Tehelka Tarun Tejpal Tattered

Tarun J. Tejpal, Editor-in-Chief, Tehelka

Tarun Tejpal, who wrongly calculated 'The Alchemy of Desire' and who is now surrounded with strange faces in 'The Valley of Masks', will now have a tale to tell, 'The Story of My Assassins' (his assassins being his uncontrollable desires, so to say!). It was he who penned down 'The Alchemy of Desire' in 2005, 'The Story of my Assassins' in 2009 and 'The Volley of Masks' in 2011. But let's not sit on judgement here! It is just that the high-profile editor of Tehelka, Tarun J. Tejpal, is left with a tattered image now. The magazine Tehelka has lost the key staff and the remaining staff has lost its morale. After remaining in controversy the Managing Editor of Tehelka, Shoma Choudhary too has resigned. 

As far as his books are concerned, he is known for each one of them. Having achieved the status of a celebrity rather than a writer can be attributed to be the reason. Nevertheless, his skills of writing have received praise from the most famous of names. Khushwant Singh is of the opinion, ‘The Alchemy of Desire puts Tarun in the front rank of Indian novelists. I am inclined to agree with Naipaul: his book is a masterpiece.’ It was published in Washington Post about 'The Alchemy of Desire', "A bold, sensual novel about art, inspiration and the disintegration of a relationship...Tejpal's writing is unpredictable yet strikingly disciplined, and his explorations of matters physical and spiritual point out often painful truths." The novel tells us the story of a young couple, who don't have a penny with them but are absolutely in love. They are kind of obsessed with each other. The boy wants to be a writer. He is working on a novel. He takes a break from his writing only to feed his desires centred around his beautiful wife. Things take a strange turn when they start the renovation of an abandoned cottage that they have purchased. There are some unsettling things that take him away from his wife, life and everything. He turns out to be alone. The backdrop of the novel is India, what it is at the turn of the millenium. 

In 'The Story of my Assassins', Tejpal has taken in his viewpoint both the India living in cities and that living in villages. "This is a book of multiple roads to brutality, of multiple explanations for the central event. Policemen, crooks, village elders, journalists, venture capitalists, businessmen, lawyers, street children, whores – no one escapes Tejpal’s sharp pen which he sometimes uses like a caricaturist, at other times like a poet...The generation of Vikram Seth, Rushdie, Amitava Ghosh, Rohinton Mistry, Arundhati Roy is still writing and at the top of its form. But the literary equivalent of the cricketing question, “Who after the Fab Four?” continues to be asked...by taking on a big theme and finding in it a commentary on India – neither dark nor shining, but merely a world that is what it is – Tejpal has staked a claim to being taken more seriously than most others." - Mail Today 

Tarun Tejpal has been a regular at Jaipur Literature Festival. Even last year I attended his session, where he was in conversation with Shashi Tharoor. Let's see if he can make it this time!

Malala banned in Pakistan

Malala Yousafzai’s book “I Am Malala” has been banned by Pakistani Private Schools Association. The office bearers have claimed that the young activist’s book does not show proper respect for Islam. They have also labeled her as a tool of the West. It must be remembered here that Malala is the girl, whow as shot in the head by the Taliban because she criticized Taliban’s interpretation of Islam as far as limiting the access of girls to education is concerned.
Her memoir, “I Am Malala”, co-authored by British journalist Christina Lamb, was released in October. Talking about Salman Rushdie in her book Malala has mentioned that her father considered “The Satanic Verses” as “offensive to Islam but believes strongly in the freedom of speech.” She has quoted her father saying that first one must read the book himself and “then why not respond with our own book”.
One of the reasons, as mentioned by Kashif Mirza (Chairman of All Pakistan Private Schools Federation) that has led to the banning of the book is her mentioning the name of Prophet Mohammad’s name without using the abbreviation PBUH (“peace be upon him”) as is the tradition in many areas of the Muslim world. “Malala was a role model for children but this book has made her controversial”, he added. “Through this book she became a tool in the hands of Western powers.”

Saroo Brierley's 'A Long Way Home'

Five-year-old Saroo and his elder brother worked as sweepers in local trains to help their struggling mother. One day, the exhausted little boy fell asleep in a train and when he awoke, he was in Calcutta, surrounded by a crowd of unknown faces. Saroo, poor and illiterate, neither knew his last name nor the name of the town he came from. In a single night he had lost his entire family and joined the countless children who had nowhere to call home in the teeming metropolis. Saroo was eventually adopted by an Australian couple and brought up in Tasmania, but he never forgot his mother. Twenty-five years later, with the help of Google Earth he found her again.

Aren't you tempted to read further??? Actually you would be, I know! 

A media sensation when it was reported, this will be the first time Saroo writes about his life, from his childhood in Khandwa, in Madhya Pradesh, to his days on the streets of Calcutta and his ultimate reunion with his mother. Moving and inspiring, this is an unforgettable story.

Two years ago, Saroo Brierly made waves when he located his mother and siblings after 25 years using Google maps. Saroo, had grown up in a small village in Madhya Pradesh and when he was about 5 years old, he had boarded a train to Calcutta accidentally, and got separated from his family.

The poor and illiterate boy didn’t know where he lived and wandered about Calcutta. Eventually he was placed in an orphanage and adopted by an Australian couple.  Growing up in Australia, he remained haunted by his real family. Two decades on he found them. A Long Way Home is his story – told by him in detail for the first time. Its part Oliver twist, part Slum Dog Millionaire with a digital twist. But mostly its extraordinary! Go and grab you copy!! Do remember to share your reviews here...

'Warriors of Kurukshetra' by Debutant Authors Mamta Bhatt & Tripti Sheth

Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand – Shri Dr. Aziz Qureshi unveils “Warriors of Kurukshetra” by Debutant Authors Mamta Bhatt & Tripti Sheth

……Occasion blessed by Shri Satpal Maharajji (Member of Parliament) and the proud presence of Shrimati Amrita Rawat (Minister Tourism, Horticulture, Culture, women Empowerment & Child Welfare and Renewable Energy).

Shri Satpal Maharajji,  Dr. Aziz Qureshi, Shrimati Amrita Rawat, Author Mamta Bhatt & Author Tripti Sheth 

Dehradoon: The dynamic city and capital to the state which is “God’s Abode” saw the coming together of several dignitaries comprising of H.E. Dr.Aziz Qureshi – Governor of Uttarakhand,  Shri Satpal Maharajji (Member of Parliament), Shrimati Amrita Rawat (Minister Tourism, Horticulture, Culture, Women Empowerment & Child Welfare and Renewable Energy).

Penned in simplistic beauty by both the authors Mamta Bhatt & Tripti Sheth,
the book is an easy to read, complete and running, action-packed, illustrated story of the Mahabharata. The main objective of the authors is to bring back the unraveling mysteries of Mahabharata back to life of youngsters. The book is specially created for children of age 12 and above and it can be enjoyed by all age groups.

A visibly delighted Mamta who hails from the Pahads of Garhwal exclaimed, “We are honored to have been blessed with such an important platform for our first book.  The main idea is to grab attention of the younger clan so the new generation is aware of the evergreen tales of Mahabharata as they grow and we are sure, with this launch in the Devbhoomi of Garhwal – ours will be our an auspicious journey bringing together all people by means of our rich mythological saga.”

Resonating Mamta’s enthusiasm, Tripti adds, “As mothers and as book worms we wanted to connect our youngsters with our rich historical mythological past, and not only in India but we plan to take Warriors of Kurukshetra (WOK) to all possible parts of the world soon. We wanted to commence our journey in this holy state and are hoping all readers will thoroughly enjoy our books” (WOK is a set of 4).

The event took place at the Raj Bhawan and began by the National Anthem followed by the auspicious lighting of lamp by all dignitaries, post which the book was unveiled to all present and respected media personnel. The event beautifully culminated by Saraswati Vandana by the kids of Shemford Doon School. Shri S.N. Joshi – Educationist & Director of Shemrock & Shemford Doon Schools presented his valuable review of the book.

Author Mamta Bhatt, Shri Satpal Maharajji, Dr. Aziz Qureshi, Shrimati Amrita Rawat, Author Tripti Sheth & Mr. S.N. Joshi

The book will be available in a Set of 4 and will be available at all leading book stores at an introductory price of INR 999/- (complete set).

Generations of kids have grown up reading the Mahabharata and watching it on television. And yet, the evergreen story still has takers as is evident from the latest version of the mythological saga. The four-book series covers the story of the Pandavas and the Kauravas as well as the many sub-stories. Also, there are colourful illustrations within and the book has an antiquated finish, which makes you feel as if you have stumbled upon a lost book. While some of the sub-stories have alternate ending and sequences, in their defense, there are several versions of the tale itself. The language is fairly simple and sub-stories are narrated in an engrossing manner. The focus is also on the lesser-known tales within the Mahabharata like the stories of Dronacharya’s past. The book puts a lot of emphasis on the lessons that can be learned from the text and how certain virtues will help you in all walks of life and across the passage of time. 

Authors Profile: Mamta Bhatt & Tripti Sheth.
Mamta works as the Director - Legal with the BJN Group for the last 8 yrs and has been closely involved in the expansion of the group hotel chains all over the country. Having a total corporate experience of over 18 yrs and having worked with several law firms prior to this and being a practicing advocate, Mamta completed her graduation from the University of Mumbai with dual degrees in B.A, LLB. Mamta hails from Uttarakhand and Rishikesh is her hometown and she is proud to have spent all her spiritual vacations there. Mamta’s introduction to great spiritual literature began early. While growing up, she loved reading, until life’s demands took over. As a mother, Mamta always wanted her son to have exposure to the rich cultural heritage our country offers and to the great Indian Epics such as the Ramayan, Mahabharata. But nothing that was available in the market could satisfy the author’s requirement…….This turned out to be ‘The Reason” that fuelled the birth and form of “Warriors of Kurukshestra.”

Tripti Sheth
Tripti too hails from a legal background and it is the Government Law College that she met and got friends with Mamta. Post that Tripti spent 9 years working in Mumbai, Bangalore and Dallas in the legal framework of the respective cities. Tripti strongly feels that being an avid reader, a lawyer and a mother; she exactly understands the value of a good book. Some books influence our thoughts, how we see ourselves and our world.  But it’s those kind of books that resonate with us, even years, after we have read them that find a special place in our lives. They help shape our expressions and give us comfort and direction in our difficult moments. The author in the mother feels that when she started reading to her lil daughter Bhoomika shortly after she was born, she became even more concerned about the way books were losing the battle to television, Ipads and other moving media. And the realization that getting her child interested in ancient epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, as she grew up, would be quite a challenge.

'Lost and Found in India' by Braja Sorenson

Penguin Books India is proud to announce the release of 'Lost and Found in India' by Braja Sorenson published by Hay House. "Lost & Found in India is the least pretentious diary of life in India I have ever read. Sorensen describes her adopted India with no analytical or spiritual pretenses: the book doesn't analyse India, it suffers and enjoys it. It is breezy, light, and descriptive, with funny meditations of a voluntary citizen of India." ~ Farrukh Dhondy, Award-winning Author/Playwright/Screenwriter •Despite how entertaining or exotic one may find other books on India to be, they share the trait that they are all written by foreigners on a brief journey, an adventure, a fantasy-type break away from ordinary life, and they all deliver a somewhat superficial and often incorrect view of a country that is impossible to understand from the surface. Sorensen moved in, set up house, became a resident on the banks of the Ganges River, and eventually called India “home.” A dozen years later, she's still here. · Lost & Found in India is aimed at Indians who are tired of foreigners writing inaccurate diaries of India; travellers of all ages and anyone in an airport headed for India; anyone with even the smallest interest in the spirituality and culture of India; anyone who thought Eat Pray Love promised but didn’t deliver; anyone who has ever stopped to think “there must be more to life than this.” There is…and Lost & Found in India shows you where it lives. Her writing swings from the depths of ancient culture, spirituality, and philosophy, through to drunk bathroom repair men, Indian wedding season, truck drivers and Communist governments, the philosophy of the sound of Krishna’s flute song and electricity in short supply due to India’s festivals, and wraps it up with direction, grounding, reality, and a strong sense of what makes India home. It’s funny, outrageous, controversial, deep, witty, spiritual, philosophical, and damned entertaining: in other words, it’s India. The first moment I arrived in 1993, India kicked my senses awake, laughed its way into my heart and delighted me with its intoxicating array of colour, tradition, celebrations, festivity...life! I was in the land where transcendence had been living for thousands of years as everyone’s next door neighbour. Everything about my surroundings drove me towards introspection, depth, and the beginnings of peace. Even the weather seemed to conspire against the possibility that I might abandon this decision and take flight, back to the familiarity of my former life. Through the drenching rains of the monsoon, with its steady drumming like background music to my days, I started to find what it was I was seeking: shelter. The thing is, I belong to India. The first time I smelled it all those years ago in Delhi airport at 1 am on a cold December morning, a torrid cocktail of scents that seeped in through my pores, the first time I slid into the back seat of an Ambassador taxi, booked into a true-blue Indian dharamshala, sipped chai from a roadside stall, got gut-wrenching dysentery, cried in a temple because I found myself, laughed with a crazy local villager who insisted he was Krishna and dressed like him every day, put my back out on a rickshaw ride from hell, slid into the purifying waters of a holy pond at Govardhan Hill, and bent down and touched the soft, powder-like dust on the ground of the spiritual centre of the universe, Radhakund, all these things claimed me and made me their own. Those holy towns left images in my memory; as I paid my obeisance in temples, the ancient floors left impressions in my body that leaked into my heart and remain there still. And so I let it wash over me, allowed myself to be smothered in the healing balm, soothed by the feather-soft touch of India’s soul heritage. It had its way with me, this country, and I let it. It was then I started to call this place ‘home.’ And then the fun began... ‘Why?’ “I had no idea that the script was written by a cosmic comedian. And I think he still lives in India…” Despite how entertaining or exotic one may find other books on India to be, they share the trait that they are all written by foreigners on a brief journey, an adventure, and consequently they all deliver an often incorrect view of a country that is impossible to understand from the surface. Sorensen moved in, set up house, became a resident in a village on the banks of the Ganges River, and eventually called India “home.” Her writing swings from the depths of ancient culture, spirituality, and philosophy, through to drunk bathroom repair men, Indian wedding season, and ties it all together with direction, grounding, and an easily-digested reality. It’s funny, outrageous, controversial, deep, witty, spiritual, philosophical, and damned entertaining: in other words, it’s India. "Braja Sorensen describes her adopted India with no analytical or spiritual pretenses. A funny, committed book." BRAJA SORENSEN Braja Sorensen is originally from Australia but has spent most of her adult life living and working in London, Europe, and the United States. In 2002 she decided life must have more offer than what she’d experienced so far, and moved to a village on the banks of the Ganges. Over a decade later she’s still there, waiting for Vogue Magazine to see the light and give her a damned column. A published author in the Vaishnava-bhakti field, Lost & Found in India is Braja's first book in the mainstream genre.

'Fault in our Stars' by John Green shortlisted

FAULT IN OUR STARS by JOHN GREEN

Short listed for Children’s Fiction Prize 2013

 In January 2012 The Fault in Our Stars debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list in the US and has been in the charts there ever since, mostly at #1

TIME Magazine’s #1 Fiction Book of 2012!

Currently #2 on New York Times Best-seller List and #7 on Amazon Bestseller list

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love

Praise for The Fault In Our Stars

Electric . . . Filled with staccato bursts of humor and tragedy (Jodi Picoult)

Damn near genius . . . Simply devastating . . . Fearless in the face of powerful, uncomplicated, unironized emotion (TIME)

A novel of life and death and the people caught in between, The Fault in Our Stars is John Green at his best. You laugh, you cry, and then you come back for more (Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief)

Funny . . . Poignant . . . Luminous (Entertainment Weekly)

About the story:

When Hazel, just 17 but already a terminal cancer patient, meets Augustus at a support group, both their lives are about to change. She persuades him to read her favourite book, ‘An Imperial Affliction’, and together they set out to find the reclusive author. But as the two grow closer to one another, they are forced to confront the stark reality that their relationship can only end one way. United by one inspirational story and the desire to live life to the full, they set out on a journey that will redefine everything you think you knew about life.

'Diary of Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck': New Title Cover Revealed

India— Puffin revealed the cover, title and colour of the eighth book in Jeff Kinney’s blockbuster Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck, will be lime green, which follows the red, blue, green, yellow, purple, ice blue, and chocolate brown of the preceding seven #1 bestselling books. On sale 6.11.13, it will be the biggest book of the year! Today’s reveal is the culmination of a global month-long multimedia “Uncover the Colour and Much More” fan engagement campaign that yielded more than 800,000 shakes of Greg Heffley’s crystal ball. “Greg’s Heffley’s life outlook has always been a gamble,” says Jeff Kinney, creator of the Wimpy Kid series. “In this book we’ll see if luck has anything to do with how things turn out.” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck is set to be another great milestone in this incredibly popular and long-lasting series which remains a permanent fixture at the top of the UK’s children’s book chart and bestseller lists worldwide.” In Hard Luck, Greg Heffley’s on a losing streak. His best friend, Rowley Jefferson, has abandoned him, and finding new friends in middle school is proving to be a tough task. To change his fortunes, Greg decides to take a leap of faith and turn his decisions over to chance. Will a roll of the dice turn things around, or is Greg’s life destined to be just another hard-luck story? The Most Loved Series Diary of a Wimpy Kid is once again poised to be the biggest book series of the year, as book 8 hits stores on November 6, 2013. Jeff Kinney’s seventh Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, The Third Wheel, released in 2012, was Penguin’s fastest selling children’s book since records began, with one copy selling every 3.7 seconds and the series continues to dominate the bestseller lists worldwide. The books have been sold in more than 44 territories in 42 languages. Kinney’s work has been widely praised for its ability to turn reluctant readers on to books and Jeff Kinney was named one of Time magazine’s most influential people in the world. Three movies based on the book series have grossed more than $250 million internationally. Books in the series have won numerous awards voted on by students and teachers around the globe. In 2012, Diary of a Wimpy Kid was voted by UK kids to be ‘The Best Children’s Book of the Last Decade’, beating Harry Potter to the top spot. Books in the core series by Jeff Kinney include Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2008), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2009), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw (2009), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2009), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth (2010), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever (2011), Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel (2013). Jeff Kinney has also written and illustrated The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book and The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary. The series is a fixture in the Nielsen Bookscan Charts, the USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. It has also remained consistently in the top spots on the New York Times lists since publication of the first book in the series in the US in 2007.

Rain and Rainy Days

Why is it that rains are always welcome but rainy days are never? What a contradiction! But probably we have never pondered over that. All things associated with rains fascinate us, for instance, an umbrella, a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee etc. but things associated with rainy days like floods, flash floods etc. too keep reminding us of their presence off and on. Now in 2013 it is the Uttarakhand floods that will serve as an eye-opener. But only if we grasp the message between the lines. One message and the most important is that 'we should not be playing with Nature'. One must remember John Dryden's words 'Beware the fury of patient man'. Much in the same manner it is Nature that is furious, now that it has been witnessing the devastation being done to it my man because of his selfish motives.

We also know that there is always an equal and opposite reaction to whatever we do. It is what we sow so shall we reap. But man is a forgetful being. We all have a habit of postponing and ignoring things by telling ourselves 'Doesn't matter'. And then comes a time when we realize that it did matter after all. By then it is too late to mend things. It is just like any other relationship - the give and take. It is simple: we can only take that what we give. If we nurture with care, respect and affection, it is the same we have in return. But if we keep on exploiting the other, be it our partner or Nature, it is bound to boomerang on us.

It is time we all wake up. The alarm bells are already ringing very loudly. Don't turn a deaf ear. Let's waken up our senses before they are deadened by the deafening alarming noise! P.S. A silent prayer for all those trapped because of floods. May they all be here with us safe and sound!

India Non Fiction Festival 2013

“Our country does not have a strong enough political leader to even go up against an Italian housewife”. Ms. Tavleen Singh This was a 'strong enough' statement made by Ms. Tavleen Singh at the Inaugural Session of the India Non Fiction Festival being held at Mumbai. The theme of the festival is 'Be Bold Stay Real'. The keynote speakers elaborated about the theme of the festival in their own unique way. While Mr. Kiran Karnik reiterated that in India we have no choice but to be bold and hence stay real while talking about the problem of social sustainability; it was Mr. R Jagannathan who said that the theme of Be Bold Stay Real is wasted on Indians as we have to be bold and very real as the survival in our country is an effort for all of us; and Prof. Vivek Dahejia added that the country’s youth are bold but they are stymied by institutions which hold them back.

When it comes to being bold, how can one not talk about the digital age and this age's gadgets. Talking about some fun tricks you can use for your electronic devices, discussing cyber crime and the question of privacy with Mr. Suresh Venkat, Ankit Fadia also made a mention of the cool interesting things you can do with your smartphone, social media and much more.

Mahesh Bhatt, the celebrated film-maker, presided over the panel on Bold Cinema for Real India. Apart from that the session‘India: Real Consumers, Markets and Bold Brands’ witnessed a conversation between bestselling Authors, Branding and India experts Mr. Santosh Desai and Mr. Anand Halve. In a parallel session ‘Leadership in Imperfect Times: Daring. Spirited’, author and founder Chairman of Prasanna Trust, Shri Swami Sukhobodhananda and leadership author Dr. A K Khandelwal were in heated discussion with author, TataLog and MD of Tata Global Beverages, Mr. Harish Bhat.

The festival also witnessed the launch of the book 'Directors Cut: 50 Major Filmmakers of the Modern Era’. The book penned down by Mr. M K Raghavendra and was introduced by renowned film director, producer and screenwriter Mr. Mahesh Bhatt. In attendance at the event and giving their support were Writer and Director Mr. Sanjay Gadhvi, Actors Mr. Rahul Bose and Ms. Minissha Lamba along with Critic and author Ms. Bhawana Somaaya.

See more photographs of the event here: INDIA NON FICTION FESTIVAL - 2013

Of the People

We have all believed at one point of time or the other that silence is a good way to talk. But it cannot always serve the purpose. We do need words many a times. After all, it is not for nothing that Arthur Rimbaud went on to say in 'A Season in Hell/The Drunken Boat', “I turned silences and nights into words. What was unutterable, I wrote down. I made the whirling world stand still.”

But everyone doesn't possess the art of using them to their optimum value. Some undermine them by putting them to use in a 'derogatory' way. By 'derogatory' way here I mean, they all do not know how to use the right word at the right place. And if words are misplaced, they change the whole thing. The world turns topsy-turvy and hence, the defamation of the word itself, makes the usage derogatory. Then there are some, who are such good weavers that the moment they open their mouth for their calculative utterances they would weave such a yarn around you that you cannot help but be impressed.

It is always good to talk to some people. They help you relive all the wonderful moments of your past. While there may be others, whom you would not even touch with a barge pole. One such category might be of the bores but there are still others, who can be classified in this category, for instance, the ones who would always take potshots at you. They would keep sharpening their words like the knife to attack you the moment they get the slightest opportunity.

Let the count going...more categories will follow soon...Keep watching this space...

Facebook and Literature

Life is all about Facebook now. A person can be called 'informed' only if he is always in and out of Facebook. Starting his roaming here from his desktop. Then he might want to take some rest, so he shifts on to his laptop, while reclining comfortably on his bed. Suddenly a while later, he gets a business call and he has to leave the cozy comfort of 'Facebooking' to attend an urgent business meeting. Now what! But there are no worries now. He continues to shower the likes uninterrupted because he has it all on his palms now, thanks to the fully loaded phone. Till this point it was still acceptable. But things have gone too far now. The literature being produced by the youngsters these days, is becoming more and more centred around Facebook and they are all love stories. It is as if talking about the Facebook is the only marketing strategy left. They all want to cash in on the popularity of Facebook. The latest in this line-up or should we say 'pile-up' is Sudeep Nagarkar's 'It all started with a friend request'.

'Closed Path' - a poem by R.N. Tagore

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Rabindra Nath Tagore that falls on 9th May, I would like to share with my esteemed readers one of his poems.

CLOSED PATH

I thought that my voyage had come to its end
at the last limit of my power,---that the path before me was closed,
that provisions were exhausted
and the time come to take shelter in a silent obscurity.

But I find that thy will knows no end in me.
And when old words die out on the tongue,
new melodies break forth from the heart;
and where the old tracks are lost,
new country is revealed with its wonders.

Rabindranath Tagore What a wonderful piece of poetry! The title 'Closed Path' might be a pointer toward a hint of pessimism because of the word 'closed'. But the poem ends on a very positive note and therein lies the beauty of the poem. The poem moves from pointing towards a hint of pessimism because of the word 'closed'. But the poem ends of a very positive note. The poem is a wonderful moving from the shades of pessimism by assuming that the 'voyage had come to its end' in the first stanza, to a very optimistic one in the second stanza where 'new country is revealed with its wonders'. I hope you enjoy reading this poem. And do share your views about the poem here.

U.R. Ananthamurthy - Man Booker International Prize 2013 finalist

U.R. Ananthamurthy, the Man Booker International Prize 2013 finalist is the only one from India in the list of ten. The other nine being, Peter Stamm from Switzerland, Vladimir Sorokin from Russia, Josip Novakovich from Canada, Marilynne Robinson and Lydia Davis from USA, Aharon Appelfeld from Israel, Intizar Husain from Pakistan, Marie NDiaye from France and Yan Lianke from China. Ananthamurthy turned eighty on 21 December. He was born in the village of Melige in Mysore in the year 1932. This Kannada literateur is an eminent representative of the ‘New Movement’ Kannada literature. After having studied English literature in the University of Mysore, he obtained his doctorate from the University of Birmingham in England. His thesis was entitled ‘Politics and Fiction in the 1930s’. This ‘Gandhian socialist’ has five novels, one play, eight short-story collections, three poetry anthologies and eight of essays to his credit. His works have been translated into several Indian as well as European languages. His novel ‘Bhartipura’ was shortlisted for the Hindu Literary Prize in 2011 and for DSC Prize for South Asian Literature in 2012. He exhibits courage in challenging the cultural norms and a humanistic touch in his writings.

Book released by Anupam Kher

Leadstart Publishing and Granth Book Store launched “The Divine And The Destiny” by Meenakshi Raina Filmmakers Sudhir Mishra, Piyush Jha, Ashoke Pandit and other celebrities graced the occasion Mumbai, 3rd March 2013: Leadstart Publishing and Granth Book Store played host to the launch of “The Divine And The Destiny” by Meenakshi Raina. An intriguing novel, which will take you on a riveting journey of uncertainty and keep you hooked. The audience was enthralled when notable actor Anupam Kher released the book. Filmmakers Sudhir Mishra, Piyush Jha, Ashoke Pandit and other celebrities graced the occasion Meenakshi Raina read excerpts from the book that captured the attention of the audience. Everyone was interested as the passages that were read out and content of the book was fresh, creating a story etched in the minds of all those present. Swarup Nanda, CEO, Leadstart Publishing said, “Leadstart Publishing has always promoted a lot of first time writers who have strong stories to share, Meenakshi is one such author. The story of Kashmiri Pandits mass exodus from their motherland has been dealt with by the media as a political story, never has it been as fascinatingly written from the point of view of the Pandits who were made to abandon their homeland by force. It is a wonderful story of a human being’s courageous journey painted on a spectacular canvas of emotions” Meenakshi Raina (Author) said ,"I have been a witness to the mass exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits, in 1990 and while writing this book, I have re-lived this tragedy which is full of noxious memories, terror and trauma. My personal experiences, combined with my imagination has created this touching story of upheaval. The Divine And The Destiny - is an attempt to go beyond what has been documented in the books of History." Synopsis of the book: The Divine And The Destiny: • The tale begins in Kashmir, God’s own land on Earth in the motherland of the Kashmir Pandits. The occurrences in the book begin in the year 1990, which saw a mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from their own soil due to threat to life and mass killings by the Separatists. The Divine And the Destiny is the story of Shereen, a young Kashmiri Pandit girl, and her family. The book is about their struggles in order to cope with losing everything in an instant and their attempts to deal with it, to try to eventually gain everything they have lost. Would Shereen who is growing up find her love amidst all the uncertainty? About the author Meenakshi Raina: MeenakshiRaina was born in Jammu but lived her childhood years in Kashmir Valley. She did her schooling from Kashmir and migrated to Jammu after the turmoil in the valley in the year 1990. She did her graduation in science from Camp College, Jammu and her post-graduation, Master of Management Studies (M.M.S) from University of Mumbai in the year 1997. She qualified the UGC, NET (National Educational Test) for Lectureship in the year 2000 and also worked as a lecturer at Govt. S.P.M.R College of Commerce, Jammu. After her marriage, she moved to Delhi and worked as a lecturer in a management institute. She migrated to Canada in the year 2001, and lives with her husband in Toronto, Canada. She belongs to an educated Kashmiri Pandit family; her father Shri. JankiNathBhat is a retired engineer and her mother Smt. UshaKashkari, a retired professor. Since her childhood, writing poems has been her passion both in Hindi and English languages. The Divine And The Destiny is her debut novel. Recently, she has been contributing poems and articles to the web magazine - Shehjar.

All 'pride and' no 'prejudice'!!!

'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen

 "...men may come and men may go/ But I go on forever..." Lord Tennyson might have said this about a brook but we surely and most befittingly apply it to Jane Austen and specifically to her masterpiece creation 'Pride and Prejudice', which completed 200 years in January. Innumerable writers have churned out thousands of love stories in these two centuries but nobody matches the precision and dexterity with which Austen dexterously weaves in all the ingredients of a gripping tale.

One might be tempted to call 'Pride and Prejudice' a love story. Inspite of Jane Austen being called a writer, who works on 'six inches of ivory', the canvas of this tale of love is much wider and comprehensive than the love stories being written now. This statement needs to be observed in the light of the love-fiction being churned out by the new young breed of Indian writers. If Jane Austen carved on six inches, the 'self-proclaimed' bestsellers of today can be said to be working on just one-inch of ivory.

The everlasting appeal of 'Pride and Prejudice' lies in the way in which she magically carves out each one of her characters. The novel apart from presenting a very interesting and simple narrative, gives us an insight into the witty and intelligent heroine and also a wonderful and genuinely intimate relationship that develops through mutual efforts. A reason for universal appeal of this novel is in the fact that inspite of the English manners and backdrop, the novel fits in equally well in any other country or region. That is precisely, even after two hundred years of having been written it is still being published and read, and that too in all languages.

Dalai Lama at Jaipur Literature Festival 2013

The first day of DSC Jaipur Literature Festival 2013 saw a global icon of peace convey his message to thousands of festival attendees. The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, spoke about his understanding of the way of seeing and knowing taught by the Buddha in conversation with author Pico Iyer. This marks the beginning of a special strand of sessions, titled ‘The Buddha in Literature’, at the Festival this year. 

Dalai Lama at Jaipur Literature Festival 2013 in conversation with author Pico Iyer

 

The Dalai Lama talked about global politics, although he conceded that he is now retired from his political role. He urged for there to be “good relations” between China and India, as they were the “most populous nations in the world”, and that China could learn from India. He said that these two countries needed to develop trust in each other and from that, equality and democracy could flourish without fear. 

The Dalai Lama talked about the challenges of the 21st century, with population increases, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. He warned about greed, joking that “even if the whole world own, then maybe want to buy some land on moon and set up a hotel there”. He warned that corruption had become “the cancer of the whole world - very serious”, and called for a more sustainable economy, more protection for women, and to “forcibly reduce this gap between the rich and the poor”. He called the 20th century “a century of bloodshed, of violence” and urged that the “21st century be a century of dialogue”. 

This depends on education, he emphasised. He called for an update of the existing education system, saying “there is something lacking about it”, and that moral ethics should be taught from a secular base, since ethics are not dependent on religion. He emphasized the need to train the mind so that inner values and qualities could flourish, as “the mind knows no limitations” and we need to learn to use our intelligence “more holistically”.

Jaipur Literature Festival 2013 - Keynote Address

DSC Jaipur Literature Festival 2013 begins with Mahasweta Devi’s keynote speech – ‘O to Live Again’ ~ Ashok Gehlot – CM of Rajasthan and Margaret Alva – Governor of Rajasthan graced the inauguration with their valuable presence~ The 2013 edition of the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival started with an inauguration speech by eminent author and social activist Mahasweta Devi. She reflected on her long and illustrious life and writing career in a speech laced with references to the rich world of ideas she has imbibed from the tribal and rural cultures that have been the subject of her work. Ashok Gehlot - CM Rajasthan and Margaret Alva - Governor of Rajasthan at the inaugural ceremony of Jaipur Literature Festival 2013

Ashok Gehlot, CM Rajasthan and Margaret Alva, Governor of Rajasthan at the inaugural ceremony of Jaipur Literature Festival 2013

Having written on the “culture of the downtrodden” throughout her life, Mahasweta Devi referred to the simple dreams of simple people in her speech. She called for the “right to dream” to be the first fundamental right of all human beings.

Mahasweta Devi at Jaipur Literature Festival 2013

In a speech poignantly titled ‘O to Live Again’ renowned author Mahasweta Devi said “My early years proved to be formative for my future work as a writer and activist. I also have different approach to my writing process and I mull over the subjects in depth before setting out on the creative journey.”

Ashok Gehlot, CM Rajasthan and Margaret Alva, Governor of Rajasthan at the inaugural ceremony of Jaipur Literature Festival 2013

Commenting on this, Namita Gokhale, Festival Director – DSC Jaipur Literature Festival said “We are delighted to begin the event with Mahasweta Devi’s warm keynote which was not only inspiring but thought provoking. She has been constantly working for Human Rights and Women rights to bring a change in the society."

Shortlist - Man Booker International Prize 2013

Here we have the shortlist of the coveted Man Booker International Prize 2013 that was announced at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2013, which is happening from 24-28 January at Diggi Palace, Jaipur. The finalists for the fifth Man Booker International Prize 2013 were announced on the first day of the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival. 

Ten finalists have been chosen by a team of five judges for the £60,000 award. The judging panel consists of scholar and literary critic, Sir Christopher Ricks, author and essayist, Elif Batuman, writer and broadcaster, Aminatta Forna, novelist Yiyun Li, and author and academic, Tim Parks. The winner of the prize will be announced in London on 22nd May 2013. 

The ten finalists are 

U.R. Ananthamurthy (India),

Aharon Appelfeld (Israel),

Lydia Davis (USA),

Intizar Husain (Pakistan),

Yan Lianke (China),

Marie NDiaye (France),

Josip Novakovich (Canada),

Marilynne Robinson (USA),

Vladimir Sorokin (Russia) and

Peter Stamm (Switzerland). 

The Man Booker International Prize is awarded every two years to a living author who has published a substantial body of work either written or translated in English. Announcing the list, Chair of the judging panel, Christopher Ricks commented “Some of these men and women are in their eighties, the youngest in their forties and fifties. They write in ways that are astonishingly different.” 

 For this year’s prize, a total of 150 bodies of work were considered, from which the ten finalists were chosen. The Kannada language is represented this year with the inclusion of Indian writer, U.R. Ananthamurthy.