earthly bodies
between births and deaths,
untiring, undying.
The solitary traveller
enters and exits,
detached and peaceful
throughout the journey,
sans belongings,
sans company.
[Published in 'Your Space' of the e-journal 'Muse India' on 8 July 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 23 march 2012
The aroma of green tea,
Palm-laced beaches by the sea,
Beautiful thundering waterfalls,
Shopping spree at the malls,
A rejuvenation with a spa,
Christian pilgrimage in Goa,
Fresh snowfalls shivering the bone,
Pristine perfection carved in stone,
Enchanting wildlife on a safari,
The cushiest ride ever on a Ferrari,
Temple shrines representing reliance,
Heavenly Kashmir witnessing romance,
Expedition towards the majestic summit,
Gurgling rivers meandering proceed,
Just a glance through a kaleidoscope,
Fragments of India's recreation, wow!
[Published in the 'feelings' column of 'Horizon', the Saturday supplement of 'The Assam Tribune' on 2 July 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 22 march 2012
Salutations to you,
O Kalaguru,
Your love for culture,
Your songs about Nature,
Are still on our lips,
As treasure one keeps...
A versatile genius you were,
Your deeds shall never wear,
Your portrait of Sankardeva
And title bestowed for Tandava,
Rabha Sangeet your creations
And Siraj your direction,
Your acting in Era Bator Sur
And Ban Theatre in Tezpur...
An urge to demolish evil from nation,
Your lyrics reflected revolutionary notion,
For the need to uplift Assamese society,
You penned the book Axomiya Kristi...
[Published in the souvenir 'Umrong' on 20 June 2011]
Short note: This poem is a tribute to Bishnu Prasad Rabha, the great multi-faceted personality of Assam. Born on 31 January 1909, he was an established singer, a composer and a lyricist. His songs are known as 'Rabha Sangeet'. He was an extremely talented actor, film director and dancer. He was awarded the title 'Kalaguru' by Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan at Varanasi for his mesmerizing 'Tandava' dance of Lord Shiva. He also painted portraits of many great saints and penned several books in Assamese. He passed away on 20 June 1960. To commemorate this versatile genius, every year 20th June is celebrated as 'Bishnu Rabha Divas' in Assam.
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 21 march 2012
Whoever he may be,
Tom, Dick or Harry,
Wretched poverty stares,
Sternly at his face,
Compelling him to toil,
With exertion and foil,
Losing childhood joy,
Discarding shame and coy,
Deprived of learning,
In course of earning,
To contribute for the family
And get rid of scarcity.
Little did he know,
The world thinks for him so,
Dedicating a day every year,
As World Day Against Child Labour,
Observing it on June 12,
By creating awareness and a wave,
To ban child labour
And protecting him forever.
[Published in the following:
(1) 'feelings' column of 'Horizon', the Saturday supplement of 'The Assam Tribune' on 11 June 2011
(2) 'melange', the Sunday supplement of 'The Sentinel' on 26 June 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 19 march 2012
The words shattered
His countless dreams
And he could imagine
His sand castles being
Knocked down by waves.
Remaining days could be
Counted on his fingers...
Alas! So much left undone.
Being stable was
His sole shield.
Wise proverbs instilled hope
To his flickering mind -
'A friend in need
Is a friend indeed'
And amazing indeed!
His friend stood beside,
With smiles of gratitude,
To donate an organ,
To shower love and charity,
To a helpful soul-mate,
Whom he owed his life,
His humble effort,
To save his friend,
To save a precious life.
[Published in 'melange', the Sunday supplement of 'The Sentinel' on 15 May 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 17 march 2012
Spring has arrived
And Bohag beckons,
Parents await their
Homeward sons.
The cuckoo sings
And kopou blooms,
Dancers dance
To the Bihu tunes.
Tinge of jetuka
On the delicate hands,
Offering Bihuwan
To pay reverence.
Chira, pitha, laru,
Home-made delicacies,
Muga mekhela-chador,
Pride of the ladies.
Dhol, pepa, gogona,
Rendition by Husori,
Merriment fills the aura,
Ah! Spirit of Rongali!
[Published in the e-magazine 'Bordoichila' on 15 April 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 15 march 2012
A step to freedom,
If bitter bygones fade,
As deeds all done,
Now cannot be undone.
A step to freedom,
If detachment prevails,
Nothing to call mine,
Sign of a stable mind.
A step to freedom,
If equality perceived,
Decrease in suffering,
Experience of blessing.
A step to freedom,
If senses subdued,
Command with will power,
Command over laziness.
A step to freedom,
If struggle persists,
To escape bondage,
To enjoy liberty.
A step to freedom,
If human nature identified,
Contrast in being and acting,
Harmony of soul and body.
[Published in the magazine 'The Hudaang' in April 2011 issue]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 14 march 2012
She engrosses her lovely name,
As the first spectator of the rising sun,
Her picturesque beauty conceals within,
If tourist destinations remain undone.
Mighty Siang River flows across her,
Also Lohit, Tirap, Kameng, Subansiri,
Amidst the valleys towards the plains,
To cultivate crops, produce electricity.
Bhalukpong on her foothills greets visitors,
Tipi attracts numerous orchid lovers,
Tawang Memorial salutes her war heroes,
Snow-clad Sela Pass delights travellers.
Itanagar is her capital and hornbill, the state bird,
Apong, the local brew and chubas, the local dress,
Sanctuaries, monasteries, fair at Parasuram Kund,
Losar, a festival and Ajilhamu, a colourful dance.
She's home to several major native tribes,
A house of exotic flora and endangered fauna,
An enlightening adventure to discerning trekkers,
A treasure-trove of natural scenic splendour.
[Published in the column 'Spark' of 'The Arunachal Times' on 12 March 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 12 march 2012
Listened to the heart,
It whispered,
Fear not, go on...
Listened to the head,
It said,
O forget, go ahead...
Feelings versus thoughts,
Sandwich between the two,
She knew not what to do...
Dark circles appeared as silhouette,
On the fair and lovely face,
As nights rolled on sleepless...
Feelings caged behind
Mind and intellect,
Days rolled in melancholy...
Beautiful is love sublime,
Not at all on compromise,
Ah! A decision for destiny...
Listened to the heart,
Abound in love sublime,
Fearing not, stepping on...
The red carpet of roses,
Amidst life's prickly thorns,
To build her Eden...
To make dreams a reality,
By power of love sublime,
A home truly divine.
[Published in the e-magazine '7sisters' in March 2011 issue]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 7 march 2012
Mother Nature gives you birth,
As golden sun-rays touch the earth,
Chasing away shades of darkness,
Brightening your beautiful face.
You sparkle with freshness,
You sprinkle around happiness,
Awaken people from deep slumber,
To march forward and shine brighter.
Closed buds prepare for bloom,
Fresh roses adorn my room,
And I simply love to hear,
The tiny feathered friends twitter.
Fragrance of burning incense,
Purifies the air with radiance,
With the cool gentle breeze,
Presenting a caress of perfect bliss.
Nature lovers consider you a boon,
Nocturnal activators say, you appear soon,
In fact, you're a harbinger of hope,
To discover new horizons and better scope.
[Published in the e-magazine 'Enajori' in February 2011 issue]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 6 march 2012
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose,
Born on twenty-third January,
A great inspiring leader,
The greatest patriot of our country.
He formed the Azad Hind Fauj,
Or the Indian National Army,
Left the Congress party,
With difference of opinions
With Gandhiji.
Netaji roused the words -
'Give me blood and
I will give you freedom',
Awoke the youth of India,
Instilled into them
The fire of nationalism.
Chalo Dilli and Jai Hind,
Netaji shouted the slogans,
We'll remember you, Netaji,
Every year always and again.
[Published in the 'feelings' column of 'Horizon', the Saturday supplement of 'The Assam Tribune' on 22 January 2011]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 2 march 2012
She appears bright as ever
At the onset of night,
Steadily wades across the canopy
Amidst the twinkling stars.
Her phases attract the star-gazers
And elegance fascinates the composers,
I stare at her mesmerized,
Admire her queenly grace.
She reigns in the dark hours,
Sprinkles silvery light around...
But her shine fades down
As her benefactor arises -
Majestically from the eastern horizon
To sustain life all around.
She's no match with the reverend,
But in shape and shine during the nights,
Oh! She has some moments though
To outshine and prove her might.
She shuns her majesty's brilliance,
Casts a shadow to form a night,
Displays her feat to myriad spectators
Watching the eclipse, a celestial sight.
[Published in 'melange', the Sunday supplement of 'The Sentinel' on 12 December 2010]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 1 march 2012
I remember those words,
That Shakespeare once wrote -
The world is a stage,
And we are all actors.
Are we really actors?
Do we actually play roles?
Our relationships... oh, yes!
We act in so many roles!
When we are children,
We are with our parents;
When we are parents,
We are with our children.
When we are students,
We are with our teachers;
When we are just souls,
We are with The Supreme Soul.
[Published in the 'feelings' column of 'Horizon', the Saturday supplement of 'The Assam Tribune' on 27 November 2010]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 29 february 2012
Can I not sing a song
In appreciation for 'Melange'?
My journey started
With the magnificent magazine -
The issue on every Sunday,
On one fine day,
When I picked up the weekly,
Browsed the pages that
My eyes fell upon,
Read quite a few features,
Admired the beautiful compositions,
Usage of English language
And began to learn...
Facts about our motherland -
Culture, communities, civilization,
Little things about little ones,
Informative titbits, counselling tips,
Contributions of illustrious personalities,
Significance of festive proceedings.
My experience...'twas truly inspiring.
So, can I not sing a song
In praise of 'Melange'?
[Published in 'melange', the Sunday supplement of 'The Sentinel' on 7 November 2010]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 24 february 2012
Oh! Precious drops,
A view crystal clear,
Life without you,
A complete mess,
Perhaps a nightmare.
Your pleasant existence
Sustains survival,
To blades of grass,
Green paddy fields,
Greenery spreading out -
Touching the horizon,
Every living creature,
The chirping birds,
Flocks and herds,
Mankind as well.
A clarion call,
For each individual -
Let's join hands,
With purpose and mission,
To save every drop,
Every single day,
And live in fellowship,
Harmony with nature,
For healthy living,
Benefitting mutual welfare.
[Published in the 'feelings' column of 'Horizon', the Saturday supplement of 'The Assam Tribune' on 6 November 2010]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 23 february 2012
Judgement day arrived to
Determine success and failure.
Festivity and celebration
Ruled the institutions...
Sense of pride glowed
In the faces of those
Who had expectations,
Glorious smile shone
On the cheeks of those
Who burnt midnight's oil;
Except for the bulk
Who remained unsuccessful...
Depression, fear, shame
Reigned the pale young faces,
Feelings of guilt reflected
In the eyes of those
Who whiled away time.
But, my heart pained
For those unfortunate innocents -
Who just recovered from
Encephalitis or glaucoma,
And those puppets of fate
Who tried to cope with the loss
Of a parent or sibling.
Questions whirl in my mind
And I do wonder...
Can three hours judge the
Performance of tender brains -
Their intelligence, their brilliance?
The silent sufferers,
Tagged as failures,
Shed tears in solitude,
Their dreams being eclipsed -
Stare towards a bleak future.
[Published in 'melange', the Sunday supplement of 'The Sentinel' on 31 October 2010]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 22 february 2012
I like to see -
The sun rising,
The flowers blooming,
A baby smiling,
The stars twinkling.
I like to hear -
The notes of a sitar,
My husband playing the guitar,
The advice from a wellwisher,
The encouraging words of my father.
I like to touch -
The dew-drops on a flower,
The water of a flowing river,
The soft hair of my son,
The lovely sweaters knitted by mom.
[Published in the 'feelings' column of 'Horizon', the Saturday supplement of 'The Assam Tribune' on 30 October 2010]
Geetima Baruah Sarma, 21 february 2012
I lost touch with you
For so many years,
But when I think of you,
It seems like -
Time is passing by
Yet, everything between us
Remain just the same.
Meeting you was
An unforgettable moment,
Meeting you again would be
The happiest moment.
I reminisce
Your care and attention,
Your association and deep bond.
My wish has
Turned into a dream
And I wish to
Realise my dream.
[Published in 'melange', the Sunday supplement of 'The Sentinel' on 3 October 2010]
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