BADHULI (POEMS)
by Dr. ALOK KUMAR RAY
Poetry
•
Published 2026
About the book
'Badhuli'......
Painting the palms or feet with 'Badhuli' (Balsams) is not only a manifestation of beauty and thirst for the flowers by girls and women but also another captivating appeal of the eternal attraction for feminine traits. This effort of a girl or a woman to verbalize her expression in public under the guise of traditional knowledge and artistic skill always confesses engagingly the essence of our prevalent social system. In which the best elegance standing at the forefront utters. In a compassionate time of the seasonal cycle-based system, Badhuli smiles in the garden. Out of the many varieties of red, pink, velvet, white etc., red Badhuli is everyone's favorite and is the perfect tool for decorating hands and feet. While on the tree red Badhuli portrays the intoxicating nature of red lips. The vague message of the primitive hypnosis it spreads in the air. After spending a few days on the tree, the petals of the colorful flower fall one by one. Putting a pause on the way of the flying mind, it explains the dignity of the soil. It succumbs to the needs of the time so much vulnerable. Be it the heart of a woman or a girl, as there is no hope for a little understanding and too much ignorance permeates, there due to deepening depth instead of propelling the boat by an oar, rowing remains as the only option. Even the moon in such a case is lost in the waves of the mind, as it fails to grasp the law that prevails. However the color of the Badhuli sits as before capturing a secluded place in the mind of women or girls. Badhuli leaves its home, becomes homeless, daughter will become, so also a woman. Badhuli 's petals fall down one after another, the daughter also and so also a woman. They are champions in the field of falling down, the epitome of negligence. Badhuli falls on the ground, feels deserted, the daughter meets the same fate and so also a woman as time passes. Throughout the year, Badhuli does not stay, her transformation continues unabatedly. The girl does not remain a daughter for all the times, she becomes a bride, a woman, a mother, and widow. The daughter or woman, in tune with the Badhuli bites herself at every moment even without any provocation. Affected by her own poison she falls down adhering to own fate. She somehow takes care of herself, and even after being thrown on the soil, she thinks it is better to reside inside the earth, become the scapegoat like Sita but not raising any sorts of protests that challenge the existing stereotypes. Both the chronological and virtual panoramic ideas linked to Badhuli though speak less but showcase an ambience where everything remaining below the ashes establish their presence in the ephemeral shape of dust and smoke.
Dr. Alok Kumar Ray
The human condition is a complex, multifaceted entity, encompassing the depths of human emotion, the struggles of existence, and the quest for meaning. Dr. Alok Kumar Ray's collection of poems delves into the intricacies of human experience, exploring themes of self-discovery, societal chaos, love, and awakening.
The poems in this collection are a reflection of the human condition, with all its contradictions and paradoxes. They grapple with existential questions, societal critiques, and the search for meaning in a world full of contradictions. The poet's introspection reveals a life of monotony, a cycle of wanting more; yet, this awareness sparks a desire to break free.
The “monkey mind”, driven by greed and instinct, is a potent metaphor for the human struggle. The poet's comparison of themselves to a monkey, jumping from one thing to another, captures the essence of this struggle. The poems invite the reader to reflect on their own existence, to question their desires, and to seek a deeper understanding of themselves.
The sky, a symbol of shared humanity, is partitioned by "sweet wills" and "tainted beliefs". The poems critique divisive ideologies, urging a return to unity. The result of this division is chaos, a world infected by "the virus of utter chaos". The poems call for recognition of our shared humanity, a call to transcend the boundaries that divide us.
The poems describe love as "sacred and clinically driven", a force that endures despite adversity. It's the "language of an infant", soothing and pure. This love isn't about possession but connection — a means to transcend pettiness. The poems call for awakening to the world's suffering. "Let's wake up for a Bumper investment in unison" — the urgency is palpable.
True change requires shedding apathy, seeing the "unseen, uncut screenings" around us. The poems invite the reader to wake up, to recognize the suffering, and to act.
Dr. Ray's poetry is a powerful exploration of the human condition, tackling issues like social justice, technology's impact on relationships, and mental health. His use of diverse voices and styles conveys the complexity of human emotions, from love to trauma. The collection also explores the symbolism of 'Badhuli' (Balsams), a flower that represents the beauty and fragility of life.
The poet reflects on the societal constraints that shape the lives of women, and the importance of recognizing and challenging these norms. Through this collection, Dr. Alok Kumar Ray offers a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, inviting readers to reflect on their own existence and the world around them.
In the poet's own words, "Badhuli" is a poetic expression of eternal thoughts and habitual but cross-cultural overtones like life and livelihood, love and passion, both earthly and heavenly joys and sorrows.
Dr. Ray's poetry is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the human experience, and this collection is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of human existence.
WILLIAMSJI MAVELI
An eminent Author, Editor and, Philosopher
