Skip to main content

Posts

Book Review: Peaceful Wellness by Shibu Nair

Recent posts

Book Review: Ehsaas Jazbati by Babita Rani

In her evocative collection of Hindi poetry, Ehsaas Jazbati, Babita Rani invites readers into a sanctuary of raw emotion and quiet resilience. The title, which translates to "Emotional Feelings," perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the work—a deep, rhythmic exploration of the human heart’s capacity to endure untimely loss while still yearning for the "chirpiness" that once defined its landscape. Rani’s work operates on a striking dual plane. On one side, the technical craftsmanship of her poetry—the choice of words and the melodic rhyming—acts as a soothing balm. There is a gentleness in her cadence that draws the reader in, making the heavy themes of the book feel accessible and intimate. However, once the reader is nestled within her verses, the second side of the work reveals itself: a stark, melancholic realism. Rani does not shy away from the fragility of existence. She explores the "untimely loss" not as a dramatic event, but as a persistent, atmo...

Book Review – Darpan: Khud Se Mulakat by Munish C. Dhiman

At times, it is rare to encounter a collection that manages to be both strikingly modern in its aesthetic and ancient in its wisdom. Darpan: Khud Se Mulakat (Mirror: An Encounter with Oneself) is one such anomaly. It is not merely a book of poetry; it is a visceral experience that confronts the reader with the "life-threatening" realities of our existence—those sharp, jagged truths we often spend our lives trying to outrun. The title itself serves as a prerequisite for the journey ahead. To look into a mirror is to invite a confrontation. For the wanderer, the traveler, and the solitary thinker, this book resonates with a peculiar frequency. Many of us have found ourselves roaming the world like aimless observers, noticing the vagaries of human nature and the strange, rhythmic pulse of the streets, only to realize we have no "life at hand" to offer as a distraction. We think because we must. We observe because we are searching for a version of ourselves that has not...

Book Review: Positive Feelings by Kishore Kumar Das

Positive Feelings, a profound poetry collection authored by Kishore Kumar Das, a talented writer hailing from Odisha, stands as a beacon of hope for anyone navigating the often-turbulent waters of modern existence. In a world that frequently feels overwhelming, this book offers a curated sanctuary of over 100 poems designed to instill a sense of optimism, even when the reader is passing through the darkest of times or grappling with low spirits. The primary objective of Das’s work is to underscore the impetuous and transformative value of maintaining a positive outlook. Rather than offering abstract theories, the book provides a practical roadmap for emotional survival. One of the most significant takeaways is the poet’s emphasis on "self-talk." Das suggests that this internal dialogue is a hidden yet potent technique that can enable an individual to develop a "routinely habit" of positivity. By consciously shifting the way we speak to ourselves, we can fundamentall...

Book Review: Dabi Aas by Shaikh Sarafat Ali

Dabi Aas (Diary) is Shaikh Sarafat Ali's debut novel written in Hindi. The subjective theme of the novel takes a dig at the emphatic feelings on lost love, swaying friendship, and self-expectations in the course of life. The story follows the flashback technique to list out a chronicle of youthful expectations and emotional turmoil through its central characters that are intertwined in the ambience. Like a Bollywood college driven kind of movie, the novel’s storyline mostly is about young characters that have yet to take the course of life. As we read, we get to know Harsh Godbole, John, and Ishita in the mainstream narrative. The novel is back staged against Goa and central India region. As Harsh being an engineer struggles and jolts for jobs in plants, the geography of the area inevitably gets painted along the canvas of the storyline. John takes the center stage in the novel. Harsh and he are college friends pursuing engineering with tensions building related to their placement....

Book Review – From Darkness to Light by Sanchari Ghosh

Sanchari Ghosh’s debut novel, From Darkness to Light, is a profound work of philosophical fiction that courageously pulls back the curtain on the underbelly of Mumbai, using a bustling brothel as the unexpected crucible for spiritual enlightenment. At its heart is Naina, a central character who embodies a striking paradox: a sex worker residing in a marginalized world, yet radiating a compelling, transcendent wisdom. Naina stands in stark contrast to her environment. While her peers might be characterized by vociferous activity, greed, and the frantic reality of their profession - she remains calm, composed, and redolent of a deep, inner power. She does not engage in typical transactions; instead, she transforms her interactions into impromptu spiritual sessions. Seated with clients of mixed age and background, Naina dispenses powerful ethical and moral concepts drawn directly from the ancient wellsprings of Hindu scriptures—the Vedas and Puranas. This juxtaposition of the sacred and t...

Book Review – The Silent Cage by Arti Mishra

In the vast, sprawling landscapes of India’s villages and semi-urban towns, millions of women live lives brimming with untold courage and quiet dreams. Their stories, however, are often shrouded in silence, their realities confined by invisible barriers. Arti Mishra’s powerful work, The Silent Cage, steps directly into this silence, bringing these narratives to the forefront of our national conversation. The book illuminates the often-unseen struggles and an indomitable spirit, posing a simple yet profound question that echoes long after the final page is turned: Can India truly progress if half its population is left behind? The Silent Cage is a story that compels its audience to pause, reflect, and ultimately, to act. It transcends the easy categorization of genre, presenting itself as a fabulous and innovative "fiction-oriented documentary." This unique approach allows Mishra to delve deep into the circumstances of women and young girls in rural and semi-urban India with t...