Sharmishtha Basu's Blog: Sharmishtha Basu writes, page 202
April 18, 2017
agnijaat chaitra, march review by Troy David Loy
Agnijaat Chaitra Critique by Troy David Loy (https://kestalusrealm.wordpress.com)
Indian Raga Now:
Manoj Bajpayee, Rahul Bose, Pooja Bhatt, three of the more fortunate actors where roles played are concerned. I must see their movies!
Spotlight on Milind Tulankar:
I’m listening to Tulankar’s online performances, as I write this. I must say, as instrumental music, they’re brilliant. Jaltarang is not an instrument I’m used to hearing, but I like these even from the first listen. I’ve found a link to a playlist of his music here:
Chandbibi:
A woman who stood up to the might of the Mughal empire, and successfully at that, until her death during a siege in 1599. I doff my hat to her!
Demonic?
There are strange ways available for espionage and unethical surveillance, by the most simple means, even by teenagers, much less more experienced hackers. Things like this will keep a person up at night, especially with the computer running the whole time, like mine when rendering large fractals!
Pain is their cocaine:
This is a commentary on the contagiousness of gloominess, in both demeanor and worldview when morose people try to live it!
Bhakti Saints: Nimbaraka
Here is a man who had some fascinating ideas. Theologically there were his five methods of salvation, and philosophically there was his concept of Bhedabheda, which bears a closer look.
A New Dawn:
An upcoming book by the authoress, here is the tale of the family life of Ronit and Raina Rai, and their daughter Chaiti. There are ups and downs throughout, including the early days of Ronit and Raina’s marriage. Here and there there is tragedy, as with the accident that kills Asim and maims his widow Preeti. Preeti plays a substantial role in the story as it progresses, though I’m uncertain as to her relation to Ronit and Raina. Still, this bears a good read when it comes out!
Soul Devourers:
Introduced in the Agrahayan issue of Agnijaat, this is a story of fearsome events and sinister cults. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up when reading this excerpt. Here is an account of a young woman’s encounter with terrifying forces and her attempts to survive with her mind and soul intact.
The College Trip:
I love a good vampire story, and having read the novelization of the movie Life Force, I prefer this
one, more supernaturally based, with a sort of creepy psychic parasite who latches onto a young student named Prema.
Basantipuja:
Interesting, this celebration. Hindu festivals fascinate me, with the colorful and personable Gods they honor, the stories behind them (We humans are story-telling beings, after all!), the fun to be had, and the spirit of community in organizing and attending these events.
Verses:
Good poems this month, with my favorites being Distant Star and Lost treasure. The cadence for all of these is quite evocative.
Few cartoons for you: Chameleons:
These are fun! I love the tricky chameleons here, and their clever means of bagging a meal of gullible butterflies.
Agnishatdal chaitra, march review by Troy David Loy
Agnishatdal Chaitra Critique by Troy David Loy (https://kestalusrealm.wordpress.com)
Jijabai, Shivaji’s Mother:
Behind every great man, there is always a woman. So far, I know of no one who came into the world without a mother to make it possible, and Shivaji was no exception. This woman of prowess and martial skill evidently raised her son as befits the strategist and tactician he was to become later in life. Her fortitude was, in my view, outstanding!
Ghulam Ali:
Here is another great performer whose works to collect. I’m listening to his music on the very night I’m writing this, and he’s quite the singer! The man has an unmistakable and unforgettable voice. Here’s a link to nearly 2 1/2 hours of his songs:
Nostalgia:
Aayush relates a brief story of two young people missing…something in their
relationship. Now is indeed the moment life is free, even when we ourselves are not!
Red Heels:
Breiuc relates a humorous tale of dressing to kill, or to be killed once you read to the end. It’s short, but funny.
Eleanor Leonne Bennet and Juliette Roques:
Sometimes email says it all, as much as a full bio, and here these ladies introduce themselves through their writing and work. So, I’ll take this opportunity to welcome both to this eZine! Greetings!
What Will the New, Look Like?
Carolyn shows us an optimistic future, an outcome of human endeavor to which could just be, even if the present looks dark indeed where world affairs seem concerned.
Worth hoping for, though work is sorely needed to make it happen!
The Big Game:
As Swati here points out, life is indeed a game, and rigged or not, is best played with skill and wisdom, and with a great quote at the end!
Wichita lineman:
Dom gives a brief but heartfelt verse, what many feel but often miss the words to say.
David Stewart’s interview was interesting, especially given that he’s a GURPS player as well as a writer and teacher!
Help Make Reading More Diverse and Enjoyable:
Good advice on self-publishing! Independent writers have a lot of power, if only they put it to use.
Sanjeev Kumar:
With little doubt a fantastic and gifted actor, it’s tragic that he died so soon. I’ve seen one of the films he starred in this afternoon, Shatranj Ke Khiladi: Here’s the link I viewed from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zvc_yJY4ZQ
Chaitra Recipe: Gajar Ka Halwa:
Mmmm. Yummy sweets! And best of all, a sweet that takes well to refrigeration. This month’s recipe will be a tasty thing to keep me going on long nights!
The Red Butterfly:
Miss Sharmishtha’s upcoming book tells the story of a young woman, Tiasa, in line for the throne of a small kingdom, ruled by her grandmother, who encounters great dangers in her future domain. I’ll have to keep a lookout for this when it’s published!
Shranbaner dhara, and Maab Ehsaan:
Two verses for this issue from the authoress herself, both enjoyable, and both good for practice reading in the respective vernaculars.
Bengal This Month:
So two pujas for this month, and widely celebrated in throughout rural Bengal! American festivals seem dull by contrast, and far too city-bound.
Post Vedic Era:
An age of fundamentalist fervor, this period was not a kind one to the disadvantaged by birth, wealth. or circumstance. A dangerous time to live indeed!
April 8, 2017
April 5, 2017
April 1, 2017
March 31, 2017
envy not your neighbour
Then one day she saw her owner’s neighbor slaughtering his cow to eat her. She never grumbled about her menu again.
Love can destroy
The love-struck creature stepped out of her safety zone only to be devoured.
vigilance pays
“A little mole got jealous of him. Because he had to hide in hole to avoid predators! So jealous that he wanted to kill the elephant! He knew that the elephant walked around to cockily, never looking at the ground below so he dug a hole on his path overnight. His field of expertise and waited for the elephant to walk by, and his vengeful spirit was sated. The elephant broke his leg.”
“What did you learned from the story?” Grandma asked.
“What?” the kids asked in return.
“No matter how strong, brave you are, always check out where your next step is about to fall!” She said.
angry mommy
“Well you can hope that their natures go after you! If they go after their father by nature too… you are doomed!”
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