Book Review by Ashutosh Thakur (Bhaskar Live)

 Ashutosh Thakur has penned one of the sweetest reviews. He calls The Awasthis of Aamnagri a thoroughly engaging read. 

Thank you for the words of encouragement. 

You can also read it here: Review

Coverage by Times of India Adda 24

 ADDA 24 TIMES OF INDIA

Coverage by Sambad & Dharitri Odiya newspapers

Dharitri

Sambad

Coverage by Prameya

 

Coverage Continues.

 Bhubaneswar News:

Odisha Post

Review in OmCom News

 

Review in Political & Business Daily

As any author will tell you, reviews are precious. Whether they are from widely circulating dailies and literary critics or small time newspapers which have a closed group readership. Each review is precious. For many reasons. It gives valuable feedback on how the book has been received by readers, what is it that struck a chord or did not interest them, and thus, guides the author on her journey of self improvement. Each review will tell you something, some more and some less. 

Read on for the review by PBD, Cuttack.

I have never put pressure on myself to write!

Pragativadi literally translates to "the progressive one". It is one of the popular daily newspapers in Odia that has a fairly good readership base in Odisha. They came to interview me as a prelude to the book launch of The Awasthis of Aamnagri as part of their "Sakhyaatkaar" or interview series and I was compelled to do some soul searching to answer their questions. 

One of the recurring questions that have been posed are how I find time to write despite being a full-time professional and part-time home maker. The truth is that I also do not know. What I do know is that I do not indulge in self castigation if I cannot find time to write, I do not push myself to write as I have no deadlines to meet and above all because for me writing is a source of pleasure and self fulfillment. It is not penance. 

For those who cannot read Odia, the headline says: 

"I have never put pressure on myself to write!"

REVIEW BY DEEPAN

The Awasthis of Aamnagri have come. And they are meeting people. From different backgrounds, in different places and with different tastes. 

One such wonderful young man who encountered The Awasthis is Deepan Maitra. He describes himself as:

My name is Deepan and I am a sophomore pursuing Computer Science at IIT Ropar. I am a creativity enthusiast who loves creating and learning new things. A reader and a blogger, I regularly update my opinions on bookish stuff through my social media handles. Apart from that, I occasionally sing, paint and do digital art. I blog at:   https://deepansbookshelf.wordpress.com/

When he first mentioned that he would be reviewing The Awasthis of Aamnagri, I was apprehensive. After all, I was a 40+ writer writing about an age and era when young people like Deepan were not even born. I asked myself, Would he appreciate the story, the setting, the characters? Therefore, when I received this glowing review on Instagram, I was filled with childish delight. I had always claimed that The Awasthis of Aamnagri is a story that cuts across geography and time, that you could belong to any part of India, indeed the world, and you would still enjoy reading it. Deepan's review strengthened my claims. Read along to know what Deepan has to say about The Awasthis of Aamnagri:

‘The Awasthis of Aamnagri’ comes with an old age charm, a pinch of nostalgia and pulls us along memorabilia of childhood, family, joint living and days gone by. It doesn’t take us long to appreciate how effortlessly the stories have a vintage feel to them, and how they carry a smell of the past. 

The Awasthis are a family full of chirpiness, quirk and eventfulness. Their days are marked by ordinary happenings becoming memorable within the blink of an eye—gliding between fun, frolic and hubbub. This book presents itself through a collection of stories, each rooting itself around the Awasthis and their way of leading life. There is an immense touch of joint living, of families bound together by harmony and tradition; firmly affirming the belief that the people in the house would never let a day go dull. 

The main element of the book is an acute and often humourous family drama, which paves the way for the many characters to play their roles amidst hubbub, excitement and vigour. The charming writing style soon takes us into a world of sepia tones and forgotten memories, making our hearts wrench with sweet feelings of homecoming. 

‘Awasthis of Aamnagri’ stays true to the quote that ‘Home is where the heart is’. Truly enough, it makes us realize that there was a point in our lives when all this quintessential drama and gossip was what made our days imbibe colour and vibration. Putting to play some really fantastic simple elements of family mystery, superstitions, secret expeditions, troubles and predicaments—this book has made me go beyond a life cocooned into a nuclear family, over the top of walls sedimented with cement and through roads that lead the way home.  

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You can also see the original review with the oh-so aesthetically placed flowers and fruit here: Deepan's Book Shelf or Deepan's Blog

It's a pity you couldn't get mangoes for the picture though, Deepan! 

Coverage by DD Odiya

Who does not remember switching on the black and white television set at 5 pm in the evening to see the yin and yang twining and inter-twining on screen and Doordarshan's signature tune playing in the background? Over the years, presentation has become slick, the anchors and news readers more tech savvy and the tune more refined. Yet, the instinctive feeling of reliability and solidness that the name- Doordarshan- evokes, remain unchanged. 

To have them cover the launch of my second book, The Awasthis of Aamnagri, was delightful. 

 

Book Discussion at India International Centre, New Delhi

 India International Centre or IIC. 

The name evokes visions of leisure, languor and a slow-paced lifestyle. Where one sits on wicker chairs in the lush green lawns soaking in the winter sunshine or relaxes in the lounges waiting for hot, scrumptious food to be served by people who have the warmth and familiarity of old friends. Time does not rush in IIC. It is an oasis in the hustle-bustle of Delhi, perhaps because most of its members and patrons have earned their rest and now have time to enjoy the finer things in life.

A book discussion at IIC was both exciting and unnerving. My initial reaction was one of trepidation: Here were some of the most well read persons who were going to dissect and take apart my precious offering, 'The Awasthis of Aamnagri'. Fortunately my co-panelists were gracious and generous and put me at ease. The panel had eminent litterateurs such as Prof. Malashri Lal and Prof.Madhu Khanna. It was headed by Dr. Ajay Mathur, whose subtle sense of humour and command over the language makes him a magician with words. Facing such stalwarts was indeed disconcerting yet, encouraging. Thus, I did what every writer does- took shelter behind my book!

The interaction was lively and entertaining. It also brought home to me the stark fact that at the end of the day, we are more like each other than we realise. Our memories are similar, our pasts have a shared thread that makes us comfortable with each other despite the differences of geography or language. We all share that mango in our backyard or the summer vacations at our grandparents house.... 

The link to the youtube recording is: https://youtu.be/xgXxoi-Wtlg

If you have any observations or comments, you can write them in the comments box below.

Book Discussion in Kalinga Literary Festival

KLF or Kalinga Literary Festival has emerged as a popular name on the Odisha Literary circuit in the last few years. As COVID19 rampaged far and wide and instilled fear and dread in the bravest of brave hearts, the interaction was organised by KLF in virtual mode. On one side was the talented Trisha De Niyogi, Executive Director of Niyogi Books sitting in cold Delhi. At the other end was humble me, sweating it out in balmy Bhubaneswar. 

For ease, I've split the video into multiple segments and one can watch it in bits and pieces, as one feels like.

Do you have any questions for The Awasthis of Aamnagri apart from what Trisha asked? Let me know in the comments box.

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FROM THE MOTHER OF YAJNASENI

This was sometime in 2012. I had read Chitra Divakaruni’s “The Palace of Illusions” a few months ago and was spell bound. I don’t recall the last time an Indian author had held me in such thrall. I could not get the book out of my mind. The freshness with which she dealt with the tale of The Mahabharata, a story that we had grown up listening to, was amazing. I could go on and on, endlessly about the different facets of the book that made such an indelible impression on my mind.

That is when I came across Dr.Pratibha Ray’s novel- Yajnaseni. She, who is born out of the fire of the sacred Yagna- Draupadi. I was mesmerized. After other book, I lost my heart once again. Perhaps it is the character of Draupadi who refuses to leave the reader. She is strong yet vulnerable, perfect in all ways possible, yet is not above weaknesses. She is real. She is you or me.

Though I have served in Odisha for several years, I did not have the opportunity to meet its author, the Janpeeth laureate and Padmashri, Dr.Pratibha Ray. However, when my second book and maiden novel was to be launched in Bhubaneswar, I thought to myself, how nice it would be to get the blessings of Dr.Ray for my effort to turn into a novelist.

Man proposes but God disposes. His ways are at times beyond comprehension. So though Dr.Ray could not join the book launch function, she sent a video recorded message that is one of the most precious gifts I have ever received. And if you do not believe me, hear her wonderful blessings yourself.

 

 

 

 

Featured by Indian Mandarins

 Shubha Sarma is back with her 2nd work of fiction. 

Music to my ears because sometimes I felt I'd never be able to complete the book. At other times, I despaired of finding a good publisher who would take it to readers across the country. 

But finally, its here.

The Awasthis of Aamnagri. 

BOOK LAUNCH AT BAKUL LIBRARY, BHUBANESWAR

 I stumbled upon Bakul Library in Bhubaneswar in 2007. I was a young mother with two small children looking for a good library from where they could borrow books. It led me to Bakul.

More than a decade later, I'm back there with books. But this time, its for the launch of my second book and novella- The Awasthis of Aamnagri. 

It is an honour to have Dr.Pratibha Ray and Dr,Debasis Panigrahi, both eminent authors at the launch. The vibrant live-wire Tanaya Patnaik would be speaking at the event and moderating it.

More on this, after the launch.

GIVING BACK- SALSAA SPEAKERS

 All my life I have been blessed to receive the love and affection of my teachers. In the formative years of my life, I studied in a small school in small Lucknow, or at least that is how the City of the Nawabs used to be in the 1980s and early 1990s. the school was run by Irish nuns and was part of the Loreto family. But we were akin to the poorer country cousins and never received the recognition of our better off sisters in posh Gautampalli area.

Years passed. I had the opportunity to study in many other institutions. But St. Agnes’ Loreto Day School continues to occupy a special place in my heart. It was my first school- Where I made friends for life, where I made my mistakes, learnt from them and gathered the courage and strength to move to bigger challenges.

So I was pleasantly surprised when a classmate sent a message one day asking if I’d agree to a mentorship webinar for the young students who might be interested in civil services as a career option. I jumped at the chance to connect with my alma mater. A few days after this conversation, The Awasthis of Aamnagri was ready for its launch. Incidentally, the book is set in the same locality as my school. So it seemed perfect that my book launch and the SALSAA Talk should happen on the same day.

Here is a recording of the discussion. It was beautifully moderated and well attended. In fact, I was surprised that so many people turned up on a Saturday evening. Or as my son, ever determined to keep me grounded and humble, remarked, perhaps they had nothing better to do in these strange times!  

LOSING YOURSELF IN THE VALLEY OF WORDS

In the last few years, Literary festivals have sprouted faster than mushrooms in the rains. But the Valley of Words is one festival with a difference. Curated with care, it provides an unmatched platform to talented writers, authors and poets to share their creations.

Therefore, when I received the offer to launch by second book, the Awasthis of Aamnagri, at the next edition of the VoW, I was extremely excited. And I was not disappointed. Right from the technical team, that made it possible for the festival to be organized online, to the moderator, Ms.Madhulika, everything was picture perfect. As one would expect in beautiful Mussoorie.

It was also the 1^st launch of my book and I replied to all the questions with brutal honesty. In hindsight perhaps a little bit of diplomacy might have worked better!

Here is a short recording of the book launch programme.

 

Bidding Adieu!

 

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"

When I first started a blog, my goal was to share: share my thoughts about my debut book, share excerpts, entice readers to take a peek into the book and come back to tell me what they thought about it; share my baby with the world like a proud young mother.

After a lot of deliberation, I named it after the first story in the book- Fly on the Wall. And then because there were twelve other stories, I decided to call it Fly on the Wall & Other Stories. That was simple and easy. Surprisingly, the name was also available and thus, was born my blog by this name.

It helped that there were other interpretations to the name that added to its mystique. Every writer, somewhere, is a fly, sitting on the wall, the furniture, your shoulder, silently observing what people say, do or sometimes think. The writer has access to the inner most happenings and developments because he/ she has the chameleon like capacity to remain unobserved herself.

Many fellow writers agreed with my take on the much-hated fly. You could observe and write at will, but a crushing blow from your audience (the readers here!) and you were history. Or Flystory. A lot of readers also reached out to me saying they liked the title as it reminded them that as readers, they were silent observers too; partaking of other’s lives quietly and unobtrusively.  

Since 2013, when I first started the blog, it has come a long way. It is an outlet for me to write about something that concerns me deeply, though I have restricted my self to the field of literature. To go back and write my blog was one of the most relaxing and comforting feelings.

Thus, when I launched my second book- The Awasthis of Aamnagri, I was in a quandry. Should I start a new blog for this book? I did not want to as I loved my current blog. The only alternative was to modify the name. and that is when it struck me how attached one can become to inanimate, irrelevant things such as the name of the blog. It might sound silly, but the day I changed its name to reflect my identity as an author and not my debut book, was an emotional one. I don’t think most readers would notice or realise the change but I KNEW and it mattered to me.

So here is my ode to my debut book that has given me so much- my blog, my identity as an author, my passion of writing and so many more emotions that cannot be expressed here.

The Fly on the Wall has moved on. To make space for her newer sibling.

The fly on the wall has arrived.

Featured by Indian Masterminds

The last few months have been different. 

For many reasons; with each of us developing our own coping mechanism and trying to make the best of the situation- the proverb of life, lemons, lemonades and all.

In the midst of this, I was getting phone calls from complete strangers who seemed to know all about my spouse and son and wanted to offer admissions in all kinds of courses in some wonderful places. Lakes, Hills, Forests, Cities were proudly mentioned as locales. They seemed fabulous at least as far as their names went. Initially, I felt rewarded. Due to his hard work, all these wonderful people were CALLING us, some of them repeatedly, and literally pursuing us for admissions. Wow! Then, as the naivety wore off, reality struck. It was a marketing exercise and we were literally rupiahs in their eyes. 

I went into Sherlock Holmes mode. Who shared my mobile number? My name? My husband's name? My son's name? His class scores? etc etc. Was it the examination conducting authorities and Boards? Was it the school?

The unsuspecting callers were happy to tell. 

The transformation from chirpy, grateful mother to suspicious, not-too-happy-to-be-disturbed angry old woman was quick. 

Hence, one evening when there was a stranger on the line, I assumed the worst. It turned out to be Ms.Bhakti Kothari from Indian Masterminds. She was the recipient of a full blast of my wariness, as I interrogated her on how she found me, my number, etc. While her answers were not very satisfactory (You see, dear Watson, the dots simply did not connect!) I found the website to be authentic. Their efforts to show civil servants as normal women and men with hobbies, interests and facets other than the common image in public- a nameless, cold, plodding, red-tape-trapped robot- came as a refreshing change.  

Here is a gist of my interaction with them. Article by Indian Masterminds

The timing was perfect, almost pre-ordained as I get ready for the launch of my 2nd book- The Awasthis of Aamnagri. 😊

You can read the article here:

Review by RP Singh

Some readers are looking to flip the pages. Then there are others who are sensitive to every nuance. I had the privilege of receiving one such review from a fellow officer. 

As I've said in the past, civil servants are the sharpest critics. You simply cannot hoodwink them. Yet they are also generous in their praise. Thank you RP for writing so beautifully. Better than I could ever have!

I got this wonderful collection of short stories few days back and was lucky to get it autographed by the author herself. 

Having lived at Lucknow and studied at Delhi University, I was inclined to read the stories Dinner at Bukhara and Rain first. It was sheer pleasure reading them. They take you to the places and the culture, however what goes on in the minds of the actors, is what people go through in everyday life – anxieties, insecurities, accidents and so on. 

The unpredictability of life is beautifully captured in different stories, though tragic, but at the same time they bring thrill and tell how life doesn’t stop.

In a humorous and interesting way, the author has also captured social problems like corruption and poverty. The story of Panchei Nani in ‘The Buda’ is unique which in a humorous fashion, captures grave human circumstances arising out of poverty. 

One is also not disappointed reading the stories with supernatural tinge. The excitement and thrill is retained in the ‘A Chance Encounter’ and the ‘Demons within’ till the last minute. Rather, the latter is how a psychoanalyst would peep into a troubled mind. 

Simply written, the stories take you completely into the circumstances of the protagonists. Rather, it is like going through full circle of life. Thoughts and feelings of a child, a bride, a married woman or the old man who come in different stories bring with them a flavor of different stages of life. 

A mix of everything one would expect from a good collection. Difficult to resist going through all of them at one go once you start reading. Hope to see the new collection coming from the author soon.- Ravindra Pratap Singh, IAS

Review by Dr.Kinny Singh

Nothing is more encouraging than to connect with readers who enjoy reading The Fly on the Wall & Other Stories. Here is DC, Siang, Dr.Kinny Singh's opinion: 
"Found this in my District Library and as I was reading and marvelling about the impeccable sense of narrative and gripping stories...”The buda” made me laugh and cry at the same time..immediately wanted to convey my appreciation @Shubha_Sarma Ma’am! you are an inspiration!!"
Thank you Kinny for your generosity.

The Bare Necessities

My son who is all of eleven years old has forayed into the world of blogging.
His blog talks about his experiences with different things- music, pets, vacations, etc.
Take a look at it here and give your valuable feedback in his comments section:
The Bare Necessities

A Garden Without Roots.....

My Bonsai plants have been my own garden, moving across the length and breadth of Orissa, sometimes with ease and sometimes with consternation. Plants that have kept me company when none else has, through the highs and lows in the last 14 years. Begun as a hobby, rearing bonsai has become a part of my life. Fortunately, they have been more generous than most friends and have tolerated my silences or absences with magnanimity. 

As author of Fly on the Wall & Other Stories, I was recently interviewed by the 'Bangalore Mirror'. The final article was a revelation- my book had been overshadowed by my bonsai. It was a mixed feeling to see a long-neglected comrade basking in the limelight of a celebrity cousin. 

P.S. Thanks to Rajesh Rai who took this fabulous photo.

Read more in the Bangalore Mirror, 16 April 2014 

Seeking out the Essence of Life- Book Review in PBD, Cuttack

Another newspaper- The Political-Business Daily- has carried a review of the book in it's Cuttack (Odisha) edition on April 6, 2014. A beautifully written article that captures the essence of the stories with considerable sensitivity. I particularly liked the choice of ending in the piece- it has used one of my favorite sections of the story "Flesh & Blood".
Read more

Interview published in The Statesman

In its supplement published on 20 March 2014 The Statesman has carried an article by Shalini Mitra, renowned travel and lifestyle writer.
The reviews of Fly on the Wall ….. have been extremely encouraging. Read the article on
The Statesman (Reflecting Life)

An interview on YouTube

In this interview, I have expressed my reasons for writing short stories and the story behind the title of the book.
Hope you enjoy watching it on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVT-GgGh0Lc

Discussion on Language Diversity at the World Book Fair

New Delhi's cultural scene is buzzing with life. There are theatre shows, cultural performances and literary festivals, all taking place at a frenetic pace. It might throw some of us off-balance but there is definitely beauty in the chaos, especially if one has a ring-side view of the happenings.

One such event, the World Book Fair, has different connotations for people. Personally, I enjoy being enveloped by the smell, sight and feel of tomes. So, I welcomed an invitation to participate in a session titled "Language Diversity" in which I was asked to address the oft-debated strife between English and Hindi.

The event was graced by the presence of the recently awarded Ganesh Devy, who received the Padma Award and who is one of the most knowledgable Indian linguists walking the earth today. As someone mentioned in an aside, this was one award that was richly deserved.  We had Prof. Avadhesh Kumar Singh from IGNOU in the chair, Prof. Asha Sarangi from JNU, Dr. Vibha Chauhan from Delhi University and Dr. Suraj Rao from Sukhadia College, Udaipur. 

The discussion was enriching and informative. As speaker after speaker pointed out, the hegemony of Hindi and the deliberate attempt by the British to play the politics of language are clearly evident in documented history. There were numerous references to Mahatma Gandhi and his stand on the declaration of Hindi as the language of the Nation, followed by the huge controversy on the adoption of a uniform script. 

Amidst this research-laden academic discourse, my voice chafed by bringing the harsh and unmitigated truth from the heat and dust of India to the opulence of ivory towers. In my brief address, I chose to highlight the following points-

• The symbolism associated with English today as a tool for upward mobility. Even the most economically backward family aspires to educate their children in English medium schools, regardless of the capacity of either the teachers or the pupils. 
• The perception that Hindi was an unwanted imposition upon the large, non-Hindi speaking population of the country. Hindi can claim hegemony not through official diktats but when it appeals to readers and users.
• The politics of language that has been conveniently used by the ruling class and the reformers, whether it was the Reform movements of the 6th century B.C. or the British policy of linguistic segregation. The conflict is more concocted than real. If you ask the 'Aam Aadmi' (meaning as it was prior to Mr.Kejriwal and his party's arrival), it matters little whether something is articulated in English or Hindi. It is the content that is relevant. 
• The economics of linguistics, whether it is the alleged push to English writing from the Publication industry, the literary awards to ensnare readership from one of the most populous country's or the intrinsic surge in growth of a language that enables India to build bridges with the world. 
• Above all, the ability of a language, be it English or Hindi, to re-invent itself to survive. There is incredible diversity in India, and yet, today, multeity is shrinking across sectors- whether it is bio-diversity, handicrafts, festivals or cuisines. Heterogeneity is swamped by a curious similarity in the way we speak, dress or eat. Inevitably, linguistic multiplicity is also declining and there are frequent instances of inter-mingling and assimilation. When Charles Darwin spoke of survival of the fittest species and he might as well have been speaking of languages. To remain relevant, Hindi or English will require to adapt to the dynamic environment. in this endeavor, both are aided by technology, especially the universal appeal of television and Bollywood. 

My apprehension at being so boldly unequivocal about English being an undeniable part of modern India that cannot be obliterated, even if one is foolhardy enough to try, soon turned to relief. Not only did the Chairperson of the session, Mr.Avadhesh Kumar, support my heart-felt pitch for accepting the inevitable, but was blasphemous enough to suggest that Academia needs a reality-check. And soon the entire assembly was discussing not English vs Hindi but English & Hindi.

Photos of the Panel Discussion at Delhi Lit Fest 2014

Sangeeta Gupta, Shubha Sarma and Bhaskar Ghose enjoying Vandana Jena's remarks.

The panel discussion in full flow.

What have I said to bring a smile on the faces of the other panelists?

Bina Biswas, eminent author, asks a question about Fly on the Wall & Other Stories.

 Sharing a light moment with Bhaskar Ghose, Retired Secretary to Govt. Of India.

Thrilled to share the stage with Mrs.Vandana Kumari Jena, Secretary to Govt. of India

 All the panelists together. (L-R) Bhaskar Ghose, Sangeeta Gupta, Vandana Kumari Jena and Shubha Sarma.

With one of the organizers: Supriya Suri