Ask the Author: Shinde Sweety
Answered Questions (21)
Shinde Sweety
2 ways - 1] by reading a well written book that awakens envy and ambition in me
2] by reading a badly written book that savagely whispers to me - If you want to save the world from THIS!!!!
2] by reading a badly written book that savagely whispers to me - If you want to save the world from THIS!!!!
Shinde Sweety
in solitude, in the shower, while swimming, while meditating, in dreams,
Shinde Sweety
Magic Faraway Tree (Enid B). But of course!
Shinde Sweety
No, I'm not on Instagram.
Shinde Sweety
Howard Roark and Dominique (Fountainhead). They couldn't possibly have found a better, apt and chiseled counterpart for each other.
Shinde Sweety
It was by design, not an oversight. There had to be a coherent transition from warrior Arjun to reluctant Arjun. My idea was to delve into Arjun’s psyche before that vital dialogue. The night before Day1, which is when I assume the emotional turbulence must’ve peaked within him.
The Krishn Arjun dialogue of B. Gita is too well-known & too extensive to be copy-pasted within the book. Instead I translated Arjun's upheaval into chapter 21 The edge of innocence.
The transition comes in 2 steps - when Draupadi anticipates it and on night before first day of Kurukshetra.
After Virat war (page 196) Draupadi anticipates Arjun’s reluctance to harm Bhishm-Drona. She says, ‘The white robes of pitamah & Acharya were missing. Those two promised to be the most difficult temptations for Arjun to wreck through.’
In chp 21, Arjun debates with Krishn. The dialogue answers multiple accusations hurled at Pandavas, it questions veracity of Yudhisthir’s ownership of his brothers’ lives (Our nearest ones make impossible demands precisely b’cos we are forced to use different standards to judge them), citizens needs vs rulers’ ambitions, Arjun’s sacrifices vs virtues (If only I had been selfish enough, disobedient enough and rebellious enough – so much of our anguish was preventable. Since when did sacrifice, obedience and tolerance lead to heinous sins?), Bhishm-Drona’s helplessness arising from blind loyalty vs his own loyalty (this is a war between evil & lesser evil. Or a war between good & lesser good. My duty – towards whom? By killing – whom?), the realization of Kunti’s ruthless streak, all of these clashes culminating in Arjun’s reluctance about morality of the war.
I fleshed out this chapter as a prelude leading to Bhagavad Gita, since it was the most logical way to bridge the gap from a war-ready Arjun to
the reluctant warrior of B. Gita.
The subsequent chapters also throw up Arjun’s questions on B. GIta . For example when he says at Abhimanyu’s death – ‘no matter how many Jayadraths I killed, Abhi would never return as my son. How did it matter how many rebirths we took later as unrelated human beings?’
B. Gita cannot be encapsulated in brief, nor digested in one go. It throws up uncomfortable questions which unfold as their lives reconstruct post Kurukshetra. Hence I spaced out the Krishn-Arjun B. Gita dialogue in pre & post pages to explore its liveable, practical aspects instead of lumping it as an impractical philosophy.
The Krishn Arjun dialogue of B. Gita is too well-known & too extensive to be copy-pasted within the book. Instead I translated Arjun's upheaval into chapter 21 The edge of innocence.
The transition comes in 2 steps - when Draupadi anticipates it and on night before first day of Kurukshetra.
After Virat war (page 196) Draupadi anticipates Arjun’s reluctance to harm Bhishm-Drona. She says, ‘The white robes of pitamah & Acharya were missing. Those two promised to be the most difficult temptations for Arjun to wreck through.’
In chp 21, Arjun debates with Krishn. The dialogue answers multiple accusations hurled at Pandavas, it questions veracity of Yudhisthir’s ownership of his brothers’ lives (Our nearest ones make impossible demands precisely b’cos we are forced to use different standards to judge them), citizens needs vs rulers’ ambitions, Arjun’s sacrifices vs virtues (If only I had been selfish enough, disobedient enough and rebellious enough – so much of our anguish was preventable. Since when did sacrifice, obedience and tolerance lead to heinous sins?), Bhishm-Drona’s helplessness arising from blind loyalty vs his own loyalty (this is a war between evil & lesser evil. Or a war between good & lesser good. My duty – towards whom? By killing – whom?), the realization of Kunti’s ruthless streak, all of these clashes culminating in Arjun’s reluctance about morality of the war.
I fleshed out this chapter as a prelude leading to Bhagavad Gita, since it was the most logical way to bridge the gap from a war-ready Arjun to
the reluctant warrior of B. Gita.
The subsequent chapters also throw up Arjun’s questions on B. GIta . For example when he says at Abhimanyu’s death – ‘no matter how many Jayadraths I killed, Abhi would never return as my son. How did it matter how many rebirths we took later as unrelated human beings?’
B. Gita cannot be encapsulated in brief, nor digested in one go. It throws up uncomfortable questions which unfold as their lives reconstruct post Kurukshetra. Hence I spaced out the Krishn-Arjun B. Gita dialogue in pre & post pages to explore its liveable, practical aspects instead of lumping it as an impractical philosophy.
Shinde Sweety
Arjun-Draupadi are so ingrained in my psyche, that don't think of them as hangovers or distractions. I've accepted their constant presence in my life.
I'm truly satisfied with my wordy homage to them. In retrospect, there is nothing I feel I ought to have added/ deleted. However, given the contrast between the book's word limit & their awesome persona, there were some facets that I couldn't depict in deep detail.
So whenever I feel the urge, I compensate by writing stand-alone pieces on my Wordpress blog or on Arjun's FB page. These could be vignettes carrying my emotional ties to them or analytical posts on Mahabharat or a censored romantic dialogue that I keep improvising.
I've even caught myself casting & filming favorite scenes from my novel (Lets hope the power of positive thinking makes a Director zoom upon my novel for a dream movie!)
So basically I don't push aside my darlings if they demand my time. I indulge them. They are inspirational enough to enable me to write entirely different posts simultaneously.
Currently I'm writing 2-3 different books as & when whichever takes priority. This is in addition to my blogposts, my FB page updates, my students' thesis and my medical publications.
My brain remains in a constant state of arousal & chaos. It may not be the right method, but that's how my mind works :)
I'm truly satisfied with my wordy homage to them. In retrospect, there is nothing I feel I ought to have added/ deleted. However, given the contrast between the book's word limit & their awesome persona, there were some facets that I couldn't depict in deep detail.
So whenever I feel the urge, I compensate by writing stand-alone pieces on my Wordpress blog or on Arjun's FB page. These could be vignettes carrying my emotional ties to them or analytical posts on Mahabharat or a censored romantic dialogue that I keep improvising.
I've even caught myself casting & filming favorite scenes from my novel (Lets hope the power of positive thinking makes a Director zoom upon my novel for a dream movie!)
So basically I don't push aside my darlings if they demand my time. I indulge them. They are inspirational enough to enable me to write entirely different posts simultaneously.
Currently I'm writing 2-3 different books as & when whichever takes priority. This is in addition to my blogposts, my FB page updates, my students' thesis and my medical publications.
My brain remains in a constant state of arousal & chaos. It may not be the right method, but that's how my mind works :)
Shinde Sweety
Thank you so much Sonia. Currently am writing 3 novellas based on the medical world.
Mythology is actually History. If one deletes the ornate costumes & language, what we get is a timeless cauldron of human emotions - and those never go out of fashion.
I do need to admire, if not love my protagonist. So if at all, it would be Abhimanyu or Draupadi's sons who didn't really get their due in terms of a long life. It was a short sparkling life, but there were no deep struggles, angst, or scope to commit either sins or astounding feats. It would be interesting to weave a story around their interactions and powerplay.
Mythology is actually History. If one deletes the ornate costumes & language, what we get is a timeless cauldron of human emotions - and those never go out of fashion.
I do need to admire, if not love my protagonist. So if at all, it would be Abhimanyu or Draupadi's sons who didn't really get their due in terms of a long life. It was a short sparkling life, but there were no deep struggles, angst, or scope to commit either sins or astounding feats. It would be interesting to weave a story around their interactions and powerplay.
Shinde Sweety
Well, writing never clashed with my profession. I could chalk out scenes even while driving or lunching, and then I used the night hours to type them out. So time wasn't really a major problem.
Being a confirmed book-addict, I realized over time that reading becomes a passive experience. Input and output of ideas both are needed to complete the loop. Writers are always born out of readers, just like a child gives birth to a mother.
Its cathartic.
As for why specifically Arjun as my topic, well, that came from anger and worship. Anger at the way his status has been corroded over years, and worship of his genuine achievements. Both fuelled me towards the book.
Being a confirmed book-addict, I realized over time that reading becomes a passive experience. Input and output of ideas both are needed to complete the loop. Writers are always born out of readers, just like a child gives birth to a mother.
Its cathartic.
As for why specifically Arjun as my topic, well, that came from anger and worship. Anger at the way his status has been corroded over years, and worship of his genuine achievements. Both fuelled me towards the book.
Shinde Sweety
Yes, am mulling over short stories from the medical world. They are still germinating in my mind and awaiting their birth on paper/ laptop.
So nice of you to encourage me.
P.S- Would love to have your book review of Arjun o Goodreads!
So nice of you to encourage me.
P.S- Would love to have your book review of Arjun o Goodreads!
Shinde Sweety
Hi Chandreyee, you have a beautiful name.
The 4 Krishnas are my favorites, namely Vyas, Arjun, Krishn and Draupadi. They were all united by their name and their dusky complexion.
I believe they are the constructive components of this epic, carrying forward the narrative whenever it stagnates.
For example, Draupadi propels the Pandava chariot forward at dice hall, Arjun propels the resurrection of Pandavas by winning Draupadi, Krishn by providing clarity of mind whenever there is confusion etc.
Let me know if you have any other queries as well.
with warm regards
Sweety
The 4 Krishnas are my favorites, namely Vyas, Arjun, Krishn and Draupadi. They were all united by their name and their dusky complexion.
I believe they are the constructive components of this epic, carrying forward the narrative whenever it stagnates.
For example, Draupadi propels the Pandava chariot forward at dice hall, Arjun propels the resurrection of Pandavas by winning Draupadi, Krishn by providing clarity of mind whenever there is confusion etc.
Let me know if you have any other queries as well.
with warm regards
Sweety
Shinde Sweety
Hello Chittajit,
I am so sorry for the delay. The copy was shipped on 28th May. I tracked it online, but last statement is dated 30 May, which says it is in transit. The AWB is 432290956 via Ondot courier.
Here's their last statement:
Summary: Date: 30/5/2015, 17:43 Service Location: AIRPORT HUB (DELHI) Shipment Status: Forward To ALLAHABAD (UP) - 09795064584 - In Transit
I'll also enquire with my Publisher on the same.
with regards
Sweety Shinde
I am so sorry for the delay. The copy was shipped on 28th May. I tracked it online, but last statement is dated 30 May, which says it is in transit. The AWB is 432290956 via Ondot courier.
Here's their last statement:
Summary: Date: 30/5/2015, 17:43 Service Location: AIRPORT HUB (DELHI) Shipment Status: Forward To ALLAHABAD (UP) - 09795064584 - In Transit
I'll also enquire with my Publisher on the same.
with regards
Sweety Shinde
Shinde Sweety
Draupadi was a motivating factor (for her admirers) and a destructive factor (for her detractors) wrt Kurukshetra. Given her emotional drive, her quest for justice and her involvement in form of sons, husbands, best friend, father and brothers ... I find it unusual that Vyas does not shift focus onto her feelings in those 18 days.
Hence I brought in her narration as witness, as participant, as motivator across 18 days.
This also permitted me to explore the stark contrasts in Arjun-Draupadi's response , especially as regards deaths of Bhishm and Drona. Both responses are poles apart, yet both are completely justified in feeling what they feel.
Also Draupadi's presence gave me an outlet to discuss astras, ideas, motives and bust many anti-Pandava myths.
So, in this triple way, Draupadi at Kurukshetra was a vital and essential element in my novel.
Hence I brought in her narration as witness, as participant, as motivator across 18 days.
This also permitted me to explore the stark contrasts in Arjun-Draupadi's response , especially as regards deaths of Bhishm and Drona. Both responses are poles apart, yet both are completely justified in feeling what they feel.
Also Draupadi's presence gave me an outlet to discuss astras, ideas, motives and bust many anti-Pandava myths.
So, in this triple way, Draupadi at Kurukshetra was a vital and essential element in my novel.
Shinde Sweety
Kurukshetra for Arjun was never a platform to show-off his array of missiles or awesome power.
In such a scenario, Arjun's first person narration would not brag about tactics, astras, or even triumphs. Definitely not with glee or bloodlust.
Hence I deliberately focused on his inward, reflective gaze rather than self-praise & self-congratulations. He speaks of his duels briefly and to the point, like a memory he wants to erase.
Hence the brief war sequences was keeping in sync with Arjun's character.
In such a scenario, Arjun's first person narration would not brag about tactics, astras, or even triumphs. Definitely not with glee or bloodlust.
Hence I deliberately focused on his inward, reflective gaze rather than self-praise & self-congratulations. He speaks of his duels briefly and to the point, like a memory he wants to erase.
Hence the brief war sequences was keeping in sync with Arjun's character.
Shinde Sweety
Kurukshetra for Arjun was never a platform to show-off his array of missiles or his awesome power. His entire 18-day stay was tinged with angst, regret and restraint. It was this reluctance that allowed the war to last till day 10 (Bhishm's death) and then day 15 (Drona's death).
In such a scenario, Arjun's first person narration would not brag about tactics, astras, or even triumphs. Definitely not with glee or bloodlust.
Hence I deliberately focused on his emotive aspect of Kurukshetra - an inward gaze, like mulling over a painful memory.
He speaks about the emotion that led to duels or emotion that resulted from duels. In retrospect. With pain. Briefly, like a memory he wants to erase.
In such a scenario, Arjun's first person narration would not brag about tactics, astras, or even triumphs. Definitely not with glee or bloodlust.
Hence I deliberately focused on his emotive aspect of Kurukshetra - an inward gaze, like mulling over a painful memory.
He speaks about the emotion that led to duels or emotion that resulted from duels. In retrospect. With pain. Briefly, like a memory he wants to erase.
Shinde Sweety
Hi Jyoti,
The main point is that Arjun has hardly ever been understood - not as a warrior, not as a human, not as a husband.
Yes, he is admired for his concentration, for his archery, for his focus and for being recipient of Bhagwad Geeta.
However, given his roller-coaster life, the crests & troughs, his masculine - eunuch transitions, his warrior occupation coupled with his compassionate nature, I find his emotions rarely explored or empathized. The focus has largely remained centered on his achievements as a devotee & warrior.
I was aghast to find him ridiculed, abused and distorted by fictional works based on Mahabharata.
There is, in recent times, a tendency to vilify heroes and deify villains. All I am trying is to restore glory back where it deserves to be - and for the right reasons.
The main point is that Arjun has hardly ever been understood - not as a warrior, not as a human, not as a husband.
Yes, he is admired for his concentration, for his archery, for his focus and for being recipient of Bhagwad Geeta.
However, given his roller-coaster life, the crests & troughs, his masculine - eunuch transitions, his warrior occupation coupled with his compassionate nature, I find his emotions rarely explored or empathized. The focus has largely remained centered on his achievements as a devotee & warrior.
I was aghast to find him ridiculed, abused and distorted by fictional works based on Mahabharata.
There is, in recent times, a tendency to vilify heroes and deify villains. All I am trying is to restore glory back where it deserves to be - and for the right reasons.
Shinde Sweety
Hi Jyoti.
As regards Q 1 : You will find your answer in chapter 9. I agree that your claim is a popular-ised event in KMG's English translation, in movies and in TV serials. The same is , however, refuted in BORI's critical edition.
I have written the event from a more logical point, which gets discussed in chapter 9's conversation. Not adding spoilers here.
The same is also explained in detail in Exploring myths chapter.
Q 2: Again, there is a detailed explanation provided in 'Exploring Myths' towards end of the book.
Thank you for your interest. I hope your queries get answered as you progress across the book.
As regards Q 1 : You will find your answer in chapter 9. I agree that your claim is a popular-ised event in KMG's English translation, in movies and in TV serials. The same is , however, refuted in BORI's critical edition.
I have written the event from a more logical point, which gets discussed in chapter 9's conversation. Not adding spoilers here.
The same is also explained in detail in Exploring myths chapter.
Q 2: Again, there is a detailed explanation provided in 'Exploring Myths' towards end of the book.
Thank you for your interest. I hope your queries get answered as you progress across the book.
Shinde Sweety
Factually : Omental multinodular extramedullary hematopoiesis in case of JAK 2 negative Myelofibrosis.
On 'Fictional' front? Short stories based on medical experiences - quirky, brutal, warm and sickening.
On 'Fictional' front? Short stories based on medical experiences - quirky, brutal, warm and sickening.
Shinde Sweety
Dare to dream! It is better to wince at critical comments than to regret 'never ever having tried.'
Shinde Sweety
We need to exhale as much as we need to inhale.
We have an inlet for food and an outlet for its byproducts.
Just so, reading is an inlet , writing is an outlet.
Reading is passive, writing is active.
Reading is easy. Writing is ummm, fun and tough!
Writing also makes you appreciate the efforts of fellow authors!
We have an inlet for food and an outlet for its byproducts.
Just so, reading is an inlet , writing is an outlet.
Reading is passive, writing is active.
Reading is easy. Writing is ummm, fun and tough!
Writing also makes you appreciate the efforts of fellow authors!
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