The Word Route

Remembered an old blog of mine: I complete seven long years in journalism in August 2011. I wonder what I have gained and what I have lost. Let us begin on a positive note: what have I gained? An identity of my own (of being a scribe), working on my terms (that's a bit ironical, though!), writing (which was my childhood dream and I do intend to be a successful writer someday), and finally I have managed to reach a senior level (that is also ironical...I would ask: at what cost?). What do I do with seniority and a high paying job when I am still not doing what I always wanted to do? (Delhiites would say, toh kya hua! iska achar daalun kya main?...in literal terms, it would mean: Should I 'pickle' (achar) the salary and designation?). So what have I lost: precious relationships, my self-respect and probably much more...I am still proud that I am a journalist! But am not proud of the fraternity that I am part of - day in and day out. For long, I supported journalis...

Mirroring Persia in frames... Veils, iron curtain, underground schools, war, veiled women with guns ('Nuns with guns' was the most famous caption for these women) ... these are the images of Iran that come to mind. Iran is indeed an elusive Islamic republic! But I realised there's more to this tiny country.  The book "Persian Mirrors - The Elusive Face of Iran" is written by an Italian scribe Elaine Sciolino. She exposes the fallacies of Iran's rulers and clergymen who ruled Iran for decades and in the name of Islam's tenets, instilled fear among women, to the extent of confining them within houses/gyms/private parties.  Whether it was Khamanei, Khomenei, or Mohammad Khatami, authority did not succeed in suppressing the Iranian women. They carved their own niche in society, run their own business, are successful doctors, lawyers and even sportswomen. Sciolino has featured women who showed remarkable courage in speaking openly against authority,...

Kabhi kabhi ek ajnabi apne se bhi zyada ban jaata hai, jab apne hi ajnabi ban jaate hain! Aaj laga ki hum bhi kuchh hain, hamara bhi koi wajood hai. Ehsaas hua ki hum adhoore nahi, Aur pehchaan hamari sirf ek muskurahat nahi... Sawaalon ka kaafila aa raha tha door se,  They iss intezaar mein ki woh kab hamein gher le aur kab hum jawaab de, Par jab woh guzar gaya bagal se, bina hamein dekhe ya chuye, dil mein teer sa chubha aur phir se sannata chhaa gaya!

Rays of the sun caress the cheeks,  A cool breeze tickles and goes Eyes closed, she envelops me in a tight hug. Her warmth, her fragrance, the freshness and a nip in the air She is here again to make me alive again. I am alive once more!  The traffic, the sounds of birds, steaming hot tea gushing into cups,  Heady cigarette smoke at chai tapris, Makes me forget the chaos on the streets! She is here, winter is here!

From the moment I conceived, it was my fantasy to have a super tactile bond with my child after he/she would be born (for the longest possible time, I felt it would be a girl!). After my son was born, things became different and the first three months were extremely painful feeding him or holding him thanks to my C-section stitches. So all maternal feelings vanished into thin air and all I could think was sleep or having “me-time”.  There was hardly a chance to cuddle up with him! Post partum depression had hit me big time and me not being able to calm down a screaming infant had dipped my morale too. Motherhood was nothing like I had imagined it would be! Besides I was terrified that my son would not accept me if I didn’t develop a bond early on. Of course, that did not happen. It was a mom’s fear that had spoken. After he entered the infamous toddler phase, I became the quintessential “villain” for my son – the usual don’t do this and that. Yet again, my dreams of becoming...

Author : Lavanya Karthik Illustrators : Satwik Gade & Ashwathy P.S. Publication : Karadi Tales Age: 4-7 years This book in hardcover format is appropriate for preschoolers. As the title and the book cover suggests, it is the fantasy of a little fish in the vast ocean. The ocean has marine life of all kinds; biggest and the smallest fauna co-exist peacefully. The story is about the will and determination of this little fish who aspires to fly, something that we as kids did too. Most of us as kids always wanted to achieve the "impossible" as labelled by adults. Similarly, this fish wants to fly. The book captures his journey very beautifully through wonderful illustrations. The book paves way for widening the imagination of children who aspire to touch higher limits. The adage "Nothing is impossible" is perfect in this story! Just like other Karadi Tales books, this one also sends a powerful message to kids and even adults who somehow restrict themse...

Author : Yasasvini Sampathkumar Illustrator : Henu Mehtani Publication :  Pratham Books Age : Level 3 (7-10 years) How many of you have trouble sleeping at night? Yawning through the day and feeling fresh like a daisy at night? If you answered yes to the above questions, then it is likely that you will relate to Kottavi Raja too! Meet this insomniac king and enter his sleepy kingdom where the king is forever awake at night and keeping his kingdom awake too. Kottavi Raja's wife, ministers and all the subjects in the kingdom are exasperated, exhausted and annoyed at the king's lack of sleep as all their efforts to put him to sleep are in vain. This Level 3 book by Pratham is an entertaining read. The language is simple and can be easily understood by kids above 4 years and kids above 7 years who read books independently. The story has been woven beautifully through visual imagery created jointly by the author and illustrator. Reading this book aloud to younger one...