Branwyn is the Goddess of love, beauty,

mischief and mystery. It also relates to

genuine literature. The name has been tossed
by Lavkesh Kumar Singh.




Publisher and Director
Vineeta Gupta


Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Sneha Gupta


Mentor
Dr. Subodh Kumar Jha


Assistant Editor
Pranav Shree


Tech Support
Rahul Kumar Singh


Legal and Financial Advisor
Abhishek Singhania


Contacts:

Email :
snehagupta01989@gmail.com
sneha@branwyn.in
branwynmagazine@gmail.com

Website : www.branwyn.in


Dear Readers,

Change is the rule of nature. And every
living or non-living thing follows this
rule.
With this issue, we have also tried
something new as a change. This time,
instead of a proper cover story, we are
presenting a fiction piece which is based
on a true story under a special segment
Branwyn Special Story. do let us know
your feedback regarding the same.

This issue has become quite special as
the prominent author Arindam Dey has
honoured us with his interview.
Another interview with newcomer
author Riitik Babbar is the second charm
of this issue along with our regular
columnists.
Dont forget to drop an email about your
impression for the issue.

Your suggestions and feedback are very
valuable for us.

With warm regards,
Sneha Gupta











































Giving an introduction of the prominent author Arindam Dey is just like showing light to the sun. Still,
for our readers information, we wish to tell that Mr. Arindam is one of those few authors in
publishing industry who have not only celebrated their stardom but also kept their ego grounded. And
that is why, book after book, he has been gaining the immense love of his readers. Mr. Dey obliged
Branwyn with an interview in spite of his overbusy schedule
Branwyn: How would you define writing especially popular fiction writing?
Arindam: I like to define writing as a special tool to touch a life we may have
never seen, or a medium to communicate with a heart we may have never met,
in some way, any way. It may be just a few words, an anecdote, a poetry or
even a popular fiction.
Though I would not dismiss popular fiction writing out of writing in general,
but I would limit it at times to a process of writing a story by playing with pre-
defined parameters like certain settings and values. Popular fiction writing
has been labeled as market oriented works, bound by sales predictions and to
a great extent playing it safe, while literary fiction writing on the other hand
has been termed more adventurous, though more tricky for the market at the
same time, but limitless. But times are changing, and we are already seeing
breakthroughs in popular fiction writing as well with new ideas and
innovative plots coming up pretty regularly.


Branwyn: Let us know one misconception you had about writing
world which was proved wrong later.
Arindam: First of all, having written a lot of short stories since my
school days, I used to think even writing a novel would not be that
hard. This misconception flew out of the window right the moment I
started my first novel.
Well, on a serious note, my introduction to the writing world was
not a sweet one. My first novel was due to come out a couple of
years earlier with another publisher. However, due to some strong
difference in principles with my then publisher, I had to put the
process on a hold midway. As a means of revenge, the publisher had
stolen the name and tag-line of my novel and brought out another
book from another author right after that with the same title and
tagline. That had shaken my confidence and trust with the
publishers badly. I was scared that my synopsis, sample chapters
and other docs were not safe with the publisher as well. So I rewrote
the entire novel over the next few months and then waited for
another publisher. Luckily, I met Paperclip Books at that time and
our association has been good so far. Their professionalism and
transparency have restored my faith on publishers to a great extent.

Branwyn: What entrepreneurial scope do you
see in writing world?
Arindam: The writing world is growing, and
growing fast. In India alone, readership have
grown fast since the last few years and we are
witnessing a new surge of young authors with
numerous new novels or other fiction works.
And its not only about English works, but
works in the vernaculars as well. There are a
lot of brilliant ideas floating around with
talented minds behind them, waiting to be
tapped. Many new publishers are coming up on
local and national scale but their number are
still nowhere near as strong as to harness this
immense pool of talent. So I would say the
writing world holds an immense
entrepreneurial scope for the ones willing to
believe in and take chances with new ideas, out
of the ordinary plots and most importantly,
quality writing. And remember, there is always
a vast readership waiting.

Thanks for being with us
Mr. Arindam Dey. Branwyn
Family wishes you all the
very best in all your future
endeavours.


The Fatal Prank


The doorbell rang. Cindy washed her
hands in the kitchen sink and ran to
open the door.
Welcome home! she cheered to Azan
who had stepped in.
Azan smiled in reply. An exhausted
smile That smile was quite
unexpected for Cindy. She wasnt used
to such responses. Azan was a loving
husband anyway.
Are you okay? she tried to figure out.
Yes! Azan assured with the replica of
his previous smile.
Cindy knew something was wrong. And
perhaps she knew the reason of his
anxiety
****************
Cindy was fast asleep. Azan looked at
her. She always looked beautiful while
sleeping. Azan said nothing. He just
gazed his sleeping wife.
Minutes passed. The clock struck 1.
Slumber was still far away from his
eyes. He turned around and looked for
his mobile. 24 unread messages!
He switched off the mobile and once
again looked at his wife. She was the
most pleasant happening of his life.
Could he let her go?
Minutes passed
Azan switched on his phone. His thumb
ran over the screen of his mobile and
opened the messages.
I am telling you the truth, Azan. Your
wife Cindy doesnt love you. It is just
her respect for you.
Your ignorance wont change the
truth. Cindy doesnt love you.
Cindy doesnt love you. You cant win
her heart.
Enjoy her care! But you cant win her
love, Azan.
.
Azan read the messages one by one.
And then, he looked at Cindy.
Cindy he called slowly as if in a state
of indecision whether to wake her or
not.
Cindy didnt respond.
Azan looked at her and slowly touched
her calling her once again, Cindy
This time, Cindy slowly opened her
eyes, Azan?? Whats the matter?
Cindy woke up and asked in a sleepy
but anxious tone, Are you okay?
Azan tried to gather himself, and a few
seconds later asked in a wet voice,
Cindy, do you love me?
Though, she was quite tired due the
days long work, the question shocked
her enough to eradicate the sleep from
her eyes. She looked desperately at her
husband and hugged him the next
moment.
What made you think so, Azan? she
sobbed, Of course I love you. I love you
more than anything in the world. I love
you more than myself. I love you more
than love itself she hid her face in his
chest.
Azan didnt reciprocate.
**********************
Cindy packed Azans lunch and handed
over him the box. Azan took it and
moved towards the door. Suddenly, he
stopped and looked back at Cindy. She
smiled at him. He came closer and held
her shoulder. Cindy he said
impatiently.
Yes? Cindy asked, Tell me Azan. She
was reading the anxiety in his eyes.
Nothing Azan replied and
immediately turned around. His feet
seemed as if flying in the air.
Cindy just watched him going with
awestruck eyes.
********************
I think it is enough, Christie. Cindy
said putting her coffee mug back on the
table in Cafeteria.
Not yet, Darling. Laughed Christie, the
brunette who was her school-mate,
The prank isnt over yet. She
concluded.
He is terribly disturbed, Christie.
Cindy said in an anxious tone. He
doesnt sleep at night. Looks
exhausted. Doesnt eat properly.
Remains lost somewhere. I cant bear
all these Christie! Cindy got impatient,
Please stop all these immediately.
Okay okay sweetheart! Christie
patted her shoulder, I will execute the
climax tonight.
*************************
Azan was counting. But he didnt
know what he was counting. Perhaps
his own steps. It was 10pm and he
was crossing the road. Suddenly a
horn of a car and somebody pulled him
to the left side of the road.
Azan, what has happened to you? it
was Sagar, his colleague who was
shouting on him. Where are you?? he
shrugged his shoulder, You would
have died damn it!
Azan looked into his eyes but didnt say
anything. He slowly his removed his
hand from his shoulders and moved
away with trembling legs.
Azan waved for an auto. Minara
Heights! he directed the auto driver.
But Sirji, the building is under
construction. The auto driver
interrupted.
I know. Azan replied, I have to meet
somebody there.
The auto driver left Azan on the ground
of under construction Minara Heights.
Azan paid him and got off.
There stood she! That unknown girl
who had been messaging and calling
him for past few days telling him that
his wife doesnt love him! There was
dark and he couldnt recognize her.
However, he moved forward.
Welcome Azan! Christie said trying
hard to hold back her laughter. She had
seen Azans anxious face and imagined
the moment when she would unravel
the secret of her prank.
Azan didnt reply anything and stood in
front of her.
Today I am going to tell you the truth
behind my messages and calls. said
Christie.
But the moment Azan heard her, his
heart sank. His eyes got red and his
head started spinning.
Seeing his condition, the last moment
prank crept in Christies mind and she
said, Your wife doesnt love you, Azan.
Azan sank on his kneel. He wanted to
cry but his tears had dried leaving his
eyes in a painful condition. He had lost
the reason to live. He wanted to kill
himself.
There was a wooden axe lying beside
him.
I am telling you the truth, Azan.
Christie said for the last time trying
hard to hold her laughter, Your wife
doesnt love you.
In a flash of lightening, Azan picked up
the axe and Christies head was off.
But he didnt stop there. The axe in
his hand kept moving with the
lightening speed. After few moments
when he stopped he found Christies
body in seven pieces. He threw the
axe and started panting.
What has he done?
Azan.
The whisper startled him and he turned
back.
There was Cindy.
It was just a prank, Azan. She said
and collapsed.
Azan stood there. Numb.

















- Based on a True Story












































































Alpine Ambergris : Dr. Subodh Kumar Jha





Elemental Drives



Ghosts still
My crowded memory
Those words of yours
Ejaculated at our
Last meeting -
Awoke when
Was the animality
At its beastly best!

You melted, melted
In the gripped enclosement,
Eyes closed
Yet transmitting
The truncation
In the pulsing centre
And pining through
My tidied blood!

You were sorry
Sorry for your monitored
Behaviours
Checking your elemental drives
That stabbed the core
Denying the blissful serenity!



- Dr. Subodh Kumar Jha
Head, Dept. of English,
S.N. Sinha College, Jehanabad


Dr. Subodh Kumar Jha has been a
member of NCERT and UGC Workshops
for the proficiency of English Language
in various study streams! At present, he
is a prominent part of Magadh University
as the Head of Department of English in
S.N. Sinha College!
He honoured Branwyn with his special
segment titled "ALPINE AMBERGRIS".
Alpine means mountain peak which
denotes Subodh Sir's intellectual persona
and Ambergris means a fragrant
substance found at sea level. Thus,
"Alpine Ambergris" together denotes the
combination of an intellectual person
like Subodh Sir and novice writers like us
who are just trying to make a difference!




The Bhagavad Gita and modern management principles

To any scholar worth his salt, the Bhagwat Gita in its
original form is the quintessence of the ancient day
Upanishads and a comprehensive guide to the way of
living.
What has generally been appreciated and yet not explored
is that the principles of the text are the embodiment of
management principles at work. It is essentially a work of
spiritualism but remembering the context, may well have
been a sublime example of strategy.
Let us spare a minute to recapitulate the function of a
manager as agreed upon by modern day education. This
may begin with the genesis vision and thereby planning the
strategy to realize such vision.Leadership is perhaps all that
matters in organizations, some would say. This essentially
points that a leader must also be involved in establishing
institutional excellence and building an innovative
organization in the world changing at the speed of thought.
It essentially also encompasses managing the most
important resource- The Human Resource.
Everything can follow out of these management principles-
from taking the right steps to ushering thought leadership.
The essence of the Bhagavad Gita is the essence of modern
day management Tada drastu swaroope awasthanam
should always try to manage oneself'.
In this context the Bhagavad Gita enlightens us on all
managerial techniques that lead to harmonious and
balanced state overcoming conflicts and contradictions
which lead to lower efficiency productivity, absence of
motivation and lack of work culture. It wouldnt be
exaggeration to state that most of the management
concepts like vision, leadership, motivation, excellence in
work, goal seeking, work ethics, nature of individual,
decision making, planning etc., are discussed in the
Bhagavad Gita.
The most basic motive of management science is to choose
wisely and utilize optimally the scarce resources for
optimal performance and maximum output given the
constraints. Before the battle of Kurukshetra, Duryodhana
chose Sri Krishna's large army for his help while Arjuna
selected Sri Krishna's wisdom for his support. The rest, as
they say, is history. It is never in the number of people, as
they say, but the wisdom, knowledge and experience that
they bring to the table that matters-one lesson that all
managers must adhere to. The value of each resource is
dynamic and relative-never absolute.
Perhaps the most famous verse 2.47 of the Gita, which for
some may be the essence of the Karma Yoga counsels
detachment from the fruits or results of actions performed
in the course of one's duty. Being dedicated work has to
mean working for the sake of work, generating excellence
as an end in itself.
Gita tells us not to mortgage the present commitment to an
uncertain future. What most scholars fail to appreciate the
entire second chapter has arisen as a sequel to the
temporarily lost sense of accountability on the part of
Arjuna in the first chapter of the Gita in performing his
swadharma.
Self-transcendence is overcoming insuperable obstacles in
one's path. It involves renouncing egoism, putting others
before oneself, team work, dignity, sharing, co-operation,
harmony, trust, sacrificing lower needs for higher goals,
seeing others in you and yourself in others etc. The portrait
of a self-realizing person is that he is a man who aims at his
own position and underrates everything else
The Gita points out the concept of the Daivi work culture
that is attributed by fearlessness, purity, self-control,
sacrifice, straightforwardness, self-denial, calmness,
absence of fault-finding, absence of greed, gentleness,
modesty, absence of envy and pride. It is in this light that
the counsel 'yogah karmasu kausalam' should be
understood.
Kausalam means skill or method or technique of work,
which is an indispensable component of work ethic.
Yogah is defined in the Gita itself as 'samatvam yogah
uchyate' meaning unchanging equipoise of mind.
In the yester years, the SMEs were run by religious folks
who treated the text as sacred, and symbolic, yet were
averse to applying the principles in the daily managing of
businesses. The larger corporations have always viewed
anything pertaining to religion with disdain.
However, with the intervention of academicians in the
realm of management, and the integration of the
disciplines, it is but a matter of time before the analysis of
the ancient text will yield basics in the realm that
businesses will draw clues from.



Lavkesh Singh
[Branwyn Column
name Mr.
Incandescent] is an
Investment Banker
who works in the
Realm of Mergers
and Acquisitions for
his living. He at
present resides in
New Delhi.







The Republic Day celebrations had just
started at Raj Path, New Delhi. The Gallantry
awards were being awarded by the First citizen of
the Nation for bravery and dedication while on
duty for the nation. An 82 year old lady stood
silently in front of the President of India, Mr KR
Narayanan, while a citation was being read out.
Flashes of images of the childhood of her
grandson kept passing through the old ladys
mind. She got so lost in the thoughts of her little
Robin, that she forgot that she was standing in
front of the President of India. A few minutes later
the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces
handed over the VIR CHAKRA to the old lady
which she received on behalf of her grandson,
little Robin. Her grandson, Captain Vijayant
Thapar had been awarded the Vir Chakra
posthumously for his heroics during the Kargil
War. Gradually, she walked down the steps of the
dais, escorted by two officers of the Armed Forces
and occupied her seat. For her, Robin was still
alive in her memories as the naughty little kid
who loved playing with guns.
For many young men and women of this
nation, joining the Armed Forces is by chance and
not by choice. For them it is a source of earning
ones bread and butter. But for some, donning the
uniform is an obsession, a passion, a way to lead
life. During my service life in the Armed Forces, I
came across some personalities for whom wearing
the uniform was the ultimate goal of life.
Although, I never met Captain Thapar but I feel
he was one of them. It wasnt something
extraordinary for Vijayant to join the Indian Army
at such a tender age. In fact he followed in the
footsteps of his forefathers. Vijayant was proud of
his military heritage. He belonged to a generation
of soldiers. His great grandfather, his grandfather
and his father Lt Col VN Thapar had served in the
Indian Army with distinction while his uncle was
an Indian Air Force fighter pilot. He was named
Vijayant by his father after the battle tank of the
Indian Army. Joining the Army was an obsession
and not a job for Vijayant. After completing his
graduation, he joined the Indian Military Academy
and was commissioned into the Rajputana Rifles.
He was an ardent sports lover and a wonderful
human being.
Vijayant had been serving in Kupwara of
J&K with his battalion since early 1999. His
battalion was involved in several counter
insurgency operations to eliminate the foreign
militants and mercenaries. He himself took part in
these operations and stared death on its face. As
you all are aware that in 1999, the Pakistani Army
had intruded into large areas of Jammu &




Kashmir, taking advantage of the snow fall
and ice clad peaks. In May 1999, Operation Vijay
was launched by our country to flush out the
infiltrators from the peaks that had been
captured. Vijayants unit was ordered to move to
Dras sector along with his men under the
command of Major Acharya. In the meantime,
several operations were carried out by different
units to capture Tololing but each time the
operation failed with the Indian Army paying a
heavy price by sacrificing young lives at the altar
of the nation. Little do politicians and policy
makers realise that these soldiers are also citizens
of this country. They too have hearts which beat
for their near and dear ones. When will they stop
thinking that the soldiers are paid but not to die
because of the policies of the inept politicians?
Captain Vijayant Thapars unit was tasked
to reclaim Tololing and his men were able to
capture the peak after fighting a bloody combat.
Once again precious lives were lost. But a soldier
never dies. His sacrifice remains etched in the
dust of his motherland where he breathed for the
last time.
After the capture of Tolling, Captain Thapar
was tasked to lead a group of highly motivated
and exceptionally brave soldiers code named the
DIRTY DOZEN to capture Three Pimples.
Although, it was the most daunting task of his
short career in the Indian Army, Vijayant was not
at all tensed. He and his men knew very well what
was awaiting them on top of the peaks, yet they
were relaxed and at the same time determined.
Such was the level of their motivation. They had
already spent 6 months in the valley and were
very familiar with the weather and landscape. The
Pakistani Northern Light Infantry was holding a
very advantageous position on the peak. Thapar
and his men would have to climb almost vertically
to reach enemy positions at close to 15000 feet.
Moreover, there was almost no natural cover to
hoodwink the enemy. But the mission had to be
accomplished. Three Pimples had to be captured
be it at the cost of his life, Vijayant told himself.
Shortly before leaving for the mission to
capture the Three Pimples, Captain Thapar
wrote a letter to his parents. I would like to quote
a few lines from his last letter ---Dear Mama
and Papa, By the time you receive this letter
I will be observing you all from the sky,
enjoying the hospitality of the Apsaras. I
have no regrets. In fact, even if I am born as
a human again, I'll join the Army and fight
for the nation. If you can, please come and
see where the Indian Army fought for your
tomorrow... never forget the sacrifice of
Down Memory Lane : Koushik Gangopadhyay
GRANNYS LITTLE ROBIN WHO EARNED THE VIR CHAKRA
these men. Papa, you should feel proud.
Mama, so should you... ok then, its time for
me to join my clan of the Dirty Dozen. My
assault party has 12 chaps.. Best
of luck to you all... Live Life
Kingsize. During his tenure in
Kupwara, Captain Thapar met a little
girl called Ruksana. Her father was
killed by militants in front of her. She
was so terrified that she became dumb. Vijayants
love and affection for the child helped her to come
back to normalcy. In his last letter to his family,
Vijayant had asked his father to donate Rs 50 per
month for Ruksanas welfare.
On the night of June 28, 1999 Vijayant and
his men of Dirty Dozen started crawling and
climbing the rocky snow clad mountains while the
company was being led by Major Acharya. The
inhospitable terrain and the sub zero temperature
made their task more arduous and strenuous.
Captain Thapar kept on egging his platoon to
overcome all odds. Heavy exchange of artillery
fire was taking place. The Pakistanis, because of
their advantageous position were able to fire
accurately thus causing some casualty in
Vijayants team. But the mission had to be
completed. After all the dignity of mother India
was at stake. They had to flush out the Pakistanis
from the Three Pimples. At times, they halted
their mission for a few water breaks. Vijayant
continued to motivate the team members. As they
were metres away from the peak they re planned
and re discussed their strategy for the final
assault. They spoke only in sign language and
whispers. It was a moonlit night. Captain Vijayant
pointed out the key features on the map to his
men. The time for the final assault had arrived.
They said their prayers for one last time
remembered their near and dear ones and made
sure that each weapon and armament was in its
correct place. A few more steps and cat crawls,
the enemy bunker was in full view. Major Acharya
lobbed a hand grenade. A huge explosion
occurred and human limbs dismembered from the
torso were flying around. But Major Acharya had
no inkling that his position had been located. The
Pakis let out a burst of gunfire and instantly Major
Acharya was martyred. The death of Major
Acharya came as a shock for Captain Thapar. Not
to be deterred Vijayant took over the command.
Raw rage and grit had overpowered him. He was
determined to avenge the death of his senior. He
ordered his Subedar to find out the exact location
from where the gun fire was coming. Once it was
located he positioned a Light Machine Gun and
aimed at the Pakistan post. Heavy exchange of
gun fire took place. The Pakistanis were feeling
the heat of the moment and was finding it too hot
to handle. But at the back of their mind they
knew if this young officer could be eliminated then
the Indian troops will disintegrate.
The exchange of gunfire continued for quite some
time. Vijayant realized that the enemy firepower
had to be neutralized in order to capture Three
Pimples. He decided that he will have to do it
himself. He along with another soldier charged
towards the enemy post, firing continuously at
one of the machine gun posts from where most of
the firing was coming. Probably that moonlit
night, the Pakistanis had lady luck on their side.
One of the Pak soldiers got a clear view of Thapar
and fired at him from an assault rifle. He was hit
on the forehead. His radio operator rushed to his
aid. Probably it was too late. Vijayant asked him
to tell his men not to bother and carry on with the
task. He ordered JAB TAK MISSION PURA NAHIN
HO JATA KOI BANDA ARAM NAHIN KAREGA . It
was just before dawn on 29 Jun 1999 that Three
Pimples had been cleared of Pakistan intruders
and the Indian flag hoisted. The radio crackled to
relay the information to the control room. But
shortly another message was relayed to the
control room. ARJUN (Captain Thapars code
name) had made the supreme sacrifice. What can
one say of this valiant and brave officer? He never
let his fellow soldiers know before the peak had
been captured that his life would not extend
beyond a few minutes. He passed away in the
arms of one of the soldiers he commanded,
fighting till the end.
In the highest tradition of the family he belonged
to and of the Indian Army, Captain Vijayant
Thapar laid down his life silently on the snow clad
peak of Three Pimples fighting to save the dignity
of our country. He died to ensure that we can live
freely in independent India; he died ensuring that
generations of soldiers who would follow in his
footsteps would not hesitate to make the sacrifice
the greatest sacrifice the supreme sacrifice. As
Vijayants body wrapped in the national flag
arrived at his home, his parents with moist eyes
proudly received their sons body. While his
grandmother heard with rapt attention what his
fellow soldiers had to say about that bloody night,
Lt Col VN Thapar said I am honoured to be
addressed as the father of Captain Vijayant
Thapar. After the Kargil war was over, Vijayant's
father kept his son's last wish and came to the
mountains to see where Vijayant - had sacrificed
his life for the nation, fighting till his heart beat
for the last time. Even today his father visits
Tololing on his son's birthday and places flowers
where he laid down his life.





Kaushik Gangopadhyay is
an ex-defense personnel
presently working with
State Bank of India. He
honoured us by accepting
our request to share his
real experiences and
anecdotes of Air-Force
life in Down Memory
Lane





Note- Khap Panchayats now allow inter-religion/inter-
caste marriages in several small communities. The election
season is on and people are mud-slinging on each other,
quoting their religion and religious affiliations. This write-
up is my personal view regarding how a revision and re-
interpretation of historical texts can bring a positive change
in ideologies.
Did you know that Judaism, Christianity and Islam have one
thing in common?
Did you know that they in fact are a part of same basic story
and considered different ideologies and outlooks to
Abraham?
Have you ever wondered why religious texts were formed
and why they need to be altered?
We as humans have advanced to such a large extent that we
have practicality oriented, rational answers to seemingly all
our problems and questions. But this progress seems to
retreat when we question ourselves with issues like wars,
terrorism, strife, homophobia, child abuse, gender
inequalities and sexism. To a layman and common people
like us, the answer to all these questions lie in the concept
of religion, such as the Islamic revolutionary
contemplations of Jehad and Ancient Indian texts like
Atharva veda that glorified the need for sons rather than
daughters. Since, we are unable to rationally describe the
logic behind these issues; we find solace in religion and
its interpretations, which we believe answers questions
about our existence, our beliefs and subsistence.
And it is somewhat true! Be it Christianity, Judaism, Islam,
Hinduism, Sikhism or other religions, they all have
numerous flaws that are now explored mercilessly. For
centuries, religions have had easy time and continued to
exist in the midst of intolerances and abuses, that were
once unchecked. But now, the world has come face to face
with the dreadful interpretation of infinite religions and
their texts. Hence, we have started to rush and begin to
condemn religions.
Here, we have forgotten about the underlying good behind
every religion. In our need for blaming something for the
strife and discord, we have failed to realize that religions
have become a victim of its own success.
Consider this- Why were religions formed? Why were
religious texts written?
Well, religions were formed to incorporate a system. And
when I say religion, I dont just mean that it is about a series
of beliefs. Religion is rather a collection of philosophies,
which were supposed to bind humans together.
It is run by humans, who are capable of both good and evil.
Like other man made philosophies, every religion can have
its own flaws, which could be a part of its religious texts.
Initially, religious texts, which were framed and scripted
hundreds and thousands of years ago, were based on the





ideas that were followed or considered fully rational during
those periods. But now that the world has changed and
society has witnessed remarkable transformations, it is
high time to absorb the apparent flaws or currently
impractical issues of religious texts or sacred texts and
modify them to bring a positive alteration in society,
thereby reducing conflicts and discords.
What I am trying to say is simple. If the discords in the
society are blamed on the religion, then steps must be
taken to change it, if not in the scripture itself, then in the
form of newer scriptures. For instance, if the sacred,
ancient Indian text, Athrava Veda says, Let the daughter be
born somewhere else, here let a son be born, it should be
altered to introduce the importance of a girl child.
And those skeptics, who believe that this may be wrong,
must understand that such changes in religions and
religious texts have occurred throughout. For instance,
changes in the ideologies of followers led to creation of
three different Abrahamic religions- Judaism, Christianity
and Islam. And although their philosophies seem to be
opposite poles, yet their basic ideas are the same, including
the concept of monotheism.
Even in Hinduism and ancient India, thousands of sacred
texts have been written, recreated and revised over a
period of centuries to accommodate the changes.
Therefore, while the text of early Vedic period dictate the
importance and dignity of women in the society, the texts of
later Vedic period, decry women and give them a stance
lower than that of males. Similarly, several ideologies that
once described the importance of Sati Pratha are now done
away due to changes in the concept of wars and reduction
in violence and bloodbath for capturing a land.
Therefore, the idea is to let go off wrong and initiate more
clarity in religions. The notion is to understand that even
religions, religious and sacred texts offer an opportunity for
regular self assessment. There is a need to understand that
religions were formed not to force you to follow a set of
hardcore values or orthodox beliefs, but to know that the
world doesnt revolve around me and that I have to
contribute to the world. Every religion aims to form a
community where people share, love, care, forgive and find
meaning of different things. Hence, it is required that the
flaws that might lead to an unstable world must be done
away with; newer commandments should be adopted to
ensure that the rustic philosophies of religion are
maintained in modern style.
And who knows, someone might just stumble upon old gold
that is still relevant in current life.

PEEK-A-BOO : PRERNA VARMA
Why religious and spiritual texts require revision, alteration and recreation

Prerna Varma is a versatile
writer who has been working with
a number of organizations on a
freelance basis. She is credited
with a book titled THE DUMB
AND DUMBFOUNDED.
Her writing prowess is free of
genre specification and that is
what makes her unique.





Riitik Babbar Author of Unsatisfied Satisfaactionns


















Thanks for being with us, Riitik!













































Branwyn : There are several
form of art. What was the
reason behind your choosing
writing as the medium of
expression?
Riitik : Because I always juggled
good with words.
B: How much your life has changed after
being an author?
R: Well, I still go to office, come back after
working for 10-11 hours, wait eagerly for
weekends, hang around with friends, stay
away from my mom's constant questions
about getting married, but life seems
changed when often I get mails from
unknown readers stating my words
changed their outlook towards life...
Unleashed a new confidence in them to
believe, "if he could, why cant I?" This is
what I wanted... This is what has changed
in my life after being an author... Rest
fame, money, hot dates etc etc keep
coming and going, you know...
B: Whom would you prefer in life - a
gorgeous girlfriend or a typical
Indian life-partner?
R: A life-partner anyday, at least my
mom would be finally relieved that
maa da laadla bilkul ni bigda...


B: What should be the
motive of the youngsters
of our country?
R: A sheer Peaceful Life.


B: Your message to our readers?
R: Never run after three things
in life - Money, Fame and Power.
Work hard and leave the rest to
him. And yeah of course, rush
and pick your copies NOW of
Unsatisfied Satisfaactionns.
Peace Out!


B: How would you arrange
the following in priority
order numbering 1 to 6 -
Family, Fame, Power,
Money, Love, Happiness?
R: Family, Happiness, Love,
Money, Fame, Power




Light to Lighten

I have been invited to handful of celebrations on prior
occasions as well; however over these last few years,
frequency of my paying homage to them has dwindled.
That evening I called a friend and I invited myself to his
place and I guess I could hear him chuckle. He had a
magnanimous heart to oblige self imposed invitation.
Keeping Inflation & cost of living index in mind, either you
need to be a brave heart or you need to have some
undisclosed account in Swiss Bank account to oblige a guest
at this ungodly time?
It was 6 pm as I was crossing the path to his door way and
at the same time a million of thoughts were crossing my
mind. My beckoning knuckles cracked on the ply of his
door. I could hear him walking with hurried steps towards
the door. He flung the old teak door open and there he was
standing right in front of me. He asked in an inquisitive
tone Who is it?
I cleared my clogged voice and said It is I. He benignly
smiled and he affectionately held onto my shoulders. He
became my guide for the coming moments and for the life
to follow.
He was Akash, a second year Delhi Universitys student
aspiring for a government job just like any of us. What
made him special and notch above than others was that
God had blessed them with discernment, insight and a
munificent heart. From the time of his birth, his eyes were
longing for light. So that he could marvel at this divine
creation of God. Akash lives in Blind School, New Delhi
and it was his hostel that I was paying a visit to. This hostel
inhabits 110 more such blessed and differently-abled
friends. Akash took the reins and decided to show me the
place around.
On ground floor I could see classes from 1 to 4
th
standard.
There was this adjoining open space where I witnessed
something incredible, it defied my senses completely.
I could see teenagers shouting for the batsman, and the one
at the strike was wielding the bat with a confidence and a
smile. The 10 year old rolled the ball down his alley, it
clamorously strode towards the striker. With his thin ear
and astute senses, he struck the ball with his thunderous
might. It was spectacular transcended all my possible
imaginations.
Akash caught hold of my right arm and directed me
towards terrace, every step was counted in his breath. I
saw beaming faces of all ages varying from 4 years to 65
years moving with meticulous steps. All of them strolled in
pairs, with their arms flung around each others neck and
shoulders.
Their lips were decked with a perpetual smile, as they
walked past me; I could hear them saying Watch out.
Watch out . We are here






That sanguine air, that breath of effervescence and life
catapulted my senses into a world.. which always had
been a distant dream for me,,,,,,,






























Mr. Gaurav Gill is a person of
quintessential contemplation
known for his kind and
modest nature. He is a
lecturer and lives in New
Delhi.












Fondling Arms......

Holding me close to her heart
Letting me take my first breath
Promising never to let me part
Looking fondly at her gifted child
Cuddled in warmth of her bosom
She feels relieved and beguiled
Calling me her adorable little one
The fruit of her love, blood of her blood
She wraps me slowly with cares ton
Marking my each little progress
A smile or even a little change
In her eyes I see the joy she posses
Helping me as I take my first baby step
Capturing my stride and my little laugh
That adds in her life a miraculous pep
She is my one and only God sent savior
A woman of strength and compassion
The one who never lets me waver
Wiping away all my lonely tears
She fills me with inner peace
Calming down my deepest fears
She is my woman of stoicism
Filled with dark secrets and pain
Who never wavers in turbulence
She is filled with desires and passion
Dreams of me with the brightest future
Teaching me the fruit of hard-work's action
Today and always I'm indebted to my
mother
Who acts as a bridge and keeps us together
She my mysterious, miraculous wonder!!































Heena Ahuja is a girl who
loves to scribble the
rhythmic melody of
literature. She lives in
Mumbai.









Mindfulness



What happens when you have a long day
ahead and literally nothing to do except
flipping through pages of review copies of
the books that you received earlier or watch
a movie that you might have watched
earlier, but thinking of watching again or
maybe stay online on your social networks?
Well thats my story. After completing my
post graduation, all I am doing is reading
novels, writing reviews, traveling to
different places, watching movies that
imdb.com shows as recommended movies
on homepage and updating useless posts on
my social networks. I am neither irritated
nor bored with it, I kind of like this state, but
there is sheer idleness that is really not my
trait. So for the sake of my salvage from this
joblessness I decided to do some meditation
and calm my mind. Often people think
meditation is a state when we sit with blank
mind, without any worries of hustle and
bustle of life, feeling calmness that you never
felt and a way to be closer to the divine. Its
true to an extent, but meditation is a way,
and that way can lead to anything or
anywhere, its on us to decide the
destination. For me, Meditation is not sitting
with blank mind; its full of awareness and
emotions. One can see images of people,
places from their past or present; they can
feel a surge of sensation running through
their body. Its really not mindlessness; its
more of Mindfulness, where you can know
things that you never thought of. When your
mind is already engaged with so many
thoughts, there is no possibility that one can
think of futile things that cause unnecessary
fret. In such state you will be amazed to
know that you are not even talking to
yourself, a silence that you never sensed. We
often wrap up in our own thoughts and dont
notice whats going on around us, to
unknown people around us, to our dear
ones, to our own body. Meditation gives you













an opportunity to achieve that serenity
which can make you closer to Real You. After
meditating for some time, you will feel your
breath going down through your throat, and
coming back from lungs. Heartbeats will
clearly be heard and fringes of vivid, mostly
symbolic and imaginary, memories. Its not
necessary to sit for a long period with closed
eyes; one can meditate in any way he/she
wants, even when you are reading a book, or
listening to heavy metal songs, even
watching a sunset, no limit. All you need to
do is free your mind and feel the flow of
synergy engulfing you. I am feeling lighter,
what about you?





Mr. YouKnowMe is someone whom all of us know yet
all of us are still to discover. He is a biker, an author
and like all of us, a lover of life He is at present
working with an IT Company.