Storizen Magazine October 2022 | Shehan Karunatilaka

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OCTOBER 2022

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THE MULTIFACETED WRITER

Cover Story The Multifaceted Writer Shehan Karunatilaka

Brand Partners Aleph Book Company Bloomsbury India Fingerprint Publishing Hachette India

Book Reviews Swapna Peri

Editors Pria Raiyani Saurabh Chawla

For Advertising, Contact us attalktous@storizen.com

HarperCollinsIndia Pan Macmillan India Penguin India Roli Books Rupa Publications Westland Books

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CONTENTS Editor's Note, p7 Cover Story, p8 The Multifaceted Writer - Shehan Karunatilaka - Text by Pria & Swapna Peri

hot off the press The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell, p16 Hachette India

Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks, p16 Hachette India

The Last Heroes by P Sainath, p17 Penguin Random House

Making Place for Muslims in Contemporary India by Kalyani Devaki Menon, p17 Hachette India

arti cles/short stories When I decided to be a Stay Home Mom, Even Before I Got Married, p18 Ankur R. Gupta

Lanterns, p24 Madhumathi H

Moments: From Pocket Sized Incidents, p28 Mayanka Singh

CONTENTS

interviews/publishing journeys

Delightful & Enlightening Korero with Teachers, p32 Riya Gulati

book reviews Zarifa: A Woman's Battle in a Man's World by Zarifa Ghafari & Hannah Lucinda Smith,p38 Swapna Peri

A Country Called Childhood: A Memoir by Deepti Naval, p41 Swapna Peri

Freedom to Attainment by Devendra Sahai, p42 Swapna Peri

Dr Sushil Shah: Dare to Make a Change by Maya Bathija, p46 Swapna Peri

A Case of Indian Marvels by David Davidar, p49 Swapna Peri

The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland, p50 Swapna Peri

Delhi University by Hardeep S.Puri, p53 Swapna Peri

CONTENTS

poetry New, p54 Vidya Shankar

Eternal Happiness, p56 Shalini Samuel

Spring Memories, p58 Sangita Kalarickal Krivosik

horos cope

Monthly Horos cope: November 2022, p60 Himani Goyal

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.

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Paulo Coelho said, “Life was always a matter of waiting for the right moment to act.” How many moments did you miss? How many lit you up?

Certain moments sadden you while others bring a smile to your face. This month, as we celebrate the biggest festival of lights, Diwali, we welcome stories about the moments that lit you up!

It's always an honor to be recognized for your work.

Getting a Booker Prize for your writing is the dream of every author.

We are super excited to feature the Booker Prize 2022 winner – Shehan Karunatilaka this month in Storizen. Do check out the exclusive cover story on page 8!

Bibliophiles, we have got you covered. Check out the awesome new releases to satiate your reading hunger.

Everybody needs a teacher or a mentor to get on the right path in life. Riya Gulati had a chance to interview a few teachers about how students can learn things of value in their life. Check it out!

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

COVER STORY

COVER STORY

THE MULTIFACETED WRITER

SHEHAN KARUNATILAKA A Storizen Exclusive Feature Storizen celebrates Srilankan Author Shehan Karunatilaka for the indigenous achievement of his latest novel The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida which recently won the Booker Prize 2022. It takes immense pleasure to introduce our readers to one of the realistic author who writes incredible stories based on true incidents.

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Text by Pria and Swapna Peri hehan Karunatilaka is considered one of Sri Lanka’s foremost authors. He was born in Galle, Sri Lanka, in 1975, grew up in Colombo, studied in New Zealand, and has lived and worked in London, Amsterdam, and Singapore.

He currently lives in Sri Lanka. His literary life started with songs, scripts, and stories. All of his initial works were published in Rolling Stone, GQ, and National Geographic. Shehan also for some time worked as an advertising copywriter. Apart from being a writer, he also plays guitar and was a part of the Independent Square band.

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Shehan Karunatilaka's footsteps were set on to the global literary stage in 201. In that year he won the Commonwealth Book Prize, the DSL, and the Gratiaen Prize for his debut novel, Chinaman, which was also declared the second-best cricket book of all time by Wisden. Chinaman book is considered one of those books written by a Srilankan author that touches on the aspects of brain drain to corruption and to civil war. The story is about WG Karunasena, a cricket journalist and a heavy alcoholic who is given only a year

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COVER STORY

Shehan Karunatilaka with Britain's Queen Camilla (Source: Royal.UK website)

to live. He then decided to make a documentary on Srilankan cricket.

What happens next is the story. This book has been revving up with reviews for many years. It was well received by readers all over the world.

Now, his second novel, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, was announced as the winner of the Booker Prize 2022 on October 17 at a ceremony in London.

Shehan Karunatilaka’s The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida is set in Colombo, in 1990. It is the story of Maali Almeida, a war photographer, a gambler, and a transvestite. He wakes up dead in a visa office set in the space.

He notices that his dismembered body is sinking in the serene Beira OCTOBER 2022

Pic: Shehan Karunatilaka (Source: facebook.com/ShehanKaruBooks)

Lake has no idea who killed him. In a country where people lose their lives to war, bomb blasts and suicide bombers, his list of suspects keeps increasing as he thinks about who killed him. He realized that his time is running out and has only seven moons to contact the man and woman he loves most and leads them to the photos that will rock Sri Lanka. With ghosts and ghouls, STORIZEN MAGAZINE

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COVER STORY

black and white photos, and the grey world of humanity, this book is a highly recommended one.

This was originally published in the Indian subcontinent in 2020 under the title Chats with the Dead. The novel is a dark comedy with ghosts and humans caught in between raging ethnic conflict and insurrection resulting in violence and human slaughter.

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida made the shortlist on September 6 for the Booker Prize 2022, before being declared this year’s winner on October 17. This happened to be the second consecutive year of this. Sri Lankan author's book being short-listed for The Booker Prize for fiction. In 2021 it was Anuk Arudpragasam's - The Passage North.

Shehan's this recognition comes at a time when Sri Lanka is facing a

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severe economic and socio-political crisis. Those who have been following the international news on Srilanka and have read or will be reading this book will definitely find themselves in a dual state of witnessing surreal reality.

Shehan has written a short story collection, titled - Birth Lottery, which comes out in the subcontinent in soon, and be published by Hachette India. He is also working on a third novel In his Booker Prize acceptance speech, Karunatilaka talked about “the dispiriting and demoralizing writer’s life”. When asked doesn't feel like that today, he replied, “No. But even writing a bad draft, takes a lot out of you. I think what separates writers from normal people is that normal people write badly and stop, but writers write badly and keep trying to make it better.” ( As told to inews UK)

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COVER STORY

Colombo, 1990. Maali Almeida, war photographer, gambler, and closet queen, has woken up dead in what seems like a celestial visa office. His dismembered body is sinking in the serene Beira lake and he has no idea who killed him. At a time where scores are settled by death squads, suicide bombers, and hired goons, the list of suspects is depressingly long, as the ghouls and ghosts with grudges who cluster around can attest. But even in the afterlife, time is running out for Maali. He has seven moons to try and contact the man and woman he loves most and lead them to a hidden cache of photos that will rock Sri Lanka.

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COVER STORY

In his speech, he also said that Sri Lankans “specialize in gallows humor and make jokes in the face of crises”.

“It’s our coping mechanism,” he said, and expressed hope that his novel about war and ethnic division would one day be “in the fantasy section of the bookshop.”

Former British Museum director Neil MacGregor said that "It’s a book that takes the reader on a rollercoaster journey through life and death, right to what the author describes as the dark heart of the world, and there the reader finds to their surprise, joy, tenderness, love, and loyalty.”

Finally, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida is a book to read to have an exhilarating and rewarding reading experience with the war zone people who are into it, affected by it, and are still facing the trauma. Published independently by Sort of Books, Shehan for the second time with his novel doesn't disappoint his readers!

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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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urce: a (So k a l i t aruna han K e h S Pic: edia) Wikip

Pic: Shehan Karunatilaka with his book (Source: facebook.com/ShehanKaruBooks)

Pic: Shehan Karunatilaka and others (Source: facebook.com/ShehanKaruBooks)

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HOTthe OFFpress Full of the beauty and emotion with which she illuminated the Shakespearean canvas of Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell turns her talents to Renaissance Italy in an extraordinary portrait of a resilient young woman’s battle for her very survival.

In the course of a single unforgettable week, three very different people will have their own ideas of love put to the test. As fate draws them together, they will each be forced to question whether the dream of a better life can ever overcome the weight of the past.

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OCTOBER 2022

HOTthe OFFpress To learn what they understood. Freedom and independence are not the same things. And to learn to make those come together.

Religion enables Muslims to reenvision India as a different kind of place, one to which they unquestionably belong.

OCTOBER 2022

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WHEN I DECIDED TO BE A STAY HOME MOM, EVEN BEFORE I GOT MARRIED

by Ankur R. Gupta

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veryone wants to belong or be a part of something bigger, but it’s important to follow your heart and be true to yourself in the process.”- Emily Giffin Let me take you 30 years back, in the era of the 90s, when I was in college. I was a vibrant, chirpy, socializing young lass, thankfully still the same, at least by heart. I was in one of the prestigious colleges of Pune, Fergusson College. You must be wondering, it’s so weird that at a time when one thinks of enjoying carefree life, and a career, I was thinking about my future kids. But trust me, it was nothing like that. I was a happy-golucky youth full of dreams and aspirations.

Amongst the circle of many friends, I had one very close friend. We hung around often, and she regularly visited my house. Wondering… what’s so unusual about it, all the friends do the same. Well, the answer is both a yes and a no.

Friends come to your house, but not everyone spends endless hours, at your home, with no desire to return to theirs. Initially, I didn’t feel odd about it, but soon it became annoying. It became her daily routine to hang around at my place, admiring every corner of it and repeatedly telling me how she loved being at my house. I used to waive it off as a compliment, but soon, this got on my nerves when

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she tried to be over-friendly with my mother and sat with her for hours or helped her with house chores.

Now, my mom is a sweet, homely woman, but a wise one. She returned all my friend’s affection, but, at the same time caution, me that there was something peculiar about my friend.

Things started getting more uncomfortable when she started bringing gifts for her and was overly affectionate. I was green with “J” when she began to hug her. Her behavior puzzled and angered me more as she started acting irrationally, interfering with my relationship with my mother.

Finally, the lightning struck when one day, I and mom got into a heated moment… Every daughter has one!

However, I got the shock of my life when my friend yelled at me and asked me to stop. She shoved me away and hugged my mother. That was the final nail to my already vexed mind. I asked her to immediately leave as she was no one to tell me how I should be with my mother.

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The next day in the college she asked me to come to the canteen. Reluctantly, I did. It was that 10 min conversation with her that changed the entire course of my future life.

She spoke, Ankur, you know that my parents are working. So, what’s wrong with it? I interrupted. Nothing is wrong. Only that many times, I feel I have parents, but I don’t have parents. She said sadly. What do you mean by this? I asked, perplexed. It means, she said, I have parents who love me, but they have no time for me. I have all comforts, but our house is a materialistic structure, not a Home.

A home like what you’ve Ankur, she said.

You have a loving and caring mother who gives you time to talk to you and is always present when you need her. But my mom is always busy with her work or traveling most of the time. The only conversation I remember, since I was six years is -how are your studies going, have you eaten, or do you want something? That’s it.

Whenever I try speaking my heart out, the conversation ends in a few minutes, as she is too busy to listen or not at home. So, I started looking out for companionship with strangers. I do silly things to get everyone’s attention. And, whoever gives me affection like your mother, I get too possessive about them.

I was astounded by her sad outburst. The relevance of a parent’s quality time for a child lit up for the first time in my mind, which I took for granted with my parents and did not value it. When I went home that day, the first thing I did was give a teddy hug to my folks for always being with me, especially my mother. From that day 20

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onwards, I never feel irritated with my mom’s overly affection and pieces of advice.

After that episode, we continued to be friends and, I witnessed my friend suffering in failed relationships and broken friendships as her quest for someone to listen & understand never ended. The scars of a childhood shadowed her entire adulthood.

We remained friends till I finished my M.B.A. Gradually, with time lost connectivity. But those 10 minutes of conversation in the canteen were one of the lit-up moments for me as subconsciously, I had decided that my kids shall never go through such pain, and I will always be with them.

Years later, that thought process resurfaced when I had my firstborn. I was in the dilemma of whether to join back to my work, as that incident at my college started haunting me again.

One such day, I went to my neighborhood creche. It was evening and saw the crying kids all over the floor. My neighbor was sitting coolly, ignoring them. However, precisely half an hour later, she got up and took one of the kids in her lap, washed her face, combed, made her wear clean clothes, and gave a biscuit in her hand.

The kid nibbled the biscuit hungrily. The next moment the child’s parents came to pick. My neighbor showered the child with kisses and handed it to her mom. The poor baby clung to her mother tightly.

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The Mom was beaming seeing her kid dressed up, happily nibbling the biscuit and clinging to her. I felt like telling her it was not happiness but hunger and fear.

But I just stuck to my chair. I went to that creche again many times and witnessed the same scenario. It was in those moments all the shrouded clouds cleared off from my mind, and I decided, 100%, to be a stay home Mom. Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you. A secure, happy childhood for my child, my heart cried out.

Here I’m not judging and demeaning the efforts of the working parents. I admire a few of my friends who balance work and home beautifully. But when I reinspect myself, realized that I am not that kind of a Multitasker. Sometimes you have to limit yourself to ensure to break the limits on another front. I did the same. I limited that moment to ensure a future for the family, a dream very close to my heart.

Whether I ever repented my decision, exiting from my high-profile job as a trainer. NO. Did I put a limitation on myself? Never.

For me, limitation comes when you stop dreaming. I do not recall a single moment when I did that. Yes, the journey to achieve them kept varying and sometimes got delayed, but there was never a dead-end. Now my kids OCTOBER 2022

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are out of the nest, I’m all set to start a new phase of my life with a new set of dreams to achieve.

I believe in keeping my ear next to my heart to listen to its first whisper on any matter. These are my source of Lit up moments and Wisdom to keep going in life.

Follow your heart, and be true to yourself in the process.

Ankur R Gupta - I'm a blogger, an author, and a certified content creator.

My writings revolve around the simple motto “Write to bring Smile”. I believe in understanding behavioral aspects of human life linked with their different phases and then ink my words about them in a simplified way to spin out positivity and purpose associated with them.

A hardcore history enthusiast and traveler. I love to read & explore our ancient cultures and civilizations.

My reading page is inkmyword -the reader community. @writingstomakeyousmile

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by Madhumathi H.

E

very time darkness engulfs me, the universe gives lanterns to my heart to hold on to hope. Through beautiful kind souls...

Moments, like the golden rays of the sun, each gently caressed my fears, pain, and tears. Lit me up, pulled me out of the darkness...

Moments, when people gifted bouquets of smiles, exactly on days when tears cascaded...

The moment when a kind soul sent a poem wondering, if I am real, reassured me like a warm hug. I felt a million stars twinkle in my heart. The moment when her voice hugged me, brimming with kindness: "You are the bridge for conversations with my Mother, on poems".

The moment when someone said: "I learned to pause, observe Nature, moments, read you..."

Mission accomplished!

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The moment when a sweet girl made me weep my eyes out(in joy), by speaking about me, at her workplace.

That she wants to live like me, at least once in her life. Her message was a forehead kiss.

The moment when an adorable neighbor soul sent a film link, seeing me as the seeker soul with dreams, like the protagonist. That made me feel UNDERSTOOD and loved. Tiara for my soul.

Moment, when a chirpy girl said: (I haven't even met) "I feel like sharing how I feel about everything, with you. I feel emotionally very safe with you! The vibe you give is priceless!"

Someone who was going through tough times sent a voice message: "Your Nature pictures and writings give mental peace.

Kindle childhood memories. Never stop doing what you are doing now."

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My eyes are happy to shed tears of gratitude often, thinking of the lanterns...

Abundant messages out of the blue, that carried so much love, warmth, and reassurance. My favorite songs are sent as voice notes, out of the blue. Prayers were made at temple/holy places, exactly when I was feeling terribly low... Oh, souls who are my light! How blessed am I to be gifted with their presence in my life...

Precious reasons plenty to shed tears of joy, to quote the kindest souls in my life who gifted moments that lit me up.

Eternally grateful to "Words". Words connected me with those lanterns.

Words gift-wrapped my emotions, in anthologies.

And words take birth when Nature lights up my moments. Every single day.

All my inexplicable pain, struggles, and challenges faced are healed by Nature, and through writing. Through passion.

Zest for life. Love for all things art.

To all the Lanterns life gifted, I bow down in gratitude. Surrender all my soul’s tiaras, to the Almighty.

I shall never stop making efforts to gift love, hope, smiles, happiness, and healing through my words, and little acts of kindness.

I shall be a lantern, a candle, an earthen lamp, or a firefly, to light up moments in someone's life.

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

By GIVING, we become LIGHT. It's ecstatic, to SHINE. 26

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OCTOBER 2022

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Moments: From Pocket Sized Incidents

by Mayanka Singh

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ne fine day from a close and versatile friend of mine, I received an opportunity to write an article on ‘the moment that lit me up'. My mind ran through a number of thoughts but did not go very far rather it landed on a recently occurred small incident that had resulted in spreading out the smile on my face for a while.

A few days ago, I was returning home from my office and passed through the length of the traffic of the city On reaching the main road near my house, when my car was struggling to get through, a teenage girl whose legs were merely touching the ground, all of a sudden raced her two-wheeler to cross the road horizontally. Her legs were hardly able to reach the road and slowly dragging the vehicle, consequently, I had to apply a sudden brake to allow her to cross the road, it added to my already existing frustration with the evening traffic and the girl managed to take the required curvy

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turn and then I noticed her mother sitting at the back along the movement of her scooter, gave me a continuously smiled and that was the moment that lit me up. Her smile at me was there all through the turn that her daughter took giving constant braking jerks to the mother, her smile was as if she was conveying multiple feelings to me such as this is my daughter, not so grown up but extending help to cover the nearby market work, I know it has troubled you in the traffic and you are annoyed as it was on my face just before seeing her smile, but she is my daughter learning to drive and will be better soon. She went ahead and disappeared in some sub-lane, I kept driving straight, smiling and it took away all the unreasonable stress in a fraction of a second.

Her smile made me smile in response and at the same time made me realize that maybe the majority of road spats over traffic, mild hits to the vehicles which are not really damaging to either STORIZEN MAGAZINE

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party, etc., can easily be averted by an exchange of smiles or some cordial gestures rather than the anger usually shown and seen on the sides of the road, creating another set of arguments, catching the undue attention of the passing passengers. Also, rather, people can reach their respective destinations in a finer mood, and maybe like me, others could also find the moments that lit them up.

Another learning from the incident to me was that happiness can actually be found in small things, tiny moments can be fetched from pocket-size incidents. It is the need of the hour too that such learnings are to be passed on to the youth or rather to everyone. Attention is to be drawn to the fact that if stress can create a series of troubles, that can cause damage to mental health and peace of heart then equally the positive attitude, mere smiling over petty issues can magically bring out great results to good health, it can increase the individual's productivity at work and at a personal level as well.

It is crucially required to be conveyed to the society which is experiencing broken relationships over small fights and minor issues that communication is a key to the relations. Communication does not necessarily involve the exchange of words each time but it could only be an exchange of a smile. Similarly, a relationship does not always mean having a bond or a familiar connection for a length of time. The mother who smiled at 30

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me was an expression of her feeling which she communicated through a smile and I, in response smiled back, it was a momentary connection: relation.

Consequently, it averted a silly fight, it took away the burden of my long day and gave me a moment that lit me up.

In nutshell, a positive and cheerful attitude can bring a plethora of moments in anyone’s life. In addition, it is important to be strong, wise, and right by deeds, rest everything will fall in place and will always bring Enlighted moments in abundance.

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Mayanka Singh aged 38 years is Currently working as an Operations Analyst with Finance Department, Government of Rajasthan along with a versatile administrative experience in the fields of Sports Federation, Foreign NGO, Press, Aviation academy, etc. Also, an amateur writer. Mother of a son aged 7 years.

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INTERVIEW Teachers truly serve as the ultimate role models for students. With utmost dedication, teachers provide guidance; skillsets; motivation; mentorship to the youth and thereby play a cardinal role in the economic development of the nation.

Delightful & Enlightening Korero with Teachers 32

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OCTOBER 2022

Indeed the shift from ‘What to Think’ to ‘How to Think’ can accelerate the mental ability of the student- what can be done to channel such a transition?

Stimulating students how to think can happen by prompting students to think beyond the surface and adopt a critical mindset. Active learning techniques can be employed in both forming and answering questions, thus fostering students’ sense of curiosity and empowering them to engage in a process of discovery, rather than one of rote memorization or application of known formulas.

Inquiry-based methods, such as the case-study approach, debates, role-playing activities, and simulations promote active learning.

Rajni Khanduja, English Teacher (K L International School, Meerut)

How do you encourage creativity in the class?

Creativity is an integral skill both in personal & professional life, therefore inculcating creative thinking in students at an early age helps them to deal with life’s situations prudently, independently, and confidently. Creative thinking can be encouraged by applying innovative solutions to the problem. As we apply different creative techniques & exercises, we can enhance creativity. Embracing the Peer group learning approach wherein theme(s) are assigned to the students in order to get indulged in the spade work. This will definitely boost their spirit and we as a teacher, get a team with a motivated spirit. Then we, as a teacher, withdraw ourselves and let the children proceed themselves. The working frame that we get by this strategy would be more creative, more genuine & more fruitful.

Kavita Mehta, Art Teacher (DAV Centenary Public School, Delhi Road, Rohtak)

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If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would it be?

By profession, I am a Mathematics teacher, but I feel blessed that I can transform minds from doing nothing to everything. Apart from teaching my own subject with much love and logic, I try to inculcate in them the sense to deal with the subject 'Life' where what comes next is always a question mark. So I always try to make my students understand that 'Don't take shortcuts as there is no shortcut to success. While traveling to our favorite destination, we always choose expressways that are often longer than the actual route but are smooth and consistent. Similarly, success is always achieved by being consistent in your hard work and not by looking for a shortcut or an easy way out to achieve your goal.

Mohita Khanduja, Mathematics Teacher (BrainzEdu World, Meerut)

Despite a provision to provide free and compulsory education to all children in the age group of six to fourteen years, child beggary and child labor is still prevalent- what can be done to avert this evil from society?

The right to education is an indispensable part of a child’s life.

However, not everybody is getting equal opportunity to get educated. We seem to be living in a broken mosaic where the pieces are not gluing. The rich are educated and exploring whereas the poor are confined and are living a paralyzed life. India is experiencing multiple stresses and poverty and inequality are some of them. Poverty triggers inequality and bigotry. A lot of disruption is found in proliferating education in society. Child beggary and child labor are major reasons behind perpetuating cognitive burnout.

Education gives us power and only awareness and bringing in stringent laws can help us in overcoming the lamentable situation. Before persuading the children to go to school, the parents need to be made cognizant of the benefits of getting educated. To ensure strict implementation, child labor should be totally curbed and discouraged.

Kanika Verma, English and Spanish Teacher (Darshan Academy, Delhi)

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OCTOBER 2022

What is the best thing about being a teacher?

How do you make learning more fun for your students?

The best thing about being a teacher is that we can make a difference. No two days are the same and in teaching, we learn while we teach. We learn to be more patient and understanding. We learn to change and grow with the changing times, and above all, we shape the future of many young minds.

Learning need not be made to be fun.

Learning has to be made interesting. By adding things that interest students. Tell them examples they can relate to. Ask them solutions for real-life problems. Let them explore. Do it. That’s what learning is. Lecturing and giving notes for rote learning is a thing of the past. Let them do it. Just keep guiding them in the right direction. Give them freedom and observe them.

Arti Bhasin, Political Science/Social Science Teacher (St. Mary’s Sr. Sec. School, Delhi) Why did you opt for teaching as your profession?

Truly, for my country. For my people. I definitely earn, but I am not doing it for free. But personally, I quit a very good corporate career of 12 years with a fortune 500 cos in the HR domain to give little children of rural areas whatever I could. Whatever I have learned. For me, it’s very important. I feel each child in my school is my child.

I wish they lead a better, happy, and more satisfying life.

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What do you want your students to remember you for?

That they understand I care for their personal growth, equal opportunities, and overcoming gender stereotypes.

Helped them be better citizens.

What sort of simple habits can change a student's lifestyle?

Waking up early and doing physical exercise. Less than an hour of screen time, for entertainment or education.

Reading, other than prescribed

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textbooks. There is a need to engage them in more teamwork (less competition), more practical than theoretical classes and divert the focus on logic and reason rather than rote learning.

Aarushi Sharma, English & EVS Teacher (Director of Pristine Academy, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh) What is the secret of living a disciplined and organized life?

See, as Teachers and Parents, we are ideals for our children. We have to set our routine and discipline. Students can’t live a disciplined life at home if their parents/guardians aren’t doing that. Irrespective of the lessons they give their child about it. Waking up early, exercising, reading, eating healthy food and on time, setting aside time for office and housework has to be in the habits of parents. Children will learn by observing and following. So the secret lies with us, the elders, the more we live disciplined, the better future will be given to our future generations. Lead by example. No jaadukichhadi type of secrets here.

Riya Gulati is LL.M (Intellectual Property & Information Technology) from University College Dublin & BA.LLB from Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, India.

Aarushi Sharma, English & EVS Teacher (Director of Pristine Academy, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh)

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OCTOBER 2022

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A Woman's Fight Against All Odds!

Reviewed by Swapna Peri

STORIZENREVIEW

When the civil broke in her country Afghanistan in 1994, Zarifa Ghafari was born; mortar strikes and gunfire were regular and were often heard close to her. The US's revenge against the Taliban for the vile 9/11 attack did not only create tumulus in the country but also has put long-lasting trauma on women, children, and youngsters of those times.

The daughter of a soldier, Zarifa, was fearless since her school days and showcased her leadership qualities often then.

The president then apologized to her publicly and gifted her. This made Zarifa known to the world!

Zarifa: A Woman's Battle in a Man's World, by authors Zarifa Ghafari & Hannah Lucinda Smith, is a shaking and staggering book that offers an unimaginable and matchless perspective of almost two decades of life in Afghanistan. Talking about the author Zarifa Ghafari, is an Afghan activist, politician, and entrepreneur.

Zarifa Ghafari was mayor of Maidan Wardak, a province of Kabul, Afghanistan, and escaped from the Taliban in August 2021 to seek refuge in Germany.

Pic: Zarifa Ghafari OCTOBER 2022

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About the Book Zarifa is an astonishing memoir that offers an unparalleled perspective of the last two decades in Afghanistan from a citizen, daughter, woman and mayor.

Written with honesty, pain, and ultimately, hope, Zarifa describes the work she did, the women she still tries to help as they live under Taliban rule, and her vision for how grassroots activism can change their lives and the lives of women everywhere.

Book Review

STORIZEN REVIEW

This is a highly recommended memoir in lieu that the readers might relate to the recent happenings in Afghanistan and how women's rights are exploited.

Micro Review A Country Called Childhood: A Memoir by Deepti Naval

Visit storizen.com for full review

Indian cinema during the 1980s produced some wonderful performers and the reason is that most of them are from the theatre or the school of drama.

India as a country was also seeing new and novel changes in terms of fashion, lifestyle, and culture.

People with mere graduation started migrating to big places and cities, and some of them even left for other countries. While all this was happening cross-cultural media started taking center stage and thus the mythological dramas start molding into social drama and activism. Therefore, people who were in their prime time then were also a part of famous theatre schools like NSD(National School of Drama). One of the most loved, desired, and respectable women performers from that era is Ms.Deepti Naval.

OCTOBER 2022

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STORIZEN REVIEW

Life is not always a bed of roses but also has thorns. The intelligence to lead this life with thorns present is a knack. But, this knack is not easily available.

After many vigorous rituals, it has to be obtained that gives a person uncountable amounts of self-confidence and assurance. Technology has undeniably given us more comfort and convenience in the present generation. But as we seek more accessible and faster ways of 'getting our work done, the life we live gradually lacks quality. The Quality is in terms of self-love, self-help, selfassessment, time to nurture relationships, and togetherness. Is this why we have invented all the things that make life comfortable? Is this the purpose of life? Is this the happiness we are looking for?

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Here in this book, Freedom to Attainment by Devendra Sahai, he transcripts all the life experiences he has seen into this beautiful book. This is a self-help book written honestly and concisely with easily comprehensible language.

Quoted in an article by an anonymous source, it is said that there are several benefits of reading self-help books.

The first and foremost benefit of reading self-help books is that the experience puts the reader on a path to read, practice the strategies learned, and improve their lives without asking others for help.

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About the Book

A Must Read

The present scenario is engulfed by aberrations and needs a new level of preparation for personal and professional development.

Devendra’s debut book is an attempt towards personal and professional development and sets a tone for a happy and fulfilling life.

It is recommended for readers who are looking for some positive and mindstrengthening books with easy and comfortable language.

Book Review

STORIZEN REVIEW

It is recommended for readers who are looking for some positive and mindstrengthening books with easy and comfortable language.

Visit storizen.com for full review

A passionate book reviewer, writer, narrator, translator, and copy editor, Swapna has a B. Tech in Computer Science and is a former SAP Technical Consultant. She is the writer, narrator, editor, and translator for three books published with Literoma Publishing, Kolkata. She created and manages the “Book Reviews Café” official blog and Facebook page that contains all the book reviews.

Swapna is also a content writer and reviewer with Storizen Magazine, CriticSpace Journals website, The Literature Times website, The Asian Review website, and the Literature Today website. She is a columnist with one of the leading women's websites in Telugu named 'Vihanga'.

@swapna.peri @bookreviewscafe @swapna508

OCTOBER 2022

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STORIZEN REVIEW

Medical diagnosis is one of the most important parts of a person’s medical journey in leading a healthy life.

Medical ailments are a part of one’s life, be it a simple cold or serious cancer. Whichever the complication, mere seeing a doctor doesn’t serve the purpose. An able diagnosis of the ill-health is as important as choosing an able doctor.

Dr. Sushil Shah, the founder and Chairman of Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, completed his MD in Pathology and Bacteriology from Grant Medical College, Mumbai. He was also a Research Fellow at Cornell Medical Centre, New York. Dr. Shah has made significant contributions to the overall Diagnostic Pathology Industry and continues his pursuit of a vision of a consolidated Industry in India.

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The process between seeing a general doctor and a specialist usually results in a visit to the diagnostic centre. Irrespective of age and gender, diagnosis is done at a well-equipped centre.

These centres are equipped with the required laboratory equipment, trained staff, and medical personnel that assist in the process.

In connection with this, Metropolis Labs is one of the leading and successful entities in the healthcare industry, including diagnostic services, both nationally and internationally. This book, authored by Maya Bathija, introduces the readers to the life of a visionary who dreamt big!

OCTOBER 2022

About the book Dare to Make a Change offers an in-depth account of the man behind Metropolis, and his struggle to reach the top while maintaining honesty and integrity.

A Must Read Author Maya Bathija takes us on Dr. Shah’s journey, giving us a sneak peek into his life and the vision and foresight that made Metropolis possible.

STORIZEN REVIEW

Book Review

Micro Review Reading the lives of such inspiring people gives us a chance to applaud the virtue of humanity that results in the harmonious co-existence of humans around the world. This 197-page book is a good read!

A Case of Indian Marvels by David Davidar

Visit storizen.com for full review

This book - A Case of Indian Marvels by David Davidar, the founder of Aleph Book Company, has compiled 40 stories written in English or translated into English from many languages and is a commendable job. While I applaud David’s idea behind bringing out this book, it also takes immense pleasure to share that one of the stories by a Telugu writer Vempalle Shareef, who happens to be a good friend of mine, makes a place in this book!

It is also important to share with the readers that Aleph Book Company has brought a series - The Greatest Short Stories Ever Told. The stories are picked up from 9 regional Indian languages. Including these 9 books, I recommend A case of Indian Marvels by David Davidar, strongly.

OCTOBER 2022

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A Riveting and Scary

Read!

Reviewed by Swapna Peri

STORIZENREVIEW

In this book The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke out of Auschwitz to Warn the World by Jonathan Freedland it is a story of a 19-year-old Rudolf Vrba’s (born Walter Rosenberg) escape from Auschwitz along with fellow prisoner Alfréd Wetzler, a Slovak Jew. The book is of Walter’s life and the troubles that taunt The book is a reflection of the inhuman nature of the Nazis and him often since the time the mass murder of Jews. The he left studying. book also showcases some people who have shown their ugly colors to survive under Nazi rule.

There are some places in the book explained were human Jews were cheated and manipulated by the SS people as they promised once the war situation subsides they will be sent back to their homes. And for their safety and security their money, jewels, and valuables have been saved.

But, the Jews were sent to gas chambers and mass graves were their final homes.

Journalist and broadcaster Jonathan Freedland is a weekly columnist for the Guardian, where he edits the paper’s op-ed pages and chairs its Editorial Board.

Pic: Jonathan Freedland OCTOBER 2022

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About the Book The astonishing, forgotten story of the hero who escaped from Auschwitz to reveal the truth of the Holocaust.

(This text refers to the paperback edition.)

Book Review

STORIZEN REVIEW

This book this enhances the reader's curiosity and empathy towards those people who lost lives and families for someone else's wretched goals.

Micro Review Delhi University by Hardeep S.Puri

Visit storizen.com for full review

Delhi University(DU), formerly known as the University of Delhi, situated in Delhi, was founded in 1922. This year marks the 100th year of the university and India's Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri. Hardeep Singh Puri planned and published an anthology of eminent and famous people who are former students of Delhi University.

The book is interesting and can be read by even a beginner-level reader. The language is simple and fascinating. To celebrate 100 years of excellence, one can read the book and acknowledge the hard work of many such personalities.

OCTOBER 2022

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New

by Vidya Shankar

STORIZEN POETRY

A stream of fresh air plays with wisps of my hair The calls of the early bird whisper sweet nothings into my ears A ray of soft light dances upon my eyelids caresses my face tickles my skin And I know a new day is here I sit up in bed eyes still closed to greet the new with a prayer from the soul for every new is hope afresh every new, untouched and I must thank the moment praise the Light that leads me through virginal paths one more time

OCTOBER 2022

Vidya Shankar, an English Language teacher and a 'book' in the Human Library, explores the meaning of life through her writings, yoga, and mandalas. She is the author of two poetry books, The Flautist of Brindaranyam (in collaboration with her photographer husband, Shankar Ramakrishnan), and The Rise of Yogamaya (an effort to sensitize her readers about mental health). Widely published in reputed literary platforms and editor of four anthologies, Vidya loves to explore various poetry forms and experiments with new writing techniques. Her neversay-die attitude brought her to be featured in a unique coffee table book, ‘50 Inspiring Women boys and girls should read about, Chennai Editor.

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Eternal Happiness

by Shalini Samuel

STORIZEN POETRY

The bells chime, the stars light up the rain When she walks into my world of chaos She has many lovers, yet she is no less The most pious beauty with true love She was there in every song about me You can see her turn dung into diamond She is still hidden somewhere in me Can you find her in the lines you read?

The day I met her first was accidental Like every love story, we had breakups I coaxed her, and she kindly cared for me Whenever we fell apart, we grew closer.

Was she an alien who fell in love?

I have never seen a cutie like her She is the best and the worst imp But yet I often ignore her presence.

Shalini Samuel was born and resides in Kanyakumari. She loves to read, write and learn new things. She keeps exploring the world. Her poetry has been published in various print and online magazines and anthologies. She is the author of three poetry collections: Singing Soul, The Painted Life, and Drizzle.

She patiently waits for my love, My heart lights up the second I see her It's not just the first meeting that’s special She is my little muse, the unwritten poem.

OCTOBER 2022

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Spring

Memories

by Sangita Kalarickal Krivosik

STORIZEN POETRY A weeping cherry tree raises bare branches up to the sky and then bends to graze the soil below We walk on in silence, momentarily pausing. sudden memories flood in a corner of the now melded minds The Koi move with the grace only fish can. Probably happy swimming around the wild ducks Teasing.

Our hands intertwine. first one finger and then the remaining barely touching yet clasping.

That moment slipping away yet suspended. the gravel path crunches beneath our boots Spring sun seems to wait. Mellow.

Rhododendrons nod in happy dance and reach out to the weeping cherry trees bent over in sorrow trying to skim the soil below...

Sangita Kalarickal has been wordsmithing since childhood and honing her craft in the forms of poetry and fiction.

She is a published fantasy author with a soft corner for literary fiction. Her poems have appeared in anthologies and ezines and she is currently working on her poetry collection. She lives in Minnesota, the USA where the winter cold stretches almost half the year. She is a physicist at her day job, and currently she spends much of her time studying and honing her skills in haiku.

Some winds blow joy and some winds merely blow away sadness only nothingness yet togetherness stays on.

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TO READ SIMILAR STORIES, VISIT WWW. STORIZEN. COM

ARIES MOON SIGN: THE DEVIL This Month, Aries. You might stick with emotional blockage which you are unable to come out. This blockage is stopping you to live a healthy life and be the best version of yourself.

You want to come out of the situation but something is stopping you to come.

TAURUS MOON SIGN: JUDGEMENT This Month, Taurus, Universe is insisting you to do something more than your capacity.

Follow your instinct and take an important decision about your life and follow your passion.

You have learned from the past mistake and moving ahead towards success.

GEMINI MOON SIGN: PAGE OF WANDS This month, Gemini you are thinking about an idea and have the clear vision and passion to achieve it. You don’t know about the

OCTOBER 2022

consequences but you have the urge to gain knowledge and fulfill your dreams and passion.

It also indicates about your spiritual journey which is calling you to follow.

e

CANCER MOON SIGN: KING OF PENTACLES This month, Cancer you are getting financial success and abundance in your life. Also, new opportunities that is necessary for financial growth. Some might take advice from you for financial investment and security.

LEO MOON SIGN: 5 OF WANDS This Month, Leo you might be facing lots of competition from your colleagues in your work place. They might be trying to pull you down.

Don’t lose hope and continue to work. Also, it indicates brain storming arguments to win in the end.

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VIRGO MOON SIGN: THE FOOL This month, Virgo it is the time to start something new and take risk in your life based on your faith in the universe. It indicates new beginning and opportunities coming your way which is different from your capacity. Just go ahead and start working on this opportunity.

LIBRA MOON SIGN: THE HIGH PRIESTESS This Month, you need to believe in yourself and your intuitive power to take any decisions in your life. Just meditate and look within yourself for any answers and solutions. We are the best guiding teachers for our self. This is the good month for healers and counselors. They can help millions of people.

SCORPIO MOON SIGN: KNIGHT OF WANDS This month, Scorpio you will be focused and passionate about your dreams and your goals.

You will be moving ahead 62

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very fastly towards fulfilling your goals.

No obstacles or challenges will stop you from your goals. But don’t rush or take an impulsive steps otherwise you might get hurt.

SAGITTARIUS MOON SIGN: 6 OF CUPS This month, Sagittarians, You might be thinking about your childhood memories and reliving those memories. Some might be meeting their old friends or ex lovers and spending quality time with each other.

CAPRICORN MOON SIGN: THE HIEROPHANT This Month, Capricorns you will be attending marriage or baptism ceremony of your closed ones. Also, this Indicates Believing in old traditions and customs without implementing any new ideas. It is the good month for teachers to impart knowledge to others and also someone who wants to appear for Government exams.

OCTOBER 2022

AQUARIUS MOON SIGN: 5 OF PENTACLES This Month. You might be feeling isolated and having fear of losing something. Just talk to someone or seek help, if you are facing fear or anxiety. Also, Instead of having fear of losing something, just manifest positivity in your life.

PISCES MOON SIGN: 3 OF CUPS This month, you will be enjoying spending time with your friends. You will be celebrating your success and having party with your closed friends. It also indicates, your friends and colleagues are supporting you in your projects and work.

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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.

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