Branwyn is the Goddess of love, beauty, mischief and mystery. It also relates to genuine literature. The name has been tossed by Lavkesh Kumar Singh.
Dear Readers,
Publisher and Director Vineeta Gupta
Change is the rule of nature. And every living or non-living thing follows this rule.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief Sneha Gupta
With this issue, we have also tried something new as a change. This time, instead of a proper cover story, we are presenting a fiction piece which is based on a true story under a special segment “Branwyn Special Story.” do let us know your feedback regarding the same.
Mentor Dr. Subodh Kumar Jha
Assistant Editor Pranav Shree
Tech Support Rahul Kumar Singh
Legal and Financial Advisor Abhishek Singhania
This issue has become quite special as the prominent author Arindam Dey has honoured us with his interview. Another interview with newcomer author Riitik Babbar is the second charm of this issue along with our regular columnists. Don’t forget to drop an email about your impression for the issue.
Contacts: Email : snehagupta01989@gmail.com sneha@branwyn.in branwynmagazine@gmail.com Website : www.branwyn.in
Your suggestions and feedback are very valuable for us.
With warm regards, Sneha Gupta
Three Questions : Arindam Dey Giving an introduction of the prominent author Arindam Dey is just like showing light to the sun. Still, for our readers’ information, we wish to tell that Mr. Arindam is one of those few authors in publishing industry who have not only celebrated their stardom but also kept their ego grounded. And that is why, book after book, he has been gaining the immense love of his readers. Mr. Dey obliged Branwyn with an interview in spite of his overbusy schedule‌
Branwyn: How would you define writing especially popular fiction writing? Arindam: I like to define writing as a special tool to touch a life we may have never seen, or a medium to communicate with a heart we may have never met, in some way, any way. It may be just a few words, an anecdote, a poetry or even a popular fiction. Though I would not dismiss popular fiction writing out of writing in general, but I would limit it at times to a process of writing a story by playing with predefined parameters like certain settings and values. Popular fiction writing has been labeled as market oriented works, bound by sales predictions and to a great extent playing it safe, while literary fiction writing on the other hand has been termed more adventurous, though more tricky for the market at the same time, but limitless. But times are changing, and we are already seeing breakthroughs in popular fiction writing as well with new ideas and innovative plots coming up pretty regularly.
Branwyn: Let us know one misconception you had about writing world which was proved wrong later. Arindam: First of all, having written a lot of short stories since my school days, I used to think even writing a novel would not be that hard. This misconception flew out of the window right the moment I started my first novel. Well, on a serious note, my introduction to the writing world was not a sweet one. My first novel was due to come out a couple of years earlier with another publisher. However, due to some strong difference in principles with my then publisher, I had to put the process on a hold midway. As a means of revenge, the publisher had stolen the name and tag-line of my novel and brought out another book from another author right after that with the same title and tagline. That had shaken my confidence and trust with the publishers badly. I was scared that my synopsis, sample chapters and other docs were not safe with the publisher as well. So I rewrote the entire novel over the next few months and then waited for another publisher. Luckily, I met Paperclip Books at that time and our association has been good so far. Their professionalism and transparency have restored my faith on publishers to a great extent.
Thanks for being with us Mr. Arindam Dey. Branwyn Family wishes you all the very best in all your future endeavours.
Branwyn: What entrepreneurial scope do you see in writing world? Arindam: The writing world is growing, and growing fast. In India alone, readership have grown fast since the last few years and we are witnessing a new surge of young authors with numerous new novels or other fiction works. And its not only about English works, but works in the vernaculars as well. There are a lot of brilliant ideas floating around with talented minds behind them, waiting to be tapped. Many new publishers are coming up on local and national scale but their number are still nowhere near as strong as to harness this immense pool of talent. So I would say the writing world holds an immense entrepreneurial scope for the ones willing to believe in and take chances with new ideas, out of the ordinary plots and most importantly, quality writing. And remember, there is always a vast readership waiting.
The Fatal Prank The doorbell rang. Cindy washed her hands in the kitchen sink and ran to open the door. “Welcome home!” she cheered to Azan who had stepped in. Azan smiled in reply…. An exhausted smile… That smile was quite unexpected for Cindy. She wasn’t used to such responses. Azan was a loving husband anyway. “Are you okay?” she tried to figure out. “Yes!” Azan assured with the replica of his previous smile. Cindy knew something was wrong. And perhaps she knew the reason of his anxiety… **************** Cindy was fast asleep. Azan looked at her. She always looked beautiful while sleeping. Azan said nothing. He just gazed his sleeping wife. Minutes passed. The clock struck 1…. Slumber was still far away from his eyes. He turned around and looked for his mobile. 24 unread messages! He switched off the mobile and once again looked at his wife. She was the most pleasant happening of his life. Could he let her go…?
Minutes passed … Azan switched on his phone. His thumb ran over the screen of his mobile and opened the messages. “I am telling you the truth, Azan. Your wife Cindy doesn’t love you. It is just her respect for you.” “Your ignorance won’t change the truth. Cindy doesn’t love you.” “Cindy doesn’t love you. You can’t win her heart.” “Enjoy her care! But you can’t win her love, Azan.” …………. Azan read the messages one by one. And then, he looked at Cindy. “Cindy…” he called slowly as if in a state of indecision whether to wake her or not. Cindy didn’t respond. Azan looked at her and slowly touched her calling her once again, “Cindy…” This time, Cindy slowly opened her eyes, “Azan?? What’s the matter?” Cindy woke up and asked in a sleepy but anxious tone, “Are you okay?” Azan tried to gather himself, and a few seconds later asked in a wet voice, “Cindy, do you love me…?”
Though, she was quite tired due the day’s long work, the question shocked her enough to eradicate the sleep from her eyes. She looked desperately at her husband and hugged him the next moment. “What made you think so, Azan?” she sobbed, “Of course I love you. I love you more than anything in the world. I love you more than myself. I love you more than love itself…” she hid her face in his chest. Azan didn’t reciprocate. ********************** Cindy packed Azan’s lunch and handed over him the box. Azan took it and moved towards the door. Suddenly, he stopped and looked back at Cindy. She smiled at him. He came closer and held her shoulder. “Cindy…” he said impatiently. “Yes?” Cindy asked, “Tell me Azan.” She was reading the anxiety in his eyes. “Nothing…” Azan replied and immediately turned around. His feet seemed as if flying in the air. Cindy just watched him going with awestruck eyes.
Remains lost somewhere…. I can’t bear all these Christie!” Cindy got impatient, “Please stop all these immediately.” “Okay okay sweetheart!” Christie patted her shoulder, “I will execute the climax tonight.” ************************* Azan was counting…. But he didn’t know what he was counting…. Perhaps his own steps…. It was 10pm and he was crossing the road…. Suddenly a horn of a car and somebody pulled him to the left side of the road. “Azan, what has happened to you?” it was Sagar, his colleague who was shouting on him. “Where are you??” he shrugged his shoulder, “You would have died damn it!” Azan looked into his eyes but didn’t say anything. He slowly his removed his hand from his shoulders and moved away with trembling legs. Azan waved for an auto. “Minara Heights!” he directed the auto driver. “But Sirji, the building is under construction.” The auto driver interrupted.
********************
“I know.” Azan replied, “I have to meet somebody there.”
“I think it is enough, Christie.” Cindy said putting her coffee mug back on the table in Cafeteria.
The auto driver left Azan on the ground of under construction Minara Heights. Azan paid him and got off.
“Not yet, Darling.” Laughed Christie, the brunette who was her school-mate, “The prank isn’t over yet.” She concluded.
There stood she! That unknown girl who had been messaging and calling him for past few days telling him that his wife doesn’t love him! There was dark and he couldn’t recognize her. However, he moved forward.
“He is terribly disturbed, Christie.” Cindy said in an anxious tone. “He doesn’t sleep at night. Looks exhausted…. Doesn’t eat properly….
“Welcome Azan!” Christie said trying hard to hold back her laughter. She had
seen Azan’s anxious face and imagined the moment when she would unravel the secret of her prank.
“It was just a prank, Azan….” She said and collapsed…. Azan stood there…. Numb….
Azan didn’t reply anything and stood in front of her. “Today I am going to tell you the truth behind my messages and calls.” said Christie. But the moment Azan heard her, his heart sank. His eyes got red and his head started spinning. Seeing his condition, the last moment prank crept in Christie’s mind and she said, “Your wife doesn’t love you, Azan.” Azan sank on his kneel. He wanted to cry but his tears had dried leaving his eyes in a painful condition. He had lost the reason to live. He wanted to kill himself. There was a wooden axe lying beside him. “I am telling you the truth, Azan.” Christie said for the last time trying hard to hold her laughter, “Your wife doesn’t love you.” In a flash of lightening, Azan picked up the axe and Christie’s head was off…. But he didn’t stop there…. The axe in his hand kept moving with the lightening speed…. After few moments when he stopped he found Christie’s body in seven pieces…. He threw the axe and started panting…. What has he done? “Azan….” The whisper startled him and he turned back. There was Cindy.
- Based on a True Story
Alpine Ambergris : Dr. Subodh Kumar Jha
Elemental Drives
Ghosts still My crowded memory Those words of yours Ejaculated at our Last meeting Awoke when Was the animality At its beastly best! You melted, melted In the gripped enclosement, Eyes closed Yet transmitting The truncation In the pulsing centre And pining through My tidied blood! You were sorry Sorry for your monitored Behaviours Checking your elemental drives That stabbed the core Denying the blissful serenity!
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Dr. Subodh Kumar Jha Head, Dept. of English, S.N. Sinha College, Jehanabad
Dr. Subodh Kumar Jha has been a member of NCERT and UGC Workshops for the proficiency of English Language in various study streams! At present, he is a prominent part of Magadh University as the Head of Department of English in S.N. Sinha College! He honoured Branwyn with his special segment titled "ALPINE AMBERGRIS". Alpine means mountain peak which denotes Subodh Sir's intellectual persona and Ambergris means a fragrant substance found at sea level. Thus, "Alpine Ambergris" together denotes the combination of an intellectual person like Subodh Sir and novice writers like us who are just trying to make a difference!
Mr. Incandescent Speaks… The Bhagavad Gita and modern management principles
To any scholar worth his salt, the Bhagwat Gita in its original form is the quintessence of the ancient day Upanishads and a comprehensive guide to the “way of living.” What has generally been appreciated and yet not explored is that the principles of the text are the embodiment of management principles at work. It is essentially a work of spiritualism but remembering the context, may well have been a sublime example of strategy. Let us spare a minute to recapitulate the function of a manager as agreed upon by modern day education. This may begin with the genesis vision and thereby planning the strategy to realize such vision.Leadership is perhaps all that matters in organizations, some would say. This essentially points that a leader must also be involved in establishing institutional excellence and building an innovative organization in the world changing at the speed of thought. It essentially also encompasses managing the most important resource- The Human Resource. Everything can follow out of these management principlesfrom taking the right steps to ushering thought leadership. The essence of the Bhagavad Gita is the essence of modern day management – “ Tada drastu swaroope awasthanam” should always try to manage oneself'. In this context the Bhagavad Gita enlightens us on all managerial techniques that lead to harmonious and balanced state overcoming conflicts and contradictions which lead to lower efficiency productivity, absence of motivation and lack of work culture. It wouldn’t be exaggeration to state that most of the management concepts like vision, leadership, motivation, excellence in work, goal seeking, work ethics, nature of individual, decision making, planning etc., are discussed in the Bhagavad Gita. The most basic motive of management science is to choose wisely and utilize optimally the scarce resources for optimal performance and maximum output given the constraints. Before the battle of Kurukshetra, Duryodhana chose Sri Krishna's large army for his help while Arjuna selected Sri Krishna's wisdom for his support. The rest, as they say, is history. It is never in the number of people, as they say, but the wisdom, knowledge and experience that they bring to the table that matters-one lesson that all managers must adhere to. The value of each resource is dynamic and relative-never absolute. Perhaps the most famous verse 2.47 of the Gita, which for some may be the essence of the Karma Yoga counsels detachment from the fruits or results of actions performed in the course of one's duty. Being dedicated work has to mean working for the sake of work, generating excellence as an end in itself.
Gita tells us not to mortgage the present commitment to an uncertain future. What most scholars fail to appreciate the entire second chapter has arisen as a sequel to the temporarily lost sense of accountability on the part of Arjuna in the first chapter of the Gita in performing his swadharma. Self-transcendence is overcoming insuperable obstacles in one's path. It involves renouncing egoism, putting others before oneself, team work, dignity, sharing, co-operation, harmony, trust, sacrificing lower needs for higher goals, seeing others in you and yourself in others etc. The portrait of a self-realizing person is that he is a man who aims at his own position and underrates everything else The Gita points out the concept of the Daivi work culture that is attributed by fearlessness, purity, self-control, sacrifice, straightforwardness, self-denial, calmness, absence of fault-finding, absence of greed, gentleness, modesty, absence of envy and pride. It is in this light that the counsel 'yogah karmasu kausalam' should be understood. Kausalam means skill or method or technique of work, which is an indispensable component of work ethic. Yogah is defined in the Gita itself as 'samatvam yogah uchyate' meaning unchanging equipoise of mind. In the yester years, the SMEs were run by religious folks who treated the text as sacred, and symbolic, yet were averse to applying the principles in the daily managing of businesses. The larger corporations have always viewed anything pertaining to religion with disdain. However, with the intervention of academicians in the realm of management, and the integration of the disciplines, it is but a matter of time before the analysis of the ancient text will yield basics in the realm that businesses will draw clues from. Lavkesh Singh [Branwyn Column name – Mr. Incandescent] is an Investment Banker who works in the Realm of Mergers and Acquisitions for his living. He at present resides in New Delhi.
Down Memory Lane : Koushik Gangopadhyay GRANNY’S LITTLE ROBIN WHO EARNED THE VIR CHAKRA The Republic Day celebrations had just started at Raj Path, New Delhi. The Gallantry awards were being awarded by the First citizen of the Nation for bravery and dedication while on duty for the nation. An 82 year old lady stood silently in front of the President of India, Mr KR Narayanan, while a citation was being read out. Flashes of images of the childhood of her grandson kept passing through the old lady’s mind. She got so lost in the thoughts of her little Robin, that she forgot that she was standing in front of the President of India. A few minutes later the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces handed over the VIR CHAKRA to the old lady which she received on behalf of her grandson, little Robin. Her grandson, Captain Vijayant Thapar had been awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously for his heroics during the Kargil War. Gradually, she walked down the steps of the dais, escorted by two officers of the Armed Forces and occupied her seat. For her, Robin was still alive in her memories as the naughty little kid who loved playing with guns. For many young men and women of this nation, joining the Armed Forces is by chance and not by choice. For them it is a source of earning one’s bread and butter. But for some, donning the uniform is an obsession, a passion, a way to lead life. During my service life in the Armed Forces, I came across some personalities for whom wearing the uniform was the ultimate goal of life. Although, I never met Captain Thapar but I feel he was one of them. It wasn’t something extraordinary for Vijayant to join the Indian Army at such a tender age. In fact he followed in the footsteps of his forefathers. Vijayant was proud of his military heritage. He belonged to a generation of soldiers. His great grandfather, his grandfather and his father Lt Col VN Thapar had served in the Indian Army with distinction while his uncle was an Indian Air Force fighter pilot. He was named Vijayant by his father after the battle tank of the Indian Army. Joining the Army was an obsession and not a job for Vijayant. After completing his graduation, he joined the Indian Military Academy and was commissioned into the Rajputana Rifles. He was an ardent sports lover and a wonderful human being. Vijayant had been serving in Kupwara of J&K with his battalion since early 1999. His battalion was involved in several counter insurgency operations to eliminate the foreign militants and mercenaries. He himself took part in these operations and stared death on its face. As you all are aware that in 1999, the Pakistani Army had intruded into large areas of Jammu &
Kashmir, taking advantage of the snow fall and ice clad peaks. In May 1999, Operation Vijay was launched by our country to flush out the infiltrators from the peaks that had been captured. Vijayant’s unit was ordered to move to Dras sector along with his men under the command of Major Acharya. In the meantime, several operations were carried out by different units to capture Tololing but each time the operation failed with the Indian Army paying a heavy price by sacrificing young lives at the altar of the nation. Little do politicians and policy makers realise that these soldiers are also citizens of this country. They too have hearts which beat for their near and dear ones. When will they stop thinking that the soldiers are paid but not to die because of the policies of the inept politicians? Captain Vijayant Thapar’s unit was tasked to reclaim Tololing and his men were able to capture the peak after fighting a bloody combat. Once again precious lives were lost. But a soldier never dies. His sacrifice remains etched in the dust of his motherland where he breathed for the last time. After the capture of Tolling, Captain Thapar was tasked to lead a group of highly motivated and exceptionally brave soldiers code named the “DIRTY DOZEN” to capture Three Pimples. Although, it was the most daunting task of his short career in the Indian Army, Vijayant was not at all tensed. He and his men knew very well what was awaiting them on top of the peaks, yet they were relaxed and at the same time determined. Such was the level of their motivation. They had already spent 6 months in the valley and were very familiar with the weather and landscape. The Pakistani Northern Light Infantry was holding a very advantageous position on the peak. Thapar and his men would have to climb almost vertically to reach enemy positions at close to 15000 feet. Moreover, there was almost no natural cover to hoodwink the enemy. But the mission had to be accomplished. Three Pimples had to be captured be it at the cost of his life, Vijayant told himself. Shortly before leaving for the mission to capture the “Three Pimples“, Captain Thapar wrote a letter to his parents. I would like to quote a few lines from his last letter ---Dear Mama and Papa, By the time you receive this letter I will be observing you all from the sky, enjoying the hospitality of the Apsaras. I have no regrets. In fact, even if I am born as a human again, I'll join the Army and fight for the nation. If you can, please come and see where the Indian Army fought for your tomorrow... never forget the sacrifice of
these men. Papa, you should feel proud. Mama, so should you... ok then, its time for me to join my clan of the Dirty Dozen. My assault party has 12 chaps.. Best of luck to you all... Live Life Kingsize. During his tenure in Kupwara, Captain Thapar met a little girl called Ruksana. Her father was killed by militants in front of her. She was so terrified that she became dumb. Vijayant’s love and affection for the child helped her to come back to normalcy. In his last letter to his family, Vijayant had asked his father to donate Rs 50 per month for Ruksana’s welfare. On the night of June 28, 1999 Vijayant and his men of Dirty Dozen started crawling and climbing the rocky snow clad mountains while the company was being led by Major Acharya. The inhospitable terrain and the sub zero temperature made their task more arduous and strenuous. Captain Thapar kept on egging his platoon to overcome all odds. Heavy exchange of artillery fire was taking place. The Pakistanis, because of their advantageous position were able to fire accurately thus causing some casualty in Vijayant’s team. But the mission had to be completed. After all the dignity of mother India was at stake. They had to flush out the Pakistanis from the Three Pimples. At times, they halted their mission for a few water breaks. Vijayant continued to motivate the team members. As they were metres away from the peak they re planned and re discussed their strategy for the final assault. They spoke only in sign language and whispers. It was a moonlit night. Captain Vijayant pointed out the key features on the map to his men. The time for the final assault had arrived. They said their prayers for one last time remembered their near and dear ones and made sure that each weapon and armament was in its correct place. A few more steps and cat crawls, the enemy bunker was in full view. Major Acharya lobbed a hand grenade. A huge explosion occurred and human limbs dismembered from the torso were flying around. But Major Acharya had no inkling that his position had been located. The Pakis let out a burst of gunfire and instantly Major Acharya was martyred. The death of Major Acharya came as a shock for Captain Thapar. Not to be deterred Vijayant took over the command. Raw rage and grit had overpowered him. He was determined to avenge the death of his senior. He ordered his Subedar to find out the exact location from where the gun fire was coming. Once it was located he positioned a Light Machine Gun and aimed at the Pakistan post. Heavy exchange of gun fire took place. The Pakistanis were feeling the heat of the moment and was finding it too hot to handle. But at the back of their mind they knew if this young officer could be eliminated then the Indian troops will disintegrate. The exchange of gunfire continued for quite some time. Vijayant realized that the enemy firepower
had to be neutralized in order to capture Three Pimples. He decided that he will have to do it himself. He along with another soldier charged towards the enemy post, firing continuously at one of the machine gun posts from where most of the firing was coming. Probably that moonlit night, the Pakistanis had lady luck on their side. One of the Pak soldiers got a clear view of Thapar and fired at him from an assault rifle. He was hit on the forehead. His radio operator rushed to his aid. Probably it was too late. Vijayant asked him to tell his men not to bother and carry on with the task. He ordered “JAB TAK MISSION PURA NAHIN HO JATA KOI BANDA ARAM NAHIN KAREGA “. It was just before dawn on 29 Jun 1999 that Three Pimples had been cleared of Pakistan intruders and the Indian flag hoisted. The radio crackled to relay the information to the control room. But shortly another message was relayed to the control room. ARJUN (Captain Thapar’s code name) had made the supreme sacrifice. What can one say of this valiant and brave officer? He never let his fellow soldiers know before the peak had been captured that his life would not extend beyond a few minutes. He passed away in the arms of one of the soldier’s he commanded, fighting till the end. In the highest tradition of the family he belonged to and of the Indian Army, Captain Vijayant Thapar laid down his life silently on the snow clad peak of Three Pimples fighting to save the dignity of our country. He died to ensure that we can live freely in independent India; he died ensuring that generations of soldiers who would follow in his footsteps would not hesitate to make the sacrifice the greatest sacrifice the supreme sacrifice. As Vijayant’s body wrapped in the national flag arrived at his home, his parents with moist eyes proudly received their son’s body. While his grandmother heard with rapt attention what his fellow soldiers had to say about that bloody night, Lt Col VN Thapar said “I am honoured to be addressed as the father of Captain Vijayant Thapar.” After the Kargil war was over, Vijayant's father kept his son's last wish and came to the mountains to see where Vijayant - had sacrificed his life for the nation, fighting till his heart beat for the last time. Even today his father visits Tololing on his son's birthday and places flowers where he laid down his life. Kaushik Gangopadhyay is an ex-defense personnel presently working with State Bank of India. He honoured us by accepting our request to share his real experiences and anecdotes of Air-Force life in ‘Down Memory Lane’
PEEK-A-BOO : PRERNA VARMA Why religious and spiritual texts require revision, alteration and recreation
Note- Khap Panchayats now allow inter-religion/intercaste marriages in several small communities. The election season is on and people are mud-slinging on each other, quoting their religion and religious affiliations. This writeup is my personal view regarding how a revision and reinterpretation of historical texts can bring a positive change in ideologies.
ideas that were followed or considered fully rational during those periods. But now that the world has changed and society has witnessed remarkable transformations, it is high time to absorb the ‘apparent flaws’ or ‘currently impractical issues’ of religious texts or sacred texts and modify them to bring a positive alteration in society, thereby reducing conflicts and discords.
Did you know that Judaism, Christianity and Islam have one thing in common?
What I am trying to say is simple. If the discords in the society are blamed on the religion, then steps must be taken to change it, if not in the scripture itself, then in the form of newer scriptures. For instance, if the sacred, ancient Indian text, Athrava Veda says, “Let the daughter be born somewhere else, here let a son be born,” it should be altered to introduce the importance of a girl child.
Did you know that they in fact are a part of same basic story and considered different ideologies and outlooks to Abraham? Have you ever wondered why religious texts were formed and why they need to be altered? We as humans have advanced to such a large extent that we have practicality oriented, rational answers to seemingly all our problems and questions. But this progress seems to retreat when we question ourselves with issues like wars, terrorism, strife, homophobia, child abuse, gender inequalities and sexism. To a layman and common people like us, the answer to all these questions lie in the concept of religion, such as the Islamic revolutionary contemplations of Jehad and Ancient Indian texts like Atharva veda that glorified the need for sons rather than daughters. Since, we are unable to rationally describe the ‘logic’ behind these issues; we find solace in ‘religion’ and its interpretations, which we believe answers questions about our existence, our beliefs and subsistence. And it is somewhat true! Be it Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism or other religions, they all have numerous flaws that are now explored mercilessly. For centuries, religions have had easy time and continued to exist in the midst of intolerances and abuses, that were once unchecked. But now, the world has come face to face with the dreadful interpretation of infinite religions and their texts. Hence, we have started to rush and begin to condemn religions. Here, we have forgotten about the underlying good behind every religion. In our need for blaming something for the strife and discord, we have failed to realize that religions have become a victim of its own success. Consider this- Why were religions formed? Why were religious texts written? Well, religions were formed to incorporate a system. And when I say religion, I don’t just mean that it is about a series of beliefs. Religion is rather a collection of philosophies, which were supposed to bind humans together. It is run by humans, who are capable of both good and evil. Like other man made philosophies, every religion can have its own flaws, which could be a part of its religious texts. Initially, religious texts, which were framed and scripted hundreds and thousands of years ago, were based on the
And those skeptics, who believe that this may be wrong, must understand that such changes in religions and religious texts have occurred throughout. For instance, changes in the ideologies of followers led to creation of three different Abrahamic religions- Judaism, Christianity and Islam. And although their philosophies seem to be opposite poles, yet their basic ideas are the same, including the concept of monotheism. Even in Hinduism and ancient India, thousands of sacred texts have been written, recreated and revised over a period of centuries to accommodate the changes. Therefore, while the text of early Vedic period dictate the importance and dignity of women in the society, the texts of later Vedic period, decry women and give them a stance lower than that of males. Similarly, several ideologies that once described the importance of Sati Pratha are now done away due to changes in the concept of wars and reduction in violence and bloodbath for capturing a land. Therefore, the idea is to let go off wrong and initiate more clarity in religions. The notion is to understand that even religions, religious and sacred texts offer an opportunity for regular self assessment. There is a need to understand that religions were formed not to force you to follow a set of hardcore values or orthodox beliefs, but to know that the world doesn’t revolve around ‘me’ and that I have to contribute to the world. Every religion aims to form a community where people share, love, care, forgive and find meaning of different things. Hence, it is required that the flaws that might lead to an unstable world must be done away with; newer commandments should be adopted to ensure that the rustic philosophies of religion are maintained in modern style. And who knows, someone might just stumble upon old gold that is still relevant in current life. Prerna Varma is a versatile writer who has been working with a number of organizations on a freelance basis. She is credited with a book titled THE DUMB AND DUMBFOUNDED. Her writing prowess is free of genre specification and that is what makes her unique.
Branwyn : There are several form of art. What was the reason behind your choosing writing as the medium of expression? Riitik : Because I always juggled good with words.
Riitik Babbar – Author of “Unsatisfied Satisfaactionns”
B: How much your life has changed after being an author? » R: Well, I still go to office, come back after working for 10-11 hours, wait eagerly for weekends, hang around with friends, stay away from my mom's constant questions about getting married, but life seems changed when often I get mails from unknown readers stating my words changed their outlook towards life... Unleashed a new confidence in them to believe, "if he could, why cant I?" This is what I wanted... This is what has changed in my life after being an author... Rest fame, money, hot dates etc etc keep coming and going, you know...
B: Whom would you prefer in life - a gorgeous girlfriend or a typical Indian life-partner? R: A life-partner anyday, at least my mom would be finally relieved that maa da laadla bilkul ni bigda...
B: What should be the motive of the youngsters of our country? R: A sheer Peaceful Life.
B: How would you arrange the following in priority order numbering 1 to 6 Family, Fame, Power, Money, Love, Happiness? R: Family, Happiness, Love, Money, Fame, Power
Thanks for being with us, Riitik!
B: Your message to our readers? R: Never run after three things in life - Money, Fame and Power. Work hard and leave the rest to him. And yeah of course, rush and pick your copies NOW of Unsatisfied Satisfaactionns. Peace Out!
Sacrament Sobriety : Gaurav Gill “ Light to Lighten”
I have been invited to handful of celebrations on prior occasions as well; however over these last few years, frequency of my paying homage to them has dwindled.
That sanguine air, that breath of effervescence and life catapulted my senses into a world….. which always had been a distant dream for me,,,,,,,
That evening I called a friend and I invited myself to his place and I guess I could hear him chuckle. He had a magnanimous heart to oblige self imposed invitation. Keeping Inflation & cost of living index in mind, either you need to be a brave heart or you need to have some undisclosed account in Swiss Bank account to oblige a guest at this ungodly time? It was 6 pm as I was crossing the path to his door way and at the same time a million of thoughts were crossing my mind. My beckoning knuckles cracked on the ply of his door. I could hear him walking with hurried steps towards the door. He flung the old teak door open and there he was standing right in front of me. He asked in an inquisitive tone “Who is it?” I cleared my clogged voice and said “It is I”. He benignly smiled and he affectionately held onto my shoulders. He became my guide for the coming moments and for the life to follow. He was Akash, a second year Delhi University’s student aspiring for a government job just like any of us. What made him special and notch above than others was that God had blessed them with discernment, insight and a munificent heart. From the time of his birth, his eyes were longing for light. So that he could marvel at this divine creation of God. Akash lives in “Blind School”, New Delhi and it was his hostel that I was paying a visit to. This hostel inhabits 110 more such blessed and differently-abled friends. Akash took the reins and decided to show me the place around. On ground floor I could see classes from 1 to 4 th standard. There was this adjoining open space where I witnessed something incredible, it defied my senses completely. I could see teenagers shouting for the batsman, and the one at the strike was wielding the bat with a confidence and a smile. The 10 year old rolled the ball down his alley, it clamorously strode towards the striker. With his thin ear and astute senses, he struck the ball with his thunderous might. It was spectacular transcended all my possible imaginations. Akash caught hold of my right arm and directed me towards terrace, every step was counted in his breath. I saw beaming faces of all ages varying from 4 years to 65 years moving with meticulous steps. All of them strolled in pairs, with their arms flung around each other’s neck and shoulders. Their lips were decked with a perpetual smile, as they walked past me; I could hear them saying “Watch out…. Watch out …. We are here”
Mr. Gaurav Gill is a person of quintessential contemplation known for his kind and modest nature. He is a lecturer and lives in New Delhi.
Fragrance of Heena Fondling Arms...... Holding me close to her heart Letting me take my first breath Promising never to let me part Looking fondly at her gifted child Cuddled in warmth of her bosom She feels relieved and beguiled Calling me her adorable little one The fruit of her love, blood of her blood She wraps me slowly with cares ton Marking my each little progress A smile or even a little change In her eyes I see the joy she posses Helping me as I take my first baby step Capturing my stride and my little laugh That adds in her life a miraculous pep She is my one and only God sent savior A woman of strength and compassion The one who never lets me waver Wiping away all my lonely tears She fills me with inner peace Calming down my deepest fears She is my woman of stoicism Filled with dark secrets and pain Who never wavers in turbulence She is filled with desires and passion Dreams of me with the brightest future Teaching me the fruit of hard-work's action Today and always I'm indebted to my mother Who acts as a bridge and keeps us together She my mysterious, miraculous wonder!!
Heena Ahuja is a girl who loves to scribble the rhythmic melody of literature. She lives in Mumbai.
Mr. YouKnowMe Speaks… Mindfulness
What happens when you have a long day ahead and literally nothing to do except flipping through pages of review copies of the books that you received earlier or watch a movie that you might have watched earlier, but thinking of watching again or maybe stay online on your social networks? Well that’s my story. After completing my post graduation, all I am doing is reading novels, writing reviews, traveling to different places, watching movies that imdb.com shows as recommended movies on homepage and updating useless posts on my social networks. I am neither irritated nor bored with it, I kind of like this state, but there is sheer idleness that is really not my trait. So for the sake of my salvage from this joblessness I decided to do some meditation and calm my mind. Often people think meditation is a state when we sit with blank mind, without any worries of hustle and bustle of life, feeling calmness that you never felt and a way to be closer to the divine. It’s true to an extent, but meditation is a way, and that way can lead to anything or anywhere, it’s on us to decide the destination. For me, Meditation is not sitting with blank mind; it’s full of awareness and emotions. One can see images of people, places from their past or present; they can feel a surge of sensation running through their body. It’s really not mindlessness; it’s more of Mindfulness, where you can know things that you never thought of. When your mind is already engaged with so many thoughts, there is no possibility that one can think of futile things that cause unnecessary fret. In such state you will be amazed to know that you are not even talking to yourself, a silence that you never sensed. We often wrap up in our own thoughts and don’t notice what’s going on around us, to unknown people around us, to our dear ones, to our own body. Meditation gives you
an opportunity to achieve that serenity which can make you closer to Real You. After meditating for some time, you will feel your breath going down through your throat, and coming back from lungs. Heartbeats will clearly be heard and fringes of vivid, mostly symbolic and imaginary, memories. It’s not necessary to sit for a long period with closed eyes; one can meditate in any way he/she wants, even when you are reading a book, or listening to heavy metal songs, even watching a sunset, no limit. All you need to do is free your mind and feel the flow of synergy engulfing you. I am feeling lighter, what about you?
Mr. YouKnowMe is someone whom all of us know yet all of us are still to discover. He is a biker, an author and like all of us, a lover of life… He is at present working with an IT Company.
BRANWYN