It's been almost a year since the last time I was here. A lot has happened since then and in all of them I somehow ignored this part of me. But I'm glad I'm back! Oh I missed this so much!
But I'm here with some great news too! To get to the point, I've decided to shift my blog to Wordpress. I decided in favor of privately hosting my own Wordpress blog on my DigitalOcean VPS, along with a custom domain. I've done this after a lot of thought - which almost took more than a year. One of the major reasons I decided to do so was to be able to learn more, in terms of setting up and managing my own blog, and exercise greater control over it. Also, Wordpress's simplicity and minimalist design is what I had been searching for in all these years, and that clearly lacks in Blogger.
While I get a lot of advantages shifting here, I will also have to face the downside. The major one would be the serious hit I'll get in my online presence. My older blog has been with be since 2009 and has been doing decently well since then with over 60,000 page views. Leaving all of that, and switching to start everything anew wasn't an easy step - trust me.
More than that, the reason that made me stick to Blogger was because I do have a really special place in my heart for it. For if not for Blogger, I wouldn't be blogging and would have been completely unaware of this amazing community. I still remember back in December 2009, I just started a blog, having no idea of what it is, but just because I saw another option on the services that Google had to offer.
But in the end, one fine day, I decided that it's time to part ways from Blogger and finally move forward. And so I got the cheapest available plan on DigitalOcean, got a custom .in domain from BigRock and setup everything.
Surprisingly, the transition was really simple and I could transfer all of my posts and comments to Wordpress. It doesn't end here - the time stamps too remained the same way!
I've also hosted my own website, which you should definitely check out.
I'll will no longer be posting on this blog and I guess this new place will bring new enthusiasm in me and hopefully I'll be posting more!
Set in the backdrop of 1990 Calcutta, 'She' is a story about finding one's own identity in spite of all odds. The story spins around the life of Kusum, a brave heart whose identity is often untitled and blurred; it does not belong anywhere, definitely not under the 'he' or 'she' bracket because of our social conditioning. Will she be successful in her mission?
The motivation to write 'She' came from Tagore's "Ekla Cholo Re" song, which urges the protagonist to continue despite the fear of abandonment from others. The song goes like this, "Jodi tor dak shune keu na ase tobe ekla cholo re" meaning "If no one responds to you call, then go your own way alone."
About the author
Santosh started his career as a consultant and Soft Skills Trainer. After his college education from NITK, Surathkal, he worked as a researcher at University of Eindhoven, University of Twente, and Indian Institute of Science, Bnagalore. He was also the Placement President while working at IISc, Bangalore. He has over twenty-five publications of mostly research documents in national and international journals. He has also authored sixteen conference papers and regularly writes articles for a national and worldwide daily paper. He also works as an advisor for various organizations.
He also dabbles in fiction writing and is the author of Adhuri Prem Kahaniya, Dear Wife, Your husband is not a superhero, Second Heart and Get a job without an interview; Be A B.A.; Surrogate Author; Title is Untitled; Black, Grey and White; The Departing Point; God's Table and Umbilical Cord.
He likes to devote his personal time in writing for a website, namely the Amrita Foundationfor HRD. He has conducted seminars and training sessions for more than 45,000 people in India and abroad over the last seven years.
Review
How common it is a sight to stop at a traffic signal and see transgenders fighting for their livelihood? Have you ever thought about people suffering from serious identity crisis?
Don't make the mistake of taking this book about a story of two people on a journey, it is much more than that. The author has very beautifully tried to give us a learning here, to show the other side of the story. Through Kusum, the author tries to explain in a very brief manner about the various challenges she had to go through while discovering her identity and more importantly - being open about it.
I've never really thought about the issues his book tried to address, and I feel I owe it to the author for making all of us ponder on the issue, in such a beautiful and elegant manner.
This one is a must read. You can only experience what I'm talking about when you read it.
PS: Don't miss the ending. Rating: 4/5
Book: SHE - Ekla Cholo Re Author: Dr Shayan Haq and Santosh Avvannavar Page: 58 Language: English
Paperback king Aditya Kappor's life is straight out of a modern man's fantasy. His literary stardom is perfectly balanced by a loving wife and a spectacular career. With everything he touches turning to gold, Aditya is on a winning streak.
Shreya Kaushik is a student with a heart full of ambition. Young, beautiful and reckless, Shreya speaks her mind and obsessively chases after what she wants. And what she wants is to be a bestselling author.
What happens when their worlds collide? Is it possible to love two people at the same time? Can real ambition come in the way of blind passion? Can trust once broken, be regained?
Master storyteller Ravi Subramanian delves into the glitzy world of bestsellers and uncovers a risky dalliance between a superstar novelist and his alluring protege.
The Bestseller She Wrote is a combustible cocktail of love, betrayal and redemption.
About the author
Ravi Subramanian, an alumnus of IIM Bengaluru, has spent two decades working his way up the ladder of power in the amazingly exciting and adrenaline-pumping world of global banks in India. Four of Ravi's seven bestselling titles have been award winners. If God Was a Banker, wont the Golden Quill Readers' Choice Award. He won the Economist Crossword Book Award in 2012 for The Incredible Banker. The Crossword Book Award in 2013 for The Bankster and more recently in 2014 for his thriller Bankerupt. For Ravi, The Bestseller She Wrote, marks the beginning of a new chapter in his writing. A significant departure from his usual fare, this is Ravi's first book on romantic intrigue.
Review
Ravi Subramanium has tried to do something different this time by getting an element of romance in his books, and has succeeded to an extent.
The book is about a rockstar banker cum author, who as a result of some events fall under a series of troubles personally and professionally. The book ends with all characters coming to a grand ending with lots of confrontations.
While it might seem like a regular banker thriller from Ravi, the story does take an adultery angle. Despite what might seem like a slow start, the book does try and manage to keep you engaged. A lot of time has been spent of character development and it pays off when the book actually starts to get interesting near the 50% mark. Unexpected turn of events and surprises is something that comes naturally to Ravi's books and they are sure to keep you engrossed for an easy one-sit read. Readers will be delighted to get an ending which would make them turn the pages back as Ravi has left clues all throughout the book.
The only negative point was that the ending did seem like a littleplastic.
When we think of a typical Indian village, what comes to our mind? The green lustrous farms, homely food, the starry nights, clean air full of nature's fragrance, dearly people, peacefulness and... defecating in the open.
Up until now, we always had this tendency to accept this fact as a way of life in the villages. But it's high time to change that. It's something one shouldn't be proud of, because of the endless disadvantages it carries. When the Prime Minister of the country addresses such issues in it's national address on the Independence day, then there is no doubt that it's time we take this up seriously.
Source : www.sundaytimes.lk
One can't argue to the fact that sanitation and open defecation is one of the biggest concern for the country. Close to 600 million people in the country defecate in the open today. This number is greater than entire population of countries like Denmark, Finland, Singapore, Ireland etc.
It increases the risk of microbial contamination of water which causes diseases like diarrhea. 2,15,000 children under 5 years of age die because of diarrhea.
20% of deaths among under-14 children is caused by poor sanitation and hygiene.
Close to 28 million school children do not have access to school toilet facilities.
Countless number of school days are lost due to lack of access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
Only 6% of rural children less than 5 years of age have access to toilets.
India accounts for the most number of under-5 deaths.
These are hard facts which give an idea of the seriousness of the problem. It poses direct threat to the lives of countless innocent children and others all across the country. Not to forget the impact it has on dignity of human life.
So, what can we do about it? Raise awareness, for one. Recently, following the Prime Minister's speech on Independence day, a group of newly wed women in a small village in UP decided to leave their in-law's house as it didn't had toilets. As a result, toilets were established in the village to bring them back. This is a good example of how awareness brought a good change for them, and all the others in the village.
I wondered for long, what can I, so far away from the site of action, busy in the life do something for such a cause? And then today morning I came across this initiative taken by Domex. With every click Domex contributes ₹5 for making villages open defecation free. They are already on their way in doing so starting with the states of Maharashtra and Orrisa.
This hardly take 30 seconds of your life and is surely more effective than liking and sharing pictures on facebook.
Bring about the change in the lives of millions of kids by
showing your support for the Domex Initiative. All you need to do is
“click” on the “Contribute Tab” on www.domex.in
and Domex will contribute ₹5 on your behalf to eradicate open
defecation, thereby helping countless kids live a dignified life.
Phew! Where do I begin? It's been more than a year now since I touched this part of me. The last time I wrote anything here, I was still a teen! It's not that I had completely forgotten about this little space of mine, I tried. Oh boy! I tried countless number of times. Coming to this page, clicking on the "New Post" button. Sitting there, watching that blinking cursor over the white space. But my hands never moved to type. It didn't took long, when I would just close the tab, thinking probably it's not the right time yet. At times, my hands would begin to type. I would write, filling up that blank white space with the black text, only to scrap everything and dumping the whole draft.
But today, it feels different.
I'm a really curious person, and not getting answers kills me. I've spent days, satisfying my curiosity, to get answers. I succeeded at times, but still waiting for many other such answers.
I sometimes wonder if this has anything to do with my childhood dream of being a detective. Taking these mysterious things as my unsolved detective cases and using my hunger to solve these mysteries at a sub-conscious level. But that's a thing for some other time.
Talking about childhood dreams, I was a big fan of music. I sucked as a singer at the stage, but was a rockstar in my bathroom. Everyday I'd have a concert of my own, right in my bathroom. Even today, at times.
My interests in music has varied a lot as I grew up. I remember as a child, I enjoyed 50 cents and Eminem. Their rap songs fascinated me, and I would try to imitate them, failing every time with only gibberish coming out of mouth. But let me tell you, the imaginary audience in my bathroom went crazy listening to me every single day.
I believe music goes beyond the language, beyond words. It's really about connecting to the listener, and one doesn't necessarily needs words for that.
I learned this fact by listening to a lot of songs in a LOT of different languages. There are a lot of different kinds of songs, all with a lot of varying emotions. Even if it is not possible to understand the words, you can get the essence of it, through the video or through the beats and can really enjoy it. It's possible to feel the theme of the song.
In particular, I really like the songs with videos with an open end. The kind of video which doesn't want you to directly spoon-feed you the meaning, it is there, hiding behind the veils of each shot. And there are many layers to actual meaning or the story behind it. Each time you watch it, the meaning unfolds exposing the deeper expressions.
One such song is "Powiedz mi, ze nie chcesz" (No, I didn't type gibberish) by Dawid Podsiadło (Yes! Dawid with a w), a Polish singer. He sings of course in Polish and sometimes in English too. Some of his songs are really nice to listen. I do have a few favorites from him and this wasn't the first song I heard of his. But it did caught my attention.
It's been almost 2 months now since I first heard the song. I've heard it countless number of times since then. When you watch it, the music, the emotions, the actions of all the characters shows there is a possible meaningful story behind all this. And I was pretty sure it's a mind blowing one. It's not obvious for one to get it at the first try. But you do get the feeling, that the journey of discovering that deeper meaning would be well rewarded.
To get to the bottom of this, I first tried watching it again and again... and again. Each time I watched, I could pick up a few minute details, which I had missed the last time. Actually, also because I liked the song.
I would create up certain assumptions about various things, kind of like a story in my head, and would watch the video again to check if the story could fit in. It worked in most cases, but still had many flaws and unexplained things.
It went to the point, when I would just discuss this song's video with friends, I was kind of obsessed.
Then, one fine day, I just happened to go through the singer's facebook page. After a few minutes going through that page, I glanced at that one button at the top, "Message". It was a really stupid idea. Message a famous singer, that too on facebook? As if they'd have enough time in the world to reply to such stupid messages. But, I guess I was in the "Just do it" mood at that point of time, I just quickly clicked it, typed a small message and sent it. And I forgot about it. Total waste of time, or was it?
Few days later, I got a reply! That would have been the last thing I expected, even after getting struck by lighting and meeting Christian Bale. I just couldn't believe it. More importantly, I didn't understood it. But I had it before my eyes, and I was excited beyond comparison. I guess the last line worked.
I waited patiently for one of my other lucky days!
My mystery had been solved. I was relieved.
But what's the use of posting this here? No, this post isn't about the song. It isn't about one of my 'unsolved cases' being solved. After all, I'm no Sherlock Holmes, and neither my 'cases' the likes of it.
It's about two important things I learned.
First, never stop trying because there is no harm in trying. I could have not messaged him, simply because the probability of him replying was negligible. But there was a possibility, and that's what one should see. At the worst, he wouldn't have replied, and it wouldn't have affected me in any case. But I went ahead with it, and was well rewarded for it.
I want to thank Malcolm Gladwell and Nike here.
Nike obviously for it's tag line, "Just do it". These three words have helped me in countless situations when I didn't had the courage to do something or when I didn't have enough reasons to do it. Just remember these three words, and you'll find yourself with a new found energy, courage and reasons to do something. It really works.
Nike - Just do it
Malcolm Gladwell, for his books, which talked about always keep trying, always keep asking, because there is no harm in it, and it can surprise you at times with the results. I had a personal experience.
Malcolm Gladwell
And the second thing.
It was so nice for him to reply. His humble-ness and down to earth nature just made me feel so good, for there are still few good and nice hearted people out there. That there is still goodness left in this world. That sometimes when you trust people, it does not go in vain. That only if you have faith, and you believe in people, good things will happen to you!
So, here is a BIG Thank you, Dawid Podsiadło! You just made me learn a few little but important learning through your song, and through your gesture. You have a new fan.
Rishi Vohra, author of 'Once Upon the Tracks of Mumbai' was kind enough to take out some time and answer a few questions.
Rishi Vohra
Rishi Vohra recently relocated back to Mumbai after completing a Green MBA from San Francisco State University and a Masters Diploma in Environmental Law, prior to which he has had a successful career in the Indian entertainment industry.
Having been a guest columnist for various newspapers in India, he currently writes for delWine and is a Certified Specialist of Wine.
RG: How did book writing started for you?
RV: I had this character in my head and felt this pressing urge to give him a life on paper. One day, I just sat down and started writing and wrote every day, before and after work. Several months later, I had the first draft of my book in hand. At that time, I was writing for fun. The thought of trying to push it for publication came in much later.
RG: How did you get the idea for "Once Upon The Tracks of Mumbai"?
RV: I had only the character in mind and just a rough storyline. Random thoughts started hitting me while writing the book, and his story unfolded with each page.
RG: What were the challenges you faced while publishing your book?
RV: I was in California at the time of deciding to push this book for publication. I faced more challenges there than here, as literary agents abroad told me that the book "wasn't written with Western sensibilities." When I turned towards the Indian market, within a few months itself, several publishers expressed an interest to pick up the book for publication.
The book was just awarded an 'HONORABLE MENTION' in the General Fiction Category at the Hollywood Book Festival 2013, so now readers in those circles (in the U.S.) are beginning to take notice of the book.
RG: How was your reaction seeing your published work in your hands?
RV: It was like holding your newborn baby! I can't explain the feeling but I count that moment among the several moments of true happiness in my life.
RG:Any memorable moments you remember while writing this book?
RV: I was in Berkeley, California at the time. Besides UC Berkeley and its eateries, the place is known also for its thriving arts and culture scene. This made it an environment conducive to write all over the place - on the footpath, the UC Berkeley campus, coffee shops, the lawns etc. In the process, I met many artists (painters, musicians, poets, jugglers etc) and we always exchanged ideas about the kind of work we were doing. It was a learning process for me, which also encouraged me to keep at it. I learned that anything created by or done from heart will always bring you joy and that is what we should strive for rather than constantly looking for the approval of others.
RG: Are you currently working on your next?
RV: My next is ready. It's a fun ride set in Bollywood.
RG: Who is the first one to read your initial drafts?
RV: Close friends and family.
RG: When not writing, what do you usually do?
RV: I don't have a set routine, but I'm always doing something productive!
RG: How do you handle criticism?
RV: Positively. After all, criticism is always intended to steer someone in the right direction. I use it only for betterment and never take it personally.
Synopsis
It's just another evening at the Tiller's Club.
Capt. Rana, a Young Officer training at the War College, stands at the bar, deliberately avoiding his pregnant wife, Heena. Saryu, village belle-turned-modern babe, drink in hand, chats up another YO. Her husband, Maj. Vikram Singh, shoots angry glances at her. The flamboyant Lt. Col. Gary Randhawa and his wife Pam chat merrily with the senior officers - who'd guess that they lead on underground swinger couples' club?
In a corner stands Eva, the beautiful Anglo-Indian wife of Maj. George Chandy, who finds herself at the heart of a murder mystery. The murdered woman's body is covered with cigarette burns. A six-year-old girl's wrist is similarly marked. Another little girl shows signs of severe abuse.
This is Jacob Hills: and army station that houses the War College. A world of genteel conversation, smart men and graceful women. Set in the 1980's - in a country on the cusp of tradition and Westernized modernity - Jacob Hills is the story of what lies beneath the smooth veneer. It's a noxiousness the Chandys must confront if their love is to survive Jacob Hills.
About the author
Ismita Tandon Dhankher is 'A Lesser Known Poet'. Her poem, 'I am Beautiful', won a prize in the Yahoo-Dove Indibloggers contest. She's also the author of the romantic thriller Love on the rocks, released in 2011.
Ismita went to Sophia College, Ajmer, where she studied economics, history and sociology. After acquiring MBA and a brief stint in the foreign exchange division of Thomas Cook, Mumbai, she took up poetry and prose wholeheartedly.
She's currently working on The song of the Sufi Masroof, a book of photographs and poems. Ismita blogs at www.lesserknownpoet.com.
Review
The cover of the book has a 1980's look and gives an impression of a thriller/suspense type book. It is plain and simple. The synopsis doesn't really tells much about the book, but gives an introduction to the different characters.
The book is set in 1980's, in Jacob Hills, a military camp near Shimla. Being set in an Army surrounding, it gives a whole lot of detail about the ways and functioning of army, including the boss-subordinate relations, the officer's club and the officer's wives. It also shows the hard realities of women abuser, child marriage and child abortion. Only a lady author could have written the book in such a detail mentioning even the minutest detail, specially the part where officer's wives is included.
The character building is done perfectly, spending just the right amount of time describing the character. The reader is able to make an impression of the character. The narration is plain and simple, and plot is beautifully built.
One of the most interesting thing about this book is it's alternate person narrative style. Each chapter is written from the point of view from a different character which makes the book even more interesting. It helps in giving an account from the point of view of different characters, such as the abuser and the one being abused, the lover and the hater. This is the main USP of this book.
Although I did feel the ending was abrupt, and could have been better, or the author could have spent more time on it.
On the whole, this is an short enjoyable read. Read it for it's alternating person narrative style, the army related surrounding and the character building. Rating: 3.5/5
Book: Jacob Hills Author: Ismita Tandon Dhankher ISBN: 9789350296493 Publisher: Harper Collins Genre: Fiction/Suspense Page: 263 Language: English
I got a chance to ask a few questions to Rituraj Verma, author of 'Love, Peace and Happiness: What more can you want?'. I am really grateful for his time and patience.
Rituraj Verma
Rituraj Verma started his career as a mechanical engineer having cleared
the IIT JEE as a fluke. He pushed his luck further and by another
fluke, managed to get into Tulane University, New Orleans, for this MBA.
Naturally, he switched tracks to FMCG, sales, retail, real estate, and
then finally, consulting. He met his wife, Smriti, at the Indian
Railways Staff College in Baroda and has always claimed that she was the
lucky one, which of course, is often debated in the family.
His true calling, however, seems to be writing, and this book is an act
of subconscious expression, amalgamating real life stories with fantasy
in a liberating manner.
In his adventurous moments at home, he enjoys being referee to his son
and daughter Sometimes, he manages to sound tuneful when he is playing
the electric guitar, though some neighbors disagree. When he is not
playing the guitar, he is usually playing with his own hair on this
head.
RG: At what point of time in your life did you first thought of publishing your book? What was your inspiration? RV: That's an interesting question. A colleague of mine had just published his first book and he asked me what I had written in my college days. And the story came back to me, almost as I had written it 23 years ago. That's when I decided that I would do a book of connected short stories.
My inspiration for this book has been the angst behind the lives of people in urban settings. Stories surround us. I just wrote some of them down.
RG: What challenges did you faced while publishing your first book? RV: There were many challenges - one of course was finding a publisher. The second was getting the book proof read and corrected in time. A third was finding a good publicist.
RG: What was your reaction when you finally had your first published work in your own hands? RV: It was a feeling you get at the end of completing a long distance run. You know you are finished, but you could have done better.
RG: Love, Peace and Happiness, is completely different in the sense that it isn't a novel, neither a collection of short stories, it's somewhere in between that. How did you came up with that? RV: I wanted to come up with something that was half blog half book, and could interact with readers in a meaningful way. So I decided to write this book in a completely different style. I think that the future holds promise for this genre - called Adaptive Fiction as e-readers take over. The experience of reading will take on a different complexion in the future as the devices that people read books on will remain connected to the net.
RG: What was the idea behind giving your readers the liberty to end the stories on their own will? RV: As I wrote this book, I gave the stories to several friends who somehow seemed to interpret each story differently. Then I realized that there were many layers to each story, and I thought that each reader should be allowed to introspect and decide on how the stories should end. So I put up alternate ending on a website and gave them the option of contributing their own endings too.
RG: Any memorable moments you remember while working on this book? RV: The fifth story in the book is a particularly poignant story, one which draws inspiration from a close friend's life. When I sent the story to my editor, she read it and sent me a message - "This is my story - How come you have written it?" I was pretty touched by her comments and I felt that I had done justice to the struggle of young women in India.
RG: Are you currently working on your next? RV: Yes, I am. Actually I have started work on my next three books. The first is in the same genre as LPH, the second is a myth fantasy set on the day that the Manu Smriti is being written.
RG: Who is the first one to read your initial drafts? RV: The first reader is my wife, the second my daughter and the others are close friends.
RG: When not writing books, what do you usually do? RV: I read a lot, I like watching movies, and of course I work too.
RG: What kind of books do you usually read? RV: I read a lot of American authors. These days I have started to read mythological fiction as the next book is a myth fantasy.
RG: Who is your favorite Indian author? RV: I like the world created by Amish the most.
RG: How do you handle criticism? RV: I had a tendency to over react, till I learned that it's best to soak it in and improve one self.
RG: What is your alternate occupation like? RV: I am a real estate consultant.
RG: One thing you would wish to change to make this world a better place to live? RV: Literacy for all. I think that is our biggest challenge as a nation. As an author, I think more people reading will change this country.
RG: Any final words to the readers? RV: Don't give up reading. Read something, anything on a daily basis. And don't spend too much time watching TV or surfing the net.
Synopsis "Autistic. Schizopherenic. Psychotic..." 'They' use these words to describe Babloo - the doctors, his family, his teachers... everyone... except Vandana. She treats him the way he wants the world to see him. Mumbai... the city that defines his ultimate desires. Will it allow him the love and 'normalcy' he so craves? Vandana... yearns for a soul mate to rescue her from the confines of the Railway Colony they all live in. Is she looking in the right place? Rail Man... a fearless, real-life hero who succeeds in doing all that Babloo secretly wishes to do... is Babloo his inspiration or.. is it the other way around? A random twist of fate on Mumbai's endless, serpent-like, jangling local train tracks ties all these characters together in a complex weave of love, heartbreak and courage. Babloo draws the reader into his fascinating, heart-rending journey through the twisted, choked lanes of Mumbai, into an open space where he can finally exhale, be born again. About the author Rishi Vohra recently relocated back to Mumbai after completing a Green MBA from San Francisco State University and a Masters Diploma in Environmental Law, prior to which he has had a successful career in the Indian entertainment industry. Having been a guest columnist for various newspapers in India, he currently writes for delWine and is a Certified Specialist of Wine. This is his first novel. Review They say never judge a book by it's cover. And it's said precisely for this book. On the first look, it might look like a rosy Indian Bollywood-ish love story, but trust me, it's not!
The story is about Babloo, who is suffering from autism, but the world around him fails to understand him. Everyone considers him good for nothing and is always compared with his younger sibling, who has a job; except one. Enter Vandana, somehow she finds the un-usual way of Babloo amusing and funny. And then there is Sikander, who is a total neighborhood playboy, who somehow uses Babloo to get to Vandana. Babloo wishes to do something big and different, and refuses to take the job of an office boy that his father had arranged for him. He wants to help others selflessly and become a hero. Will he be able to come out of the web of his life to achieve what he really wants? The book is about his journey. All of this is set into an city unexpected - Mumbai. And in a neighbourhood which values the opinion of the society to the brim. With twist and turns all through the plot and some harsh realities of the society, the setup is sure to keep you hooked till you reach the end. The way he book is written surely surprises me, it's not a typical Indian novel. The narration is smooth all through the book, and is sure to keep your hooked. There are elements of surprise, pinch of humor, realities of how the society works, and a man who wants to be good, so that he can be with his love of life. This book won't disappoint you, and is worth every penny spent. You are sure to have a good time reading it.
Rating: 3/5
Book: Once Upon The Tracks of Mumbai Author: Rishi Vohra ISBN: 97881849553053 Publisher: Jaico Books Genre: Fiction Pages: 266 Language: English The author can be reached at his official website.
Anu is a leather wearing, no-nonsense professional guardian with a reputation for killing the most dangerous vampires in New York City. But when her enemies murder the one person she truly cared about, all she wants is vengeance. The only clue points to New Delhi, so Anu puts in for a job transfer.
In India, she finds more than she expected. For one thing, her fellow operatives have made a truce with the vampires.
For another, it's way too hot to wear leather.
At first, it seems Anu's biggest challenge will be evading the nice boys her aunt wants her to marry. But when children start disappearing, she discovers forces older and darker than anything she's faced before. All of Delhi is in danger, especially the sexy stranger who sets Anu's pulse racing.
To prepare for the coming battle, Anu must overcome her personal demons and put aside years of training. This time, her most powerful weapon will come from her mind, not her weapons belt.
About the author
Adi grew up reading fiction books by flashlight, hiding under the covers, pretending to be asleep. While it would certainly affect his academic life the next day, he did go on to get degrees from Stanford University and Harvard University, so it was not at all bad.
Somewhere along the line, a poetry book and a minor textbook were published. He wishes he could withdraw all copies of said poetry book from the market. At the time, it was poignant, but now it's just embarrassing.
He's always given more credit for his successes in life to those late-night reading habit of years ago than to the high-school academics he trudged through, and he yearned to write one of those books himself.
Deeply impressed by the vast religious history of India, he could not help but pick this topic for his first novel.
Review
You know the saying never judge a book by it's cover? Well, that is completely applicable in this case. While the cover is way too immature and shabbily designed, the content inside will not disappoint you. The good thing is the author realized this fact, and has a contest running up to design his new cover.
The book is about Anu, a professional guardian who keeps the vampires of the city at bay. However, this makes her closed ones at risk, when finally the vampires takes over the only person she cared of. Seeking vengeance, she makes her way to India. Assessing the situation here, she realizes it is a lot different from what was back there in New York City. As she digs deeper, she reveals the deep dark secrets of how the vampire community in this new place works. But soon she realizes her real enemy isn't actually the vampire community, but someone even worse than that, who is a lot more powerful from the vampires, whom to kill would take a lot more than the ceramic blades.
Enter Dr. Sharma and Pandit Grover, who help her de-mystify the secrets of Senaka, her enemy. She soon realizes that his weapons is less of physical, but more of spiritual, the power of tantra. She now has to dig down deep into the old sanskrit texts to look for a weapon to face Senaka, the sattvic way. This would mean, she has to go beyond her capabilities, master the skills of something which hasn't been used in years and realize her potential to the fullest, within the limited time!
The book is total page turner. Great narration, in a complete flow, with a pinch of humor, this book is sure to hook you up. You are sure to enjoy your time with this book, and would just wish to reach the last page of the book, to know how the mystery unveils itself. However, I do feel at some places the description was un-necessary and that the author tried to spoon-feed a point or two. A lot of questions were left un-answered, and so I feel we can expect a sequel to this. On the whole, the book is sure to give you a great time. Buy it, read it, enjoy it! Rating: 3.5/5 Book: Tantra Author: Adi ISBN: 9788190863629 Publisher: Apeejay Stya Publishing Genre: Fiction Pages: 335 Language: English This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!
This post has been published by me as a part of the Blog-a-Ton; the thirty-seventh edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. To be a part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton. The theme for the month is "The woman on platform number 10" It's not that this was happening for the first time, but today was different. It went past that threshold value, and so finally Jay decided to run away from his house. He left the house, on his toes, making sure no one from his family comes to know about it. His house was at a walk-able distance from the railway station. He had heard from his friends, whose elder brothers had gone to Mumbai and were now independent and earning. And so he thought of going to Mumbai, away from his house, away from this mess. He ran with all his might, crying, till he reached the railway station. He saw the railway information board, and noted the next train to Mumbai leaves in another 3 hours from platform number 10. He went to the platform number 10. There were not many people there, considering it was a small town, and the odd hour. He sat on an empty bench, crying. Most of the shop vendors were closed. He was all alone there, except those dogs who were looking for something to eat. He cried for a while, till suddenly he felt warmth on his shoulder. He looked up and saw a women sitting beside him. He never noticed when she had come and sat there. There was something really special about this women. He could feel the sudden change in the atmosphere. He could feel the positivity which had been missing all this while. Her smile had the aura to evade any worries around her, no matter it's magnitude. He somehow felt better around her. W: What happened? Why are you crying? Jay: Who are you? W: That isn't important, my boy! Tell me, what happened to you? Jay: I am running away from my home, I'll go to Mumbai, and earn and be independent so that I don't have to go to home again. W: Why do you want to leave your home? Jay: Every single day, my father drinks alcohol, and then comes back to home and beat my mother. They both yell at each other, use bad words. And then my fathers beats her even more. They tell me to go to a different room, but their voices isn't stopped by the walls. Since I'm their only child, I get very scared. Once I tried stopping them, but that went in vain and my father started beating me instead. And then later my mother scolded me for intervening in between them. Since then I didn't do anything to stop them. I just hid behind the door, crying, wishing everyday that some angel would and save us from my father. But I don't think that is ever going to happen, so I'm running away from them. Once and for all. W: But that isn't going to stop the problem, right? He is still going to beat your mother everyday. Don't you think you should do something to stop them? Jay: Yeah, but what can I do? I tried already what I could. W: Let me talk to your mother once, bring her here tomorrow in the afternoon. Jay: She wouldn't come. What should I say to her? W: Just bring her here, say anything, just bring her here anyhow. I'll surely sort out this mess for you. But for now, you must go back to your home and sleep. And be a strong boy, you shouldn't cry. Jay: I think you are right. I'll go back to my home. Thank you.
Jay somehow felt good. It was a strange feeling, but he felt better, after a really really long time. He felt that everything is going to be good now. He was now all determined to sort this mess, instead of running away from it. So, he slept that night. In the morning, he was faced by another challenge. To somehow get her mother to the railway station. He thought of faking it and told her that she needs to receive some relatives. She somehow believed him. He didn't expected her to believe him so easily, but he was relieved. He had faith in that lady he met a day before. Upon reaching the railways station, Jay saw that women. Seeing her, he blurted out the truth. At first, his mother was angry on him, but somehow the aura that unknown woman had made her anger vanish in no time. W: Jay told me everything. He was about to run away to Mumbai, I stopped him. M: WHAT? Really? Oh god, thank you so much. It's just that... W: I know everything, I am just here to help you. M: But who are you? W: That isn't necessary. What is necessary is to stop what is happening with you. The woman instructed Jay's mother a bunch of things and told her to do as she said. She reassured her that everything is going to be alright. Later that day, as usual, Jay's dad entered the house, drunk. Seeing his wife, he started his usual routine. As soon as Jay saw his father had started to beat his mother, he dialed a number from the mobile phone the woman had gave him. Instantly, the door bell rang. When my mother went to see who rang the bell, as expected, there was no one.She went back, and the heinous act of his father continued. Again, the bell rang, and just like before, there was no one on the door. This went on for another couple of times, when his father really lost it, and went himself to see who was on the door. All he saw were two men with Bell Bajao written on their cap. This outraged the father even more, he slammed the door, and blurted out all his anger on the mother. More than what he was doing previously. This really scared Jay. He saw his father angry every single day, but not to this extent. Suddenly, the door bell began to ring. This time more frequently. Again and again. His father ignored it, and continued beating his wife. Finally, with a loud thud, the door broke open. Men in khakhi uniform stood at the other side of the road, with handcuffs in their hand waiting to be binded to someone. The father was arrested and was taken to police station. He was charged of domestic violence and was sentenced to prison for a really long time. This meant Jay and his mother could now live in peace. It was almost a dream come to true for him, for he had wished only one thing, every single day, for the past 2 years. He then saw the woman. Jay: Thank you so much. All my worries have gone. All thanks to you. I've really cleared this mess. But who really are you? W: Remember you had always wished for an angel to come to save you from this mess? He heard his mother calling out him, he turned his head in other direction, by the time he turned back to his original position, there was no one. It was like someone had vanished. He then realized, his wish had finally come true, he had met the angel of his life. "Truth is stranger than fiction", he thought. That night, he and his mother had a peaceful sleep after a really really long time.
***
Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is a pattern of coercive behavior that is used by one person to gain power and control over another. It may include the use of physical and sexual violence, verbal and emotional abuse, stalking and economic abuse. Sexual, emotional and psychological intimidation may also occur.
Every year, many men and woman become a victim of domestic violence. If you are a victim, or if you know anyone who is, then raise your voice, report it at the first sign of it.
If anything happens infront of you, then don't forget to Ring the Bell!
The fellow Blog-a-Tonics who took part in this blog- a-ton and links to their respective posts can be checked here. To be a part of the next edition, visit and follow Blog-a-Ton.
So, you're just sitting in the middle of the night, thinking about the long list of things you want to do on your weekend, and then you realize what you actually need to do. Clear up the backlogs. Yeah, that's right! I never fail to delay such posts. And so, continuing the tradition, here I am again, coming up with something what I should have done quite a few months ago! Yeah, it's an AWARD POST, and you know what that means! I've been nominated for the Liebster Award! Yay!! Even though this might not be my first award, but believe me the excitement is still the same. I'm thrilled everytime to see such nominations! What more? Not one, but three people nominated me this time. Leo, Priya and Ayushi. Thank you all of you for considering me for this thing!
But every award comes up with it's own set of rules, and this is no exception. So let's have a look. 1. Post 11 things about yourself. 2. Answer 11 questions set by the nominator. 3. Choose 11 deserving bloggers 4. Set 11 questions for them. 5. Let them know about it. Okay, 11 random things about me. This is seriously the most difficult part, cause I don't really know what to say. But I'll try my best! 1. I generally prefer working till late in the night, cause there is no one to disturb you at that odd hour. 2. My parents still buy my clothes. I just can't do that. 3. I saw Batman series for the first time just 2 days ago. (I know this is surely going to raise a few eyebrows) 4. I'm not really fond of the super-hero-types movies. 5. In classrooms, I sleep more than I write. 6. I've developed a new interest into this thing called Quora. Go check it out! 7. Recently I've started liking the Reggae fusion genre. 8. I recently developed an interest in playing computer games, after nearly 4 years! 9. Being a salesman isn't that easy, and I've learned it the hard way! 10. I seriously have no interest in the ongoing IPL. (Read further here) 11. I love the Bangalore weather! Answers to Leo's 11 questions. Q. Once place abroad you'd love to visit, and why? A. This definitely has to be some not-yet-discovered islands in the pacific ocean. Simply because it's sure to have mesmerizing landscapes, breathtaking views, and yeah, the most important - PEACE! Q. Your favourite fiction novel and why?
A. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. The way he blend facts into fiction simply amazes me! Q. One thing you'd love to change in your personality, and why? A. Umm.. not sure. I'd rather be the way I am. Q. Which would you prefer to play, indoor or outdoor? A. A blend of both, actually! Q. Who'd you say is your role model, and why? A. Well, to be honest, I try to achieve excellence in everything I do. If I play cricket, my role model would be Sachin, if I teach, I'd want to teach like Feynman and so on... So basically, If I'd want to be good at something, I'd consider the best in that field as my role model. Q. One thing you wish people would stop pestering you about? A. The latest gossips. That's a complete waste of time for me. Q. One dream of yours which has already come true? A. There are so many little dreams that come true everyday! Q. A rose in the bouquet or in the garden? A. In the garden. That way it's aura can be felt for a longer time, and by many others. Q. A name you like the most (other than your own)? A. Names actually interests me a lot. I always have the interest to know the meaning of the names of the people I meet. I believe a person is a lot similar in nature to what his/her name actually means. There isn't a single name that I like, but yeah, many names intrigue me. Q. If you were to rename your blog, what'd you name it as and why? A. I don't know actually. Naming it once was a tough task, I have no idea what amount of time it would take to rename it! Q. One honest opinion about my blog? A. Honest.. Okay! I'm not really a fan of Haiku (and I don't blame you for that, the fault is actually mine), but I do like your other posts. Going through your blog, it's hard to filter out those other posts. I guess, you should use labels and categorize your posts so it's easier for people like me! :) Answers to Priya's 11 questions. Q. Which is your favourite movie and why? A. Schlinder's List (1993). The only movie which bought me near to crying. Q. A career option you'd never opt for and why? A. Surgeon. I can't see other's blood. Q. Is it better to be born rich than to be talented? A. A big NO! Q. A book you wish had never ended. A. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell Q. What upsets you the most? A. Seeing someone else upset. And what makes me more upset? Seeing someone else upset and the reason being me! Q. What is your greatest phobia? A. Crawlers and other creepy insects! Q. What is the craziest thing you would ever want to try? A. As of now, wedding crash! Q. What is your idea of a perfect weekend? A. When at the end of it, you realize that all you work is done, and you feel like you haven't worked at all. And that you're ready to face the week ahead again! Q. Why did you start blogging? A. Just because I saw this option in the services that Google offered - Blogger. (Read further here) Q. What is the one word/one line that comes to your mind when I say the following: rain - big window, smell of wet mud, pakodas, coffee pizza - home-made > everything else books - give me some mooooooooorree hate - why? Q. And finally - Vampire Diaries or Prison Break? A. I haven't seen Vampire Diaries, and I'm not a fan of vampire related stuffs, and that I really liked Prison Break, so it's gonna be the latter! Answers to Ayushi's 11 questions. Q. What is the meaning of your name? Do you believe you are living upto it? A. It means scholar. Well, I'd leave the second part for the people around me to answer! Q. What moment do you wish to live again and again? A. Childhood. Q. Are you happy with your profession, if yes, why? If not, what would you want to be? A. I'm still a student, and you don't have much choice when it comes to that. But yeah, I do enjoy what I learn. Q. In what other way do you help poor apart from giving money? A. The only difference between them and me would probably be money. Making them realize that money isn't actually a criteria to form groups in a society, and for once, getting close to them, leaving all the money matters behind. Q. What one thing would you want to vanish from this world? A. Money. Think about it, bringing back the bater system! Q. What do you hate most about online social networking? A. People who use it for the purpose it isn't meant to be. Q. Any celebrity you'd want to date and why? A. Umm.. No! Q. If given a change to exchange lives with anyone in this world, who will that person be and why? A. President of the country, as I'll have the supreme power in the whole country, and I belive I'd put that power to good use. Q. Which possession of yours you can't tolerate to be touched by others? A. Mobile Phone Q. Define yourself in four words. A. I'm a human being. 11 people I'd like to nominate 1. Kirti 2. Avik 3. Ankita 4. Prakhar 5. Harshal 6. Shesha 7. Sushmita
8. Diksha
9. Pooja
10. Ratika
11. Vineet
Now it's my turn to bombard 11 people with some questions. *evil laugh* So, here I go. 1. What does your name mean? 2. What is your ideal holiday destination like, and why? 3. If you had a genie right infront of you, and that he would grant just one wish of yours, what would it be? 4. What according to you is one thing that could change the present situation of the country? 5. What is God to you? 6. Before you die, I want to... ? 7. Blogger or Wordpress? 8. What would you like to be re-born as? (except humans) 9. One thing in your life you wish you could just "delete". 10. What would your alternate occupation be? Or how would you like to spend the rest of your life? 11. What is your honest opinion about my blog?
