Sunday, December 27, 2015

The Quotation of the Week (December 27, 2015 - January 2, 2016)


A quotation of Gerard de Marigny on 'goals' and 'objectives,' compiled by Jerome D'Costa
Photo (An alleyway between two buildings in a mall in Toronto: Oct. 11, 2015) © Jerome D'Costa

Bookmark and Share

Friday, December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas to You All!


Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus in the manger
Artwork by Mary D'Costa (Dec. 24, 2015)

Bookmark and Share

Sunday, December 20, 2015

The Quotation of the Week (December 20 - 26, 2015)


A quotation of Pope Francis on 'Christmas,' compiled by Jerome D'Costa
Photo (Christmas decorations outside a house in Scarborough, Toronto: Nov. 25, 2015) © Jerome D'Costa

Bookmark and Share

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Today Is the 45th Victory Day of Bangladesh


Jatiyo Smriti Shoudho (national war memorial) at Savar, Bangladesh
Artwork: Mary D'Costa (Toronto: Dec. 15, 2015)

Today is Bangladesh's 45th Victory Day. On this day we specially remember the dead, who, during Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971, gave their lives to make the deadly struggle for independence and freedom a reality. Due to the sacrifices of these departed souls, freedom fighters, sacrificing population of the country, and foreign support, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation. 

The people of the then East Pakistan always had to struggle against the Pakistani ruling elite (big landlords or zamindars, government bureaucrats, and military leaders, mostly belonging to West Pakistan) since the independence of Muslim-majority Pakistan in 1947. The emergence of Pakistan itself was based on lies -- the populaltions of both the wings (East and West Pakistan) would live in freedom, prosperity and peace! The promises and actions of the ruling elite were always based on lies, and, even after independence of Bangladesh, the Pakistan government spews lies about the Liberation War. They are even using their money and material to influence some foreign governments and organizations as well as their local agents in Bangladesh to disrupt the war crimes trials in Dhaka. 

To understand the reality of the Bangladesh War of Independence (also called Liberation War) and the childish lies and hoodwinking efforts of Pakistan regarding the War, please read the following series of write-ups and videos published in the online edition of The Daily Star of Dhaka


Bookmark and Share

Monday, December 14, 2015

Pope Francis Inaugurates the Holy Year of Mercy (December, 2015 - November, 2016)


Pope Francis opens the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on December 8

Pope Francis opens and enters the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. John Lateran on December 13
Photo courtesy: Rex, via The Telegraph, U.K.
Pope Francis, on December 8 -- the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary -- inaugurated the Catholic Church's Holy (or Jubilee) Year, called this time The Holy Year of Mercy, by opening and entering the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI along with scores of cardinals, bishops, and priests was also present at the ceremony.   

The main purpose of this special year is to demonstrate the merciful and welcoming aspect of the Catholic Church rather than it moralizing , judging, and condemning aspect. 

Pope Francis said: "How much wrong we do to God and his grace when we speak of sins being punished by his judgment before we speak of their being forgiven before judgment and in any event God's judgment will always be in the light of his mercy."

Unprecedented security measures were taken for the pilgrims and attendees to the outdoor ceremony. Due to security concerns, due to previous Islamic State (ISIS) threat to the Vatican, only about 50,000 people participated in the inauguration ceremony. 

The Holy Year of Mercy, beginning from December, 2015, will last until November of 2016.

For details on the inauguration of the Holy Year of Mercy (or Jubilee Year), please read the following:


Bookmark and Share

Sunday, December 13, 2015

The Quotation of the Week (December 13 - 19, 2015)


A quotation of Charlie Parker on 'music,' compiled by Jerome D'Costa
Photo (A musician at Dundas Subway Train Station in Toronto: Oct. 25, 2013) © Jerome D'Costa

Bookmark and Share

Sunday, December 6, 2015

The Quotation of the Week (December 6 - 12, 2015)


A quotation of George Carlin on 'three types of people,' compiled by Jerome D'Costa
Artwork © Ujjal Peter D'Costa

Bookmark and Share

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

BANGLA KAGOJ: A Publication of Toronto


Bangla Kagoj -- a Bengali-language weekly -- from Toronto
The Bangla Kagoj weekly provides news, features, articles and columns on Bangladesh, Bangladeshi communities in North America (Canada and USA), international events and issues, arts, culture, economy, education, literature, politics, health and fitness, entertainment, sports, and more. 

Contact Email: thebanglakagoj@yahoo.ca

 This weekly is also available online at: Bangla Kagoj


Bookmark and Share