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I Am Who I Am

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Ha! A Princess in ancient times - my first name XXXXXXXX! Imagine, in a male-dominated society, how blessed was I to be thus Welcomed! Friends would not hesitate to label me as an introvert, but also focused, dreamer, and spiritual. sister of Sagarika, another exotic name... a nymph from the ocean world, and lovingly cocooned by three brothers - Saibal, Prabal, Tamal Daughter, Wife, Mother, Grandma - tasted all roles in life.... Fortunate to grow up among nature's blessings, a hamlet of peace, No wonder, fell in love with mesmerizing poetry, art, and surreal music. My spirituality is acceptance, humility and thankfulness My mother's empathy stronger in me than all other traits. What do I fear? of course - nightmares of losing my voice, and not being able to sing (like Little Mermaid in Fairy Tales)! getting hurt by selfishness and losing confidence! dream of a world with Kindness and Justice for underprivileged, a world of equal opportunities for all children - and empowering all women, Vibrant, culturally rich, aspiring city of Mississauga, Ontario, is my abode, My last name *** reminds of omnipotent sun-god. Notes: meanings of words (names) in Bengali: Saibal- Moss Probal - Coral Tamal - Divine Tree POSTSCRIPT TO MY BIO I am a girl who decided to go to school barefoot, because that’s what other young children from needy families in a village were used to… I am a girl whose best childhood memory is playing with sapphire waves on a tranquil seaside and listening to chimes soaring from a temple… I am a girl who read novels every afternoon to comfort her fragile grandmother critically ill suffering with deadly cancer… A girl who sent the domestic help to school, and taught the boy language and math whenever she could...in a country where that was unheard of… I am a girl who started teaching with lot of work and very little pay even though her husband earned a handsome salary, enough to live a life of comfort… A girl who passionately attended a craft class in an unfavourable, almost scary, situation in a country where women did not drive and travel by themselves… I am that girl who renewed her passions and started writing with a goal of being published, at the mature age when she completed all her family responsibilities… Notes: wondering…isn’t this postscript my real bio!!!! July 28, 2021 Inspired By "This Is Who I Am" Poetry contest Sponsor: L. Milton Hankins A Brian Strand "You Choose" Poetry Contest

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Aniruddha Pathak

Date: 8/12/2021 11:32:00 PM

Your poem, revisited, led me to look for other works of Kalidasa. To start with I have short listed Meghdutam and wonder if I can do a poetic translation.. Yet, too many things to do and too little time and age is ticking by, let me see. But your BIO is beautiful.

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 8/13/2021 12:17:00 AM

I am so impressed with your motivation and energy, Dear Poet. Meghdutam? That would be a wonderful project! You are inspiring me with your goals. Thank you so much for reading my bio-poem.

Barbara Peckham

Date: 8/1/2021 10:33:00 AM

Wow! What a fascinating poem! You are an amazing person and an amazing poet. Your dreams are the dreams of many, I am quite sure. Now all we have to do is act upon them. I am sure you are a good friend to many and an inspiration as well.

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 8/2/2021 1:39:00 PM

Thanks, Barbara. Yes, like many, I have some dreams, and trying to act upon them. Really appreciate your kind and inspiring words, Barbara.

Anitha Jayasankar

Date: 8/1/2021 2:44:00 AM

A lovely bio that reflects your true self dear Mala... Am happy to know you were fortunate to grow up amidst nature and it's mesmerizing beauty... Thanks for sharing this Bio for us to know more about you... I know your passion for art... God bless you with more and most.. Best wishes and hugs... ~ Ani

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 8/2/2021 1:38:00 PM

Thanks, Anitha. This is a new form for me - found interesting. Love ~ Mala

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 7/31/2021 4:22:00 PM

wow I didn't know you sang and that you lived in Missisauga, we need to connect, I live in Toronto not too far, I sing too but just amateur singing, would love to hear you sing one day, will send you a soup mail, :)

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 7/31/2021 5:02:00 PM

I am glad to know you live in Toronto - which is very close to me. I do sing, but I sing songs in my home-language, which is Bengali. Songs written by our Nobel-laureate poet, Rabindranath Tagore, is very popular in India - that's what I mainly sing - I am not a professional, either. We have so much in common. Sure, we will chat soon. Love and hugs ~ Mala

Paul Callus

Date: 7/30/2021 5:46:00 AM

This is one of the cutest bios I have read of late, Mala! Your childhood appears to have left a very positive impression on you; as did your family, and I am impressed by your lovely traits. ~ Regards, my friend // paul

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 7/30/2021 3:32:00 PM

Paul, I am so delighted that you have enjoyed this bio-poem. You are right - my childhood and my family left a very positive impact on me. I have started writing a memoir about my experiences in childhood, and later years. Thank you so much. Best wishes ~ Mala

Aniruddha Pathak

Date: 7/29/2021 10:10:00 PM

Frankly I know little about Bio poems, but the genre seems to have immense potential and possibilities. I liked your style. Incidentally, Maalvikaa-Agnimitram of Kalidasa, if you have an e-copy can you share it with me?

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 7/30/2021 3:29:00 PM

Thank you so much for reading this bio-poem. It's new for me too, wanted to try something different. Very sorry, I don't have a copy of the e-book. If I ever find it, will definitely share with you. Best wishes ~ Mala

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 7/29/2021 12:52:00 PM

- A wonderful bio, Princess Mala :) - Would like to hear you sing :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 7/29/2021 3:33:00 PM

Thank you so much, Anne-Lise. Ha ha - my mother picked the name from a Sanskrit classic (posted the picture). The songs I sing are in Bengali, a regional language in India...would love to share (uploaded a few on You Tube). Love and hugs ~ Mala

Eve Roper

Date: 7/29/2021 9:28:00 AM

Great Bio, Malabika, born in a place where a male-dominates society , you are doing pretty awesome. Good luck in Milton's contest...

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 7/29/2021 10:54:00 AM

Thank you, Eve. I was not only born, but grew up in a conservative society. Things are changing, but it's a long way to go. Interestingly, I was raised with a lot of pride by my father.

Harry Horsman

Date: 7/28/2021 4:33:00 PM

LOve your magical Bio.

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 7/29/2021 10:52:00 AM

Thanks, Harry. This is a fun topic.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/28/2021 4:23:00 PM

This was so fun to read. VERY creative work, dear!!

Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 7/29/2021 10:51:00 AM

Thanks, Andrea. I have to read yours - must be fantastic!