Biography 237: Blue-colored steel glass

I was lying on the bed at our grandparents' (paternal) house, feeling very thirsty. I saw someone bring a blue-coloured steel glass with chilled water. I could even see the bubbles on the outside layer of the glass. I saw a hand and fingers who was holding the glass. Then they took it away. I was still very thirsty.

I woke up and asked everyone (my older sister, aunts (paternal), and dad) around me, "Where is the glass?" But no one understood my words. They were asking me what glass. I looked around again and asked where the glass was. I desperately looked for my chilled water glass.

Later, my sister said I was sleeping deeply. Suddenly, I woke up and just said, "Glass?" "Where is the glass?" but didn't explain anything else.

I was about 3 years old. But I still remember this.

Giving myself enough rest.

Right now, I am following Chaity's (My friend's) mom's rule. Once, she told me I pray properly by standing up when I can. If I feel too weak, I pray sitting on a chair. I don't put too much pressure on myself.

I am following that now. When I can, I work, cook, and do other jobs. But if I am not feeling okay, I lie in bed. Don't put too much pressure on me because that gives me more pain. I hope things will be under control. I don't want to fall on the bed, so I can't stand up anymore.

Reflection on Decolonization & Indigenization

 I learned about UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples). And I am happy that the Canadian Government had signed it in the UN. I am also a bit disappointed that the Government still didn’t make any law to implement those rights. All human beings have rights by birth, and so do the Indigenous people.

 

1.      If decolonization is about dismantling colonial systems of oppression, why is this important in the Canadian context? 

 

Indigenous people are the owners of the land. The Settlers are not giving them their right and have been colonizing the area for a long time. Canadians are now becoming aware of decolonization. The new generation of Canadian society has stopped many wrongful laws and many more to correct them. Residential schools were closed gradually all over Canada. 

 

2.      If Indigenization is about building new systems of reciprocity or mutuality, why is this important in the Canadian system? 

 

As I mentioned earlier, Indigenous people are the original inhabitants of this land. They have expressed their desire to coexist and share this land with the Settlers. We are all Canadians now, each with our unique perspectives on how to address these issues. Living together, it is crucial that we strive for mutual understanding and respect, ensuring that everyone's rights are upheld and enjoyed.

  

3.      What personal steps can you take towards reconciliation? 

 

My first step would be to learn and understand the current situation of the Indigenous people and the Settlers. I have already started joining Indigenous programs and studying about them. The next step would be to share my knowledge with known people who will listen to me. I have already started this with my family. The next step would be to vote for a politician who can work with reconciliation. I will also share my knowledge with my classmates and colleagues when working so that people can gradually become aware of reconciliation.

Biography 236: Tour to the Jahangirnagar University

I heard there is a university near Dhaka. It's in Savar. In the past, Savar was a suburb of Dhaka. Nowadays, it might be considered part of the city. I also heard that this university is located in a Jungle. It's beautiful, like a park.

No, I never felt like joining there. The University of Dhaka is the best educational institution, and it is very near our home.

After joining the University of Dhaka, some of our classmates moved to Jahangirnagar University because they didn't get their chosen subjects in Dhaka.

One day, some of our classmates visited the Shriti Shoudho, a monument to our freedom fighters in Savar. Then Salam (our classmate) said, "Let's go to Jahangirnagar University." He assured us that he knew everything, how to get there, catch a bus to return, etc. We trusted him and accepted him as a guide.

For the first time, I visited Jahangirnagar University. It is a very beautiful university—like an educational institute in a jungle. We visited the big pond, surrounded by big trees. It was afternoon, so everything got close, so we couldn't eat anything.

Salam took us to the bus for the Jahangirnagar University students. The bus was much smaller than the number of students. Now, it had an additional 10/12 students as guests. You can imagine how difficult it was to stand inside. It was very crowded.

We 5/6 girls were standing close inside the bus. The boy sitting in front of me became merciful. He stood up and gave me his spot to me to sit down. I got the seat. But other girls were not that lucky. Because other boys didn't get up. The boy who gave me the seat tried to encourage others. He was saying, these are our guests; if we bring our guests, we will also expect that others will give them the seats., so stand up and let the girls sit. His friends replied, I was protesting whole day to take our exam later, now I am tired, I won't give up my seat. The merciful friend kept requesting, but no one else listened. My friend Neela, with her beautiful big eyes, looked at the stood-up friend and said, " Udhe na to"(they are not standing up). The boy again asked them, but no result.

Finally, we got down from the bus, and our tour to Jahangirnagar University ended.

Here, I just want to give a salute from the bottom of my heart to the student who gave up his seat for me. Thank you so much. It was a big support for me. All males should understand this. You never know what a woman is going through in a day, so always be kind to them.

Bicycle lane

Bicycle Lane, separated from the road.

 In Canada, I have seen them always make a bicycle lane on the roadside. Cyclists are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk, no matter how wide it is. I found it very risky. The speed of the cars and bicycles doesn't match. That's why if any kind of collision happens, the cyclist dies in most cases. It's very common over here.

What if a collision happens between pedestrians and cyclists? In most cases, both will survive.

That's why a bicycle lane should be developed beside the sidewalk. There could be a divider or small gap between the two lanes. In this bicycle lane, try cycles, scooters, and some chairs that can run like cars.

Roads should be only for the 4 wheelers. Here are some examples and some beneficial ideas. Like adding solar panels to the bicycle lanes.

In Portugal, the bicycle lane is with the sidewalk.

Separated bicycle lane in Turkey

Bicycle lane with solar panel.

Solar panel shades with the bicycle lane at the divider of the roads. In South Korea

Solar panel shades with the bicycle lane at the divider of the roads. In South Korea.

Separated from the road, bicycle lane with the sidewalk but separated too, in the UK.

“How I saved my kids from sugar”

 The writer Yoni Freedhoff shared his experience in the article “How I saved my kids from sugar” (November 2018), saying that kids consume too much sugar from their friendly environments like grandparents and teachers. He then discussed how the parents could prevent it. He called them “The pushers.” Who are the people encouraging or giving sugar to the kids? According to the writer, these “Pushers” are everywhere. Mr. Freedhoff is a parent and a doctor who knows very well how much sugar a child can have in a day and how much they take in real life. Sometimes, people are taking sugar unknowingly. Traditionally, kids have been treated with sugar or sugar-based products, like candy. However, people can get enough sugar naturally from different fruits and vegetables. After that, unknowingly, they might consume more sugar from processed food, like tomato juice, yogurt, etc. Too much sugar consumption may cause various diseases. So, the government has made a rule that on the package, the ingredients list must mention that the product has sugar. Parents can also stop preparing junk food or sugar-based items at home and parties. Freedhoff also said it is tough to stop taking these tons of sugar because of politicians and greedy businesspeople.

 

Source:

Freedhoff, Y. (2018, November). How I saved my kids from sugar. The Walrus

https://thewalrus.ca/think-you-can-limit-your-kids-sugar-intake-think-again/

Biography 235: CNE (The exhibition)

 I first heard about the Exhibition at my workplace, Saskatoon (Saskatchewan, Canada). Most of my colleagues were younger. One day, I heard they were very excited to go to the Exhibition. The ticket is a bit expensive, but they are still planning to go together. Some were saying they would buy the combo package, which includes entry for six days and all rides.

I was surprised, but I didn't want to spend that amount of money. Next year, I thought, let's go for one day and give it a try.

I went there and bought all the rides for free with an entry ticket for the kid and me only to enter. It was an amazing experience. The kids go on rides as much as possible. We tried different foods and rides. Everybody was happy inside. Which makes you feel much better.

They have so many things to do that one day isn't enough. Now I understand why a colleague wanted to buy the whole week package.

After moving to Toronto, I still go to CNE (The Exhibition). Here, it is bigger and has more things to do. But it doesn't have that six days package. I liked the indoor shopping area, food, and different programs. I was scared of rides, and they cost extra money, too. But again, I felt everybody was enjoying their time here. It's a happy environment all around you. That is the main reason I like this place so much.

But it's expensive. So, every year, I try to go there for one day at least and spend as little as possible to keep my budget good.

Take less painkillers (medications)

 We have to be careful when we take any medication for painkillers. There are several issues that we have to consider. First, it can ruin your kidneys. So, please make your stomach full and drink lots of water when you take your painkillers. Still, it may harm your kidneys and other body parts (heart, nerves, etc.).

Another problem is that, in most cases, you don't know why the pain is there. You may depend on your past experience, so guess the reason. But there is always a chance to have a different reason. When you are taking painkillers, it may also demolish other pains, which may have occurred for various reasons. For example, you may take painkillers for your arthritis. You might be getting pain in headaches for different reasons, but the painkiller won't let you know at the primary level. The problem may come forward when it's late, and the problem has grown up.

So, take less pain killer or not at all if possible. Try to adjust your life with pain. As much as you can. In the long run, this may help to reduce your other unwanted physical problems.

Indigenous Policies, Rights and Resistance: GOVERNMENT / SOVEREIGNTY

 Based on Indigenous Policies, Rights and Resistance: GOVERNMENT / SOVEREIGNTY

Historical context:

Historically, Indigenous Governments were different in different tribes. Each tribe used to follow their traditions. This traditional knowledge was based on their spiritual ways, culture, language, and social expertise. It contained a legal system, political structures, and inherited relationships with lands, water, and everything.  The Indigenous government never surrender their land to the European settlers. They didn’t accept European or settler laws. Indigenous leaders signed the treaty where European settlers and Indigenous people agreed to run their sovereign on the same ground.

In 1963, the Canadian parliament recognized the Indigenous government, and the parliament gave them their fixed territory to run their sovereign. However, this wasn’t an exemplary scenario. Indigenous sovereignty was often questioned for the failure of understanding, lack of knowledge and other criticism.

The Canadian government was Eurocentric, and on the other hand, the Indigenous community was based on spirituality and personal autonomy. And Indigenous communities were distinct from each other too. These differences help to ignore the Indigenous right and claims.

Connection to policy/policies:

The French and English settlers made policies that they could occupy the land of the Indigenous people. The treaty policies were to distract the Indigenous leader, and then the settlers made policies to destroy the Indigenous economy. For example, making the Indian reserve areas, introducing the residential schools, legislating the Indian Act etc.

The Indigenous people were adapting and making new policies for their governance by following the European style. In this way, their social, political, and economic institutions were impacted.

In 1982, the Canadian Constitution Act gave treaty rights to Indigenous people, which was a significant achievement for the Indigenous people.

How Indigenous groups have engaged in resistance, reconciliation and /or redress.:

Reconciliation was the fundamental purpose of the Canadian Constitution Act 1982. In this Act, Canada has accepted Indigenous people's different types of government systems. There will be mutual recognition between the Canadian government and the Indigenous government. Both governments agree to make a mutual friendship and collaboration for economic partnership and resource development.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process. The Canadian Constitutional Act 1982 has section 35, where information is given in detail about Indigenous rights. The Canadian government agreed to continue decolonization activity until a fair partnership was built between the Canadian government and the Indigenous community.

Biography 234: Tomato salad with dry chilies

One day, one of my mother's cousins visited our home with her child. She wasn't the first cousin.

She was married to a wealthy family in the village. After her marriage, she found weapons in that house. She asked what these were. They said it was their business. At first, she thought they might have made these to sell, but later, she understood that they actually do robberies, and that's their business.

She came back to her parents' house and got divorced. Now her parents are gone, and she has to live with her brothers. Because traditionally, in Bangladesh villages, women don't get the land. Either the brothers took it or the husband. Sometimes, they get a little portion of the payment, sometimes not. Even that payment goes to the husband; they actually don't get anything.

So, my aunt didn't get anything. Now, she wanted her son to be educated. My mother asked them to come, or she came by herself, I didn't know. My mom appointed a teacher to teach the son some lessons so that he could be qualified anywhere to be admitted. Like all other kids, the son didn't want to study, so he told the teacher to go away and lie that my mother asked him not to give a lesson today. After a couple of days, the son got caught, and obviously, my mom didn't like that attitude.

Later, my mother admitted him to a madrasa (a religious school) and paid for him. It was a boarding school so he could live and get an education.

For all these processes, my aunt lived with us for a couple of days. I remember that Ramadan came. I always woke up late at night, warmed up all the food, and then called everyone to get up and eat. My aunt also used to get up early and work with me. She used to make a tomato salad.

She finely cut the tomatoes and onions, crushed dry red chillies, and finally mixed the well with salt. I was looking at her work when she said, "Don't you like the way I am making it? Won't you eat it?" I said, "No, no, I like salad."

That's true. She made it very tasty.

I don't know why my mother got angry with her later. My mother doesn't have any filter in her thoughts or mouth. Whatever someone says to her, especially from her parents' home, she will believe and act very badly. In most cases, I think people were not as faulty as she thought.

My aunt never came back to our house. I heard that her son continued studying. I hope they are all good now. But even now, I sometimes make tomato salad like she did. It's good.