Sunil K. Tiwari Favorite Picture

Professor of Mathematics Mathematics Department Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, California 94928 Office: 114 F Darwin Hall email: sunil.tiwari@sonoma.edu Phone: 707-664-2373

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I was born in Arrah (Ara), Bihar. I have spent significant parts ( > 2 yrs ) of my life at Sarathuan (Bhojpur, Bihar), Arrah (Bhojpur, Bihar), Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh), Socorro (New Mexico), Bozeman (Montana), and Rohnert Park (California).

Arrah is in the mid-west section of Bihar, 30 miles west of Patna. Sarathuan is a village of 350 families 6 miles south of Arrah in Udawant Nagar block. Even though my village did not have electricity, running water or paved roads, the best memories of my life come from my association with elders, sahpathis (friends of my age) and youngers of Sarathuan. Growing up in my village, I have witnessed and experienced for real, the funniest sit-coms, several tragedies/dramas (with happy and sad endings), and occasional Soap Operas. Festivals I miss the most are -- Holi, Deewali, Dasahara, Vasant Panchami (Saraswati puja) and CHHATH. Also, Sattuan and Sakranti.

Bhojpuri is the dialect I grew up speaking. Following words (please don't mind if you do not understand some or any of these) make me nostalgic -- Dolha-patti, kabbaddi, Gulli-danda, Aam, Amaroodh, Papita, telaha jalebee, lakatho, Batasha, tilkoot, horaha, llittee, Chaita, Fagua, Shiwala, khalihan, khet-badhar, Mai - Babujee, Bhaujee, Babua, etc. The list goes on. If you understand all of these then most likely you are from "hamar jawaar" (the neighborhood of my village).

Please click here to see the maps of India, Bihar and Bhojpur district.