A Journey of Change – Sound Kitchen

Hi guys!

This week Sound KitchenNow we're going to hear an essay from a listener, Ashik Ekbal Tokong, from Rajshahi, Bangladesh. And we're also inviting you to write an essay for us.

Once your essay has aired, you will receive a package in the mail. Sound KitchenWrite about your “ordinary” heroes – the people in your community who do extraordinary good deeds and quietly work to make the world a better place in whatever way they can. Listener Pramod Maheshwari says, “Just as a small drop of water can fill a pitcher, a small act of kindness can change the world.”

I am still looking for you “This is what I believe” You can also write an essay. Tell us about a principle that guides your life. Tell us something that you have found to be true from your own personal experience. Or write about a book that changed your outlook on life, a person you admire, a local festival, your most memorable moment, or your proudest achievement. If your essay is selected to air, you will read it. – There will be special prizes!

Send us your essay contact address

Or send it by mail to:

Susan Owensby

RFI – Sound Kitchen

80, Rue Camille Desmoulins

92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux

France

I look forward to hearing from you!

Ashik Eqbal Tokon's essay is as follows:

Transformational journey, inspiration Pather Panchali

As a child growing up in a bustling metropolis in the 1980s, I was accustomed to the constant noise of trains, the clang of trams, the honking of buses and the rhythmic footsteps of rickshaws. My world was a mosaic of concrete, electricity, radio broadcasts and black-and-white television screens. It was a life full of modern conveniences and fast-paced movement, and nature seemed distant, limited to small parks and the occasional glimpse of sky between tall buildings. But this perception changed dramatically when I came across a short story excerpted from a novel: Pather Panchali By Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay. The story of Apu and Durga's discovery of the train in a remote village in Bengal captured my imagination with its vivid description and emotional depth. The scene where they race through lush fields, their eyes wide with awe at the sight of the train, resonated deeply with me. The moment remained etched in my mind, igniting a spark of curiosity and a yearning for a world beyond the urban sprawl.

First trip to the village

Shortly after reading the story, I had the opportunity to visit my ancestral village, a place so different from my life in the city. The journey began with a train ride that mirrored Apu’s amazement and excitement. As the train rolled through the countryside, I looked out the window, mesmerized by the scenery passing by. Rivers meandered through green fields, and mango, lychee and jackfruit orchards painted the landscape with vibrant colors. It was as if I had stepped into Apu’s world and experienced the immense happiness he felt. The bus journey that followed took me deep into nature. The scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers filled the air. The sight of villagers working in the fields, children playing in the shade and the gently flowing river created a scene that will stay in my mind forever. The experience was a revelation, a tactile encounter with the natural world that Apu had introduced me to.

Discover Pather Panchali As a teenager

When I was a teenager, I read the whole novel. Pather Panchali And I felt even more connected to Apu's journey. The book opened my eyes to the beauty of nature, the simplicity of country life, and the deep emotions tied to family and survival. I realized that true happiness and fulfillment can be found in the simplest experiences and the purest environments. This realization shaped my life's journey and passion. I developed a deep love for travel and sought out places where I could immerse myself in the embrace of nature. The novel inspired me to explore diverse landscapes, from the golden deserts of Rajasthan in India to the lush hills of Bhutan. I found joy in contrasting environments: the tranquil charm of Thai beaches, the cultural richness of Bali, the waves of the Bay of Bengal, and the vast horizons of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Thailand, and the Java Sea.

I love my country Bangladesh

One of the biggest impacts is Pather Panchali What has given me the most joy is that I have gained a deeper appreciation for my beautiful homeland, Bangladesh. Since I was out of my teens, I have had the opportunity to explore all 64 districts of Bangladesh, each with its own unique natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the lush hills of Sylhet to the tranquil beaches of Cox's Bazar, from the majestic mangrove forests of the Sundarbans to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Dhaka, every corner of Bangladesh has given me something new to discover and made me feel more connected to my roots. Bangladesh's green landscapes, meandering rivers and the warmth of its people have always reminded me of Apu's world. This deep connection to my homeland has enriched my life and strengthened my love for travel and exploration. With its rich history and diverse natural beauty, Bangladesh continues to be a source of inspiration and joy.

Embrace your love of nature and travel

Pather Panchali Apu taught me to appreciate the feather-light feel of nature and to find beauty and peace in it, even in the most unexpected places. Whether it was the arid desert of Rajasthan, where the desert winds whispered ancient tales, or the lush hills of Jalpaiguri, where the scent of tea leaves wafted through the air, nature became my sanctuary. The novel instilled in me a desire for wonder and exploration, a desire to experience the world through its natural wonders. In Thailand and Bali, I found a different kind of enchantment, where blue waters and golden sunsets painted the sky with the colors of serenity and adventure. Swimming in the waves of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, I felt connected to the vastness of the world and remembered Apu's boundless curiosity and love of discovery. The vast ice fields of Mongolia, although harsh, revealed the serene and desolate beauty of a world enveloped in snow and silence, expanding my understanding of the extremes of nature.

The last word

The power of change Pather Panchali The beauty of this novel by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay is its ability to transport the reader to a world where nature and simplicity hold profound meaning. For me, this novel was more than just a story; it sparked a lifelong passion for travel and an unwavering love for the natural world. It taught me to seek out beauty in every corner of the earth, to cherish moments of awe and wonder, and to find joy in the journey itself. Apu's timeless tale of adventure has forever changed my perspective, and every travel experience – from the warm beaches of Bali to the icy grasslands of Mongolia to the lush beauty of my beloved homeland, Bangladesh – has become a tribute to the spirit of discovery and natural beauty.

music Ashok chose Azad Rahman's “Jammo Amar Donno Horo Mago” sung by Sabina Yesmin.

Tune in next week for an essay written by Bidhan Chandar Sanyal. We'll talk again!