PHOSPHENES ISSUE 2

PHOSPHENES ISSUE 2, MARCH'22

Jyoti Matania talks about her literary journey and upcoming projects

An international magazine of art and literature AUTHOR INTERVIEWS

Dr Romila Chitturi Subhalaxmi Senapati Indira Guha Patra

EBA CARNIVAL'21 An insight into the lives and POETRY works of 8 gems of ARTICLES contemporary literature + MORE INSIDE

KNOW YOUR AUTHOR

"I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library" —Jorge Luis Borges

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Issue 2

PHOSPHENES Articles Lamiya Siraj

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Yashi Lath Prasenjit Kashinath More

Short Story Shishira Srinivasa

Poetry Surabhi Naik Piyush Pratik Mohanty Reijul Sachdev Prerna Arora Cheshta Tuteja

Author Interviews Dr Romila Chitturi Indira Guha Patra

COVER STORYJYOTI MATANIA 43

Subhalaxmi Senapati

Influencer Corner

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Samarpita Sen

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Pradeep Kumar Yadav

Know Your Author Justyna Nowak Wysocka Nirmal Rathore Melissa Stuart Tumula Mani Kota Rajasekhar R Kathleen Stuti Saxena Singh Piyali Mitra

STAPLES 03 From the Editor's Desk 05 Digital Golgappa 33 Cover Story- Jyoti Matania 56 Book Recommendations 60 EBA Carnival 2021

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK "I read a lot. Its something I have been religiously following since primary school. I never had a soft spot for a particular genre always, rather I would pick up books with different genres at different points of time depending on my mood and at times, intrigued by events around me. Poetry especially is something I hardly read through books. I have been writing poetry since the 3rd grad yet I never really read a lot of poetry books. One reason is I believe that the art of writing poems is very very personal; its a direct product of the poet's perspective to that particular topic he/she is writing about. Hence every poet has a unique style of poetry, a unique approach to structure his/her thoughts or opinions and give shape to poetic masterpieces. Thus, reading a lot of poetry from other authors influences your style heavily. Your style becomes hybrid- a little of your own, a little inspired by others. While taking inspiration is definitely not wrong , letting this inspiration directly influence your thought process while writing your poems is something that makes you lose your own creativity and originality. But then again, this is my personal opinion and many might not concur PHOSPHENES| 03

Pragya Gogoi, Author, Poet, Engineer, Editor in Chief-PHOSPHENES

EXPLORING THE WORKS OF MEGHA RAO, ARUNDHATHI SUBRAMANIAM AND TISHANI DOSHI

" YOUR SOUL NEEDS POETRY, A LOT OF IT."

with me. So, as I was saying, I haven't really read a lot of poetry books.

2 years back, I heard about Megha Rao. There was fire in her words as well as warmth of knitted jumpers. I was instantly drawn to her poetry. I was tired of reading 1-2 liners in the name of poetry that social media so popularized. Hence, Megha Rao's poems came as something extraordinary-a social media sensation who was reviving the lost essence of poetry in modern times.

Of course there are many others, but Megha Rao was one of the 1st poets who inspired and influenced me. 2 years later, I hold TEETHING in my hand, her debut poetry book with a handful of such warm, beautiful, strong and yet poignant poems in between. Reading poetry is now a new found love for me. I recently read Arundhathi Subramaniam's Sahitya Akademi winning poetry volume WHEN GOD IS A TRAVELLER. I actually question myself now as to why I did't read these fierce ladies's works before.

I am now reading a lot of Tishani Doshi's works. My heart fills with pride reading such gorgeous works from such remarkable, strong , creative ladies. Of course I am careful not to set my work in the periphery of their creations because they are Goddesses in the art and I still got a lot to improve but then its important to read poetry I have realized, not to write your own pieces, but to feed your soul with fire and water, peace and tranquility with such breath-taking pieces. Your soul needs poetry, a lot of it.

Be sure to check out some of the book recommendations from my end in this issue of PHOSPHENES. I have curated some personally loved books that I believe definitely deserves to be on your list!

Happy International Women's Day to all the remarkable ladies out there! I hope Elite Book Awards continues to see you all shining bright and fierce in your art. On this auspicious day, I am extremely glad to being out the 2nd issue of PHOSPHENES that contains some beautiful content from our awardees and winners of Elite Book Awards Annual Carnival of Art and Literature 2021. All my gratitude to Mr Abhishek Kapoor and team Digital Golgappa for making things smooth for us in the publishing and promotion field always. Have a great time reading this second issue of PHOSPHENES.

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Much Love,

Pragya Gogoi

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TRAVEL WHERE YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS

KNOW YOUR AUTHOR AN INSIGHT INTO THE LIVES AND WORKS OF 8 STALWARTS OF CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE

Pradeep Kumar Yadav Justyna Nowak Wysocka Nirmal Rathore Melissa Stuart Tumula Mani Kota Rajasekhar R Kathleen Stuti Saxena Singh Piyali Mitra

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PRADEEP KUMAR YADAV Award winning reknowned author and 3rd DAN Black Belt in Karate

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EXCLUSIVE

PRADEEP KUMAR YADAV Shri Pradeep Kumar Yadav holds 3rd DAN Black Belt in Karate conferred in 2019 from the World Karate Federation, Spain. Sh. Yadav who is an official of Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Parliament of India, has more than 20 years of experience in learning and teaching Karate.

Recently, Sh. Yadav has written a Karate book named 'Shotokan Karate: Easiest Way to Get Black Belt' that has won San Francisco Book Festival Award 2021, Literary Titan Silver Award 2021, Hollywood Book Festival Award 2021, Elite Book Award 2021, Bluerose Book Award 2021, Caesura Book Award 2021, Rabindranath Tagore International prize for Art and Literature Award 2021, Sahityakosh Samman 2021, Literary Icon Award 2021, Foxclues India Prime Award 2021, America Book of Records 2021, Harvard (London) World Records 2021, International Book of Records 2021, and Asia Book of Records 2021.

Sh. Yadav has the honor to present this great book to the Hon’ble Vice-President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Sir and Hon'ble Speaker Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla Sir. Shri Yadav has trained thousands of girls and boys in Karate sports also.

Many electronic and print media have covered the news of his presenting book to the Hon’ble Vice-President of India Shri M Venkaiah Naidu Sir and Hon'ble Speaker Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla Sir. PHOSPHENES| 09

JUSTYNA NOWAKWYSOCKA POLAND BASED AUTHOR OF NOVELS WITH EROTIC AND SENSATIONAL THREADS AND CRIME PFICTION.

JUSTYNA NOWAKWYSOCKA talks about her books, awards and literary life

Justyna Nowak-Wysocka was born in Poland. She comes from a small town near Opatów (Świętokrzyskie Province).

She is a logistics engineer by profession.

She wrote her first novel in 2020 - "3 lives, 3 trials". Within a year, she wrote and published as many as 6 novels.

Currently, her best- selling series entitled "Order 999"wins the hearts of readers. She wrote a fantasy romance "3lives, 3 chance" and a sensational novel with erotic themes "Blood Man”. In September 2021, she released a psychological thriller with romance themes entitled "Autumn Queen”. The novel was published abroad by the Indian publishing house Aelin publishers and became a bestseller on Amazon.

Justyna combines writing books with work in logistics. In 2021, she received the Sahitya Ratna Awards presented to Top 30 Literary Icons of 2021 by Elite Book Awards. She adheres to the principle: " Act because dreams will not come true by themselves." She loves travelling and is an enthusiast of ancient culture. Every day, she is madly in love with her husband and son.

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Author Content Writer Academic Writer Live reader Host News editor

NIRMAL RATHORE AN INSIGHT INTO THE LIFE AND WORKS OF THE MULTI-FACETED AUTHOR

Miss. Nirmal Rathore was born on 21st April ,2000 in Jodhpur ,Rajasthan. She is a well-known Author ,Content and Academic Writer. Nirmal have authored 7 books and have co-authored several anthologies and is compiler of 4 anthologies.

This young girl is the awardee of the title "Young Anthologist of the year ,2020" , "Best Debut Author", Best Writer Award and many other awards in literary field.

Though a youngster herself ,she is blessed with a lot of experience in youth building and in order to share this she pour her feelings in paper.

She is mostly famous for her poetries on the theme of " Father" and has won many poetry competitions for the same. Along with this Nirmal has also been awarded with Sahitya Ratna Award in 2021 for her book What makes you an IAS Officer?.

Nirmal is also worked as leadership and technology Editor at prestigious News and Media company and she is also an award-winning author. She has been awarded with the best debut Author award for her first solo book "Success Miniature" and with various other Awards in the literary field and also the winner of many writing competitions.

Nirmal views her life profession in the field of serving and developing the nation though the result she shares her ideas and perspectives through her writings.

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BE RACE-READY WITH TRACK STAR, ALYSSA ARTICLE BY JOHN HUGHES

COPELINE

Her writeups contain ideas of improvement and mostly are youth shaping and discipline among them and so on oriented. This young girl also worked as a content writer, Academic writer in various institutions and continues to do her internships in marketing as a business development executive and Campus ambassador at Model of united nations.

She is a commendable blogger, she writes blogs more about youth building ideas, goals, life, and success. She lost her Father in 2020 to lungs cancer but then she didn't let this grief turn into her weakness rather she made it her strongest point in believing to fulfill not only her dad's dream for her (that is to become an IAS) but she also fulfilled her father's dream for himself( He was very much interesting in establishing his career in writing field).

Her Achievements Author of 7 books.

Compiler and editor of 4 books.

Content writer News Writer Academic Writer Leadership and technology Editor at Uzi news and media company.

News Journalist at Uzi digital media company and classicpreuneur.

Project head at TDC Publications.

Official campus ambassador at. International model, United Nations.

Award-winning Author.

Young Anthologist Awardee (2020) Best debut Author Awardee (2021) Achiever of the year Awardee (2021).

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MELISSA STUART Italy based Best selling author of 4 books

" She became a best selling author with her fourth book..."

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Melissa stuart was born and brought up in Olbia, Sardinia Italy. From 2003, she worked as an employee for Poste italiane Spa. She became an author in 2017 with her first book "The casket of Dubhaltach" renamed in 2019 as a part of Trilogy of White Rose Hall, with the name of white Rose hall: the Ancestor. In 2019, she published the second and third book of White Rose Hall, The healer and The Intrigue. In 2021, she became a best selling author with her fourth book " The return of Nibiru: the declassified viral conspiracy " based on pandemic crisis and David Icke's theories, published by the indian house Aelin Publishers.

In the same year, she achieved many awards with this book like The Saithya Ratna award, the Talent hunt award, The Glantor x award and the Author of 2022 award.

TUMULA MANI KOTA RAJASEKHAR

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TUMULA MANI KOTA - Writer, Engineer

RAJASEKHAR Tumula Mani Kota Rajasekhar is born and bought up in Guntur Andhra Pradesh. He received his BE in Electronics and communication Engineering from Sathyabama University in 2019, with an impeccable percentage of 96 and a title “STUDENT OF THE YEAR”. He was involved in a prestigious project named “FABRICATION OF NANO SUPERCAPACITOR” in Sathyabama University. He was given a professional membership in International Research Centre (IRC) in this process of project. He was also awarded with Best Researcher from IRC Chennai for his exemplary work in this period.

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As a writer, he published two books till now.

The first one was “Bharateeya Samskruthika Nrutya Kalalu” which is based on Indian History and Cultural dances. Whereas second book was “111 Thoughts To Realize The Reality” which is based on the reality. He received multiple national awards like “Best Debut Author”, “All Round Star of the year” and many more as a writer. He wishes to make many more wonders in the field of writings too. His next book “Swamy Rajasekharananda’s Preachings” is on the way.

As an Artist he took part in “Shades” a prestigious project by Spotwrite publications, which is recognized by India Book Of Records.

Along with this he received appreciation from Indian Art Contest, a national level art contest help in 2021.

All these diverse interests helped him to achieve “KALAM RATNA AWARD” from Kalam Foundation and “SAHITYA RATNA AWARD” from Elite Book and also he established a record under “OMG Book of Records” for becoming the young achiever to enter and excel in various fields both nationally and Internationally.

R KATHLEEN

R KATHLEEN R.kathleen is an author from Coimbatore . She has been passionate about writing since her childhood.

In 2021, she published her book titled "EMOTIONS" Kathleen has been awarded as best writer and best selling author on Amazon and happens to be a good poet . She is a self-made person and loves to write books.

She was conferred the title of - Best Writer in 2021 - Best Poet in 2021

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Stuti Saxena Singh talks about her intriguing journey in the literary world

RECORD HOLDING AUTHOR

I am workaholic, my intense passion gravitize me to jot situations and scenarios embracing authenticate perception. Since I love what I do, I have a steady source of motivation that drives me to do my best.

I am ambitious and driven. I thrive on challenge and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive towards. I’m not comfortable with settling, and I’m always looking for an opportunity to do better and achieve greatness. Moving on the path,today my inked words have platformed me with appreciation and acknowledgement.

Searched as Stuti Saxena Singh on various webplatforms, Amazon,Kindle Flipkart, Googlebooks, Goodreads marks my new address.

In my 1year short literary journey,I have added two books माँ-Ek Kavya Sanghra & Anjana- Unfathomable Ocean of Love as Author, and 3 books- She A Prized Solitaire, माँ- My First Teacher, Life After Covid 19 as Compiler in my shelf.

Starting my literary journey from May 2020,I have contributed my writings in form of verses, stories,articles in various national and international magazines & journals. Simultaneously adding Co Authorship in 100+Anthologies( National& International)in past 1year .

Inception of my literary journey is presently brief but yes the jaunt is supremely phenomenol and astonishing.

Frankly speaking until some time ago writing was never my cup of tea. But then abrupt demise of my mother in May 2019,scattered my soul, smashed my hope, shivered my credence.

My heart got puffed with emotions that stayed unexpressed ,unsaid and even unheard.

Stillness chaperoned with stifling coerced to smash the carapace of melancholy , unsaid grief and bereaved emotions to let flow as words, phrases,quotes & verses inked over paper, thus starting my astonishingly unanticipated peregrination of being a writer, published Author.

Also I believe in being socially active, but this verdict of mine doesn't correlate, with today's trending social platforms, where likes, views,comments, trend, hastags builds ones image.

Being part of society, I owe social responsibilities too.

Synchronizing my path with graceful deeds of my beloved mother, I have also started working & contributing in upliftment of women, specially illiterate ones by letting them know their basic rights and authorities. Since I am very new in this field so have started from local level viz my area, my surroundings.

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Recently have joined UNICEF, so as to widen up my helping spectrum.

Another crucial role that I played, was a COVID warrior, in hard times of pandemic, I along with my father have helped 20 poor families of nearby area and the reffred ones by providing them monthly "Ration" and other needful essentialities.

S T U T I

S A X E N A

S I N G H

A JOURNEY OF MILESTONES

So really would like to thank Almighty for making us so very capable, so as we can devote our earnings in wellbeing of others, more needful.

A

I along with helping hand of my father are pplanningto open a non profit trust in beloved m e m o r y o f माँ , f o r t h e w e l f a r e o f p o o r a n d n e e d y f a m i l i e s . " अं ज ना - स हा य ता सं स्था न " w i t h n o t i o n f o r o v e r a l l welfare by providing them with basic necessities of life like food, clothes, basic education and counselling in case required.

As targeted with our savings available, presently we can feed 20 such families, but once our trust gets registered under Government body,will try to widen up the aura of funds that can be raised,so that , we can reach out to more and more people with our functionalities.

Recently started working as UNICEF Member for poverty stricken population and is associated with WFP by UN. M y F i r s t s o l o A u t h o r e d b o o k - " माँ - ए क का व्य सं ग्र ह r a t e d among Top 7Amazing books by Indian Authors by Foxinterviewer, IndiaEthics & DailyHunt A l s o m y B o o k " माँ - ए क का व्य सं ग्र ह , w i l l b e r e c e i v i n g t o k e n of appreciation in literature field by Governer of West Bengal, accompained by Cabinet Ministry of Rajasthan in 2022.

A l s o " माँ - ए क का व्य सं ग्र ह " L i s t e d f o r M a a S h a r d e S a m m a n 2021, by Utkarsh Publication House.

My first solo book is nominated in Book of World Records London for year 2022.

Invited for Award Meet on 6th March 2022,on eve of International Women's Day, event by WSN. My literary journey to be Featured by editorial board of NewYork Express, Washington Times Now in Feb2022.

Received invite for CoverpageFeature in Hello India Magazine, issue to be live in Feb 2022.

O n e o f m y C o A u t h o r e d B o o k " प्रा ची न भ र ती य इ ति हा स की वि सं ग ति या " By D.K Saxena and Stuti Saxena Singh, Selected by Directorate of Legal Affairs,Central Board of Excise and Customs,New Delhi,Govt Of India.

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Here is a glimpse of my short literary journey I hold nearly 100+ Anthologies as a Co Author , including International,National,World Record, MSME projects.

My Poems, Articles and Stories have been published in various National and International Journals and Magazines.

During my 1year of short literary journey have added various golden feathers in her cap clasping prestigious World Records on my name including IBR(3), OMG(3), Bravo International Bookof World Records(2), Vajra Book Of Records, Kalam Book of World Records.

This year,2021, my literature journey is awarded with various Awards,including Kalpna Chawla MemorialAward, Her Ka Hunar Award, National Level Pratibha Samman Golden Peacock Award,for excellent & appreciable work in field of Literature, Lambda Literary Award( Category- Author)by Forever Star World Records.

Best Writer Attainer Award, 2021 for , " माँ - ए क का व्य स ग्रं ह " b y J E C P u b l i c a t i o n s .

B e s t P o e t r y B o o k , " माँ " - ए क का व्य स ग्रं ह " , 2 0 2 1 , b y F e l e c i a Words Publication House.

Recognized as Literary Icon by NE8X for Literary Excellence in Writing and Published Book Outreach.

Received Scroll Of Honour 2021,by NE8X on eve of National Authors Day. Speaker Honour, 2021,for esteem contribution across speaker sessions and inspiring the Next Generation Writers .

Uttrakhand Naari Samman 2021,by Vishv Hindi Lekhika Manch.

Rabindra Nath Tagore international Prize of Art and Literature 2021,for significant contribution and excellence in literature.

Previous year,2020,got awarded with WORDSMITH AWARD by Asian Literary Society, Editorial Choice Award at Nazmehayat.

Rising Star (Writer) by Face Of India, Tarangini, Mumbai.

Real Super Woman,2020(Writer, Author) by FSIA. Nari Gaurav Samman 2020.

Rising Author of the year, 2020,by Indian Professional Awards, event organised by GOREA.

Piyali Mitra

AWARD WINNING POET, AUTHOR, BIOETHICIST

PIYALI MITRA Poet, PhD Researcher, Bioethicist, Painter Piyali Mitra has always enjoyed writing for and making contributions to journals of repute. She is a bioethical research scholar by day and a writer by night. She loathes to give up on anything she is so passionate about. Writing is like liberating for her, breathing oxygen in and out.

Enjoying every curvy road with sharp bends along the drive to misty mountains with beautiful and sweet memories and even painful experiences to learn from. Her passion led to publish her solo and debut book on poetry “Of the heart and soul-A mellifluous whisper” with Hesten Imprint, a traditional publication unit of BlueRose Publishers, New Delhi.

Piyali has been awarded Wordsbrew 2021 Best Author Poetry Award. She also received Best Poetry Author 2021 Award conferred by the LitVoice Magazine. The Best Seller BlueRose Awards 2021 has been presented to her for the book "Of the heart and soul-A mellifluous whisper".

She has been Amazon Best Seller, in the Poetry section.

Piyali's collection of poems by Google Editorial Panel as ART Exhibit India under the Project Google Books Art & Culture GBA&C

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Book blurb: "This anthology abounds in the feeling of love-- Love has always been the source of inspiration for the countless poems and thoughtful scribbling made by lovers and admirers, but few poems are written analyzing the concept and how to feel to be in love. This book speaks of how love can be the source of inspiration at the same time the source of abjection. Rejection and dejection can push one to a corner while love can uplift and transcend a mind from one realm to another. This garland of verses as the author would love to call is also a memory book remembering the various emotions her mother has been subjected to.

Some lines and verses of this book speak the loudest and most directly and others have reflection of vibrant imagery and artful characters. Some lines have divine intonation while others draw heavily from mundane life. The book has tried to capture the colors, aroma and essences of water, land, mountains, seasons and even leaves. Every object of Nature has their own language. This book has made an attempt to communicate that subtle language through verses. The book contains some illustrations."

MISUNDERSTOOD "WORDS" -By Lamiya Siraj

Writing is not only my hobby, but it is my passion. I write to express, not to impress. I am not here to change the world by my writings, but yes, if my writings positively impact one person, my work is done.

-"You don't write because you want to say something… … you write because you have something to say."

-F. Scott Fitzgerald You must be thinking about why I started my article with this note. So here I will share a brief message about the same. I was always waiting for my piece "Every end is a new beginning" to get selected and published in Scribe Online Magazine. I was excited and nervous at the same time. This happens with me for every single article though it's been more than two years now for me doing content writing. My last published article on Scribe Magazine is remarkable in itself. After publishing my debut novel "Destined to Heal within", this was my first article. Secondly, it is about a true incident that occurred accidentally with something close to us and memories attached. As always, I was readily waiting for my comments and compliments. Words of appreciation as well as critics for enhancing my knowledge.

Yes, my article got well-acclaimed, which I had not thought of. I started getting good reviews and feedback on the article in the magazine portal itself and on personal messages and emails. Thank you all for the same. But my trigger was one such private message on WhatsApp about one particular point that I mentioned in the article " Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up". I was shocked to see that it was misunderstood entirely and put the cat among the pigeons. Now, as this left me restless, I need to define what I meant by my statement. In simple words, what I mean by it is suppose if someone has fallen into a pit and you want to help the person out from it, how would you do it? Till you physically don't look down, you won't be able to pull the other person up as well as out! Right? I had written it, keeping this point in my mind with a highly positive outlook.

Let me elaborate now. This example works for both humanity and leadership. The level of effort you put into understanding someone leads to the level you can assist. Discrimination keeps happening among all against each other. Whether it be race, religion, or economic situation. People don't have the right to judge or criticize anyone. We don't know their struggles or the path that God gave them. It is easy to form an "opinion" based upon a person's perception or situation without knowing the truth. I strongly feel we need to help each other and not hurt one another.

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As I mentioned, leadership. So, leaders should know that leadership is a privilege. Leaders are accountable for the success and livelihoods of dozens, hundreds, and thousands of people. The decisions they make, their actions, and how they carry themselves impact a large community and can diverse a larger community. They should be humble in their demeanour and focus on serving their constituents. The success and growth of every individual that falls under their leadership should be a proud achievement for them. Honour flows to the leader because of their impact on the organization and the people they lead.

People know their lives have been affected positively, and they strive to honour their leader in return.

Leadership is a tremendous responsibility since it's an opportunity to create a positive or negative difference in other people's lives, mainly the subordinates and followers. "Leader should always look down to help and lift others!"

This is what I had meant by my statement, 'Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up.

In my previous write up 'Every end is a new beginning'.

Lamiya Siraj is a freelance writer, blogger, and author of the novel "DESTINED TO HEAL WITHIN" based in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. She is also the author of the book "ONE STEP AHEAD." she has received a lot of acclamation and recognition in terms of certificates, trophies & medals from many publication houses and award event organizers in a short time (to name a few NE8x, Fanatixx-Spectrum, AwardsArc, Firefoxx, Applause, etc.).

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Influencer Corner S A M A R P I T A S E N

CONTENT CREATOR, INFLUENCER, SOCIAL WORKER

THE RISING ARTIST AND CONTENT CREATOR FROM WEST BENGAL Samarpita Sen is born and bought up in Kolkata.. She is a Graduate with education honours from Calcutta university (Batch 2018.) . She is currently working in social media platforms like Roposo, Moj, ShareChat etc.. She was awarded with the title of Best Artist by Golden Arc Awards and Elite Book Awards . She was also listed among Asia's Top 100 Women, India's 100Top Women by FoxClues etc..She has bagged many national Awards till date for her wonderful work.

These include prestigious awards from Magic Book of Record, Bharatiya Youth icon and many more...

She is also a social worker and has worked in famous apps. The first achievement is Kyuili as Star of the month and 2nd being ShareChat certificate...

As an artist she took part in dignified events and her work was much appreciated by Elite Book Awards ,Frame and Fame Awards in 202 etc.

Her diverse field of work in content creation is truly remarkable.

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VISION IS AN ART...

By Prasenjit Kashinath More

As I was sitting in the room today, my attention was drawn to a piece of paper in front of me.

A core paper, even white! It is as if the white clouds of space flow in the combination of morning and evening. I kept staring at that paper. Why did I keep looking? I don't know the answer to this question and I don't want to know. In a moment I noticed that I had a diary on my side. I took it in my hand and began to turn its pages. In it, I used to express my thoughts and words in many poems. I kept looking at them for some more time, holding the diary of the poem and the core page in my hand. I had pages in both my hands, so what's the difference? The only difference is that, on the one hand, I was able to come up with ideas, and on the other hand, I had to come up with ideas. In fact, looking at these pages, I was learning something new. It was giving me a new perspective on life. Even so, owning one is still beyond the reach of the average person. Where there is art, there will be artists ... If the artist is excellent, then that art will be well realized.

Something similar is happening to me now. That diary's page was showing me my past and that core page was my future for me. The reason for this is that I could not change the poems I wrote, even if I wanted to. We also have a past, don't we? No matter how much you want to change it, you can't change it. I have no idea what I will write on that page. So is our future, we can't predict what will happen next. But, there is something left here ... I see my past, I see my future, then where is my present? Got it .... the present is in me. It so happened that I wandered around like a musk deer in search of that musk. But, not realizing that, that musk is in me. In the same way, we look at the past and the future. But, we don't see the musk like present in us. Now that I understand this, my existence is in my present. It also tells my present, how was my past and what will be my future !

These pages gave me a new perspective on life. Everything around you teaches you something new. We just have to have that curiosity to learn and this tendency to learn comes from the point of view ...! That's why I say, "Vision is an art!" But, that attitude should be positive for you.

Prasenjit is a final year medical student (SVAMC). He believes that medicine heals the body while poetry heals the soul.

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AUTHOR'S CORNER

INTERVIEW WITH

Dr Romila Chitturi Dr. Romila Chitturi, holds a PhD in Business Management, MBA (Finance), Postgraduate degrees in Digital Marketing and Public Relations. She owns, edits and publishes a quarterly magazine on art and literature. “Unicorn” in digital and print medium. She is an award(s) winning author, columnist, published author of 17 books, speaker and masterclass guru. She reads a lot of thrillers, loves coffee, prefers the color pink, dreams of visiting Paris and enjoys watching Turkish drama. She hosted seminars on Public Policy at University of Hyderabad. She worked as a Research Analyst at IIM Ahmedabad. She is Delhi born, raised and educated and lives in Hyderabad. To get in touch with her you can write to her directly -writeforunicorn@gmail.com or follow her on IG - @magazineunicorn or @thenovemberschild.

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" Ideas/thoughts flow only when writers express their emotions strongly.Only such people can be good heart-touching writers.."

1) What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?

Social media presence. Not completely give up but definitely take a long break from it and polish my writing skills. I’ve done this in 2020 and I am really happy with the outcome - I wrote 3 books.

2) Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?

Yes! For me it is one of the best spiritual practices. It is 100% therapeutic. Through writing, I often reformulate important life lessons in my own words. It has improved my focus, thinking, and philosophies and will always help in making me a better person.

3) Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?

No! It is important to feel emotions strongly to be a writer. As a writer, he/she must have the ability to bring out emotions from the readers through their work.

Many readers turn to novels and long stories to be transported to a world of intense emotion.

Ideas/thoughts flow only when writers express their emotions strongly. Only such people can be good heart-touching writers.

4) What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

When I am upset, get hurt, or excited, or caught out in the rain, me as a writer pays attention. When I see a stranger with a particular walk, or interesting look, I take notes. When I hear a fascinating conversation or experience something wonderful/terrible/aweinspiring/terrifying I hold it in my mind for use in my writings/work. To create an immersive experience for my readers, I pay attention to every life-detail I can manage.

5) Tell us about one of your best works that you are extremely proud of.

Out of 17 books I have written - A Bowl of soul curry is one book of mine which I’m extremely proud of.

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6) If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?

Work hard to strive to connect with readers. Writing is communicating properly your words to the world through personal experiences, imparting ideas and information, or creating rich, compelling stories, or amazing poems. Be authentic, take inspiration, be yourself. Strike a balance, to be your own self and also strive to be the best version of yourself possible.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW DR ROMILA CHITTURI

7) Do you hear from your readers much?

What kinds of things do they say?

10) What does literary success look like to you?

I do hear from my readers but not on a regular basis. They usually have good reviews/feedback on my books/articles.

It is not that I never received any criticisms, but I have always taken negative words in a positive way and improved.

Literary Success for me is personal achievement. I set many goals for myself when writing a blog/article/book from the amount of writing I aim to do per day to the types of writing (for instance writing 2-3 poems, introduction or editing the draft). So when I reach those milestones, that feels like mini-successes. Of course, the biggest definition of success for me is finishing a full draft of my work before the deadline. Even if it needs more revisions, there is such a huge sense of accomplishment in having that first full draft completed. As far as the way success is determined externally, I honestly try not to think about it. Yes, it would be amazing to have fantastic readers and get it in every bookstore. I enjoy the process of producing work. Success for me is about happiness, growth, and freedom my words give me. It doesn't matter how much money I have or how many books I've sold or how far I've come if I'm not happy, if I'm not growing.

8) What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

The most surprising thing I learned while writing my books was that I could write a book in the first place.

Being an author was never in my life plan, it just happened, I call it destiny’s plan. I continue to be surprised every time a reader says they loved my book.

After 17 books I know I can write well. I was also surprised by the fact, after writing several poetry books, that I was able to write fiction. Today it is easy for me to come up with ideas and write a book.

9) What are common traps for aspiring writers?

Many writers get trapped in irrational traps such as not believing in the originality of their work . They need to go beyond her own self while creating characters and situations which most of the writers don’t. Concentrating on feedback which is negative, discourages them from writing regularly. Instead of writing their own plot, they fall for bestselling stories which are out of their niche. It is important to learn about agents, publishers, indie booksellers, marketing, book proposals, publicists, contracts, deals, distribution which writers feel irrelevant to know.

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COVER STAR

Jyoti Matania Entrepreneur, Author, Writer, Compiler, Co-author

talks about her literary journey and upcoming projects

The Inside Story Born and brought up in Odisha, Jyoti Matania has come a long way !!Currently pursuing her bachelors in political science she aims to become a civil servant..Being co-authored in 40+anthologies and in the process of being more ,her work"CLIMACTERICS" has been honoured by Indian Book of Records. The title "Aaj ki Womaniya ", 'The real heroes' ,'Kalinga Kanya'aptly justifies her essence of being the best version of herself..A national debator,fashionista &yes now a writer..has allowed to be ME! Celebrating yourself the way you are has allowed her to be voice for the voiceless and carry herself the way she is!!(BTC ;be the change award)has recognised this thought of hers and bestows this title to her A Writer, Compiler, Author,Debator&an Entrepreneur ......comes next to her while the line which kind of really makes her , compliments her is "Love yourself first and everything else falls into line". The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself . " You Yourself, as much as anybody in the universe , deserve your love and affection".

Moreover honoured with literary felicitations like SAHITYAKOSH SAMMAN 2021,TAGORE COMMEMORATIVE HONOUREE 2021 for her anthology Fierce Fearless'n'Flawed has allowed her to pen her thoughts relentlessly!

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JYOTI

MATANIA You Yourself, as much as anybody in the universe , deserve your love and affection".

She believes in creating her own path instead of complaining about the circumstances; She creates the new ones.... Being fierce ,tough &bold is what has allowed her to stand against all odds of life!!

J Y O T I M A T A N I A WORK PROFILE

Work profileThe finest perfection of simplicity is what makes her &her work profile more crisp, solid and efficient.

Being a Writer, Compiler, Author, Debater & an Entrepreneur she works exactly as it is penned symmetrically in the process of: Writing her thoughts Compiling the ideas Authoring it down Debating her voice for the voiceless Entrepreneurship to live on her terms...

9.Honoured with "Writer of the Year Award 2021" by Forever Star book

Work done So far-

Rabindranath Tagore International Prize of Art & Literature'

Her projects till date: 1) Fierce Fearless 'n' Flawed 2)Unseen Blessings 'Dua' 3)Holika 4) Climacterics (Indian Book of Records) 5) Revival ( Bravo book of International World Records) Debated at State , National , Chancellor Cups &MUN's..

Awards and Recognitions: 1.Sahitya Kosh Sammaan 2021 2.Tagores Commemorative Honouree 2021 3.Honoured with" Be the Change Award " by OMG book of records for her book Fierce Fearless 'n' Flawed 4.Indian Books Of Records Holder for her anthology " CLIMACTERICS " 5."The Real Heroes" title by the great podium for her unwavering commitment towards literature.

6.Being featured in national magazine as "Aaj Ki Womaniya" 7.Honoured with the title of "Kalinga Kanya" 8.Honoured by Institute of Company Secretaries Of India as state topper in quiz competition.

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of World Records..

10.National Debator (won the title in 2020) 11.India's Diva Awardee for being an compiler &writer in the book 'CLIMACTERICS' 12.Felicitated with the honour of "The Real Super Woman Awards 2021"

by Forever Star India Records 13.Honoured as State NSS Debate holder by education minister Odisha..

14.Awarded at 'Elite Carnival of Book & Literature 'wid the prestigious ' 15.Honoured with 'Inkzoid& Glorious book of records' for securing 12 titles in less than a period of 2 months..

16.Nominee as NE8x Litfest 2021 & recegonised as literary icon by NE8x for 2021

JYOTI MATANIA Upcoming Projects Survivors (anthology)& solo book on the way...

Aiming for Asia book of Records!

To sum up 'SHE' is a Hustler,Bustler & Knocker.. Her energy to do so much more makes her unique.

She follows her mantra as (mantra of jeet) : "Life's journey is not to arrive your grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out and say HolyShit, that's the ride ..this is how I wanna go!

LOVE ACROSS BOUNDARIES

- By Shishira Srinivasa

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Chapter 1 OUT OF THE BLUE FRIENDSHIP

“Wake up, wake up”, her mother was calling her out at the top of her voice, Shirin was going to be late for office today as well. She was ecstatic to go to office, of course not because of work, but to meet a man Ayaan who was special. She hadn’t known him much; they both had just met at an office event. But she had felt an immediate inclination towards him, no she wasn’t in love. There was lot of time for all those, and she was one such girl who felt she was not going to get into relationship and stay single happily. But fate had other plans, doesn’t it?

She wasn't a beautiful beauty, she had wheatish complexion, hadn't a faultless shape, though she wasn't overweight. But she had curves. She never had a romance till today. She had few crushes throughout her college years, but hadn't gone farther. She was merely terrified of any such crush.

Now she met this individual at an event at the company and he assisted her at the event a few times, they both had no mutual acquaintances, but they were linked. He was a pleasant, clever and energetic person, no event you couldn't see him in. He's been extremely active. One day they had a brief contact with each other, smiling and meeting their eyes. She always wanted an autonomous single life. But sure, in life, fate doesn't have a higher head. What we are now was decided in our destiny, wasn't it?

Both started conversing in facebook and yep, something youngsters have these generation. Not love letters or notes. And afterwards, numbers were exchanged and messaging began. She waited for his message every day, and she grew so accustomed to waking up to his message and going to bed, seeing his message of goodnight. His message, her face would be so vividly lighted. And a day without his communication, she'd grown loopy, melancholy. One such Sunday, he had no message except a good morning wish, she was anxious, she was keen to have a message, but she did not receive one.

She wasn't ready to go ahead and message first, she wasn't an egotist, she just didn't want to make a poor impression in her mind. She waited and waited all day long, and eventually her patience surpassed the boundaries she had written to him herself, only to find he had been out to some meditation place with pals. She was finally glad that nothing was wrong. She was an overthinker, of course most females are. She started thinking in hundreds of various ways without receiving a message from him.

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Chapter 2 THE PROPOSAL

Things went well when he proposed in whatsapp one beautiful day, rather night. Look at tech generation. No flowers or love letter was needed. And when she received her first proper proposal in those 27 years, she was on cloud nine. Although she was inclined to say yes, it wasn't accepted instantly. She merely answered with a thank you, and those two words were harsh enough to harm him, therefore she didn't mean to hurt him. She was delighted as this was her first genuine proposal in these many years, there were lads who showed interest in her when she was in college, but she was quite high-headed and studious that they didn't dare to come and propose her, and she wasn't interested in it either. Things were different though now, she received her first proposal and was quite thrilled about it.

In these few months she had developed a real respect and liking towards him, he was a very open person who had shared almost all about his past girl friends, his life, his house, his family.

Although she loved him, she refused to accept him fearing their future. Remembering a line from Chetan Bhagat’s Two states, she could see that Marriage in India is not just union of two people but whole family. She could see that this wouldn’t be possible in her scenario, as they both belonged to two Different religion.

She didn’t want to just have a boy friend but she wanted a serious relationship and commitment which would end up in marriage. She was a romantic person too, having read wide range of books from Mills and boons to Twilight saga to Shakespeare tragic stories too. Now that she felt that she met the right person, but was in a dilemma of not going ahead. It was her mother who had brought her to the world of books and novels, she had a very good hobby of reading books and she had chosen her genre to be fantasy and romance most of the times, this definitely made her the romantic person who expected flowers and roses.

She also yearned for love, of course she was well pampered and taken care of by her parents, but a girl needs much more than that, doesn’t she? Yes, she yearned for a true love just like an Edward Cullen who would love her to the fullest and care for her in the most unique and best way.

Now she felt that she was being granted that wish, however she was contemplating about her future with him and she was also anxious to get into relationship as she still didn’t know him much. Of course, five months was pretty nice period to know about him and in these months, she found nothing bad in him. Only his good nature and lovely caring attitude that made him a gentleman and desirable for her. She wanted him to be hers and wanted him forever, however it is not as easy as one thinks to attain love right?

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Chapter 3 ACCEPTANCE

She started calculating in her mind all the differences between herself and him. She hailed from a Brahmin family pure veg and he belonged to Muslim and was a pure non vegetarian and so many.

But yeah, love is more powerful, isn’t it? She gave in after two months. They both were in love and started going out just like how normal couple go out. It all started with gifting each other, to going out holding hands for movies and shopping. Her parents were very open with her and broad minded she never hid the gifts or chocolates and the exception of hiding was only the Love part which she kept for later part.

Things passed by and after 2 beautiful romantic years, a disaster struck her life when her beloved mother fell ill and had to be hospitalized. She had been stuck by some rare infection and they travelled to her Nani’s city so that they could also help out. And it was so disastrous since the condition of her mother was not so good and there was no definite time of recovery. She had to be hospitalized for 3 long months and she was so used to seeing his face every day and now they weren’t able to see each other. The massive attack that she had was her bubbly and friendly mother falling sick and not being able to know time of her recovery.

She couldn’t understand what god had planned, whether she was being separated from him or whether she would not be able to go back. Fate has many things stored for us.

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Chapter 4 ANOTHER LIGHTNING

Every day they kept in contact through messages and he even offered to visit her in the hospital but she didn’t want him to travel so far to meet her. So she kept on refusing and internally she was very sad and desperate to get out of the hospital. She had many sleepless nights and slowly things started to get better and her mother was atlast discharged from the hospital.

And once returned home, she slept peacefully thinking back to the office and seeing his face again.

She wanted to spend plenty of time with him, but was ignorant of things altered. He used to spend time with teammates and was able to spend 20 minutes with her every day. She was too disturbed and unhappy for the first time in office.

She even had a brief quarrel with him as she was mentally distraught, coming out of the stressful days and memories of the hospital. She knew she wanted him to spend time with her, but she had no other alternative, she wanted to make up for the missed 3 months. Things became normal again until the Covid epidemic stuck again and divided them in the guise of Quarantine and lockdown.

She was so frustrated to go out and see him, but he didn't allow that as he was concerned about her safety. Life carried on with masks, sanitizers, face shield, social distance. And moving on. She had one benefit, though, that she did her PhD and her centre was relatively near to home. She wanted to see him under the premise of going to college for study. However, he didn't exhibit the same excitement and she was saddened to see this, she even battled with him and ultimately he decided to meet her and spend time with her. After more than six months away from him, she was so excited and frantic to see him and see him eye to eye, but soon the three-hour meeting passed fast and she was sorry to be away from him. Things went this way, meeting once in six months, and things were unusual and strange from his side, she was hurt day by day, and her heart was torn and splintered to minute bits.

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EPILOGUE

There she stood, with disastrous look on her face, looking sullen, almost pale and purple shadows under her eyes as a result of sleepless nights and crying.

A bubble rose in her throat, her eyes started to water, a tear escaped her eyes when she saw Ayaan standing in the billing queue with his wife, covered with traditional burqa. Shirin just left the queue in haste with a sideways glance. She got to know in the quarantine period that he gave up his love fearing his family wouldn’t agree and was married a girl of their tradition. She was heartbroken, became fragile and whatever happened life moved on. She decided to live a single life thereafter and life went on......

Ms. Shishira Srinivasa, a PhD Research Scholar, a budding poetess and an Ardent writer is a certified Reiki healer, Certified Animal Communicator, A Tarot reader, certified Angel Therapist, and intends to help people who are suffering in their day to day lives, She has published 5 books so far in a span of 5 months and has been awarded with many prestigious awards.

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Poetry

PHOSPHENES| 43 PHOSPHENES

18

Reminiscing love -By Surabhi Naik

I remember those times when you wrapped yourself around me and I’d be enveloped in your arms the warmth of your hugs Surabhi Naik hails from felt like soft cushions of embrace Thane, Maharashtra and is the and my hand in yours, the comfort of your palms author of 7 books. She loves Nurtured and hydrated by your wet kisses music and art and is a psychologist by profession Blossoms of the blooming season The touch of your warmth Love being the reason I suppose the season has passed Blooms withered The petals that once unfurled the fragrance of love Did not turn into fruits Rather dried and melted away Frozen in the soils Moments far gone Voyages left half way without a destination….

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No Incertitude I will be looking for you -By Piyush Pratik Mohanty You are so awesome Even more than the flowers of cherry blossom Even a teensy-weensy glimpse of you Gives me strength to face all quandaries and bid them adieu Piyush Pratik Mohanty is a The Swiss Alps & Northern Lights in view No incertitude I will be looking at you All memories of you are stored perfectly in my brain's hippocampus With being pulchritudinous, for me you're momentous In each and every Christmas I wish for you It isn't working though; still won’t bid adieu I'm not an accumulator Still have a dream to keep you forever Definitely I'll design my own universe Where I'll relive each memory of you; just my very own memoryverse Just stay the way you are All your difficulties gonna be erased from far

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student currently pursuing bachelor's degree in prosthetics and orthotics.

He loves to write.

Mostly When Falling -By Reijul Sachdev The sky has darkened over And something bids you wait, To stop your everyday routine, For some impending fate.

There’s a crackle high above us, As people wonder why, Tumult has come upon the winds To the Kingdom of the Sky. The world comes to a standstill And waits with bated breath To feel the wrath of the sky above As Thunder rumbles his threat.

‘Tis a truly heady feeling, To stand beside the edge And wonder as you plummet, If Fate has carved a ledge?

Your life, your dreams, your choices, All seem to congregate, Brought here by the careless winds Of a wild, yet thoughtful, Fate.

Then, lightning suddenly crackles, And like a flint stone’s spark, It lights a fire amidst the clouds’ Leaden tinderbox of the dark.

And as the fire crackles, Taking the guise of Thunder, You have but moments left To contemplate each blunder.

Suddenly, life is beautiful And you want to follow every star, To climb every vale and mountain, To travel wide and far.

You want but moments more: To explore every hidden trail, To know the name of every tree, To relish each breeze and gale.

Then, with a patter come umbrellas, As common sense comes calling, For people, like raindrops, are beautiful Mostly when they are falling.

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Reijul Sachdev is a diabetic, schizophrenic and epileptic, but has overcome his illnesses through writing. He has published two books -'Emerald Blades' (an anthology of poems) and 'Hai-Clue' (a murder mystery). He believes in every freak there lives a Superman.

जिंदगी है एक सफर -By Prerna Arora खामोशी की है डगर, पूछे ना कोई मगर। के इन लफ़्ज़ों में है क्या छिपा, ये जिंदगी है एक सफर। खामोशी की है डगर, पूछे ना कोई मगर। के इन लफ़्ज़ों में है क्या छिपा, ये जिंदगी है एक सफर। भीड़ में , तन्हाई में या आसमान की परछाई में, रखे है मैंने भी कई सपने संजोकर कहीं एक संदूक की गहराई में। के भीड़ में , तन्हाई में या आसमान की परछाई में, रखे है मैंने भी कई अपने सपने संजोकर कहीं एक संदूक की गहराई में। चाबी कहीं खो गई मगर.... चाबी कहीं खो गई मगर, अब करूं तो करूं किससे जिक्र। के इन लफ़्ज़ों में है क्या छिपा, ये जिंदगी है एक सफर। इन राहों में मिलते तो कई लोग है, अजनबियों की नहीं कोई कसर। के इन राहों में मिलते तो कई लोग है अजनबियों की नहीं कोई कसर। लेकिन मिल जाए मुझे यहाँ अपना कोई, जिसे कह दूँ मैं अपना हमसफर। मेरे बिन बोले जो समझ जाए मुझे..... मेरे बिन बोले जो समझ जाए मुझे, कु छ बोले ना वो भी मगर। के इन लफ़्ज़ों में है क्या छिपा, ये जिंदगी है एक सफर।

थक जाऊँ तो ठहर जाऊँ कहीं, थम ना जाऊँ कहीं मगर। के थक जाऊँ तो ठहर जाऊँ कहीं, थम ना जाऊँ कहीं मगर। हार गई तो फिर जीत भी जाऊँ गी लेकिन टूटकर ना जाऊँ कहीं बिखर। मुसाफ़िर हूँ इन राहों की.... के मुसाफ़िर हूँ इन राहों की, मंज़िल की नहीं मुझको फिक्र। के इन लफ़्ज़ों में है क्या छिपा ये जिंदगी है एक सफर। ये जिंदगी है एक सफर।

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Prerna Arora a 19 years old girl from Hastinapur.

A Reader, Writer, Student and an Award Winning Poet. Writing is her passion which gives her a positive attitude and a ray of hope and shine in the darkness.

The Nest -By Cheshta Tuteja A bird has left the nest with the fidelity to feed and safeguard the tree.

His offsprings often look for reassurance .

As they grow, their dilemma breaks and realizes the tree is their home.

The realization makes them understand the absence of the bird.

Their quest is ended and it begins in them alike urge to fence the tree

Le

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Cheshta Tuteja, is a budding author from a small city of Bikaner, Rajasthan who aspires to be one of the biggest authors in India. She has been a recipient in her academic field by the education minister of Rajasthan and is currently working on one of her fiction novels.

She would like to publish coursebooks for CBSE, one day .

AUTHOR'S CORNER

INTERVIEW WITH

Indira Guha Patra

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Indira Guha Patra is an emerging writer whose indomitable spirit to defeat failures and fiery language skills have won thousands of readers’ hearts. She started her writing career with ‘Chasing Dreams’ in Dec 2016, following which she published three more books - ‘The Promise,’ in 2018, ‘Baby Fights Corona’, and ‘The Veil of Disguise’ in 2020. Her upcoming is a poetry book.

She loves experimenting with her work and never limits her imagination within a particular genre.

Indira excels in depicting human emotions and intertwining them with her imagination, thereby merging reality and fiction beautifully. She is a modern-day writer whose main aim is to inspire the youth. She has won the ‘Sahityakosh Samman 2021’, ‘Bharatiya Youth Face of India’ title, ‘R Crit 100 Author award’, ‘The Pride of India Award,’ ‘The Writer of the Year Award,’ ‘Best Thriller Author Award, ‘Most Exemplary Work Award,’ Rabindranath Tagore International Prize for Art and Literature.’

" Spirituality is vital in crafting something divine or immortal.

If you wish your book to be memorable, you need to have the same devotion in writing it as you have for the Almighty."

1) What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?

I would like to give up my writing drawbacks to become a better writer. I want to excel in perfection, and I keep improving my skill daily. At times, I am a bit impatient, which I would like to quit to get a better version of me as an author because crafting a book takes a lot of persistence and endurance.

2) Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?

Yes, for me, my work is a form of worship. Spirituality is vital in crafting something divine or immortal. If you wish your book to be memorable, you need to have the same devotion in writing it as you have for the Almighty.

3) Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?

Well, to some extent, no. It's important to feel the emotions deeply to pen them down because if the writer can't relate to the emotions in his/her own story, then it's likely that readers won't find it emotionally attuned. However, some writers prefer taking a practical professional approach in crafting their literary piece without getting too attached or emotionally overwhelmed with their work. But then that is rare, I guess.

4) What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

One interesting writing quirk which I always implement in my novels is the merging of reality with fiction. Often my stories and characters are inspired by actual life events or characters.

5) Tell us about one of your best works that you are extremely proud of.

Though all my books are equally close to my heart, "The Veil of Disguise" is undoubtedly my best work till date. Intelligent weaving, exceptional plot construction and captivating narration make this crime thriller fiction a big favourite amongst the thriller lovers. This book also got several awards such as the Most Exemplary Work Award, Best Thriller Author Award and Rabindranath Tagore International Prize for art and literature.

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6) If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?

I would like to tell my younger writing self to be more patient in crafting a book and practice caution over choosing promotional agencies. I would like to see my past-self putting more effort in marketing and promotion and also spending more time in researching before writing a novel.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW INDIRA GUHA PATRA

7) Do you hear from your readers much?

What kinds of things do they say?

I have been really lucky to have a very friendly and loyal fan base. My readers often connect with me asking me about my upcoming books and also pour in positive reviews about my book. They even support me in my rough times and also give advice regarding any issue related to book publishing, marketing and promotion.

8) What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Well, I have learned several shocking things in the entire period of becoming an author but then the most surprising thing that I learned right after publishing my first novel was that publishing a book is not the end of the duty of an author. Most of the hard work begins right after publishing. Marketing and promotion of the book is not the sole responsibility of the publishing house but that of an author too. This was something I learned the hard way in my entire career of writing.

9) What are common traps for aspiring writers?

It's very easy to get befooled and fall into a trap when you are a newcomer. There are certain things which can only be learnt with patience and maturity but that comes only with time. As a beginner, every writers wants to be successful and famous and in the process often lands up working with fake marketing agencies. Also, newcomers have huge expectations regarding royalties and when the sales are not promising they get disheartened quickly and think of giving up. Another major trap for the first timers is to run after fame and recognition. Some are lucky to get that overnight while most don't and that causes depression and low self-confidence. But then I believe that every new writer must focus on improvising his/her skill and enjoy the process of writing instead of chasing fame and success. Once your art becomes outstanding, the rest will follow course in due time.

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10) What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success in one line to me is when every reader in the world had read at least one of my books. Well, that might sound a bit too ambitious, but then honestly, success is a very dicey word. On some days, writing a page is a success to me, while on other days, it is something much bigger and more challenging. Success can be publishing a million copies of your book, and it can also be just holding a copy of your book in your hand. But for me, literary success means enjoying writing the book and making sure the readers enjoy it equally. Success to me also means overcoming failures and depression and being patient and persistent with the process.

Without Terms and Conditions -By Yashi Lath

True love is magical as it comes without terms and conditions. Unconditional love is another name for true love and it is about loving someone without any terms and conditions. Unconditional love has three vital elements that are acceptance, tolerance, and altruism these elements complete the meaning of unconditional love. In other words, unconditional love does not look at the physical appearance or behavior it just looks at the soul and heart of the person.

People who love unconditionally do not want anything in return they just love their loved ones without demanding anything.

They find happiness in the happiness of their loved ones and they accept their loved ones completely without any changes and complaints. People don’t impose any restrictions or limitations on their loved ones they respect their loved one’s privacy and personal space. People develop an empathic attitude for their loved ones they feel the pain and misery of their loved ones rather than just understanding and they put more emphasis on the needs and desires of their loved ones more than anything else.

People lend their shoulders to their loved ones when they are going through a tough phase and they handle the mood swings of their loved ones with a smile on their face without any complaints and tantrums.

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Author yashi is from Lucknow Uttar Pradesh India . She is an author by profession and a psychology student . She is an award winning author of six books and a co-author of twenty two anthologies .

In recent times, it’s merely impossible to find unconditional love as only a few people have the quality of giving complete love without demanding any big changes. A mother's love, a dog's love, and a therapist’s unconditional positive regard are the best examples of unconditional love. They give unconditional love to their loved ones selflessly without caring about anything. They give their heart to their loved ones and just want their well-being and happiness in return. Its important to value unconditional love as it gives peace to the heart when the heart is exhausted from the terms and conditions of the world.

AUTHOR'S CORNER

INTERVIEW WITH

Subhalaxmi Senapati “She is the beauty of the Dusk and Dawn. She is the origin of the beginning and the end. She is the Twilight.”

She is Subhalaxmi Senapati. A proud girl hailing from Bhubaneswar. She loves composing since she appreciates wizardry in her life, not a wondrous fantasy, but rather a sorcery that would float her away from the cruel real factors of life.

Awarded as the Most Versatile Writer of the Nation by Forever Star book of world records. She has also been awarded as The Best Writer of the Year 2021, Prestigious Literary Award, Emerging Personality Award, Rising Star Award, The Best Female Author Award, Kalam’s Ratna Award and Rabindranath Tagore International Prize of Art & Literature.

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" But at the same time, I would say, thoughts flow only when we feel emotions

strongly. So in order to be a goo writer you must have strong emotions."

1) What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?

I won’t give up on anything. If I want to be a better writer I will try to grow myself better.

2) Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?

Yes, Because writing helps me to float away from the cruel factors of life.

3) Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?

Yes, they can. But at the same time I would say, thoughts flow only when we feel emotions strongly. So in order to be a good writer you must have strong emotions.

4) What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

For the most parts I infuse my character into my composing and always attempt to accomplish new. I always try to inspire young and budding writers through my creativity.

5) Tell us about one of your best works that you are extremely proud of.

One of my best work is my solo book ‘Noctuary’. After working a year hard for it, my book has achieved a great success. Titled as the best selling book within a very short time period has urged me to come up with more.

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6) If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?

Read. Read a lot. Not just for grade but to chase knowledge.

Make your hobby your passion. Live the life you have always dreamt of by putting the choices and opinions of our society.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW SUBHALAXMI SENAPATI

7) Do you hear from your readers much?

What kinds of things do they say?

10) What does literary success look like to you?

Yes, I do get a lot of appreciation.

They say my write-ups portray the reality of the world.

8) What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Eventually, I realised that my hobby was turned into my passion. I have started living the life of my dreams. And yes I have got a reason to live

9) What are common traps for aspiring writers?

There are a certain points a budding writer should take into consideration: -Whether the publication is MSME registered or not.

-Whether they provide you the beneficial perks.

-Whether their books will be published on e-commerce sites.

-Most importantly whether they provide you the copyrights.

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For me literary success is growing. And in this journey I see myself growing, not just me but me being able to help the people around me grow.

BOOK BOOK

RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS

EIC-Pragya Gogoi's handpicked books to add to your list this year.

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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

The Secret

By Rhonda Byrne Regarded as a life-changing read by many readers, The Secret by Rhonda Byrne is a self-help book that embarks to motivate the reader about a universal paradigm about success that can be achieved through it remains hidden for most people. The book explores about unveiling this little secret which may transform how people look at things and lead them on to the road of success and true happiness. The book posits the law of attraction as a primeval law that completes the law of the universe (as well of our lives) through the process 'like attracts like?.

The author is also of the view that as people think-andfeel, so do they send a corresponding frequency to the universe that in turn attracts events and circumstances of the same frequency. I read this book 5 years ago and still implement its sheer magic in my day to day life . I have achieved positive results so far in making miracle like changes in my life using the teachings of The Secret.

Would definitely recommend it to all who have the patience to implement these tactics and bring remarkable changes to your life.

It Ends With Us

By Colleen Hoover

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The highly anticipated novel from beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author, Colleen Hoover. Sometimes it is the one who loves you who hurts you the most. Lily hasn't always had it easy, but that's never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She's come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up. She graduated from college, moved to Boston and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily's life suddenly seems almost too good to be true. Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He is also sensitive, brilliant and has a total soft spot for Lily.

And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn't hurt. Lily can not get him out of her head. But Ryle's complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his no dating rule, she can not help but wonder what made him that way in the first place. As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened. With this bold and deeply personal novel, Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. Combining a captivating romance with a cast of all-too-human characters, it ends with us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price. One of the most beautiful books I read this year and a must read for all

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

When God is a Traveller Arundhathi Subramaniam Arundhathi Subramaniam's poems explore ambivalences -- the desire for adventure and anchorage, expansion and containment, vulnerability and strength, freedom and belonging, withdrawal and engagement, language as exciting resource and as desperate refuge. These are poems of wonder and precarious elation, and all the roadblocks and rewards on the long dangerous route to recovering what it is to be alive and human. Winner of the inaugural Khushwant Singh Poetry Prize and shortlisted for the 2014 T.S. Eliot Prize, When God Is a Traveller is a remarkable book of poetry. A beautiful book of poetry that is both soft yet fierce, poignant yet empoweringthe perfect book you need to keep if you are a poetry lover

Whisper to Me Your Lies

By Novoneel Chakraborty

My life would be incomplete without uttering Novoneel Chakraborty's name at least once every day. Those who follow me on Instagram are perhaps already tired of seeing my stories about him so often. Yes, he is my favorite author and even if I write an essay about his works, it won't do justice to his magnificent creations. His thrillers are beyond beautiful and WHISPER TO ME YOUR LIES - his latest sensation does wonders .

Blurb- Ekantika Pakrashi has just lost the love of her life. Preliminary reports suggest it was no accident. Her boyfriend was murdered in cold blood and the modus operandi resembles that of India's most notorious serial killer of the 1990s: the Cellotape Killer. He was never caught, and if this indeed was him, then he had resurfaced after twenty-one years.

Ekantika swears to find the killer and get an emotional closure, but what she doesn't know is that in the process she may end up wounding herself irreversibly. Follow this exciting chase as the dark alley turns out to be a twisted labyrinth and it seems the killer is actually coming for . . . her.

Whisper To Me Your Lies is a fast-paced, chilling crime thriller and a poignant tale of a girl's single-minded obsession to find out who altered her life. And why.

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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

A Thousand Splendid Suns Khaled Hosseini Mariam is only fifteen when she is sent to Kabul to marry Rasheed. Nearly two decades later, a friendship grows between Mariam and a local teenager, Laila, as strong as the ties between mother and daughter.

When the Taliban take over, life becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear. Yet love can move a person to act in unexpected ways, and lead them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with a startling heroism.

I believe every person with a heart should read this book at least once in his/her lifetime. This is a masterpiece of a novel that captures various emotions and situations in a war torn country . A book you cannot put down, a book you cannot and shouldn't forget and a book that will leave with you an everlasting impact.

Gone Girl

By Gillian Flynn Who are you?

What have we done to each other?

These are the questions Nick Dunne finds himself asking on the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary, when his wife Amy suddenly disappears. The police suspect Nick. Amy's friends reveal that she was afraid of him, that she kept secrets from him. He swears it isn't true. A police examination of his computer shows strange searches. He says they weren't made by him. And then there are the persistent calls on his mobile phone. So what really did happen to Nick's beautiful wife?

An exceptional thriller for the suspense novel fans out there with a brilliantly weaved clever plot.

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AWARDS & EVENTS

ELITE BOOK AWARDS ANNUAL CARNIVAL OF ART AND LITERATURE 2021 Madhurima Guruju:She delivered insightful talk sessions on “ An

Elite Book Awards has been giving a

Insight into Visual Arts and its Career Prospects” and “Is Poetry

remarkable platform to budding literary

becoming a neglected genre compared to fiction and non-

enthusiasts and artists to showcase their

fiction work?”

talents and creativity ever since its inception

Indira Guha Patra: She gave an interesting talk session on

in the middle of 2021. After successfully conducting 2 seasons, Elite Book Awards along with its media partner and India’s most trusted digital media agency Digital

“Crime Thrillers- Rising Popularity and Impact among readers” Dr Romila Chitturi: She graced EBA Carnival with a beautiful session on “Professions in Literature- How to prepare yourselves for them?” and also did a book talk on her latest book “ A Bowl of Soul Curry”

Golgappa launched Elite’s Annual Carnival of

A S Sethupathi: His talk session on “Impact of Non-Fiction

Art and Literature that embarked on from 5th

Books among Readers “was praiseworthy.

November 2021 and continued till 31st

Surabhi Naik: She gave an informative talk session on

December 2021. The Carnival was a huge

“Importance of Psychology in Self Help Books”

affair with numerous intriguing events,

Sarbajit Chowdhury: . He gave an enriching talk session on

intellectual guest speaker sessions, book talks, book giveaways, art and literary competitions, prestigious award events etc.

The international carnival saw people

“Impact of Bengali Literature in Indian Literary World” Pratik Premraj Bhala: . He gave a powerful session on “An insight into Patriotic Literature” Ka’Ron Gaines: The global star spoke at length about his beautiful book “Woke Seed” and gave everyone an insight into

participating from various corners of the

the book.

world-From India to Nepal, Nigeria to USA,

Richa Kumari: She gave a wonderful session on her bestselling

Poland to Italy. Numerous distinguished art

debut book “Those Fallen Breadcrumbs”.

and literary personalities graced the Carnival

Elizabeth Akinniyi: She graced Poemstarella- A poetic

and delivered intriguing talk sessions on

concoction of words and gave a glimpse of some of her

literature, books and art. The speakers who enlightened the carnival with their words are:

beautiful poetic pieces.

Rasika Ramesh Sawarkar: Rasika Ramesh Sawarkar spoke on the topic- Art as a Therapy.

Sumana Acherjee Mukherjee: She graced Poemstarella- A poetic concoction of words and gave a glimpse of some of her beautiful poetic pieces.

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AWARDS & EVENTS

ELITE BOOK AWARDS ANNUAL CARNIVAL OF ART AND LITERATURE 2021 Shivi Goyal: She delivered an enriching session on “Power of Women centric literature” Twisha Ray: She delivered an insightful session on “Renaissance Literature vs Modern Literature-an analysis” Gayatri Sriaadhibhatla: She graced Poemstarella- A poetic

TOP TO POETS(HINDI) rank wise -Rameshwari Mishra -Deepak Agarwal -Prateekshya Mishra -Sunil Gattani -Ananya Tyagi

concoction of words and gave a glimpse of some of her

-Ishita Jain

beautiful poetic pieces.

-Sameer Singh Rathore

Samata Dey Bose: Her session on Blogging: Tips and Tricks was

-Prerna Gupta

highly informative.

-Gauri Sharma

Tumula Mani Kota Rajasekhar: The multi-talented author

-Digvijay Srivastav

delivered an insightful session on “Impact of Vernacular literature in Indian Literary World” Three major competitions organized during the carnival wereInternational Poetry Writing Competition, International Story Writing Competition and International Art Competition. With

INTERNATIONAL STORY WRITING COMPETITION TOP 10 WRITERS rank wise -Madhurima Guruju -Karthika Nehru -Anindita Paul

more than 200 participants, the winners, runner ups and top 10

-Shreya Sharma

were shortlisted as under:

-Vikranjit Saha -Aftab Dilwar Hussain

TOP 10 POETS(ENGLISH) rank wise:

-Nandini Singhania

-Debarati Sen

-Josephine King

-Vykhari S Nair

-Rishita Gotecha

-Charmila Yerra

-Tuhin Choudhury

-Elizabeth Akkiniyi -Sumana Acherjee Mukherjee -Roopjot Kaur -Ankita Bhatia

INTERNATIONAL ART COMPETITION TOP 10 ARTISTS rank wise -Sachin Surya B

-Twisha Ray

-Mantasha Shaikh

-Devanshi Kapoor

-Harshita Dubey

-Prakritrish Mukherjee

-Atharva Dwivedi -Ayushman Sarkar -Nilanjana Roy -Sravani Shankar -Pradyuman Dasgupta -Shradha Kaushik -Darshan Tiwari

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EBA CARNIVAL AWARDS 30 writers were selected from all over the world through a rigorous

Dr. B.S Parimal Praharsha Reddy

selection process to be honoured with SAHITYA RATNA AWARD- Top 30 Literary Icons of 2021. They are:

Rasika Ramesh Sawarkar Justyna Nowak-Wysocka

P.Kavshika (Bargavi) Sampreet Verma

Niraja Bandi

Nishant Kumar Mishra

Piyush Babosa Baid

Surabhi Naik

Elizabeth Akinniyi

Krishnaveni Natarajan

Tumula Mani Kota Rajasekhar Prasenjit Kashinath More

Khushi Panjwani

Husaina S

Dr. Satish Verma Rasika Ramesh Sawarkar

Reijul Sachdev

Anshu Malika Roja Selvamani

Ms. Kavita Gupta

Piyush Pratik Mohanty Pratik Premraj Bhala Dr. Romila Chitturi Tarun Bandarupalle

Subhalaxmi Senapati Stuti Saxena Singh Prerna Arora

Shishira Srinivasa Sarbajit Chowdhury

Tarun Bandarupalle Sarbajit Chowdhury

Khadija Morawala

Jyoti Matania Surekha R. Wankhede

Archie Panjwani Vykhari S Nair Reijul Sachdev Melissa Stuart

Vykhari S Nair

Mahalakshme M Yashas Ramesh

Arshaq Habib Surabhi Naik

Blogger- Reader -Poetess -Author-

Tumula Mani Kota Rajasekhar

Entrepreneur- Program HeadTeacher- Masterclass Guru- Guest

Richa Kumari

Speaker. She owns, edits and

Zainul Arab OH

publishes a magazine (digital and

Dr. Sansriti Johri

hard copy) on literature and art titled

Pradeep Kumar Yadav

"Unicorn" launched in July 2020. She is also Programme Head (India) of

Carlos Luis Lamiya Siraj

Prerna Arora Carlos Luis

Dr Romila Chitturi is a WriterBook reviewer, Editor-Columnist-

Lamiya Siraj Niraja Bandi

Winners of the Best Overall Work Award were- Dr Romila Chitturi and Reijul Sachdev.

R.kathleen

Nirmal Rathore Cheshta Tuteja

presented to the 2 awardees with best work.

Rakesh Kumar Sahu

Dr.L.G.Thasmaiya

In addition, a special award was

Pratik Premraj Bhala

Brian Hill

Rakesh Kumar Sahu

Dr Anujj Elviis

Piyali Mitra

Anshu Malika Roja Selvamani Ankita Bhatia

Ukiyoto Publishing, a traditional global publishing house based in Hyderabad.

Reijul Sachdev was born in Hyderabad, but considers himself a Bangalore boy. His half-Bengali, halfPunjabi heritage has contributed to an appreciation of different kinds of

EBA shortlisted 57 distinguished

Unicorn Magazine

personalities from the field of art and

Fatima Amin

literature for the prestigious

Col. Ajay Singh

Rabindranath Tagore International Prize of Art and Literature 2021. They are:

Samata Dey Bose Kukkala Rohithkumar

Yashas Ramesh Mercy violet. A

PHOSPHENES| 62

anthology of poems, ‘Emerald

‘Write, Publish, Publicise’ contest at

Archie Panjwani

the Bangalore Poetry Festival. His

Yashi Lath

second book 'Hai-Clue' is based on

Gayathri Mohan

his experiences at school. It is a murder mystery set in a high school

Indira Guha Patra Samarpita sen

Harini A Khadija Morawala

He has previously published an

Blades’, which was a winner of the Dr. Shashwat Johri

Mehrzaad Mogrelia Mahalakshme.M

cultures and their respective foods!

Madhurima Guruju Virendra Johri Dr. Sunehri Johri

and seen through the eyes of a 10th grade student.

“Art is the only serious thing in the world.

And the artist is the only person who is never serious.”

—Oscar Wilde

PHOSPHENES An international magazine of art and literature

Available on:

Published by Digital Golgappa I S S U E M A R C H

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