Destination Infinity's Blog, page 6

Mossad – History of the Popular Israeli Secret Service (Book Review)

Mossad is one of the world’s most popular and effective secret services. It belongs to the little country of Jewish Israel, surrounded by hostile neighbors.

I read ‘Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service‘ by Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal. It’s a riveting account of some of the daring missions undertaken by Mossad from the time of its inception shortly after World War II.

It seems the British brought affected Jews from Germany and settled them in their (former) colony in Asia, which later became independent Israel. See Israel and surrounding countries in Google Maps.

This book gives information about a few of Mossad’s important missions in history – from finding and prosecuting Nazi criminals who escaped after the allied and soviet conquest of Germany, to rescuing and uniting Jews from across the world.

In the initial years, the CIA didn’t take Mossad seriously. Mossad got hold of a highly secret document containing details about the crimes committed by the former Soviet chief Joseph Stalin. The western intelligence agencies had been looking to get this document for a long but failed. When the new Mossad handed it over to the CIA, the latter recognized Mossad’s capabilities and gradually started working with them.

How far would someone go to gather intelligence? A Mossad agent becomes an important politician in an enemy country who has access to the most important people (and classified information) of that country. He was about to be appointed as the law minister of that country when, accidentally, he was caught!

In another account, the author goes to describe how far the agency goes to find a single child who could have been hidden anywhere in the world. The kidnapping of that child was the reason for an internal strife between liberal and conservative Jews in Israel and Mossad is tasked with the impossible task of finding the child. Yes, they find him – mostly by instinct than by just investigative procedures.

Many other activities of Mossad, including the destruction of weapons of mass destruction in enemy countries, the rescue of hijacked civilians from terrorists in enemy countries, etc., have been detailed in good measure. No wonder there are so many Hollywood movies that feature Mossad agents.

One thing that struck me the most is how far Mossad (and Israel) would go to rescue and unite Jews, even from the remotest parts of the world. That brotherhood and mutual compassion are what keeps the little but powerful country united, I guess.

Read or listen to the book, you won’t be disappointed.

Destination Infinity

PS: Can you believe – Mossad even has a website?

Happy Diwali :)

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Diwali (click). May the festival of lights (not crackers) bring more harmony to your life

Destination Infinity

My Short Stories Kindle eBook

I published a Kindle eBook called “Short Stories with a Twist” in 2016. I published it shortly after my novella The Archers Revenge. I am sure many of you remember that novella, but this Short Stories collection is one book that I didn’t promote much.

During those days, I was passionately writing many short stories and publishing them on this blog. I think I have written more than 60 short stories. I selected (what I considered to be) the best 9 stories, added two more exclusively for the ebook, and published it at a low price of $0.99. Because that’s the minimum cost, I am allowed to charge!

And then I forgot about it and was busy with video creation.

But recently, I accidentally stumbled upon the Kindle page for that book and was surprised to find ten reviews and a cumulative rating of almost 4.5 stars. The GoodReads page had 35+ reviews, but the rating was lower there.

I was surprised that so many people had bought the ebook and had taken the time to rate it and review it – even if it was just a one-star.

So, after a long time, I went back to KDP and decided to run a promotion now – I have made it free to download for all for two days – Sept. 29 & Sept. 30, 2022. If you visit this post after Sept. 29, it’s just $0.99. Since this book is also enrolled in KDP select, it’s available to read for free in the Kindle Unlimited program.

Even if you don’t intend to read it right away, I request you all to buy and download it while it’s free. That will help sell my book better, later on.

Looks like you can never take the author out of me!

Destination Infinity

PS-1: If you find it difficult to read, you can still download the book and listen to it (though text-to-speech) using @Voice Aloud Reader on your mobile.

PS-2: Here is a supposedly fun book-trailer I arranged to be made back then hoping it would go viral. But it backfired tremendously

Ponniyin Selvan – 1 (PS-1) Cast Selection [My Thoughts]

Ponniyin Selvan is a Tamil historical novel series written and published by Kalki in the 1950s. It is so popular even today that every year at the Chennai Book Fair, I find many stalls stocking this series. It’s loosely based on the story of Raja Raja Cholan, a famous 10th Century ruler of the Chola dynasty.

Having read all the books in this Ponniyin Selvan series, I would like to share my thoughts on the cast selection for the soon-to-be-released PS-1 movie (Sept. 30, 2022), based on the same novel. I am going to address only the major roles.

Karthi as Vanthiyathevan – I think this is a perfect match. Although Arulmozhi Varman is the King, I feel, Vanthiyathevan is the protagonist of this novel. We experience the story through his eyes, for the most part. Karthi’s casual but serious style should be a perfect fit for this role.

Aishwarya Rai as Nandhini – I was surprised when the Wikipedia page containing the cast details for this film doesn’t mention this character! Nandhini may not appear frequently in the novel, but she is the main and the most powerful antagonist. And I think Aishwarya Rai is a good choice for this role.

Trisha as Kundhavai – Bad choice. A younger Trisha might have been perfect for the role of Vaanathi, but Kundhavai, the elder sister of Arulmozhi Varman, is a very clever character. Trisha could still be able to portray the character, but I don’t think she can bring the brilliance of Kundhavai as portrayed in the novel. Maybe Nithya Menen or Aishwarya Rajesh or Kangana Renaut might have played this role better.

Jayam Ravi as Arul Mozhi Varman – Good choice. Frankly, this character is not the hero of this book. He is not the mover and shaker, at least not until the last two volumes.

Sarath Kumar as Periya Pazhuvettaiyar – This could work if Sarath recreates the magic of Surya Vamsam. But frankly, I think, Prakash Raj or Prabhu or Nasser (all of whom act in this movie) would have been better for this important, forceful, and slightly villainous character. My choice would be Prakash Raj.

Jayaram as Alwarkadiyan – Perfect match. I am confident that this difficult character can be brought to life only by the Jayaram of Thenali. If you’ve watched that movie you’ll know what a brilliant actor he is, and you’d be confident that he alone can be Alwarkadiyan.

Aishwarya Lekshmi as Poonguzhali – Should work. This bubbly character appears prominently in the novel and I think Aishwarya Lekshmi should be able to pull it off.

Parthiban as Chinna Pazhuvettaiar – Fine, although Parthiban needs to give his career best to bring this strong and brave character to life.

Prakash Raj as Sundara Cholar – Prakash Raj can pull of any character, I know. But his talent is an overkill for Sundara Cholar is what I feel. His presence might be a little overbearing for the old and ailing Sundara Cholar we meet in the novel.

Sobhita Dhulipala as Vaanathi – I have not seen her act, so can’t comment much. However, by her looks I feel she should suit the role. This is a shy character with not much scope for expressive action.

Rahman as Mathuranthagar – Another excellent choice.

There are other characters also. For the full list refer to this Wikipedia page.

Disclaimer: I am no expert at cast selection. Since I have read the books I have already picturized each character in my mind. These thoughts are based on how much these people match my imagination. In reality, although there is always the ideal, multiple practical considerations might have limited the cast selection.

But what impresses me is, how close Mani Rathnam has come to the ideal. Hats off to the director (and the casting in-charge) for this mammoth effort – in spite of the limitations imposed by COVID.

Destination Infinity

Our Youtube Channel for Free Online Games

Ramya and I have started a new Gaming Youtube channel – WS Free Games.

This initiative is focused on finding, playing, recording, and publishing exciting online games that are free of cost to play.

On this gaming Youtube channel, you can see gameplay recordings and determine which game interests you the most. Then you just click the game link in the description and go play it. As simple as that!

I have made a promo video/channel trailer for our new youtube channel, which I have embedded above.

Frankly, Ramya is doing the bulk of the work in this channel. Initially, I was hesitant to play because that didn’t sound like the thing adults do. For making this trailer, I played a few games, and already I am hooked on to one of them

Actually, playing these games is an excellent stress buster. It relaxes the mood like no other. But if you overdo it, it can be a time waster as well. So be wise and stick to a schedule.

Destination Infinity

Animated Series in Tamil @ Pappu Stories

A couple of my friends are involved in the production and animation of a new Tamil Series called A to Y Services. To know why it’s not been called A to Z Services, you’ll have to watch the video

They have just released the first part of the story I have embedded above. This has been done in the unique cubic world style in 3D animation. I think that’s unique among Tamil series or even short films.

Since I like their initiative, I thought, why not write about it on my blog and spread the word? See the above video and share it in your circles if you like it.

You can also visit Pappu Kathaigal youtube channel and subscribe to it if you want to see further episodes and other animated movies in Tamil.

I wish the team all the very best to achieve success

Destination Infinity

Science & Wellness Exhibition at Vasantham Special Needs School

Since Vasantham School & Home for people with special needs is close to our home at Mogappair East, Chennai (behind the East bus terminus), we got a chance to visit their annual science and wellness exhibition, ‘Arivom Ariviyal.’

Specially abled children had prepared many exhibits on science and technology. They were even enthusiastically explaining their exhibits to the visitors with the help of their teachers. Here are a few photos from the exhibition –

They were selling a few products made/packaged by the special kids like bags, purses, plants, snacks, toys, eatables, etc.

If you see this post by tomorrow (Wed, Aug. 17), you could visit the exhibition. Even otherwise, they have a permanent shop outside their premises from where you can buy products to support this good initiative.

Finally, I leave you with a nice balloon arrangement on the tricolour theme they had displayed for Independence day –

Destination Infinity

What did We do when a Tiger Attacked us?

So that’s what we did when a Tiger attacked us

After almost 1.5 years of filming our bike scene video, I finally got to edit it. Here is the video I made with our Bajaj Avenger 150 Street that I remodeled slightly 1.5 years back.

On a positive note, I have been driving my bike over the last couple of months, if only nearby, around our area. Sciatica pain comes up if I drive or walk longer than 30 minutes. I have been advised by a friend’s family friend to get exposed to direct sunlight for one hour a day to increase my Vitamin D3 levels. I have been doing it diligently over the last couple of months – let’s hope for the best

Destination Infinity

Customized Diamond/Gemstone Jewellery in Chennai

Above embedded is a short promo video I made for Mohan Jewellery, a customized diamond and gemstone jewellery seller in Mylapore, Chennai.

Mohan Jewellery is a 132-year-old Jewellery brand established and run by Arya-Vysya community members in Chennai. Their shop is opposite Vivekananda College @ Mylapore.

Among other products, they offer gold, diamond, gemstone jewellery, platinum jewellery, and even digital gold. They make customized gemstone jewellery with the following gems – Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Garnet, Coral, Gomathak, Cat’s Eye, Amethyst, Citrine, etc.

Mohan Jewellery Website (Click); Mohan Jewellery Facebook Page (Click)

Why did the British ACTUALLY leave India?

# Gandhi’s Non-Violent movement/struggle is considered to be the main reason why the British left India, at least in textbooks. While this non-violent people’s revolution was a major factor in getting Independence, it was far from being the only reason. Let’s remember that the British had been handling the challenges that Gandhi and INC posed, for over two-and-a-half decades – in 1947.

# Was Subhas Chandra Bose the reason? Subhas Chandra Bose managed to build an army from outside India, and even threatened the British in Myanmar and North-East India. But once the Japanese troops (who were helping him alongside) left, his army couldn’t do much against the superior British forces.

People consider Subhas’s Indian forces fighting against our own British Indian forces as one of the lowest points in colonial India. Because, technically, Indians were fighting Indians! But when you read the ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ point in this article, you’ll change your mind.

# Was Hitler and his Second World War the reason? The WWII was a major factor. World War II created conditions that eventually aided Indian Independence. But if the world war was the main factor, India would have won Independence in 1918, after the first world war when similar conditions prevailed. Or, India would have gotten freedom in 1945 when the war ended and the British were at their weakest. That too didn’t happen.

What happened from 1945 to 1947?

Immediately after World War II, the British, like any good colonialist, attempted to consolidate and strengthen their hold on India. But the following three factors, along with the above-mentioned ones, finally ensured the British left India.

# Economic Losses

Due to the second world war, the British needed lot of ammunition, soldiers, and other wartime materials. India provided them. But that did not come for free – the British had to pay for them. Although they used the taxes collected in India to pay, it was insufficient. So they had to pay from their own pockets.

The British thought they could resume making profits out of India after the war ended. But they couldn’t.

# Religious Conflicts

The Hindu-Muslim violence did not start after the partition was announced. It started right after the World War II because Indians knew the British were leaving, and were concerned about the power structures in the Independent nation.

Although both agreed to it later, initially, Gandhi did not want partition. Neither did Jinnah. But the idea was pushed by the last British Governor General Mountbatten who saw it as the only feasible solution to the religious unrest.

Unless the British had seen the Religious conflicts as an administrative nightmare, they wouldn’t have come to this conclusion.

One rare occasion when internal/religious conflict actually helped us!

# Sepoy Mutiny

No, this is not the Sepoy Mutiny that happened in 1857. This was the upcoming Sepoy Mutiny that would have happened in 1947-48 had the British not left India.

When the British left India, just over 0.1 million British administrators were ruling 300 million Indians. Guess what was their trump card? Yes, the British Indian soldiers (sepoys).

In 1857, when the British Indian Sepoys mutinied, Britain quickly dispatched soldiers from home. But in 1945, because of Hitler’s world war, the British forces in Europe were hugely depleted.

Emboldened by the Japanese & Bose’s victories against the British in Asia, the British Indian soldiers saw the European supremacy theory folding to dust.

The British Indian soldiers helped the British in their world war but got nothing in return.

The British-trained Indian soldiers captured from Nethaji’s force were being jailed and unfairly tried for treason.

All this infuriated the British Indian soldiers and mutities had already began in the British Indian army and the navy during 1945-47.

How could the British administrators be secure if they couldn’t depend on their own force? In the end, when it mattered, the British Indian sepoys demonstrated their disloyalty to the British.

Whatever the Indian sepoys might have done to fellow Indians in the past, what they did in 1945-47 was crucial in the British deciding to leave India.

Did Gandhi & INC not play a major role in helping us gain Freedom?

They did.

In 1942, when Churchill diverted Indian foodgrains to aid Britain’s war efforts in Europe and created the Britian-made famine in Bengal, Gandhi and the members of INC were furious.

Gandhi started the Quit India movement, but he realized that the entire INC top command was going to be jailed – as usual.

So this time Gandhi did something different.

Instead of directing the protest from top-down, he let the masses take charge of the revolution and keep the flame going even in the absence of the leaders. Even if that meant using some violence. This bit he didn’t say, but it was implied.

People took the cue and gave hell to the British administrators and merchants across the Indian subcontinent.

No wonder the British wanted to leave India in 1947, instead of 1948 as they had planned earlier.