CHATUR CHANAKYA

                      & THE HIMALAYAN PROBLEM

                     By: Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai | Illustrations by: Vishnu M Nair

Summer vacations are over. As a new academic year begins at Vani Vidyalaya, Arjun’s search for a close friend and bench partner goes on, Lakshmi hopes to display her leadership skills, and all the teachers and students seem to be getting fed up of Himalaya’s bullying and hurtful pranks.

In walks Chanakya, pale and thin, a choti shooting out of his big head, and soon it is clear that Vani Vidyalaya will never be the same again.

Chanakya is witty. Chanakya is smart. He always has a trick up his sleeve.

“So how did you get the name Chanakya and the choti on your head?”

With a smile Chanakya said, “My father teaches Kautilya’s Arthashastra. And his fav philosopher is Chanakya. So he named me Chanakya after the great teacher of Chandragupta Maurya, and, since Chanakya had a choti on his head, I too have one.”

Arjun said, “So you must have learnt Arthashastra too, I guess.”

“Yes, I did. That is why I apply Aanvikshiki all the time and everywhere I go.”

“Aanvikshiki? What is that?”

Before they could stop Chanakya, he started running towards his house and shouted back at them, “I will tell you more next time ……”

CHILD SPONSORSHIP A Tool for Development

.. by Gracy Fernandes, provides an excellent and comprehensive overview of Child Sponsorship. For decades, child sponsorship programs have been operative in a number of key agencies impacting the lives of millions of children worldwide. There are intense debates within the child welfare community about the most optimal set of policies, practices and programs which benefit children, particularly within the context of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC). Child Sponsorship has been one approach at the center of these debates.

In this publication, the topic of Child Sponsorship is expertly analyzed from a philosophical, historical and a human rights perspective.  One of the key features in the publication is an overview of key lessons learned based on current case studies. The insights and facts contained in this publication challenge us as child advocates to consistently viewing our work within the core principles of the CRC: non-discrimination, the best interest of the child, and the right to life, survival, education and development.

The publication by Gracy Fernandes is one critical tool, based on exemplary scholarship, which all child advocates can use while developing Child Sponsorship programs in examining their relationship to securing a stronger environment for the care and protection of children. This book highlight s the role of civil society in “giving” and in mobilization of human and material resources required for the effective fulfillment of children’s rights. It particularly draws attention to the singular service of education specially in developing nations where many children cannot afford or access education more so in the case of the girl child. The lack of education and life skills creates a situation where a child is vulnerable and at the mercy of unscrupulous elements in society which show the way to child labour and trafficking.  Further, this publication documents a similar shift in focus by many child sponsorship agencies towards community and social development that meshes very well with the new focus of development. 

The Goofies Tear Down Their House.

Publisher : Puffin Books
Target Audience : 8+ Children.

About (Author) Amishi Seth : She has been writing for children for almost a decade as an author, playwright and screenplay writer. This is her second book in this series for children.

The book is about 'Goofie' family who are always in hurry to finish things.
They seem to have forgotten an age old saying  'Haste is Waste' ..
The thing about 'waiting' is that if you don't wait, then you will have to wait longer.
So, it's important to have patience and gratitude to be successful in Life.
Also, it's important not be too greedy.

Since Goofie's don't like to wait, they try and do everything themselves & in the process mess up everything. We cannot do everything ourselves, we need help of professionals to guide us.

Interesting fictional characters like : Slow Motion, Super Ninja, Gordon Dollargun IV, Aliens and fictional places like : Planet Zuberg, makes it funny and good read for children.

While reading the book, one cannot forget the way Amishi enacted scenes from the book at Kitabkhana.

Hope you enjoy this one.

The House That Spoke.

Source : http://www.the-network.co.in/

Zuni Chopra, daughter of noted film critic Anupama Chopra and filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, launched her Debut Novel 

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The House That Spoke, today. The book was released by Mrs Nita M. Ambani at Crossword, Kemps Corner.  In conversation with Zuni Chopra was the very young and talented Zaira Wasim who played the role of young Geeta Phogat in the recently released movie Dangal.

Also present was author Amish Tripathi.

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The House that Spoke, published by Penguin Random House, India,  is a kaleidoscopic tale that reimagines Kashmir with the colors of magic .

 It is an intriguing mix of the fantastic and the real set in Kashmir. Zuni has dedicated this book to Kashmir, and has done so by sharing her Kashmir adventure in the form of a fantasy novel. A fan of Lewis Caroll, Zuni is among the writers who believe in sharing their imaginative fantasy world through words of wisdom.

In her delightful introduction to the book, Zuni reiterates that her story had originally been set in London because the house that inspired the story was in London. However, she decided to give her narration more innate dimension and purpose. So, she moved the novel’s setting to Kashmir instead, a place where her father grew up and she has been visiting since childhood.

The author explained that through the novel, she wants to show the readers that Kashmir is more than just the turmoil and there is more magic to it.

Speaking on the occasion 

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Mrs Nita M.Ambani shared, " This evening fills me with nostalgia that brings the memories of Zuni 's childhood. I still remember the shy ten year old Zuni unveiling her first book - The Land of Dreams.  Zuni is  a true wordsmith who has won hearts of many people by her innate ability to express her imagination through words.

Actor  Zaira Wasim added , "Zuni you are a true inspiration and a true talent that needs complete admiration".​

Welcoming the guests to Crossword Bookstores, were CEO Kinjal Shah and his team.

​About Author

Zuni is a fifteen-year-old author and has published two books of poetry. She is the daughter of noted film critic Anupama Chopra and filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra. She comes from a true-blue literary lineage- the acclaimed writer Vikram Chandra is her maternal uncle. Zuni delved into the world of writing at the age of 10 and has carved a niche for herself just like parents.

You are needed!

You maybe a child in this big world & think of yourself as 'too small' or 'too powerless' but you are needed!

You maybe a member of third gender & the world may get irritated by your mere presence, but you are needed! as you have been blessed by Lord Ram with power to bless others.

You maybe a struggling actor , spending hours at prithvi café waiting for your next assignment, laughing and interacting with strangers, you are needed! as in life all of us are strugglers, we struggle with different issues each day but may not handle it the way you do , you are an artist as the way you handle yourself itself is an art, that art we should learn from you.

You maybe a teacher or someone who runs an NGO, but you are needed! as you enable less fortunate human beings lead meaningful lives.

You maybe a tailor, but you are needed! As all of us are not as good as you are, with needle & thread.

You maybe a business man or a business woman, you may try & make it or end up breaking it, but you are needed! as we find courage in your endeavors.

You maybe someone, they may call you by some name, you maybe doing something in life that I do not understand, but you are needed! cos you & I are the same, we look different, dress differently, but we all experience the same things in life, sooner or later!

(Based on few books that I have read & general observations)

Where's My Story ?

Author = Tulika Dubey
Target Audience = Young Adults.

The story is primarily about Prerna, who is a small town girl and wants to prove herself in Life. She joins JNU for education and starts living in a hostel.

For someone who has never been to JNU, the book gives us a sneak peek into the world of JNU.

Hostel life at JNU provides her an opportunity to be independent and play with her options in life.

The story is about life in a hostel, relationships that are formed and broken based on ones needs and perception of Life. 

The book has lesser than 200 pages and is a refreshing read. 

Available on : Amazon/ Flipkart/ Ebay .   

The Man Who Made Me

Ganapati Bappa Morya !!

Category: Fiction

Gross pages: 62 

I'm always happy to read a book that is less than 100 pages long.

The story is about 'Snigdha Patil'  a journalist who joins 'Mumbai Saga' organization & is asked to interview the elusive ‘Deepa Kulkarni'

She finally gets in touch with Deepa & discovers that contrary to her belief, Deepa's life journey has had her share of thorns .

Deepa is a dreamer who leaves home to realise her destiny .  
Journey towards Destiny is often lonely & a difficult emotional battle, it takes courage to walk the path which will lead to your dreams. 

Search for Destiny can sometimes break relationships (family / friends) , which makes the journey a difficult one because family support is important in the long run ..

Major part of the book is a conversation between Deepa & Snigdha. It feels like you are reading someone’s personal daily journal ..

An interesting fact that comes out from this book is the importance of a guru, a teacher, a mentor who guides you in life & helps maintain your balance. Hence the title of the book 'The Man *Mentor* Who Made Me' . 

Entrepreneur's are often dreamers, Snigdha finally quits her job & starts her own venture.