Branwyn is the Goddess of love, beauty, mischief and mystery. It also relates to genuine literature. The name has been tossed by Lavkesh Kumar Singh.

Publisher and Director Vineeta Gupta

Founder and Editor-in-Chief Sneha Gupta

Mentor Dr. Subodh Kumar Jha

Assistant Editor Pranav Shree

Tech Support Rahul Kumar Singh

Legal and Financial Advisor Abhishek Singhania

Contacts:

Email : snehagupta01989@gmail.com

sneha@branwyn.in branwynmagazine@gmail.com

Website : www.branwyn.in

Dear Readers,

Change is the rule of nature. And every

living or non-living thing follows this

rule.

With this issue, we have also tried

something new as a change. This time,

instead of a proper cover story, we are

presenting a fiction piece which is based

on a true story under a special segment

“Branwyn Special Story.” do let us know

your feedback regarding the same.

This issue has become quite special as

the prominent author Arindam Dey has

honoured us with his interview.

Another interview with newcomer

author Riitik Babbar is the second charm

of this issue along with our regular

columnists.

Don’t forget to drop an email about your

impression for the issue.

Your suggestions and feedback are very

valuable for us.

With warm regards,

Sneha Gupta

Three Questions : Arindam Dey

Giving an introduction of the prominent author Arindam Dey is just like showing light to the sun. Still,

for our readers’ information, we wish to tell that Mr. Arindam is one of those few authors in

publishing industry who have not only celebrated their stardom but also kept their ego grounded. And

that is why, book after book, he has been gaining the immense love of his readers. Mr. Dey obliged

Branwyn with an interview in spite of his overbusy schedule…

Branwyn: How would you define writing especially popular fiction writing?

Arindam: I like to define writing as a special tool to touch a life we may have never seen, or a medium to communicate with a heart we may have never met, in some way, any way. It may be just a few words, an anecdote, a poetry or even a popular fiction.

Though I would not dismiss popular fiction writing out of writing in general, but I would limit it at times to a process of writing a story by playing with pre-defined parameters like certain settings and values. Popular fiction writing has been labeled as market oriented works, bound by sales predictions and to a great extent playing it safe, while literary fiction writing on the other hand has been termed more adventurous, though more tricky for the market at the same time, but limitless. But times are changing, and we are already seeing breakthroughs in popular fiction writing as well with new ideas and innovative plots coming up pretty regularly.

Branwyn: Let us know one misconception you had about writing world which was proved wrong later.

Arindam: First of all, having written a lot of short stories since my school days, I used to think even writing a novel would not be that hard. This misconception flew out of the window right the moment I started my first novel.

Well, on a serious note, my introduction to the writing world was not a sweet one. My first novel was due to come out a couple of years earlier with another publisher. However, due to some strong difference in principles with my then publisher, I had to put the process on a hold midway. As a means of revenge, the publisher had stolen the name and tag-line of my novel and brought out another book from another author right after that with the same title and tagline. That had shaken my confidence and trust with the publishers badly. I was scared that my synopsis, sample chapters and other docs were not safe with the publisher as well. So I rewrote the entire novel over the next few months and then waited for another publisher. Luckily, I met Paperclip Books at that time and our association has been good so far. Their professionalism and transparency have restored my faith on publishers to a great extent.

Branwyn: What entrepreneurial scope do you see in writing world?

Arindam: The writing world is growing, and growing fast. In India alone, readership have grown fast since the last few years and we are witnessing a new surge of young authors with numerous new novels or other fiction works. And its not only about English works, but works in the vernaculars as well. There are a lot of brilliant ideas floating around with talented minds behind them, waiting to be tapped. Many new publishers are coming up on local and national scale but their number are still nowhere near as strong as to harness this immense pool of talent. So I would say the writing world holds an immense entrepreneurial scope for the ones willing to believe in and take chances with new ideas, out of the ordinary plots and most importantly, quality writing. And remember, there is always a vast readership waiting.

Thanks for being with us Mr. Arindam Dey. Branwyn Family wishes you all the very best in all your future

endeavours.

The Fatal Prank

The doorbell rang. Cindy washed her

hands in the kitchen sink and ran to

open the door.

“Welcome home!” she cheered to Azan

who had stepped in.

Azan smiled in reply…. An exhausted

smile… That smile was quite

unexpected for Cindy. She wasn’t used

to such responses. Azan was a loving

husband anyway.

“Are you okay?” she tried to figure out.

“Yes!” Azan assured with the replica of

his previous smile.

Cindy knew something was wrong. And

perhaps she knew the reason of his

anxiety…

****************

Cindy was fast asleep. Azan looked at

her. She always looked beautiful while

sleeping. Azan said nothing. He just

gazed his sleeping wife.

Minutes passed. The clock struck 1….

Slumber was still far away from his

eyes. He turned around and looked for

his mobile. 24 unread messages!

He switched off the mobile and once

again looked at his wife. She was the

most pleasant happening of his life.

Could he let her go…?

Minutes passed …

Azan switched on his phone. His thumb

ran over the screen of his mobile and

opened the messages.

“I am telling you the truth, Azan. Your

wife Cindy doesn’t love you. It is just

her respect for you.”

“Your ignorance won’t change the

truth. Cindy doesn’t love you.”

“Cindy doesn’t love you. You can’t win

her heart.”

“Enjoy her care! But you can’t win her

love, Azan.”

………….

Azan read the messages one by one.

And then, he looked at Cindy.

“Cindy…” he called slowly as if in a state

of indecision whether to wake her or

not.

Cindy didn’t respond.

Azan looked at her and slowly touched

her calling her once again, “Cindy…”

This time, Cindy slowly opened her

eyes, “Azan?? What’s the matter?”

Cindy woke up and asked in a sleepy

but anxious tone, “Are you okay?”

Azan tried to gather himself, and a few

seconds later asked in a wet voice,

“Cindy, do you love me…?”

Though, she was quite tired due the

day’s long work, the question shocked

her enough to eradicate the sleep from

her eyes. She looked desperately at her

husband and hugged him the next

moment.

“What made you think so, Azan?” she

sobbed, “Of course I love you. I love you

more than anything in the world. I love

you more than myself. I love you more

than love itself…” she hid her face in his

chest.

Azan didn’t reciprocate.

**********************

Cindy packed Azan’s lunch and handed

over him the box. Azan took it and

moved towards the door. Suddenly, he

stopped and looked back at Cindy. She

smiled at him. He came closer and held

her shoulder. “Cindy…” he said

impatiently.

“Yes?” Cindy asked, “Tell me Azan.” She

was reading the anxiety in his eyes.

“Nothing…” Azan replied and

immediately turned around. His feet

seemed as if flying in the air.

Cindy just watched him going with

awestruck eyes.

********************

“I think it is enough, Christie.” Cindy

said putting her coffee mug back on the

table in Cafeteria.

“Not yet, Darling.” Laughed Christie, the

brunette who was her school-mate,

“The prank isn’t over yet.” She

concluded.

“He is terribly disturbed, Christie.”

Cindy said in an anxious tone. “He

doesn’t sleep at night. Looks

exhausted…. Doesn’t eat properly….

Remains lost somewhere…. I can’t bear

all these Christie!” Cindy got impatient,

“Please stop all these immediately.”

“Okay okay sweetheart!” Christie

patted her shoulder, “I will execute the

climax tonight.”

*************************

Azan was counting…. But he didn’t

know what he was counting…. Perhaps

his own steps…. It was 10pm and he

was crossing the road…. Suddenly a

horn of a car and somebody pulled him

to the left side of the road.

“Azan, what has happened to you?” it

was Sagar, his colleague who was

shouting on him. “Where are you??” he

shrugged his shoulder, “You would

have died damn it!”

Azan looked into his eyes but didn’t say

anything. He slowly his removed his

hand from his shoulders and moved

away with trembling legs.

Azan waved for an auto. “Minara

Heights!” he directed the auto driver.

“But Sirji, the building is under

construction.” The auto driver

interrupted.

“I know.” Azan replied, “I have to meet

somebody there.”

The auto driver left Azan on the ground

of under construction Minara Heights.

Azan paid him and got off.

There stood she! That unknown girl

who had been messaging and calling

him for past few days telling him that

his wife doesn’t love him! There was

dark and he couldn’t recognize her.

However, he moved forward.

“Welcome Azan!” Christie said trying

hard to hold back her laughter. She had

seen Azan’s anxious face and imagined

the moment when she would unravel

the secret of her prank.

Azan didn’t reply anything and stood in

front of her.

“Today I am going to tell you the truth

behind my messages and calls.” said

Christie.

But the moment Azan heard her, his

heart sank. His eyes got red and his

head started spinning.

Seeing his condition, the last moment

prank crept in Christie’s mind and she

said, “Your wife doesn’t love you, Azan.”

Azan sank on his kneel. He wanted to

cry but his tears had dried leaving his

eyes in a painful condition. He had lost

the reason to live. He wanted to kill

himself.

There was a wooden axe lying beside

him.

“I am telling you the truth, Azan.”

Christie said for the last time trying

hard to hold her laughter, “Your wife

doesn’t love you.”

In a flash of lightening, Azan picked up

the axe and Christie’s head was off….

But he didn’t stop there…. The axe in

his hand kept moving with the

lightening speed…. After few moments

when he stopped he found Christie’s

body in seven pieces…. He threw the

axe and started panting….

What has he done?

“Azan….”

The whisper startled him and he turned

back.

There was Cindy.

“It was just a prank, Azan….” She said

and collapsed….

Azan stood there…. Numb….

- Based on a True Story

Alpine Ambergris : Dr. Subodh Kumar Jha

Elemental Drives

Ghosts still My crowded memory Those words of yours

Ejaculated at our Last meeting - Awoke when

Was the animality At its beastly best!

You melted, melted

In the gripped enclosement, Eyes closed

Yet transmitting The truncation

In the pulsing centre And pining through

My tidied blood!

You were sorry Sorry for your monitored

Behaviours Checking your elemental drives

That stabbed the core Denying the blissful serenity!

- Dr. Subodh Kumar Jha Head, Dept. of English,

S.N. Sinha College, Jehanabad

Dr. Subodh Kumar Jha has been a member of NCERT and UGC Workshops for the proficiency of English Language in various study streams! At present, he is a prominent part of Magadh University as the Head of Department of English in S.N. Sinha College! He honoured Branwyn with his special segment titled "ALPINE AMBERGRIS". Alpine means mountain peak which denotes Subodh Sir's intellectual persona and Ambergris means a fragrant substance found at sea level. Thus, "Alpine Ambergris" together denotes the combination of an intellectual person like Subodh Sir and novice writers like us who are just trying to make a difference!

The Bhagavad Gita and modern management principles

To any scholar worth his salt, the Bhagwat Gita in its

original form is the quintessence of the ancient day

Upanishads and a comprehensive guide to the “way of

living.”

What has generally been appreciated and yet not explored

is that the principles of the text are the embodiment of

management principles at work. It is essentially a work of

spiritualism but remembering the context, may well have

been a sublime example of strategy.

Let us spare a minute to recapitulate the function of a

manager as agreed upon by modern day education. This

may begin with the genesis vision and thereby planning the

strategy to realize such vision.Leadership is perhaps all that

matters in organizations, some would say. This essentially

points that a leader must also be involved in establishing

institutional excellence and building an innovative

organization in the world changing at the speed of thought.

It essentially also encompasses managing the most

important resource- The Human Resource.

Everything can follow out of these management principles-

from taking the right steps to ushering thought leadership.

The essence of the Bhagavad Gita is the essence of modern

day management – “ Tada drastu swaroope awasthanam”

should always try to manage oneself'.

In this context the Bhagavad Gita enlightens us on all

managerial techniques that lead to harmonious and

balanced state overcoming conflicts and contradictions

which lead to lower efficiency productivity, absence of

motivation and lack of work culture. It wouldn’t be

exaggeration to state that most of the management

concepts like vision, leadership, motivation, excellence in

work, goal seeking, work ethics, nature of individual,

decision making, planning etc., are discussed in the

Bhagavad Gita.

The most basic motive of management science is to choose

wisely and utilize optimally the scarce resources for

optimal performance and maximum output given the

constraints. Before the battle of Kurukshetra, Duryodhana

chose Sri Krishna's large army for his help while Arjuna

selected Sri Krishna's wisdom for his support. The rest, as

they say, is history. It is never in the number of people, as

they say, but the wisdom, knowledge and experience that

they bring to the table that matters-one lesson that all

managers must adhere to. The value of each resource is

dynamic and relative-never absolute.

Perhaps the most famous verse 2.47 of the Gita, which for

some may be the essence of the Karma Yoga counsels

detachment from the fruits or results of actions performed

in the course of one's duty. Being dedicated work has to

mean working for the sake of work, generating excellence

as an end in itself.

Gita tells us not to mortgage the present commitment to an

uncertain future. What most scholars fail to appreciate the

entire second chapter has arisen as a sequel to the

temporarily lost sense of accountability on the part of

Arjuna in the first chapter of the Gita in performing his

swadharma.

Self-transcendence is overcoming insuperable obstacles in

one's path. It involves renouncing egoism, putting others

before oneself, team work, dignity, sharing, co-operation,

harmony, trust, sacrificing lower needs for higher goals,

seeing others in you and yourself in others etc. The portrait

of a self-realizing person is that he is a man who aims at his

own position and underrates everything else

The Gita points out the concept of the Daivi work culture

that is attributed by fearlessness, purity, self-control,

sacrifice, straightforwardness, self-denial, calmness,

absence of fault-finding, absence of greed, gentleness,

modesty, absence of envy and pride. It is in this light that

the counsel 'yogah karmasu kausalam' should be

understood.

Kausalam means skill or method or technique of work,

which is an indispensable component of work ethic.

Yogah is defined in the Gita itself as 'samatvam yogah

uchyate' meaning unchanging equipoise of mind.

In the yester years, the SMEs were run by religious folks

who treated the text as sacred, and symbolic, yet were

averse to applying the principles in the daily managing of

businesses. The larger corporations have always viewed

anything pertaining to religion with disdain.

However, with the intervention of academicians in the

realm of management, and the integration of the

disciplines, it is but a matter of time before the analysis of

the ancient text will yield basics in the realm that

businesses will draw clues from.

Mr. Incandescent Speaks…

Lavkesh Singh [Branwyn Column name – Mr. Incandescent] is an Investment Banker who works in the Realm of Mergers and Acquisitions for his living. He at present resides in

New Delhi.

The Republic Day celebrations had just

started at Raj Path, New Delhi. The Gallantry

awards were being awarded by the First citizen of

the Nation for bravery and dedication while on

duty for the nation. An 82 year old lady stood

silently in front of the President of India, Mr KR

Narayanan, while a citation was being read out.

Flashes of images of the childhood of her

grandson kept passing through the old lady’s

mind. She got so lost in the thoughts of her little

Robin, that she forgot that she was standing in

front of the President of India. A few minutes later

the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces

handed over the VIR CHAKRA to the old lady

which she received on behalf of her grandson,

little Robin. Her grandson, Captain Vijayant

Thapar had been awarded the Vir Chakra

posthumously for his heroics during the Kargil

War. Gradually, she walked down the steps of the

dais, escorted by two officers of the Armed Forces

and occupied her seat. For her, Robin was still

alive in her memories as the naughty little kid

who loved playing with guns.

For many young men and women of this

nation, joining the Armed Forces is by chance and

not by choice. For them it is a source of earning

one’s bread and butter. But for some, donning the

uniform is an obsession, a passion, a way to lead

life. During my service life in the Armed Forces, I

came across some personalities for whom wearing

the uniform was the ultimate goal of life.

Although, I never met Captain Thapar but I feel

he was one of them. It wasn’t something

extraordinary for Vijayant to join the Indian Army

at such a tender age. In fact he followed in the

footsteps of his forefathers. Vijayant was proud of

his military heritage. He belonged to a generation

of soldiers. His great grandfather, his grandfather

and his father Lt Col VN Thapar had served in the

Indian Army with distinction while his uncle was

an Indian Air Force fighter pilot. He was named

Vijayant by his father after the battle tank of the

Indian Army. Joining the Army was an obsession

and not a job for Vijayant. After completing his

graduation, he joined the Indian Military Academy

and was commissioned into the Rajputana Rifles.

He was an ardent sports lover and a wonderful

human being.

Vijayant had been serving in Kupwara of

J&K with his battalion since early 1999. His

battalion was involved in several counter

insurgency operations to eliminate the foreign

militants and mercenaries. He himself took part in

these operations and stared death on its face. As

you all are aware that in 1999, the Pakistani Army

had intruded into large areas of Jammu &

Kashmir, taking advantage of the snow fall

and ice clad peaks. In May 1999, Operation Vijay

was launched by our country to flush out the

infiltrators from the peaks that had been

captured. Vijayant’s unit was ordered to move to

Dras sector along with his men under the

command of Major Acharya. In the meantime,

several operations were carried out by different

units to capture Tololing but each time the

operation failed with the Indian Army paying a

heavy price by sacrificing young lives at the altar

of the nation. Little do politicians and policy

makers realise that these soldiers are also citizens

of this country. They too have hearts which beat

for their near and dear ones. When will they stop

thinking that the soldiers are paid but not to die

because of the policies of the inept politicians?

Captain Vijayant Thapar’s unit was tasked

to reclaim Tololing and his men were able to

capture the peak after fighting a bloody combat.

Once again precious lives were lost. But a soldier

never dies. His sacrifice remains etched in the

dust of his motherland where he breathed for the

last time.

After the capture of Tolling, Captain Thapar

was tasked to lead a group of highly motivated

and exceptionally brave soldiers code named the

“DIRTY DOZEN” to capture Three Pimples.

Although, it was the most daunting task of his

short career in the Indian Army, Vijayant was not

at all tensed. He and his men knew very well what

was awaiting them on top of the peaks, yet they

were relaxed and at the same time determined.

Such was the level of their motivation. They had

already spent 6 months in the valley and were

very familiar with the weather and landscape. The

Pakistani Northern Light Infantry was holding a

very advantageous position on the peak. Thapar

and his men would have to climb almost vertically

to reach enemy positions at close to 15000 feet.

Moreover, there was almost no natural cover to

hoodwink the enemy. But the mission had to be

accomplished. Three Pimples had to be captured

be it at the cost of his life, Vijayant told himself.

Shortly before leaving for the mission to

capture the “Three Pimples“, Captain Thapar

wrote a letter to his parents. I would like to quote

a few lines from his last letter ---Dear Mama

and Papa, By the time you receive this letter

I will be observing you all from the sky,

enjoying the hospitality of the Apsaras. I

have no regrets. In fact, even if I am born as

a human again, I'll join the Army and fight

for the nation. If you can, please come and

see where the Indian Army fought for your

tomorrow... never forget the sacrifice of

Down Memory Lane : Koushik Gangopadhyay

GRANNY’S LITTLE ROBIN WHO EARNED THE VIR CHAKRA

these men. Papa, you should feel proud.

Mama, so should you... ok then, its time for

me to join my clan of the Dirty Dozen. My

assault party has 12 chaps.. Best

of luck to you all... Live Life

Kingsize. During his tenure in

Kupwara, Captain Thapar met a little

girl called Ruksana. Her father was

killed by militants in front of her. She

was so terrified that she became dumb. Vijayant’s

love and affection for the child helped her to come

back to normalcy. In his last letter to his family,

Vijayant had asked his father to donate Rs 50 per

month for Ruksana’s welfare.

On the night of June 28, 1999 Vijayant and

his men of Dirty Dozen started crawling and

climbing the rocky snow clad mountains while the

company was being led by Major Acharya. The

inhospitable terrain and the sub zero temperature

made their task more arduous and strenuous.

Captain Thapar kept on egging his platoon to

overcome all odds. Heavy exchange of artillery

fire was taking place. The Pakistanis, because of

their advantageous position were able to fire

accurately thus causing some casualty in

Vijayant’s team. But the mission had to be

completed. After all the dignity of mother India

was at stake. They had to flush out the Pakistanis

from the Three Pimples. At times, they halted

their mission for a few water breaks. Vijayant

continued to motivate the team members. As they

were metres away from the peak they re planned

and re discussed their strategy for the final

assault. They spoke only in sign language and

whispers. It was a moonlit night. Captain Vijayant

pointed out the key features on the map to his

men. The time for the final assault had arrived.

They said their prayers for one last time

remembered their near and dear ones and made

sure that each weapon and armament was in its

correct place. A few more steps and cat crawls,

the enemy bunker was in full view. Major Acharya

lobbed a hand grenade. A huge explosion

occurred and human limbs dismembered from the

torso were flying around. But Major Acharya had

no inkling that his position had been located. The

Pakis let out a burst of gunfire and instantly Major

Acharya was martyred. The death of Major

Acharya came as a shock for Captain Thapar. Not

to be deterred Vijayant took over the command.

Raw rage and grit had overpowered him. He was

determined to avenge the death of his senior. He

ordered his Subedar to find out the exact location

from where the gun fire was coming. Once it was

located he positioned a Light Machine Gun and

aimed at the Pakistan post. Heavy exchange of

gun fire took place. The Pakistanis were feeling

the heat of the moment and was finding it too hot

to handle. But at the back of their mind they

knew if this young officer could be eliminated then

the Indian troops will disintegrate.

The exchange of gunfire continued for quite some

time. Vijayant realized that the enemy firepower

had to be neutralized in order to capture Three

Pimples. He decided that he will have to do it

himself. He along with another soldier charged

towards the enemy post, firing continuously at

one of the machine gun posts from where most of

the firing was coming. Probably that moonlit

night, the Pakistanis had lady luck on their side.

One of the Pak soldiers got a clear view of Thapar

and fired at him from an assault rifle. He was hit

on the forehead. His radio operator rushed to his

aid. Probably it was too late. Vijayant asked him

to tell his men not to bother and carry on with the

task. He ordered “JAB TAK MISSION PURA NAHIN

HO JATA KOI BANDA ARAM NAHIN KAREGA “. It

was just before dawn on 29 Jun 1999 that Three

Pimples had been cleared of Pakistan intruders

and the Indian flag hoisted. The radio crackled to

relay the information to the control room. But

shortly another message was relayed to the

control room. ARJUN (Captain Thapar’s code

name) had made the supreme sacrifice. What can

one say of this valiant and brave officer? He never

let his fellow soldiers know before the peak had

been captured that his life would not extend

beyond a few minutes. He passed away in the

arms of one of the soldier’s he commanded,

fighting till the end.

In the highest tradition of the family he belonged

to and of the Indian Army, Captain Vijayant

Thapar laid down his life silently on the snow clad

peak of Three Pimples fighting to save the dignity

of our country. He died to ensure that we can live

freely in independent India; he died ensuring that

generations of soldiers who would follow in his

footsteps would not hesitate to make the sacrifice

the greatest sacrifice the supreme sacrifice. As

Vijayant’s body wrapped in the national flag

arrived at his home, his parents with moist eyes

proudly received their son’s body. While his

grandmother heard with rapt attention what his

fellow soldiers had to say about that bloody night,

Lt Col VN Thapar said “I am honoured to be

addressed as the father of Captain Vijayant

Thapar.” After the Kargil war was over, Vijayant's

father kept his son's last wish and came to the

mountains to see where Vijayant - had sacrificed

his life for the nation, fighting till his heart beat

for the last time. Even today his father visits

Tololing on his son's birthday and places flowers

where he laid down his life.

Kaushik Gangopadhyay is an ex-defense personnel presently working with State Bank of India. He honoured us by accepting our request to share his real experiences and anecdotes of Air-Force life in ‘Down Memory

Lane’

Note- Khap Panchayats now allow inter-religion/inter-

caste marriages in several small communities. The election

season is on and people are mud-slinging on each other,

quoting their religion and religious affiliations. This write-

up is my personal view regarding how a revision and re-

interpretation of historical texts can bring a positive change

in ideologies.

Did you know that Judaism, Christianity and Islam have one

thing in common?

Did you know that they in fact are a part of same basic story

and considered different ideologies and outlooks to

Abraham?

Have you ever wondered why religious texts were formed

and why they need to be altered?

We as humans have advanced to such a large extent that we

have practicality oriented, rational answers to seemingly all

our problems and questions. But this progress seems to

retreat when we question ourselves with issues like wars,

terrorism, strife, homophobia, child abuse, gender

inequalities and sexism. To a layman and common people

like us, the answer to all these questions lie in the concept

of religion, such as the Islamic revolutionary

contemplations of Jehad and Ancient Indian texts like

Atharva veda that glorified the need for sons rather than

daughters. Since, we are unable to rationally describe the

‘logic’ behind these issues; we find solace in ‘religion’ and

its interpretations, which we believe answers questions

about our existence, our beliefs and subsistence.

And it is somewhat true! Be it Christianity, Judaism, Islam,

Hinduism, Sikhism or other religions, they all have

numerous flaws that are now explored mercilessly. For

centuries, religions have had easy time and continued to

exist in the midst of intolerances and abuses, that were

once unchecked. But now, the world has come face to face

with the dreadful interpretation of infinite religions and

their texts. Hence, we have started to rush and begin to

condemn religions.

Here, we have forgotten about the underlying good behind

every religion. In our need for blaming something for the

strife and discord, we have failed to realize that religions

have become a victim of its own success.

Consider this- Why were religions formed? Why were

religious texts written?

Well, religions were formed to incorporate a system. And

when I say religion, I don’t just mean that it is about a series

of beliefs. Religion is rather a collection of philosophies,

which were supposed to bind humans together.

It is run by humans, who are capable of both good and evil.

Like other man made philosophies, every religion can have

its own flaws, which could be a part of its religious texts.

Initially, religious texts, which were framed and scripted

hundreds and thousands of years ago, were based on the

ideas that were followed or considered fully rational during

those periods. But now that the world has changed and

society has witnessed remarkable transformations, it is

high time to absorb the ‘apparent flaws’ or ‘currently

impractical issues’ of religious texts or sacred texts and

modify them to bring a positive alteration in society,

thereby reducing conflicts and discords.

What I am trying to say is simple. If the discords in the

society are blamed on the religion, then steps must be

taken to change it, if not in the scripture itself, then in the

form of newer scriptures. For instance, if the sacred,

ancient Indian text, Athrava Veda says, “Let the daughter be

born somewhere else, here let a son be born,” it should be

altered to introduce the importance of a girl child.

And those skeptics, who believe that this may be wrong,

must understand that such changes in religions and

religious texts have occurred throughout. For instance,

changes in the ideologies of followers led to creation of

three different Abrahamic religions- Judaism, Christianity

and Islam. And although their philosophies seem to be

opposite poles, yet their basic ideas are the same, including

the concept of monotheism.

Even in Hinduism and ancient India, thousands of sacred

texts have been written, recreated and revised over a

period of centuries to accommodate the changes.

Therefore, while the text of early Vedic period dictate the

importance and dignity of women in the society, the texts of

later Vedic period, decry women and give them a stance

lower than that of males. Similarly, several ideologies that

once described the importance of Sati Pratha are now done

away due to changes in the concept of wars and reduction

in violence and bloodbath for capturing a land.

Therefore, the idea is to let go off wrong and initiate more

clarity in religions. The notion is to understand that even

religions, religious and sacred texts offer an opportunity for

regular self assessment. There is a need to understand that

religions were formed not to force you to follow a set of

hardcore values or orthodox beliefs, but to know that the

world doesn’t revolve around ‘me’ and that I have to

contribute to the world. Every religion aims to form a

community where people share, love, care, forgive and find

meaning of different things. Hence, it is required that the

flaws that might lead to an unstable world must be done

away with; newer commandments should be adopted to

ensure that the rustic philosophies of religion are

maintained in modern style.

And who knows, someone might just stumble upon old gold

that is still relevant in current life.

PEEK-A-BOO : PRERNA VARMA

Why religious and spiritual texts require revision, alteration and recreation

Prerna Varma is a versatile

writer who has been working with

a number of organizations on a

freelance basis. She is credited

with a book titled THE DUMB

AND DUMBFOUNDED.

Her writing prowess is free of

genre specification and that is

what makes her unique.

Riitik Babbar – Author of “Unsatisfied Satisfaactionns”

Thanks for being with us, Riitik!

Branwyn : There are several

form of art. What was the

reason behind your choosing

writing as the medium of

expression?

Riitik : Because I always juggled

good with words.

B: How much your life has changed after

being an author? »

R: Well, I still go to office, come back after

working for 10-11 hours, wait eagerly for

weekends, hang around with friends, stay

away from my mom's constant questions

about getting married, but life seems

changed when often I get mails from

unknown readers stating my words

changed their outlook towards life...

Unleashed a new confidence in them to

believe, "if he could, why cant I?" This is

what I wanted... This is what has changed

in my life after being an author... Rest

fame, money, hot dates etc etc keep

coming and going, you know...

B: Whom would you prefer in life - a

gorgeous girlfriend or a typical

Indian life-partner?

R: A life-partner anyday, at least my

mom would be finally relieved that

maa da laadla bilkul ni bigda...

B: What should be the

motive of the youngsters

of our country?

R: A sheer Peaceful Life.

B: Your message to our readers?

R: Never run after three things

in life - Money, Fame and Power.

Work hard and leave the rest to

him. And yeah of course, rush

and pick your copies NOW of

Unsatisfied Satisfaactionns.

Peace Out!

B: How would you arrange

the following in priority

order numbering 1 to 6 -

Family, Fame, Power,

Money, Love, Happiness?

R: Family, Happiness, Love,

Money, Fame, Power

“ Light to Lighten”

I have been invited to handful of celebrations on prior

occasions as well; however over these last few years,

frequency of my paying homage to them has dwindled.

That evening I called a friend and I invited myself to his

place and I guess I could hear him chuckle. He had a

magnanimous heart to oblige self imposed invitation.

Keeping Inflation & cost of living index in mind, either you

need to be a brave heart or you need to have some

undisclosed account in Swiss Bank account to oblige a guest

at this ungodly time?

It was 6 pm as I was crossing the path to his door way and

at the same time a million of thoughts were crossing my

mind. My beckoning knuckles cracked on the ply of his

door. I could hear him walking with hurried steps towards

the door. He flung the old teak door open and there he was

standing right in front of me. He asked in an inquisitive

tone “Who is it?”

I cleared my clogged voice and said “It is I”. He benignly

smiled and he affectionately held onto my shoulders. He

became my guide for the coming moments and for the life

to follow.

He was Akash, a second year Delhi University’s student

aspiring for a government job just like any of us. What

made him special and notch above than others was that

God had blessed them with discernment, insight and a

munificent heart. From the time of his birth, his eyes were

longing for light. So that he could marvel at this divine

creation of God. Akash lives in “Blind School”, New Delhi

and it was his hostel that I was paying a visit to. This hostel

inhabits 110 more such blessed and differently-abled

friends. Akash took the reins and decided to show me the

place around.

On ground floor I could see classes from 1 to 4th standard.

There was this adjoining open space where I witnessed

something incredible, it defied my senses completely.

I could see teenagers shouting for the batsman, and the one

at the strike was wielding the bat with a confidence and a

smile. The 10 year old rolled the ball down his alley, it

clamorously strode towards the striker. With his thin ear

and astute senses, he struck the ball with his thunderous

might. It was spectacular transcended all my possible

imaginations.

Akash caught hold of my right arm and directed me

towards terrace, every step was counted in his breath. I

saw beaming faces of all ages varying from 4 years to 65

years moving with meticulous steps. All of them strolled in

pairs, with their arms flung around each other’s neck and

shoulders.

Their lips were decked with a perpetual smile, as they

walked past me; I could hear them saying “Watch out….

Watch out …. We are here”

That sanguine air, that breath of effervescence and life

catapulted my senses into a world….. which always had

been a distant dream for me,,,,,,,

Sacrament Sobriety : Gaurav Gill

Mr. Gaurav Gill is a person of quintessential contemplation known for his kind and modest nature. He is a lecturer and lives in New

Delhi.

Fondling Arms......

Holding me close to her heart Letting me take my first breath Promising never to let me part

Looking fondly at her gifted child Cuddled in warmth of her bosom She feels relieved and beguiled

Calling me her adorable little one The fruit of her love, blood of her blood She wraps me slowly with cares ton

Marking my each little progress A smile or even a little change In her eyes I see the joy she posses

Helping me as I take my first baby step Capturing my stride and my little laugh That adds in her life a miraculous pep

She is my one and only God sent savior A woman of strength and compassion The one who never lets me waver

Wiping away all my lonely tears She fills me with inner peace Calming down my deepest fears

She is my woman of stoicism Filled with dark secrets and pain Who never wavers in turbulence

She is filled with desires and passion Dreams of me with the brightest future Teaching me the fruit of hard-work's action

Today and always I'm indebted to my mother Who acts as a bridge and keeps us together She my mysterious, miraculous wonder!!

Fragrance of Heena

Heena Ahuja is a girl who loves to scribble the rhythmic melody of literature. She lives in

Mumbai.

Mindfulness What happens when you have a long day ahead and literally nothing to do except flipping through pages of review copies of the books that you received earlier or watch a movie that you might have watched earlier, but thinking of watching again or maybe stay online on your social networks? Well that’s my story. After completing my post graduation, all I am doing is reading novels, writing reviews, traveling to different places, watching movies that imdb.com shows as recommended movies on homepage and updating useless posts on my social networks. I am neither irritated nor bored with it, I kind of like this state, but there is sheer idleness that is really not my trait. So for the sake of my salvage from this joblessness I decided to do some meditation and calm my mind. Often people think meditation is a state when we sit with blank mind, without any worries of hustle and bustle of life, feeling calmness that you never felt and a way to be closer to the divine. It’s true to an extent, but meditation is a way, and that way can lead to anything or anywhere, it’s on us to decide the destination. For me, Meditation is not sitting with blank mind; it’s full of awareness and emotions. One can see images of people, places from their past or present; they can feel a surge of sensation running through their body. It’s really not mindlessness; it’s more of Mindfulness, where you can know things that you never thought of. When your mind is already engaged with so many thoughts, there is no possibility that one can think of futile things that cause unnecessary fret. In such state you will be amazed to know that you are not even talking to yourself, a silence that you never sensed. We often wrap up in our own thoughts and don’t notice what’s going on around us, to unknown people around us, to our dear ones, to our own body. Meditation gives you

an opportunity to achieve that serenity which can make you closer to Real You. After meditating for some time, you will feel your breath going down through your throat, and coming back from lungs. Heartbeats will clearly be heard and fringes of vivid, mostly symbolic and imaginary, memories. It’s not necessary to sit for a long period with closed eyes; one can meditate in any way he/she wants, even when you are reading a book, or listening to heavy metal songs, even watching a sunset, no limit. All you need to do is free your mind and feel the flow of synergy engulfing you. I am feeling lighter, what about you?

Mr. YouKnowMe is someone whom all of us know yet all of us are still to discover. He is a biker, an author and like all of us, a lover of life… He is at present working with an IT Company.

Mr. YouKnowMe Speaks…

BRANWYN