tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55512902664998945352024-03-05T22:58:48.639-08:00Figuratively Speaking!A platform where I share and celebrate writing without restraint. Come, join me!Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-27551108995187316292021-08-11T03:14:00.001-07:002021-08-12T21:07:44.127-07:00<p><br /></p><p>BOOK REVIEW: LIFE AND DEATH OF SAMBHAJI, MEDHA DESHMUKH BHASKARAN</p><p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I’ve
read Medha’s earlier book, 'Challenging Destiny,' a historical fiction based on
the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji – the great warrior king and one of the
greatest patriots and legendary figures of India, out of curiosity. But I ended
up more than enjoying it. In fact, I was in great admiration of the writer for
the simple, impactful and engaging way she presented Shivaji’s story. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">It
wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say, that with 'Life and Death of Sambhaji'
(Shivaji’s misunderstood son and the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire)
she has repeated the same magic.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seen as an anti- hero by many, Sambhaji is
presented as someone who had the same vision, leadership skills and heroic
qualities of his father but one who slips... and makes some wrong choices which
cost him dearly later in life leading to being betrayed by some of his own
people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The book
starts off by giving us a glimpse of a young Sambha ji barely a child who has
been left behind in Agra by his father as he fled from the clutches of
Aurangzeb. The nine-year-old boy is surrounded by strangers and knows fully
well that if he is captured he will be tortured and put to death. The thought
that his Aba Sahib had left him behind to face the wrath of badshah Aurangzeb
troubles his tender mind often and creates emotional instability. In fact,
later it hampers his decision-making skills leading him to commit grave mistakes
and causing much damage to his father's idea of swaraj. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">However,
Sambhaji is his father’s son is evident from the very beginning. The author
describes a young Sambhaji as someone who is sharp, courageous, quick-witted
and possessing skills of a warrior. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“I
have heard horses; I’m not sure if they’re our men or Mughal spies. It’s best
to hide, wait and watch. The docile, soft-spoken boy now sounds
authoritative.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Self-defence,
he intended to harm us,” Sambha ji consoles the guilt-stricken Brahmin while
gathering the jewels in his hands.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As a
reader you’re already immersed in the story and want to know what will become
of this young boy whose mother passed away when he was still a toddler. The
initial chapters leave no doubt in the mind of the readers that Sambhaji is
everything a father and a king like Chattrapati Shivaji would’ve wished for.
And the father is proud of his son. But he’s also concerned about him. He knows
Sambhaji is emotionally vulnerable and can be easily swayed by self-serving
powerful folks from his own family. In his own way, he tries to caution and
guide his son. The father- son relationship has been depicted with much depth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We
also get an accurate understanding of some other historical figures who played
an important role in Sambhaji’s life including his astute, sensible and brave
wife Yesubai, his childhood friend Kavi Kalash, the Chief Military Commander,
Hammbhirao Mohite and many others. The setting whether it is Aurangzeb’s grand
court, the diwan-e -khas in Agra or the Mughal camps or the impregnable Deccan
forts under the Marathas etc. – the description is lucid. I don’t want to talk
about the ending except perhaps reveal that it left me feeling melancholic and
wanting to know when and how did Aurangzeb’s rule came to an end in India. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">History
could not have been presented in a more engaging manner than how Medha has
presented it. I hope she doesn’t stop here but completes the story and gives us
a closure on how Auranzeb’s jihad was finally brought to an end. <o:p></o:p></span></p>Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-59229890375053207752018-03-14T02:18:00.002-07:002021-08-12T21:14:05.709-07:00So you broke up? What now?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">“Sangeet, I’m in love with someone else.
I’ve always been in love with her, Kushal said quietly, I married you just
because my parents wanted me to.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The silence that followed was chilling.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The
above lines have been excerpted from my fiction, ‘In Pursuit of a Lesser
Offence,’ (Alchemy, 2014). The main female protagonist in the story is besotted by
her husband and goes out of her way to be liked and accepted by him. However,
the husband not only abuses her but also hides the fact that he’s been having
an affair with a colleague in his office till the wife confronts
him on one occasion. The book is an attempt to explore the changing phase of
modern - day relationships and also studies whether the reasons given by couples, to get into a
committed relationship, the right ones or are they nose - diving just because they’re in love or that’s what the society expects them
to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Coming back to the excerpt I shared in the
beginning, doesn’t it look like a scene from real life? And quite a common one
at that. Probably the circumstances may vary. So what should we do when our
heart breaks? Go silent? Get into depression? Stop living? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">For a
while, maybe yes. It is normal to grieve after a break - up. In fact, grief is a
process and it goes through various stages from feeling extremely low, to
blaming self, to anger and hoping and wishing that things would go back to
how it was. It takes time to heal. And it takes a strong will. A determination
and gumption to jump back to our original self again. It takes wisdom and
compassion. To forgive and forget. To move on in life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Here are a few things you can do:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Deal with the fact</span></b><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">: This
is the toughest part. To acknowledge that you have been dumped or have to part
ways with your lover. It is important to distract yourself at this stage. Remember,
your heart has got into the habit of a daily dose of love messages or coffee
with the one and only. Break the habit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try
and think of ways to keep yourself occupied. Stop stalking your ex. Also
remember that it’s normal to cry or feel low. In fact, it is best to talk it
out as much as possible. It helps. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Don’t give in to the temptation: </span></b><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">of calling
up your ex to clear misunderstandings or to accuse him further of how he has
used you. You were in the relationship out of your own free will. No one forced
you into it. It is no use blaming the other partner for the break up. It is important
to shift the focus from him to yourself. Take good care of your health and
surround yourself with supportive and cheerful company. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Build up your Self – Esteem:</span></b><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> Now
this is the most difficult but also the most vital thing to do after a break
up. Your self – worth takes a hit and impacts all other areas of your life; be
it work, interaction with your family or taking crucial decisions about your
personal growth. The best way to building your self-confidence is to first wipe
- off the pictures playing in your ‘mind screen’ over and over. Get rid of the
negative thoughts, shun them as soon as they enter your mind. Reinforce the ‘I
can and I will,’ attitude. Slowly, the old and painful pictures get blurred and
new ones take their place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Be brave and walk out: </span></b><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">In
case of an abusive relationship,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>despite
knowing how things stand… if you still don’t want to break free, you’re doing
yourself a disservice. Firstly, if someone loves you they will not think of
harming or hurting you. Secondly, to think that you love someone more than your
own self is a sham. You’re fooling yourself and unnecessarily giving all your
power to your worthless partner. You need to do a reality check. As humans we
all crave for love but that doesn’t give anyone the right to make us feel guilty
and worthless for their problems in life and slowly destroy our sense of self -
worth. We owe it to ourselves to put a stop to it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Consult a Psychologist:</span></b><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> This
is the best piece of advice I can give you. If you find yourself in a situation
where you’re confused or emotionally disturbed with regard to your break up or
an extraordinary situation in your relationship; please do not hesitate to
contact a professional. They will guide you the best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Keep
Smiling! Always. :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-41530508117380788902018-03-08T03:03:00.002-08:002018-03-10T23:39:54.969-08:00International Women's Day and The Temple Bar Woman - what a coincidence! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 13.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">It's International Women's Day
today! </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">It's also exactly a month since my new
novel, "The Temple Bar Woman - a tale of danger, deceit and daring,"
was released in Delhi.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I've more than one reason to celeberate the spirit of womanhood. And pay a tribute to all the wonderful women in my life...including the female characters portrayed in all my books. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br />
A bit about my new novel and its formal launch in Delhi-<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> The book is a work of fiction and
narrates the story of Radha - a simple village school teacher who is kidnapped for a flimsy reason by a
powerful politician and his friends, insulted and abused before being sold to
an upscale brothel in a city in an unconscious state. This is a story of her
escape, rage and revenge and </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">her quest to seek
out and punish the man who destroyed her life.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">If you take it at
face value, the book is a racy read; however, it is an attempt to open
the floor for discussion and get people talking about sexual violence and abuse
openly. So that the subject becomes a part of living room conversations
just like drug or alcohol abuse issues or any other problem afflicting the
society. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The event was hosted by SheThePeopleTv – The Book
Club along with their venue partner, SodaBottleOpenerwala in Khan Market, New
Delhi. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> I also decided to have a couple of panel
discussions at the formal book launch event and invited prominent citizens of the
city to discuss and share their views. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Dr. Tripti Sharan (a gynaecologist who has handled
rape and abuse cases and a writer; Dr. Sanjay Chugh (psychologist); Ms. Richa
Mohan (Psychosocial trainer, social worker and researcher in the said area);
Shri Harry Dhaliwal; (Jt. Comm. of Police famous for handling the sensational
Dhaula Kuan Rape case) were the guests of honour at the launch function. There were
two short - panel discussions focusing on different facets of the issue
moderated by me:</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">1)</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Are we as a culture in a state of denial as far as
sexual abuse is concerned?</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">2)</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Trivialising Gender violence: Social norms and
attitudes</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
discussions were followed by the book launch by Guests of honour and cake cutting. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AVBoAPQZUNE0excwj2u7UB_Y-KYGYc3zyHzSUJy40kzK3-IDde5NHUdW0OFTZTLJGqE55nCdZl1BDujrywG496qOIywP781RjyIDT3ULlY2A1vvoS8qYmbf2JvUpkU18j8ElUWGYwG2E/s1600/Author+Sitting+pretty+with+her+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="531" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AVBoAPQZUNE0excwj2u7UB_Y-KYGYc3zyHzSUJy40kzK3-IDde5NHUdW0OFTZTLJGqE55nCdZl1BDujrywG496qOIywP781RjyIDT3ULlY2A1vvoS8qYmbf2JvUpkU18j8ElUWGYwG2E/s320/Author+Sitting+pretty+with+her+book.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm happy that the book is finally out and the intial reviews are encouraging. While promoting my book, my aim is also to have more such conversations around the subject of sexual violence at various platforms. You may find me in your city soon. Will keep you posted. Do drop by if you are around when I visit your city. </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Women's Day! Keep Smiling! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
Media coverage of the event:</div>
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Times of India - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/book-launches/book-release-the-temple-bar-woman-by-sujata-parashar/articleshow/62880852.cms<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
HindustanTimes(Hindi)-http://mepaper.livehindustan.com/?mainedition=Delhi&edname=Delhi&pgdate1=2018-02-10&edcode=1&strmmode=1&Page=7</div>
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Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.in/Temple-Bar-Women-Sujata-parashar/dp/B079JKGBN9</div>
</div>
Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-77381790988686944972017-11-15T22:56:00.000-08:002017-11-15T23:04:54.065-08:00BOOK REVIEW: BORDERLINE by SHABRI PRASAD SINGH <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Start
Writing. No matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned
on. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
- Louis L’ Amour (American Novelist)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shabri Prasad Singh’s debut
novel ‘Borderline’ a fictionalised record of her struggle with Borderline
Personality Disorder, probably happened because she was prompted by the experts
treating her to start writing about her complex life as a part of her therapy.
A reason, she equally believed, might work and help her from completely
destroying her life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And so, as readers we have
this brutally honest and a bold story of Amrita Srivastava who has been to hell
and back. Written in first person the story revolves around the the roller -
coaster life - experiences of Amrita as a child and an adult. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Amrita and her older sister
Sati have had a privileged childhood. They have travelled and lived in Europe
(London) surrounded by Indian diplomats for a big part of their childhood.
Amrita is the second child of an influential IPS officer R.S Srivastava and his
beautiful wife Neelkamal– also from an elite political family (there’s some
French connection too). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Amrita was always a problem
child with an unreasonable need to seek attention from her parents unlike her
elder sister, Sati. However, the early signs of her real problems and emotional
instability starts to show when her parents’ file for a divorce. Unlike her
elder sister, she’s unable to cope with the trauma of her family breaking up and
blames both the parents (and later their respective partners) for a long time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She’s extremely close to her
father and almost worships him. As for his part, he loves her equally and is
protective of her. He understands that while his elder daughter can fend for
herself; the younger one needs parental guidance and support. And throughout
his life he not only indulges her but also tries to keep her out of harm’s way.
After her parents’ divorce, both the sisters start living with their father and
can only meet their mother during the weekends. This vast change in their
domestic situation impacts Amrita greatly and she loses whatever little
interest she had in her studies and spends most of her time in bad company or
some “happening party.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Rather than focusing on
studies, my priority was to find ways to give papa the slip.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Amrita is heartbroken when she has to leave
for the US for her higher studies upon her father’s insistence. She somehow
manages to cope with her new environment only when she meets Hafez and falls in
love with him. But soon her insecurities comes to haunt her and she starts
becoming envious and possessive of her boyfriend. The relationship ends
unhappily, leaving her even more emotionally disturbed. Things just start to go
downhill from there and one tragedy follows another, the most devastating of
them being her father’s sudden demise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The rest of the story is about
how her “mind allows the darker demons that lurk within to possess it” and ruin
not only her own life (fuelled by excessive drinking, drugs and multiple bad
relationships) but also that of everyone around her until she finally
recognises her problem and consciously undertakes the journey to heal herself
with professional help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What makes this book a
remarkable read is its excruciating honesty and the boldness with which the story
has been told. On a personal note, I would really like to be friends with
people like Amrita who are bold, genuine and don’t shy away from accepting
their weakness or mistakes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">However, my last thoughts are
about something that the book brings out as a side story with a devastating
consequence (if revealed). Actually, it mentions a mysterious lady writer who
takes advantage of Amrita’s vulnerable state; get her to spill out intimate
details of her life and her mental problem and then publishes the entire story
in the form of her next novel. The (dubious) woman character is referred to as ‘Ria’
in the book. No surname. Only Ria. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Borrowing from the immortal lines
of Ayn Rand’s ‘Atlas Shrugged’ -<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> ‘Who is Ria…?’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Maybe we’ll find out soon. My best
wishes to the author.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-21361001492501536652017-08-08T02:17:00.005-07:002017-11-15T22:58:19.762-08:00Her Dress, Her Choice! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Recently, I bought myself an
off - shoulder top. As soon as I stepped into the house that day, I quickly changed
into my new blouse and stood admiring myself in front of our old dressing -
table mirror like an excited teenager. How the beautiful garment fitted me and
how the colour was just right for my skin tone…rattled on the happy voice
inside me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Being from the army
background; I’ve had the privilege of living all over the country, and that,
besides several other things, has given me the opportunity to observe and
follow fresh and unique fashion and dressing styles of people from different
parts. Out of this understanding, emerged my own unique style of wearing attires
which I like to believe is an extension of me and my personality and may or may
not reflect popular dressing sensibilities. Moreover, I wear what I like. It
matters to me that I dress up according to my own taste. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now that brings me to the
point of this article; the raging debate on social media, a few months ago,
over what Priyanka Chopra wore when she met Prime Minister Modi in Berlin
followed by a similar news on social media trolling the <i>Dangal</i> actress, Fatima Sana Shaikh’s beach wear photos that she’d
posted on twitter while holidaying in Maldives during the holy month of Ramadan.
Both the news are stale. People have other interesting things to debate and
discuss. However, I’ve been meaning to write about my own thoughts on this for
a while. Buying the off - shoulder top triggered that thought and so here I am.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was amused and exasperated
by all the hullabaloo around the misdirected topic of discussion when the news
first hit social media about Priyanka’s dress followed by that of Fatima.
Come on people (naysayers), get a life! Both the women are well – educated and responsible
women who’ve reached where they are in life because of their talent, dedication
and grace. Both are more than capable of making their own life – choices; least
of all when it comes to deciding what to wear or not for a particular occasion.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Take the case of Priyanka, wasn’t
it really thoughtful of her to meet PM Modi when she found out that he was also
in Berlin? Didn’t the picture of the two we all saw on social media conveyed
the warmth, pride and respect of the duo for each other as fellow citizens? We
all should have been discussing these and maybe other such interesting issues.
But out of everything else, what did we find the petty - minded discussing or
reporting? Her dress – and her bare legs!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Poor Fatima wasn’t spared
either! She was in Maldives for a holiday and decided to post some great
pictures of herself by the beach. What was so wrong about that? What else is
one supposed to wear on a beach? Besides, what a woman wants to wear or not is
completely her prerogative. For that matter, what she can or cannot do with her
own body is her choice. No one else should have a say in it. When will our
society accept this basic fact? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway, I think the people
with skewed view of femininity need to be educated about the importance of respecting
women for being themselves. What really matters to us (as women) is that we are
accepted and admired for who we are as individuals rather than being wrongly
judged on how we look or what we wear! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-66422818812009532732017-02-06T22:24:00.001-08:002017-11-15T23:01:56.280-08:00Why giving back to society is not what you think it is?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLMDgDsw5ByYU1YD70bC9IB_seQTRWxsgdbYo-VoOt1pNRJLqKxISgyXR7jHHgDBjQnJJfowYF9GdkHHLjYAvPccM-r2CMeZSv8nlWe1m7Bks5y75E4ELVi3fQNQLg2Ifhx7wMcIiwvzt/s1600/20131122_153952%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLMDgDsw5ByYU1YD70bC9IB_seQTRWxsgdbYo-VoOt1pNRJLqKxISgyXR7jHHgDBjQnJJfowYF9GdkHHLjYAvPccM-r2CMeZSv8nlWe1m7Bks5y75E4ELVi3fQNQLg2Ifhx7wMcIiwvzt/s320/20131122_153952%25281%2529.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Marching Forward: At India Gate with the kids of Empowering Minds Education Centre</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Years
ago, I was watching the renowned Human Rights Activist, Asma Jahangir’s
interview on TV. Somehow, the things she revealed that day about her work left
me feeling disturbed. I had just started working myself then after completing a two
years post-graduation course in Travel and Tourism Management. It was my first
job. I was proud of the fact that besides being placed in a prestigious
international airline, a decent pay cheque, my job also gave me the opportunity
to travel around the world. It was what I relished the most about my profession and
made me look forward to a long and fulfilling career in the travel (and
tourism) sector.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And
yet, that day after listening to the internationally acclaimed lawyer and
social activist’s talk, I’d almost felt bad for myself. As if, I had not chosen
well and needed to do something more in order to be happy. On the same day, I
recall telling my dad that when I retire from active work; I would do something to benefit the underprivileged and the deprived. I don’t know why I
said that but it definitely eased my mind and made me feel better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">It
took me several more years to finally take a call and after having gained
experience in multiple companies; I left my last corporate job at the peak of
my career; and instead opted to join the social sector and begin from scratch (after
completing my Masters in Human Rights). Now when people ask me what made me
leave my cushy corporate job (s) one after the other or what was it exactly that
disturbed me that day after watching that interview with a Human Rights
Activist, I have the answer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I was certainly
distressed to hear about the sufferings of others but more than that I was
disheartened that there was nothing I could do about their situation. It made
me feel helpless.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">But I was wrong. All of us have the power to
do something about the things we feel bad about! In fact, we’ve the choice of
either taking action or just feel bad temporarily and then move on. Much later,
I also realised that true happiness lies in seeing others happy. This may sound
superfluous to some. But this is an honest response. Today, I work with
Empowering Minds, a Delhi based NGO on different projects. In fact I’m one of
the founder – members of the NGO. And proud and happy to be working with them. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_TG96_h0yF3hXyHiwYJfEdsliTGI6AjkTBeVphFiypK3izdNS-Hsa-0z6zHI3Ft1dC6_HsrIiG2ciJ0JkJGxFgPTgwfCKMdX82RY1dCEmzGXb7hrmHn99PvvjBAqIeGoEZ0E7UH25XXn/s1600/20140314_122328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_TG96_h0yF3hXyHiwYJfEdsliTGI6AjkTBeVphFiypK3izdNS-Hsa-0z6zHI3Ft1dC6_HsrIiG2ciJ0JkJGxFgPTgwfCKMdX82RY1dCEmzGXb7hrmHn99PvvjBAqIeGoEZ0E7UH25XXn/s320/20140314_122328.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> International Women's Day celebrations at EM Education Centre </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">My
corporate job (s) could not give me the kind of satisfaction that my inner -
most core was seeking. Most of them made me financially secure, gave me the money to buy
things I needed for a comfortable life, and even added value to my overall personality
but they also made me selfish, irritable, and anxious and mostly left me feeling empty
deep inside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Well,
that was my story. However, this article is not about corporate jobs vs. social
work. Everyone needs to earn a living and not everyone can shift gears like I
did then. But it is equally important to know that things must not be always
seen in terms of gains and losses. A simple act of kindness, or reaching out to
needy, even volunteering for a cause one deeply relates to can make the person feel
happy deep inside. As long as you reach out with a genuine desire to help
someone; the satisfaction you get in return is immense. Try it sometime. Here are
a few other things that happens when you decide to give back without expecting
anything in return-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Selfless service brings out the best in you.
You evolve as a human being.</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">You get a chance to pay your debt of gratitude
to the higher force/almighty for all the good things and blessings you’ve
received.</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">In the process of empowering others you learn
new skills and enrich yourself.</span></li>
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</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: -18pt;">The joy in seeing someone else happy increases
your own joy manifold. It even makes you feel proud and accomplished.</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span>You create a sense of purpose in life. It enthuses you with new energy. </li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I experienced (& continue to experience) all of the above but the best of it all was I no longer wanted
to move from job to job. I’d finally realised what I wanted to do till the very
end. Make people happy. And be happy myself. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Keep
smiling. And spread the joy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-50015331170919861822016-12-29T00:43:00.004-08:002017-11-15T23:03:17.105-08:00Counting my blessings while reflecting on the highs and lows of 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It just feels better when one is able to sort out and clearly express all those jumbled up thoughts occupying much of the mind. And writing is one of the best forms through which I can untangle my knotty thought - threads. Besides, end of the year everyone tends to get reflective. I'm no different and so here I am.<br />
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There's no denying that 2016 offered me a mixed bag. There were sharp ups and equally acute descents in my life - graph during that period. My greatest happiness and accomplishment was that I completed my eight book (and my fourth novel). As a writer, that was one of the toughest feat to achieve as I was pushing my boundaries and writing in a genre I knew nothing about. The book is now with my literary agent and I'm hopeful that it will find a good publishing house.<br />
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The biggest challenge, however, was at a personal level. Coming to terms with the formal end of my marriage (which happened towards the end of last year) and accepting and owning the changed status fully. It was more difficult than I'd initially thought it to be. But thankfully, my supportive family, friends and my own positive and healthy state of mind helped me heal and move on. I have moved on but once in a while one tends to pause and look back. At such times one has to be the strongest and accept things as they stand. I'm glad that I have always found the inner strength to hold up well during such moments of weakness.<br />
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Besides, there's so much to be really thankful for. For instance, how my son, Vidu continues to receive utmost love and care from both his parents. Also, how my ex - husband, continues to be a part of the family. And most of all how I've been able to cope and carry on with life despite the lows experienced in my personal sphere.<br />
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Moving on to other cheerful highlights -<br />
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An absolutely marvelous and unexpected gift of year 2016 has been my receiving the Karmaveer Chakra award(instituted by iCongo in association with UN). It's not so much the award but the idea behind it. It is given to people and organisations who work selflessly for the benefit of people and planet.<br />
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I've been working in the social sector for more than a decade now.Before joining the social sector, I had seen the 'highs' of the corporate world. I've worked for an international airline (SAS) to a Business resort (in Singapore), and had even opened my own Start Up - an event management company, (again) in Singapore. But somehow, that life left me feeling empty. I felt stalled and unfulfilled in all that I did and that is when (after completing my Masters in Human Rights) I decided to switch to the social development field for good. It was a conscious move. No one in the family was in favour of this switch in my professional career. The (financial) returns were not even half of what I used to earn earlier...thus everyone felt it was a huge mistake, one I would regret later. I seldom regretted it.<br />
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At times, I do feel bad about the amount of commitment and hard work, I put into the kind of work I do and how very little it is understood or acknowledged by the world - donors, government and people at large but then I chose this myself and I feel content working in this area. I continue to expand my life - state and working for the cause of Education and Mental Health, two main areas I am involved in at Empowering Minds. In fact 2017 is going to be an exciting year and I'll will be exploring newer horizons. <br />
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The Karmaveer Chakra awarded to me along with several other path breakers, activists, social workers is a solid endorsement to the work that I am doing. I'm so proud of it.<br />
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The New year 2017 has already thrown some challenges at me and I'm so looking forward to starting on a happy note -<br />
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Vidu will join school from next year. (2016 was a gap year for him as he was ahead in his class, age wise, and as parents we felt the pressure would be too much for him and thus he studied at home and did plenty of other wonderful things with his extra time).<br />
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I am hoping to start something of my own along with my colleagues at EM. We've been working on it and plan to unveil the project early next year.<br />
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There's plenty of travel mostly work - related and then<br />
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have to go House hunting...<br />
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And I also plan to start writing the fourth book in my 'Pursuit' series in 2017.<br />
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It's going to be another interesting year full of challenges, joys and things to look forward to.<br />
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Let me end with a stanza from my own poem - That Woman You See, which is also the title of my short story collection that was released in 2015. The full poem appears at the end of the book.<br />
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That woman you see<br />
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is not the woman you know<br />
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For the woman you know<br />
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has sides you've yet to see.<br />
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Happy New Year 2017!<br />
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Keep smiling!<br />
<br />
Sujata<br />
<br />
www.sujataparashar.in<br />
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-79704813238431626012016-09-24T13:29:00.001-07:002017-11-15T23:04:23.487-08:00PINK: A BREAKAWAY FILM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">PINK COMES WITH BLACK AND WHITE</span></b></div>
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<i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">PINK</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> is a breakaway film. But not because there’s anything new
about the subject it deals with. In fact, there have been several noteworthy
films made in the past on the issues and challenges faced by women living in a predominantly
patriarchal society such as ours. For instance, Meenakshi Sheshadari’s career
best performance film, </span><i style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Damini</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">, where a
woman stands against a crime she witnesses and despite the odds, bravely
confronts the society (including her own family) and wins in the end. Of
course, in her fight for justice she’s amply supported by an upright lawyer (one
of the several striking similarities between Damini and </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">PINK).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another such movie was <i>Kya Kehna</i>, which highlighted the issue
of pre - marital pregnancy and how a young teenager refuses to abort her child despite
being shunned by the society; defying stereotypical mind-sets, and with the support
of her family (which too had initially turned against her) and a childhood
friend decides to raise the child herself while at the same time complete her education which she'd to leave mid - way due to her pregnancy and its repercussions on her life. Again, Preity Zinta’s performance in the movie was outstanding and
earned her several awards. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> And yet, <i>PINK</i>
has not only dared to break the glass ceiling but has also made us, the viewers,
to sit up and take note; and even cry out loud in angst as
the shards hit us in the eye and other parts of the body injuring us and leaving us feeling uneasy.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Apart from the
brilliant acting of almost everyone in the film, the taught narration, the
suspense, and the acute depiction of the collective trauma of the three women friends that many of us can relate to; the movie raises certain pertinent questions (which have also been pointedly raised in all the previous female –
centric movies). Some of them being, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why do we have a
different set of rules for men and women?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why do we judge the
character of a woman based on the kind of clothes she wears, the places she
visits, the way she smiles, talks or behaves et al?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And finally, what
happens to a woman when she says enough is enough and decides to fight back?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">However, PINK successfully manages
to hold our attention with its fresh take on the aged discussion on women’s rights
and the factors limiting them. But what really makes it radically different than those other films,
is the way it nudges us away from the main problem or issue being highlighted in the film without digressing and yet compels us to take note of the seemingly inconsequential matters presented in the film and give them a serious thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let me give you a few instances from the film without (hopefully) giving away the whole story:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
the altercation between Rajveer; the nephew of a powerful politician, and
Minal; a girl he meets at a rock concert, leaves him seriously injured, he is rushed
to a hospital by two of his male friends. Later, the entire incident is narrated to
Ankit (the misogynist friend, of Rajveer) by the two friends who were also present
at the resort, when the incident took place. Ankit’s strong reaction to the
whole affair even though he had no role to play in it, leaves us flummoxed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ankit not only compels
Rajveer to teach the girls a lesson but also gets involved himself to avenge
the insult. This feudal mind-set is so prevalent
in the mentality of the Indian male that after a while we don’t find it odd, when the former willingly becomes a part of it all to cause further damage to the girls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Deepak
Sehgal (Amitabh Bachchan), a retired lawyer, visits the traumatised friends of
Minal (who has been wrongly accused and put behind bars), asks them for the original copy of the
FIR they had lodged with the police, reads it out loud, clarifies the legal
points before finally letting the anxious girls know that Minal’s bail application
date has been intentionally moved to Friday to prevent her release
from the jail for at least a couple of days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But before he leaves,
he enlightens them that unlike in other cases, women and minors can be granted a
bail even on a Friday. This little nugget of information that he shares so offhandedly with the girls makes one realise how
important it is for a woman to be aware of her basic legal rights. It might not only save her from being tormented by the authorities but also help in taking the right course of action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then
there’s a point, during the court trial, when Rajveer is called by the prosecuter to take the stand for questioning. Deepak Sehgal, who has been keenly
observing Rajveer all this while, raises an objection and draws everyone’s
attention (using sarcasm and humour effectively) to the fact that the former’s
hand is inside the pocket of his trousers while he’s on the witness stand in a
courtroom. With this simple statement, the witty lawyer again manages to draw everyone’s
attention to the complainant’s real character and his unmerited and inappropriate
sense of entitlement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I can give several
other such small yet powerful instances from the film to show how beautifully
the story weaves these often ignored or neglected aspects of our personal
values, beliefs and social attitudes into the main narrative to drive home the
point that as individuals, parents and as a society we have to break away from
the decaying patriarchal culture and make
great many self - corrections in the way we see things; in the way we act
and behave towards others (especially women); and most importantly, in the way
we raise our children. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To begin with, let’s
teach our boys to respect a girl's wishes and boundaries from a young age. Let's make it a point to share these powerful lines from Deepak Sehgal's closing argument with them, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">‘When a woman says NO, it means you stop.’</span></div>
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-2145959935401763352016-03-06T20:44:00.002-08:002017-11-15T23:06:48.070-08:00Back with a Cycle! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hey everyone! In my previous post I gave you all my word to come back sooner and I'm a woman of my word. Literally. If you haven't read it yet, it's titled - "Hello Tu Kaun Jahan Se Aayee." (Just making sure you hit the right one) By the way, you haven't missed out much. Read it if you like to listen to sweet nothings of a lost - in - her - own - world #writer who likes to drift more often than not especially on this space. That was the whole idea of creating it in the first place, anyway. </div>
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However, this time I have a definite purpose. </div>
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I want to share this beautiful and unique experience I completely savoured kind courtesy #KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and their bright idea to treat 7 lucky women on the occasion of Women's Day with a cycle ride of the city! They deserve a huge round of applause for such an innovative approach to celebrate Womanhood! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYtgaene6YUQp6uaXYvj05xcEbBq7WWEw9kSEuCe25Y1h54pzfiZ9xvgFQMxF_cvCjuBaX0l0LZ9li4a_RiU9C23WruaEPJz_SY-x-9DU4tW-YHPIJMJx18H4denAFvWkrZ2YjqDsx4hq/s1600/Cycle+with+KLM+Invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYtgaene6YUQp6uaXYvj05xcEbBq7WWEw9kSEuCe25Y1h54pzfiZ9xvgFQMxF_cvCjuBaX0l0LZ9li4a_RiU9C23WruaEPJz_SY-x-9DU4tW-YHPIJMJx18H4denAFvWkrZ2YjqDsx4hq/s320/Cycle+with+KLM+Invite.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
The Invitation from KLM<br />
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KLM did it in association with #DelhiByCycle. And guess what? The company is owned by a Dutch journalist who decided to explore the city by cycle himself first and then hit on this lovely idea of sharing the experience with interested people; travellers, tourists, researchers, heavy weights, curious women and the likes by starting his own company. Rest is History of Delhi. To be discovered on a Cycle! </div>
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Anyway, what is great is that I got an opportunity too to go biking with six (actually seven others, if you count our Hindi - speaking, Chola Bhatura - relishing, Italian guide Elena. And we had a co - guide too. A very helpful one at that - Kapil) fun loving, daring and positive minded ladies from diverse fields. Let's see, we had an entrepreneur, a teacher, an Infrastructure consultant, a couple of travel professionals, An HR lady and me of course - the writer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRETpcnlDBG8do32wWmQDV7gvUAtcuy1jyyGRkPoL57qKPbn2CXGRU4ZshfM7OknfJfOi6D7enzy5qmWX8KV82dr-tzxFJsdqqQFKSHDfr4Wq0uf0raPRFfY6zulkILoDKJoOY7xPQVszD/s1600/Cycle+cheers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRETpcnlDBG8do32wWmQDV7gvUAtcuy1jyyGRkPoL57qKPbn2CXGRU4ZshfM7OknfJfOi6D7enzy5qmWX8KV82dr-tzxFJsdqqQFKSHDfr4Wq0uf0raPRFfY6zulkILoDKJoOY7xPQVszD/s320/Cycle+cheers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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R to L - Sushmita, Me, Gayatri, Chandni, Kashish, Kanchan - (from KLM), Nidhi and Elena behind Nidhi</div>
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You think there's no dare involved in cycling? Then consider this.</div>
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It's a Saturday morning</div>
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You live in places like Greater Noida, Gurgaon, East Delhi et al (actually my and Kanchan's resi was the closest I think, rest all came from far off places)</div>
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Have been working late night...some as late as 12:30 p.m.</div>
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Still you wake up at 5:00 a.m. so that you can reach the venue on time i.e. 6:15 a.m.</div>
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by hook or by crook. meaning you hail a cab and trust it will arrive on the given pick - up time ( two of the ladies reported their cab companies ditched them), or drive yourself, or coax your dear husband to drop you from one end to the other in the wee hours of the morning. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9rEPtTmaVbRktRndG8jdl18RBCcuh0K3oWFVm-ghJ-jpASUV3ok_lwax9Ufbm6F9BBvUuOEvkREA5TcnWJFc7IWu1iL0x-HCUCmY3JB7PypaqWmv5i9nIuF-ymmkR3vWrOaVAFmJwLyy/s1600/Cycle+with+KLM+at+India+Gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9rEPtTmaVbRktRndG8jdl18RBCcuh0K3oWFVm-ghJ-jpASUV3ok_lwax9Ufbm6F9BBvUuOEvkREA5TcnWJFc7IWu1iL0x-HCUCmY3JB7PypaqWmv5i9nIuF-ymmkR3vWrOaVAFmJwLyy/s320/Cycle+with+KLM+at+India+Gate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
At Connaught Place Inner Circle with the Tricolour flying high in the Background<br />
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And then from just a dare or a self - challenge it turned into an experience that would be imprinted in our minds for a long time.</div>
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Our very sweet but very firm Instructor, Elena informed us that we will have to cycle approx. about 16 Kms. and time management was crucial to avoid heavy traffic. It's perpetually a rush hour after 7:00 a.m. in Delhi anyway. And our ride involved crossing narrowest lanes of Paharganj, Ajmeri Gate a glimpse of G.B Road before moving towards Connaught Place Inner circle, an uphill ride towards Rashtrapati Bhawan (which was a task) continuing towards Agrasen ki Baoli and then stopping for much needed Breakfast! at the popular Bengali Sweets in Bengali Market and then back to Asaf Ali Road, another uphill ride via an overhead bridge (can't recollect the name) this time with our tummies full. What a ride it was!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Uk2smQ4Z3lBAnVbinfEubejFgvj_4VW2mM8oc-U6Caz-mnUX4ITFh7hYkuuWhFrXWugANLcmz7gl6GDzF-iksuMzHYa0LS9Rgl0xbvSoLAS0DcRFjUo328D-UkjdWyPMPIaWrRit7D4D/s1600/Cycle+with+KLM+Rejuvenated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Uk2smQ4Z3lBAnVbinfEubejFgvj_4VW2mM8oc-U6Caz-mnUX4ITFh7hYkuuWhFrXWugANLcmz7gl6GDzF-iksuMzHYa0LS9Rgl0xbvSoLAS0DcRFjUo328D-UkjdWyPMPIaWrRit7D4D/s320/Cycle+with+KLM+Rejuvenated.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After our refreshing Chai Break - somewhere behind Imperial hotel</div>
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Through it all not only did we look at our city through new eyes and admired its resilience, beauty and gumption to move on despite facing many odds but I also realised how warm and kind people are generally: There were at least three instances when I was filled with gratitude towards those strangers who voluntarily went out of their way to see we ladies crossed the roads and by lanes safely . One man at one of the red lights near Paharganj, tried stopping a bus coming from the other direction in order to let us pass, another halted a rickshaw waala in a narrow lane almost rebuked for not stopping and giving way when he saw us - ladies trying to make our way through that very narrow lane. Even the cops near Raisina Hill guided us to a safe spot from where we could smoothly take a right turn on the very busy road. Delhi filled me with pride that day. And I can't thank KLM enough for showing me this beautiful side of my beautiful city which I always believed, existed. The only thing I did not enjoy so much was the filth and unhygienic conditions people are living in still (esp in Old Delhi area) and despite the call for Swatch Bharat by our PM...we have a long way to go before we achieve this goal. </div>
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I could go on writing but I think I better stop here...other things to take care of...plus I think you will only know and believe the above to be true if you go cycling around town yourself. and I will say, Go for it! It's worth it. And you do deserve it too. To see a different side of Delhi in order to appreciate it and connect with it. </div>
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As for us lucky seven...we gelled really well despite our diverse backgrounds and have decided to stay in touch ( we have already formed a whatsapp group and call it the KLM Cycling group) and go cycling together around Lodhi or some other location that we'll jointly choose, once in a while! All thanks to KLM and DelhiByCycle. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8n9nZtBipJvNop_jHDA4S4r7CKzD_SHCjSjUPUSdQGjF4Tb3GUD-qOQL0ijcvbLmUZELCAVWWMtHX_ouIbTsoc-w0ELR8q7RXqZUdEFe0W-uFsDaBtwnFpdITCjFYmPozp_xYJ8nTiaT/s1600/Cycle+with+KLM+At+Agrasen+Baoli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8n9nZtBipJvNop_jHDA4S4r7CKzD_SHCjSjUPUSdQGjF4Tb3GUD-qOQL0ijcvbLmUZELCAVWWMtHX_ouIbTsoc-w0ELR8q7RXqZUdEFe0W-uFsDaBtwnFpdITCjFYmPozp_xYJ8nTiaT/s320/Cycle+with+KLM+At+Agrasen+Baoli.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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At Agrasen Ki Baoli with clear images of Elena and Kapil (DelhiByCycle)</div>
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Cheers! </div>
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#KLM #Cycling #DelhiByCycle #WritersDay #Sightseeing #WomensDay2016</div>
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-34401212892741956032016-03-01T23:29:00.002-08:002017-11-15T23:09:03.948-08:00Hello Tu kaun jahan se aayee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A big smile on my face, today. It turns a bit apologetic as I write this post. No, I'm not apologising this time for being absent here for so long. I'm apologising for not writing. I mean, writing just for the sake of writing. And nothing else. No particular purpose or aim. For myself. I've done it in the past. More often than not. This blog is a witness to that. But I tend to get lost. That isn't new to me either. I'm a drifter. But once in a while I drift back to the source. This is one such moment, I guess when I'm not writing to meet deadlines or to communicate with the world about this and that. This one, like few of my earlier blog posts; is without rhyme or reason. <br />
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The world has changed since I last wrote. Which was I don't know when. Probably last year sometime. Just checked. Last published post was July 2015. Whoa! Indeed a long time ago. Bloggers don't do that. But then, I'm not your usual blogger. As I've said so many times, already. My gratitude to all 24 of you who are here with me (following my blog). I mean what's there to even stop by here. Just a few ramblings...perhaps. Or perhaps you just forgot to delete me from your list. Anyway, makes me glad to see you all here !I like company. Even when I'm alone. <br />
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The early morning sounds of rustling trees and chirping birds mixed with distant chatter of people going about their business makes me feel at ease; I focus on my work better. It makes me feel life is happening. Pin drop silence isn't for me. At times, I add to all that background noise by playing my favourite songs on my Ipod or Youtube. <br />
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Umm, by the way, do excuse my for this little bit of bragging; my seventh book came out last December. Isn't that absolutely delightful! Well, it is to me. :) The book's a collection of short stories, titled, THAT WOMAN YOU SEE. The 9 stories in the book have been inspired by the new - age Indian woman who speaks her mind and can go to any length to express herself even at the cost of appearing odd, rebellious or unconventional. Sounds familiar? It's available on Flipkart and Amazon. Also as an e - book. #JustSaying. Who knows? Today maybe my lucky day and you, er, many of you may be into short stories. No harm done. Isn't it!? You see, hope never dies. Every writer, when they market their own books are hopeful, in fact quite optimistic, that someone out there will love what they've written. I'm no different. :)<br />
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Okay, enough of book talk. Now let's drift to other things. Actually, this post is getting longer and I'm suddenly reminded of ten thousand things I need to attend to. Also, I recall having promised you all to keep my posts short. So probably, more later. Yes, this time I'll come back sooner. No promises but I give you my word. Anyway, does it even matter? You have so many things vying for your attention...and who reads a vague blog post such as this one. And yet I hope you do. :) On that hopeful note I say - Laters baby! Reminds you of something naughty? No. Well then you've not read E.L James. ;D<br />
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Keep smiling!<br />
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S<br />
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-79732339645310659872015-07-08T01:56:00.000-07:002015-08-18T03:19:55.577-07:00That don’t impress me much!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Well, to begin with, I love Shania Twain!
Not only because she’s a fabulous singer but also because of the lyrics of one
of her songs which I absolutely adore and can so relate to. (Actually, the song title is the title of my post - as some of you might have noticed).</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Recently, I heard the song
again which triggered my thoughts for this post. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
lyrics of the song may’ve been written by someone else but since I don’t know
that ‘someone,’ and also because she’s sung it so beautifully, the credit for the lyrics goes
to Shania.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">It’s one of my favourites from her
collection. Just read these lines -<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“So you got the brain but have you got the
touch<br />
don’t get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright…that don’t impress me much”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">My sentiments exactly! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Although, she’s only addressing it to the
men in the song. In my case, however, I silently voice it to all the attention
seeking, self – absorbed, arrogant, egotistical, rude and insensitive people
that I sometimes knowingly and at others unknowingly get to meet. </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Now this post
is not to hit - at those people that I’ve had the displeasure of meeting or
knowing in my life’s journey so far. Not at all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s actually something that I’ve been
wondering about for a long time. Why do people behave so unlike themselves?
What is it that prompt an increasing number of people these days to go against
the basic traits of human nature: simplicity, humility and kindness? Is it
because the world is becoming more and more superficial? Is it their own
insecurity or bruised ego? Is it that they feel inadequate in some ways or is
it because they never got the love and attention they deserved from their near
and dear ones? I’m still trying to figure it out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I’m a member of a lay Buddhist organisation
called Sokka Gakai International (SGI) which upholds the values, thoughts,
teachings and traditions of Shakyamuni Buddha. (The India chapter of the
international organisation is called Bharat Sokka Gakai - BSG). Among the many
simple yet impactful teachings discussed and shared in this beautiful practice,
the one that I remind myself time and again, whenever I get swayed by such
emotions or baser instincts– of course I get influenced too-- are the simple lines <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">– “It is the heart that is important.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Isn’t it a beautiful thought? And isn’t it
true? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">At times we forget that we’re all but mere
mortals. It does not matter whether we are rich or poor, wise or a fool,
beautiful or ugly; sooner or later death will claim us. We are not going to
live forever. It is thus important that we lead meaningful, happy and
fulfilling lives. However, selfishness, narcissism, arrogance and such negative
qualities does not lead one towards happiness we all seek. On the
other hand such qualities disconnect one from other fellow beings. It creates
an environment of mistrust, insecurity, resentfulness and jealousy. Other people
may be nice to such men and women out of fear or awe but they will never open their hearts or connect with them at a deeper level. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, there’s nothing wrong in realizing
one’s self worth and feeling proud about it. But it is equally important to be
humble and respectful towards others. To appreciate others, be happy in their
happiness, and genuinely reach out to them in their difficult times. It is also
important to accept one’s own good fortune with grace and humility. While you
ponder on my post let me roll out another line from the same song -<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">You think you're cool but have you got the touch/</span></i><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Don't get me wrong, yeah I think you're alright… /<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; tab-stops: center 225.65pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">… but that don’t impress me much! <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">And just in case, here’s the Youtube link of the song -</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWjVQlSruY8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWjVQlSruY8</a></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; tab-stops: center 225.65pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></i> </div>
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-31712218823982988702015-01-14T02:09:00.000-08:002015-05-20T20:03:54.671-07:00Words of a Storyteller<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Words. The term that comes
to mind as I write down my random thoughts today. Words flow. In fact,
I’m surrounded by them at all times. Even in silence I hear and see them. And
at times I even taste them. Don't believe me? Well let me show you with an example- </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><em>The spicy chicken stew smelt good. It was piping hot. Just the dish to warm up a frozen heart on a cold wintry evening. I knew what all had gone into it: Boiled potatoes, fresh boneless chicken chunks, a couple of carrots, some celery sticks,broccoli flowers, baby mushrooms and paprika in milk and cream- based broth. I could even smell the spices used for seasoning and accentuating its flavour: cinnamon sticks, black pepper, chopped spring onions, garlic and ginger; sautéed in butter. And finally garnished with green dill and finely chopped fresh red chillies. It looked delectable. I was famished. I brought out my favourite Japanese wooden soup bowls and poured myself and my friend some with the wooden ladle. Mmm... it sure tasted heavenly!</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">See what I mean? Of course, I've written or described the preparation of the dish in the simplest of manners. If I were to work on it a little more, many of you - foodies out there would head towards your kitchen. No?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Like the above, for everything I feel, think or see; my words convey it to
me before I further proclaim it to the world. At times, I've to struggle to deliver them exactly as they come to me. But I guess that's how it is with all of us! Sometimes we cannot say and at others we don't want to. The world may not accept these honest and simple - minded nude fellas as our hearts do. So we- humans have learned to dress them up. Give a superficial face - liftto most things that we want to speak about. . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway, for me when things are tough, some of these well - meaning companions heal me. They whisper in their simple language to not
give up. They cajole and nudge me to keep walking. Make me forget the falls. Teach me new meanings. Over
the years I’ve collected quite a few of them. They are a part of my treasury. My
diamonds. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I show them off once in a
while in my writings. At an appropriate instance. My constant engagement with them makes me
what I am: An impressionist. Also an expressionist. But most of all they help me tell stories. Good ones – I believe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-6025027703724043382015-01-07T05:28:00.002-08:002015-05-20T20:15:32.671-07:00Travel and Writing in 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Year 2015 has begun on a
satisfactory and hopeful note. Many changes are expected this year. At the personal as well as
professional front. The first half of the year involves a good deal of traveling.
In fact, the travel schedule till March is already drawn out. It’s a mix of –
literary pursuits, travel related to various social projects that I’m involved
in and some personal trips. I'm not planning to bring out a book this year except probably the short - stories
collection that I have been working on. If everything falls in place it should
be released somewhere towards the end of the year. The book is another ambitious
and heartfelt endeavour to tell stories about Indian women. In fact, it is an attempt
to bring out different shades of the modern Indian woman in the form of 12 simple and yet engaging stories. The
interesting part of the book is that the title of each story is also the
name of the lead female protagonists of those stories The names also reflect the
essence of the character of the heroines of each of these stories. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I better stop here before I reveal all about
the book out of too much enthusiasm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A good part of the year will
be spent in writing/completing the other writing projects. There’s the unfinished novel – long overdue; based on a
woman who is brutally gang – raped and suffers further humiliation and loss at
the hands of her tormentors before she decides to fight back and avenge her
honour. Then there’s the non – fiction that is stuck for no good reason. I
would like to get it out this year too. Fingers crossed! Other than that, I plan
to continue contributing to some prestigious anthologies of both poetry and
short - fiction. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe it’s a good
way to experiment with writing genres and styles as well as stay – in – touch with
the literary world. Of course, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">the focus will as much be on reading, which was much neglected in 2014, and attending a few relevant events/programmes that will help me
enhance my creative - writing abilities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">That's all from me for now! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Wish each one of you a very warm and fulfilling 2015!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Keep smiling! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-26290232314537211142014-12-24T00:48:00.002-08:002014-12-26T03:50:58.438-08:00Some Kodak moments of 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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All my books: The three 'Pursuits' along with 'Poetry Out and Loud' trio<br />
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Release of my third Pursuit - In Pursuit of a Lesser Offence in Delhi on 19 January 2014 by Vinita Nangia (ToI) and Pratap Somvanshi (HT) - with their respective spouses. <br />
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Delhi Lit Fest Jan 2014: At the gala dinner<br />
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US visit: February 2014 - San Francisco was like a wonderland<br />
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With International Colleagues/Psychosocial workers in Texas</div>
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In Pursuit of a Lesser Offence releases in Jabalpur in May 2014</div>
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Lokevidu with his good friends in Singapore</div>
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Moi in a meditative pose outside the art and science museum, Singapore<br />
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At Kolkata Crossword book store with Mr. S.K Mehra, Alchemy and Richa Mohan, EM</div>
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Book talk - With author Manjiri Prabhu in Pune</div>
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Lighting the lamp: At Guwahati (Assam) for a training workshop on Psychosocial care in Hemophilia</div>
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After imparting a session on creative writing to students of SACAC - Delhi <br />
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In conversation with Amish of Shiva Trilogy at Pune Lit Fest, 2014</div>
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With members of a Delhi Book club</div>
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At a poetry meet organised by Poets Corner</div>
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With good friends; Meenu and Nandita</div>
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-38542620728149858392014-12-23T02:30:00.002-08:002014-12-23T17:05:00.528-08:00History was never so much intriguing: A review of ‘Frontiers of Karma – The CounterStroke’ by Medha Bhaskaran<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The
novel, procured more out of curiosity than anything else, hooked me to itself
from the very first chapter. I hardly review books. However, I love to share my
thoughts on some that leave an impact on me in some way. Medha Bhaskaran’s
historical novel on Chatrapati Shivaji – the warrior king is one such. However,
my initial interest in the book was due to a couple of reasons unrelated to the
novel:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">My
dad, a retired infantry man, had written a paper on military strategy when he
was in service. He had titled it:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “The
FourStroke Offensive.”</i> He was proud of it and believed that the paper on
war – strategy was one of his best. He had shared the highlights with me and
his views had somehow stayed with me. So basically, it was the common -
sounding title that attracted me to Medha Bhaskaran’s novel, at first. Combined
with the fact that it was on Raja Shivaji --the great Indian hero--whose tales
of patriotism, valour and sharp – wit always managed to evoke a mix of
admiration and awe in me during my childhood. Moreover, Medha and I share the
same publisher and I was invited to her book launch event. Meeting the author
in – person had been a pleasurable experience. But once I started reading the
story, I knew I had to write about it. More so because it would give me a chance
to revisit and refresh my understanding of the life and times of the great
Maratha King; one of the greatest patriots and legendary figures of India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Coming
to the Novel –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Shivaji’s
tremendous rise from a little known and harmless young <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jagirdar</i> to being perceived as a rebel; a threat to the Mughal Empire
and finally emerging as a hero (and a great King) inspiring Marathas and other Hindus in the country with his idea of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">swaraj</i>, acute
sense of justice, bravery and able administration is beautifully depicted in
the first part of the Trilogy. I learnt more about the great warrior king from
this book than from the history books that I’ve read during my school days. And
in the most enjoyable way. Most of us have heard tales of how he outwitted the able but cruel Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and his men. But here is a storybook that shows more:
his anguish on not being able to be with his favourite wife on her
death bed, his sharp and foresighted approach and excellent skills as a
warrior, his devotion to his mother, his compassion for the peasants and weaker
section of society, his deep respect for women even if they were mothers or wives
of the enemy, his heart – felt concern and love for his soldiers and his total determination
to achieve swaraj or freedom for his people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The
book does not focus on Shivaji alone. It delves deeper and tries to bring out
Aurangzeb’s side of the story too. Questions like – Why he acted in the manner the way he did towards his brothers and father? What role his maternal uncle played in
his life? How did he use his religion to his advantage? His love for his first
wife and his distrust of practically everyone in his service barring a few; all have
been well - captured and described. It also expertly serves the reader with
accounts of life of the normal people in Seventeenth century India. Especially
the women and children and their helpless condition. They were treated as mere “things” that exchanged hands for most ridiculous of reasons. Sometimes gifted to the winning side of a battle in order to please or placate them. In
one of the scenes the author has poignantly described the state of slave girls –
Afzal Khan, the much – feared general of Adil Shahi, in a rage calls for one of
his youngest slave girls only to kill her brutally on a whim. Over the next few days he goes on killing all the seventy – seven of
his virgin slave girls in the same manner. Just because he had to leave them behind and did not want
anyone else to touch or enjoy his spoils of war. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">However,
the author has excelled in depicting the war scenes. From the planning and
preparation to the actual battle scenes; it’s a master stroke. I especially enjoyed the
last few chapters which showed how the most - feared general of Adil Shahi, a
ruthless Afzal Khan, was led into a trap by the clever planning of Shivaji and his
trusted <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">salahkars</i> and other leading
men of his army and finally killed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The
other good thing about the novel is that despite it being a difficult
subject/genre it’s written in a simple and engaging manner. Of course, there
were times when I had to look up the dictionary or internet for a particular ‘urdu’
or ‘farsi’ word or phrase. I also referred to the maps, helpfully provided by
the author, to get a clearer understanding of the various regions of seventeenth
century India. For this reason I slowed down several times or re – read certain
portions; especially while reading the war scenes - including the planning and
war – preparedness of both sides. Minutest of attention was paid to describe
the topography, weather and kind of arms and ammunitions used in the various
battles fought by Shivaji and his army and at times that became confusing.
However, despite these little deviations or distractions I was hooked to it
till the very end and I look forward to part – II of the trilogy. My best wishes to the author. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"></span> #History #Shivaji #Novel #AuthorMedhaBhaskaran</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Title:
Frontiers of Karma – The Counterstroke (Trilogy I)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Publisher:
Alchemy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Link:http://www.amazon.in/Frontiers-Karma-Counterstroke-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00MSWQ3WC<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-65698308306224081422014-12-01T22:34:00.000-08:002014-12-23T03:59:54.326-08:00Mom and Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My mom was visiting us. She’s left for
Jabalpur, today. Dad had come to get her. In </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">the last few days I hardly wrote
anything. Not that I did not want to. I’m actually lagging behind in my
writing. But I guess, I was a bit distracted. What with wanting to make the
most (of the last few days) of mom’s stay with us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Every year she visits us around
October with dad. Dad does not extend his visits more than a week but mom, like
every mother, loves to be with her children as much as possible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, every time after a month or so she
starts asking us to get her return reservation done. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking at our over – busy lifestyle she feels
it’s better to depart sooner than “imposing” herself on us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I feel guilty, at times. I miss her
loving presence around the house. In fact, I miss both my parents. They have
such a calming and cheerful effect on us. However, I must admit that I can
hardly concentrate on my writing when they are here. Although Dad-- himself a
great thinker and writer-- is disciplined and understands and excuses me my
missing out on the daily dose of ‘let’s – all – sit – together – and – yap’
time; mom is a different case altogether. She cannot stay quiet or alone for
long. When she’s here she wants me to leave everything and be her constant companion.
Take her out. Do fun things with her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
not an easy situation. Even after communicating my need to be alone to focus on
my writing she drops into the study even before the first hour has passed and tries to strike up a conversation.
Well, you can understand what a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tug of
war</i> it is to get her around to see things from my perspective and balance
my time between her and my writing. Needless to say, mostly I give in to her
wishes although it leaves me feeling slightly peeved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Mom understands my restlessness but
she cannot help her own nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hers was
a big family. And even after her marriage to dad, like any other army wife, she
too remained busy with some or the other activities besides taking care of my
brother and me. Besides, all through her life, she’s been surrounded with her
family and friends. To be all by herself is not her idea of a home. Her home is
where the action is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Our house is back to its old routine.
Everyone’s busy with something. So am I. In fact, I'm raring to go. Still somewhere inside I feel melancholic; knowing
tomorrow morning mom won’t be there to pull me up from the 'lonesome chair ' into the warmth of her arms and
smilingly say – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thodi - thodi chai ho jai?!</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-36238994549158620892014-10-14T05:40:00.000-07:002015-05-20T20:08:17.977-07:00Eluders and Easygoers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are days when words flow like a mountain - stream. Gushing down cheerfully. Making happy noises as they descend and create magic on paper. But those days are few and far between. Most of the days they leave me struggling. I fret and fume and try catching them. It's a tough job! There are times when all I do the entire day is run. The ever - slippery words dangle themselves in front of me like a juicy carrot and tempt me to catch them. I chase after them across my room, outside my large window, and in the clouds. I am chasing, chasing, chasing around. But all that I see is just another lemon tree! No jokes. "<em>Khatte nimbu</em>" is all I get to collect towards the end of my chase - the - words, day. I don't mind it much since I like lemonade. The tangy, sweet and refreshing drink can't be made without lemons. And it's good for the health, no? Anyway, coming back to the words,,, some are rather more mischievous than others. I have named them"Eluders." They are high - handed and unhelpful. At a crucial point when I really need them to bale me out of a tricky scene, they abandon me. But then there's this another friendly group of words; I call them the "Easygoers." The Easygoers come to my rescue on such occasions. We have an understanding. If I'm stuck somewhere while writing a beautiful story about a mermaid or a frog or even a bullock - cart which is overloaded with unusual stuff, I must start rambling immediately; the moment I do that the Easygoers come to my aid. You see, they can't see a beautiful story go astray or be left incomplete because of the absence of a few snobbish Eluders. I'm greatly indebted to them. They've enabled and empowered me. My stories are all dedicated to these simple - hearted and beautiful words. The Easygoers.<br />
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-25918293691561467362014-10-06T00:27:00.003-07:002015-05-20T20:32:49.703-07:00Make sense<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Now that <em>Pujo</em> is almost over I'm back into my writing mode. But then this morning I was thinking; from where should I begin. And <em>phat </em>prompted the tiny voice<em>:</em> <em>Begin with a Blog post!</em> </div>
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I agreed readily. But as always, I'm stuck. I don't really want to ramble. I see other bloggers write such meaningful stuff. However, I'm not much into it and off late all I do is jabber about this and that. I could be annoyingly aimless. But then why do I have to make sense always? Every other writer I know is doing that job quite well. Why add to the already overcrowded cart of 'make - sense' writings?</div>
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Now, don't get me wrong. Writers are powerful people. Whatever they write have some impact on the reader however implausible their writing may seem to be. So whether we pen sensible stuff or otherwise we need to be careful and responsible. I understand all that! But I also know this for a fact that nowadays readers are smart and at the same time considerate. At least, the younger lot. They may find us quirky or amusingly strange creatures but if our thoughts/writings are not to their liking they merely share their own 'not - so - complimentary' views on it in a fair and impersonal way on Facebook or other social network or may even blog about it once or twice, and then move on to listen to a <em>Honey Singh</em> number. Yes, his songs are sense - less too! At times, even annoying. But I guess they kind of makes one focus better on his/her work. Unlike the popular romantic numbers which always end up distracting our ever busy and inventive mind. Also, like I said earlier - someone's got to be out there who's not trying to make sense of everything. A world full of wise and sensible people would be quite boring. Don't ou think? Besides, I must say one can get used to his kind of songs. In fact, many of my friends love his numbers. The knowledge gladdens my heart. I'm not the only strange one here. ;-)</div>
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Anyway, coming back to the readers, another interesting attribute that I've noted in them is that they forget controversies fast. Which is very generous of them, I think. Take for example, Chetan Bhagat and his latest 'Half Girlfriend.' What a brouhaha the title created. But instead of getting upset the author must have jumped with joy at the amount of attention the the book received. In fact, he can now save some of that much - envied royalty money he must be planning to dole out for the various PR activities to promote the book. And I'm sure he and his publishers (who-- as it happens-- are also the publishers of my first two "Pursuits"), will go laughing all the way to the bank. </div>
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Have I suddenly started making sense? I hope not. My mind may have tricked me into writing something meaningful. So in - between there might be spurts of ingenious thoughts. I leave you to look for them in this aimless prattle.</div>
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-4363381305308412512014-09-09T08:26:00.002-07:002014-11-24T18:52:13.211-08:00Do I celebrate Onam?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The festival of Onam was celebrated last week. On the happy occasion, I greeted my friends on Facebook. Some of them, however, were surprised that being a North Indian I was greeting the people of Kerala on the pretty festive occasion. A few of them even wanted to know if I celebrate the festival myself. I responded as best as possible. <br />
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But that did not satisfy me enough. And so this blog post. <br />
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Again, do I celebrate Onam?<br />
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Yes, I do. And I also celebrate Christmas, Eid, Deepawali, Lohri and Ganesh Chathurti and several other festivals. That's what festivals are for. To celebrate. To spread joy and to connect with your loved ones and friends. To be happy. To remember the good things of life. Aren't they? I find it rather odd to explain to people whether I celebrate a particular festival or not. That too in India which is renowned for its secularism and celebrates different festivals round the year, most of which are based on various religious/traditional beliefs.<br />
Growing up in an army family has taught me to believe in the supreme power and celebrate life in all its forms. In fact, I've grown up watching my parents give due importance to each and every prominent festival of the country. In the Army there is no, "<em>Your Festival vs. My festival.</em>" If it's a festival then it's for everyone to celebrate. </div>
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Moreover, some of my closest friends follow Sikhism and Christianity. During my college days I was a member of the<em> Methodist</em> Y<em>outh Fellowship</em>. I used to sing in the church choir too and was given honorary membership of the YMCA (and not YWCA), for my contributions. Durga Puja is one of my favourite festivals as is Diwali. I'm a member of a lay Buddhist organisation for the past five years and follow their teachings. To me religion is a way of life. And I believe that there can be many ways to lead one's life and be happy. Also, I love the vibrant, joyful and positive atmosphere of different festivals and don't see why I can't celebrate a particular festival or at least wish others on the happy occasion. Even if I don't belong to the particular religion or follow the exact rituals. <br />
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Let me end the note with an apt quote by Shri Rabindranath Tagore:<br />
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"You are invited to the festival of this world and your life is blessed."<br />
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-26667780820299379802014-08-21T22:21:00.000-07:002014-10-11T19:09:04.927-07:00Write it down!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We all have our own favourite forms of expression. Don't we? Mine is writing. Talking too. But the issue with verbal communication is that very few people have the time to listen to our elaborate thoughts. And even if someone kindly lends an ear in this 'rushy -pushy' world it is often difficult to state our thoughts in a clear and concise manner for most of us. So, many times, we find ourselves meandering away from the main subject that we wish to discuss. Consequently, the impact is lost. While in writing you can take that liberty to an extent. Especially when you are writing to/for yourself. Or to a limited (& curious) audience. Anyway, coming to the point, it's been days since I wrote a story or a poem. Craving to write something. With no specific aim. Just write.<br />
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In the past few years I have been involved with different kinds of writing projects including technical writing in the social development field. Currently, I'm busy with several such projects. They are interesting and novel experiences. They add to my knowledge and experience (not to mention, my purse). So neither do I want to and nor can I ignore such projects. But given a choice I'll be happy to get down to writing my book 4 of the "Pursuit" series or even attempt a thriller or some other equally compelling story. As long as they are stories that entertain people and transport them to a different world; I'm happy. But since I cannot begin my next novel until I finish the big pile of writing work on my desk, (and since poems and short stories don't come to you that easily either), I'll have to again entertain myself by writing down my trifling today. This is convenient and the best way to take it all out. Write away my grouses or what - nots. It feels good that I've written something that means nothing to anyone but makes me happy. At least, I got a chance to interact with myself and commuicated with my thoughts. The dull feeling is somewhat mitigated for now. I am energised and will be able to focus on my work better. Ah! so many advantages. That's why I say, Write it down! </div>
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-13472839575758841112014-02-10T01:17:00.000-08:002014-10-11T19:13:45.579-07:00Eat, Pray and Read <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="A4"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Hello, Hello!</span></span><br />
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<span class="A4"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I've just returned from a trip to the US. My colleague, Richa Mohan and I were invited for an international conference on Haemophilia - a genetic bleeding disorder. Our organisation, Empowering minds works for the growth and development of marginalised and excluded population of the society especially underprileged children. One of the main focus areas of our NGO is to provide psycho social care and </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">counselling</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> to persons suffering from the genetic bleeding disorder. The programme also equips their family members and care givers (including consultancy to other NGOs working in the field, doctors, nurses and social workers) to cope with the day to day requirements of a PwH . </span></span><br />
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<span class="A4"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The trip to US was amazing in more ways than one as I brought back some great lessons and lovely memories. </span></span><br />
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<span class="A4"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Now that was just to give you a glimpse of the other work that I am passionate about. Of course, writing and day dreaming about becoming a world famous writer is still at number one. Authors like Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte and Elizabeth Gilbert </span></span><span class="A4"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">are some of the writers whose works have inspired me. Talking of Gilbert, I absolutely loved her, 'Eat, Pray and Love' and its sequel 'Committed.' </span></span><br />
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<span class="A4"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Some of you might be aware that I write in the same genre as the authors I mentioned above and maybe their thoughts and ideas on the age old and delicate issue of man - woman relationship attracted and encouraged me enough to delve into and write about the various facets of man - woman relationship. However, unlike Gilbert (whose both the books, 'EPL' and 'Committed' are based on her own life) and Austen (whose style was highly debated and some even opine - fluctuated between realism and fairy tale), my books clearly fall in the category of realist fiction. Or so I would like to think. Somewhat similar to Gilbert in that sense with the emphasis on "everyday" urban life. In fact, my debut novel, the first in the "Pursuit" series, dealt with the subject of 'Infidelity', and its (emotional) impact on modern - day urban couples and their marriage. </span></span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt;">And my third book in the series which was released earlier this year titled, 'In pursuit of a lesser offence,' again probes the changing face of love and marriage in modern times. </span><br />
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt;">Some excerpts from the latest book - </span></div>
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<span class="A4"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><i>Kanupriya
laughs at her friend’s innocence. “You are such a darling. Don’t be so worried
about me. I told you, I can never fall in love. I can be attracted to a guy. I
can sleep with him. But love? Well, that is something entirely different. I
think love is an overrated term. The only true love I believe in is the love
between a mother and her child. Other kinds of love are mere transactions,” she
said in a matter-of-fact tone.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="A4"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><i>I think,
with the passage of time, marriage as an institution will either fade away or
people will start getting married on a contractual basis. The contract will end
with something like: For the next ten years we promise to remain committed to
each other. After the stipulated time period expires, both the parties will
review it and then decide whether to apply for a renewal or say goodbye to each
other amiably.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="A4"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"> Well, both the above statements have been made by Sangeet's close friend Kanupriya. Sangeet (the main female protagonist) is a divorced young woman from Kolkata who goes through a bad marriage before deciding to end it. She's still trying to cope with her painful situation when she meets her rebellious friend Kanupriya in Delhi and during one such meeting the above conversation takes place. </span></span></div>
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<span class="A4"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">So what do you think? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">In case, you decide to pick it up...do share your views on the story with me and also with other book lovers. You can review it on Goodreads or Flipkart or any other platform you write on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">You may even write to me at - sujatavidu@gmail.com. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">Keep reading and keep smiling. :-)</span></div>
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-60888189173626088102013-11-29T06:52:00.000-08:002014-10-11T19:25:09.494-07:00when you are waiting...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hey! Are you all having fun? I am sure you are. With December around the corner and the weather just right for a quick lunch outside the office with friends while soaking in the winter sun, or an after - dinner coffee at your favourite coffee shop (or Starbucks - the new kid? in town); I am sure you all must be in good spirits.<br />
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Well, if you want to know how have I been faring, let me confide: not too well. No, no nothing wrong with me. All is well! And yet all is not well. I am playing the 'waiting' game. It is the toughest thing in the world to do. Isn't it? You see, I am waiting for the release of my third fiction and it is not cool especially for a writer. A writer (or any artist), must first see his or her creation and ensure its well being before moving on to other things.<br />
So how can I work on something new when I haven't delivered my third baby yet. On top of that I have such high plans for it. For the first time, I have not left the promotions and marketing of the book to my publishers alone. I am neck deep involved in trying to give it as much visibility as possible. Several online and offline events have been planned in advance and we've already started working on it. We are also having a mini - grand (if I may use the term) book launch with an attractive theme somewhere in January. But believe me I am going bonkers: from trying to arrange for the sponsors for the launch to deciding about what should be the questions for the online contest I am juggling roles so fast that it is impossible to predict whether the balls will all land gracefully in my hands or fall off unceremoniously to the ground.<br />
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Now you may ask why am I doing it in the first place if it's giving me so much of trouble? why not leave it to the experts? The answer my friend is blowing in the wind...<br />
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The answer is that if I don't do it...no one else will. It is my baby and I need to take care of it. Publishers take interest till a certain point but they cannot give it the kind of focused attention it requires. They have a business to run and many other authors to take care of. But the fact of the matter is that if a book isn't promoted well it does not get noticed. If it does not get noticed and sell there's no point in writing books. So I must let the readers know about my work as best as possible. Of course, after the initial push I must leave it to them to decide whether what I create is good enough "to write or not." :-)<br />
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If you are curious let me share a few details about the book:<br />
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Genre: Fiction - Relationships<br />
Title: "In pursuit of a lesser offence"<br />
Publishers: Alchemy<br />
Subject: Marriage and its changing face.<br />
Explores the questions: Why do people marry? Are the reasons for marriage the right ones? What is the relevance of the institution of marriage in modern times?<br />
Earlier Published novels: In pursuit of infidelity, In pursuit of Ecstasy (both published by Rupa and co.)<br />
Published Poetry collection: Poetry Out and Loud and a sequel to it - POAL - II<br />
More details about my books: www.sujataparashar.com<br />
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Stay tuned for more such posts from me on my forthcoming novel...I may even share a few excerpts from the book soon...! But in the meanwhile, enjoy your sunny lunch or that coffee, post dinner!<br />
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Keep smiling. :-)<br />
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-4277880427251390482013-10-18T11:30:00.001-07:002015-05-20T20:35:34.145-07:00Post - your - favourite - pics Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today, I am not going to write anything. Instead, let me post a few random pics I had clicked during my last visit to Singapore. (They tell their own stories).<br />
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At the Sri Lankan Airport. I was jet lagged. The Budhha statue had a soothing effect on my nerves.<br />
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Ah! So vibrant and youthful. Majulah Singapura...as they sing.<br />
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Vidu loved his breakfast and of course I hadn't prepared it. Doting dad's creative efforts.<br />
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Ideactio Office: Ab itne cool environment mein ideas toh aayenge hi! (Vidu's click)<br />
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Night view of the city centre from the Singapore Flyer<br />
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Love the Kopitiams and the wide choice of South Asian cuisine they offer. <br />
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Both, Maya (acting all grown up and girlie), and Vidu (all upset with the new Maya) thankfully had some common interests. Minecraft can save childhood friendships.<br />
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That's me cooking in the kitchen. A rarest of rare sight. I must have been either really hungry or really happy. Cannot recollect. (Vidu's click).<br />
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That's all for today!<br />
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Keep smiling. :-)<br />
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-3694953774558519992013-10-17T10:25:00.001-07:002014-10-11T19:49:34.748-07:00Funny or Not <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was absent for a couple of days or probably longer . I don't really remember. But you don't mind or care! Do you? I would like to believe you do. A little, maybe. Or you may even be curious to know what all I might have been up to lately. Anyway, in either case, I benefit. You will visit my blog and read my ramblings and delight me specially when I notice the page-views graph is moving up. After all, I blog to amuse you and me, both. A little encouragement from you and I just might come up with something more meaningful.<br />
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Till such time -- in case you really do finish reading the above paragraph -- you may have to cheerfully bear with the rest of my babbling. No, I am seriously trying to think of a topic. Wait! T...H...I...N...K...I...N...G!<br />
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Peace? No. Cliched. Politics? no, no! Poetry? Not today. Then what?<br />
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Yes! I know. This should be interesting.<br />
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I am going to write on the topic my friend and I discussed yesterday while having a sumptuous dinner. He'd had a bad day and needed to vent. I needed to get out of the house. So, we decided to meet. The topic of our very engrossing discussion (which might have lasted only a few minutes) was, why do wives fight with their husbands.<br />
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Well, that was what he asked me. I had a good mind to ask him, why don't husbands pay attention to their wives when they are not fighting? But I was in a generous mood. Plus, he had asked me out to dinner. I just couldn't bring myself to be rude to someone who was going to pay my dinner bill.So, I said something vague and let him vent his feelings.<br />
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Anyway, I didn't have to share my point of view which was obviously in conflict with his ideas about how should a wife behave or handle a stressed out or overworked hubby. (I mean it's your choice, man! You decide what you want from life and to what extent. And if it gives you stress, bear it. Don't blame your partner. You are responsible for your life. She, for hers). Anyway before I digress...let's continue...<br />
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His phone never stopped ringing throughout the evening. All the calls were from his boss, his boss's brother and again his boss and then again another senior guy from the company after which I lost count. The next day they had some important meeting, he explained apologetically in - between taking the calls (and sips of the excellent wine and the prawn and coriander dumplings we were hungrily digging into). To my exasperation and amusement he cursed all of them but took the calls and answered them patiently, making polite conversation and talking weather. Sample this: "How do you do ji? So sorry to hear that your grandma passed away." Seriously. Am not joking.<br />
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He is himself one of the top shots of the company. He lives like a King and can fly anywhere he wishes to, with family. He has been given a SUV and another snazzy car plus several other perks from the company for his excellent performance (and position). And yet his wife fights with him. Sad. But not strange. Before he dropped me home he said: "I know why my wife fights with me." He left it at that.<br />
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I merely smiled and wished him goodnight.<br />
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5551290266499894535.post-7345840938195820552013-10-09T05:19:00.001-07:002014-08-22T09:21:30.017-07:00Anyone who Car (e)s?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today I want to write about Cars.<br />
Men may want to avoid reading this blog. Or, what the heck! Read and be entertained at my cost.<br />
First things first, I am not ashamed to confess: I cannot tell the difference between different cars.<br />
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Okay, I do know the basics:<br />
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Maruti 800 (Every one knows how a Maruti 800 looks like).<br />
Maruti Alto (Because it's cute).<br />
Chevrolet Beat (This 'coz my brother owns one).<br />
Hyundai Accent ( my over enthusiastic husband had bought one soon after it was launched but as luck would have it, he had to sell it within six months of purchasing it as we were relocating to Singapore).<br />
Pajero (It is a girlfriend's dream car. I was curious to know what's so special about it, so...).<br />
And finally the Hummer (this, to show off my knowledge to some of my girlfriends who simply looovvveee cars).<br />
Oh, come to think of it, I can recognise a Scorpio, Rolls Royce and a Nano too.<br />
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I think that's a fine list.<br />
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But my friends don't think so. Neither do car lovers I interact with. They rattle off names and different car models as if they were simple alphabets. But to tell you frankly, it does not bother me. However, the reason I am writing this blog is because there's something about all the various cars (especially the big ones) which disturbs me.<br />
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Now, I have really nothing against car makers or car lovers or even the handsome looking cars. I love traveling comfortably too. But really, I don't understand why make so many types of them? Okay, everyone wants to make money. Fine. Make cars. But then why do people have to be so addictive to them. And consequently become lazy. Why can't people just walk to the nearby market place or gym? Why does each and every member of the family need a car for himself/herself? And most of all why on earth do we judge people by the make of their cars?<br />
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The car was invented to better our lives and not to spoil our health, damage the environment and make men and women fall in love with machines (and all things material).<br />
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Er, well, I guess I got car - ried away. Enough for today!<br />
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Take Car... Er, care. :-)<br />
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Sujatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06427088484297643251noreply@blogger.com3