For Shakuntala, morning rituals guide the day
Bhubaneswar: Every day, Shakuntala Baliarsingh wakes up before dawn. She likes the early flow of breeze into the house as she immerses herself into the world of devotion and faith while listening to Hindi and Odia bhajans and tales from mythologies on the airwaves.
With the house getting filled up with ‘positive’ vibes, the 72-year-old Sahitya Akademi award winner does her yoga. “What I do during this time of the day is important for both my body and soul,” said the author.
Her morning routine done, she gets down to work, checking Phd thesis and a manuscript for a Hindi book. The reading and writing continues even after lunch before she moves to her own readings – Odia Bhagabata, books by Khalil Gibran and Nobel laureates’ memoirs. She also uses time to write articles for newspapers.
“Currently, I am not working on any major project. I cannot force creativity upon myself. It has to come automatically,” said Shakuntala, who has not stepped out of her home since March 22. “During this difficult time, we should abide by what the government has asked us to do and not contract the infection,” she added.
Her schedule includes spending time amid the greenery of her garden. Walking around the garden, cleaning it and pruning and watering the plants. She takes particular care of the Bael tree that has huge medicinal value.
Watching epics on the television and serials of historical value also keep her occupied. “Epics are mind-churning. I explain their value to my grandchildren, who are currently at home and pursuing their studies online. Children need to be guided and that’s what I am doing,” said Shakuntala.
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