Storizen Magazine November 2022 | The JCB Prize for Literature

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NOVEMBER 2022

STORIZEN THE JCB PRIZE FOR LITERATURE

Celebrating 4 Years of Storizen!

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Cover Story Indian Literary Awards - The JCB Prize for Literature

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Book Reviews Swapna Peri

Editors Pria Raiyani Saurabh Chawla

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CONTENTS

Editor's Note, p7 Cover Story, p8 Indian Literary Awards - The JCB Prize for Literature

hot off the press Ayodhya by Sutapa Mukherjee, p18 HarperCollins India

Outskill by Partha Basu, p18 HarperCollins India

Cinema Speculation by Quentin Tarantino, p19 Hachette India

Durga by Kevin Missal, p19 Hachette India

arti cles/short stories Happy Times From Not So Long Ago, p20 Neelakshi Banerjee

The Homecoming, p26 Uma Sharma

Top 7 Nutrients for your Thyroid, p32 Saurabh Chawla

CONTENTS

book reviews Barabanki by Anuj Tiwari,p36 Swapna Peri

Devi for Millennials by Bibek Debroy, p39 Swapna Peri

In Pursuit of Ecstasy by Sujata Parashar, p40 Swapna Peri

Ambedkar: A life by Shashi Tharoor, p43 Swapna Peri

Parenting in the Age of Anxiety by Abha Adams, p44 Swapna Peri

Ahalya’s Awakening by Kavita Kane, p47 Swapna Peri

What is Spiritual About Being Punctual by Ramesh Bijlani, p48 Swapna Peri

Reflections by Kapil Sibal, p51

poetry

Swapna Peri

When hope hugs..., p52 Madhumathi H.

Kalpavruksha, p54 Vidya Shankar

Another Day Of Life, p56 Aparna Mukherjee

horos cope

Monthly Horos cope: December 2022, p58 Himani Goyal

To read Storizen on the web, visit storizen.com. Follow Storizen on Instagram @storizenmag.

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from the editor

calling all writers!

DO YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF STORIZEN FAMILY? You can also be a contributor. Mail us your entries at talktous@storizen.com. Your smart ideas and inputs help us create our informative issues.

T

he seven suns will lead the path to completeness.

Isn’t it great to be alive, to see the light of another day, even if there is darkness all around?

Have you ever woken up and thought, I got another day to make it! Fascinated by this, we decided to dedicate November 2022 to the theme, “Another Day in Life…”

There is a lot happening lately in the writing world.

This month, we decided to deeply dive into the world of literary awards and bring you – Indian Literary Awards, The JCB Prize for Literature, and its 2022 winner, Khalid Jawed. Do check out the exclusive story on page 8.

We can’t go around without reading and this month, we bring you a lot of books to satisfy your reading hunger. Check out the special books section inside!

Suffering from Thyroid problems? We have covered the Top 7 Nutrients you need to keep your Thyroid levels in check. Do check out the article on page 32.

What do the stars have for you in the month of November? Don't forget to check out the Monthly Horoscope: November 2022 by Himani Goyal inside!

We got a lot of submissions and love reading all of your stories and poems.

Keep showering your love and support so we can continue to bring on valuable insights for you every month.

Happy Reading! editor@storizen.com Saurabh Chawla, Editor in Chief

COVER STORY

INDIAN LITERARY AWARDS

THE JCB PRIZE FOR LITERATURE A Storizen Exclusive Feature Storizen celebrates Urdu Writer Khalid Jawed for the indigenous achievement of his latest novel The Paradise of Food (translated in English by Baran Farooqi) which recently won the 2022 JCB Prize for Literature. We take immense pleasure to share with our readers "How the Literary World is Evolving!"

Text by Pria and Swapna Peri

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iterature and awards have been integral to every culture and kingdom for years. Language, culture, and traditions directly impact human life and progression. All these are encapsulated into literature that will help future generations to study, analyze and understand heritage and history. This literature has been shared across generations barring the borders. When the concept of religion arose in various parts of the world, the exchange of cultures and literature had an effective place.

When various kingdoms flourished, people with a knack for arts became scholars, speakers, poets, writers, |

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narrators, musicians, painters, artisans and much more. Here, literature is seated at the highest level. Considering literature in India back when we had dynasties ruling the Hindu Maha Dweepa, Gupta, Maurya, Nanda, Chola, Pandya, Sathavahana, Chalukya, Vijayanagara, Kakatiya, and many more had an impressive impact on the land and culture. Art and artists were celebrated like the divine Supremes and were rewarded with land, gold, and other precious stones apart from titles! To date, we remember those poets and writers from their titles. This foreword is to understand the importance of literary NOVEMBER 2022

COVER STORY

The JCB Prize Trophy

COVER STORY

awards and the legacy it has been carrying for ages.

Literary awards are very helpful in promoting literature and highlighting achievements in this field. These awards pave a concrete way to propagate history and heritage. Some literary works will remain classics for their exemplary impression it will carpet on human life. Literary awards also financially support authors and create a library of texts seen to be exemplars of excellence in writing, forging unique achievements in literary history. These prizes come with ceremonies, certificates, and money, but they also greatly influence who is remembered in literary history. This is how great writers, poets, and authors are remembered even now after eons of ages.

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Literary awards began in the early 20th century. They grew in popularity after the Nobel Prizes were first awarded in 1901. In 1895, Alfred Nobel established the idea for the Nobel Prize for Literature, among other subjects. Little do we know this idea of his will create history in humankind to remember great works.

The idea and intent to honor an author with exceptional quality in the work they produced throughout their lifetime are one of the best things that Alfred Nobel thought of. Once this came into the picture discussions among eminent critics began, leading to the differentiation between popular and quality literature. This again branched out to celebrate many types of literature and hence gave many writers, authors, and critics an opportunity to bring a difference.

There were times also, even today, some novels, though sold well and pleased the public, need not have certain stated literary standards.

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COVER STORY

Khalid Jawed - Winner of 2022 JCB Prize

Therefore, different types of awards have sprung up across the countries to celebrate every author who has brought a change in society with their literature. Even their literature is embraced and celebrated in this generation, where many countries are now legalizing LGBTQ+ communities. Therefore, celebrating an author's work irrespective of gender, sect, religion, and region is a supreme step.

Now, talking about the famous and well-known literary awards, the Nobel Prize for literature, Pulitzer Prize, and Booker's Prize stand first in line. Varied cultures and life frameworks worldwide have been acknowledged and celebrated.

Every country has its way of felicitating its literary persons.

Deducing the history at the local NOVEMBER 2022

Pic: The Paradise of Food by Khalid Jawed

level lets us know how many types of literary awards exist in India.

The Jnanpith Award is the highest literary award bestowed upon Indian authors by the Indian Government.

It was first introduced in 1961 by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain of the Times of India group. There is a nominal number of people who are awarded this. Next stands the STORIZEN MAGAZINE

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Sahitya Akademi award, introduced in 1954 and is given annually to Indian writers who have written in any of the 24 languages recognized by the Sahitya Akademi. Next is the Yuva Puraskar award the Sahitya Akademi gave to promote writing among youngsters. Many literary festivals happen around the country, and Jaipur Literature Festival is one of the famous ones.

These awards gave a different dimension to Indian literature, and now, various organizations have made their mark in celebrating our Indian writers and authors, unbiased!

Today, we will dive more into a particular award that has been gaining attention for five years.

Yes, we will discuss today the prestigious JCB Award for literature. Delving into the history of this award, according to the

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official website, JCB Prize for Literature is an Indian literary award established in 2018. It is awarded annually with ₹2,500,000 (US$31,000) prize to a distinguished work of fiction by an Indian writer working in English or translated fiction by an Indian writer. The winners will be announced each November, with shortlists in October and longlists in September. It has been called "India's most valuable literature prize".Rana Dasgupta is the founding Literary Director of the JCB Prize. In 2020, Mita Kapur was appointed as the new Literary Director. The JCB Literature Foundation was established to maintain the award. It is funded by the English construction manufacturing group JCB. Publishers are allowed, per imprint, to enter two novels originally written in English and two translated into English from another language.

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The readers' community of India considers the JCB award as one of the best ways to celebrate authors from various Indian languages. This statement holds good for 2022 because all the longlisted and shortlisted books are translated works. Keeping in view, the 2022 Booker Prize for fiction bagged by Geethanjali Shree is also a translation work. It gives immense pleasure and pride to say that her book was translated from the Hindi language into English. Therefore, understanding the importance of languages, the JCB celebrated many translation works.

The first JCB award was conferred in 2018 to Benyamin for Jasmine Days (Translated from Malayalam

by Shahnaz Habib). In the first year itself, this award won many hearts among the literary community. Thus, many writers emerged, and others started translating their works. This option gave the readers the to experience different types of stories across the country. The second year's JCB award in 2019 was given to Madhuri Vijay for The Far Field.

In 2020, the pandemic when shattered the lives of the whole world. Apart from the doctors, hospital staff, and other service people, writers and authors brought NOVEMBER 2022

a ray of light. S.Hareesh for Moustache (Translated from Malayalam by Jayasree Kalathil) won the award. In 2020 the upcoming readers became aware of this award, and most of the shortlisted books till then were read.

The sales of these books rose, and many regional publishers started translating the regional books into English. In 2021, M Mukundan won the award for Delhi: A Soliloquy (Translated from Malayalam by Fathima EV and Nandakumar K).

The much-awaited 2022 award was announced on November 19th, 2022, and Author Khalid Jawed won it for The Paradise of Food, translated by Baran Farooqi from Urdu, which won the fifth JCB Prize for Literature. The shortlist was announced on October 21st, 2022.

All five shortlisted books were translated for the first time in five years.

Talking about the physical aspects of the award, the JCB Prize for Literature trophy was designed by the artist duo Thukral & Tagra in 2018. Mirror Melting is cast in aluminum and coated in highly reflective nickel. It stands twelve inches high. The JCB Literature Foundation was established to maintain the award. It is funded by STORIZEN MAGAZINE

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COVER STORY

A landmark Urdu classic translated for the first time Khalid Jawed is one of the most original and extraordinary writers in Urdu today. The Paradise of Food is an Urdu classic known for its radical, experimental form and savage and dark honesty. It tells the story of a middle-class Muslim joint family over a span of fifty years. As India – and Islamic culture – hardens, the narrator, whose life we follow from boyhood to old age, struggles to find a place for himself, at odds in his home and in the world outside.

Superbly translated, The Paradise of Food is a novel like no other.

COVER STORY

Pic: Benyamin with his book Jasmine Days (2018 JCB Prize Winner)

Pic: Madhuri Vijay with her book The Far Field (2019 JCB Prize Winner)

Pic: S. Hareesh with his book Moustache (2020 JCB Prize Winner)

Pic: M Mukandan with his book Delhi: A Soliloquy (2021 JCB Prize Winner)

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the English construction manufacturing group JCB. Publishers are allowed, per imprint, to enter two novels originally written in English and two translated into English from another language.

Wish many new authors and books to be celebrated in the coming years!

About Pria - Young mesmerizing freelance blogger, social enthusiast, and an economics graduate from Jharkhand University with a Master's in Child Psychology. She is hardworking yet crazy, a passionate reader, an ardent music fanatic, an avid caffeine lover, and a maniacal animal lover too.

She has been a part of numerous anthologies, articles, and write-ups for newspapers and magazines which are multi-linguistic. She has also written screenplays for YouTube series.

Contact: pria@storizen.com

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NOVEMBER 2022

Gift Yourself A Book!

Ambedkar: A life by Shashi Tharoor

In Pursuit of Ecstasy by Sujata Parashar

Parenting in the Age of Anxiety by Abha Adams

Ahalya’s Awakening by Kavita Kane

HOTthe OFFpress Ayodhya: Past and Present give voice—through innumerable personal interviews—to the people of the pilgrim town, both the movers and shakers of the Mandir–Masjid tussle as well as the commoners caught in the crossfire.

Outskill will help you inculcate and internalize qualities such as virtual leadership, digital networking, communication, storytelling, agile leadership, personal branding, coaching, and mentoring, among others, to ensure that you master the skills required in the new era with a human touch.

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NOVEMBER 2022

HOTthe OFFpress The long-awaited first work of nonfiction from the author of the number one New York Times bestselling Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: a deliriously entertaining, wickedly intelligent cinema book as unique and creative as anything by Quentin Tarantino.

The demon-king, Mahisha, rules Jambudvipa with an iron fist. He wears the horns of a buffalo and has the will of a bull. With allies far and wide, his kingdom—usurped from the Aryas—is prosperous.

NOVEMBER 2022

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Happy Times From Not So Long Ago

by Neelakshi Banerjee

T

he blooming of Kans Grass heralded the advent of Durga Puja or in my case the wooden frameworks of pandals in different corners of my city Calcutta.

That was a period of untainted joy where people used to momentarily forget about the vagaries of life and the city sprung to life, glittering with lights and laughter as if touched by a magic wand.

My maternal uncle’s house is in the countryside where the entire clan worshipped Maa Durga in a common pandal by the lake. During the five days of Durga Puja starting from Sashthi and ending with Dashami or Dussehra, our every day was preplanned, where the first two days we used to go pandal hopping from midnight till the first streak of dawn with a large gang of relatives, 12 people to be precise. The next day we would ride the Giant Wheel, except me as I developed a bloodcurdling phobia for it and would be satisfied waving from the stands.

Then we would go for golgappa competition, a local cuisine, extensively delectable and stupendously popular

among the folks. The next day Ashthami would be booked to visit my maternal uncle’s house in the countryside away from the clamor and din of the bustling city into the tranquil retreat surrounded by coconut and mango and guava trees and Kans Grass studded fields. We used to congregate in the pandal with the distant relatives of my mother once a year to offer prayers to Maa Durga and after that, I would look forward to returning to the city, to the bubbling din of laughter.

One year, out of the blue came a thunderous clap followed by torrential rain just as we were preparing to start for Calcutta. The rain splattered mercilessly against the window panes and we were impelled to take an about turn to my uncle’s house.

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My cousins all standing on the veranda watching the verdant foliage swaying with all their might stooping low before standing straight, the lake nearby was constantly hammered by the unabated drops as if puncturing it with holes but instead of shrinking it bulged in size, and finally started overflowing after its belly burst. The water splashed on all sides and in no time the small pavement in front of the house went underwater. My cousins clapped in glee while I groaned in despair.

“Look a rohu fish” shouted Poltu, the next-door neighbor’s boy while Avee and Tina, my uncle’s children started shouting jubilantly somewhat dousing my wails.

“Dad so we won't get to Calcutta today?

Tomorrow I have plans with my friends..we would go to Nicco Park” I kept on dissenting while remembering the crowded streets with sundry stalls thronging them selling all sorts of items from jewelry to ice cream, from candyfloss to high heels. I kept on reiterating the number of puja pandals still on my checklist.

“Ohh I would not be able to see the Bose Pukur pandal this year. It's made with earthen pots..”By this time I was loudly proclaiming my disinterest in staying in the suburb. My uncle looked at me with an unreadable expression before he along with some other relatives proceeded to catch fish from the waterlogged street, their pajamas folded beneath their knees.

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The entire crowd was cheering, and my mother was also warming towards the activities but a bit restrained in overtly expressing her excitement thinking it would make me even more crestfallen.

Frustrated I retreated to a desolate corner near the verandah and started meticulously observing the scenes unfolding. Males from almost all houses lining the road have descended the streets to catch fish. My cousin shouted “Riku didi come outside. Don't miss such fun.”

I plastered a smile on my face and politely declined as I sat plaintive in the midst of a jovial circle, each content in the little pieces of joy and suddenly I realized there are no fixed criteria for enjoyment.

We can find pleasure in the minuscule of things if we have the alacrity to perceive them with a positive mind. Suddenly the nature-encrusted countryside started appealing and my lips curved upwards in observing the innocent fun and frolic as I partook in the festal joy by humming my favorite song. In no time the tone magnified joined cumulatively by all my cousins and patience seeped into my mind and entreated me to enjoy the moment.

“There is still one more day left of the puja” my father softly whispered in my ear and I nodded in understanding. The candlelights were making weird halos on the walls as we played tricks with our fingers and then laughed at the ridiculous forms we conjured up. The rain stopped over time and fireflies lit up the lake NOVEMBER 2022

surface and tree tops and I can't help but remember the city lights.

The next morning the sun shone brightly and as we were departing from our uncle’s house amid the earnest goodbyes and endearing hugs I couldn’t help but feel a little somber. As we moved inside the city and our car was besieged by huge traffic, my experience of the past day secured its place as a happy memory and now many many years later as I look back wistfully to those childhood days I cannot discern better from good as all those memories come forged with a happy tinge, one which I try to live again and again.

Durga Puja still goes on in Calcutta with grandeur and resplendence, the pandals exhibiting commendable ingenuity and artistic prowess and Maa Durga is still worshipped with devotion and still people throng the streets 24/7 during those 5 days but still it is those memories from many years ago which give me the most unadulterated happiness.

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My name is Neelakshi Banerjee.

Recently I have developed a budding interest to delve through the subtle beauty of art and articulate my imaginations with the help of words.

Music holds a pivotal place in my life.

Though am an engineer by profession I believe both science and arts are equally imperative to make this world a more beautiful place.

@justice11254

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THE Homecoming

by Uma Sharma

H

ow do you pretend that nothing has happened? I can’t! I tried not to think of the grave, dark thoughts but they are my constant companion. Like a loyal pet always quietly waiting in the background while I thought they were gone. Well, I can’t describe them lurking in the dark. They are docile, waiting to be acknowledged, silently waiting for their turn which they deserve as I have created them somewhere in the past. They were born in those moments of anger when I clouded my mind with myopic judgments. I took a few deep breaths and looked outside my window. A round ball of the orange sun looked back at me. A silent breeze passed my face ruffling the strands of hair falling loosely on my face. The queued thoughts started to trickle like children in the park. It's no stopping them I gave in.

It's miraculous how we fall victim to our own misgivings, denying ourselves the gratification of our own purpose, aimlessly moving from one doubt to another. It is indescribable how gradually we become worthless in our own eyes. I walk over to the kitchen to take out yesterday's leftovers from the refrigerator to reheat. Rahul is out of town so no need to cook dinner. I can eat my dinner quietly and fall back into my reverie. It's nice to be alone. The lamp on the side of the sofa gleams its shadow creating patterns on the wall.

No matter how much I try to forget about him he finds his way into my thoughts. It’s been a year since I last

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met Soham. His face still lingers in my thoughts. Sometimes I call his name.

There are times when I don’t feel anything except anger for him, the squeamish hot feeling in my gut. I want to cry but tears seem to elude me like him.

Is love perishable? Can it fade with time? It does seem sometimes that love can’t be incurred. The grief of separation is unbearable; How to pick up the pieces of your heart blown away by indifference, the bland state of affairs that does not pique your state of mind? It's either briny or saltless.

You move from one state of mood to another inharmoniously. It does feel like a see-saw. The memories that put me on high once now take me to the darkest pit of hell. I have no use for them. They are rusting in some dark corner that I do not want to touch. In the night I try to reach out to some oblivious hand to hold in my dreamless sleep. It comes back untouched like my messages to him.

How to understand those endless hours of waiting, frequently checking messages for one reply that never comes, only a blank screen staring at my face? I want to tell him how I feel. I want him to know how vitriol I feel. How much it hurts.

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I woke up in the middle of the night, breathless. I looked around, a mute darkness stared back at me. It was difficult to breathe. I closed my eyes and took some deep breaths to calm myself. It was another dream of his, another barren dream that has spun its tentacles of unrequited hope around my desires. I dreamed of Soham, my Soham! He felt distant, like the moon in a dark sky; real but out of reach.

It felt like I'd walked on a journey with him though he has returned. I'm still searching for my way back home. It's always fascinating to realize that our recovery is always hidden in our darkest thoughts.

The downward spiral is the path to return.

This lowest pit of hell showed me the way to heaven. In an instant I realized I'm grieving not because I lost Soham, I'm grieving because I lost myself.

I stepped out into my garden. The yellowish almost dry grass reminded me that I did not water it for a week. The day was bright and sunny. I felt relieved. It is wearisome when you feel a part of yourself is living in a parallel world. This realization woke me up at night. I met the missing part in my dream, knowing that it's arduously on its way to joining me.

The sadness I felt when I met myself in the dream. That left me breathless. In a heartbreak we don’t just grieve losing another we grieve because we lose a part of ourselves too. I realized it was time to meet myself again!

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I picked up the water bucket and started spraying water on the grass. The drops of water trickling through the parched soil making it moist somehow soothed my thoughts. The thoughts seem to drift away like clouds on a windy day. My mind was clear and so was my heart. I put the water bucket and pulled the chair which was lying neglected at the edge of the garden. I felt light. There was ease in my movements as if a burden was lifted from my shoulders, an unspoken obligation of my commitment to Soham even when he was not bound by it. Sometimes spoken words hold a silent obligation with which we bind ourselves.

I have bound myself to Soham. A part of me kept moving towards him. I looked at a blade of grass drenched with water; it looked greener and more alive as if the water was its long lost part it was searching. I was parched and yellowish and heavy. I was thirsty for my lost part which was shouldering an unsaid obligation that does not exist. I was indifferent towards it. I distance myself in a dark corner trying to forget it while craving for it all this time. Now, I will call it back. It is waiting for me to call it. I remember.

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SIX MONTHS LATER I opened my door, it was Rahul, my brother, we have been staying together since my breakup with Soham. The dinner table was ready, I made his favorite pasta. It was time to watch a horror movie. Rahul switched on the TV while I went to get my glasses. I passed the mirror, I stopped to look at my reflection, and a smile came on my face. I rise!

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Uma Sharma is the editing Team Head at Mind Spirit Works publishing. She also writes literary articles and book reviews. She writes on topics like stereotyping, inclusion, and gender inequality. She is also a writer’s coach and conducts workshops on spirituality, communication, and stress management. Her passions are books and art.

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Top 7 Nutrients For Your Thyroid

by Saurabh Chawla

STORIZEN HEALTH

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. It does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases. Get the help of a certified medical professional or a certified dietician before making any changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

F

oods that help with hypothyroidism include seafood, eggs, brazil nuts, etc.

Below is the list of nutrients that are absolutely essential in hypothyroid conditions: 1. Vitamin D 2. Zinc 3. Selenium 4. Protein 5. Omega 3 and Saturated Fats 6. Iodine 7. Vitamin B Complex 8. Probiotics (depends on multiple factors) (optional) Let’s discuss this one by one 1) Vitamin D - It is needed for overall immunity, reducing inflammation, and absorbing calcium from your diet.

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone and several studies have shown a direct relationship between increased vitamin D levels and improved TSH levels thereby reducing the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Do get it checked though before starting any supplements.

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Sources of Vitamin D include Sunlight, Eggs, Fish (Fatty Fish such as Salmon), Mushrooms, fortified milk, etc.

2) Selenium - Selenium is needed for the conversion of T4(thyroxine) to T3 (triiodothyronine). It’s an antioxidant, a trace mineral, and is easily found in foods we eat. In absence of enough selenium in the body, the conversion doesn’t take place and you feel lethargic and fatigued. Selenium is also useful in protecting your heart, good for males (as it helps in boosting testosterone), and has many other benefits.

Sources of selenium - Brazil Nuts (best), seafood, and even found in small amounts in dry fruits, etc.

3) Iodine - Iodine is needed for the production of thyroid hormones. In absence of this mineral, thyroid hormones are not produced effectively and you can get hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Sources of iodine - It's added to the common salt nowadays and is available in plenty of seafood. Therefore can be easily recovered from food.

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4. Zinc - Zinc is known for boosting immunity and is needed for the production of T3, T4, and TSH. Zinc also helps in maintaining your thyroid health and is involved in several other functions in the body.

Sources of Zinc - Pumpkin Seeds, shellfish (crab, oysters, lobster, etc.), Kidney Beans, red meat, chickpea, etc.

5) Protein - Protein is the building block of your body and is needed for the body to recover from exercise during sleep. Protein is very much needed in hypothyroidism so that the body recovers from the damage.

Protein helps with inflammation, and blood pressure, and keeps your muscles, hair, skin, and tissues healthy.

Sources of Protein - Meats, chicken, Dairy, Chickpea, kidney beans, pulses, etc.

6) Omega 3 & Saturated Fats Needed to fight inflammation and improve blood flow. Make sure to take them from healthy food sources.

Sources for Omega 3 and Saturated Fats - Fatty Fish such as Salmon, Ghee, Coconut Oil, etc.

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NOVEMBER 2022

STORIZEN HEALTH

Click here to Watch on YouTube 7) Vitamin B Complex - Needed to digest and absorb carbohydrates and provide energy to the nerves.

Sources include - Fruits, vegetables, seafood, Red Meat, and Dry fruits (walnuts/almonds, etc) 8) Probiotics - Needed in some cases only If you have digestive issues or suffering from autoimmune disorders, you may need probiotics to heal your gut and eliminate the immune response troubling you.

KEEP STRESS AT BAY Easier said than done, stress is the most dreadful of all. A little bit of stress is healthy and is needed by the body and the mind to perform, but as it becomes chronic the story changes.

Our bodies were not designed to take chronic stress as today’s generation is taking. Stress comes with a variety of side effects and you would have observed that once you are under stress, the very first thing that is affected is your digestive system.

Stress also gives room for inflammation, causing your microbiota imbalance, and hampering your gut health.

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STORIZEN REVIEW

The book's prologue alerts the readers and captures their attention. The book is divided into 19 chapters; the first chapter starts with a hospital scene and introduces Naveen, the SP. As the story progresses, the book's title gets justified as a corruption web, illegal drugs, and other crimes come into the picture. There are many subplots in the story. A few more pages into the story, if added, would have been better.

As the story progresses, the characters introduced are related to the cities and the incidents. Death on the college campus is the trigger point for the forthcoming events and twists in the story.

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Superintendent of Police Naveen Mishra and his storyteller colleague SubInspector Awasthi are investigating the death of a student at the Indian Engineering College, Lucknow.

During the investigation, many underlying twists start to unearthing. In the middle ground, Jayanti, a student at the college, and Raghav, an alumnus of the college, now a successful author, are roped into the case.

Their reunion after three years is overshadowed by the mysterious death of Jayanti's father and linked to Ansari, a professor at the college.

Naveen and Awasthi swim across the system and the loopholes that startle them.

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About the book The book's title - Barabanki: The Professor, the Pandit, and the Policeman, is attractive and mysterious. It also hints the story is somewhere related to Barabanki city.

A Must Read Engaging narration with exciting incidents makes the story readable.

Book Review

STORIZEN REVIEW

Simple language with easily accessible vocabulary is used in the book. Though it is a murder story, readers above 15 can also read it as there are no disturbing things.

Micro Review Devi for Millennials by Bibek Debroy

The book is overall a good onetime read.

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The book is a combination of ancient spirituality compared to the present times. The intertwining is well presented. As the title goes, Devi for millennials, author Bibek Debroy tried explaining the importance of Devi and her worship.

His research and presentation are absolutely engaging.

Even in this book, without going into religion, the concepts are explained on a superior level of spirituality that help humans attain peace of mind through worship.

A good read!

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STORIZEN REVIEW

The book is divided into several chapters, and the book's first chapter is titled Aparajita. This leads to a pitchperfect introduction of the first character.

The other characters are also introduced similarly. How self-consciousness and discovery come into the picture in the story is interesting.

The book is the story of the life of 3 Characters who love life in their ways.

Being young, the characters also get steered towards drugs and other things.

The book's title, In Pursuit of Ecstasy, is a fiction story, and the image depicts the characters that at flamboyant and active. The yellow background and the celebrated elements give the readers a fresh feeling, like having lemonade! The title ecstasy absolutely gives a charm to the cover image.

An engaging narration makes the book readable. The emotions and characters are written with honesty and conviction. Many readers can also relate to some nuances in the story.

These things change their lives, outcomes, and relationships and result in selfintrospection. The book is entertaining and shows an interesting direction toward improving it with self-talk.

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About the Book

A Must Read

In Pursuit of Ecstasy is a youthful and engaging story full of sparkling insights into the lives of urban teenagers today.

How self-consciousness and discovery come into the picture in the story is interesting. Reading this book was a good experience.

STORIZEN REVIEW

Micro Review Book Review

Reading this book was a good experience.

Ambedkar: A life by Shashi Tharoor

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Coming to this book by Shashi Tharoor, the title talks a lot. The contents explain the life of a person who was the torch bearer of human dignity and fundamental rights.

This 208 pages book revolves around Ambedkar’s from his childhood, the tough situations he faced, and the communal and caste bias he faced in detail.

The book is divided into two parts, one containing the initial phases of his life. Book two explains his life in Indian politics. The writing style is simple and explanatory. Well, talking about the language, it’s Shashi Tharoor! This is a must-read book for all those youngsters and readers who want to read a good book!

NOVEMBER 2022

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A Guide to Parent & Child Relationship!

Reviewed by Swapna Peri

STORIZENREVIEW

Compared to other countries, the family structure we see in India is different; therefore, this book helps parents realize the virtues they must teach their children that boost their confidence and trust.

Parenting books are the flavor of the day as many parents are battling anxiety about the parenting process. This is an opportune time to develop a book on anxiety and parenting. Thanks to author Abha Adams and publisher Aleph Book Company for this.

This book helps a parent to understand parenting better. With practical case studies, developing a parenting pattern that holds good for Indian society,

This is a recommended book!

Abha Adams gives the parents the to explore more than just being a parent.

An innovative educationist, Abha Adams has spent over thirty-eight years in education, media (BBC), and arts management (Arts Council of England) both in India and the UK.

Pic: Abha Adams NOVEMBER 2022

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About the Book This book by innovative educationist Abha Adams explores the journey that parents, children, and educators take together over the first eighteen years of a child's life in this generation.

Book Review

STORIZEN REVIEW

This book explains the most important issues troubling children and parents nowadays in simple and comprehensible language.

The practical and compassionate advice is narrated with utmost ease and conviction.

Micro Review Ahalya’s Awakening by Kavita Kane

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This book, Ahalya’s awakening, is 358 pages long and has more than 20 chapters. The book's prologue introduces Indra's shocking character and his desire for Ahalya. The story is written in simple language that readers of any age can understand.

For any book, the first chapter always gives a lasting impression and drives the reader to continue reading.

As the story proceeds, each of them tends to unveil a new facet of Ahalya’s life. There are many interesting encounters, and it becomes a good read. Thus, this book is a must-read for anyone willing to go for a good read.

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STORIZEN REVIEW

Spirituality is a broad concept with room for many perspectives. In general, it includes a sense of connection to something bigger than us and typically involves a search for meaning in life. As such, it is a universal human experience that touches us all. People may describe a spiritual experience as sacred or transcendent or simply a deep sense of aliveness and interconnectedness. This is the general conception and reception of the concepts of spirituality in the world.

The current generation stresses that an individual is dynamic regardless of the spiritual person inside. Understanding and exploring the core spiritual concepts is a huge task for some people.

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The current generation stresses that an individual is dynamic regardless of the spiritual person inside.

Understanding and exploring the core spiritual concepts is a huge task for some people.

Spiritual books and discourses are now booming into the market to help individuals grow from the inner side.

This book by Ramesh Bijlani, What Is Spiritual about Being Punctual? It is a 208-page book with 30+ chapters explaining the concepts of spirituality. The preface section of the book sets the required input for the readers as Sri Aurobindo’s idea of spirituality in a concise way.

NOVEMBER 2022

About the book What Is Spiritual about Being Punctual? has more than 30 essays on topics ranging from punctuality to photography, topics which would rarely be considered to have anything to do with spirituality. Yet, these essays show how each of these has a spiritual angle to it.

A Must Read This is a must-read for those who want to understand the relationship between spirituality and the philosophy of life.

Book Review

STORIZEN REVIEW

The interesting part of the book is that the chapters are named alphabetically. This is a mustread for those who want to understand the relationship between spirituality and the philosophy of life.

Micro Review Reflections by Kapil Sibal

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Poetry is one of the most potent art forms to perfectly portray a person’s inner feelings. These feelings travel through horizons in an infinite loop the soul perceives in turn. The muse of a poem can be anyone or anything, and the words take a magical turn.

This poetry book by Kapil Sibal titled ‘Reflections’ is a 147-page book divided into four sections. The first section has 18 poems under the name Politics of Introspection.

This book by eminent politician Kapil Sibal is a recommended book of modern poetry.

NOVEMBER 2022

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WHEN HOPE HUGS

by Madhumathi H.

I walk around the garden of life Each season teaches, impermanence As I observe the beauty of sun-kissed flowers Some fallen petals leave an ache...

Dewdrops, raindrops that are ephemeral Whisper to me, "Carpe diem" Adversity chokes, yet hope is the pitcher There is always enough water for parched souls Enough candles, for all the moonless nights...

In overwhelming, numb moments of life Simultaneously wanting to stare at the void, just be And cry my heart out, too Gratitude gently takes my hand Shows all the blessings that sparkle on the sticky notes "Isn't it a joy, to be alive NOW?", asks life...

"One day at a time", makes journeys less tiring, more fulfilling Let me speak to the waves, one after the other Than to the entire sea If I don't appreciate the raindrops How can I understand the ocean?!...

I walk around the garden of life Within I feel all the seasons Impermanence is inevitable, yet Eternity, is now.

Another day, life is kind to let me breathe poetry...

NOVEMBER 2022

A bilingual poet-writer(Tamil, English), Madhumathi is an ardent lover of Nature, Poetry, Photography, and Music. Her poems are published in Anthologies of The Poetry Society(India), AIFEST 2020 Poetry contest Anthology, CPC- Chennai Poetry Circle, IPC – India Poetry Circle, Amaravati Poetic Prism, and in e-zines UGC approved Muse India, Storizen, OPA – Our Poetry Archives, IWJ International Writers Journal, Positive Vibes, and Science Shore. ‘’Ignite Poetry'’, “Arising from the dust”, “Painting Dreams", and “Shards of the unsung Poesies" are some of the recent Anthologies her poems, and write-ups are part of.

Besides Poetry, Madhumathi writes on Mental health, to create awareness and break the stigma, strongly believing in the therapeutic and transformational power of words.

Contact: madhumathi.poetry@gmail.com

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Kalpavruksha

by Vidya Shankar

STORIZEN POETRY

And then, it was all over just as suddenly as it had begun and we embracing the change slowly settling in while the unchanging stillness as ever pervading But there was a past not so long ago …a fiery breath of time …a pause in the song where the lyrics had jarred …a silence so dreadfully loud Yet on we moved together trusting, not rushing through deadly paths through bone-chilling moments feeling protected under the canopy of the tree of Love spreading its branches to shade us, heal us The Kalpavruksha with fruits in plenty and birds in chorus beneath which no sound, no silence no yesterday, no tomorrow no other, no another only a quietness ethereal

NOVEMBER 2022

Vidya Shankar lives in Chennai, India.

She is an English Language teacher and a 'book' in the Human Library, exploring the meaning of life through her writings, yoga, and mandalas. Widely published in reputed literary platforms, editor of four anthologies, and author of two poetry books, Vidya loves to explore various poetry forms and experiment with new writing techniques. Certified Storizen’s ‘Star Poet’ (2019) and recipient of the Prime International Poetry Award (2020) and the Gitesh-Biva Memorial Award (2019), she has also been featured in a unique coffee table book on inspiring women.

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by Aparna Mukherjee

Life is not a bed of roses Sometimes, you will rise Other times, you may fall Amidst rise and fall, It is you who have to Brush yourself up and stand tall.

Some days, there will be paths Full of thorns.

Other days, there will be roads Full of flower petals.

It is you who have to walk through the thorns To rest in the bed strewn with flower petals.

In a few words, Aparna defines a woman who beholds high aspirations and firmly believes in expanding her horizon. She holds a Master's degree in English Literature from Mumbai University. By profession, she is a Website Content Writer.

Do not break down When life drags you down.

You should remember always That today is not the end Of your life.

There is a new fresh day Which is called another day.

Her poems got published in the Indian Literature website named Facestory's.com.

Currently, her stories and poems get published in the anthology books in the eminent Reflection Magazine and in the renowned digital magazine, Storizen.

Wipe those pearls That are rolling down your cheeks Get up and get going For tomorrow, is a new day Which is full of hope Will fill your heart With enthusiasm and joy.

She is bestowed with the Indian Global Award 2022 and has been felicitated with a medal in the Tagore Literature Festival 2022 by Literoma.

Bask in the ray of hope Which another day has brought for you.

Weave new dreams Carve a new path Fill colors in the white canvas of life For, each day has something to offer you.

NOVEMBER 2022

Her world revolves around creativity and writing. She wishes to make her mark in the literary world, hoping to leave an indelible imprint on the readers' minds.

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TO READ SIMILAR STORIES, VISIT WWW. STORIZEN. COM

ARIES MOON SIGN: 8 OF PENTACLES This month Aries, you need to put extra efforts to get appreciated from your superiors. You can also improve your skills by learning new things related to your subject to be successful in your workplace.

TAURUS MOON SIGN: 4 OF WANDS This month Taurus, you will enjoy celebrating your success with your family. It also indicates buying property or singles can get married.

GEMINI MOON SIGN: QUEEN OF WANDS This month Gemini, you believe in yourself and don’t get scared to raise your opinion in front of everyone. You will be courageous and determined to fulfil your goals and are very ambitious and have a clear vision in life.

NOVEMBER 2022

CANCER MOON SIGN: THE HANGED MAN This month Cancer, it’s time to pause yourself and reflect what you need in life. What is your life purpose and go with the flow. Don’t take immediate action Just wait for Universe signal.

e

LEO MOON SIGN: 9 OF CUPS This month Leo, all your wishes will come true, Just have faith in the Universe. It’s a wish card.

Just have gratitude towards Universe for giving you a happy and content life.

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VIRGO MOON SIGN: 7 OF WANDS This month Virgo, you will be challenged by others and going to face competition in your workplace. People try to pull you down. You need to push yourself to stand in the crowd and be grounded. Have the courage to voice your opinion and continue to fight.

LIBRA MOON SIGN: ACE OF CUPS This month, you will be happy and Joyful. Also, you will receive new creative opportunities which you were waiting for since long. For Singles, it is the month of new relationship. If you are facing challenges in your relationship, this is the right month to have an open communication with your partner for a healthy relationship.

your future with new ideas and goals. It also indicates writing blogs or communicating with others for your ideas.

SAGITTARIUS MOON SIGN: 8 OF WANDS This month Sagittarians, you will be busy with your work and will be on your toes to complete your work on time to impress your boss. It also indicates travelling for office work. Also, some may get promotion.

CAPRICORN MOON SIGN: THE EMPRESS This month Capricorns, you will enjoy Financial Abundance and Success in life. Also, this is the month to pamper yourself. Go for a spa or parlor and enjoy treating yourself.

If women are planning for pregnancy, this is the right month for you.

SCORPIO MOON SIGN: PAGE OF SWORDS This month Scorpio, you will be curious to learn new things. You are very energetic and Enthusiastic to plan for 60

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AQUARIUS MOON SIGN: THE HIEROPHANT This month Aquarians, you are not open for change but will use the old traditional ways to achieve your goals. It also indicates Marriage or Baptism ceremony. It is the good month for people who are planning for government jobs. It also indicates following certain spiritual practices.

I am Himani Goyal, By profession, I am an HR Manager working in Banglore.

Reading is my hobby which led me to write reviews for my readers. I have read and reviewed numerous books so far. I am also a practicing Tarot consultant and would be sharing daily, weekly, monthly horoscopes for you all here.

PISCES MOON SIGN: 7 OF PENTACLES This month, you continue to do hard work and have patience to achieve your goals. Don’t be frustrated or lose hope. Your hard work will surely give results. It also indicates planning for the long term future.

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