Raindrops and Reverie

 

Raindrops fall, and in their silver light,

Tears descend softly, mingling with the night.

With friends beside you, sorrow finds its balm,

Every shadow lifts, replaced by gentle calm.

If fire burns within, it brings its own glow,

Yet if it rages too fierce, it leaves but ashes below.

Sometimes rain caresses, a tender, soulful touch,

Sometimes it floods, washing doubts and fears as such.

Life drifts like a boat upon restless waves,

Bowing in prayer, yet steady, it braves.

Like a rainy umbrella, its path may twist and turn,

But still it moves forward, each breath a lesson to learn.

Years come and go, like whispers of time,

Life is fleeting, yet love makes the spirit climb.

The sun sends messages of hope to the day,

The moon spills light in Dawn’s gentle way.

Whoever lives with zest, with heart alive and free,

Finds life complete, as it was meant to be.

~ Dawn

Movie Review: Papa Buka

On December 8th, 2025, I had the privilege of watching the screening of Papa Buka at the Cine Grand in Fremont, an experience made even more special that our friend Prakash Bare co-produced the film and delivered a compelling performance as Anand Kunjiraman. This new film—Papua New Guinea’s official Oscar nomination is a heartfelt and visually captivating film that immerses the audience in the rugged beauty of New Guinea and the rich lives of its native tribes. The cinematography exquisitely showcases the land’s untouched landscapes, while the outstanding music elevates every scene with emotional depth. Each character leaves a strong and lasting impact. What moved me most was the sincere and powerful presence of Papa Buka, who steps into his first acting role with remarkable honesty. His performance feels natural, deeply human, and emotionally resonant—he becomes the soul of the story.

The narrative, set in 2010, offers an intimate glimpse into the region’s culture and its people. At the same time, it stirs broader reflections tied to the World War II struggles. Why do wars happen ? Who truly benefits from the war? Perhaps no one.

Papa Buka transcends the boundaries of a traditional film—it's an emotional journey into a world rarely seen on screen, one that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Heartfelt congratulations to Prakash Bare, Dr. Biju, and actress Ritabhari Chakraborty as Rumila, who was present at the preview.

Wishing all the more success and awards to promote many such stories that are yet to come out to the world!

~ Dawn