As digital technology becomes deeply embedded in everyday life, a new challenge is steadily emerging—how to ensure that the younger generation uses it responsibly. While children today are more connected than ever before, concerns around excessive screen time, declining attention spans, and online safety are increasingly being raised by parents and educators alike.
Addressing this growing concern, educator and author Pradip Chakraborty has identified digital literacy as one of the most critical yet under-discussed issues of the modern age. He points out that while children are being introduced to digital devices at an early age, they are rarely taught how to engage with technology in a balanced and mindful manner.

“Access to technology is no longer the challenge—understanding its impact is,” Chakraborty notes, emphasizing the need for a shift in how digital education is perceived. According to him, digital literacy must go beyond basic usage and include awareness of habits, behavior, and long-term consequences.

This perspective forms the foundation of his book, Growing Up Online: A Digital Literacy Guide for Teens and Families. The book explores how digital exposure is shaping the cognitive and behavioral patterns of young users, and why guidance is essential in helping them navigate this environment effectively.

Rather than advocating restriction, Chakraborty’s approach focuses on building awareness and discipline. The book encourages children to move from passive consumption of content to more conscious and purposeful engagement with digital tools. It also addresses key areas such as managing screen time, identifying online risks, and developing a sense of responsibility in digital spaces.

Extending these ideas beyond the written format, Chakraborty has also been actively conducting workshops in schools and through online platforms. These sessions are designed to translate theoretical understanding into practical application, enabling students to reflect on their own digital habits and make informed choices.

Educators and parents who have engaged with such initiatives note a growing need for structured conversations around digital behavior. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, the gap between usage and understanding is becoming increasingly pronounced.
In this context, Chakraborty’s work underscores a broader concern—that education must evolve alongside the realities of the digital world. Digital literacy, once considered supplementary, is now emerging as an essential life skill.

As society navigates this transition, efforts like Growing Up Online highlight the importance of equipping the next generation not just with access to technology, but with the wisdom to use it responsibly and effectively.

The book is published by Authors Tree Publishing, a publishing house dedicated to bringing forward impactful and socially relevant works that contribute to meaningful conversations in contemporary society.

Authors Tree Publishing : https://www.authorstree.com/book-detail?id=241&GROWING-UP-ONLINE

Amazon : https://amzn.in/d/0aAbt0IO

In the contemporary landscape of Hindi literature, Ajjay Gosswami’s poetry collection “Andaaz-e-Ajjay Gosswami” emerges as a refreshing, thought-provoking, and deeply existential work. More than just a compilation of poems, this book reflects the poet’s sharp observation, spiritual inclination, and his unique way of interpreting the world around him.

Ajjay Gosswami is not just a poet—he is a life coach, journalist, filmmaker, lyricist, composer, and an artist who works with words as if they were colours on a canvas. His multidisciplinary experience adds layers of richness to his poetry, making this collection both introspective and inspirational.

At its core, the book is a journey inward. The poems explore the conflict between human existence and the world we have built around ourselves.

Through reflective inquiries, the poet encourages readers to look within themselves for answers rather than outside. His poetry is not meant to merely entertain; it aims to awaken, to provoke thought, and to inspire self-awareness.

Ajjay’s writing style is marked by simplicity, yet every line carries profound meaning. He does not rely heavily on ornate language or complex metaphors. Instead, his words strike directly at the heart, often prompting the reader to pause and think.

His poems feel like honest conversations—sometimes questioning, sometimes guiding, and often echoing the reader’s own unspoken thoughts. As a life coach and motivator, Ajjay brings clarity and emotional resonance to every verse.

Ajjay Gosswami’s background in journalism and filmmaking brings a cinematic quality to his poetry. Several poems read almost like short scenes—vivid, visual, and deeply atmospheric.
His experience as a lyricist and composer also enriches the rhythm and musicality of the verses.

More importantly, the poet’s aspiration to inspire a generation with a positive mindset is strongly reflected throughout the collection. He firmly believes that the right kind of awareness, exposure, and emotional literacy can transform society—both socially and academically.

What Makes This Book Stand Out?

• It offers a unique blend of motivation, introspection, and spiritual wisdom.
• The poems act as mirrors, urging the reader to confront their thoughts, fears, and aspirations.
• The collection bridges the gap between philosophical depth and everyday simplicity, making it accessible to all.
• In a chaotic, fast-paced world, the book serves as a quiet pause—a gentle reminder to slow down and reconnect with oneself.

“Andaaz-e-Ajjay Gosswami” is an enriching work for readers who seek more than poetic beauty—those who look for meaning, clarity, and emotional insight. Ajjay Gosswami’s thoughtful expression, combined with his spiritual sensitivity and optimistic worldview, brings a unique voice to Hindi poetry.

A book that inspires, comforts, and challenges in equal measure, Andaaz-e-Ajjay Gosswami is not only worth reading but worth revisiting time and again.

In an age of hurried words and fleeting emotions, poetry remains one of the few spaces where feelings are allowed to breathe. Darbadar, the latest poetry collection by Surbhi Islam, stands as a quiet yet powerful reminder of this truth. This book is not merely a compilation of verses; it is a journey through heartbeats, inner truths, and the hidden depths of life.

Surbhi Islam’s poetry moves effortlessly between tenderness and turmoil. On one side, her words carry the softness of love, gentle, intimate, and deeply personal. On the other, they echo with the pain of society and the ache of humanity. Her verses do not escape reality; instead, they embrace it, questioning, observing, and reflecting upon the emotional landscape of modern life.

Each couplet and every line introduces the reader to emotions that we all experience but often fail to articulate. Loneliness, longing, hope, doubt, and silent suffering, these are feelings that live within us, unnamed and unspoken. Surbhi gives them language. With remarkable sensitivity, she turns abstract emotions into vivid expressions, allowing readers to recognize themselves within her words.

What makes Darbadar especially compelling is its universality. This is not a book meant only for literary circles or devoted poetry enthusiasts. It speaks to anyone who has ever loved, lost, waited, questioned, or felt unseen. The poems are accessible, yet layered. They invite both casual readers and seasoned lovers of poetry to pause and reflect.

The title Darbadar, which suggests wandering or being adrift, reflects the emotional state of many in today’s world. The poems capture the restlessness of the human spirit, its search for meaning, belonging, and truth. Love appears not as a romantic fantasy but as a lived experience, sometimes warm and healing, sometimes painful and unresolved. Alongside it stands solitude, not merely as absence but as a presence that shapes thought and identity.

Surbhi Islam does not offer easy answers. Her poetry asks questions, about relationships, society, and the self. Yet within these questions lie gentle responses, not in the form of conclusions, but in moments of recognition. The reader is encouraged to listen inward, to confront feelings long buried, and to find comfort in shared vulnerability.

There is a quiet confidence in her voice. She does not demand attention; she earns it. Her language flows with sincerity, making each poem feel like a conversation between two hearts. This ability to turn personal emotion into collective experience, is the true mark of a poet.

As readers turn the pages of Darbadar, they are likely to find reflections of their own lives in its verses. A line may recall an old love, a stanza may echo a personal loss, and a poem may voice a question they have never dared to ask. That is the magic of this collection.

Surbhi Islam has created more than a book; she has offered a mirror. In it, every reader may find a shadow of their own heart. And in doing so, Darbadar affirms what true poetry has always done, transform individual emotion into shared human truth.

Do we all not live within some kind of baada—a fence? Not always made of bricks and cement, but often of traditions, beliefs, social rules, and unspoken expectations. These are invisible boundaries that quietly shape our lives. They separate us from others and, at times, from ourselves.

Baade Ke Saat Ghar by Dr. Sakshi Nigam Argal is a poignant collection of Hindi stories set in an old baada in Jabalpur. Within this enclosed space stand seven houses, each sheltering a distinct life, a different struggle, and a unique emotional world. Though the stories are not directly connected, they are bound by the same air of the courtyard—the shared human experience of love, sacrifice, pride, regret, ambition, and self-discovery.

Each house opens a new door into human nature. In one, echoes of selfless sacrifice linger; in another, the noise of ambition and deceit fills the rooms. Every threshold reveals a separate universe. Every story presents a different conflict, and within every conflict lies a quiet lesson. Together, these narratives form a mosaic of ordinary lives carrying extraordinary depths.

The author reminds us that places are never merely physical structures. Homes and streets preserve layers of time, where childhood laughter, youthful dreams, and the silence of old age, all remain embedded in their walls. Time moves forward, yet memories never truly fade—they only gather dust. The baada in this book stands as a silent witness to generations of change, holding within it both the joy of beginnings and the stillness of endings.

Though the author may no longer live within those geographical boundaries, the courtyard continues to live within her. Through these stories, she transforms personal memory into universal truth. Her writing gives voice to “ordinary lives” that appear calm on the surface but carry profound emotional struggles beneath.

This book is more than a collection of stories. As readers step through the doors of these seven houses, they are invited not only to meet the characters but also to recognize their own invisible fences.

Perhaps, while reading, one may stumble upon a forgotten memory. Perhaps, one may realize that every fence carries within it the possibility of freedom.

In a literary landscape crowded with thrillers that rely on speed and spectacle, Ali Abbas Kazmi’s The Five R’s chooses a far more unsettling path. It does not rush. It lingers. It watches. And then, with quiet precision, it dismantles the reader’s sense of certainty.

The novel opens with a deceptively intimate situation. Three young friends encounter a woman whose grief appears raw, sincere, and impossible to doubt. Moved by empathy, they do what decent people are taught to do. They listen, they help, they trust. What they fail to recognise is that grief can be performed, that vulnerability can be engineered, and that some stories are constructed not to heal, but to entrap.

Ali’s narrative brilliance lies in how gently the trap closes. There is no dramatic warning, no clearly marked villain. The transition from compassion to catastrophe is gradual, almost invisible. Trust erodes in silence. Doubt arrives too late. By the time the characters begin to question what they have welcomed into their lives, irreversible damage has already been done. What follows is not merely a search for answers, but a psychological excavation of motive, memory, and guilt.

The title, The Five R’s, is central to the novel’s architecture. Rather than representing abstract ideas, the “R’s” stand for five individuals whose lives intersect in ways that are both intimate and destructive. Each character embodies a different emotional axis of the story. Love, loyalty, repression, obsession, and revenge. Together, they form a closed system where no action exists in isolation and no choice escapes consequence. The novel unfolds by peeling back these personalities one by one, revealing how each contributes, knowingly or unknowingly, to the unfolding tragedy.

What distinguishes The Five R’s is its refusal to offer moral simplicity. There are no pure victims and no uncomplicated perpetrators. Every character operates within personal blind spots, shaped by fear, desire, and unresolved trauma. Ali challenges the reader to sit with deeply uncomfortable questions. When does empathy become dangerous? How easily can trust be manipulated? And at what point does silence turn into complicity?

Stylistically, the prose is restrained yet incisive. Tension is not manufactured through shock or excess, but through atmosphere, implication, and the slow realisation that something fundamental has already gone wrong. Violence, when it appears, feels inevitable rather than sensational. A consequence rather than a spectacle.

The Five R’s is the kind of psychological thriller that lingers long after the final page, not because of what it reveals, but because of what it forces the reader to reconsider about human connection. In an era where thrillers often prioritise pace over depth, Kazmi delivers a narrative that is patient, unsettling, and deeply introspective.

Ali Abbas Kazmi has not simply written a suspense novel. He has constructed a psychological mirror, one that reflects how easily empathy can be exploited, how fragile trust truly is, and how the people we let closest to us often shape our downfall.

As cybercrime continues to pose serious challenges in India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem, the need for awareness-driven and experience-based cyber security literature has become more critical than ever. Addressing this need, Meerut-based cyber security researcher Arya Tyagi and Rajesh Dandotiya, Additional DCP (Crime Branch), Indore, have co-authored a new cyber security book titled “Inside the Cyber Crime Files.”

The book was officially inaugurated at a prominent event in New Delhi, attended by senior policymakers, law enforcement officers, media representatives, and professionals from diverse sectors.

A Landmark Cyber Security Book Launch in Delhi

The inauguration of Inside the Cyber Crime Files took place during a well-attended event in Delhi, where a large number of national-level delegates and dignitaries were present. The gathering reflected the growing importance of cyber security discussions beyond technical forums, extending into governance, media, education, and public awareness platforms.

During the event, the efforts of Arya Tyagi and Rajesh Dandotiya were appreciated for their contribution to cybercrime awareness and documentation of real investigative experiences.

Prominent Dignitaries Present at the Event

Several well-known personalities from media, politics, education, and public institutions attended the book inauguration and acknowledged the relevance of the work. Notable delegates present at the event included:

• Dr. Vipin Gaur, General Secretary, Newspaper Association of India
  
  
• Viswa Vijayendra Prasad, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Director and Script Writer
  
  
• Gajender Yadav, Member of Delhi Legislative Assembly
  
  
• Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor, AAFT University; Founder, Noida Film City; President, International Council for Media and Entertainment Industry
  
  
• Dr. Gururaj Nagathan, President, Newspaper Association of India
  
  

The presence of these dignitaries highlighted the broader societal relevance of cyber security and the role of informed literature in combating digital crimes.

Who Is Arya Tyagi?

Arya Tyagi is a cyber security researcher from Meerut who has been working consistently in the areas of cyber awareness, digital safety, and cybercrime research. His work focuses on understanding cybercriminal behaviour, spreading awareness about online frauds, and simplifying complex cyber threats for the general public.

Before Inside the Cyber Crime Files, Arya Tyagi authored two cyber security books:

• Hack the Hackers Before They Hack You
  
  
• Exploiting Hackers’ Mindset
  
  

These books examine cybercrime from preventive and psychological perspectives and have contributed to public understanding of hacker methodologies and cyber defence strategies.

Rajesh Dandotiya’s Contribution from Law Enforcement

Rajesh Dandotiya, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), Indore, brings extensive law enforcement experience to the book. His involvement ensures that the content is grounded in real cybercrime case files, investigative procedures, and practical policing challenges.

By documenting actual cases and investigative approaches, the book provides readers with an authentic understanding of how cybercrimes are detected, analysed, and addressed within the legal framework.

Why ‘Inside the Cyber Crime Files’ Is Relevant Today

With increasing dependence on digital platforms, cyber frauds, identity theft, and online financial crimes have become widespread. Inside the Cyber Crime Files aims to:

• Create awareness about cybercrime trends in India
  
  
• Explain cybercrime investigation processes in simple language
  
  
• Help readers understand how cybercriminal networks operate
  
  
• Promote safe and responsible digital behaviour
  
  

The book is expected to benefit students, professionals, law enforcement personnel, media practitioners, and readers interested in cyber security and digital governance.

The Delhi inauguration of Inside the Cyber Crime Files marked an important milestone in India’s cyber security discourse. The appreciation received by Arya Tyagi and Rajesh Dandotiya from senior media, political, and institutional figures underscores the relevance of collaborative efforts between cyber security researchers and law enforcement officers.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, books like Inside the Cyber Crime Files play a crucial role in building awareness, strengthening cyber resilience, and encouraging informed public dialogue on digital safety.

In a world consumed by deadlines, ambitions, and the unending race for success, Tigers & Monks arrives as a powerful reminder of what it truly means to live. Written by Capt. Manmeet Singh, the book is not just a collection of stories—it is a wake-up call to pause, reflect, and redefine the meaning of happiness and purpose.

Through the lives of 15 extraordinary individuals, Capt. Manmeet Singh weaves a narrative that is raw, moving, and deeply human. From the courage of Captain Mulla and the spiritual insights of Gauranga Das, to the artistic brilliance of Vikas Khanna and the inspiring journey of hockey icon Rani Rampal, each chapter offers a window into a life lived with passion and authenticity. The inclusion of global figures like the late Avicii and Robin Williams broadens the scope, making the book a meditation on the universal search for meaning.

What sets Tigers & Monks apart is its ability to straddle two worlds: the strength of warriors and leaders, and the quiet wisdom of artists and monks. The contrast is deliberate and thought-provoking, reminding us that courage comes in many forms—whether it is facing a battlefield, a stage, a canvas, or even one’s inner demons.

Capt. Singh does not merely recount their journeys; he challenges the reader to ask difficult questions: What is life? What is happiness? What does it mean to live fully? These are not rhetorical inquiries—they are invitations to step beyond the chaos of routine and rediscover the magic of being alive.

The prose is simple yet striking, allowing the real weight of the stories to shine through. Readers will find themselves pausing, reflecting, and often moved to tears. It is less a book to be read in haste, and more one to be absorbed slowly—like wisdom shared by a friend who has walked through storms.

In essence, Tigers & Monks is not just a tribute to 15 inspirational people—it is a mirror held up to the reader’s own life. It asks not only whether we are living, but whether we are living meaningfully.

A stirring, soul-awakening read that will stay with you long after the final page. Perfect for anyone feeling caught in the rat race, searching for purpose, or simply seeking stories that ignite the human spirit.

In a month when conversations about dogs and communities are everywhere, Veira Singhania’s How to Be a Dog Lover — Without Owning One (Bigfoot Publications) arrives as a quiet, thoughtful story — not a manual or guide, but a read-aloud book perfect for children, families, and classrooms.

The Supreme Court’s August 2025 ruling — encouraging vaccination, sterilization, and thoughtful community care — has made people reflect on how to live with kindness and safety. This book, though not about rules or policies, offers a gentle starting point for families and schools to talk about empathy and responsible love for animals.

A Story Meant to Be Shared

At its heart, this is a simple and warm tale meant for shared reading.

It follows Sia, a kind-hearted young girl who loves dogs deeply. When she encounters a quiet, timid puppy, she brings her into her circle of care, naming her Rimjhim.

Brought to life with vibrant, colorful illustrations, the story invites children to see, feel, and imagine each moment as if they are part of Sia’s world.

What unfolds is a tender story about friendship, patience, and understanding — the kind of story that feels at home in a bedtime routine, a classroom circle, or a family library.

Care, Creativity, and Family Bonding

One of the book’s most beautiful layers is how it shows that care naturally sparks creativity and togetherness. Readers will find themselves drawn into moments where kindness gently transforms into simple joys, shared activities, and connections that make the story both personal and universal.

It’s this seamless weaving of love, imagination, and family bonds that makes the book an enriching experience for children and a meaningful read for parents and teachers alike.

Why This Story Feels Timely

While the book is not a manual on care or training, its themes of empathy, patience, and respect resonate deeply at a time when communities are finding ways to balance safety with compassion.

It reminds young readers — and the adults guiding them — that kindness begins with understanding, and that even small, thoughtful actions can create harmony in the spaces we share.

Perfect for Families and Classrooms

For Children: A warm, engaging story that sparks curiosity and kindness.

For Parents: A read-aloud experience that opens doors to meaningful conversations about love and responsibility.

For Educators: A thoughtful addition to story sessions or creative activities that explore themes of care and coexistence.

A Book About Everyday Kindness

It’s important to note that How to Be a Dog Lover — Without Owning One is not a practical handbook.

It is a heartfelt story that celebrates simple kindness, creativity, and connection — a story that gently encourages children to notice, care, and imagine without judgment or fear.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a warm, gentle story to share with a child — at bedtime, in a classroom, or during a quiet family moment — this book is an excellent choice.

With its soft language and relatable characters, How to Be a Dog Lover — Without Owning One reminds us that kindness often begins in small, everyday ways — with curiosity, with patience, and with love shared freely.

The literary world welcomes a powerful new voice with the release of “The King: Part 1 – The Story of My Father”, a debut novel by Dr Muhammed Shibily Valeed, now available on Amazon Kindle for only ₹69.

This gripping tale of ambition, resilience, and destiny follows the journey of a man born into obscurity who dares to dream beyond his circumstances. Through hardship and moments of soul-searching, he rises to become the unchallenged “King of the World.”

Inspired by true events, the novel blends reality and imagination into a moving narrative that resonates with every dreamer. The protagonist’s struggles and triumphs reflect universal themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

Speaking about the book, Dr Shibily said:

“This is more than a story — it is a journey of transformation. I wanted to capture how resilience and hope can carry someone from the lowest depths to unimaginable heights.”

Early readers have praised the novel for its emotional intensity and captivating storytelling, calling it a book that “lingers in your heart long after the last page.”

With his unique voice and compelling narrative style, Dr Muhammed Shibily Valeed has crafted a work that promises to inspire, entertain, and ignite reflection in readers across India and beyond.

“The King: Part 1 – The Story of My Father” is now available on Amazon Kindle for just ₹69.

For book lovers, this is a rare opportunity to discover a new author and embark on a journey that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit.

Rising author Subham Sahu is capturing the literary world’s attention with his debut book The Battle of Panchjanya, the first installment of his ambitious Krishna Trilogy. Blending mythological grandeur with a deeply human perspective, Sahu reimagines Lord Krishna not merely as a divine figure, but as a normal human being navigating struggles, choices, and growth on his path to becoming Vasudev.

In The Battle of Panchjanya, Krishna—alongside his brother Balaram and loyal friends Subal and Sudama—ventures into the mystical land of Panchjanya to rescue his teacher’s son from the clutches of the sea-demon Shankhasur. Guided by the wisdom of Maharishi Vyas, this journey becomes Krishna’s first test after completing his education at Guru Sandipani’s ashram, a trial that demands courage, sacrifice, and self-realization.

This book reimagines Krishna’s transformation from a mortal youth into a bearer of divine responsibility. The confrontation with Shankhasur is not only a battle of strength but also a battle within—where Krishna must confront his doubts, fears, and past lessons to emerge victorious. In claiming the mystical conch Panchjanya after the epic confrontation, Krishna symbolically claims his destiny, stepping for the first time into the role that will ultimately make him Vasudev, the bearer of truth.

“The idea,” explains Sahu, “was to portray Krishna in a way readers could emotionally connect with—as a young man who made mistakes, learned, and rose to become Vasudev.”

The author masterfully weaves together mythology, emotion, and philosophy, showing Krishna not as a distant god who descends fully-formed, but as a soul discovering its divine nature step by step. Themes of duty, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening run throughout the book, setting the foundation for a grand saga that promises to deepen with each sequel. As Krishna prepares for his Maha Pariksha, readers are drawn into a cinematic retelling of an ancient legend—one that feels both timeless and profoundly human.

Already available on Amazon, Flipkart, Kindle, and Google Play Books, the novel has been praised for its fresh perspective and immersive storytelling. The next two parts of the Krishna Trilogy are set to release on Janmashtami 2026 and Janmashtami 2027, continuing Krishna’s extraordinary evolution from student to Vasudev.

UPCOMING WORKS: A JOURNEY BEYOND KRISHNA

Not one to pause, Subham Sahu has already lined up his next literary adventure. His upcoming book, “Before the Flame”, releases on 18th October 2025, exploring the timeless and tragic love story of Shiv and Sati. The sequel, titled “After the Ashes”, will arrive on Maha Shivratri 2026, chronicling the divine union of Shiv and Parvati.

Adding to his impressive slate, Sahu has written a deeply personal love story, “Unseen Shackles”, which he says is a work he feels “deeply connected with.” The book is scheduled for release on 24th November 2025.

In parallel, he is also crafting a 12-part Ramayan series, promising an expansive and detailed retelling of the epic, exploring lesser-known nuances while staying rooted in tradition.

Beyond books, Subham Sahu is stepping into the world of visual media. His upcoming web series “Yaari Hai Ankahee” marks his directorial debut, promising to bring heartfelt storytelling to the screen. Alongside this, he is developing a feature film tentatively titled “Navadurga”, inspired by the divine feminine energy.

A VOICE TO WATCH

With his unique ability to blend mythology, philosophy, and human emotion, Subham Sahu is fast emerging as one of the most versatile storytellers of the new generation. From Krishna’s trials in Panchjanya to Shiva’s eternal love, and from epic Ramayan retellings to contemporary romance, his work promises to leave a lasting mark on both readers and viewers.

As anticipation builds for his upcoming projects, one thing is certain: Subham Sahu is not just writing stories—he is weaving timeless journeys that bridge divinity and humanity.

Have you ever read a love story so real, so raw, it felt like your own?
 500 Steps to Forever is one of those rare romance novels that doesn't just entertain—it echoes in your soul.

This emotionally rich, slow-burn love story by Prabhu TL is quickly becoming a must-read romance book for 2025, especially for fans of deep emotional narratives, second-chance love, and unforgettable characters.

💌 Why 500 Steps to Forever is Capturing Hearts Worldwide

If you’re looking for a love story that grows with you, hurts with you, and stays with you—this book delivers. Here’s why:

1. A Deep, Emotional Journey

Unlike shallow insta-love plots, 500 Steps to Forever spans years. It follows Akash and Shruti—two childhood friends whose connection outlasts distance, heartbreak, and even fate. It’s the kind of slow-burn story that makes every chapter matter.

2. Perfect for Lovers of Second-Chance Romance

What happens when two soulmates are torn apart by life, only to meet again? Can they pick up where they left off—or has time changed them too much?

3. Timeless Themes with a Modern Heart

The novel explores childhood prophecies, lost love, letters never sent, and one final sacrifice that will redefine what true love means.

📖 Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free!)

Akash and Shruti grow up in a sleepy town bound by tradition and innocent promises. But life, as always, has other plans. Years later, Akash stumbles upon a journal—500 steps of memories that Shruti once walked beside him. What he discovers inside that journal will challenge his reality and reshape their destiny.

This isn’t just a story about love—it’s about hope, healing, and holding on to what truly matters.

🌟 Who Should Read 500 Steps to Forever?

• Fans of heart-touching romance novels
• Readers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth
• People healing from heartbreak or navigating long-lost love
• Lovers of authors like Jojo Moyes, Colleen Hoover, and Nicholas Sparks

Whether you're 16 or 65, this story speaks across generations.

🛒 Where to Buy 500 Steps to Forever

This book is now available in all major formats:

• 📱 eBook (India): Buy Now on Amazon.in »
• 📚 Paperback (Global): Order Paperback on Amazon.com »
• 📕 Hardcover (Global): Get the Hardcover on Amazon.com »

💬 Final Thoughts

500 Steps to Forever is more than a romance novel—it’s a mirror for every soul that’s ever loved deeply and lost.
 If you’ve ever waited, hoped, or loved someone without reason—this book was written for you.

Don't just read a love story. Live one.

👉 Start reading now » eBook (India)
 👉 Paperback on Amazon (Global)
 👉 Hardcover edition here

In a nation where the Civil Services Examination remains one of the most prestigious and competitive gateways to leadership, very few have managed to decode the formula for success quite like Divey Sethi, IRS 2014 Batch, currently posted as Deputy Commissioner of GST, Kolkata, and author of the compelling guidebook, Crack Civil Services in First Attempt.

An alumnus of IIT Roorkee, a former IES officer, and a seasoned IRS officer (2014 batch), Divey’s decade-long odyssey of cracking the toughest entrance exams in India—ranging from IIT-JEE, CAT, SSC, IES, to UPSC-CSE—gives his advice an edge that only comes from real trenches.

In this exclusive interview, Divey opens up about his journey, the myths that plague civil service aspirants, and why his book is not just another motivational piece—but a practical roadmap with surgical precision.

Q: Divey, your resume reads like a “who’s who” of India’s toughest exams. What inspired you to write this book now—nearly a decade after cracking the UPSC CSE?

Divey Sethi:
The book was written right after the result of UPSC Civil services 2013 examination. I had skipped my foundation course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie to complete the book. This is the fourth edition of the book that had been published after a decade my experience into civil services. The inspiration wasn’t sudden. It had always been brewing. During my preparation and even after joining the IRS, I observed a consistent pattern—many aspirants were falling prey to misinformation and the 'one-size-fits-all' formula propagated by commercial coaching centres.
I published the first edition in 2015, soon after clearing CSE with AIR 295, but the fourth edition (2024) reflects updated insights, deeper empirical observations, and hard-hitting truths apart from the internal changes/transformation one has to do in order to increase the chances of success in civil services. The goal is to save aspirants time, effort, and energy by offering a clear strategy rather than recycled motivational fluff.

Q: So, what truly sets Crack Civil Services in First Attempt apart from the ocean of UPSC prep books?

Divey Sethi:
This is not another “how to be successful in life” book. I’ve stayed away from spiritual jargon or pseudoscientific motivation. Instead, this is a step-by-step manual—tailored strategies, curated timelines, critical “what not to study” sections, optional subject decision frameworks, and realistic time management.
Investing two hours reading this book will literally save you two hours every single day in your prep journey. That’s the ROI I promise.

Q: You take a strong stance against the big coaching industry in India. Why so?

Divey Sethi:
Because someone needs to call it out. Coaching institutes have turned into profit-driven businesses, exploiting aspirants emotionally and financially. They thrive on overpromising and under delivering.
I’m not against guided preparation—but I’m strongly against turning aspirants into dependents instead of self-learners. The book is a wake-up call to coaching dependency. If you understand the process, and if your preparation is goal-driven and internally motivated, you don't need to rely on these money-churning machines.

Q: You emphasize “knowing the reason why you're preparing” as crucial to success. Why is that so central in your philosophy?

Divey Sethi:
Because that why sustains you during your darkest hours. Many aspirants hide or blur their true motivations—even from themselves. But to succeed in UPSC, especially during the personality test stage, you must be brutally honest and self-aware.
In the book, I stress that interview prep begins on day one. You need to start with introspection. Know your reason, even if you can’t share it publicly. Clarity of purpose gives clarity of thoughts—and that’s what interviewers pick up on.

Q: Tell us a bit about your journey—from IIT to IRS. Were you always this driven?

Divey Sethi:
Not always. But I learned early how important strategy is. From cracking IIT-JEE in 2003, IES (AIR 113 in 2011, AIR 13 in 2012), and CSE in 2013, I saw how each exam required a unique approach. The common factor? Smart work with clear direction.
I devoted ten full years to cracking top-tier exams. This helped me identify patterns—and more importantly, avoid traps. My strength lies in recognizing what not to do. That’s a skill I hope the book imparts.

Q: With such a background, where do you see your personal brand heading next?

Divey Sethi:
I’m aiming for a TEDx Talk soon—because these ideas deserve a larger platform. I want to reshape how aspirants look at preparation, and even life. The book is the beginning; public speaking and policy inputs might be next.

Q: Final takeaway for the aspirants out there?

Divey Sethi:
Don’t just work hard—work consciously. Question your sources, your syllabus, and your purpose. There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. The journey to becoming a civil servant is personal, and deeply transformative. This book is your roadmap—not just to success, but to clarity, authenticity, and efficiency.

About the Book:

Crack Civil Services in First Attempt by Divey Sethi, IRS
Available on: Amazon, Flipkart, Notion Press, Goodreads

A brutally honest, results-focused, and highly practical strategy guide for UPSC aspirants who want to avoid years of trial and error.

Follow Divey Sethi:

• Quora: Divey Sethi – UPSC Insights, Optional Selection Advice, Strategy
• Publisher Page: Notion Press – Divey Sethi
• Linkdin: https://in.linkedin.com/in/divey-sethi-45a86b250

In an era where creativity meets technology, acclaimed photographer and visual artist Rohini Gautam has launched her debut children's book, Kindle: My First Photography Handbook, now available on Amazon Kindle. With a warm, vibrant approach, this handbook is being hailed as one of the best photography books for kids, perfectly blending technical knowledge with creative expression.

Designed specifically for young learners, Kindle introduces children to the magic of photography—explaining complex concepts in a way that’s fun, friendly, and easy to understand. The book is more than just a guide; it’s an invitation for children to see the world differently, to notice beauty in everyday life, and to tell their stories through the lens of a camera.

Rohini Gautam, a certified professional photographer, videographer, and editor, brings her years of experience and deep passion for visual storytelling into each page. From capturing giggles to golden hour skies, Rohini's teachings focus on developing not just photography skills, but empathy, patience, and perspective in children.

“Photography is more than clicking a button,” says Gautam. “It’s about feeling the moment, observing the world with curiosity, and expressing who you are.”

Inside this richly illustrated handbook, young readers will discover:

• What photography really means—“drawing with light”
  
  
• The types of cameras they can use (even smartphones!)
  
  
• Tips on focus, framing, lighting, and storytelling
  
  
• Fun activities, photo challenges, and safety basics
  
  
• How to move from snapshots to storytelling
  
  

Rohini’s teaching style is heartfelt and engaging, making this book an excellent resource for parents, educators, and any child ready to explore the world creatively.

As families and schools look for ways to foster creativity and digital literacy, Kindle: My First Photography Handbook emerges as a timely and essential read.

Available now on Amazon Kindle.: In an era where creativity meets technology, acclaimed photographer and visual artist Rohini Gautam has launched her debut children's book, Kindle: My First Photography Handbook, now available on Amazon Kindle. With a warm, vibrant approach, this handbook is being hailed as one of the best photography books for kids, perfectly blending technical knowledge with creative expression.

Designed specifically for young learners, Kindle introduces children to the magic of photography—explaining complex concepts in a way that’s fun, friendly, and easy to understand. The book is more than just a guide; it’s an invitation for children to see the world differently, to notice beauty in everyday life, and to tell their stories through the lens of a camera.

Rohini Gautam, a certified professional photographer, videographer, and editor, brings her years of experience and deep passion for visual storytelling into each page. From capturing giggles to golden hour skies, Rohini's teachings focus on developing not just photography skills, but empathy, patience, and perspective in children.

“Photography is more than clicking a button,” says Gautam. “It’s about feeling the moment, observing the world with curiosity, and expressing who you are.”

Inside this richly illustrated handbook, young readers will discover:

• What photography really means—“drawing with light”
  
  
• The types of cameras they can use (even smartphones!)
  
  
• Tips on focus, framing, lighting, and storytelling
  
  
• Fun activities, photo challenges, and safety basics
  
  
• How to move from snapshots to storytelling
  
  

Rohini’s teaching style is heartfelt and engaging, making this book an excellent resource for parents, educators, and any child ready to explore the world creatively.

As families and schools look for ways to foster creativity and digital literacy, Kindle: My First Photography Handbook emerges as a timely and essential read.

Available now on Amazon Kindle.: https://amzn.in/d/ilIr09D

In a fast-paced digital world where emotions are often buried beneath hashtags, filters, and bite-sized content, “गुफ़्तगू उस रात से” by Tanay Saxena offers a refreshing and much-needed pause. This self-published Hindi poetry collection isn’t just a book—it’s a soulful mirror held up to the hearts of a generation longing to feel, reflect, and reconnect with themselves.

Written by Tanay Saxena, a former radio jockey, media graduate, and now Director of a political consulting firm, this debut collection carries the weight of lived experiences. It draws from the rhythms of late-night radio conversations, the emotional intensity of public life, and the private vulnerability of a poet who dares to feel deeply. Tanay’s poetry is neither pretentious nor preachy. It’s personal. It’s intimate. It’s honest.

Each poem in गुफ़्तगू उस रात से feels like a quiet conversation—one you might have under a starlit sky with a trusted friend. Whether it’s nostalgia for a simpler time, the ache of unspoken love, or the comfort of small memories, Tanay’s verses weave these emotions into lines that are tender yet relatable. His style is conversational and fluid, making the book accessible even to first-time poetry readers who may be discovering Hindi literature through social media.

“गुफ़्तगू उस रात से” was recently honored with the 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award, a prestigious accolade rarely bestowed upon Hindi literary works. This moment is not just a personal milestone for Tanay—it’s a powerful affirmation of how regional and vernacular languages are gaining global appreciation in literary spaces long dominated by English.

But accolades are just one part of the story. Behind the scenes is Political Consultancy, Tanay’s in-house strategy team that’s redefining how poetry reaches audiences today. From creative Instagram reels to storytelling workshops and digital campaigns, Tanay has embraced modern tools to amplify timeless emotions. His reels and snippets of spoken poetry have already begun resonating with the youth, sparking a quiet but impactful digital poetry movement.

More than anything, “गुफ़्तगू उस रात से” feels timely. At a time when many are seeking authenticity in content, comfort in art, and truth in expression, this book delivers all three. It invites readers—especially those aged 18 to 35—to slow down and listen. Not just to the poet’s voice, but to their own.

Whether you're a student, a writer, a lover of romantic literature, or simply someone trying to make sense of your feelings in this cluttered world, Tanay Saxena’s debut is a must-read. It proves that poetry is far from dying—it’s evolving, it’s digital, and it’s deeply human.

📖 Grab your copy now: [https://amzn.in/d/2K9xxeZ]
📲 Follow Tanay Saxena for poetry reels, updates & behind-the-scenes: @tanaysaxena23 | LinkedIn

New Delhi [India], April 9: In a corporate world dominated to a great extent by established technology giants and conventional corporate models, one woman is spearheading an inspiring revolution in the way businesses interact, collaborate, and expand. Rutuja Landge-Pujari, Managing Director of Bluemark Software Private Limited, is demonstrating that purpose-based innovation and strategic leadership can build substantial opportunities, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Her entrepreneurial journey started on a mission—a solid vision of empowering companies through equipping them with innovative, technology-powered networking solutions. She established Bluemark Software in 2016, and now her company leads the charge of disrupting B2B networking. With each passing year, her hard work, proficiency, and leadership have catapulted Bluemark to become a national success story with accolades in various industries.

At the core of Bluemark Software's success is the company's flagship platform, Ekspans. Unlike standard networking platforms, Ekspans is an all-encompassing digital environment that can help create smart, effective, and meaningful business connections. With Ekspans, businesses are able to present their brand, reach the right people, and enable new growth through its AI-driven matchmaking, virtual exhibitions, and brand activation features. These attributes enable companies to identify appropriate partners, extend their market footprint, and establish long-term connections that lead to success.

Yet, the entrepreneurial path of Rutuja was far from straightforward. Entering the digital networking arena meant overcoming several roadblocks in the form of shifting traditional business attitudes, establishing the efficacy of digital-first networking, and battling industry giants. Most companies were used to face-to-face networking and were not willing to move to digital solutions, so it was essential for Bluemark to teach the market and show them the real advantages of their platform. Through hard work and relentless innovation efforts, Rutuja and her team overcame these challenges and eventually established Bluemark as a game changer in the sector.

Bluemark Software has made its presence felt across several platforms. During Rutuja's tenure, the company has earned coveted awards, such as the Atmanirbhar Bharat Award conferred by the Indian Achievers' Forum and the IAF Young Entrepreneur Award. These awards substantiate Bluemark's role in India's movement towards self-reliance, affirming its vision of empowering businesses with homegrown, world-class technology.

Bluemark is on a grand mission to expand globally today. Having made a solid footprint in India, the company is now gearing up to take its innovative networking solutions to global markets. With increasing need for AI-based business networking platforms, Bluemark is looking to enable businesses globally to network more strategically and efficiently. The company is also looking to develop Ekspans with additional AI-powered features, making businesses reap the benefits of even smarter, data-driven matchmaking and networking solutions.

Rutuja Landge-Pujari’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and strategic leadership. She has not only built a successful enterprise but has also paved the way for businesses to thrive in the digital age. Her journey serves as a reminder that true leadership is about identifying real challenges and solving them with vision, determination, and groundbreaking technology.

While Bluemark Software continues to redefine business networking, Rutuja's contribution will certainly seal the future of business networking, growing, and thriving—not only in India, but on a global level. Please Visit for More information : http://www.ekspans.com/

Disclaimer: The content of this post has been automatically published from an agency feed without any changes to the original text and has not been reviewed by our company's editor. Our editorial team or company does not take responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies.

New Delhi [India], January 23: Agriculture has always been the backbone of India’s economy, and in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, Suraj Singh Somvanshi is leading efforts to modernize farming practices and promote sustainability. With his background in international trade and deep-rooted understanding of agriculture, Suraj is on a mission to empower farmers in Hardoi, ensuring they have access to the latest techniques, resources, and market opportunities.

A Leader Rooted in Agriculture

Despite his experience in the IT sector, Suraj has always remained connected to his agricultural heritage. Upon returning to India, he ventured into agriculture and international trade, utilizing his global exposure to introduce modern farming practices to his hometown. His primary goal is to support small-scale farmers by equipping them with knowledge and resources that enhance productivity and profitability.

Sustainable Farming Practices

Suraj is a strong advocate for sustainable farming techniques that not only increase yield but also protect the environment. Some of the initiatives he has introduced include:

1. Organic Farming Promotion: Encouraging farmers to adopt organic practices to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, ensuring healthier produce and improved soil fertility.
2. Water Conservation Techniques: Implementing efficient irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting to combat water scarcity and promote responsible water usage.
3. Crop Diversification: Educating farmers on the benefits of diversifying their crops to reduce dependency on a single commodity and improve income stability.
4. Access to Modern Equipment: Facilitating access to modern farming machinery through government schemes and private partnerships, helping farmers reduce manual labor and increase efficiency.

Empowering Farmers Through Market Linkages

One of the biggest challenges faced by farmers in Hardoi is the lack of direct market access. Suraj has taken proactive steps to create linkages between farmers and buyers by organizing farmers' markets, establishing digital platforms for selling produce, and facilitating connections with agro-industries.

His efforts have helped farmers secure better prices for their produce, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair compensation for their hard work.

Agricultural Training Programs

Suraj has established regular training camps and workshops where agricultural experts provide guidance on modern farming techniques, pest control, and financial management. These initiatives have played a significant role in transforming traditional farming into a more efficient and profitable occupation.

A Vision for Agricultural Prosperity

Suraj Singh Somvanshi envisions a future where farmers in Hardoi are self-reliant, tech-savvy, and capable of competing in the global market. His long-term plans include setting up food processing units, encouraging agri-tourism, and leveraging technology to enhance productivity.

Through his unwavering dedication, Suraj is not only ensuring food security but also laying the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector in Hardoi.

Please Visit For Information: https://www.facebook.com/share/186vAwWjLN/

Disclaimer: The content of this post has been automatically published from an agency feed without any changes to the original text and has not been reviewed by our company's editor. Our editorial team or company does not take responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies.

"The Lone Trailblazer" marks Sneha's first venture into contemporary fiction, promising to leave readers inspired and reflective of the transformative power of perseverance, innovation, and collaboration. The novel follows the journey of Aadir, a young protagonist who faces numerous adversities but continues to push forward with unwavering determination. Set against the backdrop of contemporary India, Aadir's story begins in a small town, much like the author's own hometown. From a young age, Aadir is confronted with challenges that test his limits. The narrative delves into his personal struggles, including financial hardships, personal losses, and moments of deep despair. Despite these obstacles, Aadir's journey is marked by small victories, moments of kindness from strangers, and an unyielding resolve to overcome the odds.

Aadir is a richly developed character whose experiences and emotions are portrayed with depth and authenticity. Readers will find themselves rooting for him, feeling his pain, celebrating his triumphs, and learning alongside him. Sneha Jain's writing is marked by its emotional depth and vivid descriptions. Her narrative style is engaging and accessible, drawing readers into Aadir's world and making them feel a part of his journey. The author's ability to convey complex emotions and situations with clarity and sensitivity is a testament to her talent as a storyteller.

"The Lone Trailblazer" is more than just a novel; it is an inspiring tale that speaks to the resilience and strength within all of us. Sneha Jain's writing is a beacon of hope for those facing their own challenges, encouraging readers to persevere and believe in the transformative power of their journeys. This novel marks the arrival of a promising new voice in Indian literature, one that is sure to resonate with readers for years to come.

The cover of "The Lone Trailblazer" is a visually captivating representation of the novel’s theme of resilience and exploration. The background features a breathtaking mountain landscape, with snow-capped peaks under a partly cloudy sky, creating a sense of both challenge and beauty. In the foreground, a solitary figure, presumably Aadir, is seen from behind, trekking along a rugged path. He carries a walking stick and wears a backpack, signifying his journey and the burdens he carries. The imagery of the lone traveler amidst vast nature effectively conveys the novel's essence of personal struggle, perseverance, and the quest for self-discovery. The title is prominently displayed at the top in bold, capital letters, while the author’s name, Sneha Jain, is positioned at the bottom, completing the cover with a balanced and professional look.

"The Lone Trailblazer" by Sneha Jain is now available at major bookstores and online platforms.

Check out the trending video about The Lone Trailblazer on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8HEusWPtIW/?igsh=MWV2MW1pYmw0aHRpMw==

The Lone Trailblazer by Sneha Jain - Book Review

"The Lone Trailblazer" by Sneha Jain is a truly inspiring novel. It tells the story of Aadir, a young man from a small town in India, who faces many hardships like financial struggles and personal losses. Despite these challenges, Aadir's determination never wavers. His journey is filled with small victories and acts of kindness that keep him going.

Sneha Jain's writing is emotional and vivid, making you feel every moment of Aadir's journey. The characters are well-developed, and you'll find yourself rooting for Aadir, feeling his pain, and celebrating his successes. This book is more than just a story; it's a testament to the strength and resilience within all of us. If you're looking for a heartfelt and motivational read, "The Lone Trailblazer" is perfect for you. Highly recommended!

Rating: 5/5

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

About Sneha Jain

Sneha Jain, a prodigious talent from Karnal, Haryana, India, has made significant strides in the literary world at just 23 years old. A world record holder recognized as an "Aspiring Author 2021" by Bravo International Book of Records, Sneha also boasts a place in the India Book of Records for her acclaimed second book, "She - The Withered Flower." Her impressive achievements have earned her the prestigious Bharat Vibhushan Award in 2023.

Balancing her writing career with her academic pursuits, Sneha is currently completing her Masters in English. Her debut book, "The Visionary Lights from a Dark Mind," launched at the age of 19, marked the beginning of her journey as an author. Since then, she has published several notable works, including "She - The Withered Flower," a powerful narrative on women's empowerment, "The Jewels of Elegance," a patriotic tribute to India, "The Wind and the Grit," a collection of poems on natural elements, and "Be the First You," a motivational guide. All her books are globally available on Amazon. Sneha's dedication to her craft has been recognized with numerous awards. She believes in expressing the realities of the world through her words, encouraging everyone to voice their opinions and stay true to themselves. Her motto, "Always be the first you instead of trying to be the next them," resonates deeply in all her works.

The novel titled ‘The Waiting Lounge’ has been written by the debutant author Chet Kamal Parkash. The story has been set in Mumbai rains. Two people are destined to fall in love in the rains of Mumbai. They meet each other; things go well in their lives. They decide to get married but fate strikes unexpected events in their lives. The protagonist Akash's fiancée to be sweeps away in the notorious flood after the rains. There is no way to know about her.

Akash's colleague Dharti helps Akash in her whereabouts. They travel to Mumbai and look for her everywhere the possibilities lead them. One day, Dhartifinds the reality that she is no more. She finds it difficult to tell Akash understanding the grim situation of how he would react to the reality. Eventually she takes courage to tell him to face the truth.

This incident changes the entire perspective of life of Akash and he starts losing everything in the race of his life. The things start changing drastically in his life entirely to devastate him. In this course of situation of his life, he is in a state of mental trauma to which he loses everything right from his well paid job, the purpose of his life, and his vision in life.

Dharti helps him understand the reality of life and walks every step of the way with him. Akash tries to understand the truth of life. Dharti helps him in recuperating from the situation. He regains control over his life and eventually gets into arranged wedlock with a girl named Chandni.

The depiction of the story is very heart touching. A joyful boy starts his journey from a small town and moves to different landscapes for his career and life. The narration of the college life is skilfully weaved and it keeps readers interest touched and related. The life lessons mentioned at some places in the story add worth to the chapters.

The story ends beautifully with the reality of lives. Life swings with joyous and sadness ups and downs, struggles and a lot more. The story leaves a touch of beautiful message of love, hope, peace, and kindness.

Author Social Media: Instagram: ​https://www.instagram.com/chetkamalparkash

Named after the most vulnerable, introspective, mysterious,poetic & honest hour of the day. “3:40 a.m.” is a poetic take on the constant tug of war between the head & the heart, a forever battle between logic & emotion.

It takes the reader on a journey starting from “grieving” & ending on “acceptance”. Narrated by a fearless character Zara,the book is a roller coaster of emotions ranging from desperation, emptiness, anxiety, the denial, heartache, betrayal, depression to letting it go, joy, love, union, art, hope, growth & so much more than one can imagine. 3:40 a.m. ends with two beautiful & therapeutic letters at the conclusion, taken from the author's personal diary. It talks about the confusion between your heart & head as one stands between the person he once was and the person he is in the process of becoming.

It’s art in its most raw form & in its most relatable state. A book that can’t wait to be explored by its readers, and a book that can’t wait to transform your life.

Book Review

“3:40 a.m." by Urja Joshi is an exquisite masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of time and emotion. Through the poetic lens of Zara, readers are swept away on a tumultuous journey from grief to acceptance, navigating the intricate landscape of the human heart and mind.

With unparalleled honesty and vulnerability, the author captures the relentless tug-of-war between logic and emotion, inviting readers to confront their own inner conflicts. Each page is a tapestry of raw emotion, from desperation and heartache to joy and hope, weaving together a narrative that is as mesmerizing as it is profound.

As the book culminates in two poignant letters from the author's personal diary, it leaves a lasting impression, challenging readers to embrace their own journey of self-discovery and transformation. "3:40 a.m." is not just a book—it is a soul-stirring work of art that promises to illuminate the darkest corners of the human experience and inspire profound introspection.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Amazon book link: https://amzn.in/d/7gXYwB9

About Urja Joshi Urja Joshi’s books show a stark style of duality, where she constantly talks about hurt and healing. The writer has also described her new book “3:40 a.m.” as the twin book to her previous infamous release “yellow: the verses of hurting & healing.” Urja has truly emerged as the main character of the year 2024.

From the bestselling author of "Swayam", Mayaa SH offers warmth and reassurance, reminding us to slow down and appreciate the beauty and unpredictability of existence in her latest book "Sangharsh" dedicated to instill the power of self belief in women . An essential book for anyone in search of hope, looking for a path to a more meaningful life, or in need of a little encouragement, Sangharsh serves as a self help book for any woman who wishes to rediscover herself through the deep abyss of despair.

In a relatable and inclusive tone, Sangharsh endeavours to motivate many women to find Peace which presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. These techniques help us identify and express our needs clearly and without apology—and unravel the root problem behind codependency, power struggles, anxiety, depression, burnout, and more.This guide is the perfect tool for anyone looking to grow their inner strength and compassion. Mayaa SH has demonstrated how to gain true resilience by channeling  inner strengths that will help anyone to feel less stressed, pursue opportunities with confidence, and stay calm and centered in the face of adversity.Designed to help us better understand ourselves and dial down the everyday worries getting in our way, these thoughtful and beautifully illustrated journal pages are a safe space for reflection, self-acceptance, and the freedom to move forward with more clarity and joy.

Reading Sangharsh as a self-development book can definitely change anybody's life. The book is designed to provide practical guidance, insights, and inspiration for personal growth and development.It's no surprise that reading a book like Sangharsh can also be used to help anybody navigate our own emotions and experiences. Whether one is dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD or PTSD, self-help books can provide a person with strategies for managing any symptoms and help one to feel more in control of one's life.

Sangharsh is an indispensable treasury of uplifting and enlightening quotations for guidance, support, and spiritual sustenance. In her classic works of contemporary Mayaa SH has shared timeless wisdom with readers worldwide.

In this book are some of her most thought-provoking words to live by, to reflect upon, and to read for inspiration, knowledge, and growth.Whether you want to improve your health, productivity, or relationships, this book provides actionable quotes to create lasting change.Through her many anecdotes and powerful insights, Mayaa SH has revealed the strategies and mindset that helped many overcome immense physical and mental challenges.

With a focus on mastering the mind and defying the odds, this book offers valuable lessons on pushing past limitations and achieving greatness for all those women who are caught in the daily humdrum of life with a level of uncertainty. Sangharsh is an empowering and insightful book, the authoress has shared the secrets to achieving success and realizing one's dreams. Through practical quotes and inspiring anecdotes, Mayaa has revealed how adopting a positive mindset and thinking big can transform your life. Whether it's in career, relationships, or personal goals, this book offers valuable insights on overcoming obstacles, setting ambitious goals, and unlocking one's full potential. One must be prepared to be inspired and motivated to reach for greatness.

In this empowering guide, Sangharsh equips women with a battle plan for life that is both fervent and strategic.This is by drawing from the  experiences and observations of many women , Mayaa has encouraged readers to approach prayer with intentionality, specificity, and passion. With practical insights and wisdom, Mayaa inspired women to deepen their  lives within oneself and engage in an inner awakening that can transform their lives and the lives of those around them.Sangharsh is a  transformative guide that takes readers on a profound journey of self-discovery and inner freedom. Through insightful teachings and practical quotes, Mayaa SH is an  explores the nature of consciousness, the ego, and the power of mindfulness. This book offers a roadmap to all women who want to break free from limiting beliefs, embrace the present moment, and unlock the true potential of one's soul.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

About Mayaa SH

Mayaa SH also known as Lady Karl Marx and Female Chulbul Pandey is a  feminist philosopher , thinker and essayist in 21st century modern India. She is not a typical passive Indian woman who blindly follow the norms that are not meant to uplift women in a more sensitive and rational manner. She is a Mother of championing the power of self belief to an extent that her vision of her philosophy is to give freedom to woman from so called judgements that still plague our society at large.

Mayaa SH is a  Literary Empowerment Campaigner, an Iconic Contemporary Authoress and Poetess and A Social Activist  who has shattered all glass ceilings and barriers to champion the cause of Gender Equality and Neutrality .Best known for her work in Swayam , she is Championer of Women’s Rights, Authoress, Public Intellectual, and a former corporate juggernaut, Mayaa SH is  a recognised crusader on Indian’s contemporary verve of economics, freedom of the press, gender neutrality and human rights.

Mayaa SH is a known name in contemporary literature and is a multi National and State Award Winner,a Podcaster, an Artist ,a Record Chart Topping International Fastest Anthology Co-Author and a ten times World Record Holder. She is driven by passion to write and compose. She has love for grammar and mental health awareness by engaging in talk as remedial navigation through any situation. She always tries to look for ways to merge the two. She is an avid enthusiast for the three C’s : Character , Charisma  and Chivalry. Be it, writing; debating or counselling; she makes sure to dedicate time to every such field wherein the reach is extensive and dedicated towards people in order to make her dreams reach countless souls. She is a suicide prevention expert. Mayaa SH has been practically looking at matters where she has been covering concerns of matrimonial matters of many women and has seen the atrocity incriminated in matter of advocate sadhna yadav. Mayaa is passionate about exploring various facets of law and works towards enlightening people about their statutory, legal and fundamental rights. She makes it her job to decipher for the public the truth, be it in an intricate civil dispute or in a gruesome criminal case in terms of conciliatory approaches of looking law at a more positive light for legal reliefs.

Published by Hay House in February 2024, Maun – A meeting with Silence is a hybrid memoir, which intertwines a contemporary Indian woman’s spiritual evolution with the material challenges she faces within a historically male defined religious environment. It skillfully weaves together a woman’s experiential journey of the spiritual self, her social dilemmas, the attached hypocrisy, and her dogged persistence, all in a gritty, down-to-earth story that will see you through many emotions of the world and beyond.
The author, Annie miller has compiled, translated, and edited the protagonist’s spoken words from Hindi, in a bid to revive native traditions of oral storytelling. The work presents an illuminating narrative of a spirited girl, Nirmala, who discovers extreme potential in an alternate world. She walks two parallel paths — the inner and the outer while attempting to grasp life’s complexities through prolonged silences. After a seventeen-hour brush with ‘unprompted quietude,’ twelve-year-old Nirmala leads herself on an uncommon path to understand the profundity in ‘silence’ or stillness. She grows to strengthen herself with psychology, sociology, astrology, the occult, ritual and the nuances of fire ceremony, all within her social environs. Demonstrating in-depth research, an extraordinary intent and resilience, she furthers her quest, questioning persistently and engaging defiantly.
The simplistic, coherent, and unobtrusive writing style maintains the reader’s interest and attention from the beginning. Starting with a quote, the book sets the tone towards instant and honest self-reflection: ‘One world for us all, yet each one’s world is different.’
The author effectively uses the natural power of stories to communicate complex underlying concepts like the world of thought, complexities of the mind, myth in the occult, and clarity in spiritual inquiry. Each chapter leaves a lasting impression, prompting the reader to discern between religion and spirituality, equality and gender divide, and redundant beliefs versus preserving tradition. As Nirmala says, ‘It is a complex situation. Ethic alone does not raise consciousness. Sanity stands on a thin wire swaying between believed ethics, historical practices, effort, and the destiny to lead.’
Throughout the work, analogies and anecdotes reflect upon existential themes of birth, death, heightened awareness, and liberation. The narrative emphasises on the individual growth of a universal being. Nirmala states, ‘A thought is as solid as stone. It has form, colour, weight, size, shape, and quality. It is a dynamic force generated through vibrations in the subtle consciousness.’
The author conveys Nirmala’s meaningful personal messages of balance, intent and resilience with clarity, tapping into part of what makes us all human. One such quote is - ‘If I am uncertain, I must allow doubt. I must question and enquire fearlessly without the garb of decorum and politesse. Words mean nothing without efficient context, historical relevance, and evidence. I cannot trust these words. Pretence breeds self-doubt, not self-confidence.’
The manner of writing in Maun is often poetic, soft and unassuming. The poetry at the end of each chapter reveals Nirmala’s depth and understanding of the common human and beyond. Maun hooks you unawares. It resonates deeply and when you are ready to put it down, it evokes you with direct questions. ‘Do the winds advertise their worth ever? Or does rain choose its destination through colour, creed, and caste? Does Mother Earth ever pull the plug on this abundant offering?’
An exhilarating read, the book drives one to turn yet another page while wondering - Will Nirmala carve a niche for herself or shy away in fear? I recommend this thought-provoking, perceptive book to absolutely everyone. If you have not read Maun – A meeting of Silence yet, it is available to buy from all leading bookstores and amazon.in

“Swayam” is a book written by Mayaa SH which is a dedication to the inherent qualities and thought process of two gems of the country – Shri Alakh Pandey and Shri Durlav Sarkar, who have achieved tremendous success in their respective fields. Their courage and determination to reach that shore of success has made them a real gem of the country. They not only worked hard to achieve the highest level of grandeur in life but also set an example for all that the word Impossible says “I am possible”. “Swayam ” is a self-guiding book for readers to read through various short snippets of reading in order to be able to relate to concepts in contemporary literature. This book can help anyone to take his/her motivation level higher by simply believing in the fact that “I can achieve anything in life because I am capable of it”. Swayam highlights the exponential growth mindset of successful entrepreneurs like Shri Alakh Pandey and Shri Durlav Sarkar to know your inner talent. What talent do you have? You develop it. Do what you feel like doing. Only then you will get success in life.

Book Review

"Swayam" by Mayaa SH is a heartfelt dedication to the remarkable qualities and mindset of two outstanding individuals, Shri Alakh Pandey and Shri Durlav Sarkar, who have achieved tremendous success in their respective fields. The book beautifully encapsulates their journey, emphasizing their courage, determination, and unwavering belief in turning impossibilities into possibilities.

Through a series of short, insightful snippets, "Swayam" serves as a guiding beacon, encouraging readers to relate to contemporary concepts while igniting their motivation. It instills the powerful notion that success is within reach for anyone willing to believe in their capabilities and work towards their goals relentlessly.

The book delves into the exponential growth mindset exhibited by successful entrepreneurs like Pandey and Sarkar, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing one's inner talents. It emphasizes the significance of pursuing one's passions, highlighting that true success is attained by following one's heart.

Overall, "Swayam" serves as an inspiring narrative that not only celebrates the achievements of these extraordinary individuals but also provides a roadmap for readers to enhance their motivation levels and realize their potential. It reinforces the idea that by acknowledging one's talents and pursuing what one loves, achieving success becomes an attainable reality.

Ratings

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)

About the author

A trailblazer in contemporary literature, Mayaa SH is known for her bold and unflinching depictions of women's experiences in society and various issues such as gender inequality.Her work has sought to challenge traditional gender roles and gender inequality. issues remain stigmatized in many societies including the west. Mayaa SH's nuanced, complex portrayal of narratives and themes continues to inspire and empower women of this day to challenge patriarchal norms and assert their agency.She knows the language of numerous women and her self help books speak this language with finesse and ease, and with much boldness and here lies the distinctness and greatness of Mayaa SH .Mayaa SH is a name that resonates with the doctrine of powerful feminism and advocacy of championing the rights of women across the country. She is amongst modern women writers and activists who has continually broken boundaries, enriched literature, and changed history through the power of her pen. A globally acclaimed literary genius she has broken the stereotypical notion of the mindset that limits women to be achievers at par Excellence.Mayaa has asserted that women deserve the same educational, economic, and political rights as men. This revolutionary sentiment has earned her a prominent place in feminist and contemporary literature through her self help books. Mayaa SH also known as Mayaa Devi, Mayaa Tai, Mayaa Di, Mayaa Audio SH, Pushpa ‘The Fire’ , Padma Of The East, Lady Robin Hood , Lady Karl Marx,MS Dhoni Of Writing , Female Chulbul Pandey and Lady Gandhi is a known name in Contemporary Literature .She is a Multi-National and State Award Winner, a ten times a World Record Holder, An Artist, a Podcaster,  a Record Chart Topping International Fastest Anthology Co-Authoress and has been chosen as number 1 The Modern Literary Stars Of India, 2022 by Cherry Book Awards for making valuable contribution to Contemporary Indian Literature.Mayaa SH is an Indian authoress, writer, thinker, essayist, and a women empowerment culturist who has had a deep influence on the ideological theories and practices of the women’s ideology of self belief and motivation in life . Her contemporary prose work has highlighted onto break so many stereotypes about women and their power of self belief.Mayaa SH’s literary contributions have touched upon many issues and daily challenges of women. Mayaa SH a gender equality exponent to position and contextualize her work within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She has depicted gender inclusivity and equality through her certifications from the United Nations and powerful writings on Feminism, Gender Equality,  Transforming Vision Into Action: Transmogrification on Transgender Community and Mental Health Awareness Topics. Her work depicts the identity, economic and social freedom of many. She has co-authored more than hundred and fifty plus anthologies with nine solo books and has been aligned with more than 86 publication houses. She has been featured in several magazines and women oriented like Tejaswi – The Imperishable on Women Power and Honour including few international magazines. Her first poem “The Candle In The Wind” made her win an Award at the National Level. Mayaa SH navigates many women through stress by deploying talking as a medium to combat stress and fear. She is an expert in suicide prevention and women motivation. Her self help books have helped many to find a ray of hope to rediscover the light within themselves and restart their lives again amidst all impediments. Her writing enables the reader to enter the whirlwind going on to reflect in one's mind in a way that even a distant fictional character’s fears and dilemmas begin resembling such grey areas very intimately embedded in one’s own psyche to aspire to inspire. Mayaa has intrigued the social mores of her time without mincing words, she has revelled in transgressing boundaries and it is perhaps here that her resounding significance lies deep. She is far too ahead of her times and is still no less relevant; she is the feminist icon we need.While she addresses issues like matrimonial law, dowry, class divisions, and access to education in order to inspire many women to believe in the power of their dreams in order to live a more fulfilling life ,and the concerns that fall under the feminist umbrella, her books cannot turn around and tell us how they feel about what they experienced and how it impacted them years later. Mayaa SH can, and that is exactly what she sets out to do every time she writes about why she is who she is, and in the process, she ends up highlighting the importance of the feminine perspective in literature.She is best known for her work for her book "Swayam". “Swayam ” is a self-guiding book for readers to read through various short snippets of reading in order to be able to relate to concepts in contemporary literature. This book can help anyone to take his/her motivation level higher by simply believing in the fact that “I can achieve anything in life because I am capable of it”.

208 Zen-Inspired Samurai Tales: Kids Meditation Palette" by Dr. Sridevi K.J. Sharmirajan invites young readers into a magical world where wisdom meets creativity. This special colouring book isn't just about colours; it's a treasure trove of stories that teach us valuable life lessons. The book is packed with 208 captivating tales, each hiding a secret message, just like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

The best part? You get to colour these stories! With your favourite crayons or markers, you can make these tales come alive in vibrant colours. It's like being an artist and an explorer at the same time! These stories aren't just any stories; they're like guides that help us understand how to be calm, positive, and wise.

The author, who also wrote "200 Zen Stories: Cultivating Positivity and Inner Peace" and "Stressful Life vs. Abundant Life: Yoga in a Samurai Way," has created this special book just for kids. While the other books are for grown-ups and don't have pictures, this one is extra special because it has amazing illustrations to colour!

Reading these stories and colouring them is like going on a journey of discovering your own self. It helps us think about how to be kind, how to be strong, and how to find peace in our hearts.

"208 Zen-Inspired Samurai Tales" isn't just a book; it's a way for kids to have fun while learning important things about life. It helps us focus better, think more clearly, and express our imagination through colours.

In summary, this book is a fantastic adventure filled with stories that have important messages, and it lets us be both artists and learners at the same time. It's like having a magical book of wisdom and colours!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)

Published in 2024 by Notion Press.

Order your copy here: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0CRDN8M1L

About Dr. Sridevi K.J. Sharmirajan Dr. Sridevi Soundirarajan(H.G) also recognized as Sridevi K.J. Sharmirajan, is a distinguished Indian professional celebrated for her myriad accomplishments. With academic prowess encompassing a BE in Electronics and Communication Engineering, an MBA, an MA in Yoga for Human Excellence ,an honorary doctorate award in Literature from the ICONIC PEACE AWARD COUNCIL and an honorary gold medal in literature from DRDC GLOBAL, she's a diverse talent—a Bharatanatyam Dancer, Certified Yoga Teacher, Author, Podcaster, Youtuber, and Artist. She has also received prestigious accolades such as the NARI PRATIBHA SAMMAN CHANGEMAKER, BHARAT VIBHUSHAN, RABINDRANATH TAGORE LITERATURE AWARD, INTERNATIONAL LSH AWARD, ICONIC NARI SAMMAN PURASKAR, BHARATIYA BHANUSIMHA PURASKAR, INTERNATIONAL IKIGAI AWARD, INDIA NOBLE AWARD, ASIA EXCELLENCE AWARD, INDIAN EXCELLENCE AWARDS, SHE THE POWER WOMEN AWARD, EMINENT TRIO TRIBUTE FOR LITERATURE, INDIAN STAR AWARD 2023, GLOBAL LEGENDS AWARD 2024, and RASHTRIYA LEKHAK SAMMAN 2024 as well as the World's Great Deeds award from WORLD'S GREATEST RECORDS. Her podcast, "SPREAD POSITIVITY with AUTHOR SRIDEVI," earned the title of "The Author behind Positive Infinity and iconic podcaster of 2023," recognized by the Influencer Book of world records and Bharat Record Book, "Iconic podcaster and Author of the Year 2023" and Asia’s Top 100 Influential Women Award 2024 in the category of Remarkable Youngest Author and Podcaster of the Year 2024 by Diva Planet Magazine, Queen Of Success Of The Year 2023 in the category of Woman Author & Youtuber from Femmetimes Magazine, TOP 20 PARAMOUNT WOMEN’S AWARD by NAMYA MAGAZINE, INSPIRATION AWARDS 2024 by HERstory Times and India Top 50 Star Achiever’s Award in the category of Star Women Podcaster 2024 by India Star Community, solidifying her role as a GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR and GLOBAL LITERARY AMBASSADOR of THE INSPIRING WOMEN COMMUNITY(TIWC) and INTERNATIONAL MEMBER AND AMBASSADOR at KALAM EDU-VERSITY.At the core of Sridevi's life lies a profound adage: "ATTRACT POSITIVITY, REPEL NEGATIVITY, SPREAD POSITIVE INFINITY." This motto embodies her philosophy of life and serves as a guiding principle for her work. Sridevi continues to shine as a beacon of hope and inspiration, lighting the way for a world that has the transformative power within each individual to create a positive impact on the world

Life is a mysterious journey filled with ups and downs, and to appreciate the beauty of it, one must learn to embrace both joy and pain. Books have always been a source of guidance and comfort in every stage of life, imparting valuable lessons that shape and connect individuals. Among the countless literary pieces in the market, Rajeev Kejriwal's Mukhauta, a collection of poems in the Hindi language, stands out for its unique ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in words that resonate with readers.

Exploring the Human Experience

Published by Bigfoot Publications, Mukhauta is a masterpiece that delves into various aspects of life's journey, from moments of pure joy to emotional turmoil and everything in between. With a total of 89 poems, each piece evokes different emotions, from hope and love to anger and despair. Some poems build up a crescendo, while others explore the depths of one's soul, leaving readers spellbound and longing for more. The book's simple yet elegant style and straightforward language make it easy for anyone to understand and connect with the poems.

Life Is A Web of Experiences

Rajeev Kejriwal, the author of Mukhauta, believes that life is a beautiful and complex journey that should be embraced, not understood. He emphasizes the importance of cherishing life's happy moments and learning how to navigate through the difficult ones. With Mukhauta, Kejriwal captures these moments, pouring his heart and soul into each poem, and invites readers to join him on this journey of discovery.

About Bigfoot Publications

Bigfoot Publications, founded by Deepak Yadav in 2017, is a Gurugram Haryana-based publication house that distributes books in more than 150 countries. The company's mission is to publish new authors and provide them with a platform to express their thoughts and ideas. They have published over 3000+ genres of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, academic, and illustrative books in English, Hindi, and other regional languages. From online nationwide distribution in India to offline bookstore submissions in premium stores like Oxford and Crossword, Bigfoot Publications has established itself as a leading publisher in the market.

Summing it up,  Mukhauta is a book that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime. It captures the beauty of life's colors and emotions, reminding readers to embrace both the good and the bad. Rajeev Kejriwal's poetic mastery, coupled with Bigfoot Publication's commitment to publishing new and diverse voices, makes this book a true gem in the literary world.

Opëshum's latest book, "Beyond the Father," is causing a stir in the literary world as it sets the stage for a thrilling new sci-fi series entitled "gods on Trial: The Series™." The novel delves into the theme of overcoming limitations and takes place on the planet Xżyber, where the inhabitants of the Sub-Median Region, who are imperfectly reborn as metal beings, oppress their organic counterparts.

The story also explores the Central Kingdom, where the ruling class uses religion to justify their brutal subjugation of the lower classes. As the threat of war over scarce resources looms and revolution simmers in each region, the existence of the eccentric god who created them all goes unnoticed. This deity observes, engages in thought-provoking conversations with his astute companion, and occasionally learns from his observations, but rarely intervenes.

Despite the many obstacles and struggles that distract the characters from a far greater threat, Prince Anglid's vision quest into the unexplored Area X may ultimately change everything. However, just when readers think they have the story figured out, Opëshum throws in another unexpected twist.

Critics and fans alike are praising the book's imaginative world-building and intricate plot, as well as Opëshum's writing style, which is said to be gripping and suspenseful. The novel addresses important themes such as oppression, revolution, and power dynamics, making it a thought-provoking read for sci-fi enthusiasts.

In addition to the book's compelling narrative, the promise of a larger sci-fi series has generated excitement among fans of the genre. The potential for further exploration of the complex and intriguing world created by Opëshum has sparked discussions and debates among readers, who are eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

Overall, Opëshum's "Beyond the Father" is a compelling and engaging read that has captured the attention of the media and readers alike. Its thought-provoking themes, intricate plot, and imaginative world-building have cemented it as a must-read for sci-fi fans, and the promise of a larger series has only increased the hype surrounding it.

Who is Opëshum?

Opëshum has been writing stories since her childhood and has a unique perspective on the creative process. She believes that characters choose their writers to share their stories with the world. Despite her talent, Opëshum prefers not to be in the public eye and therefore does not make any public appearances. Instead, she prefers to let her characters be the center of attention while she remains behind the scenes. Her latest work, the 8-book science fiction series called Gods on Trial: The Series™, begins with the first book called BEYOND THE FATHER.

Opëshum currently resides in Sheridan, Wyoming, where she is working on the second book in the series. She is a lover of nature and enjoys taking walks, admiring the full moon, and stargazing in open spaces.

Hindustan Metro Book Review Of Beyond The Father Book 1 by Opëshum  

"Beyond the Father" is the first book in the eight-book series "Gods on Trial" and sets the foundation for the upcoming novels. The story is set in the world of Xżyber, which is geographically divided into four regions and inhabited by two species: Mollards and non-Mollards. The book explores the differences and rivalries between the two species as they struggle to secure their future.

The central characters of the story are King Thio and Queen Evaline, who rule the Central Kingdom. The planet is vulnerable to storms that affect the non-Mollards more than the Mollards. The shortage of Teal oil has caused revolts and invasion from the sub-median region, and there is a possible attack from the North. The story explores how the Xżyberians will deal with the challenges they face.

The book also delves into the theme of faith and gods. The Xżyberians hold their faith in Plebony, but the gods' veracity is at stake as things are not materializing for many. Flexix vs. Plebony is another story in the novel about choosing faith and god correctly.

The book is complex, intriguing, and highly readable with an optimum dose of philosophy on various aspects of life. The author's lucid and controlled narration makes it a wonderful read in its essential genre. The story has multiple points of view and narration arteries, but it moves at a measured pace. The story has surprises that may throw the readers off guard, making it an exciting read. Overall, "Beyond the Father" sets the stage for an engaging series, and readers will eagerly await the next books in the series.

Get your copy on Amazon Kindle: "Beyond the Father: Book 1"

The book has gained popularity among Amazon Kindle readers in India, which may lead the author to consider releasing a Hindi translation for Indian readers in the near future.

Dear Manusha: Yours Truly, Now and Forever written by Anupama Ravindran Menon and published by Notion Press is an ode to love, grief, and the strength of memory. The book is a collection of poems and letters that show the narrator’s never-ending love and dedication to Manusha, the love of her life, despite their physical and temporal separation.

Being apart of the millennial population, the axis of our existence revolves solely around modernity & materialism. We tend to forget that love, emotions, poetry & art are quintessential elements required to keep the humane part of us alive. We have forgotten the very vulnerability & emotional rawness are components that sets us apart from other creations of the cosmic resulting in a widening schism between human & humanity.

Reflecting upon your own mirror, how many times do you actually ask yourself if you are happy? Are you at peace? Do you smile when you end your day after working so hard? Many people consider this menial and often laughed off. I tried asking this to myself & I realised that I did not have the right answers to any of the questions imposed. 

Hence, Dear Manusha was born as a reminder to me & many of us that love is the most primal instinct we have all been wired internally to be human. It is a memoir, dedicated in honour of love and beloved, through the lens of someone who has lost & yet continues to love. It is a written scripture proving lost love is still love & the rampant energy its memories radiate, upholds love as poignantly & as enigmatically ever. The strength it bestows enables self empowerment & paradigmatic betterment of life. It is a simple memoir, yet a heartwarming compilation of stories which reignite many hidden & buried human emotions. A compilation of 13 beautiful chapters, each depicting daily live events which could be anyone of ours. Dear Manusha is a homage to each & everyone of you, spiralling you down your favourite memory lane, bringing you back to the joy of love and long forgotten memories, both healing and inspiring. All you need a couch to lay back on & a warm cuppa coffee, it will be a read which will touch you deep down.

Amazon Book Link: https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/B07ZQMM5PT/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Overall Verdict

Book: Dear Manusha 

Subtitle: Yours Truly, Now and Forever

Author: Anupama Ravindran Menon

Publisher: Notion Press

ASIN: B07ZQMM5PT

Language: English

No. Of Pages: 102

“I carry you in every breath & every beat I wake to live,

And without a pause, a break nor a doubt,

I would choose loving you over & over again….

You would be the only one I belong to…

The only one my heart returns to…

No matter how far I embark on this journey of life…

Yours truly, now & forever…”

- A snippet of poem quoted from “Dear Manusha”

A memoir called “Dear Manusha” was written by Anupama Ravindran Menon in memories of loved ones, an ode to love & loss and the enigma of its memories. This book is a compilation of various ideas that were mostly recalled everyday. Most of the quiet & forgotten lanes of our memory groves have all the modest & lovely moments of one genuine love. The book teaches its audience that it is acceptable to cherish & pay tribute to a lost loved one. Giving what you have without expecting anything in return takes guts. We have read a lot of love tales but this one stood out because the reader can sense the character’s feelings.

The narrative was a direct emotional roller coaster trip that everyone could relate to. An entirely new world of self discovery & empowerment is made possible by ups & downs, thorns & blossoms & silent love. A bird’s eye perspective of what love means to many people who stay and love in silence, although having different destinies is highlighted in the book’s daily episodes.

The novel also serves as a meditation on memories & loss. The book’s premise is astounding whether or not a person is present in your life. If you truly love them, a part of your soul will always belong to them. It demonstrates how love can be pure, genuine & long lasting.

Anupama's writing is excellent particularly in the vivid descriptions of the events that allow readers to visualise them. The beautiful spread of 13 heart capturing chapters were composed of multiple shades of love & a plethora of emotions. The plot is incredibly lovely & the entire perspective on love is moving. The author finds consolation & comfort in her recollections. The narration is flawlessly maintained throughout & the prose is very captivating. Her stories capture everyday routine moments that define the very essence of love with a dash of poetry, a tonne of feelings & a drizzle of dreams.

From the first page, you are drawn into the plot & the author keeps you there throughout the book. Try it, you will love the way she writes. It’s a strong recommendation to everyone.

About Author Anupama Ravindran Menon

Born and brought up in the humble suburbs of old Seremban town, Anupama Ravindran Menon, @Anu, is your regular girl next door. Having graduated  from the prestigious Manipal University under the Malaysian Defense Ministry Scholarship, she started training as an intern shortly afterwards & began serving as a doctor in the Malaysian Armed Forces. As much as Anu is a passionate young doctor blooming in her field, she awes art in its every form, be it music, dance, writing, painting or creative work.

After obtaining a Distinction award in the University of New South Wales English Assessment at the age of 13, she began exploring into the writing part of herself. She was apart of multiple national essay writing competitions and privileged to be shortlisted for the Prestigious Dublin Literature Writing competition in 2004. After winning her first prize in the International Notion Press Short Stories competition 2017, she was published as a joint author alongside 19 other writers in Plotpourri, an anthology of short stories. As an upcoming painter, she had also successfully done her first solo painting exhibition entitled Hridhaya:Language of Heartbeats in 2018. 

As medicine is her ultimate field of passion & to answer her call of duty, she was given the opportunity to serve under the United Nation’s (UN) flagship in a peacekeeping operation in Lebanon in 2019-2020 (UNIFIL). She was a part of  an entourage of the Malaysian Battalion 850-7 who actively serve in this region over decades. Apart from being a United Nations ambassador & a doctor in field, she was also the Gender Focal Point representative of the nation & become an active part of the COVID-19 crisis team under the tutelage of UNIFIL Medical HQ & WHO. She represented Malaysia in a few international virtual symposiums to present regarding the adversities & challenges of COVID-19 in operational areas, namely by Vietnamese Defence & UNDPKO & CUNPKO of India. To honour the contributions, she was awarded with the United Nations Peace Keeping Medal and other honorary certificates. She is also currently a nominee for NE8x ® Litfest 2023 Award & Author of the Year 2023 award. She also won first runner up in the recent 7th Indie Author’s Championship 2023 by NotionPress publications.

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Rhymes of Life written by Harshitaa Chauhan Verma and published by Digital Golgappa is a collection of short poetries which are glimpses of poetess as she sees life through people around her.

The poetess gives examples from daily life experiences. She believes in different shades of life and has covered a variety of thoughts. Various attributes of social hierarchies, religion and occupation are highlighted with subtle touch of mock. Poverty, health, peace, nature being the strong forte where she puts emphasis that all people must desire to excel.

Amazon Book Link: Rhymes Of Life by Harshitaa Chauhan Verma

Overall Verdict

Book: Money - Rhymes Of Life

Subtitle: Life is through people around you

Author: Harshitaa Chauhan Verma

Publisher: Digital Golgappa

ISBN: 978-9357017800

Language: English

No. Of Pages: 117

Rhymes of Life by Harshitaa Chauhan Verma is an extraordinary read for poem lovers. It is based on the life as seen by the poetess herself.

Now, coming on the book cover, it's very well-designed. The title was well-suited and searched. The writing style of the author was rich and perfect. The illustrations were up to mark. The pace was good.

Overall, this must read book will definitely be recommended by Hindustan Metro. Harshitaa Chauhan Verma is a Delhi based Educationist, Dramatist, Writer, Poetess, Social Worker, Animal rights activist, owner of AVAV solution and foundation, as well as a Woman Entrepreneur. Thanks to All readers for reading her with passion and being a part of the charity and community help.

MONEY ~ What’s Left What’s Right, is a Money Management Toolkit designed to be a light read, It brings about the blend of two essential components of Financial Freedom.

One Section is dedicated to the Money Mindset work which is often ignored by sceptics. The other Section serves as a detailed step by step guide in planning your financial freedom thresholds, and understanding various ways to get there.

The book leaves the reader with tools and skills to use in life in the years to come. It runs on the belief that balance is the most important factor when we make long haul goals.

The book can serve as a guide for individuals looking at transforming their financial realities to create a new financial position for themselves. Those that are willing to go the extra mile to do whatever it takes, to get closer to their Dream life.

The author takes the reader through the first part, working on the mental blocks one by one and demolishing the mindset challenges that come in the way. In the second half the reader is acquainted with the concepts of finance, and how to create a strong and agile Money Management System. This one is a great Toolkit which the reader might want to repeatedly go back to and work with.

It might be a great investment if you are serious about changing your Financial Story for Good. The book sticks to facts, worksheets and real-life examples making it an interesting read. It is not preachy in its approach and is more a first-person conversation the author seeks to have with the reader. The author uses a lot of autobiographical content to share and put across many of the concepts and processes that she mentions in the book. It brings together 20 years of the Author’s entrepreneurial journey and more importantly 40 years of her ‘entitled’ life journey. Her being an accidental millionaire and intentional entrepreneur brings both sides of the spectrum to the table, which is evident in the book.

With the rave reviews the book is receiving, it is bound to be a handy toolkit for you to change your financial reality.

Book Link: www.dhanashreebhatkal.com/signedcopy

Overall Verdict

Book: Money - What's Left, What's Right

Subtitle: By the accidental millionaire

Author: Dhanashree Bhatkal

Publisher: Notion Press

ISBN: 979-8887336893

Language: English

No. Of Pages: 308

is an extraordinary read, based on self-help genre. This read talks about a very important term 'Money and Finances'. I really found this read engrossing from the first page itself till I flip on the last one. This read has been divided up into four parts, all very well-written. If you want to learn money management then this is for you. Do grab your copies and go through it.

Now, coming on the book cover, it's simple and well-designed. The title was well-suited and searched. The writing style of the author was rich and perfect. The explanations were short but up to mark. The pace was good.

Overall, an informative read and will definitely be recommended.

Connect with Dhanashree Bhatkal.

The book – I WANNA GROW UP … ONCE AGAIN – Change the Perception, Break the Pattern is an inward journey into how we have lived our life, till now … and how we choose to live from now!

It is about the journey of transformation, of the awareness and acceptance of our perceptions and patterns and the action of changing the perception and breaking the pattern.

With the first breath, the first cry we begin the big long journey called 'LIFE'.

As we grow up, we try to understand life, ourselves and the world around us. These understandings are our Perceptions. Our perception becomes a reality for us. And we go forming our perceptions, those perceptions become our version of actuality and that becomes the story of our lives. We start to live with certain perceptions about our self. We feel we are alone. We feel nobody seems to understand us. We feel we are not good enough. We think ourselves a failure.

Our Perceptions lead to our Patterns of behaviour. These patterns become repetitive. We seem to perceive and react in the same pattern again and again. And most of the times, these patterns of behavior are something that we find difficult to break. And so, we follow the same routine life day after day. We find ourselves caught in loops in life. Stories are different, situations are different, but our patterns remain the same.

And a time comes in all our lives, when we tell ourselves – I wanna grow up … once again.

We look to the outside for answers. We look up to others for guidance. We want to achieve great things in life. Sometimes, we don’t even take the first step. Sometimes, we stop at the first step. And then we start to believe that we cannot do anything. 

We start to think, if only I could go back, if only I could grow up from that point once again, I would pan out my life differently. We don't understand, realise, acknowledge that we become fixed in this loop of perceptions and patterns of behavior in every situation of our life.

We become so comfortable in our so-called comfort zone, that we don't wish to come out of it. We get scared of change, we desire different outcomes, but the sheer uncertainty of it holds us back. We view and review everything new around us but we forget to look within.

The change that we wish to see in the world starts from the change within.

“When we shift our perception, our experience changes.”

“Every thought we think is creating our future.” Louise Hay

There is no greater power in the universe than thought. What is mind, nothing but thoughts. The moment we have the awareness, acknowledgement and acceptance of this, starts the process of “Change the Perception, Break the Pattern”.

Transformation does not lie in changing the past or controlling our environment. It lies within. What happens to us is not important. What happens in us is important.

Transformation is not an event. It is a journey. It is not a specific moment in our life. It is a continuous process of empowered living. Transformation journeys start with certain critical questions. For such questions, there is no right answer. The critical questions are

Do I really want to transform?

Am I ready for transformation?

Do I really believe that my transformation is possible?

That moment when we really and actually decide to Change the Perceptions and Break the Patterns, our journey begins …

This journey of transformation traverses the three steps of Awareness, Acceptance and Action!

In the long run, there are three simple rules to consider:

1. If you do not go after what you want, you will never have it.
2. If you never ask a question, the answer is always no.
3. If you do not step forward, you will remain in the same place.

The book tries to connect us to certain deeper parts of us with thought provoking issues like 

Why we don’t do what we want to do!

Why do we hold on, why do we not let go!

We all make efforts, but how do we handle setbacks and burnouts!

How to identify and manage our triggers!

How to change our perceptions and break our patterns!

Sometimes, the only thing that is needed is to take a deep breath, be totally convinced, and just act. Nothing else is needed. The Universe is a Thought! And it is the thought that can propel us into action.

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
Sometimes, if we think deep enough, thoughts can be converted into action just by snapping a finger. Right now. With just the right shift in our thoughts. No plans needed. Plans are for the brain to make and implement. Plans make it simple to act.
The only plan needed is awareness and acceptance.

The Foreword to this book is penned by the internationally acclaimed Actor, Author, Motivational Speaker – Shri Anupam Kher. It is titled – Anupam Kher speaks …

This is followed by a Prologue – Let the journey begin, followed by a small poem – All alone.

The book is divided into three sections

1. Perceptions
2. Patterns
3. Change the Perception, Break the Pattern

The first section delves into the perceptions that we form about ourselves and the world around us as we grow up. It gets into awareness the “I” of the storm. These are the “I” statements that we perceive about ourselves – I am a failure; I am not good enough, etc.

The second section delves into the patterns of behaviour that we adopt as a default. It also explores the concept of “inner child” and its influence into the development of repetitive automated patterns.

The third section presents with the tools and concepts to change the perception and break the pattern. The journey of transformation comprises of awareness, acceptance and action; understanding and managing our triggers; about holding on and letting go; handling setbacks and burnouts and about mindfulness.

Amazon link: I wanna grow up once again

Overall Verdict

Book: I wanna grow up once again

Subtitle:  Change the perception, break the pattern

Author: Dr. Sumit Goel

Publisher: Notion Press

ISBN: 978-1685866136

Language: English

No. Of Pages: 282

A life coach in the form of book. Easy read. Great book for self reflection. A must have book.Read About Dr. Sumit Goel.

How does the health of the mother reflect on the child? Can the baby learn from the mother in the womb? Every time a pregnant woman or a new mom reaches out expressing her stress levels and challenges, society, family and friends mostly blame the hormones for her response. Why does it have to be stereotyped? This third book on pregnancy by author Rakhi Kapoor is a holistic guide educating expecting mothers and their families about the significance of mental health, emotional nurturing and the physical well-being of mothers. The book offers a new-age perspective about tackling the often-neglected aspects of pregnancy like mood swings, anxiety and fear of childbirth, personal stress levels, work-life pressure, post-natal blues, etc. Backed up by research, real-life relatable, emotional case studies, activities, checklists and diagnosis dealt with by the author, the book is sure to make you show a lot more compassion and a new perspective towards childbirth itself.

Amazon link: Mums, Mental Health and Milestones

Overall Verdict

Book: Mums, Mental Health And Milestones

Subtitle: A holistic guide to aspiring parents

Author: Rakhi Kapoor

Publisher: Notion Press

ISBN: 978-1684941674

Language: English

No. Of Pages: 196

Emotional instability and newborn surf are unavoidable parts of incubation and maternity. It is normal for anticipating women to be sensitive and worried during gestation.

At the beginning of the pregnancy, every woman mulls over about Motherhood and what fibs ahead in life. The author calls it the M factor, motherhood, maternal instincts etc. She goes about figuring out how to cope with the initial signs of the pregnancy like nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Another M factor then whacks her. It’s called mood swings. Actually, it nods her and everyone around her, be it her husband, her parents, siblings or buddies. In the yore, the mentally and emotionally well-being g of anticipating women was dismissed, and the women endured secretly. Mood swings and baby brine are not some mode or ford that determining women are putting up in the present scenario.

This book elaborates on how adversities can alter positivity. Moreover, there are reasons why women endure these situations and how they can overcome circumstances.

Women should avoid intrusive advice which is easy to say; however, difficult to change. The author has beautifully jotted down the experience on top of that for those females too who faced the pandemic.

Overall, it's a good read for all the mothers to be and not to forget for males to know more about their spouse.

Read About Author Rakhi Kapoor.

“Don’t just live a purposeful life but live the purpose of your life”. This is the underlining theme of John Giftah’s latest Bestseller, “Unveil Your Purpose” which became a #1 New Release on Amazon.

As the world is grappling with the pangs of the pandemic and many people are searching for answers regarding the reason for their existence, Dr. John Giftah’s book came as a lighthouse of hope guiding them towards their purpose in life. He shares that a person can live their life to their fullest, experience satisfaction in life and express their full potential only when they are living in their purpose. He says, “An aircraft is at its best in the sky – not on the road; Likewise, you cannot expect to unleash the best version of yourself on the ground if your purpose is amidst the clouds!”

When asked the reason for writing the book, he shared about one of the tragic perils that is actively playing in society. ‘Each individual has a specific area of purpose, passion and strength. Unfortunately, in most cases they are forced by their family to make a career move to a field which is not their area of strength. This leads to an extensive amount of pressure and other complications which in turn not only affects them professionally but also emotionally, psychologically, mentally and even physically in many cases.’ Through the book, not only does he want to shed light on this alarming issue that is affecting millions of people, but to also guide them into discovering and walking in their purpose.

In the book, he takes a deep dive to explain how our purpose in connected to our childhood dreams, ambitions, gifts and experiences. ‘Ever since I was young, I dreamt of impacting lives across the globe. I have been writing and speaking ever since I was a kid. Today, I am not only walking in my purpose but also walking in my dreams and one can clearly see that what I used to do as a kid is a foreshadow of what I am doing now.’

This success did not come easy for him. He shared how he underwent seasons of discouragement, opposition and pain that forced him to give up walking in his purpose. But he fought against the forces with GOD’s help and is now a beacon of hope to those who are facing similar challenges in walking in their purpose. His experiences coupled with his personality and gift of inspiring people is a perfect dose for humanity for such a time as this.

‘Unveil Your Purpose’ truly matches the description of its subtitle in being a complete guide to live the life that we are created for. The eight sections of the book cover a wide range of topics like fundamental aspects of walking in our purpose, a step-by-step guide to discover and channelise our purpose, having a purpose-driven mindset and lifestyle, practical steps to take towards our purpose and a lot more – resounding with anecdotes, life experiences and examples – all based on GOD’s Word.

In conclusion, he shared a truly life-changing quote from his book, “You are not a created-being trying to find a purpose; You were created because you have a purpose”. This one statement is enough to pull the trigger against identity crisis, low self-esteem, the feelings of being devalued and unworthy and a whole lot of strongholds taking on today’s generation.

Amazon link: Unveil Your Purpose: A complete guide to live the life you have been created for

Overall Verdict

Book: Unveil Your Purpose

Author: John Giftah

Foreword by: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran, Rohini Mundra

Publisher: White Falcon Publishing

The book talks about the curious question of what must be done in life to quench the road of our purpose. This book gives a window to a variety of thoughts, expressions and honest opinions on how one should put a step ahead for it. The author is appreciated for his hard work in compiling such bright essence in the words which are sometimes left unsaid and neglected. The book on such a theme is recommended for the young generation readers to look into their lives with a different perspective and observe how concoction of aspirations, failure and comebacks work. On a larger perspective, this book becomes a guide that would give food for thought, enabling one to introspect one's own mistakes and improve them to step on to the mountain of victory. ⁣The narration of this self-help motivational genre is gripping enough to let the readers engage in the thoughts which the author has portrayed in an essence of relevance.

About John Giftah

Dr. John Giftah is a Top-ranking Podcaster / Bestselling Author / Award-winning Inspirational Speaker / World-Record Holder / YouTuber / Aerospace Engineer and Founder of John Giftah International. He is an inspirational voice to multitudes around the world as he speaks through virtual and LIVE speaking engagements in conferences, podcasts, television, schools, corporates, colleges, personality-development programs, churches and various other forums.

Apart from his first book, “Who Am I?” – a book on our identity and value, his recent bestseller “Unveil Your Purpose” became a #1 New Release on Amazon in India and takes its readers on a quest to discover their purpose and to start walking in it. 

He hosts “Fuel for the Soul with John Giftah”, a DAILY podcast which primarily  ranks as #1 Christian podcast in India and trends around the world. Apart from short solo episodes, he also has interview episodes and has hosted several world-renowned guests including Hollywood/Disney Actress Gabriella Graves, Mark Angel Comedy's lead Actor Baze 10, Holly Starr, Stella Ramola Dhinakaran and Samuel Dhinakaran.

The infertility treatment sector is growing and is undoubtedly an expensive affair. It does not guarantee immediate results and multiple attempts may be required. Medical intervention to conceive through various infertility treatments does not guarantee conception unless it is also backed up by a healthy lifestyle and reduced stress levels.

Most young couples are postponing starting a family later in their life. While they strive to strike a balance between their higher studies and financial stability, achieve their personal and professional goals, and strengthen their relationships to become parents, the biological clock keeps ticking. This leads to difficulty in conceiving and an increased infertility rate in young couples. The whole process of conception has become complicated and stressful instead of a joyous one. 

From Rakhi Kapoor, a renowned physical therapist and antenatal counsellor with over two decades of experience in handling normal pregnancies, assisted pregnancies and pregnancies involving various risks this book will help couples who are planning a pregnancy or undergoing infertility treatment to increase the possibilities of conception.

The tips and advice in this book are practical and effective in today’s hectic life with increased stress levels.

Amazon Link: Infertility, Impatience and Intuition: A physical and mental guide for aspiring parents

Overall Verdict

Book: Infertility, Impatience, Intuition: A physical and mental guide for aspiring parents

Author: Rakhi Kapoor

Publisher: Notion Press

This book has addressed the issues of both ends of the spectrum. Newly wed couples who are postponing having a baby should read this book so that later it does not become difficult. Couples who are taking treatment for infertility can be highly benefitted by this book. It gives good amount of information and also mental support. Excellent book connecting all the dots.

About Rakhi Kapoor  

Rakhi Kapoor is the recipient of the Prestigious Golden Book Awards 2023 for her 25 th book Now You Breathe - overcoming toxic relationships and abuse in the category power relationship guide

A Bengali by birth, she is a renowned physiotherapist, entrepreneur and author.

Rakhi published her first book, “The Girl Who Was Left Behind” in 2017 - a story that was transcribed from her personal experience having failed to complete her first trek in Nepal.

Nicknamed serial author by her publishing team, Rakhi has published twenty five books on various topics providing simple solutions for several issues relating to childbirth, relationships, mental health issues and several complicated and often neglected aspects of life. Four of her books topped the best seller chart in its category on Amazon India.

Her book Expecting Daddy Delivers is the first of its kind written for Indian men and has been translated in to Hindi titled Behtar Pati Behatareen Pita.

Rakhi is the pioneer in the concept of prenatal counselling in India. With over two decades of experiences, she has reached out to thousands of couples through her centre called Dwi Maternity Studio in Chennai which focuses on prenatal care for young expecting couples. Rakhi is an avid trekker, as much as Rakhi loves staying indoors engrossed in writing she also loves to explore nature travelling extensively and trekking mountains in various parts of the world. Some of the iconic treks she has completed are Mt Fuji, The Everest base camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Rakhi believes that challenges and difficult circumstances are opportunities in disguise to grow in life.

The Shotgun Wedding: Write-Side of the story by Suchandra Roychowdhury is a romcom around Bengali culture, a must read for everyone out there!

The ebb and surge of life comprises of stories, some told, some untold. The journey itself is multidimensional, a feast of sensations, a deluge of emotions, woven with intricate threads of reality, ambition, love, frustration, betrayal; you really have to be on the write-side of the story to fathom out just which strand can be drawn out into a narrative you would dearly love to have an audience for!

Such was the journey of “The Shotgun Wedding”, following the bewildering career trajectory of its protagonist, Dita Roy, a city-bred woman, who lands herself a job as an English Lecturer in an obscure college in rural Bengal. Here, in the village of Phulpukur, Dita meets a rumbunctious set of people who are inextricably linked to the somewhat dubious functioning of the college. The curious diorama of characters ranges from wily politicians like Palash Bose with powerful mafioso contacts, reformed family members of an erstwhile dacoit like Aditya Pundit and his sons, shrewd and scheming businessmen like Girish Sarkar, wayward student activists like Rajeev and Utpal, and a mysterious stranger with startling grey eyes – Raja. Raja is an enigmatic presence who haunts Dita’s conscious thoughts even as she tries to come to terms with the bizarre set of circumstances that unfolds around her.

Though set primarily in rural Bengal, in the sleepy little village of Phulpukur, the narrative swings back and forth between Phulpukur and Kolkata, engaging with the urban/rural dichotomy of its characters. Thus, while Dita hails from Kolkata, she has to meet the challenges of the patriarchal set-up of her workplace in Phulpukur; conversely, Raja starts out from the village, struggling to find his place in the great world beyond. The shotgun wedding stands as the climax to their hilarious adventures and misadventures, spinning out into a crescendo of chaotic events that are covered on national television by the media sensation, Chirag Mukherjee.

Germane to this story was a transient stint of my own professional life, a brief period during which I served as Lecturer and Acting Principal for a remote college in West Bengal. On a retrospective impulse I have travelled back to moments that intrigued me, ideas that challenged me, memories that befuddle me and out of it all I have tried to craft a narrative, using hard facts interspersed with flights of imagination that delves with subtle humour into chasm of educational politics in Bengal. 

The sparkling heart of “The Shotgun Wedding” however, is the breath-taking bond between Raja and Dita, a flame that smoulders through the novel despite Raja’s deceptions, Palash Bose’s aggressions and Dita’s own jejune beliefs. It begins on an innocuous note with Dita mistakenly identifying Raja as an urchin who works in Gopal’s canteen and serves her tea. Yet with time, their relationship encounters unfathomable turns leading up to their unexpected presence in the infamous shotgun wedding.

Amazon Link: The Shotgun Wedding: A Novel

Overall Verdict

Book: The Shotgun Wedding: A Novel

Author: Suchandra Roychowdhury

Publisher: Aleph Book Company

There have been romcoms written before. Some have been fun, some strangely weepy, some out and out romantic . This book is so much more than that. Delving deep into the psyche of every character in a layered manner, you would tend to flow along with the story and the players in it. You would feel that you belong somewhere in the midst of all the comedic mayhem that ensues as the story goes along. Based in a nondescript rural college in West Bengal, it has that hint of a political touch. But nothing is either overdone, or infinitesimal in their description or feel. A very enjoyable light read with which to unwind and rekax after a gruelling day at work. A soothing balm for frayed nerves.

About Suchandra Roychowdhury  

Incorrigible bibliophile, travel enthusiast and art aficionado, Suchandra lives with her husband and son in Bayshore, Singapore. Originally from Kolkata, India, Suchandra is an educator with teaching experience of almost twenty odd years, in India as well as in Singapore. In Singapore, she has been associated with GIIS, since 2013, in the capacity of IBDP English Language and Literature as well as TOK teacher. It has been a fulfilling experience thus far. Suchandra has been a student of English Literature and obtained the degree of Master of Arts under Presidency College, Calcutta and pursued MPhil in the University of Calcutta. After having cleared NET (National Eligibility Test) she had the privilege to teach in several reputed colleges in Kolkata, including Rani Birla Girls’ College and Lady Brabourne Girls’ College. Literature has been a life-long passion for Suchandra, and she has dabbled her hands in creative pieces which have been published in the Journals of Calcutta University as well as Shakespeare Society of Eastern India and Tagore-Gandhi Institute. “Shotgun Wedding” is her first attempt in essaying a novel, inhabited by characters caught in an outlandish satire. Currently her debut novel is on the Best Seller List of Aleph Book Company, who are the publishers for “The Shotgun Wedding”.

Amazon India’s best-selling novelist Priyadeep Kaur released her latest book ‘Mostly Normal’ which creates conversation around differently abled and those in their families.
This inspirational novelist already created a lot of buzz around youngsters for her other books, Million of Faces in a Face, Oscar for loving, Grammy for not! And Millions of faces. Also, she was recognized for her previous works by the Prime Minister, and she is back with another striking novel based on her own experiences, being a sister of a sibling with a neurological disorder.

https://www.instagram.com/priyadeepkaur_/

Mostly Normal was released on 26th September 2022 and is still ranked #1 Amazon Bestseller category after several days after its official release.
Apart from the rankings, Mostly Normal is getting amazing and emotional responses from her readers who are touched by the book Mostly Normal as it reveals the journey of acceptance towards disabilities and encouragement to take responsibility for people with special needs.

Priyadeep Kaur’s book has been reviewed that it presents a wide world to the readers as it definitely opens up an entire new world and a new phase to the readers. The struggle is real and so is the author's experience to make this book worth reading.

It is said that the book speaks a lot of emotions that too in great depth. It reflects the pain, grief, frustrations, hope, optimism, inspiration, kindness, and togetherness of a family with a child with special needs experiences. The letters to the brother also speak a lot about the author's life, her special moments, her success, bumps on the roads and more.

“I am lucky enough that I am trying to inspire people from too little things,” tells Priyadeep Kaur, who is awarded with Uttar Pradesh Gaurav 2016, Atal Sammaan 2018, She has also been awarded by Women’s Film Forum for her work in Creative film production by Mr Sandeep Marwah at Noida Film City.

Priyadeep Kaur is emerging as one of the richest young voices in Indian contemporary writing. Being a well-established writer, writing about important issues, brings a radical change in the Indian literary scene. For her efforts, she has been awarded with the title of Shaan-e-Kashi by the Indian Association of Journalists.