Santosh Avvannavar's Blog, page 62
November 14, 2015
National Award Nominee launch ‘She: Ekla Cholo Re’ book at Hyderabad
Dr. Shayan Haq and Santosh Avvannavar, authors’ and Rajashree Ghosh, Editor introduce their work, ‘She: Ekla Cholo Re,’ was released in Bengaluru, Nov 07, 2015 by Mr Gopal Hosur, Rtd IPS and Nov 14 by Mr Ramana, National Award Nominee and Scientist.
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
Other Reviews : Click Here
Facebook Page : Click Here
Editor’s View: Click Here
Shayan Haq, Authors’ View : Click Here
November 11, 2015
The Departing Point Book Review by Vinayak (aka Avenger)
Avenger rated it 4 of 5 stars
Shelves: first-reads
**** First of all, I would like to mention that I received this book free in a giveaway hosted on goodreads by the respective authors ****
This book is a mixture of 7 different love stories where the love stories culminate to a sad ending wherein in the most of the cases, it’s the boys who are dejected !!! The authors have put a twinge of humor to the stories which augments the interest in the book. Each love story ends with an implicit/explicit message to the readers. Once I was done with reading the book, I felt there could have been few more.
My favorite lines from the books :
“While I cannot prevent the birds(desires, thoughts) from flying over my head(heart), I can prevent them from making a nest(controlling) in my hair(spirit)”.
Overall I liked this book and would recommend to those who are looking for a quick-love read.
Thanks for the copy once again!!
More reviews: Click Here
Seven breezy stories with light humour is now available at stores Pothi , Amazon ,Flipkart
About the book Love Can & Frequently Asked Love Questions (FALQ)
Facebook Page The Departing Point
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November 8, 2015
Gopal Hosur launch ‘She: Ekla Cholo Re’
Dr. Shayan Haq and Santosh Avvannavar, authors’ and Rajashree Ghosh, Editor introduce their work, ‘She: Ekla Cholo Re,’ was released in Bengaluru, Nov 07, 2015 by Mr Gopal Hosur, Rtd IPS.
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
November 7, 2015
Rajashree Ghosh Editor of ‘She: Ekla Cholo Re’
Rajashree Ghosh: Rajashree started her career 8 years ago and went on to dabble in content writing, editing, and technical writing until motherhood decision of her life. In this new phase of her life, she got an opportunity to work on myriad exciting projects. She is a post-graduate in English Literature and a self- confessed aficionado of cinema. She houses the musings of her soul in her blog https://rajashreeghosh.wordpress.com/. Married to the love of her life, she currently lives in Bangalore. She can be contacted at ghosh.rajashree@gmail.com
Rajashree Ghosh, Editor of She : Ekla Cholo Re brings her experience and perspective to the book!
She1: What were your reaction as an editor of ‘She’ after the first time read?
It was an absolute joy editing She; 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.
She2: ‘She’ character Kusum draws inspirations from Ekla Cholo Re song, what is your take away from it?
I think it’s a very apt song to derive inspiration from. It’s a song of life that celebrates the spirit of finding one’s identity by believing in oneself.
She 3: The book seem to have an interesting ending, how did you see it as an editor and reader point of view?
I thought the ending of the book is it’s USP. The first time the author briefed me about Kusum’s story, I decided to edit the manuscript mainly because of the ending! It was great to see the book take shape gradually from what started off as an editing project for me. Turning the pages of the book as a reader is an awesome feeling altogether.
She 4 : Why do you think She could be one of the important milestone book that has progressive approach to inspire readers and writers?
Simply because it deals with a person who do not fall under the ‘normal’ category. It’s about a person who is trapped in someone else’s body. A lot has been said/written about people like us who do not have to deal issues like this; but I think this is the first time that a story revolves round the pain and suffering of a transgender. This makes it progressive and thus an inspiration to many others.
She 5: Could you tell the story of ‘She’ in few lines?
She’ is a story of a brave heart who is set to explore an identity that is often untitled, that does not belong anywhere, definitely not under the ‘he’ or ‘she’ bracket because of the pre conceived notion that each one possesses. ‘She’ draws inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore’s “Ekla Cholo re” song that urges everyone to move on despite facing abandonment from others.
We have received 25 reviews so far: some of them here
Facebook Page : Click Here
October 30, 2015
More Review 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.
‘… And the twist at the end was a classic one.’- Nandhini (Rating ★★★★) Further reading visit – blog
‘For the first in my life, I have a read a book without putting it down and completed it on one go’ – Sr. Victoria (Rating ★★★★★)
‘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 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 the 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 projected 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 the strengths of your book?
Views: First of all, there is inspiration to the book and that too also from a 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 equality 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 such milestones to us!
Secondly, We, doctors see a lot of patients. We see the sufferings of people. We not only treat 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 end 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 a 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 from the book.
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 have any control in the hands of society. Despite of all the shortcomings ‘She’ finds and make a way for herself through her inspiration, a 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
