HALL OF POETS INTERNATIONAL EZINE MAR-MAY 2016

HALL OF POETS, 913 SECTOR 15 PART 2, GURGAON, HARYANA. INDIA. PIN: 122001.

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions coordinator”, at email address below. hallofpoets@gmail.com Although every precaution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for damages that may result from the use of information contained within.

The magazine is not for sale and can be downloaded from HALL OF POETS community on Google Plus or HALL OF POETS page on Facebook, or asked for a copy by writing to us on: hallofpoets@gmail.com Editor-in-Chief: Dr. PRERNA SINGLA Joint - Editor & Owner: PULKIT MOHAN SINGLA Associate Editor- KIRON KRISHNAN EDITION: SPECIAL. (MAR-MAY, 2016) **DISCLAIMER** ......................................................................................................................................

HALL OF POETS Digital magazine is the property of Hall Of Poets community on Google Plus and is protected by the International Copyright Laws. The poems/articles are published under the name with which the poet/writer is active in the Hall Of Poets online community. The publisher (Hall Of Poets), authors and contributors reserve their rights with regard to copyright of their work. Although Hall Of Poets considers its source reliable and verifies as much data as possible, Hall Of Poets makes no representations, warranties, express or implied, as to the completeness, accuracy, or appropriateness of the information, data, advertisements, graphics, authenticity of profiles/poems/articles, copyright infringement or responsibility of any other content contained in any Hall Of Poets digital magazine or webpage, including but not limited to the Hall Of Poets online community, blogs, and other email newsletters, and any other social networking platform produced, owned or managed by Hall Of Poets. Each member/artist himself/herself takes full responsibility of the authenticity of their work/ profiles. Content produced by Hall Of Poets may from time to time include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Graphics used are under fair use policy and not for commercial purposes; the artist/designer claims no right to own the graphics that are taken from the internet. The content of each poem/article is the sole expression/opinion of its writer/author and not necessarily that of the publisher. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the publisher’s choice to include any of the content in this volume. Neither the publisher not the individual author(s) shall be liable for any physical, psychological, emotional, financial or commercial damages, including, but not limited to special, incidental, consequential or other damages.

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सन ु वाई खद ु ा के आगे जब सन ु वाई होगी मेरा ददद ही मेरी गवाही होगी।

हो जाऐंगी शम ु ार पदों में फ़िजाएँ जब मैं और मेरी तनहाई होगी। काँच ननगाह के पैमानों ने दासतां मेरी छलकाई होगी। क्योंकर न खखले गल ु ़िामों में फूलों की भी रूसवाई होगी।

क्या कह के चला था जख्म-ए-मसरद त के आलम-ए-बे-नवाई होगी। बरसेगा फलक भी अश्कों से जब इश्क-ए-काफ़्नाई होगी। वो बीत बबसात-ए-दहर होगा प्रेरणा! जब हहसाब-ए-खद ु ाई होगी। खद ु ा के आगे जब सुनवाई होगी, तेरा ददद ही तेरी गवाही होगी। © डॉ. प्रेरणा ससंगला, २०१६

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ABOUT THE FOUNDER: Dr. PRERNA SINGLA Is a dental surgeon/ entrepreneur/ writer/ blogger who is the Founder of Hall of Poets & working as the Editor-inChief of Hall of Poets ezine, Editor-in-chief of Impact005. She is the Creative Director of a banquet firm based in Gurgaon, the author of “Crown Of Sekhemet” (Collection of her poetry) and KIBATEK media Ambassador in India.

She is also working as International Director and the Deputy Secretary to the Presidency (Unione Mondiale dei Poeti - UMP, Recco Italy) as well as the Vice President of India for World Union of Poets – UMP. Apart from that, she does literary projects, her recent project in the name of Roses & Rhymes, is an Amazon’s No.1 Best seller. She is also a writer and Reviewer.

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www.hallofpoets.com LIFE GONE WRONG

Short Story by PULKIT MOHAN SINGLA Life is an array of weird incidents that change our lives forever. I wonder sometimes, if it is just life’s trick to keep me on my toes. As a person, as a man, I always labelled myself the coward one, not because I am a coward but because I could never stand for things that I should have stood for.

Many years passed but things still haunt me, no matter how happy I am at a particular time in life, at night my thoughts sink back in the depressing silence and pain of my heart.

In my heart I know that I am guilty. And now as I lay back in this cosy warm bed, my mind haunts back to the darkness of my past.. Now I am not able to handle this pain, this guilt anymore and I just want to die at this moment. It’s been years. I somehow could not fight the courage to face her. Again and again my mind replays today’s day step by step, minute by minute as they happened....

It was early morning, and the clock ticked 5 am when I reached the airport to board a flight for Mumbai. The sun was yet to rise and the air was cold and windy with chilly currents hitting the face.

It had been four years since I had met my college mates. The events of my college time were sweeping in front of my eyes, gradually bringing up happy and sad memories and just then I saw her, boarding her flight. She looked different, with a different hairstyle, different yet recognizable face.

The moment my eyes met hers, a pang of utter pain roused in me and filled my eyes with tears so uncontrollably that it became difficult controlling tears. My mind had lost senses to thinking if at all it was creating a scene in public. The big scar on her face seemed to bring back the bleeding wounds. Her blood ridden face surfaced from my memories, one that had never ebbed away. I wanted to touch it and ask if it hurts, if it pains... I wanted to apologise and I knew “sorry” wasn’t the word big enough. I wanted to cry like a child and I wanted to comfort her the way I wanted to four years back when that happened.

Things halted for like forever and her voice, the delicate velvety voice that was my heart was once again heard. “Hi”, she said. It felt like a drop of water drenched the centuries old dried barren lands. A drop of tear chuckled down my cheeks. Her cries of pain were ringing in my ears, as she was crying for help, as she was crying when she lay there lifeless

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struggling to reach me, struggling to get up. My pain had just started to break the barriers of my heart in which it lay suppressed since all these days and just then another voice was heard. That voice was of my wife standing right behind me. “You guys from same college?”, said Neeta in her vibrant tone of voice, who seemed excited at the idea of bumping into old school buddies by chance.

My tears ran back to my eyes, my pain suppressed back in the jail of my heart just like it happened when she tried to call me a million times and I turned my back. I had died a million times for each time I lived the memory of that dreadful incident that happened those four years back. Quickly I wiped that rebellious tear and stood with a smile as Neeta stepped out of queue and introduced herself as my wife. “C’mon Abhi won’t you introduce us?”, Neeta said with the excitement that served to bring me discomfort. Why are women always nosey? Why they just want to know everybody her man knows? I questioned in my mind.

“Neeta meet Shreya, my college mate. Shreya meet Neeta, my wife.”, I said fighting a diplomatic smile on my face. Shreya watched every expression of my face and knew exactly what I was going through. Neeta on the other hand was too vibrant to notice my pain, and how should she? She was completely unaware of the situation.

“Great to meet you Shreya. Where are you staying in Bangalore? Let’s catch up for gossip time and I am sure there are many college time stories about Abhi. How he was like and all... would be fun pulling his leg ”, Neeta said giggling and I stood with a fake smile and eyes hovering both Neeta and Shreya one by one.

“Sure.”, Said Shreya smiling out wide. “He was the famous coward kid of the college.

Fattu ekdam!” Shreya said laughing out loud.

The dialogue, the laugh were all sarcastic, a direct tight slap on my face in public that only I could hear. I could stare at Shreya but I could also not meet eyes with her. I chose moving forward in the queue and collect my bags. The only thing I wanted to do was run away, once again, like I did four years back.

“Ok, see you at the wedding then.”, Neeta informally said good bye to Shreya as she saw me collecting bags.

“Sure.” Shreya responded smiling and moved away trying to find her bags.

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The distance from airport to hotel was travelled in one sided silence. My wife kept talking and I kept silent or at the most smiled or responded with a “Hmmm”. My mind was reliving the past and my heart was struggling not to cry. I closed my eyes and hunched back in the Taxi seat as we travelled. The scenes of her blood ridden body still haunted me. I could still hear the cries for help and I could still see myself running away.

My mind was trying to find justified reasons. ‘I was very scared.’, ‘I was helpless’, ‘they were many’, ‘I was beaten’, ‘I was... coward??’ ... and my eyes opened at the last thought.

I figured we had reached the hotel, I had slipped off napping all this time. Bengaluru was sunny and hot. I looked at my wife who was smiling like a shining sun. “You dozed off in the car.:, laughing she said. “Yeah!” I replied with a dull smile. There wasn’t anything much to say.

The day passed anyhow. One by one I was catching up with most of my college mates on phone or some came and met me at the hotel. We had a nice lunch together. New women in life met each other. Shreya was not at lunch. Where was she? I was thinking about her all this time. I was thinking how the four years passed... my mind was filled with questions and this lunch was the least among the places I wanted to be at or among the people I wanted to be with.

Later that evening while I sat reading a gadget magazine, Neeta sat near me and started ranting about all that the others were talking about.

“You know that girl we met in the morning?...”

“Who? Shreya?”

“Yes! You know she was gang-raped by 6 boys on Jaipur highway four years back. The wife of your best buddy Navneet told me when I mentioned we met a girl named Shreya in the morning. She said that they kept hitting Shreya with a stone brutally untill she was lifeless and then raped her all night. Some guy reported to police but they were gone by the time cops came. Her face was completely deranged and she had to go through lot of surgeries to get herself back in much form. But you know? I am amazed at the way she was talking in the morning... as if nothing ever happened.”, Said Neeta curiously and in a careless tone.

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My face was buried in the magazine and my hands were busy tossing pages. I was pretending as if the news was as new to my ears as to hers. “hmmm... I heard , but I guess that was a rumor.” I answered diplomatically.

“Arrey you don’t know. Such girls themselves pave the way for guys to do so and then they cry the rape thing. Saw the way she called you fattu in the morning?? I did not like it but then I thought just let it go. These girls are no innocent either.” Neeta kept talking and I kept ignoring. My palms were sweaty and I was anxious, also angry on Neeta’s curious manner and careless arguments. It Means nothing to her, but means a lot to me.

That incident had changed my life; our life... Mine and Shreya’s.

The night knocked with it’s darkest of the darkness. The only light was at the end of my burning cigarette. The wind hissing in my ears as the cigarette smoke danced in front of my eyes and my mind was both silent and numb. Neeta tip toed to me and held me tightly from behind. For a moment I was taken aback. She was wearing the sexiest red dress I had ever seen, something that could turn on the wildest beast in any man. Snugly fitting her curves, a red net nighty laced her body. I looked at her in a glance and turned back to smoking my cigarette. “It’s cold. Go inside.”, I said to Neeta.

“C’mon. Have you turned into a Thanda angaara tonite?” , Sarcastically she said laughing, enough for my already tortured mind. The anger, the frustration all crawled up into a whirlpool of the worst temperament and my palm clenched her throat tightly dragging her by the wall, so violently that I wanted to kill this woman but something in me still kept me from hitting her. I moved back. It was difficult for Neeta to understand what was going on. She started to cry. “Coward!.” She said.

I switched off the night lamp and went to sleep in that cosy bed as the room was filled with Neeta’s sobbing. I had Shut my eyes but my mind kept screaming aloud. Was I really a coward?? Maybe yes I was.. I was a coward that I kept watching my love, my Shreya getting raped that night. I was a coward that I kept watching as they kept hitting her untill she was lifeless. I was a coward that her blood, her cries of pain, her cries for help had no effect on me. I was a coward that even after that I ran away from there. I was a coward that I turned my back on her, when she called me a million times, when she lay in that hospital bed counting minutes of life, struggling to live a dead life. I was a coward that I married some girl because she was a virgin? Or maybe because marrying her was better than marrying a raped girl??... I was a coward. I was a coward. I was a coward and I wanted to shoot myself all this four years for being a coward. At that moment I just wanted to run away from life... And now as I lay back in this cosy warm

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bed, my mind haunts back to the darkness of my past.. Now I am not able to handle this pain, this guilt anymore and I just want to die at this moment.

Short Story © Pulkit Mohan Singla (Words: 1950) Author’s note: Through this short story of mine I have tried to reflect upon the social situations in which how a rape victim is perceived as in the society and effects on such incidences on people. In most of the cases, they are looked upon as the ones who invited the situations themselves, their character is questioned. Guys are reluctant to marry the girls who have been through such torture, such pain. They are a social taboo. I generally write non-fiction articles on social matters. But this time I am writing a fiction. ___________________________________________________ Please Note: All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. ___________________________________________________

About the owner PULKIT

MOHAN

SINGLA,

Artist/Writer/Poet From Haryana, India , is a Masters in Interior designing and Event Management and is into family business of Events management. He is also the Owner and Joint Editor of Hall Of Poets International e-zine and has a huge reader base from more than 24 countries. He has also more than 1,00,000 reader base on his personal blogs and his book “Realities of Sex World”

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has had more than 1,50,000 downloads. He has also published the series of DIY Interior Designs for the masses and is also coming up as a hit project. Pulkit is also the Head of Promotions and Public Relations of Hall Of Poets. He has contributed to many literary magazines and Anthologies and preaches love and humanity by way of his poetry and writes. He is counted among the cyber celebs and is followed by many poets and celebrities of Indian origin. He is also an artist by heart and has contributed his art to many social causes. He is well versed in many Indian languages, Hindi and English being the languages he excels at.

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THE MOHD. ALI SHAH Interview with Dr. Prerna Singla (Editor-in-Chief Hall of Poets.)

Major Ali leading the Assam Rifles marching contingent at Rajpath, New Delhi saluting H.E. The president of India on 26th Jan 2008. Picture Courtesy: Major Mohd. Ali Shah.

Picture courtesy: Major Ali

Dear readers, It a pleasure to interview Major Mohammad Ali Shah today. He is an Indian Theatre personality, Film Actor and a Social activist. He is the son of Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah (PVSM, SM, VSM) Former Deputy Chief of The Army Staff, former member Armed Forces Tribunal and currently the Vice Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University. He is the nephew of actor Naseeruddin Shah.

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A former Army Major, Ali has also worked in the management Industry. As an actor he has worked with National award winning directors Tigmanshu Dhulia and Vishal Bhardwaj. Major Ali led the Assam Rifles marching contingent at Rajpath, New Delhi saluting H.E. The president of India on 26th Jan 2008. He was crowned the coveted title of RSI May Prince – First Runners up in Hyderabad in 2002. He has done professional theatre with the renowned actor Naseeruddin Shah and Tom Alter, and has also won the ‘Best Actor’ award at the Delhi International Film Festival for his movie “The Ruffian”.

Picture courtesy: Major Ali

Major Mohd. Ali Shah Hello Major Ali, It is a pleasure to interview you today. You are not only a talented Actor but also an Inspiration to budding artists.

Thank you so much Prerna, it is indeed a pleasure for me to be interviewed by such a multitalented lady like you rather. Oh! Am I an inspiration to budding artists – thank

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you. I am just following the calling of my heart and trying to convert my dreams into reality.

You have acted in “Agent Vinod”, “Haider”, “ Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and also “The Ruffian”. Please share with us your experiences in the field of acting.

Well, I’ve trained as an actor by being consistent in doing Theatre. I have been trying to learn Constantine Stanislavsky’s means of acting for many years under the able guidance of my uncle Mr. Naseer Uddin Shah. I am more of a Theatre artiste than a film actor.

Sriram Raghavan who is incidentally a super senior of mine from my college, Fergusson College Pune trusted and cast me in a small role in “ Agent Vinod”, he is a trained film maker from FTII and I learnt a lot from him. Mr. Vishal Bhardwaj is a legend and one of the most brilliant director’s we have in our country today, he is an institution in itself and the visionary that he is. He knew that being an ex Army officer, I would do justice to the role he had in mind for me – The Army Major who picks up Haider’s father and orders fire on Haider’s house. This was a role which I had lived in real life so I didn’t face any difficulty in doing it in reel life. In Kabir Khan’s “ Bajrangi Bhaijaan”, my fruitful meeting with Mr. Salman Khan and an audition got me a small role in the film – which was later unfortunately later edited and cut since the duration of the film was coming to be way beyond what was expected. However, I consider myself lucky to have made good friends on the sets and was a part of such a fine team. Monetarily, they were very generous with me and paid me what I asked for without negotiating. “The Ruffian” is an English film dubbed into Hindi and Malayam, I was lucky to have had a brilliant director who gave me a very fine role as the title and the lead which led me to win several “ Best actor” awards at various International platforms such as the prestigious Delhi International Film Festival, The International Film Festival of Prayag – where apart from best actor I also got a second award – a special mention by jury and critique’s for outstanding performance. Best actor at the Aligarh International Film Festival (Film Saaz).

I think I have just been lucky since I am in the process of learning. I don’t know how to act – I think I am a very bad actor – I just behave in the manner the character is supposed to behave. Though, I must say that I feel truly flattered when thespians tell me that, that is what is expected from a good actor. Acting is a diehard passion with me, though I am also trying to learn it, since a great actor should be able to do exactly what the director desires out of him. Whether he acts or he just behaves. I am lucky to have learnt from such great institutes of learning so early in my acting career.

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Major Mohd. Ali Shah after having won the coveted awards of "Best Actor" at the Delhi International Film festival.

Picture courtesy: Major Ali

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You won the ‘Best Actor’ award at the Delhi International Film Festival for this movie “The Ruffian”. What is the film about?

I feel blessed to have won that coveted award in the National Capital. It is a story based on William Somerset Maugham’s story – “The man with the scar”. My work in this film didn’t require me to act at all, it required me to be there and behave in a certain manner – I owe the award to the director, the role and I guess since I didn’t have to do any acting – hence the critique’s could believe in my character.

Mohd. Ali Shah in the lead role in "The Ruffian" Picture courtesy: Major Ali

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It is a known fact that you are a self made man. What struggles did you face to reach where you are today?

Thank you for the compliment Prerna. I have always been inspired by self made people, my father, my uncle, your father who is himself a self made man and have always wanted to do something extraordinary in life. I don’t want to live a normal mediocre life; I feel I have been born to do something big. However, to be very honest I feel I still haven’t done anything or reached anywhere in life. God willingly I will someday, since I am a very persistent and a determined person and I just love to work hard.

My favourite quotes relevant to both me and you are:

“The heights by great men reached and kept – was not attained by sudden flightFor they while their companions slept - were toiling upwards in the night.”

Another quote that I read on a tombstone while I was posted in Kohima – at the Kohima war cemetery-

“When you go home- tell them of us and say for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

Please share something about your upcoming film “Yaara”.

I am very fortunate to have been directed by National School of Drama alumnus and National award winning director Tigmanshu Dhulia, who had the faith in me while giving me a dream role which was very difficult. I love challenges. It took me about a year to prepare for it and I delivered exactly what he wanted out of me. I have a very central and an important role to play in this film where I age in the film over a due course of over 20 years. It is a role which will bring my true talent and range as a versatile actor and am penning huge hopes with this film. In the cast we have, Shruti Hasan, Vidyut Jamwal, Amit Sadh, Sanjay Mishra. I can guarantee you whenever the film releases it will be a grand success. Tigmanshu Dhulia is a genius.

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www.hallofpoets.com Picture courtesy: Major Ali

Major Mohd. Ali Shah (Left) with the legendary International Film maker Majid Majidi (Right) from Iran.

You were an Army Major, worked in management Industry, and are also an Actor. What led to the transformation?

I was 5 years old when I first went on stage and completely loved the feeling of performing before a live audience. Thereafter, I was consistent with doing plays in school including lifting the “Best Actor” trophy in school exactly 20 years back in 1996. I have always idealised my father and my uncle, both of them went to Pune for their education.

My father went to the NDA and Naseer uncle went to FTII. I wanted to have a better understanding of both these great institutions and so chose Pune for my graduation.

During my student days in pune I worked as an actor and an assistant in several short films with the FTII and also visited NDA regularly. I made up my mind that I wanted the best of both worlds – So I decided to train in the Army as a “Commando” where I would get paid and trained in martial arts, horse riding and polo, deep water diving, mountain

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climbing, rock climbing, hang gliding, water sports, adventure sports etc., which will also help me to do my own stunts as an actor later. So I joined the short service commission to do a 5 year stint in the army. My chest swells with pride when I recollect my army days. I am proud to have kept my family’s martial tradition alive apart from nurturing patriotic feelings. I think the Army is the best finishing school. It shaped up my personality and prepared me to face any challenge for the rest of my life. I trained at OTA Chennai and was deployed in the midst of counter insurgency and counter terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir at the LOC as a young Lieutenant, thereafter I got a prestigious assignment as the ADC to a General Officer Commanding a Corp in the North East, who incidentally was my father – I remained professional with him on that assignment. Thereafter, I was once again very lucky to have got promoted to the rank of a Major, perhaps I was one of the youngest Major ranking officer in the country at one point of time and was selected to go on deputation to “Assam Rifles”, in Nagaland, where I was awarded a commendation card for meritorious service. God has been very kind to me, after having completed my stint in the Army I was fortunate to study business management in one of the best B school’s of the country – IIM Calcutta where I managed a lucrative placement on campus and hence could save enough money to buy a humble apartment for my wife so that I could have a roof over my head while I chase my dreams in Mumbai. I think having worked it out strategically like a true Army man and a management student, having an apartment of my own in Mumbai made things easier for me. I had to take the longer and harder route but at least I was spared the hassle of sleeping on streets in Mumbai. So it was all a very well thought of and a planned move since I always wanted to be an actor. It is ironical that I just love to act – However, I still don’t know what acting is, as I told you I know how to only behave depending upon the situation.

Major Mohd. Ali Shah attending the National Fil awards ceremony with his Army ceremonial medals. At the National Film awards ceremony in 2015. "Haider" won 5 National awards apart from several filmfare awards. Picture courtesy Major Ali. Picture courtesy: Major Ali

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You have also acted in “Ghalib ke khutoot” and in the film based on the noted Shayar Majaz Lucknawi. What in your words is poetry or Shayari??

Oh it is a real high. I have been literature student and love poetry, drama, shayari. Urdu is my mother tongue. I have grown up watching Naseer uncle’s Mirza Ghalib. I have seen him recite Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s nazam’s. One needs to have an ear for it and i am blessed to have been born in a family where Urdu is spoken. Naseer uncle credits his Urdu to having studied in Aligarh. Today when I visit my parents in Aligarh I am floored by the level of Urdu shaiyari that goes on in the city. I have read your poem’s Prerna and I would say “aap ki poem’s mujhe prerna deti hain to work even harder”.

Picture courtesy: Major Ali

Major Mohd. Ali Shah (Left) with Tom Alter (Right) in the play "GHALIB".

To whom would you like to give the credit of your success? Who is your inspiration?

Thanks for at least considering me to be successful Prerna. However, I don’t think I am successful as yet. I am determined to succeed. I feel I have the passion, the patience and

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perseverance and the will to keep at my craft and would never give up. My inspiration is my father and my uncle Naseer.

what do you think about Hall of Poets International ezine and what message would you give to our readers?

I feel this idea of yours of Hall of Poets International ezine is BRILLIANT. Since it is relatively new there isn’t much awareness about it as yet. However, having said that it is commendable that in such a short span you have come a very long way with this brilliant idea of yours Prerna. Before I would give any message to your readers, I would like to commend your team for having the courage to follow their dreams and their passion.

Not many people do that. I know for sure that this idea of yours is going to go global and will take the world by storm very soon. I would advice your readers to continue reading literature of such fine nature and spread this great idea by word of mouth.

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www.hallofpoets.com HAIKU

#1 You, false hugs Me, true intentions We, never the same.

Ishita Singh ©copyright 2015 #2 Your lips said true But eyes told me false Middle of nothingness.

Ishita Singh ©copyright 2015 #3 Blue flowers bloom Black roses bring doom Iridescent Shoots.

Ishita Singh ©copyright 2015 #4 I don't write on clouds Rains on my poetry page Need sunshine now .

Ishita Singh ©copyright 2015 #5

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www.hallofpoets.com I see through The glass of my destiny In pure agony.

Ishita Singh ©copyright 2015 #6 His veiled glass Hides those truth I can never see.

Ishita Singh ©copyright 2015 #7 Fresh earthy smell Repels away staleness Such satisfaction.

Ishita Singh ©copyright 2015 #8 Fast the water flew Typing against the fog Waves everywhere.

Ishita Singh ©copyright 2015 #9 Fell on soft leaves Felt like hard trees Fragile touch.

Ishita singh ©copyright 2016

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www.hallofpoets.com #10 Rough start to great day Smooth life is at bay Boost the love.

ISHITA SINGH

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ALL ABOUT BEAUTIFUL BENGAL Article by Sohini Ghosh

HANGING BRIDGE, Kolkata Picture Courtesy: Shya Shyama

BENGAL and Its Precious Possessions

Bengal is an ethno-linguistic region, located in the eastern part of South-Asia.

Bengal has been the heart of a rich literary and cultural heritage and is influenced by the South-Asian history through ‘Bengal Renaissance’ during the 19th and 20th century and due to the ‘Bengal Movement’ in the mid-20th century.

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According to chronological order, Bengal can be divided into different phases or ages in terms of its literature and literary works.

IDOL OF DURGA MAA DURING DURGA POOJA, Kolkata

OLD BENGALI LITERATURE OR ANCIENT AGE OF BENGALI LITERATURE: Ancient Bengali literature saw its development and betterment with the dawn of ‘Charyapada’, written in Bengali format and is a collection of about 50 to 51 old songs mystic Buddhist songs.

Only 46 songs and a tore one of them (song:23) have been retrieved.

These songs are composed by some renowned Buddhist seer-poets:

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Luipada—composer of the 1st song, Kanhapada—composer of highest number of songs (13), Kukkuripada, Chatilpada, Bhusukupada—composed about 8 songs Dhendhanpada, Shatipada, Shabarapada and many more.

This famous Bengali work, written on palm leaf manuscript had been discovered by a famous Bengali linguist Haraprasad Shastri in the year 1907.

MEDIEVAL LITERATURE OR MIDDLE AGE OF BENGALI LITERATURE: Early Vaishnava Literature forms a sole part of this age.

The first work of this genre is the ‘Srikrishna Kirtan Kavya’ , discovered by Basanta Ranjan Roy Biddyadwallav in 1909 from the house of Debendranath Chatterjee, a resident of Bankura district of West Bengal.

While mentioning about ‘Srikrishna Kirtan Kavya’ ,name of Baru Chandidas is worth mentioning.

While ‘Charyapada’ gives us the glimpses of old form of Bengali literature, ‘Srikrishna Kirtan Kavya’ gives us glimpses of new and modified forms of Bengali Literature.

PADAVALI OF VIDYAPATI: These are ‘Padas’, written by Vidyapati in early Bengali dialect that draws its origin from Maithili (language of Mithila(Old Kingdom from Ramayana where Sita, wife of Rama hails from),mainly spoken in Bihar as well as Nepal, mainly a member of the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family).

These influenced medieval Bengali poets to a greater extent.

PADAVALI OF CHANDIDAS: Love of Radha and Krishna has always been the subject of poems and writings in Bengali Literature.

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Chandidas has blended this pure ‘Love’ along with his three Bhanitas, with three sobriquets—Badu, Dwijo and Dino in his ‘Padavali’.

But still there is an ambiguity regarding these bhanitas.

EARLY TRANSLATIONS FROM SANSKRIT:  

‘Sri Ram Panchali’ by Krittibash Ojha: Life story of the King Ram of Ramayana i.e.

Ram is depicted here. It is also known as ‘Krittibashi Ramayana’.

‘Sri Krishna Vijaya’ by Maladhar Basu

MANGAL KAVYAS: A group of Bengali Hindu religious texts, composed more or less between 13th and 18th centuries. It is mainly consisting of narratives of indigenous deities of rural Bengal in the social scenario of Medieval Ages.

This genre has two sub-genres: ‘Manasa Mangal Kavya’ ‘Chandi Mangal Kavya’ THEOLOGY OF SRI CHAITANYA MAHAPRABHU:

  

The ‘Chaitanya Bhagavat’ ,written by Vrindavana Dasa, is the earliest hagiographical work based on the life of Vaishnava saint Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu(1486-1533).

Sri Chaitanya Deva is considered as the embodiment of Radha and Krishna combination and is a pivotal figure of the Hindu denomination Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

Other works based on Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s life are— Jayananda’s ‘Chaitanya Mangal’ Lochan Dasa’s ‘Chaitanya Mangal’ Krishna Dasa Kaviraja’s ‘Chaitanya Charitamrita’—The magnum opus of Krishna Dasa Kaviraj, ‘Chaitanya Charitamrita’, is a hybrid collection of Bengali and Sanksrit biography of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

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This religious text is the main theological resource for Gaudiya Vaishnava theology and is divided in three sections: ‘Adi-Lila’ ‘Madhya-Lila’ ‘Antya-Lila’

LATER VAISHNAVA LITERATURE: ‘Padavali’ of Balaram Dasa ‘Padavali’ of Jochan Dasa ‘Padavali’ of Govinda Dasa Kaviraja Translation of Mahabharata holds an important position in Bengali Literature.

Srikar Nandi, Kashiram Das and many more are the notable writers in this field.

Raygunakar Bharatchandra is worth mentioning for his notable creations like ‘Ananda Mangal’ and ‘Bidya Sundar’.

SAKTA PADAVALI: Bengal doesnot only hold an important place in poems,literature,novels but also plays an important role in religious writings like ‘Sakta Padavali’.

Ramprasad Sen and Kamalakanta Bhattacharya are the writers of eminence in this field.

EARLY MODERN BENGALI LITERATURE OR EARLY MODERN AGE:

Bengal and Bengali literature gained its momentum during the 19th century or early modern age.

During this time, the learned people and the pundits from FORT WILLIAM COLLEGE made tedious efforts towards the translation of text books in Bengali for the development and advancement of Indian languages especially Bengali.

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The Bengali prose came into this scenario.

Some of the famous writers and noted poets need worth mention for their further contribution towards the enrichment of Bengali Literature during this time.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy: In 1814, Raja Ram Mohan Roy engaged in the literary pursuit.

Translating Bengali to English and also socially reforming Bengal were some of his notable contributions towards the early Modern Age. He established the ‘Atmiya Sabha’ (Club of Kins) in 1815, a cultural group by nature. He was the person who was solely responsible for the end of social evils like ‘Sati’, ‘Child Marriage’, ‘Polygamy’ etc.

He also setup the ‘Brahmo Sabha’ in 1828. He founded the Hindu College (today’s Presidency University Of Kolkata), Hindu School.

Also he brought out his popular journal ‘Sambad Koumudi’ which covered topics like freedom of press, induction of Indians, to high posts in service etc.

Dinobandhu Mitra: Famous for his great drama ‘Nil Darpan’ based on the after-effects and harsh reality that Bengal faced after the Indigo Revolt (Nil Bidroho) during 18591860.

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: Born as Ishwar Chandra Bandyopadhyay,he is a key figure of the ‘Bengal Renaissance’ (Banglar Nabajagoran) .

He has been the heart of Bengali literature as his book ‘Barna Parichay’ (‘Barna’ means ‘Letters’ and ‘Parichay’ means ‘Introduction’ i.e. ‘Introduction to Letters’ ) is considered to be the first book which every child has to read in their earlt stages or infancy in school.

His other books include— ‘Betal Panchabinshoti’ (‘Betal Pachhisi’), ‘Bangala-r-Itihash’ (‘History of Bengal’), ‘Bodhaday’, ‘Jeeban Charit’,

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‘Kotha Mala’ and many more..

Michael Madhusudan Dutta: Another notable poet and writer of all times is Michael Madhusudan Dutta.

Though a converted Christian, he had composed all his works in Bengali and has given Bengali Literature, a new dimension.

He is the first person to introduce ‘Amitrakshar Chanda’ (Blank verse) in his works in Bengal.

He also first introduced sonnets in Bengali Literature.

His first epic work based on his style, ‘Amitrakshar Chanda’ is ‘Tilottoma Sambhab Kavya’ (‘Birth of Tilottoma’) which was published in 1860.

His another greatest work is ‘Meghnad Bodh Kavya’(Slaying of Meghnad, son of the Lankan King of Ramayana Ravana). This story is based on the last part of the Ramayana epic, the battle that was fought between Ram and Ravana.

His other noted works are-‘Brajangana Kavya’ – A lyrical poem ‘Birangana Kavya’ – An epistolary poem ‘Chaturdashpadi Kabitabali’ – ‘Sonnets Collection’ (102 sonnets) ‘Sharmistha’,’Padmavati’,’Krishnakumari’,’Maya-Kanan’ – Four plays (1859-1874) ‘Ekei Ki Bole Shabhyata’ and ‘Buro Shaliker Ghare Ro’ – Two farces Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (1838-1894): One of the leading Bengali novelist and essayist of the 19th century.

His first novel, ‘DurgeshNandini’ is considered as a benchmark in the history of Bengali Literature, published in 1865.

He wrote the National Song Of India ‘Vande Mataram’ and made its first usage in his novel ‘Ananda Math’ (1882).

His other works include:

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‘Kapal Kundala’ ‘Devi Chaudhurani’ ‘Bisha Briksha’ ‘Krishnakanter Will’ ‘Rajsingha’ and many more ….

He critically analysed the ‘Bhagavat Gita’ and problems of Krishnaism from a historical perspective in his ‘Dharmatattva’ (1888) and ‘Krishna Charitra’ (1882).

One of his humorous sketches is ‘Kamala Kanter Daptar’.

KOBIGURU RABINDRANATH TAGORE: The noble laureate from Asia to have received the first Noble Prize in Literature is Rabindranath Tagore.

His 2000 Rabindra Sangeets, numerous plays, short stories, novels have been influencing Bengali Literature since the early Modern Era. He received Noble Award for his noted and priceless work ‘Gitanjali’, a book of poems which have been translated in many languages.

This prolific writer and playwright of Bengali Literature has helped in shaping the Bengal and its background with his extra-ordinary contributions.

His literary works played a pivotal role in extending Bengal’s domination not only inside it, but also in Bangladesh.

He wrote the National Anthem of India and Bangladesh ‘Jana Gana Mana’, both penned down in Native.

His noble works: Short Stories: ‘Ghare Baire’ (Made into a film by Satyajit Ray), Jogajog, ‘Char Odhyay’, ‘Malancha’, ‘Samapti’, ‘Chokher Bali’ and many more…

Plays: ‘Chitra’ (1914), ‘Raja’ (1915)

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Drama: His first original dramatic piece is ‘Balmiki Prativa’,written at the age of twenty.

Others are ‘Visharjan’ (1890),written in Bengali containing subplots and extended monologues.

His works are based on philosophical and allegorical themes.

Novels: ‘Chaturanga’, ‘Gora’ (1910), ‘Sesher Kobita’ (‘Last Song’)--Translated two times.

‘Ghore Baire’--Raised nostalgic feeling amond Indians while warning of danger.

Dance Drama: ‘Shyama’, ‘Chitrangada’.

Poem: Clubbed under ‘Sanchaita’ and ‘Gitanjali’.

His contribution has influenced contemporary Bengali Literature to the fullest and has given Bengal and her literature a new dimension.

SARAT CHANDRA CHATTOPADHYAY: Most popular novelists of early 20th century is Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.

He explored the life and suffering of women in contemporary rural Bengal.

His works show sympathy towards the common mass and their sufferings.

Sarat Chandra’s simple Bengali writing style created a trademark in Bengali Literature.

Some of his writings are— ‘Devadas’, ‘Griha Daha’, ‘Arakkhaniya’, ‘Bordidi’, ‘Parineeta’, ‘Nishkriti’ and many more.

Some of his works include – Stories: ‘Abhagir Swargo’, more.

‘Anuradha’, ‘Bindur Chele’, ‘Chobi’, ‘Mejdidi’ and many

Plays: ‘Bijoya’, ‘Rama’, ‘Jai Hind’, etc.

Even after his death, many Bengali and Bollywood blockbusters were done based on his novel.

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After Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Tarashankar Bandopadhyay, BibhutiBhusan Bandopadhyay and Manik Bandopadhyay were the three Bandopadhyays who broke out into a new era of one of the most popular and realistic writing style.

BibhutiBhusan Bandopadhyay and Manik Bandopadhyay had long standing influence on the two of the most brilliant film directors of Bengal, Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak respectively.

Other famous Bengali Novelists are Humayun Ahmed, Jagdish Gupta, Satinath Bhaduri, Balai Chand Mukhopadhyay (Banaful), Saradindu Bandopadhyay(famous for his short stories, thrillers and creator of one of the famous Bengali detective of all times ‘Byomkesh Bakshi’), Kamal Kumar Majumdar, Sunil Gangopadhyay, Syed Shamsul Haque, Sandipan Chattopadhyay, Bimal Mitra, Bimal Kar, Samaresh Basu, Mani Shankar Mukherjee (Shankar) and Amar Mitra.

Humayun Ahmed is one of the most popular Bengali Writer of fiction and drama.

Some Science fiction came up with the writing of Jagadish Chandra Bose.

PREMENDRA MITRA--He was a renowned Bengali poet, novelist, short story and thrillers writer and film director. He was also Bengal's most famous practitioner of science fiction in its own language.

His works are— Magazines: Kollol [কল্লোল], Kali Kalam [কোলল কলম], Banglar Kotha, Bongobani.

His fictitious character ‘Ghanada’ became a famous charater and is read by everyone irrespective of age.

SATYAJIT RAY—An Indian filmmaker, widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century. He authored several short stories and novels, primarily aimed at children and adolescents. ‘Feluda’, the sleuth and the Bengali Detective, and Professor Shonku, the scientist in his science fiction stories, are popular fictional characters created by him.

Ray's first film, ‘Pather Panchali’ (1955) won eleven international prizes, including the inaugural Best Human Document award at the1956 Cannes Film Festival. This film, along with ‘Aparajito’ (1956), and ‘Apur Sansar’ (The World of Apu) (1959) form ‘The Apu Trilogy’.

The Government of India honored him with the Bharat Ratna in 1992.

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He also won Oscar in 1992, probably the first Bengali director to win the Academy Award.

He has also been a winner of 32 National Film Awards.

Satyajit Ray has designed four typefaces for Roman script named ‘Ray Roman’, ‘Ray Bizarre’, ‘Daphnis’, and ‘Holiday Script’.

He had a major contribution towards the Bengali Literature and also Bengali Film Industry.

These are some important people to be mentioned regarding their contribution towards Bengali Literature.

MODERN AGE: Bengali literature has seen poems, short stories, music in the modern age.

Some famous short story writers are Rabindranath Tagore, Manik Bandopadhyay, Tarashankar Bandopadhyay, Subodh Ghosh, Narendranath Mitra, Saradindu Bandopadhyay, Premendra Mitra, Ratan Lal Basu, Basudeb Das Gupta, Amar Mitra, Rajshekar Basu (Parashuram) and many more.

Poets: Some notable poets of modern age are Rajanikanta Sen, Atul Prasad Sen, Dwijendralal Ray, Jatindra Mohan Bagchi, Kumud Ranjan Mallick, Kazi Nazrul Islam (also known as ‘Bidrohi Kobi’), Jibanananda Das along with Buddhadev Basu, Sukanta Bhattacharya, Subhash Mukhopadhyay marks the beginning of the major move to transcend the Tagore Legacy.

Popularly known as ‘Polli-Kobi’ (pastoral poet) Jasimussin, Shamsur Rahman, widely known for his ‘Juggling or playing with words’ are notable.

Some Musicians also came into play during this time: Ramprasad Sen (Sakta ‘Maa Kali’ devotee songs) and many more.

Baul songs also form an integral part of Bengal.

Name of ‘Lalon Fakir’ in this field comes into play.

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EAST BENGAL LITERATURE: Sayeed Abubakar. Shahidullah, Nural Momen, Syed Waliullah, Shahidullah Kaisar and many more.

LATER MODERN AGE OR WEST BENGAL LITERATURE: Notable Poets of this genre: Satyajit Ray, Nihar Ranjan Gupta, Ashutosh Mukhopadhyay, Moti Nandi, Sandipan Chattopadhyay, Shakti Chattopadhyay, Nabaneeta Dev Sen, Sunil Gangopadhyay, Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay, Samaresh Basu, Mahasweta Devi, Sukumar Ray, Upendra Kishore RayChoudhury, Lila Majumdar, Suchitra Bhattacharya, Sankho Ghosh, Joy Goswami and many more.

In this genre, Rajshekhar Basu’s name is worth mentioning as he is considered to be the best known writer of Bengali Short Stories.

He mocked the charlatanism and vileness of various classes of Bengali society in his writings under the pseudoname ‘Parashuram’.

His major works are : ‘Gaddalika’ (1924), ‘Kajjwali’ (1927), ‘Hanumaner Swapno’ (1937), ‘Niltara Ittadi Golpo’ (1956) and many more.

Rajshekhar Basu received Rabindra Purashkar, the highest literary award of West Bengal in 1955 for ‘Krishnakali Ittadi Golpo’.

He is a noted lexicographer, translator and essayist.

His ‘Chalantika’ (1937) is one of the most popular concise Bengali dictionaries, while he also translated Kalidasa’s ‘Meghadutam’, Balmiki’s ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Mahabharata’ etc.

From the above mentioned points, we can conclude that a genre of sweetness the Bengali literature carries that is a class of itself and many of the short stories are not only translated but also filmed in different languages ,specially French, English, and Germany.

But still in spite of getting translated in many languages, the essence of Bengali Language is not perceived in any other language and thus its odour remains in the pages of its possessions and creations.

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Beautiful Bengal journey through some images… Picture Courtesy: Shya Shyama

PRINCEP GHAT, Kolkata

A scenic view, Kolkata Picture Courtesy: Salima Khatun

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www.hallofpoets.com Picture Courtesy: Shya Shyama

ROWING THE BOAT IN SILENT GANGES, kolkata

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www.hallofpoets.com Picture Courtesy: Salima Khatun

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF INDIA, Kolkata

PREPARING THE STATUE OF MAA KALI FOR DURGA POOJA, Kolkata

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THE GANGES, Kolkata

VICTORIA MEMORIAL, Kolkata

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PATHWAY TO NATIONAL LIBRARY, Kolkata

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POETRY CHAIN

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www.hallofpoets.com I Do Not Wish….

I do not wish to reach shores where I build my longing and oblivions walk barefoot and silently…

I do not wish shores where trees bloom senselessly and stars loose its train during refluxes…

I do not wish to reach shores where nights set inside my thoughts neither sweets waters or cravings snowbound by amnesia…

Yearning of you hits my last fiber of retina…

I do not wish for shores where seasons’ shadows crucify me!...

I bury my wings, I know you were no more than a chimera, no struggle inside one last remembrance, so nights can have its dreams.

I do not wish for shores where sleeplessness temple can rest,

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in hope the universe will narrow inside me.

I converted my wings into taciturn stones!

I do not wish for shores where waters cut my restlessness and questions, trying to find our lost steps in the penumbra… even the hourglass cannot bring back my Love…

I do not wish for shores where I tried to remove your nights out of me, just a stellar sleep watches over at the border between wakefulness and sleeping, through insomnia, words keep wondering…

I am not ready for another flight!...

At the corner of each second, Love still howls of so much yearnings… cold and arid…

ANCA MIHAELA BRUMA

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When Our Stories Bled Together

When our stories bled together Eternity nodded gleefully unfolding our broken grounds, howling voids and lost alliterations…

My perfect imperfections slipped down at my feet, this intoxicated Existence mended my subdued Heart in spasmodic recurrences…

I have been seeking for You Inside millennial dips of wisdom!...

I am distressed by my absent impressions expressed by restored discourses along my winterish hallucinatory midnights

When our stories bled together I woke up from this Ancient grey longing and edgeless Time frames, spring-flowers blasted in echoed reverberations…

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Yet!... the World demanded an answer!

A cross-examined petition of my agonized paroxysms, no appeals… neither claims over its utilitarian ultimatums!

A plea… with no supplications and beseeched adjurations…

Together!...

We bled our histories with hypnotic accents and saffron reminders about the World’s triviality and consistent frivolity!

ANCA MIHAELA BRUMA

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www.hallofpoets.com Broken Attitude On tall building near to sea, I stand on rooftop proudly; See the sea and laugh on it, Mock on its dwarfism; Scream aloud in attitude, Boast of human dominance; That how we took it in control, How we made use of it.

Go to sleep after I mocked, Satisfying my egoistic thirst; All happy and in all smiles, I close my eyes in pride; The building starts to shake, And falls after a while; The height on which I laugh, Is no more after a while.

I run here and there, Afraid and petrified; Search my loved ones, Calling them in vain; Scream aloud in grief, Cursing the sea for it; The waves stands tall, Now i seem dwarf.

SINGH VIKAS, 2016

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A Mother’s Ode O Lord, Loved ones are precious, but it just seems you couldn’t entitle them live their life hear my prayer, my grieve!! for my beloved son and heir.... who left for heavenly abode too early.

I could fathom.....

There’s a time to be born, and a time to die; a time with a purpose, but why too soon.

You greeted him as an embodiment of death.

You laid hold of his naive soul and soared to heaven beyond the azure blue skies above, letting me savoured the solitude.

Convey my abiding love to him resting in your arms bearing a smile.

“My dear son! I miss you so much, an air of melancholy, sombre and despair girdles, this heart longs for your smile, your happiness Somewhere in the midst of nowhere, you will always be in our hearts” O Lord, your light shall shine upon him forever and nurse him the way I did.

ARINDAM BAROOAH

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Heinous Crime (A tribute to all those rape victims) That cold biting night, The girl came out.

Travelling in a moving bus, Ended up her in a Brutally tortured and tormented.

She was bared, forced, left for dead.

She cried, screamed, groaned out of pain.

A lift of shirt without permission, Regardless your intentions, Its rape and an awful dim crime.

We protest, sob, mourn We hum, sing, shout slogans But cannot feel the pain and agony, She had been through.

Every mark made on her, On her body, on her soul Are reasons to ponder on.

You not only molest out of hunger, You peel her imaginations like a shell, Decays her soul, emotions, Ruins her dignity, gravity, life Those scars can never be healed.

I feel abashed for being a man.

I feel sorry as being a brother, a son As can’t make the grade to bring A change towards women against violence.

I plea, I bid....

Stop such sinful infamous act.

Your mother, your sister, your daughter Can also be a victim.

Our call for justice should not be disdain.

Heat and fortitude of the rouse mob Has to mould into consequent actions.

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Condolences to all those victims Who have fought their battles for life.

ARINDAM BAROOAH Duliajan (Assam),

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" My heart beats for you" I lie on your side of the bed There is still some warmth there under the blankets It is comforting to be wrapped In this slowly dissipating body heat.

As you leave in the cab for the airport Vacation over in the blink of an eye Why doesn't time stand still when you are here I know you too wish you didn't have to leave And as you board the flight , your thoughts will be of me I close my eyes to picture you So vivid an image I see before me I can always have a mental conversation Any sort of discussion, even altercations But we always reach a solution Some would say it's telepathy I have a better word souls conversing Whenever a temple I chance to see Or a church on my way to work Be it a mosque or mazhar I always whisper a silent prayer When our mortal bodies turn to earth Let our souls forever continue as one.

RUNA SRIVASTAVA 2016

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www.hallofpoets.com CrĂŠpuscule

Twilight slowly slips into night Reminding us to tarry Preparing us for the hours ahead When we can either think of hours passed Or what needs be done when a new day arrives It's the pause where anything can happen Or anything can be believed It's the conviction of knowing what we wish to do Holding the thought firmly Doing what needs to be done And with every twilight Inch closer to our goals.

RUNA SRIVASTAVA 2016.

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www.hallofpoets.com '' The Old Man ''

The old man in the moon That's who I was told you are And as I look upon you I can see your face Sometimes you look stern and full of concern Sometimes you look mellow Like an easy kind of fellow I often see you aglow And occasionally with a blue hue And every time I see you It's as though I always knew That you would come around When it was your time And I could always count on you As if you were really mine I know you'll be around For the next generation too So I bid you goodnight, my friend With a fond and fair ado CHRISTINE A PERRY

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'' Storm Clouds '' Rolling clouds thick and high Towering over the land They are floating by Dark on the bottom Bright in their tops Changing constantly as I watch on They look a little different each time I blink A dark blackish gray In an almost level bottom Bright, shiny crowning white On their fluffy boiling tops Thicker and darker They come ever more closer Grumble, Grumble I hear in the distance Closer still I can feel a chill CRACK !

The light flashes as bright as can be The wind blows harder And the air is now chilled CRACK !

The light flashes The wind blows harder And this time the rain comes down hard and steadily CRACK !

The wind and the rain continuing down What a vision What a sound What a feeling of life all around me The rain lightens up And the wind calms down I see blue skies in the distance And the sun is going down Yes, this one is over I'll wait for the next round CHRISTINE A PERRY

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Poetry Every start has another beginning's ___ Slowly lenses microbes Indestructible myriad Antivirus slept in ----- unsustainable Development.

PARTHA MUKHERJEE

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Discovering The Monuments of Poetry “THE VEDAS” Article By Kiron Krishnon The “Vedas” are the ancient texts composed in an archaic Indo European language called “Vedic Sanskrit”, which form the oldest layer of Indo European literature. The Rig Veda, the oldest among them, is one of the first literature of its kind in the world, and is entirely poetic with rigid features like poetic metre, several astonishing poetic metaphors, imageries and styles. Though it is sad that much of the poems of Vedas have been carelessly KIRON KRISHNAN interpreted by not poetically inclined schools of theism, and non-poet scholars of varying agendas using religious works, forged historical writings and other later (thousands of years later) philosophic works, the poetic beauty of the lines are still preserved in the poetic language, left for the reader to decode. The amazing thing is that Vedas, as contrary to the popular belief, are not religious, but they are theistic, and also contain the best of ancient Indo European poetry, which contain the original and seed forms of several of later poetic usages in various Indo European languages, esp. the Greek, the Avestan, the Indian epics, and also provide the poetic tellings of natural phenomena, which later develop to myths in all the Indo European religions.

The Vedas are thus not mere ancient works of theistic importance or historical importance, rather they are also of high philosophical and linguistic importance. The poems of Vedas are mostly about the concepts of God, each concept is called “deva”, meaning the “shining one”, said to be “born from the spiritual fire” during the “mental dawn” by the regeneration of the formless God inside the fire of mind for the sake of worship. Thus, Vedas tell that One Reality, the nameless One, is given names inside the worshipper’s mind. And the poets and singers talk of the same God as different, for worshipping the incomprehensible. The poetic depth of Vedas is profound; you get so many poetic metaphors than similes, making it a great journey through the lines of wisdom.

The poems of Vedas are not just limited to theistic visions of God, they also discuss much regarding their ideas of universe, the world, and sometimes there are miscellaneous poems with humorous instances and even satires. The Vedas, using the language tool, create exquisite designs of amazing beauty and ingenuity, crafting interesting parallel meanings simultaneously throughout. The Vedas give immense

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importance to poets and reciters, called “kavi”, “kAri”, “vipra”, “Rishi” etc. and God is frequently called “the best of poets”.

Sometimes you see such incredible instances as calling the nameless God as “who” (kaH) (also defined as “One Reality” (ekam sat)), and using in poems to create memorable beauty, as is shown by the “Hiranyagarbha poem”, meaning “The poem of the Golden origin”. The usual question of the polytheist or the agnostic, “who is the god to be offered worship?” is the refrain of the poem. But as we look closer, we see that the lines actually mean “who” is the God to be offered worship. Such puns are common in Vedas, also replicated in the seemingly unrelated agnostic lines of riddle poem of Creation (Nasadiya hymn) verses, after a long account of poetic telling of the creation of universe from a single first Reality through spontaneity and division of energy :

“After all, who clearly knows? Who can indeed proclaim here?

When this creation happened, how this came to being.

As the concepts of God are before us here in this creation, Who really knows when this has arisen? ”

This, for any not poetically inclined reader seems as a sudden shift from theism to agnosticism. But, on scrutiny, we see that it is the same thing - the “who”- the Final Reality can only tell what everything is. Remove the question marks and read “who”, you get the pun of the lines. The question of “who is God?” is the answer for itself, it is the final Reality that is to be sought through questioning. Such grand poetic usages are much abounding in Vedas. Also note the poet’s riddle way of explaining time of creation in this poem in the starting lines itself :

“Neither was there non existence, nor did existence exist then” The whole poem is an ultimate beauty of true wise words played to explain both physical creation and the creation of the spiritual world in man using the same lines in a parallel way.

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Sometimes, Vedas also show us touching poems, like the “Gambler’s lament” in Rig Veda. The gambler, who loses everything in gambling, is looked down upon by others, and his relatives as well.

As he runs off from his place for the fear of paying debts, he gets caught in another kingdom, where he sees the captain of armies gambling. The ancient gambler to him, “shows his extended ten fingers” and says “I have nothing, I speak the truth”. The ancient gambler now advices the captain to stop gambling, and also asks him to spare his life. The instances are so touching, and the description of the gambler really brings tears to one’s eyes.

The “Paean to Earth” in Atharva Veda brings beautiful expressions that make us love this world, and make us think how blessed we are to live in this beautiful world.

Some poems of Vedas are collections of the ancient Indo European riddles, used wonderfully to create thrill and thought in poems. A beautiful example of such a riddle poem would be Rig Veda 1.164. The popular riddles of Indo Europeans, found in ancient Greek writings, Indian epics, in ancient folklore of Lithuanians, Norse and English, can be found in their initial form in Vedas. You have the solar riddles, and many natural riddles, and like other Indo European compositions, riddles and mysticism was a loved trait in Vedic poetry. These riddles often accompany praisesongs and philosophical thoughts, and make us re-read the praises to get back the intended meaning of words used.

Moreover the first usages of “weaving poems”, “words gushing out as streams”, “God bringing rain by milking the cow of cloud”, “Raining by consuming the power of the dark bull, the rain cloud”, “world beings forming a web of warps and hoofs (otaprota in Vedic usage)” etc. are so common in Vedas.

In Vedas, the first usages of “cow” as metaphor for “clouds” and “solar rays” can be seen. Moreover, they also represent the rays of cows of knowledge sun, grazing in the thought sometimes. The ocean is a usual metaphor for “thought” and “vast knowledge”. The fire and sun metaphors are also of wide range, with only some used later in other Indo European works.

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On the whole, we see that Vedas are much more than philosophical treatises; they are a collection of some of beautiful and incredible poems of the ancient age which show a high sense of poetic commitment and wisdom, and it is interesting to note that the Vedas do not endorse many theories and be religious. (Like reincarnation, duality..)

And this makes them more reliable, more useful, and help us in learning poetry.

And to say frank, if I have been writing any “poems”, I owe the credit only to the ancient Indo European bards who crafted the poetry of Vedas, Avesta, Iliad and especially to the beautiful compositions of Rig Vedic poets that shall stir the poetic mind, and inspire new ideas in us. There are less parallels even in this age to those bards who lived and died for poetry, philosophy and thinking.

We shall see the intricacies of their carving in the subsequent days.

“Let that worthy Divine Glory, Of the God who ‘sows’, be yielded, Let that promote our intellect” (A popular Vedic stanza popularly known as “Gayatri Mantra”)

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Every day is a new leaf.. ......

Every day is a new leaf, Every day is a new lease, From birth till death just renews, Reinventing the faith, Revitalizing the thoughts, A New Rose, Budding life every day grows, Counting the ripples, The Ocean sends smiles in lease, The hunger of the vaccant soul to appease, ..................

AKSHAYA KUMAR DAS

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www.hallofpoets.com A Man Named Madiba

It is in unity that we can change the world No separation of beliefs and no color differences, Here was a man who trampled the gruesome impact of discrimination Inspired by his powerful words, He bridged the gap of misunderstandings among nations No black, yellow, white or brown We are all one with an ultimate vision against disparity.

Madiba, you are one true hero not just in the eyes of your African descent, But as well as in the hearts of men all over the world Who were living witnesses of your humane integrity and love for peace, Your name and outstanding legacy will live on for generations upon generations to come They will honor the great endeavors you bestowed upon your fellowmen Madiba, Africa must be proud to have you as his Son, May the world not forget one great man like you.

ELIZABETH ESGUERRA CASTILLO Š 2013

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www.hallofpoets.com A Woman of Peace

I was born weak but then I grew up to be a lion Yes, a lioness but with the heart of an angel I may appear demure, gentle, and meek, But you can’t suppress me when I try to speak When I speak, my words would strike you like lightning, They would move you into pieces as if they were spoken only for you My words are likes blades That can cut deeply into your core, But will forever leave a mark That will change the course of your life.

Though I stand for what is the truth Fighting for the rights of women who are maltreated and abused, I still chose to be a woman of peace For I believe always carrying peace in my heart Will help me spread love and unity to a world in chaos, Yes, a lioness carrying the torch of peace Along the forest I walk mightily But in my heart I’m still a child possessing meekness, A woman of peace, I will always remain Equality is what I shout and my purpose, I will proclaim.

ELIZABETH ESGUERRA CASTILLO

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www.hallofpoets.com When I am gone

My love for you will linger For a thousand years

Like a song Sung by an angelic singer Perhaps enter a young man’s ears

That more than he has ever He may love a woman In ways before he never knew

But surely he shall never As certainly shall no man Love as I have loved you

Š 2015 W. WHEDBEE

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When the stories of my life, at their inevitable ends Cajole my body into giving up the ghost As my spirit bids farewell to earthly family and friends There is one thing, that shall surely suffer me most

I shall not even briefly grieve the squandering of my youth For mistakes, misdeeds nor opportunity missed Nor regret my many unsuccessful searches for the truth But that though we loved, we far too seldom kissed

Š 2015 W. WHEDBEE

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www.hallofpoets.com *Nothingness* Winds of dust Gust of unfaithful lust Darkness all around Only nothingness can be found.

The more I run The more deep I get caught The more I shield away The more I am fought.

What am I running from, When there is nothing all around?

I do not know Fear I do not show Because deep inside I am bending low But from outside I tell myself to go, I find my breath Against the cold wind My muscles strain Though I am not pushing anything.

I guess this darkness is consuming me, I think this nothingness is getting on me, But then I see faces Blurred but friendly I move along with them But they just ignore me Who are they?

Mirages everywhere is what I see.

I feel my life dying out I feel I am losing out But then suddenly I remember Was I ever alive?

Am I stuck in fakeness OR Am I In the middle of nothingness?

ISHITA SINGH Š 2016

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www.hallofpoets.com *Being what you wanted*

Being what you wanted Was never easy But I went for it anyway

Being what you wanted Was like walking on thorns But I did it everyday

Being what you wanted Was amazing but hurtful But I loved being that way

Being what you wanted Was sour and beautiful But I think it will suffocate me one day....

ISHITA SINGH Š 2016

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Memories are your only belongings With me, today, your absence gossips, Makes me nostalgic and remorseful.

This crying wind holds you in its arms, And hugs you on my behalf, One last time.

My numbness and denial describes My love but I don't want love, I want you.

Why did you leave us today?

What was the necessary calling?

Was my affection not adequate?

Was this story already completed?

Why did you choose this day, To make me and our home feel empty?

The framed pictures on the wall Yearn to see your smile, The rooms call you incessantly To bring in your magical aura.

How they don't yet know that their Lover is gone to embrace his new home.

Did you not think of us?

I fail to accept your departure, And I shall never will For you are and always will Be sheltered and cared for, In my forlorn heart.

Your rays from the sun will Colour me and your tears will Wet me but throughout I know, You will be with me! Š SIMRAN ARORA 2016

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www.hallofpoets.com Twilight Motionless monotony, Clutched harmony, Profusion of pain, Vague memories, Sweet silence. © SIMRAN ARORA 2016

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www.hallofpoets.com when we as society

when we as society allow integrity values and morals to be compromised we as a society put ourselves upon menial positions of lower standards the acceptance of immorality is more easily swept beneath the rugs of our deceit the break down the fabric of society begins to lash Out We act without though of mind violence, depravity debauchery becomes habit that Fall upon Every facet of life breakdown of ethics the moral principles that governs a person's

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www.hallofpoets.com or group's behavior Falls to wayside Those gifts of integrity values and morals become nothing more than a manipulating tool that falls upon the beating heart of humanity acts of love end up being not true of heart the blaming of others becomes second nature And the life of a perpetual victim Blossoms and begins it's trod upon all endeavors that's pertain to healthy life we find ourselves on trails of calamity begging for wisdom to hear our cry But wisdom mocks and laughs upon us when we call upon her

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www.hallofpoets.com name perplexed we become and wonder why She nowhere to be found Integrity values and morals These three simple words that bind the fabric of society together it create order amongst the chaos Integrity the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

Values the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.

Morals a lesson, especially one concerning what is right or prudent, But it seems more and more these days we are losing this concept upon the heart of humanity There's more

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www.hallofpoets.com slavery racism and hatred infesting the heart of society then ever in history the segregation amongst our brothers and sisters has pushed the true meaning of love and spirituality upon the back burners of our life Trust loses its way We become so entangled upon the unrighteous self that we find ourselves And our minds Falling upon the feudal concepts of heart And simplicity has lost its way So I say bind these concepts to your heart integrity values and morals bind these concepts to your heart like Gold that was forged

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www.hallofpoets.com upon the saviors chalice Bind these to your heart like feathers upon the beating heart of Phoenix bind these to your heart as breath is to life bind these concepts to your heart Integrity values and morals

Memoirs from a mad mind SEAN THOMAS RUNYON Š 2016

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Start respecting the word “Woman” She always lives her life only for others She always sacrifices her happiness for others !

Hiding her tears inside her eyes Always keep on her face an artificial amile !

In variable forms she plays her role brilliantly She is God’s unique creation definitely !

As a daughter, brings cheer with her innocent actions As a wife, brings love to someone’s life with passion !

When the most sacred word “mother” gets attached to her name She just starts living for her child within her eyes with a dream !

Who is actually she, does anyone know ?

Yes, she is “ woman” who makes us all able to grow !

Her duties, her sacrifice is really uncomparable She has a great power that creates big miracles !

Yet, why in this modern world of today?

This society is not giving her the place she deserves !

Why she only has to face all critisms?

Why she becomes a rape victim?

Why she is left away from education she worths?

Why she is considered as a curse in form of female child birth ?

Her life is totally getting unsafe at present She is not getting proper living and protection !

Has to bear the burnings of “dowrey” Has to be a part of children’s slavery !

Hey, today’s world people remember please my words This kind of education is of no use what you possess !

When you all can’t respect such a “creation” Who even completes a word called “man” !

Then it is very easy to say openly to all You are doing nothing but making your life spoil !

Get up yet, nothing has wasted O’ world, O’ man Take steps for the enpowerment of the women !

Start learning to respect this word called “she” She is the one without you all are nothing as “He” !

God has created a very unique creation in form of woman Make yourself proud by giving her all rights and destination !

She is indeed a precious gift to all of us Disrespecting her, Donot make your life worthless !

Dr. SONIA GUPTA

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I am not yet arised high in life to belittle the death Not got that achievement to fulfill my dreams When I close my eyes not to open This sulking, irking seems awake me again to Search hidden pearl of beauty in her heart.

Somebody says way of heaven starts there And I see truth behind it or my whole happiness Is the only truth?

When you thought it remedy of wound then it would never cure.

You want someone die for you with no any price If price comes its durability is over In moment you can find it all, But you deliberately ignore it maybe to live long life So long time you initiated false play With the no bondage of time You forgot the deadline And shortlisted your name as winner Did you sign the papers?

And look last after so many years Original face in mirror?

SHIVAJI PANDHARE

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www.hallofpoets.com Real owner – poem

In misty smoke of burning heart Meetings of unknown peoples Treasury of holy heart seems looted Agonizing pain rested meek as stray bird In dark arena This epidemic of hateable small pox making faceless by I don’t love at all attitude Destination fagged to stop dreams in eyes Here the conversation of futile churlish chant Echoing nothing in ears as memorable, More than weeping heart inside.

All mascara one fake layer of pleasant face Like competition of choosing beauty queen Whose end is suicidical farce only Laugh on death if you have strength don’t fear This down belly hunger Come on hug me really to kill my desires With your birthday cake knife And wrote on it your name if you dare to lend me life.

SHIVAJI PANDHARE

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To All Within These Hallowed HallsŠ ~&~&~&~&~&~&~&~&~&~&~

Thank you all who have been the Light in my Darkness, I am truly Blessed for Having all of you in my life...... and I am thankful for the Blessings that are all of you........

Angels without wings but with voices and Hearts that to me forever will sing....

~&~&~&~&~&~&~&~&~&~&~ Š C.A.ANDERSON OCT 2015

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~%~%~%~%~ Home Is MoreŠ ~%~%~%~%~ Home Is more than just these old Stone walls It is the Loving laughter that echoes down the Hall It is the heartfelt welcome when Visitors come to call It is the Giving and Sharing to everyone, that's here And for being thankful for the Blessings God's love bestows no matter how Great or small....

It is acceptance no matter who you are It is the Companions that walk beside us still In Peaceful Harmony, Truly Generous Spirits dwell here Unconditional Forgiving Comfort offered to one and all The Heart of every Home should be LOVE unconditional Freedom to Express one's self As Entities Unique ~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~ Š C.A. ANDERSON APRIL 2015

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www.hallofpoets.com REVIEW

‘HIDDEN HUSBAND’…

By RAJESH D. HAJARE

HIDDEN HUSBAND’ is the debut fiction novel by debutant authoress Shikha Kaul.

Book’s cover is designed by Amol Karambe which looks very pretty and indicates something hidden inside the briefcase which is holded in a girl’s hands. Book’s amazing cover and mysterious title ‘HIDDEN HUSBAND’ carried with subtitle ‘Some Secrets Never Leave You..’ attracts you to pick up the book. The book is published by Pulkit Gupta’s Gargi Publishers.

Blurb:

Aisha is trapped in her own secret which makes her life hell. Her love for Raghav is true. But hailing from two very different cultures is the basis of their continued friction. Aisha is a Punjabi girl from Gurgaon and Raghav a Bihari from Ranchi.

Raghav’s family will certainly nort accept a girl from outside their community. And yet, he continues giving her false hopes through his efforts and promises.

And then they take a step which entangles her life further.

Will she manage to come out of this quandary or must she continue to live in her selfcreated web? Explore her journey that makes her realize the atrocities being committed on women in the Indian society and the tough decisions she must take, keeping her most loved ones oblivious to everything happening in her life.

PURE LOVE & ROMANCE Prologue and the first part have lots of love and romance. Actually I avoid reading love stories as many authors try to include unnecessary intimate scenes to present the novel HOT. But theHIDDEN HUSBAND is about PURE LOVE. There are few pure romantic scenes described gracefully by the authoress. HIDDEN HUSBAND too has few intimate scenes but those neither seem unnecessary nor vulgar. If any pleasure loving reader picks up the book to please himself, he will be despaired. There are also

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few kiss scenes in HIDDEN HUSBAND, but authoress scribbled them elegantly. I liked HIDDEN HUSBAND because this novel is not about love! Yes! You are reading right!

Definition of Love is being tainted now a days. People consider Love is equal to Sex, and I don’t want to disrespect authoress’ efforts to make this novel PLATONIC. Yes! HIDDEN HUSBAND is about PLATONIC LOVE. If you are searching for incentive adult love, this book is not for you. HIDDEN HUSBAND is for only those who love to read pure romance with platonic mind.

QUOTES From HIDDEN HUSBAND I would like to mention few quotes by Shikha Kaul from Hidden Husband.

When a guy says, “Don’t worry,” it’s a direct warning signal that you must start worrying.

Mother’s touch is a blessing to every child in the world. Not just to humans, but all animals and creatures too. There is no replacement or a substitute for a mother.

They say you should never hide anything from your doctors and lawyers. Hiding from a doctor could lead your way to heaven (or hell). Hiding from a lawyer could land you behind bars. Doctors give you the right direction to your present and lawyers give a picture to your future. They need to know more than what you could share with your best of friends.

Sometimes, it’s better to spend your life with someone who loves you rather than forcing yourself upon someone whom you love.

A life-mate is supposed to fulfill the basic standards of a life cycle and a soul-mate is the one purely connected to your heart.

Committing suicide is a crime. In fact, it’s an evil sin! If suicide was the only option, everyone in the world would do it. You need to move on in life. The world is a beautiful place and time is the biggest healer.

You can’t change your past; neither can you foresee the future. But the present is all yours.

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If something doesn’t work out, it’s just that it’s not meant to be. Something else could be destined for us. Giving up is a cowardly act.

If they slap you on one cheek, offer them the other two.- M.K. Gandhi

QUOTES on HUMANITY from HIDDEN HUSBAND If the world could come up with one religion called ‘HUMAN’, the world would be a much better place to live in.

Can we expect to come up with one culture for all called ‘HUMAN’, where no one would be Hindu or a Muslim or a Sikh or any other name belonging to any religion or community? Just ‘HUMAN’ for the sake of humans.

Instead of asking ‘Are you a Hindu’ or ‘Are you a Muslim’, let’s ask ‘Are you a ‘HUMAN’’ When God could create every human with the same organs, mind and feelings, who are we to divide them on the basis of religion?

To make a United India, we need to have a ‘HUMAN’ India.

Deep inside, I was proud to be a Hindu. They could call me a hypocrite or a dissembler if they wished, but not terrorist.

A Hindu could fear God, but not become a source of fear. We laughed when people made fun of us; not killed them.

MY QUOTES on HUMANITY I would like to share my quotes on HUMANITY which I have noted in my unpublished Marathi autobiography Maazi Tai : Ek Athvan in 2010.

There all religions are same. There exists only one religion in the universe, and that is ‘HUMANITY’! But HUMAN has divided this religion into ‘HINDU, MUSLIM, SIKH, ISAI, BAUDDHA, JAIN, PARSI’; and divided only GOD into ‘BHAGWAN, ALLAH, ESA (Yeshu Christ)’; and named universe made EARTH

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as ‘BHARAT (India), PAK (Pakistan), IRAN’; only one holy scripture as ‘RAMAYANA, MAHABHARATA,QURAN; then only shrine place as ‘MANDIR (Temple), MASJID (Mosque),GURUDWARA.- Rajesh D. Hajare

(RDH) Every human has same blood, same body structure.- Rajesh D. Hajare (RDH) I ask- When the creator did not discriminate, who did entitle human to do discrimination?- Rajesh D. Hajare (RDH) Actually there should be no objection to consider ‘Hindu’ and ‘Muslim’ same as only one; because Muslims’ most important festival ‘RAMAZAN EID’ starts with the name of Hindu’s Lord ‘RAMA’ and Hindu’s biggest festival ‘DIWALI’ ends with the name of Muslim prophet ALI. When RAMAZAN EID is incomplete without Lord RAMA and DIWALI is incomplete without ALI, I question myself that how can we imagine about Hindus without Muslims and Muslims without Hindus.-

Rajesh D. Hajare (RDH)

NARRATION via PHONE CONVERSATION I liked the way authoress used to narrate few emotions like happy teasing, frustration, love and hate between Aisha & her best friend Piyali; and Aisha & Raghav on phone.

SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATATION I think authoress would read, studied, referred books or researched a lot before penning down the book which worked very well. HIDDEN HUSBAND gives you proper knowledge or information about Hindu brides, work of Endocrinologists, step by step procedure of registered marriages, meaning of MARRIAGE- 'Most Amazing Response from Relatives In A Grand Event', meaning of 7 vows groom & bride take in witness of sacred fire in Hindu marriage and how Raghav and Aisha

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fulfill and violate those vows. I have mucked almost every page of book with underlines and square brackets as my favourite part of book.

OUTSTANDING CONVERSATION WITH GOD I liked to read the conversations between Aisha and God which held in her dreams. Authoress used a unique way to comment on God’s existence and what God would have said about religion if he would visible. Authoress comment on religion from God’s point of view is true. Really, she has tackled a very serious and sensitive topic in simple language. This is a time everyone should think seriously instead of debating on religions.

SOCIAL ISSUES & AUTHORESS’ COMMENT Authoress described so many social issues like slow working speed in government offices, corruption, inter-state marriages, rapes, females’ molestation, girl fetuses’ feticides, facts of dowry and Biharis’ tendency about dowry rates according to designation of a groom, overuse of abbreviations, horrible figures of crimes against children, superstition, authoress’ indirect massage to donate for the charity for the sake of good cause, bomb blasts, terror attacks, Aisha’s emotional relation with her car and so on…

TOUCH OF THE REALITIES Authoress tried to connect Aisha’s life with realities like unfortunate Kedarnath deluge tragedy in Uttarakhand, 16/12 Delhi Gang Rape Case in 2013 , Terror Attack in Army School in Pakistan on 16/12/2014 and general Loksabha Elections 2014. At the beginning, readers feel this connection unnecessary and I thought author did stretched the story; but authoress interweaved Aisha’s life to those realities beautifully.

DRAWBACKS

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Relation with other books:- Few scenes like love, cricket and politics reminded me The 3 Mistakes Of My Life. HIDDEN HUSBAND’s main plot/story is based on inter-state marriage in different cultures which remind you 2 States by Chetan Bhagat. I know that authoress’ intentions would not have been to co-relate with Chetan Bhagat’s writing style for sure, but I noted because I felt it from the beginning. Anyway this relation may just be a co-incidence and nothing more so we can ignore this.

Use of Future Tense: Authoress has used future dates like 8th December 2015, year 2017 etc. I think a writer should avoid post published dates/period of 1st publication of a book. Future period is expected in novels written on theme of adventures only.

Weak Binding: I know, you wont tolerate me if I said binding of HIDDEN HUSBAND is weak, but yeah; binding would have been better than present one, publishers have to work on book’s binding..

Epilogue:- In the epilogue, we get a surprise about Aisha’s son Shreyas’ girlfriend Priya’s father; I wont reveal what a surprise actually is! But I felt that surprise sad but that kind of relation should be limited till novel.

Rating: 4.5 / 5 Reviewer : RAJESH D. HAZARE

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Interview with Fahrudin Shehu by Anca Mihaela Bruma

FAHRUDIN SHEHU

Short bio: Born in Rahovec, South East of Kosova, in 1972. Graduated at Prishtina University, Oriental Studies. Actively works on Calligraphy discovering new mediums and techniques for this specific for of plastic art. In fifteen years he operated as Independent Scientific Researcher in the field of World Spiritual Heritage and Sacral Esthetics. He won many literary awards in Kosovo and abroad. He is Laureate of Gold Medal for Poetry as Brodge to Nations- Axlepin Publishing- Philippines. He is Director of International Poetry Festival: “Poetry and Wine”, in Kosovo What is your writing about?

I was struggling to find a balance between scientific research and artistic creation concentrating in Poetry. Focusing on the quality of writing followed by experience that is difficult to describe surely is not an easy endeavor. Writing as Vine Arbor to grafting it…to remove excess until purity is achieved, just as gold when going through

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fire to remove even rare rust. To write as we are silent, as we are alone and do things in solitude.

What is the relation of Man to the relation and to the Creator? What is his Correspondence? What is Art and its difference with the Craft? What is Theurgy and its difference with Revelation? The questions one addresses to himself and the burst of this manifests as output via Poetry.

What does poetry mean to you?

Conditionally said unfortunately it is a Word and necessarily resembles to other writing since there’s no other medium on that scale so the message may telepathically be conveyed to the one who receipt it. The highest form of Art is called Poetry, perhaps because we lack a proper notion to express what I really is.

Poetry for me uses Metaphor and Description, Logic and Emotion. Personally I use the entire being- Word or Number- Sufi Jaffr and Kabbalah’s Sefirot, Sound and Color, Logic and Intuition, Visible, Semi-Visible and Invisible, Sonorous, Semi- sonorous and Silent, Elements of Nature, Vegetation, Animal, Human, Love and Not-Love, Yes, Do and No of De Bono, Koan or Sutra, Art and Craft to emancipate it into the level of Theurgy. This is not eclecticism these are bricks and tools to build the Tower of POETRY or better said The Temple.

Building the Altar

The trustees have been assembled The man, Homo Faber, Homo Gnosticus, The Theurgist Angeloid, Eudemon, Jinni, Angel, Archangel and Seraph A long discussion brought few conclusions The temple must be Spheric the mortal shall recognize the shape of the Soap bubble at the utmost deep valley of the heart where the Turquoise emerald and dark green evergreen gives freshness to the entire being At the place turned toward the Sun in exact proportion symmetrically at the top of the basement; The Oceanic one called Benthos Huge crystalline table elliptic shape shall be filled with nouns, adjectives, adverbs, verbs, numbers, spheres, pyramids and all pots terracotta porcelain diamond goblets with crystallized dews of Pleroma thus it shall all resemble the constellation

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of all imaginable, semi-imaginable and unimaginable universes when the Souls of all sorts come by to offer their quintessence at the front of this Altar nothing but Love Divine shall unfurl its texture from the role of the Universe …for God knows from how many flowers bee has taken the nectar to produce a lump of honey

How did you discover the Sufi World?

I was born as European Muslim inheriting a Sufi Tradition from my Family and its Spiritual Development in this realm. As for my education and refine I have studied from the World Spiritual Heritage and in particular a Transcendental Legacy and Treasures finding the Beauty of Mankind in all this palette of Diversity of the same reality. I do promote the Unity in Diversity.

My aim as artist is to offer a Spiritual Love through Poetry and Painting/ Calligraphy, to the entire Mankind and promote this value we all have to rejoice.

Mr. Shehu, how do you balance Painting/ Calligraphy with Poetry?

Through contemplation, no Force no Action, Being. I work simultaneously in several works of Art. Depends which Creative Impulse prevails.

How do you transfer your spiritual insights into poetry?

Writing the muttered word the swallowed one... Often I say: We lack Terrestrial Vocabulary for the Celestial Quest. Indeed a difficult process. I write as I’m silent, as I speak to myself. No confessions, no Psychiatrist, My self the Remembrance of Self the Gurdijjeff-ian Remembrance of Self. Cognitive process for spiritual insights and those last then outpouring either into canvas or paper.

Does Love for Poetry means to you a Love for Mankind?

If I’m allowed to be greedy and possessive because everybody says my World, my Country, my Nation my this my that etc., then I say my China is not the one of Mao but Laou Tse, my India is not of Jaina Taycoons but one of Mahawir, Vivekananda and Ramakrishna, my Spain is not of Inquisition but the Spain of Cervantes, Miro, Ibn Arabi, Maimonides, Averroes, my Romania is not of Nicolae Ceaușescu but Romania of Mircea Eliade and Mihai Eminescu, My Iraq is not of Sadam Hussein but of Babylon, Nineveh, and Rabia Al Adewiyya, thus and yes my World is the one of Mother Teresa all embracing one.

What is your experience with poetry festival?

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A) As an organizer of ”Poetry and Wine” Literary Festival B) As a participant to other poetry festivals As an organizer I think in two categories, one as Poet and another as Facilitator. As poet surely I did not read but was able to see people for the first time and people who never knew each other before had the opportunity to meet, exchange books, and collaborate in the future. As a facilitator to other poets a gatherings such as festivals are huge responsibility and exhaustive, yet the pleasure remains and continues. As an organizer you should understand that it is pretty huge burden but the felling of responsibility and strengthening the relationships, unification with others, new contacts, contribution to the World Literary scene, this also means economic growth for the particular area. In such events there’s no losers, everybody gains physically, artistically and spiritually.

Poetry Festivals have broadened not only my experience as poet in terms of getting to know directly from the reading of the others, their perspectives, their trends etc., they are also helpful in creation of Human and Artistic Bonds.

What experience have you gained from such literary exposures?

It all depends how much you impede seriously, how much effort and dedication, how much you are open to others. My experience is always incredible. I love Earth, I love every country and I wish to visit all countries. And every poet brings some distinction from her/his culture and heritage. The real magic happens in follow up after everything is gone. Communication afterwards, collaboration, book exchange etc.

What do you know about KIBATEK in general? Have you heard about this Literary Foundation before or just recently?

I have heard of KIBATEK earlier as I was invited some years ago in Izmir, Turkey but could not attend due to personal justified reasons. I have also been invited by respected Leyla Isik to attend in Italy but it was amidst my Festival so I again could not attend and contribute. I really look forward the upcoming edition.

What are you expectations in relation of KIBATEK 40 Global Poetry Festival?

I am looking forward to get to know other people, their work, contribute to the festival with debate and active participation.

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Interview with Anna Zapalska by Anca Mihaela Bruma

ANNA ZAPLASKA

1. What does inspire you to write poetry like the way you do?

I write poetry because this is the biggest passion in my life and it gives me a great pleasure. Sometimes I have too many thoughts in my mind and it helps me to get them out. I never force myself to write, it rather comes suddenly and naturally, just like a storm. My inspiration comes from the moment. It can be thought, it can be painting, song, nature, etc., but always connected to my

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feelings in this particular time. I am also very inspired by Polish poetess Halina Poswiatowska, who was called "Poetess of love and light" 2. When do you think a poem is “good�?

In my opinion a poem is good when I can read it and it pertains to the most important values in life. A poem should be essential and connected with the inner world at all, it itself has to speak to some universal truth. It doesn't matter if poem is short or long, the most important is "the soul" of the poem and how reader can relate to it. When poem is good, reader will stop for a while, think it over or even come back to it later.

3. Why do you write haiku?

Haiku is a poetic form that is both a literary and a spiritual level. In a few lines I can speak volumes. I like to create it, to count syllables, to choose right words, to travel through nature to final point- essence. According to me, haiku is like an apparent simplicity with a hidden deep sense within.

4. Could you tell me a little bit more about the poetry platform you are administrator?

Yes, of course. The group "Emotions: Heart 2 Heart Poetry" was created 5 years ago, in September 2011. At the beginning it was a very small and chamber group, but day by day a lot of poets and readers have been joining and today there is about 45000 members from all over the world. This is the platform dedicated to all who pen the feelings with Ink and for those who can feel their emotions. There are a lot of poets and readers, who are very creative in writing as well as commenting. They also discuss about poems, values and share their own problems with others. I try to motivate them by putting inspirational quotes, poems or organizing online events for the members of the group.

5. You are a poet but also translator of poetry. What do you think is the most important in poetry translation?

Yes I translate poems from Polish into English and vice-versa. It depends on the poem. but I think the most important is ability to make a good interpretation before translation as well as good choice of words during translation.

Sometimes is necessary to find perfect words to substitute for metaphors or other figures of speech. In my opinion, translator should use not only mind, but also heart to make a good translation and to pass down to readers this what author wanted to express.

6. What do you know about KIBATEK in general? Have you heard about this Literary Foundation before or just recently?

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KIBATEK 40 is an International Festival of Poetry and Literature which builds

artistic and literary connection between various nations. I have heard about it recently, but day by day I know more and I am really impressed with this event.

7. What are your expectations from the KIBATEK 40 Global Poetry Festival?

KIBATEK is wonderful and very interesting event that connects people from all over the world. I am open to new challenges. I would like to know more about development of literature in other countries. It's a great opportunity to know more poets, to share poetry and own reflections. It's also chance to learn new things to broaden knowledge.

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