He who opens a school door, closes a prison-Victor Hugo

There is one place on earth which is given equal or may be higher importance than heaven - School. Some call it - "the temple of learning".

The famous poet Victor Hugo said that "He who opens a school door, closes a prison.".  It is a phrase which makes different sense to different people. almost all the meanings which people derive out of it are in a positive light.

Looking at the present condition of schools and all the raised voices, this is one line which can be interpreted in a completely negative sense.

Two hearts, deep down, prepare for the worst
Feeling the numbers and calling countless first
Their world is blessed, as the world blesses them
Soon they’d be parents, for the life readies them

The foremost cry lead to most awaited smile
Crawls and falls, and first steps of hit and trail
Gibberish mumbles turning to words like mom
Growing so fast, recognizing family and home

She wanted to grow but Oh No! Not so like that
Like he promised to not be a trouble, or be a brat 
But such inevitable distress they had to face
Separation and strangers, they had to brace
It was a new beginning with gleam of dreams
As the sun is elemental with rays of streams         


That phase for angel was hideous but has gone
Now my angel is more subtle for the fear is born
The smile has returned as the life changes gears
Yet lies unanswered are those prayers of fears

The temple of education is thought as a school
A school of thought – It’s a sham, you fool!
When cry of separation turns to wail and yelp
To you and your child – Will there be any help? 
Help like security of safety of the child
From teachers, helpers or just a beguiled
God help those who help themselves
Is a quote for adults as kids are elves!


If he - The Creator - has another first under the hood
What would my angel do with the blessed parenthood! ?
My angel’s life would be unfair but as he is always true,
Slayer too would be angelic as he put its misery through 

Am I wrong when I feel that the brilliant words from Mr. Hugo mean that "When we leave our children at the school entrance and bid them goodbye kisses, we might be sending them to a prison? A prison which might enlighten their insights but at the same time, has become another dreaded place to leave them alone. But then, do we have a choice?"

PS: Honestly, I wrote a rough draft straight of my heart on this topic and then sent it over to my free of cost editor - Mak - my brother. Like always, he did a fabulous job of editing but this time, he returned with almost new version taking the idea, feelings and some lines from my writing. All the credit goes to him for this one!!!

Story Telling - Mat - Bob Books For Beginning Readers Set 1 Book 1

Reading books - a habit I have been trying to inculcate in my sons. I think that it is the only habit I have been putting so much efforts. I so so hope that all those reading sessions turn out to be meaningful.

As a parent, the first step to get out babies read is actually by "reading to them". The kiddo enjoys the stories most when I read them to him. But since, he is learning to read by himself, I insist on reading by himself. There is a catch here - It does not mean, that he reads his book and I have the luxury to enjoy my own. I still need to be as attentive as  him or may be even more.

Here is my lifeline, actually reading his first ever book all by himself:




The book he is reading is the first from a set of 12 books from - Bob Books Set 1 - beginning Readers Box Set. 

Do you remember which was the first book you read as a child or you child read? Do share in the comments.

Click the link below to purchase the book.

Sleep Baby Sleep

There is no better sight in world than seeing your child in a sound sleep. Every mother and father would bid their head in agreement that sleeping child is the most gorgeous face one can ever witness. Also, if the child is sleeping properly, it is also an indication of his or her good health.
There is a popular saying - "Sleep like a child". Those who can sleep properly, give a number of diseases big goodbye automatically.

I have two kids in my house. Elder one is three years old and younger one is just over a month old. Both of them have different sleeping patterns. While thankfully the younger one is sleeping most of the time, I really have hard time getting the elder one to sleep. Both the kids have different sleep requirements. The suggested hours of sleep for kids from birth to 1 year and above are given at the article - shhhh they are asleep.

Sound sleep is important for the babies as it is said that the brain keeps on learning while in sleep as well. The fact that babies learn while sleeping has also been scientifically proven. Details of benefits of those beautiful closed eyes are listed at - Why is sleep vital to your baby's development
 if that is not enough, try watching a baby while he sleeps. The best of smiles come to their faces during this period. My kids, both of them, even laugh their wits out while dreaming! Yeah, I have pictures and luckily even the videos of elder one while smiling and laughing in their sleep. Believe me, they are the best of all.

For the infants, many parents have hard time getting their kid to sleep specially after the bath. I am not an expert, but have a little advise for the rest hours after the bath. Try and notice the pattern of their play time. My mother in law never forced my kids to take a bath early morning. She patiently waited for them to get a bit tired after good play and then gave them nice warm bath. The kids go to sleep a bit easily then. I still remember once a neighbour commented her that the babies in our family sleep after bath, but their kids never slept after the bath. The answer of my mother in law was same - "You bath your kids right in the morning when they have just woken to finish your household chores. We let the chores spreading around till its time for them to sleep."

The articles linked are picked from the section - Child and You on reward me website.

I am participating in the ‘Ready For Rewards’ activity for Rewardme in association with BlogAdda.”

What Women Want

It is said that it's impossible to understand a woman. 

What makes women happy?

How to keep  a women contempt?

Why do women overreact?

When would women grow up?

These are some million dollar questions that have remained unanswered for centuries. 'To treat a woman equally or specially' can actually be the most difficult and entertaining topic of a debate ever.

I think that the confusion presists because of various practices followed with or by women. Not only evil practices, but also customary pursuits such as daily worshiping of gods at home, watering the sun and taking care of children are all done by women in the family. However, exceptions are always there, but I have not seen men doing such chores in everyday life.

Some of my friends complain that what's the fuss around this elated International Women Day. I have only one answer to them - "International Men Day also exists; onus in on oneself to celebrate it.”

About social issues, women need to be treated equally as there are many practices whose virtue make women feel insecure and insulted. When the husband dies, lest the jewellery and normal wear, the soulmate is supposed to sit and sleep on floor for some days. No such sadistic practicies is expected from the other soulmate when wife dies. If a woman is unable to manage her home and family at the same time, family and friends advise her to quit her job and it is considered absolutely normal. However, if it comes to men labeled as incapable, he has to face humiliation from society, family and friends per se! 

Image source

Special treatments feel blissful. Opening the door, pulling the chair, giving a hand to step up or down  - all these are of no use to display respect when the same woman is treated as a secondary choice for jobs and the man are abusive at his own house. Expensive gifts from someone special are worthless without his or her precious time. 

Following are some lines which might help answer the question - "What women want?".

She gets excited

All by a tiny flower

She feels honoured

All by a little pamper

She goes happy

All by some time

She flies on clouds

All by a quick hug

She hits the high

All by a modest achievement

She feels blessed

To have a parent

To have a sibling

To have a lover

To have a child.

She - The Woman

Want just some space

Space in family

Space in society

Space in HEART. 

I’m blogging for the India Today Woman Summit 2015 #WomenPower activity at BlogAdda.

Come Back To Our Lives

I so want to write for this one. I immediately opened my notepad and then my notebook with a pencil in hand. I tried my best to write something. Not a single sentence or even a word came out of my mind. The paper was blank with few droplets here and there... All that came running was his infectious smile which in-turn made my eyes wet yet again. Yes, I am not sure if people reading it would believe or not, but I am still on the verge of sobbing while typing this. 

I hate to address you in past tense, so I won't do that here...

You have been the strongest person in small yet big enough family. 
In any situation, easy-hard or unpredictable, you have always been the guy who could be relied the most upon. 
No gathering or a celebration was ever complete without your easy go chats. 
You loved me more than your own daughter (or i always felt so). You have been a role model to many in and outside the house. 
You are one of the rare people in this world who manage to win hearts with their simplicity and charm. The very fact that there were more than double the people (who continued to come and wait for whole 3 days because of various reasons) at your last rites than your own wedding day (as told by Dadi) is the living proof for this.
Chacha Ji, I have never ever missed anyone like this before.
I so hate that beautiful picture which was used in various ceremonies. Not because it's bad - anyone who has a look at that appreciated that! because that picture reminds me that you are no more with us and would not ever come back.
It's been months. Yet, I along with all of us, still cannot digest the fact that we would not ever see you again. It feels that you would come any moment tapping my head gently and ask your favourite question.

The moment I saw this topic, "CHACHA JI" were the words that echoed my mind and the sloppy lips. Yes Chacha Ji, if it is possible, please come back for not a day but just for a flash. I am sure the very moment you see tears in my eyes or the agony we all have been feeling, you would fight with death and kick those useless doctors harder to get you standing right here smiling back.

I can give this in writing, actually, I AM writing this publicly - "You would do anything possible or impossible, in or out of this world to get yourself convert that flash into another lifetime and ask me that most simple question "BETI! KHUSH HAI NAA TU?".".

Probably I would say no this time to make you stay forever so that you could hear a yes again.

Here I am, posting it with shivering hands...

Cover Reveal- Avishi by Saiswaroopa Iyer

This post is a shout out to all the readers who love stories woven around women and the icing on cake - told by woman. readers of ancient stories might also be interested in the same. Saiswaroopa Iyer - author of Abhaya: The Legend of Diwali (Narakasura Vadha) would soon be launching her next book - Avishi

More About the Author:

Saiswaroopa is an IITian and a former investment analyst turned author. Her keen interest in ancient Indian history, literature and culture made her take to writing. Her debut novel Abhaya, set in the times of Mahabharata was published in 2015. Avishi, her second novel set in Vedic India explores the legend of India’s first mentioned female warrior queen Vishpala.

She holds a certificate in Puranas from Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. She is also trained in Carnatic Classical music and has won a state level gold medal from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. 

Website * Facebook * Twitter

More about AVISHI

Long before the times of Draupadi and Sita

Immortalised in the hymns of the Rig Veda

But largely forgotten to the memory of India

Is the Warrior Queen with an iron leg, Vishpala

Brought up in the pristine forest school of Naimisha, Avishi reaches the republic of Ashtagani in search of her destiny. When Khela, the oppressive King of the neighbouring Vrishabhavati begins to overwhelm and invade Ashtagani, Avishi rises to protect her settlement. But peril pursues her everywhere.

Separated from her love, her settlement broken, with a brutal injury needing amputation of her leg, can Avishi overcome Khela?

Coming to the Actual purpose of this post,

Here goes the cover-

Do share your views on the cover and the plot of story. I am sure author would be thrilled to read all comments.

In the mean time, Saiswaroopa's debut book - Abhaya can be picked up from following links:

                                                                                    

This Cover Reveal is brought to you by Book Review Tours

Update: The book is now in the stores. Follow the link to read my review of the book.

Whale Done!: The Power of Positive Relationships by Kenneth Blanchard Ph.D., Thad Lacinak, Chuck Tompkins and Jim Ballard

The Blurb:
A compendium of straightforward techniques on how to accentuate the positive and redirect the negative, increasing productivity at work and at home.

What do your people at work and your spouse and kids at home have in common with a five-ton killer whale?

Probably a whole lot more than you think, according to top business consultant and mega-bestselling author Ken Blanchard and his coauthors from SeaWorld. In this moving and inspirational new book, Blanchard explains that both whales and people perform better when you accentuate the positive. He shows how using the techniques of animal trainers -- specifically those responsible for the killer whales of SeaWorld -- can supercharge your effectiveness at work and at home.

When gruff business manager and family man Wes Kingsley visited SeaWorld, he marveled at the ability of the trainers to get these huge killer whales, among the most feared predators in the ocean, to perform amazing acrobatic leaps and dives. Later, talking to the chief trainer, he learned their techniques of building trust, accentuating the positive, and redirecting negative behavior -- all of which make these extraordinary performances possible. Kingsley took a hard look at his own often accusatory management style and recognized how some of his shortcomings as a manager, spouse, and father actually diminish trust and damage relationships. He began to see the difference between "GOTcha" (catching people doing things wrong) and "Whale Done!" (catching people doing things right).

In Whale Done!, Ken Blanchard shows how to make accentuating the positive and redirecting the negative the best tools to increase productivity, instead of creating situations that demoralize people. These techniques are remarkably easy to master and can be applied equally well at home, allowing readers to become better parents and more committed spouses in their happier and more successful personal lives.

What I Felt About The Book

I saw this book on my manager's desk and as usual was curious to know what he was reading. Honestly, when I first had a look on the cover, title and back page; I had the impression of another blabbering self help book. But still, I read the first few pages and was glad to find that the author(s) have chosen to teach the lessons through story telling.

ABC Of Performance

What I Liked About The Book:
1. Short Book and thus short chapters having big font: Yes, the really like the books with font big enough to be read with naked eyes without much concentration. Full marks to the publishers for it.
2. Failure Scenarios: Generally, book like this skip the hardships people face while applying the underlying strategies or techniques. I really liked the part where Wes had trouble applying Whale Done Principles in his office. The detailing could have been better though.

What I Did Not Like About The Book:
Though it is a very very short book, I got the jest of all in less than half of pages. After that, everything was just the repetition of all excellent principles and it did get a bit boring.

In a very short book too, there were instances when I found myself nodding sharply and smiling at others. Picture below lines from the book:

Catching people doing things wrong is easy.

The very basic example is how we help and groom our kids with basic activities like walking. They never ever succeed in first attempt.

Good thing I didn't spank the kids when they didn't stand and walk perfectly the first time. We'd have had teenagers crawling around the house.

Another set of lines were around common gossip we all do when we see a person yelling for no reason - "must have got into a fight with the spouse", "must have got a good hearing from the manager"and many more.

Ripple effect of GOTcha. The boss yells at one of his managers, that manager yells at one of his associates, who goes home and yells at his spouse, who yells at the kid, who kicks the cat.

And there were more:

When you're dealing with an eleven-thousand-pound animal who doesn't speak English, you do a lot of learning.

The more attention you pay to a behavior, the more it will be repeated.

You got to ac-cen-tuate the positive, e-lim-inate the negative, Latch on to the affirmative...

The one thing your competition can never steal from you is the relationship you have with your people, and the relationship they have with your customers.

And the final and most liked ones - i think;

Book Review - The Killing of Aarushi and The Murder of Justice by Rajesh Talwar

The very gruesome and mysterious murder of teenager Aarushi Talwar and her house help Hemraj is not new to the whole India and is even widely known all over the world because of vast media coverage. After a number of courtroom sessions, various hypothetical stories, long debates, candle marches, media highlights of all forms, the judiciary system held parents of the teenage victim responsible of her murder and sentenced them to life time imprisonment.

I must mention that I have zero knowledge on the procedures of any legal charges, but still, the fact that two people are a sentenced to 'rigours imprisonment for life' just on the basis of fictitious facts derived on the basis of different theories is still indigestible to me. Of course there are reasons and some conclusion drawn on the basis of various evidences (many of which were not even collected from the crime scene or were lost due to delay in collection), medical reports (which were again questionable and the judge himself agrees that they cannot be relied upon as the doctor 'lacks expertise and his evidence cannot be accepted'), statements recorded by various witnesses etc. .


The clear picture is yet to surface and I doubt it would ever float over.

The book gives a very minute and interesting examination on the verdict given by "the Court of Additional Sessions Judge/Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, C.B.I., Ghaziabad" led by CBI judge Shyam Lal. Divided in four parts, the author has tried his very best to probe all possible sides of the case.

There are 4 parts in the book:
Part one - Rajesh Talwar and Nupur Talwar murdered Aarushi and Hemraj
Part two - The servant's associated committed the two murders
Part three - Someone else killed Aarushi and Hemraj
Part four - The murder of Justice

The imaginary sarcastic conversation with regard to lawyers statement derived from his own marriage when he tries to prove that the old servant had physical relations with the teenage girl was hilarious. I cannot stop smiling with surprise every-time the concept comes to my mind...

Even when as a reader, I knew all details and findings, specially after the movie, it was interesting to get a through peek at all plausible angles. I even had a look at the 210 page verdict out of curiosity. Almost all of it except the details of evidence, witnesses etc is discussed in the book.

Book Review: Thicker than Water by Lexie Conyngham

About The Author:
Lexie Conyngham has written multiple series in historical crime.  Murray of Letho and Hippolyta Napier aare two of her series. Thicker than Water is tenth in the series 'Murray of Letho' series. Author can be found on her personal website ~ Lexie Conyngham and on good reads profile.

The Blurb:
When young Walter finds a dead body along with the dead fish in his tutor’s fishpond, he knows he should tell his old master, Charles Murray of Letho. The dead man leaves a pretty wife and child and a broken string quartet, but someone must have profited by his death – could it be the avenger from his past as his widow fears, or is it someone from closer at hand? St. Andrews is once again the setting for a murder mystery, and a puzzle that Murray must solve before the murderer strikes again.

About The Book:
I generally do not read Crime Thriller but whenever I read them, I am always surprised by the imagination of authors. I personally find it extremely hard to pen down a crime fiction and that too in a thriller genre.

Honestly, I had some problem initially with the tone of writing, but as I held my patience, I got the heck of at and was more and more comfortable. I would not say that it's an easy read but then it's not difficult as-well. The story starts with artist, leading to a pleasant journey. There were curiosity, mystery, accidents, murder, blood, shock and almost all elements of a thriller. The way each chapter ended with a surprise or a question or a shock made the reader jump on to next one without stopping or taking a break.  The transition from one revelation to another felt surprisingly smooth and as a reader I found myself connecting various clues and trying to solve the mystery.

I must mention that there is something about horses that almost all writer capture very easily. I could not help but imagine the "beautiful black stallion" at every mention.

I found the plot very crisp and the author did not took much pages to get to main scene. I could not stop reading ahead after that. The story has background of long long time back and thus I could very easily identify the generation gap in all areas - society, dressing up, studies, occupation and many other things.

Many might not relate it, but I found below lines too inclined or inspired by old Bollywood movies.
"There were two signs of hope, as far as Murray was concerned: the thrawn old man had managed not to die straightaway, hanging on till he was found, and while he was being tended to he did, just once, squirm under the doctor’s hands and mutter something entirely incomprehensible."

Well, generally, some lines equivalent to quotes make a way to my diary, I am actually guilty rather being sad or disappointed that none did this time. Thanks to my bad vocabulary and difficulty in reading the style of writing. But here is one I typed:

"He was growing impatient to return to St. Andrews and see what progress had been made."
and so was I... I know its not funny. - wink wink.

It was a good and pleasant read which gave me a short break from the type of books I generally pick myself.

In case you wish to buy the book, here is the link to kindle edition:


Note: I received a kindle version of the book in exchange of honest review from  b00k r3vi3ws.

The Secret Letters of the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin S. Sharma

I picked up this book from the pack of ten books by Robin Sharma gifted to the team from one of my colleague on his last day in the

current office. The reason I held my hand on this one from ten is, first the title - of course I can not miss this one. The second reason is the blurb:

Jonathan Landry is a man in trouble. After a bizarre encounter with his lost relative Julian Mantle-a former high-powered courtroom lawyer who suddenly vanished into the Himalayas-Jonathan is compelled to travel across the planet to collect the life-saving letters that carry the extraordinary secrets that Julian discovered. 

On a remarkable journey that includes visits to the sensual tango halls of Buenos Aires, the haunting catacombs of Paris, the gleaming towers of Shanghai and the mystical deserts of Sedona, The Secret Letters of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari reveals astounding insights on reclaiming your personal power, being true to yourself and fearlessly living your dreams.

About The Book:
The book comprises of valuable life learning in the form of nine talismans. In the words of Robin Sharma,
Talismans behold much deeper meaning than life lessons. Talismans are -
"Small statues or amulets. There are nine of them. Each holds a piece of essential wisdom for happiness and a life beautifully lived. Individually, they are just symbolic tokens, but together they hold extraordinary trans formative powers. They can, in effect, be lifesaving."

There were one or two instances, I could relate to myself. Like, the way Chava recited his Son's success story, I could totally relate to it. Even my son Ricky had many times expressed his desire to become a doctor, a player and recently to travel to moon. The only way I currently show him is study well and be a good boy. I am sure we too would find our way to his dream one day.

What I Liked About The Book:
1. Letters: The title made it impossible for me to pick it up.
2. Travel Story: The author has very easily managed to present life learning in form of a journey. All teachings were beautifully blended in the locations and their bearers.

What I Did Not Like About The Book:
1. Journal: I so wish Jonathan had written more in the journal he kept on his journey. Some deep handwritten confessions would have added to the beauty of whole book. The push-ups made me smile.

Even though there was nothing new in the book, I actually enjoyed reading it. I loved the way Robin Sharma created characters to be the safe keepers of each letter. They could not have been any better. All in all, it was a good one time read.

Before you hop on to next page, here are a few lines from the book that made way in my notepad:

Every big dream starts small.

The tiniest of actions is always better than the boldest of intentions.

I was more than my limitations; I was learning

Life itself is a journey after all, and what matters most is not what you are getting, but who you are becoming.

PS: Next read from Robin Sharma would be "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" and "Who Will Cry When You Die". I am waiting for my colleagues to return both of them... I am sure none of them are reading them, but still, being a courteous co-worker, I am patiently waiting... wink wink


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