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The title of the article in English is: The Power of Words: Stories of How Our Language Shapes Our World.
The Power of Words: Stories of How Ou Language Shapes Our World Hey friend, have you ever really thought about the amazing power our words hold? They're not just sounds that come out of our mouths or letters we scribble on paper or a screen. To me, words are more like tiny seeds that we plant in the minds and hearts of others. They can grow into towering trees or troublesome weeds, depending on the kind of seed we choose.
By Omar Mohammed about a year ago in History
The Sundarbans: A Proud Heritage of Bengal
The sundarban is a her that fills the people of Bengal with pride. Nature has gifted us with forest paradise so magnificent that its stories can be told to the entire world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, situated at the confluence of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. What doesn’t this forest have? It is the home of the world-famous Royal Bengal Tiger. In addition, there are spotted deer, crocodiles, venomous snakes, turtles, and countless other species. The forest is also rich with diverse trees like Sundari, Garan, and Keora. People live in this heritage-rich jungle with their families. They earn their livelihood by collecting honey, cutting wood, and fishing. While doing so, they face numerous dangers—fears of being taken by tigers while collecting honey or wood, fear of snake bites, or attacks by crocodiles while fishing in the rivers. Yet, people continue to live there—they must. And with them, reside their deities \[1]. There are various theories about the human settlement in the Sundarbans. Many scholars believe that people started living there between the 8th and 10th centuries. In the medieval period, human habitation diminished due to various reasons. Some believe it was due to attacks by the Portuguese and the Arakanese. Other accounts exist as well—for example, a Sufi saint is said to have arrived in the 12th century and initiated agricultural activities. Some scholars suggest that woodcutters, fishermen, and farmers used to frequent the rivers of the Sundarbans for their livelihood. Moreover, during the 17th and 18th centuries, bandits also raided this region. While there is disagreement about exactly when permanent settlements began, most agree that they began toward the end of the 19th century. At that time, British Collector General Claude Russell divided the forest into two parts—one for forestry and the other allocated for agriculture and land leasing. From then on, people from nearby regions like Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh began settling here for livelihood and land. After their arrival, deforestation increased, especially during the time of Tillman Henckell, who was then the Magistrate of Jessore district \[2]. The Sundarbans is a perilous place for humans. The residents constantly face danger, but over time, they have also discovered ways to survive. Some of these methods are spiritual, others practical. For instance, families fear crocodiles, so the women observe rituals to appease the crocodile deity. When honey collectors, or *mouals*, go deep into the forest, they take along *bauls* (tiger charmers), believed to be experts at handling tigers through chants and rituals. Bauls must also follow strict rules—since Friday is a sacred day for Muslims, they are not allowed to enter the forest on that day; they must not eat pork or crab; they cannot be involved in usury, etc. These rules mainly apply to Muslims. The life of a baul is extremely difficult and dangerous \[2, 3]. One way to understand the rituals, customs, lifestyle, beliefs, and socio-economic conditions of Sundarbans residents is to visit them and conduct interviews. Another way is to study their folk manuscripts (*puthis*), which often narrate tales of their local deities. The Sundarbans is home to both Hindus and Muslims. Among the Muslims, there are communities like Sheikh, Syed, and Pathan. Among Hindus, one finds barbers, fishermen, Chandals, washermen, yogis, etc.—most of whom belong to the Shudra caste. These people depend on the forest for their livelihood and must struggle against nature to survive. As a result, they rely heavily on religious beliefs and their deities to overcome adversity. Among the most revered deities are *Dakshin Rai* and *Bonbibi*. A well-written essay on the origin of Bonbibi can be found here. Dakshin Rai is believed to be the tiger deity. Residents of the Sundarbans worship him, and various mythological tales surround his origin. These stories have been passed down orally. Some believe he is the son of Lord Shiva. Others believe that after Lord Ganesha’s head was severed, it flew south and became the origin of this deity. In the manuscript *Bonbibir Johurnama* by the late Munshi Mohammad Khater, Dakshin Rai is also described as a forest demon or evil spirit. On the other hand, *Bonbibi* is another deity believed to protect everyone in the jungle. The most remarkable aspect is that both Hindu and Muslim communities believe in her divine power. However, the religious ceremonies honoring Bonbibi vary between the two religions. Muslims refer to the deity as Bonbibi, while Hindus call her Bondébi and worship her as a mother goddess. In Sharad Mitra’s essay *On an accumulation droll from eastern Bengal and on a muslimani legend about the Sylvan Saint Banabibi and Tiger deity Dakshina Roy*, it is mentioned that any Muslim girl can be chosen as Bonbibi and entrusted with a red flag. It’s important to note that such belief in a common, imaginary deity across two religious groups is not trivial. Deep philosophical thinking lies behind it. In a place where survival itself is a struggle and merely staying alive is paramount, depending on a mythical figure like Bonbibi is seen as essential—with the hope that she will protect them from any danger \[4]. Even though we know much about the Sundarbans as a region, how much do we truly know about its people? Their thoughts and beliefs differ from those in other parts of Bangladesh and are quite fascinating. Their likes and dislikes may also be different. There is significant scope for research on these people who live so close to nature. These individuals, who spend their lives battling constant threats, present a stark contrast to the lives of modern, urbanized humans. Research can be conducted on this contrast and on how important that difference is. **References:** \[1] Karmakar, S. (2018). *Ethnic identity and forest preservation: A sociological enquiry on Sundarbans, West Bengal*, *Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Science*, Volume 6(1), page: 20-25 \[2] Jalais, A. (2010). *Forest of Tigers: People, Politics & Environment in the Sundarbans* (New Delhi, India: Routledge) \[3] Hunter, W. W. (1973). *A Statistical Account of Bengal. Vol. I. District of the 24 Parganas and Sundarbans* \[4] Sarkar, S. C. (2010). *The Sundarbans: Folk Deities, Monsters and Mortals* (New Delhi, India: Social Science Press and Orient Blackswan) ---
By Riham Rahman about a year ago in History
India vs Pakistan Military Power in 2025: Strength, Strategy & Hope for Peace
India vs Pakistan Military Power in 2025: Strength, Strategy & Hope for Peace India and Pakistan — two border nations with a shared heritage but turbulent relationship. Over the decades, the world has watched these two nations battle, negotiate, and build themselves as powerful forces in South Asia. As we approach 2025, one question remains: How strong are these nations militarily now and in what direction are they headed?
By MD MORSADUL ISLAMabout a year ago in History
NASA Astronauts McClain and Ayers Exit Station Soon for Spacewalk
NASA is once again preparing for a high-stakes mission outside the International Space Station (ISS), as astronauts Anne McClain and Doug Ayers are set to perform a spacewalk in the coming days. The pair will leave the relative safety of the station's interior and venture into the vacuum of space to complete critical maintenance tasks that ensure the ISS remains functional and future-ready.
By rokib ahmedabout a year ago in History
Mike Waltz seen in photos using Signal app at White House after group chat scandal
Mike Waltz Spotted Using Signal App at White House After Group Chat Leak Sparks Controversy Congressman Mike Waltz was recently photographed using the encrypted messaging app Signal during a visit to the White House, sparking new conversations about digital privacy and communication security among lawmakers. The sighting comes in the wake of a recent group chat scandal involving leaked messages from a private conversation among Republican members of Congress. The controversy has heightened awareness of the risks of unsecured communication, pushing several lawmakers to reevaluate how they share sensitive information.
By GLOBAL NEWSabout a year ago in History
Microsoft goes passwordless by default on new accounts
Microsoft Goes Passwordless by Default on New Accounts In a move that reflects the growing shift toward enhancing security and improving user experience, Microsoft has announced that new accounts will now be created without requiring a password by default. This is a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to create a more secure and user-friendly authentication process. Why the Change? The decision to go passwordless comes after years of growing concerns about password-related vulnerabilities. Passwords have long been a weak point in the security landscape, often prone to being guessed, stolen, or hacked. Microsoft’s push towards a passwordless future aims to mitigate these risks and offer users a more secure alternative to traditional password-based authentication. According to Microsoft, passwords are one of the most common vectors for cyberattacks, including phishing, data breaches, and credential stuffing. By eliminating passwords, Microsoft intends to reduce the chances of accounts being compromised by attackers exploiting weak or reused passwords. How Does It Work? Instead of relying on passwords, Microsoft will use a combination of alternative authentication methods to ensure secure access to accounts. These include: Windows Hello: This biometric authentication system, which supports facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, allows users to sign in to their accounts simply by using their face or fingerprint. Authenticator App: The Microsoft Authenticator app can be used to verify a user’s identity with push notifications or a one-time passcode, making it a safer and more convenient alternative to traditional passwords. Security Keys: Physical security keys, such as USB or NFC devices, can be used as an additional authentication layer to protect users’ accounts from unauthorized access. These methods work together to provide a seamless, yet highly secure, sign-in experience without the need for remembering complex passwords. Benefits of Passwordless Authentication Increased Security: By removing passwords from the equation, Microsoft reduces the potential for phishing attacks, data breaches, and other forms of password exploitation. Even if a user’s device is compromised, attackers cannot simply access accounts by guessing or stealing a password. Convenience: Passwordless sign-ins can be faster and easier for users, particularly in an age where remembering multiple complex passwords can be cumbersome. Users no longer need to worry about password resets or creating strong, unique passwords for every service. Reduced Administrative Overhead: For businesses, passwordless authentication eliminates the need to manage password policies, reset requests, and other common password-related issues, saving time and resources. Challenges Ahead Despite the advantages, there are still some challenges that Microsoft will need to address as it rolls out passwordless authentication. Not all users may be comfortable with using biometric data or security keys, and there will likely be a learning curve for those unfamiliar with the new authentication methods. Moreover, some applications or services may not be fully compatible with passwordless sign-in methods yet. Microsoft will need to work with third-party developers to ensure a smooth transition across the entire digital ecosystem. The Future of Authentication Microsoft’s move to a passwordless future is part of a broader industry trend aimed at improving security while simplifying user experiences. Other tech giants, such as Apple, Google, and Facebook, have also made strides in promoting passwordless authentication solutions. Ultimately, the goal is to move beyond passwords, which have been a fundamental aspect of digital security for decades. As security threats continue to evolve, companies like Microsoft are leading the charge in creating more secure, user-friendly alternatives that promise to shape the future of authentication. With this shift, Microsoft is helping pave the way for a more secure and convenient digital world—one where passwords may become a thing of the past.
By MD Alamgir Hossain Shawonabout a year ago in History
Israel Strikes Syria, Targeting Group Behind Attack on Druze Communit. AI-Generated.
1. Cross-border airstrikes in Syria: In retaliation for an alleged attack from Syria, Israel carried out airstrikes in the Quneitra region. While Israel claims it targeted militants, such cross-border military actions often risk civilian casualties and violate the sovereignty of another nation—actions many consider a form of aggression.
By Habib Mahmudabout a year ago in History
The Last Message from Eden. AI-Generated.
In the year 2045, technology had advanced so rapidly that humans barely needed to work. Artificial Intelligence ran the world, managed entire cities, predicted crimes, cured diseases, and even taught children. But something no machine had yet conquered—was the complexity of human emotions.
By Habib Mahmudabout a year ago in History
The Decline of the Aztec Empire: A Significant Moment in History
The decline of the Aztec Empire marks one of the most thrilling and impactful events in the narrative of global history. It encompasses themes of valor, treachery, cultural clash, and the emergence of European imperial dominance in the Americas. At the heart of this story is the Spanish invasion spearheaded by Hernán Cortés, leading to the sorrowful collapse of the formidable Aztec civilization during the early 1500s. The Aztec Empire Prior to Invasion Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the Aztecs were among the leading civilizations in Mesoamerica. Their capital, Tenochtitlán, was located on an island within Lake Texcoco and showcased extraordinary engineering and architectural achievements. With a population estimated at more than 200,000, it surpassed most European cities of that period. The city was characterized by intricate canal systems, soaring temples, and lively markets. It stood as a testament to Aztec affluence, refinement, and influence.Start writing...
By Mohammad Rifat about a year ago in History
How We Oversimplified the History of the Vietnam War.
One of the most contentious and misinterpreted wars in contemporary history is still the Vietnam War. However, its story has been simplified and flattened in public discourse, media representations, and textbooks over the years. This oversimplification robs the war of the complexity required for true comprehension, distorting its causes, trajectory, and outcomes. The Vietnam War was a complicated fusion of colonialism, nationalism, ideology, and civil unrest rather than merely a Cold War proxy conflict or a breakdown of American military power. We cannot learn from its lessons if we oversimplify its past.
By MD AKIF BIN KABIRabout a year ago in History
