Trip

a goodbye so soon

wish I could stop the sand

and let the trip flow

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Horizons - Trip.

Companion

It was easier falling in love; the difficult part was comprehending it.

Finally, after a struggle spanning few months, when companionship turned into a word that our hearts refused to register, we broke up, deciding to go our separate ways; the tears refused to flow, but our souls betrayed.

Years later, I saw her at the Sunshine Mall, and owing to the friendship that bonded us once, minus the flame, I walked towards her with a smile on my face and greetings emanating from my brisk steps.

As our lips quivered and eyes spoke in silence, we traveled back into the past, memories biting through the wreckage like a hungry demon, the residues falling on the ground crackling noiselessly.

"Can ... we ... try ... again?" I asked; a silent droplet escaped her cheek, her receding silhouette finding a way out from this maze of unforgettable clusters.


This Micro-Fiction is shared with Five Sentence Fiction - Companion.

Chanakya's 7 Secrets Of Leadership - Review

Chanakya, who lived in India in the 4th Century BC, was a leadership guru par excellence. The treasure of his teachings can be found in his book, The Arthashastra, which deals with good governance based on ideal leadership. The concept of the ideal nation in The Arthashastra, called Saptanga, holds that there are seven pillars of a kingdom: Swami, Amatya, Janpada, Durg, Kosha, Dand, Mitra. For centuries, Indian rulers have used this concept as a model of successful government.

In this path-breaking book, Chanakya's 7 Secrets of Leadership, author Radhakrishnan Pillai delves into Chanakya's Saptanga with the real-life example of D. Sivanandhan. Former Director General of Police, Maharashtra and the archetype of an able administrator, Sivanandhan shares his guidelines for effective management, highlighting those that make him a dynamic leader.

In Chanakya's 7 Secrets of Leadership, theory meets practice, academic research meets vast experience in police supervision and an age-old formula is revealed in a modern-day success story. Together, Pillai and Sivanandhan bring Chanakya's model to life. Anyone can use the seven secrets of leadership to run a kingdom effectively. Apply them in your life and the magic of Chanakya's wisdom will transform you into the ideal leader.

About the Authors

Radhakrishnan Pillai is an Indian author and the founder-director of Chanakya Institute of Public Leadership. He has represented India in many international conferences. Pillai has authored books like Corporate Chanakya on Leadership and Corporate Chanakya on Management.

D. Sivanandhan is the former Director General of Police, Maharashtra. He has played an important role in rebuilding the defenses after the Mumbai attacks in November 2008. Sivanandhan has also served in the National Security Council Secretariat. He has co-authored the book Chanakya’s 7 Secrets of Leadership. 

When you talk of leaders who played a key role in the past to shape the future of our country, one of the first few names that pops up in your mind is that of Chanakya. He is, very truly, regarded as the king-maker, his decisions leading to several milestones in the history of this country. Though he himself never ruled the land, it was his brilliant leadership abilities that have been studied and analysed since time immemorial.

Chanakya’s Arthashastra states that an ideal nation can be formed only if it has the seven key pillars – Swami, Amatya, Janpada, Durg, Kosha, Dand and Mitra. Radhakrishnan Pillai, the author, brilliantly uses these points in the context of effective leadership, explaining how effective utilization of these can lead to harmony and give birth to successful leaders. He primarily illustrates the real life examples of D. Sivanandhan, former Commissioner of Police, Mumbai and Director General of Police, Maharashtra, reflecting how his judgement and actions at times of crises proved valuable, signifying his high leadership abilities.

The seven points in Saptanga are vividly explained. Swami defines a leader and his quality, and states how he should perform his duties with utmost honesty and integrity. Amatya signifies the role of a manager, and delves into the similarities and differences between a leader and a manager. It suggests how a manager can become a good manager, and the characteristics one needs to possess in this respect. Janpada throws light on the importance of the citizens and the customers, as they are the key part of any business. The conflicts, if any, between interests of self and those of the subjects should be minimized, and serving the customers should be the top priority for any unit. Their welfare should be looked upon and help and aid provided wherever necessary.

Durg defines the infrastructure that should be created for the growth of a project. World class facilities should be the norm of the day, and no compromise must be made in that regard. Whenever required, one should also be open to inputs and assistance from others, as that might make reaching the target quicker and in a more effective manner. Kosha speaks of financial management, and how it is a key ingredient for any project. Long term investments should be considered, as that would yield more fruitful dividends. Creation of funds is importance, and so is the maintenance. Dand refers to teamwork, and how people should be inspired to do their job in the best possible manner. Training should be provided that would help the team members in building their competency, and deserving candidates rewarded.

Creating a network of friends encompass Mitra. Meetings should be organized, and inputs taken to formulate the strategy. Also, one needs to help friends when they are in need, as they are a vital part in the chain.

What I really loved about this book is the continuity of ideas and flows. The language is simple and doesn't bog you down. The numerous examples help you in understanding the seven mantras in a better manner, and how they could be applied to real life. We often consider these ideologies to be best suited for free advice, but this book teaches you to learn and work with them. Surely, the pages are packed with the secrets of leaderships.

We all aspire to be leaders, today, tomorrow, someday, irrespective of our professions. This book is a perfect guide that will help you answer your doubts and motivate you to tackle your problems and find the solutions hidden in them. A must read I would say, for all those who dream big, and aim to grow and make something big out of their lives.

Title: Chanakya's 7 Secrets Of Leadership

Authors: D. Sivanandhan, Radhakrishnan Pillai

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Publication Year: 2014

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Business, Strategy

No. of Pages: 264

Price: Rs 299

My Rating: 4/5

Evanesce

a few lost pebbles

and bagful of memories

who cares, anyways

waves, red and black, sink my soul

and I melt away, alone

This Tanka is shared with HAIKU/TANKA CHALLENGE #1 EVANESCE.

Ruins

He trudged across the ruins, lazily, wearily, the memories as clear as blatant lies, past that remained unanswered, somewhere in the crevices within.

The stones, lying in the pathway orphaned, the staircase, broken, tattered, and yet visualizing those lost moments that dated back centuries; the throbbing headache not diminishing his zeal, rather guiding him ahead to further mysteries.

And there it stood, the golden casket, adorned with lust and blood, painted in red, evil, malice and jealousy.

Dust whirled across his shoes as he walked towards reality, leaving an imprint on the barren floor that had forgotten visitors.

He opened the lid of the casket, the skeleton tumbled out. hugging his presence, a soul travelling through time, and rebirth finally had a new definition, as he remembered how he was brutally murdered by his brother for the prized throne, the tears and grief finding solace somewhere in torn pages of history.


This Micro-Fiction is shared with Five Sentence Fictions - Ruins.

Sand

castles

glistening with sun

swept away

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Horizon - Sand.

Oh Laptop Oh Laptop I Miss You Like Hell

What do you do when your laptop is out for repair, and you, well, miss it's presence? Simple, you create a sad Laptop song.

And, that's what we did. Jyotsna, a wonderful blogger (http://jyotsnabhatia.blogspot.in/) and a super awesome friend, was sulking over her missing baby, and I, the ever heartless guy, decided to make a poem out of it (cruel of me to use a subject of someone's grief as a blogpost I know). However, instead of hurling tomatoes and shoes towards me, she gladly accepted the offer and partnered me in composing this poem (Yayyy!!!)

This is my first ever duet poem, and interestingly, it was written on World Poetry Day (March 21), which makes it all the more special. Some lines are written by me, some by her, and the rest carved by our partnership.

Oh laptop, oh laptop,

I miss you like hell,

When will you, when will you

Again get well?

My laptop, dear laptop

Why did you  go away

Don’t you know oh dear

That being with you makes my day?

That hour when you arrived,

You gifted me with smiles,

We promised to be together,

In journey across miles.

Ah, the caress and the warmth

When I swiftly glide along the keys

How badly, how badly

Those silent tickles I now miss.

The games that we played

All day long

Movies we watched

And all my favorite songs.

Writing the poems and posts

On those lonesome nights

The creativity inside me

Kissed greater heights.

And then came the darkness

Flooding the dawn

My passion screamed tears

My heart thus mourned

I crave to write, to touch

The desire to see you again

Pouring thoughts and my world

‘Cause that’s what can keep me sane.

For you, I’ll wait

My love all day

Come back to me

Just find a quicker way.

Thanks Jyotsna for trusting my insanity and craziness and making me a partner for this poem. It was a real REAL pleasure, and hopefully, there would be more to come.

That Autumn In Awadh - Review

Young, impetuous and drawn to each other like gnats to resin, Samar Solanki and Sara Shergill try, furiously, to avoid falling in love, but, slowly succumb.

All hell breaks loose as Samar’s conservative Rajput family swears vendetta, locking Samar away, on the eve of their clandestinely-planned wedding. They vow to eliminate Sara, the audacious girl who has dreamt of sullying their pedigreed lineage, from Samar’s life. 

Through that lonely autumn in Awadh, bereft of hope, fettered and helpless, the star-crossed lovers cling to the faith they have in each other, as they brave many storms together.

This novel about love is peppered, generously, with the author’s characteristic droll wit as  it traipses through sensational turns of events that keep you absorbed till the very end.

About the Author

Rachna Singh writes for the love of capturing those funny blurbs that pop out of her head all day, into stories that enthrall. A Master in Psychology, Rachna has worked in the corporate space for over 15 years, and now works as a consultant, balancing family and her writing along with her work.

Rachna made her debut as a writer in 2011 with a rib-tickling novel on anecdotal humour called ‘Dating, Diapers and Denial’, which received rave reviews. She switched gears to write on the ever-enigmatic relationship called marriage in her second book, ‘Nuptial Knots’.

She belongs to Allahabad, and lives, currently, in Bangalore, with her husband and their two children.

www.rachnasingh.net

When a love story comes calling, you know you are in for some sweet and savory moments, dolloped with bits of thrills and scares, and a conclusion that can either be full of smiles or lead you to tears. The basic theme of a love story is more or less the same, with just a few differences. However, what matters is the execution, the characterization and the plot, and how the writer uses these factors in the context of the story. Is the author able to capture your attention, and hold it till the very last, or does the story loses its track and you slumber your way out? Writing a romance isn't difficult, but penning down a good romantic story definitely is.

And for this reason I would give full marks to Rachna Singh for concocting a beautiful love story in the form of ‘The Autumn in Awadh’. Samar belonging to a conservative Rajput family falls in love with Sara, a Christian, their relationship progressing gradually and steadily, until Sara pops up the question of marriage, and then, they realize they are not destined to be together with religion playing barrier in the desires of their hearts. It’s this confusion and turmoil that strengthen the plot, the inconsistency in their thoughts often leading to circumstances sad and unfortunate, but very practical. Their love is true, and there is no question of lack of commitment between the protagonists, but then destiny has planned something else for them, and they fall prey to it. Do they survive, or is their love lost forever? Read the book, and you will know.

Read this book you must, and I can give you several reasons for that. The narration is lucid and fluent, and you do not find yourself stuck at any point. What makes it all the more convenient is the characterization. Sara and Samar are those two real people who you know and have met sometime in your life. Perhaps, a part of them may also be existing within you. Samar is strong, calm and composed, and so is Sara. They cling on to each other, at times good and bad, supporting themselves and their relationship that doesn't seem to have an easy definition. Those stolen kisses, the love-struck glances, and the unending wait of being with your loved ones, and then the pain of separation, every emotion is so beautifully carved out and reflected that you do not find anything amiss. The pieces fall perfectly in place, bringing with them new twists and turns and you try to fathom what would be happening next. Rachna has used her words well, making the book come alive and leading to an effective visualization.

However, I found the end a bit abrupt, as if the brakes were suddenly applied to a car that was running swiftly on a wide road. The conclusion was appropriate, no doubt about that, but I would have liked it more if the author had taken her time on this part and made it look smoother. Somehow, I felt that the last chapter could have been more descriptive, reflecting more on the mind-set of the protagonists along with the happenings.

Nevertheless, ‘That Autumn in Awadh’ does capture your heart. It’s a love story that rises to your expectations, with Sara and Samar leaving a lasting impression on your mind.

Title: That Autumn in Awadh

Authors: Rachna Singh

Publisher: Alchemy Publishers

Publication Year: 2013

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Fiction, Romance

No. of Pages: 258

Price: Rs 200

My Rating: 4/5

Fill Your Cups With Verses

(Image Source: http://pakmed.net)

a few words mingled

droplets scurrying for company

in empty crevices

of phobia

and doubts

can I write

or are my words a mere rambling

flooding the web

in hurried scribbles

as I stumble across magic

so delicately woven by dear blogosphere

I learn and un-learn

authentic, genuine

sighs of love and hope

of tears and raindrops

and smile and promises

rhymes dance in ecstasy

basking in awakening, anew

I enlist myself

a journey this has been, satisfying

but territories are yet to be charted

dear poets and bloggers

in your sweet support may I always grow

World Poetry Day, here it comes today

fill your cups with verses, and let's get started

This Poem is shared with Three Word Wednesday - Authentic, Enlist, Phobia.

Level

the game now level

spectators shout, passionate

then, the final ball

This Haiku is shared with Haiku Horizons - Level.