Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety in content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause? The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Kamlesh Tripathi’s Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US which include Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed at MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada; Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, India; Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; It is also available for reading in the Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity which happens to be the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California; Berkeley Library, University of California).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016).
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra
(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA. It was recently included in the digital library of the world-renowned company APPLE).
BHAVANS JOURNAL
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3.Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20, 2020; 4.Indica, 15.8.20; 5.The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6.Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9.The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10.Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11.Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12.Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13.Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14.A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15.Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16.Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17.Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18.Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19.Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20.Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25.Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26.The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29.Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34.Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35.When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR 30.6.23; 40. The Story of Garuda 30.7.23; 41. Janmabhoomi vs Karmabhoomi 31.8.23; 42. The Ghost Town of Kuldhara 15.9.23;
SHILLONG TIMES—SUNDAY EDITION
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM:MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN 9.7.23; 8. POEM:YOU COME ALONE YOUGO ALONE 6.8.23; 9. RAIN RAIN (SECOND TIME) 10. POEM: GURU TEACHER 10.8.23;
The Cologne Cathedral nests in the North Rhine—Westphalia region in Germany. It is a stupendous structure with captivating architecture and a splendid interior gracing the Christian faith. I was recently there. We came in from Amsterdam. Cologne Cathedral is the chair of the Archbishop of Cologne. It is a wondrous monument—a Roman Catholic Church with scintillating Gothic architecture. It was pronounced a World Heritage Site in 1996. And is easily Germany’s most appreciated landmark, attracting, an average of 20,000 people per day. At 157 m (515 ft), the cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world. Besides it is the second tallest church in Europe after Ulm Minster—which happens to be the tallest church in the world located in Baden Wurttemberg Germany and the third tallest church of any kind in the world. It is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. Its two towering spires give the cathedral the most prominent façade when compared to any other church in the world. Its choir has the largest height-to-width ratio, 3.6:1, compared to any medieval church. The cathedral stands tall in the middle of the city. It has a huge sprawling market area around it. Many individual artists including solo musicians perform in front of the church. Even though the construction of the church began in 1248 it took around 632 years for it to complete. At the first glance, the architecture seems entirely homogenous. This was achievable only because every generation of builders adhered to the original master plan without any deviation. They were aware that they would never see the completion of the project, so they never deviated from the original plan. The construction of this Gothic masterpiece started in 1248 and took place in several stages but wasn’t completed until 1880. If you are not familiar with the Christian religion, you can find general rules of conduct displayed here. A visitor in the church can immerse himself in the solemn atmosphere, or he can relish the soothing silence, or even take time out to think about one’s life or even get into a personal prayer.
STAGES OFCONSTRUCTION
The construction of the Cathedral commenced in 1248 with the laying of the foundation stone but was halted in 1560. There is archaeological evidence of the first church on this site in the 6th century. The decision to build a new cathedral on this site was preceded by the transfer of the relics of the Magi to Cologne in 1164. The veneration of the Magi goes back to those “wise men from the East”. Probably around 1190 the work on the shrine began, which to a great extent involved goldsmith Nicholas of Verdun and his workshop. Around 1225 planning began for a new church that was to be used both as bishop’s and pilgrims’ church alike. On Saturday 15 August 1248, Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden laid the foundation stone of the Gothic cathedral.
Shortly after 1260, the ground floor of the choir was completed, and the first altars were consecrated. At the beginning of the 14th century, the cathedral’s choir was architecturally completed and equipped further in the years to follow. On 27 September 1322, the choir was solemnly consecrated. On this occasion, the Shrine of the Magi was temporarily set up in the new cathedral’s Axis Chappel. During this time, the ambulatory was used as a pilgrim’s path. According to a source from the 15th century, it was planned, to establish the Shrine of Magi at the intersection (crossing) of the church after the cathedral was completed, in order to create a focal point for it. But sadly, the cathedral could not be completed within the required time frame.
After the consecration of the choir, the building work slowed down. According to a source, in 1331 the work was carried out on the foundations of the southern aisles. Around 1360 work began on the south steeple’s walls after the completion of the corresponding foundations. At the beginning of the 15th century, the south steeple was completed up to a height of 58 metres.
Meanwhile, the construction of the Cathedral carried on. Around 1520 the building work came to a standstill. At that time apart from the cathedral’s completed choir, the ground floor of the nave and parts of the transept were usable, and the two lower storeys of the south steeple were completed.
But, sadly with the invasion of troops during the French Revolution in 1794, the Archdiocese of Cologne was abolished, and the cathedral was temporarily used as a fodder storage room and prisoner-of-war camp. From 1801 it was again used as an ordinary parish church. Only in 1821, the Archdiocese of Cologne was re-established and the cathedral was again elevated to the status of a bishop’s church.
In 1842, after years of waiting, the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV laid the foundation stone to resume construction. In 1880, after 38 years, the final stone was inserted on the south steeple in the presence of Emperor Wilhelm I. In the 19th century, the cathedral was completed in its present form.
But during the Second World War Cologne was reduced to rubble. The cathedral was also severely damaged by numerous bombs. Entire bays of the vault had collapsed and various windows were reduced to smithereens. At the northwestern buttress of the west facade, a bomb tore an enormous hole which was repaired with a makeshift filling containing over 20,000 bricks. Because of its indestructible construction, the cathedral withstood the shock waves and the vibrations. At the end of the war, there was massive destruction, though apparently it appeared undamaged. Fortunately, during the war, many artefacts were evacuated or protected inside the cathedral. The windows particularly those of the Middle Ages, were taken out, whereas those of the 19th century were largely destroyed.
IMPORTANT DO’S AND DON’TS:
Visitors are welcome to attend the divine services in the cathedral but they must respect its dignity. Individual tours are not allowed during divine services. Speaking loudly is not permitted as it disturbs the people praying. This applies particularly to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. During religious ceremonies or services, you are asked not to walk about or take pictures. Supervisory staff/Domschweizer- wearing red gowns ensures that silence and order are maintained in the cathedral and you’re requested to follow their instructions. Photography is permitted but without a tripod and flash and only for private and not commercial use. You are required to take pictures with care and consideration. The so-called “selfie sticks” are not permitted. Group pictures in front of altars and other such places of devotion are considered disturbing and therefore disrespectful. Guided tours always have to be registered and may only be given by authorised or licensed cathedral guides. Headgear is to be removed by men … In Christianity, this is a symbol of respecting a sacred place. Women, however, may keep their headgear on. Exempted from the obligation of removing one’s headgear are male members of various religious communities (e.g. Hindus with turban, Jews with a kipa, and dignitaries of Christian Churches). Clothes should be appropriate for the place. Inappropriate are sleeveless and belly tops as well as shorts or short skirts. Using Mobile phones, smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited. Animals like dogs are not allowed in the cathedral. The only exceptions are guide dogs for the blind. The DOMFORUM is the cathedral’s visitor centre, where you’ll find a whole lot of information about the Cathedral and the Churches in Cologne. It is situated diagonally opposite the west facade of the cathedral. It offers a wide range of information about faith, the Church itself, culture and the city. They offer daily public tours of the cathedral in German and English. They also offer public tours of the excavations below the cathedral. They provide information about guided tours, divine services and other offers of the cathedral, which include the Romanesque churches and many other churches of interest in Cologne. Their multi-vision show “Fascination Cologne Cathedral” is in German and English; and on demand also in French. Every year over six million people from all over the world visit Cologne Cathedral. Many of them regard it as an outstanding sight. Every year over 2,700 divine services are held in the cathedral.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Near the entrance and exit, there are basins containing Holy blessed Water where Catholic Christians dip their fingertips and cross themselves.
Altars: The altar is a table-like object in commemoration of the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus shared with his apostles before his death. There are two lecterns from where the Bible is read to the congregation during a divine service.
There is also the chair of the archbishop that oversees the Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Cologne. It is called a cathedra; the word “cathedral” is derived from it. An important place is the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. It is a place of silent devotion. In the cathedral, there are tabernacles at two locations. They contain vessels in which the Blessed Sacrament (consecrated bread) is kept in a Catholic church. The presence of the Blessed Sacrament is indicated by a red “perpetual light”.
Images of the Crucifixion: In memory of Christ’s death and resurrection there are many simple crosses as well as images of the crucified Christ. For Christians, this image of a torture instrument is linked with the firm faith in redemption and the overcoming of death through the resurrection of Christ. In various places in the cathedral, there are stands with candles where the Christians say a prayer and offer a candle as a personal request.
The church bells in the south steeple and the crossing’s spirelet are rung before a divine service to summon the congregation. Today in the Cologne Cathedral there are eleven bells in all, which are used according to a set schedule. With 24 tons the St Peter’s bell of 1923 (in the local parlance nicknamed “Fat Peter”) is the heaviest swinging bell in the world. In addition, there are two medieval bells, the Pretiosa, cast in 1448 with a weight of 11 tons, and the Speciosa, cast in 1447 with a weight of 6 tons.
Religious services were held by Christians at the site of present-day Cologne Cathedral during the Roman era. However, after Archbishop Rainald von Dassel brought the relics of the Three Wise Men to Cologne in 1164, the cathedral became a significant pilgrimage destination in Europe, necessitating a new architectural design.
THECATHEDRAL TOUR
On the cathedral tour, there is the prominent twin-steepled facade with its tapering spires visible from miles away—the largest church facade ever built. Windows in the steeple vestibule show biblical scenes from the creation of the world to doomsday. They were created in 1884. Six of the eight windows were destroyed in the Second World War and reconstructed later between 1994 and 2010. The window above the central portal depicts 18 scenes from the Old and the New Testament. It was inserted in 1877, dismantled during the Second World War, and again inserted in 1993. From the central nave, the tour leads into the two northern side aisles. Five holy windows on the northern side relay the story of Jesus. Then you have the so-called “Altarpiece of St. Clare” for keeping the Blessed Sacrament. Three gilded staves indicate the Cologne Archbishop’s years in office. There is also a blood relic of Pope John Paul II who was canonized (sainted) in 2014. There is also the Statue of Grace decorated with jewellery on the Baroque. There is the great organ since 1948 in the corner of the north transept and the choir The nave and the transept of the cathedral intersect at the crossing. Present there are The crossing’s altar, the cathedra (bishop’s chair) and the pulpit. These three objects underline the three duties of a bishop. He is a priest, a shepherd and a teacher. The apsidal ambulatory with its seven radiating chapels is the oldest part of the cathedral. There is mosaic flooring in the cathedral.
In the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the northern side chapel of the choir, there is the Crucifix of Gero. It is over a thousand years old. It was donated by Archbishop Gero. It represents neither Christ suffering nor Christ triumphant, but Christ in the very moment of his death. The crucifix was considered to be miraculous, and therefore especially venerated throughout the centuries. The sanctuary (inner choir) enclosed by screens and grilles forms the architectural and the original liturgical centre of the Gothic cathedral. This is where the main divine services were held. The High Altar, which is covered with a one-piece stone slab, is the biggest stone in the cathedral. The statues under the arches represent prophets, apostles and saints. On the four sides of the altar, they form a frame for scenes from the life of Our Lady.
Since 1948 the Shrine of the Magi has been displayed behind the High Altar. The shrine was created to hold the relics of the Magi. It consists of a case made of oakwood which is richly embellished with precious stones, filigree and enamel fittings; but the essential decoration is the statues beaten in gold and silver plate. The Choir stalls with its 104 seats it is the largest set of choir stalls in Germany. Behind it, the painted screens shield the area of the sanctuary. The paintings of the first half of the 14th-century show scenes from the life of those saints with a special significance for the cathedral – including a depiction of the transfer of the Magi’s relics to Cologne on the central southern screen.
Statues of the choir pillars are the statues of Christ and Our Lady behind the altar and are surrounded by the twelve apostles, and above them angels playing music. Further above in the clerestory are windows featuring kings, the axis window depicts the Adoration of the Magi before Our Lady with the Infant Jesus on her lap. The ambulatory leads past the seven radiating chapels of the choir. They all are equipped with an altar and a tomb aligned with it. The colourful windows show all Cologne saints whose relics are kept in the cathedral or the city. They are The Chapel of St. Engelbert, Chapel of St. Maternus, Chapel of St. John, Chapel of the Magi (axis chapel), Chapel of St. Agnes, Chapel of St. Michael, Chapel of St. Stephen and the tomb of Archbishop Friedrich Von Saarwerden.
In the Lady Chapel, there is the so-called “Altarpiece of the City’s Patron Saints”, which was created for the former city hall’s chapel of Our Lady in Jerusalem and has been in the cathedral since 1810. In the place of this altarpiece used to be the Milan Madonna which today is on a wall pillar on the right. In the summer months, the weekday services are held in the Lady Chapel.
There is a window representing four popes from Pius IX to Pius XII by Wilhelm Geyer, in 1956. There is a larger-than-life-size statue of St. Christopher.
An Altarpiece of St Agilolph, and a carved altarpiece from Antwerp, from the former collegiate church of Our Lady at the Steps (St Maria and Gradus). This church, originally located to the east of the cathedral, was demolished in 1821. On the left, there is the Shrine of St Agilolph by Josef Kleefisch, 1914.
The Window of St. Paul, inserted in 1868 and destroyed in the Second World War, was completely reconstructed from 1992 to 1994.
The window of the south transept facade, inserted in 2007, is based on a design by Gerhard Richter. It consists of 72 square mouthblown glass panes measuring 9.6 cm2 with colours deduced from the shades of the other cathedral windows. The Bavarian windows in the southern aisles were donated in 1842 by the Bavarian King Ludwig I., created by Max Emmanuel Ainmiller and Heinrich Maria von Heb, and inserted in 1848 to mark the 600th anniversary of the laying of the cathedral’s foundation stone.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety in content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause? The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Kamlesh Tripathi’s Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US which include Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed at MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada; Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, India; Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; It is also available for reading in the Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity which happens to be the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California; Berkeley Library, University of California).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016).
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra
(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA. It was recently included in the digital library of the world-renowned company APPLE).
BHAVANS JOURNAL
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3.Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20, 2020; 4.Indica, 15.8.20; 5.The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6.Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9.The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10.Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11.Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12.Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13.Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14.A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15.Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16.Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17.Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18.Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19.Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20.Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25.Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26.The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29.Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34.Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35.When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR 30.6.23; 40. The Story of Garuda 30.7.23; 41. Janmabhoomi vs Karmabhoomi 31.8.23; 42. The Ghost Town of Kuldhara 15.9.23;
SHILLONG TIMES—SUNDAY EDITION
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM:MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN 9.7.23; 8. POEM:YOU COME ALONE YOUGO ALONE 6.8.23; 9. RAIN RAIN (SECOND TIME) 10. POEM: GURU TEACHER 10.8.23;
Today, I have for you a rare title, written by Sri K.N. Singh and edited by his daughter Pranita Lele. The book’s long title is “The Journey From Ayodhya to Ram Setu”. Ram Setu, as we all know is the bridge that Lord Ram had built to cross over to Lanka when he waged the war to kill Ravana, who had abducted his pious wife Sita in the most cunning manner. I’m sure the author must have undertaken an enduring comprehensive research of various scriptures before penning this book. Pranita, the editor of this title has also edited the work with great accuracy. So kudos to both.
K.N.SINGH
The publisher of the title is Bookrivers.com. It is available in almost all online bookstores. The price of the book is Rs 250. For reference Sri K.N. Singh was born in a small village in Uttar Pradesh in 1937. By profession, he is a Geologist. Geologists are earth scientists. That’s why I’m calling this title rare because it has the scientific perspective of a geologist who narrates the illustrious journey of Lord Ram. Sri K.N. Singh has earlier written articles for the Daily Gulf and Khaleej Times in Bahrain and Dubai. The other book that he has written is titled ‘Geoscientific Perspective of Samudramanthan.’
Pranita Lele
The narration unfolds in about 220 pages. The Foreword is by Anand Vardhan Singh, Senior Journalist, Writer and Editor at The Public India. The author has divided the narration into twenty chapters and each chapter has sub-chapters. We all know the story of Lord Ram. Lord Ram is known as the “Maryada-Purshottam.” The book builds on this title of his and brings to you those minute features that makes him God. Each human perspective was important to him even while fighting the war. Remember even Bali questioned his righteousness and he replied to him convincingly.
The narration takes off with the description of Suryavansh and Chandravansha. The title recounts The Ramayana and its retellings, beginning right from Lord Shiva’s original narration, followed by Kaag Bhusund’s Ramayana, Valmiki Ramayana, Vat Vriksha, Tulsidas’s Ramayana, Jain and Buddhist Ramayana, The spectre of A.K. Ramanujan and the Ram-Lila. The author compares the great Sita Swayamvara with the forgotten ritual of women empowerment that is gaining momentum now.
The book narrates the story of enlightened Ayodhyans (residents of Ayodhya). It describes the sumptuous childhood of the Rajkumars in Ayodhya and gives a good account of what all happened in Ayodhya because of which Lord Ram had gone into exile for 14 years. We may not realise the consequences of our devious fancies that can bring about great devastation to human life. The case in point here is Kaikeyi’s fancies that were schemed.
The vanvas commences when Lord Ram moves to Chitrakoot along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. In the narration, I really liked the description of Parnashala—The Idyllic Home … and the Science of Vastu Shastra. It is a sturdy little cottage made of dry wood and leaves, built by Lakshman where the trio settles in Chitrakoot. It was completed on a Sunday when the ‘Uttrayan Sun’ was in the Rohini Nakshatra—the most favourable time for Vastu-shanti writes the author. The death of King Dasharath was an event that shook the tectonic plates of Mother Earth. It was followed by a war where apart from human beings even nature suffered silently. The story of sage Atri and Anasuya remains interesting. There are umpteen mythological stories that make the book quite enjoyable. In the process, you recap the stories that you’ve known for years and also discover new stories that you’ve not known. The descriptions of the Vindhyas and the Narmada are superb. How they entwine with the tragedy of Lord Ram. The Dandakaranya—is the turning point of the Ramayana. The ashrams of various Munis and how they lived their lives are noteworthy. Sitá’s advice, King’s dharma. Mandakarni’s Underwater Inhabitation and the chapters on the greatest of the great Agastya Muni are quite absorbing.
The chapter on Panchavati describes the genealogy of Jatayu and his brother and reflects on Lakshman’s devotion. It talks of the web of illusion about the bratty woman Surpanakha and gives an ethical and cultural perspective of her persona. The killing of Khara and Bhushan, the weaponry in ancient India and Surpanakha’s beseeching Ravan to restore her honour were perhaps the immediate causes of the war.
Your unjust desires may get you in trouble. Desire could fire or misfire your life where the story of Maricha and the Golden Deer comes in handy. Maricha was the person who changed form and became the golden deer that Sita fell for. Then comes Sita’s accusation that Lakshman did not help Rama. The chapter on Aerodynamics sounds a bit to far-fetched when you consider the nature of the book, but when you read about the Pushpak Viman, Jataiyu and Lepakshi you can clearly establish the connection. The book is engrossing right till the end especially the portion of Lord Hanuman and his visits to Ashok Vatika in Lanka. Vibhishan’s picturization, Lanka Dahan and Pampa-Sarovar are equally engrossing. There is a phenomenal adventure in the story of Ramayana. In the closing chapters, you have the crossing of the ocean. Was Ram Setu man-made or natural—find it out yourself while reading the book.
The author has used plain English to express himself. He has tried to give it a non-religious tinge by quoting well-known authors. Geology has a very different way of looking at Ram’s journey from Chitrakoot to Ram-Setu which you’ll discover in the pages of this book. It is quite well-detailed. It delineates small details that we don’t know. The life of Lord Ram emits great values and the author has tried to connect it with today’s political class. The narration leaves behind many sound life lessons. The author juxtaposes Ram’s struggle and Ram-Rajya with the present times. For this, the book deviates from the main plot for a while. There are many stories within the main plot. Worldly dos and don’ts are skillfully mingled with the main theme. The book undertakes a suggestive political lesson on page 176 and 177 and has a somewhat sudden ending but not before the author has penned his thoughts prolifically on the relevance of Rama in modern times.
If you think you know all about Ramayana definitely read this book to find out what you didn’t know about it. I would call it a must-read as it brings to the fore the unknown trail of mythology that at least I didn’t know.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that include both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US that includes Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada, Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, India; Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; Available for reading in Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity that happens to be the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland; Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California; Berkeley Library, University of California).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016)
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available in Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra
(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA. It is also included in the library of the world-renowned company APPLE).
BHAVANS JOURNAL
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3.Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20 2020; 4.Indica, 15.8.20; 5.The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6.Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9.The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10.Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11.Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12.Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13.Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14.A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15.Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16.Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17.Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18.Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19.Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20.Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25.Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26.The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29.Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34.Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35.When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR 30.6.23; 40. The Story of Garuda 30.7.23; 41. Janmabhoomi vs Karmabhoomi 31.8.23; 42. The Ghost Town of Kuldhara 15.9.23;
SUNDAY SHILLONG TIMES
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5.THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM:MOTHER 7.5.23;7. POEM: RAIN RAIN 9.7.23; 8. POEM:YOU COME ALONE YOUGO ALONE 6.8.23; 9. RAIN RAIN (SECOND TIME) 10.8.23: 10.POEM: GURU TEACHER 1.10.23;
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers, including children and adults, and have a huge variety in content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause? The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Kamlesh Tripathi’s Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US which include Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed at MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada; Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, India; Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; It is also available for reading in the Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity, which is the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California; Berkeley Library, University of California).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016).
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra
(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA. It was recently included in the digital library of the world-renowned company APPLE).
BHAVANS JOURNAL
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3.Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20, 2020; 4.Indica, 15.8.20; 5.The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6.Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9.The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10.Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11.Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12.Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13.Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14.A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15.Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16.Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17.Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18.Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19.Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20.Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25.Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26.The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29.Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34.Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35.When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR 30.6.23; 40. The Story of Garuda 30.7.23; 41. Janmabhoomi vs Karmabhoomi 31.8.23; 42. The Ghost Town of Kuldhara 15.9.23;
SHILLONG TIMES—SUNDAY EDITION
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM:MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN 9.7.23; 8. POEM:YOU COME ALONE YOUGO ALONE 6.8.23; 9. RAIN RAIN (SECOND TIME) 10. POEM: GURU TEACHER 10.8.23;
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that include both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause. The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US that includes Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada, Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida; India. Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; Available for reading in Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California; Berkeley Library, University of California).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016)
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available in Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra
(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA).
BHAVANS JOURNAL
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3.Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20 2020; 4.Indica, 15.8.20; 5.The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6.Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9.The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10.Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11.Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12.Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13.Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14.A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15.Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16.Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17.Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18.Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19.Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20.Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25.Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26.The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29.Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34.Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35.When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR 30.6.23; 40. The Story of Garuda 30.7.23; 41. Janmabhoomi vs Karmabhoomi;
SUNDAY SHILLONG TIMES
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM:MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN 9.7.23; 8. POEM:YOU COME ALONE YOUGO ALONE 6.8.23;
This title was first published in 2012 (first edition) and its 26th impression in 2019. The publisher is Vitasta Publishing Pvt Ltd. The price of the book is Rs 600. The narration is humungous, say a thick spine of over 400 pages.
‘India’s Biggest Cover-up’ provides a never-before insightful perception, into the controversy surrounding the fate of Subhas Chandra Bose and its various stranger-than-fiction subplots.
The plot of the book relies heavily on the secret government records. It goes on to uncover the systematic obstruction of justice by the authorities. It also outlines the steps such as declassification for bringing about a closure to the controversy. Post the release of the book, author Anuj Dhar and members of Subhas Chandra Bose’s family have started highlighting the disclosure demand of relevant records before the nation. Eventually, in the year 2016, the Indian government released thousands of previously classified records, many of these substantiated contentions made in the book. In 2017, AltBalaji a media house in Mumbai created a web series Bose: Dead/Alive, based on this book. The series has proved to be a runaway success, for no other book has, in recent times, impacted India’s longest-running political controversy so much—which is the issue of Netaji’s fate– as much as India’s Biggest Cover-up. Applauds and comments by certain newspapers and e-media are as follows:
‘The book dispels the mystery layer by layer substantiated by images of over 200 documents, of which nearly 90 are still classified records …’ says the New Indian Express.
‘The book questions many widely held assumptions about the purported death of Bose’—Times of India.
“The revelations made by this book will startle you” … Aaj Tak.
“India’s Biggest Cover-up … is expected to set the cat among the pigeons” … Rediff.
“With every new page turning, the book introduces a new chapter” … News 24.
India’s Biggest Cover-Up is an investigative insight into the disappearance of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the leader of the Azad Hind Fauj, in 1945, just when World War II was coming to an end. Relying heavily on official records—the bulk of them still security classified in violation of democratic norms—the book uncovers the planned obstruction of justice by earlier governments in the country. The first, for any book of India, the narrative has been augmented with excerpts and images of until now-secret records. Archival material and information obtained under the Freedom of Information Acts of India, the US and the UK have also been used in this book.
Anuj Dhar, who has spent more than a decade trying to make sense of the vexed issue, takes you through a maze of intrigues involving some of the biggest names in the country before outlining measures to incontestably resolve what has been one of the longest-running controversies of modern India. He asserts that it is the most explosive too.
In brief, the first person claiming to have seen Bose after his reported death was an American journalist implanted in the US Army. In 1956, India’s Intelligence czar BN Mullik prepared a dossier of selected British investigative reports into Bose’s disappearance. The first report in the dossier was doctored to support the Nehru government’s view that Bose had died. Thereafter, this doctored Intelligence Bureau report was cited over and again as proof of Bose’s death—lastly in 2011 by a famous scion of the Bose family in a new book. American DNA expert Terry Milton had agreed to undertake a test of the Renkoji remains in 2001, but it could not be done as the Government of India developed cold feet. Bhagwanji of Faizabad, identified by many Bose aides of impeccable integrity as Netaji himself, spoke of his escape to the USSR and subsequent participation in the Vietnam War.
Someobservations: In 1946 Raja Habibur Rahman Khan held the key to unlocking the mystery of Bose’s fate but the reality was misinterpreted to suit the Government of India. I liked the precise detailing of events in the book. It has a good flow of language and a nice font. It has a sleek presentation of required and supporting documents. Superb layout and outline of neat diagrams. Bose’s death was full of mysteries reveals the book. The author has been quite meticulous about the footnotes attached to the classified documents. Post his death the ashes of Netaji became a big issue in India. Overall it’s a slow-moving book because it digs in deep. Too much of narration time is taken on Renkoji a Buddhist temple in Tokyo where Netaji’s ashes were purportedly kept. The book slows down because of the minute details. One should pick up this book if only one is wedded to the cause of knowing what had actually happened to Netaji. It gets a bit boring intermittently because it is too descriptive. Takes too much time for the gradual climax to surface. There are too many pages on Swamiji—considered Netaji in hiding. There are many facts not known to the reader. The book becomes a drag intermittently because of its protracted length and depth but the gradual end is interesting. Regarding Netaji’s air crash, all concerned officials have different versions. The book has some amazing episodes never heard of or imagined before. If you come to think of it what all happens in regimes and establishments is unbelievable?
A reader Chandrachur Ghose sums it up well: ‘Journalist historian Dhar’s narrative brilliantly disentangles the various threads of the story with the help of secret documents and brings the reader to the doorstep of the solution to the mystery. One firm push and the door will open.’
‘Of course, for us in India, the greatest plane crash mystery involves Netaji—accident or sabotage? Even more, did he really die or was it another feint to escape his adversaries? The debate continues.’—The Times of India editorial, August 26, 2023. The book comes in handy in bringing such colossal mysteries to the forefront.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that include both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause. The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US that includes Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada, Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida; India. Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; Available for reading in Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California; Berkeley Library, University of California).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016)
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available in Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra
(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA).
BHAVANS JOURNAL
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3.Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20 2020; 4.Indica, 15.8.20; 5.The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6.Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9.The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10.Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11.Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12.Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13.Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14.A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15.Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16.Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17.Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18.Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19.Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20.Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25.Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26.The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29.Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34.Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35.When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR 30.6.23; 40. The Story of Garuda 30.7.23
SUNDAY SHILLONG TIMES
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM:MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN 9.7.23; 8. POEM:YOU COME ALONE YOUGO ALONE 6.8.23;
Scientists and inventors may create something with good intentions. But the depraved minds may commandeer it for minatory motives. Truly speaking, inventions do leave an indelible legacy behind, where some may turn out to be serenades of life, and some the hounding baggage difficult to carry.
Scottish physician and microbiologist Alexander Fleming was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for the discovery of penicillin. Penicillin was later developed as an antibiotic to kill bacteria. It has since then saved many lives. Fleming therefore must have left the world with pleasant memories of his invention.
Alfred Nobel invented ‘dynamite’ a high-power explosive that ravaged humanity. He made a fortune out of that. But it was only during his lifetime that he realized that the invention of dynamite was a great threat to humanity. He later bequeathed his fortune to institute the Nobel Prize for Excellence.
Conversely, Eadweard Muybridge often called the ‘father of the motion picture’ left the world with glorious recollections. This isn’t the case with General Mikhail Kalashnikov the creator of the AK-47 assault rifle, though it was designed for the defence of his country. He was an author and a poet too. Later he rose to be a general with innovative attributes, but his inventions appear to be for the wrong causes. Kalashnikov maintained that his rifle was an ‘armament for defence and not a weapon of offense.’ Yet, numerous killings have taken place with this invention.
Kalashnikov claimed he was always motivated by service to the nation than money. But the rifle that was once good for the nation was used by terrorists in illegal and dreadful killings. In the final years of his life, he was saddened over the awry responsibility of the millions of deaths that his invention havocked, reveals, his published letter to the head of the Russian Church. Kalashnikov died at the age of 94. In his interviews, he insisted that he created the AK-47 assault rifle only to protect his country, and rejected the responsibility for killings, perpetrated by zealots and terrorists using his weapon.
Kalashnikov didn’t have a simple life. In his old age, he was troubled to learn that his rifle was used for evil acts, even when, he knew that his weapons were also used to destroy adversaries and defend his motherland. In order to find peace, like Nobel and Oppenheimer, Kalashnikov too retired to a quiet life in the hope of experiencing a godly touch sometime and somewhere before death. To seek pardon, he wrote a letter to the head of the Russian Church, saying:
“My soul ache is unbearable and has irresolvable questions: If my rifle took lives, does it mean that I, Mikhail Kalashnikov, aged 93, a peasant woman’s son, an Orthodox Christian in faith, is guilty of those people’s deaths, even if they were enemies?”
Kalashnikov spent a major part of his life as an atheist in an atheist country. It was only at the age of 91 he felt the call of faith and answered it. As he was approaching the end of his life, doubts entered his mind that his invention gave a chance to millions of miscreants … to butcher innocents.
Surely, inventions do leave a legacy behind. Some legacies are insurmountable for the soul to carry through. But sadly, the inventor only realizes that when it’s too late in life.
The story remains deficient without knowing what Oppenheimer must have felt after those atom bombs exploded in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Did he feel exalted or miserable only he’d be able to tell? But of course, the sting of karma does follow you beyond the frontiers of your present life.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that include both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause. The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US that includes Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada, Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida; India. Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; Available for reading in Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016)
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available in Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra
(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA).
BHAVANS JOURNAL
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3.Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20 2020; 4.Indica, 15.8.20; 5.The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6.Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9.The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10.Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11.Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12.Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13.Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14.A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15.Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16.Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17.Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18.Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19.Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20.Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25.Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26.The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29.Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34.Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35.When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR 30.6.23; 40. The Story of Garuda 30.7.23
SUNDAY SHILLONG TIMES
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM:MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN 9.7.23;
Which two Indian Navy ranks owe their origin to the Royal Navy custom of having one officer command the vessels at the front of a fleet and the other the ones at the back?
2. Which two footballers, one still playing, are in joint first place as international goalscorers for Brazil, with 77 each?
3. Exactly how many human figures are featured in Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous painting, the Last Supper?
4. The name Ayush for the new Central ministry started in 2014 is an acronym. ‘A’ stands for Ayurveda, ‘Y’ for yoga and naturopathy, ‘S’ for Siddha and ‘H’ for homoeopathy. Which traditional system does ‘U’ stand for?
5. The flag of the African country Chad, with blue, yellow and red vertical stripes, is almost identical to which European nation’s flag, the only difference being in the shades of blue and yellow?
6. Pakistan played its first Test match in Delhi in October 1952. In which city did it play its first home Test match in 1955?
7. Which famous tourist attraction was modelled upon Frenchman Frederic Bartholdi’s mother?
8. Which word for a person who attacks and robs in a public place comes from a semi-aquatic Indian reptile?
9. In which country does the mainland implement right-hand driving while some of its islands still follow the left-hand drive protocol?
10. The Manhattan Project was a secret project to develop an American nuclear bomb at the Los Alamos Laboratory in New Mexico. Who was appointed as the director of the laboratory?
ANSWERS:
Answer: Vice admiral and rear admiral
Pele and Neymar, although Pele got them in just 92 matches compared to Neymar’s 124
Thirteen: Jesus and the 12 Apostles
Unani
Romania
Dhaka, then a part of East Pakistan
The Statue of Liberty was presented by France to the American people.
‘Mugger’ from the Indian mugger crocodile, known for its sudden attacks.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life-threatening diseases, especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that include both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate to the cause. The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US that includes Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada, Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida; India. Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; Available for reading in Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched at the Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016)
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available in Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra
(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA).
BHAVANS JOURNAL
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3.Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20 2020; 4.Indica, 15.8.20; 5.The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6.Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9.The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10.Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11.Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12.Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13.Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14.A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15.Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16.Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17.Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18.Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19.Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20.Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25.Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26.The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29.Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34.Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35.When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR 30.6.23; 40. The Story of Garuda 30.7.23
SUNDAY SHILLONG TIMES
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM:MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN 9.7.23;
In Japanese folklore, there is a story of a brave and visionary frog. Once upon a time, there lived a bullfrog in a lake. He had umpteen friends there and they all lived happily. One day, the bullfrog told his friends that he had decided to try his luck in the bigger lake across the road. All his friends tried to dissuade him from doing so. They began to scare him. They said that if he went there, he would get lost as it is a huge lake. The bullfrog heard them all but was determined to leave the small lake for a more inspiring life in a bigger lake.
He crossed over to the other lake and soon found that the new lake had a bonanza of more insects and sweeter water. Soon, he called all his friends from the old and smaller lake. They joined him soon and were happy as they had sufficient sources of food and in addition, the new place was also bigger.
The moral of the story: A great deal of talent is lost in the world for the want of a little courage. There is little to be gained by being a ‘koopmandook’ –a frog in the well. Of course, it is not easy to leave your comfort zone, and there will always be people who will discourage you from doing so. But when we do break free and come out of our shell, life has a lot more to offer. Until we use our brains and acumen, we will never achieve what we are capable of achieving.
A person with petty ambitions leads a petty life, as the Hindi saying goes, ‘Chhote vichar, chhota vyakti’ – small thoughts, small man. While it is good to have very few desires, it is bad to have low or no ambition. In a way, life is all about setting a goal for yourself and striving to accomplish it.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that includes both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US that includes Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada, Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida; India. Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; Available for reading in Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched in the Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016)
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available in Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra
(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA).
BHAVANS JOURNAL
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3.Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20 2020; 4.Indica, 15.8.20; 5.The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6.Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9.The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10.Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11.Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12.Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13.Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14.A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15.Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16.Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17.Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18.Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19.Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20.Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25.Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26.The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29.Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34.Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35.When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR;
SUNDAY SHILLONG TIMES
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM:MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN 9.7.23;
Rig Veda is regarded as one of the most sacred texts of Hinduism. It has fascinated scholars and historians due to its significance and antiquity. It is a collection of ancient Indian collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns.
The Rigveda is divided into ten books which are known as Mandalas
It is a collection of 10,600 verses and 1,028 hymns
It is the oldest text in any Indo-European language
It has originated from early as 1700 BC
The Angiras (rishi family) has composed 35% of the hymns and the Kanva family who has composed 25% of Rig Veda.
Many verses of the Rig Veda are still used as very significant Hindu prayers and during rituals.
It contains numerous secrets and clarifications about the origin of the world, the importance of the Gods and a lot of advice for living a satisfying and successful life.
As per the Rig Veda, the Universe was devised from Prajapati, the initial God and the principal basis of creation.
The hymns are known as Sukta that were composed to be used in rituals.
Indra is the chief deity cited in the Rig Veda.
The sky God Varuna, the Fire God Agni, and the Sun God Surya were some of the other chief deities who were important in the Rig Veda besides older Aryan deities.
The God of storms and mountains Rudra, as cited in the Rig Veda is the origin of Lord Shiva, the Hindu God.
Lord Vishnu who is one of the Trimurti of Hindu Gods was also a minor deity, as mentioned in the Rig Veda.
The universally famous Gayatri mantra (Savitri) is also in Rig-Veda.
The varna system, Four-fold division of society, ‘Sudra’, Gamester’s Lament, Purusha Shukta Hymns are mentioned in this Vedic text.
Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that includes both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION
Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)
IFSC code: BKID0006805
*
Our Publications
GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE
(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 8 prestigious libraries of the US that includes Harvard College Library; Harvard University Library; Library of Congress; University of Washington, Seattle; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Yale University, New Haven; University of Chicago; University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill University Libraries. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in libraries and archives of Canada, Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai; Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida; India. Shoolini University, Yogananda Knowledge Center, Himachal Pradesh and Azim Premzi University, Bangalore).
ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY
(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi; Available for reading in Indian National Bibliography, March 2016, in the literature section, in Central Reference Library, Ministry of Culture, India, Belvedere, Kolkata-700022)
AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES
(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be the undying characteristic of Lucknow. The book was launched in the Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014. It is included for reading in Askews and Holts Library Services, Lancashire, U.K; Herrick District Library, Holland and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, USA; Black Gold Cooperative Library Administration, Arroyo Grande, California).
REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD
(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched at Lucknow International Literary Festival in 2016)
TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN
(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his way through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February 2018 at Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
RHYTHM … in poems
(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day-to-day life. A few poems from the book have been published in Shillong Times, Bandra Times and Bhavan’s Journal. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)
MIRAGE
(Published in February 2020. The book is a collection of eight short stories available in Amazon, Flipkart and Notion Press)
AWADH ASSAM AND DALAI LAMA … The Kalachakra
(The story of the man who received His Holiness The Dalai Lama and his retinue in 1959 as a GOI representative when he fled Tibet in 1959. The book was launched on 21st November 2022 by His Holiness The Dalai Lama at Dharmshala. The title is archived in the library of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Government of Tibet, Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) and the personal library of His Holiness. The title is also archived in The Ohio Digital Library, USA).
BHAVANS JOURNAL
Short stories, Book reviews and Articles published in Bhavan’s Journal: 1. Reality and Perception, 15.10.19; 2. Sending the Wrong Message, 31.5.20; 3.Eagle versus Scholars June, 15 & 20 2020; 4.Indica, 15.8.20; 5.The Story of King Chitraketu, August 31 2020; 6.Breaking Through the Chakravyuh, September 30 2020. 7. The Questioning Spouse, October 31, 2020; 8. Happy Days, November 15, 2020; 9.The Karma Cycle of Paddy and Wheat, December 15, 2020; 10.Power Vs Influence, January 31, 2021; 11.Three Refugees, March 15, 2021; 12.Rise and Fall of Ajatashatru, March 31, 2021; 13.Reformed Ruler, May 15, 2021; 14.A Lasting Name, May 31, 2021; 15.Are Animals Better Teachers? June 16, 2021; 16.Book Review: The Gram Swaraj, 1.7.21; 17.Right Age for Achievements, 15.7.21; 18.Big Things Have Small Beginnings, 15.8.21; 19.Where is Gangaridai?, 15.9.21; 20.Confront the Donkey Within You 30.9.21; 21. Know Your Strengths 15.10.21; 22. Poverty 15.11.21; 23. Top View 30.11.21; 24. The Bansuriwala 15.1.22; 25.Sale of Alaska 15.2.22; 26.The Dimasa Kingdom 28.2.22; 27. Buried Treasure 15.4.22; 28. The Kingdom of Pragjyotisha 30.4.22; 29.Who is more useful? 15.5.22; 30. The White Swan from Lake Mansarovar 30.6.22; 31. Bhool Bhulayya 15.9.22; 32. Good Karma 30.9.22; 33. Good Name vs Bad Name 15.10.22; 34.Uttarapath—The Grand Trunk Road 1.12.22; 35.When Gods Get Angry 1.1.23; 36. Holinshed’s Chronicles 15.1.23; 37. Theogony 15.2.23; 38. Poem: Mother 14.5.23; 39. THE NAG MANDIR;
SUNDAY SHILLONG TIMES
ARTICLES & POEMS: 1. POEM: HAPPY NEW YEAR 8.1.23; 2. POEM: SPRING 12.3.23; 3. POEM: RIGHT AND WRONG 20.3.23; 4. THE GUSH OF EMOTION—WRITING, 26.3.23; 5. THE NAG MANDIR, 7.5.23; 6. POEM:MOTHER 7.5.23; 7. POEM: RAIN RAIN;
Shravan charity mission 