Santosh's Blog, page 62
October 20, 2015
Reviews of ‘She: Ekla Cholo Re’
She: Ekla Cholo Re has opened to good rave reviews so far. We thank the reviewers and have tried to compile the reviews for our readers to know about the book.
‘She’ is a wow!
Something that takes you into the lines and scenes.Thoughts and connectivity of the conversation has conveyed clarity to the readers about the book.
A short-movie or a documentary in the form of paper that hits your back to remind you that it was a story so far yet sending a prompt message to think and feel.The setup of the story has to get an appreciation that truly provides a platform forinteresting climax. – Shilpa Patil (Rating ★★★★★)
“..the book is a bold step towards social awareness and discussing a few things which are still considered taboo in the society.” – Maniparna (Rating ★★★★1/2) Further reading visit – blog
“…As I keep saying about the author’s book, it is a quick read and hardly demanding any time of yours but this time around the book comes with a good story that will for sure keep you glued till the end” – Merril Anil (Rating ★★★★1/2) Further reading visit – blog
She is an attempt to search for one’s identity irrespective of all odds. What makes it unique are it’s two most important aspects – the protagonist (Kusum) and Tagore’s song, Ekla Cholo Re. The identity of the protagonist is often untitled and blurred; it does not belong anywhere, definitely not under the ‘he’ or ‘she’ bracket because of our social conditioning. We normally do not give ‘social sanction’ to ‘such’ people because we ‘pretend’ that they do not exist, albeit for our own convenience. So, when a person like Kusum decides to move on with her life despite all odds, it deserves a special mention, indeed. As the editor cum reader of this book, I grew with Kusum each day in complete awe as she drew inspiration from Tagore’s Ekla Cholo re song to be her true self each time she was struck with a heavy blow. – Rajashree Ghosh, Editor of She (Rating ★★★★1/2)
Simple language, easy to read, subject is dealt that could connect any reader. Though seemed filmy at moment but story was unpredictable with an interesting end that made me feel ‘surprised’! I rate it 5 out of 5! -Parveen Shaikh, Research Scholar, Dept of Social Work, KSWUV (Rating ★★★★★)
‘She’ is amazing! – Jyothi Byahatti (Rating ★★★★★)
Blurb: Set in the backdrop of 1990 Calcutta, She is a story about finding one’s own identity in spite of all odds. The story spins around the life of Kusum, a brave heart whose identity is often untitled and blurred; it does not belong anywhere, definitely not under the ‘he’ or ‘she’ bracket, thanks to our social conditioning. Will she be successful in her mission? Find out in She, an utterly absorbing read that derives inspiration from Tagore’s “Ekla Cholo Re” song, which urges everyone to move on despite the fear of abandonment from others.
Testimonials
“She is one of the finest book to read” – Sujeeth Kumar, Project Manager, MNC Bengaluru
“A story often untold. Appreciate the team for presenting She in the best possible harmonious way!” – N K Narasimhan, CEO and Co-Founder, Nascor Technologies, Bengaluru
“Don’t miss the ending!” – Raghunath Babu Are, Employee at Microsoft, Bengaluru
Facebook Page : Click Here
October 18, 2015
Dr Shayan Haq Interview, Author of She: Ekla Cholo Re
Welcome to interview of ‘She: Ekla Cholo Re’ author Dr. Shayan Haq!
Q1 : Why did you choose a topic like ‘She’ that is still considered as a taboo in our society?
Views: I found and still finding this topic interesting! As far my understanding goes there is enough space that is available to deal ‘human sexuality’ in justifiable manner. Often I felt its project pity, venerable, sexual craving or unclear at times. In simple way to say, characters like ‘Kusum’ are more shown negative rather than positive. They are often treated as inhuman.
Q2 : What are your strengths of your book?
Views: First of all, there is inspiration to the book and that is great poet Rabindranath Tagore. His inspiration towards people through his ideas, thoughts, and simplicity has been amazing to me. His thinking towards the women through stories has been forward (progressive) that made me feel wow! He talked about social injustice, and quality that time. This reflects a person can be progressive anytime in the life. I feel there is no dearth of writers who are regressive but progressive writers like Rabindranath is required. ‘She : Ekla Cholo Re’ is one of milestones to us!
Secondly, We, doctors see a lot of patients. We see the sufferings of people. We not only physical problems but as well psychological problems that is often helps the patients to recover faster than otherwise. I have seen cases like ‘Kusum’, unfortunately cannot disclose or openly talk about such cases. I have tried to put such stories through Kusum in the book and its right from the bottom of heart!
Q 3 : The book seem to be have an interesting ending and it seem that there is part 2 to it. Am I right?
Views: Yes! definitely part 2 is in the process with progressive approach. Its going to be positive again with an interesting end!
Q 4 : As I read the book, I felt it has potential to become a movie or at least one serial like Rabindranath Tagore’s story. What are your views to it?
Views : (Smiles) Depends on the person who would pick it up! Yes, I see there is potential in the book.
Q 5 : According to you, why should someone pick the book?
Views : Kusum’s story is neither shown in TV or movies that is dealt in positive manner. He may be he, she or transgender – they would get a positive message through Rabindranath Tagore song Ekla Cholo Re
Q 6 : Could you say ‘She’ story in few lines?
Views : (Smiles) Inspiring story about a person who has suffered, he or she doesn’t any control in the hands of society. Despite of all the shortcomings ‘She’ finds and make a way her own path that inspired by national poet Rabindranath Tagore.
Thank you Dr Shayan Haq!
October 15, 2015
Co-author of ‘She: Ekla Cholo Re’ Note
An idea could trigger off to become a book She: Ekla Cholo Re is still amusing to us! It has been a great journey of writing a story that is often ‘unsaid, presented in a face-lift way’! The book is set to launch on 24 Oct 2015. We also like to thank you all for the promising reviews and feedback! We are trying to evolve and seek your guidance to do so! Dr. Shayan Haq (author of She) has been instrumental in bringing the story in a harmonious way. His childhood experience at Bengal was handy in picking the scenarios. Rajashree Ghosh editor of ‘She’ gave a patient hearing on the idea initially and the story latter. She gave a Midas Touch to bring right Bengali context in the missing parts of the story. Authors’ take this opportunity to thank her for the contribution! I personally feel She: Ekla Cholo Re would be a worth a thing to ponder over after the quick read!
Blurb: Set in the backdrop of 1990 Calcutta, She is a story about finding one’s own identity in spite of all odds. The story spins around the life of Kusum, a brave heart whose identity is often untitled and blurred; it does not belong anywhere, definitely not under the ‘he’ or ‘she’ bracket, thanks to our social conditioning. Will she be successful in her mission? Find out in She, an utterly absorbing read that derives inspiration from Tagore’s “Ekla Cholo Re” song, which urges everyone to move on despite the fear of abandonment from others.
Author of Title is Untitled ; Black, Grey and White ; Surrogate Author ; Umbilical Cord ; Second Heart
Testimonials
“She is one of the finest book to read” – Sujeeth Kumar, Project Manager, MNC Bengaluru
“A story often untold. Appreciate the team for presenting She in the best possible harmonious way!” – N K Narasimhan, CEO and Co-Founder, Nascor Technologies, Bengaluru
“Don’t miss the ending!” – Raghunath Babu Are, Employee at Microsoft, Bengaluru
Facebook Page : Click Here
October 12, 2015
She : Ekla Cholo Re
‘She: Ekla Cholo Re’ is available for pre-launch at Amazon. Please find the link for the same – click here.
Blurb: Set in the backdrop of 1990 Calcutta, She is a story about finding one’s own identity in spite of all odds. The story spins around the life of Kusum, a brave heart whose identity is often untitled and blurred; it does not belong anywhere, definitely not under the ‘he’ or ‘she’ bracket, thanks to our social conditioning. Will she be successful in her mission? Find out in She, an utterly absorbing read that derives inspiration from Tagore’s “Ekla Cholo Re” song, which urges everyone to move on despite the fear of abandonment from others.
Testimonials
“She is one of the finest book to read” – Sujeeth Kumar, Project Manager, MNC Bengaluru
“A story often untold. Appreciate the team for presenting She in the best possible harmonious way!” – N K Narasimhan, CEO and Co-Founder, Nascor Technologies, Bengaluru
“Don’t miss the ending!” – Raghunath Babu Are, Employee at Microsoft, Bengaluru
Facebook Page : Click Here
October 8, 2015
October 4, 2015
Second Heart Book Review by Solomon Manoj
Solomon Manoj rated a book 4 of 5 stars
#SecondHeart by Dr. Sandeep G Huilgol & Santosh Avvannavar
Second HeartLet me start the review with an apology note to the author who was kind enough to send me a copy in exchange of a review.
Second Heart is an anthology of five fictional stories that deals with various misconceptions that surrounds Kidney also known as Second Heart.
We don’t focus much of Kidneys as much as we do for other vital organs such as heart or brain. As of 2013 17% of urban Indians have kidney disease ( the numbers might have drastically increased), out of which 6% had stage III, which needs medical attention such as dialysis or transplant. The shocking finding is that most of them were not aware of it till reached a chronic stage or have undergone any kidney fuction test (Source: Times of India)
The book provides an insight of the fuction of Kidneys, the reasons/symptoms of diseases and also on pros and cons of dialysis and transplant. The language is simple without much of medical jargons which helps even the lay man to understand.
As always the writings are backed up with data to emphasise the importance of the subject. Doctor’s dairy- a note at the end of each story gives a glimpse of observation of doctors and few do’s and don’ts.
Do give it a read if you want to be aware of your Second Heart.
Reviews: Reviewer 1 ; Reviewer 2 ; Reviewer 3 ; Reviewer 4 ; Reviewer 5 ; Reviewer 6 ; Reviewer 7 ; Review 8
Book Release: NH City, Bengaluru ; With Dr. Devishetty
Media: Link 1
Second Heart Contestant: Link 1
Order Personal Copy: Amazon Ebook ; Amazon Paperback
Other Interview’s: Author Interview 1 Author Interview 2 Author Interview 3 Author Interview 4
Author’s other writings are – The Departing Point I Black, Grey and White I Surrogate Author I Be a B.A. IGet a Job WITHOUT an Interview I Adhuri Prem Kahaniya I Second Heart I Dear Wife, Your Husband is not a Superhero I Title is Untitled
September 30, 2015
September 26, 2015
Umbilical Cord 7
First Review : Maniparna
Second Review : Sahil rated it 3 of 5 stars – Another great read! The book narrates 40 (very real) stories about different situations faced by people from different walks of life. Enjoyed reading the book – it is a very good quick read!
Third Review : Mounika Lakkakula rated it 5 of 5 stars –Firstly I’d like to thank Mr.Santhosh Avvannavar for sending the copy of this wonderful book.I found this book really interesting.40 cords(stories) which define some of the important feelings and instincts of man in his life are just amazing.It really lets people rethink their whole life.I’d refer this book to everyone of my friends.It’s a great read.Thank you once again
Fourth Review : Mutturaj rated it 5 of 5 stars – Indeed a thoughtful read, Umbilical cord explains us that, cords which are important to our lives after we detached from the umbilical cord and I would like to thank authors for sharing wisdom for growth in harmony.
Fifth Review :
Sixth Review : Aishwarya rated it 5 of 5 stars
This time, Santosh Avvannavar has joined hands with Meena R Chandawarkar, the Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka State Women’s University, to come up with his latest book Umbilical Cord: A cord that remains, always, in many ways’ The stories are short and precise. The characters are relatable. This book has something for everyone. Its a wonderful attempt to bring awareness to issues like female foeticide, child marriage, AIDS, and even concepts of live-in relationship and house husbands in India. I am sure it will make the readers pause and ponder. In no way have I ever felt that the reader is being preached- such is the impeccable writing style. Kudos!
Seventh Review : Shilpa Patil rated it 4 of 5 stars
An excellent creation.The authors have gone an extra mile to create bunch of stories into a small readable book.Kudos! to its framing thoughts and explanations.
Eighth Review : Kalyan P
Ninth Review : Romila
Tenth Review : Nandhini
Eleventh Review : Nithish Jayasheela says 'The Short stories which end with a tickle somewhere in your heart. The heart after finishing a Cord looks put for what next part will the next CordTickle.The book talks of reality, mishaps as well of some feel good Stuff. It is a Mixture of emotions talking of realities in life. Cheers Santa Santosh Avvannavar! You have really matured as a writer. #UmbilicalCord. Looking forward for your next book.(If asked to rate I would give a full 5/5)'
Ebook : Amazon
Facebook Page : UC
“Here comes a compilation of 40 short stories by Meena R Chandawarkar and Santosh Avvannavar that uses The Umbilical Cord as a metaphor to bring social awareness and intends to draw the reader’s attention towards the society. The stories in this book revolve around love, forgiveness, empathy etc. as society is a cobweb of relationships. There is something for everyone in this book. Read on to find out which ‘cord’ is closer to your heart, as the Umbilical Cord is an attachment that remains forever…the name says it all…”
September 25, 2015
Black Grey and White Book Reviews
Book launch of BGWGreat job done by both the authors, it’s a must read book, especially for the today’s youth, who takes sex in a liberal way. It’s an eye opening book. For Further reading visit here – Foundation of Joy
Vikalp Trivedi rated a book 4 of 5 stars
In India AIDS is not only a disease but a social problem . In our country if anyone is infected by AIDS makes that person a social pariah irrespective of what was the behind the infaction . The reason of people get victimised by this deadly disease is lack of awareness and somewhere the overconservative thinking of our nation is highly responsible for this. It is not a topic on which we should remain quite we should talk about it , we should be aware about it . Here in this book the authors have done a commendable job to spread awareness about AIDS through the short stories . The stories not only focuses on the awareness of the disease but also on the social perspectives and even myths related to the disease (in story – 1, Shahid – The Martyr). All the stories have same agenda with different social backgrounds and different takes on AIDS . A really great book and a book needed to be read .
Shwetha H S rated a book 4 of 5 stars
This book is a good attempt at bringing awareness in our society, which still behaves primitively when it comes to being around HIV infected people, by trying to burst the myth around it. You read it or gift it to someone. Help in raising awareness about HIV.
Other Review: Rajashree Ghosh ; Shilpa Patil ; Md. Ishaq ; Jayasree ; Pradeep T ; NandhiniBookReview ; Jyothi Byahatti ; Nishitha
Buy your personal copy: Link 1; Link 2 ; Link 3 ; Link 4
Interview with Blogger: Author Interview 1 Author Interview 2 Author Interview 3 Author Interview 4 Author Interview 5
Media: Link
Techgoss Coverage : Link
Author’s other writings are – The Departing Point I Black, Grey and White I Surrogate Author I Be a B.A. IGet a Job WITHOUT an Interview I Adhuri Prem Kahaniya I Second Heart I Dear Wife, Your Husband is not a Superhero I Title is Untitled
September 24, 2015
Umbilical Cord 6
First Review : Maniparna
Second Review : Sahil rated it 3 of 5 stars – Another great read! The book narrates 40 (very real) stories about different situations faced by people from different walks of life. Enjoyed reading the book – it is a very good quick read!
Third Review : Mounika Lakkakula rated it 5 of 5 stars –Firstly I’d like to thank Mr.Santhosh Avvannavar for sending the copy of this wonderful book.I found this book really interesting.40 cords(stories) which define some of the important feelings and instincts of man in his life are just amazing.It really lets people rethink their whole life.I’d refer this book to everyone of my friends.It’s a great read.Thank you once again
Fourth Review : Mutturaj rated it 5 of 5 stars – Indeed a thoughtful read, Umbilical cord explains us that, cords which are important to our lives after we detached from the umbilical cord and I would like to thank authors for sharing wisdom for growth in harmony.
Fifth Review :
Sixth Review : Aishwarya rated it 5 of 5 stars
This time, Santosh Avvannavar has joined hands with Meena R Chandawarkar, the Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka State Women’s University, to come up with his latest book Umbilical Cord: A cord that remains, always, in many ways’
The stories are short and precise. The characters are relatable. This book has something for everyone. Its a wonderful attempt to bring awareness to issues like female foeticide, child marriage, AIDS, and even concepts of live-in relationship and house husbands in India. I am sure it will make the readers pause and ponder. In no way have I ever felt that the reader is being preached- such is the impeccable writing style. Kudos!
Seventh Review : Shilpa Patil rated it 4 of 5 stars
An excellent creation.The authors have gone an extra mile to create bunch of stories into a small readable book.Kudos! to its framing thoughts and explanations.
Eighth Review : Kalyan P
Ninth Review : Romila
Tenth Review : Nandhini
Ebook : Amazon
Facebook Page : UC
“Here comes a compilation of 40 short stories by Meena R Chandawarkar and Santosh Avvannavar that uses The Umbilical Cord as a metaphor to bring social awareness and intends to draw the reader’s attention towards the society. The stories in this book revolve around love, forgiveness, empathy etc. as society is a cobweb of relationships. There is something for everyone in this book. Read on to find out which ‘cord’ is closer to your heart, as the Umbilical Cord is an attachment that remains forever…the name says it all…”
