Author: karanshorey

Karan is a passionate individual who constantly dreams of changing the world for good. An avid reader and a reluctant writer, he is a firm believer in Grace (and bit of sun signs too!). The name of this blog is reflective of his keen interest in the planetary influences on human behaviour. At 32, he has a bit of a many facets (Versatile!), among those, a human resource professional being the most prominent. This space is a reflection and collection of his thoughts, designed with an intention to foster more thoughts, some of which, hopefully, will fuel the engine of change the world deserves! Professionally, Karan has trained and mentored well over thousand students and helped them in improving their communication skills, personality and readiness for job interviews. You can get in touch with him on shorey.karan@gmail.com for any assignments. Connect with me on twitter @karanshorey

The Adivasi will not Dance: Book Review

“The Adivasi will not Dance” by Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar offers ten poignant stories reflecting the struggles of the Santhal community. Through nuanced narratives, it addresses themes of poverty, exploitation, and cultural intricacies. Banned in Jharkhand, the book is both provocative and enlightening, serving as a compelling introduction to Adivasi life.

The Adivasi will not Dance: Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar

Published: 2015, Speaking Tiger Publications

The purposefully provocative title “The Adivasi will not Dance“, is akin to a window with partly broken glass, in a huge, ancient and withering yet magnificent mansion. It is indeed a fair warning and yet an irresistible invite to closely explore this mansion which metaphorically represents the lives of the Santhal community (Adivasis). Every brick, stone, wall, the dilapidated furniture, the peeling paint and hazy black & white pictures on the walls of this proverbial mansion, holds within, the complex nuances, circumstances and stories of Adivasi life. I, opened this proverbial window and here’s what I witnessed.

The stories, 10 of them!

Nominated for the Hindu literary prize in 2016 and banned by the government of Jharkhand in 2017! Each story craftily touches a varied aspect of Adivasi life; eating habits, demeanor, poverty and struggles, desperate lack of access to education and other facilities, a quagmire of unfathomable superstitions and a history of exploitation by people and institutions with vested interests.

A santhal woman forced into a situation where she must sell her body for Rs. 50, a child losing his life due to unattended fever, syndicated human trafficking as a norm, sexual exploitations, witch hunting of vulnerable women and the childlike naivety of the grown-ups! Like the title, each story makes its presence felt, like the uninhabited yet imposing rooms in a mansion! Tiled with complex undertones, painted in provocative patterns but with light colors of subtlety, and cemented with the power of simplicity, the intensity in every story knocks you off but the quality of writing and detailed imagery handholds enough to let you find ground under your feet. In one of the stories, the excruciatingly detailed portrayal of a delivery scene undoubtedly establishes the author’s writing finesse and astute observation prowess.

Should you read ‘The Adivasi will not dance’?

This 180-page book is most likely a companion for a weekend or two for an avid reader. It’s easy on the eyes, flows coherently and aids speedy reading.

For the uninitiated (like yours truly), it’s a good introduction to the Adivasi culture, rituals and ways of life. It’s a book that promises to inform; however, it comes bundled with provocation, darkness and emotional upheaval. It will probably make you bolder but it will first extract its price by making you feel vulnerable. Stories titled ‘Blue baby’ and ‘Eating with the enemy’ are bound to leave you agitated, helpless, judgmental and churned, for a long time.

If I could go back in time to make a choice of whether to open the window to this mansion or not, I’ll most likely open that window again, consciously yet carefully, and ask others to follow, with a fair warning.

How you see the world is a reflection of who you are, and books aren’t immune to that principle! I am curious to know, which side are you on? Happy Reading!

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In Custody, by Anita Desai: Book Review

In Custody by Anita Desai, published in 1984, explores a rich narrative through vivid descriptions and nuanced characters. The book, which inspired a 1994 Bollywood film, offers a captivating yet sometimes slow-paced reading experience. While its protagonist might not feel relatable, Desai’s exquisite writing style leaves a lasting impression, inviting varied reader interpretations.

In Custody, Author: Anita Desai, Genre: Fiction

In Custody, a fiction novel written by Anita Desai was first published in 1984. It was ceremoniously adapted into a Bollywood movie with the same name. Released in 1994, starring mainstream actors like Shashi Kapoor, Om Puri and Shabana Azmi, this movie is rated 7.1 on IMDb.

Fiction is not on the top of my preferred genres. This book came as a suggestion from my partner (Guddu). Ironically, she bought it basis a recommendation in an Instagram reel, and she hasn’t read it yet! That means, I read a book that I didn’t buy, which was recommended in an Instagram reel I didn’t see. Well, it’s a testimony to the power of social media, or to the influence of my wife. Admittedly though, I am always on the watch out for interesting work done by Indian authors. (Do you have any strong recommendations for me?)

Should you read ‘In Custody’?

When it comes to books, to each his own is quite appropriate, and this one totally fits the bill. Honestly, given this book was nominated for Booker prize in 1984, I do feel the pressure while sharing my opinion. Objectively speaking, forty (40!) years later, it really didn’t blow me away but I admired some aspects of it.

The quality of writing is fantastic! From a reader’s perspective, Anita Desai’s gift for vivid descriptions and relatable imagery is mouth watering. As a writer, I felt inspired by the way Ms. Desai commands the words into a coherent stream of captivating language. Characters are crafted with finesse. The scenes and surroundings come to life, augmented by exquisite description. On several occasions, I felt I was witnessing the scenes as if watching a live play!

Ironically, the captivating reading experience also felt labored at times. I wished the story paced on but it stayed ‘still’ for long periods. Perhaps, aptly in tune with the era in which it was written.

Additionally, I couldn’t relate to the main protagonist, Deven Sharma, who was a nice yet thoroughly insufficient individual. The ending of the story felt uncertain. Yet, it still managed to mildly tease me into thinking what would have happened next?

Content Summary

The plot is based around the life of main protagonist, Deven Sharma. He works as a Hindi teacher in Mirpore, a remote town on the outskirts of Delhi. His cunning friend, Murad, bullies and manipulates him into accepting to work on a momentous project. Smitten by his unconditional love for Urdu poetry, Deven goes on a hesitant quest to interview his idol and celebrated poet, Nur Shahjahanabadi.

The 230 page story is about the trials and tribulations of Deven’s arduous journey. Interestingly, some of Deven’s troubles are his own while he inherits many others courtesy the flippant characters around him. For instance, Nur’s two uncharacteristic wives and the incompetent young boy thrust upon Deven to record his conversations with Nur. In addition, the unexpected realities of Nur’s fragile and decaying personal life constantly sweep Deven off his feet. While the dissonance is palatable in almost every page of this book, the story ends on a peculiar note too. Eventually, when Deven finishes his project, he faces a quagmire of insurmountable challenges. As he cowardly awaits a dreaded end, even the book shuts the door on him. Metaphorical indeed!

Recommendation

Overall, the book made me feel involved, bored, ambivalent and intrigued. I felt sad for Deven and at the same time, felt irritated by his timid and helpless attitude. At times, I just wanted to enter the scene and make things move faster, for Deven’s sake and my own. Honestly, the book invoked varied emotions in me but not the excitement and inspiration that I seek as a reader. On the contrary, will I remember the story and captivating writing style? Absolutely yes!

How you see the world is a reflection of who you are, and books aren’t immune to that principle! I am curious to know, which side are you on? Happy Reading!

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Hindi Kavita: मैं (Me)

This hindi kavita is an exploration of self-conflict and existential duality of self, tinged with sense of turmoil.

बादल भी मैं, बरसात भी मैं
घना भी मैं, मूसलाधार भी मैं

दुनिया मेरी जैसे कोई जंगल
शिकारी भी मैं, शिकार भी मैं

अपने कर्मों के ज़ख्मों से घायल
तड़पता भी मैं, गुनहगार भी मैं

किस्मत बदलने की कोशिश में पागल
ज़िद्दी भी मैं, लाचार भी मैं

वक़्त के क़दमों से मिलाता चाल
ठहराव भी मैं, रफ़्तार भी मैं

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Ghazal: मगर

शराबियों के बीच रह कर शराब ना पी
ज़िंदा रहा मगर ज़िन्दगी ना जी

ऐसा मुकाम नहीं कोई जो हासिल ना किया
दौलत खूब कमाई मगर खर्च ना की

पहले प्यार ने प्यार का मतलब समझाया
आँसू बहुत पिलाये मगर प्यास कम ना की

दर्द को लबों में दबा चुप्पी बना लिया
चीखा बहुत मगर आवाज़ ना की

दुनिया में भेजने वाले ने मंज़िल का पता ना बताया
सिखाया बहुत मगर भटक जाने की सज़ा कम ना की

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Hindi Kavita on Introspection: चाहिए था

Hindi Kavita on introspection, चाहिए था, captures an individual’s wish for how events in his life should have been.

This week’s post is Hindi Kavita on Introspection: चाहिए था, is a journey of looking back and reflecting on events that have transpired. The person wishes and hopes, and at times even laments the choices made and actions taken. He acknowledges that the responsibility for those actions was with thyself but at the same time, he hoped from mercy from the almighty and restraint from his fellow beings.

The theme ‘चाहिए था’ of this kavita is inspired by one interesting ghazal by Dr. Rahat Indori but the verses in this kavita bring out a fresh perspective and highlight the conflict between desires and virtues, a person’s bias towards focusing on shortcomings instead of his strengths and humors the tendency of sharing unsolicited advice in the most unwarranted situations. I hope you relate to some of the shers in this hindi kavita on introspection, चाहिए था.

Here it goes, Hindi Kavita on Introspection: चाहिए था

उम्र गुज़र गयी अपने ऐब छुपाने सजाने में
अपनी खूबियों पर भी ज़रा गौर करना चाहिए था

जिन्हें बक्शा खुदा ने हुनर निगाहों से क़त्ल करने का
उन्हें मोहब्बत को रुस्वा करने से डरना चाहिए था

हमसे हुए जो गुनाह लिखे हैं नसीब में हमारे
ऊपर वाले को तो हम पर रहम करना चाहिए था

जनाज़े में शामिल लोग सलाह दे रहे हैं मुर्दे को
जल्दी चले गए जनाब, कुछ सालों बाद मरना चाहिए था

इफ़्फ़त की राह पर छाओं शाहवत के पेड़ों की है
अफ़सोस हम तब रुके जब हमें गुज़ारना चाहिए था

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Ghazal on defeat: हार

This week’s ghazal, “हार,” captures the emotions after India shuttler Lakshya Sen’s Olympic defeat. Reflecting on resilience, it serves as a shout-out to all who feel defeated. Hope you find strength in its verses.

This week’s post is Ghazal on defeat: हार, reflects my emotions from after watching India shuttler Lakshya Sen losing out in the badminton Olympics semi final. To me, he was definitely the better of two players today but still defeat landed on his side of the court. I felt overwhelmed with the realization that it takes four years for any athlete to reach such pivotal moments and at times, only to see it feather out in seconds. While the defeat is definitely unbearable, yet sportspersons find the resilience and courage to come back stronger. Manu Bhaker is a perfect example of that never say die spirit.

This ghazal on defeat is my shout out to Lakshya Sen and to all of us who feel defeated. I hope we all find the courage, focus and resilience needed to bounce back harder and stronger. Count us out, at your own peril. Hope you relate to some of the shers in this ghazal on defeat.

Here it goes, Ghazal on defeat: हार

दुआएँ कबूल होने में उम्र निकल जाती है
कभी कभी जीती बाज़ी हाथ से फिसल जाती है

हार की यादें जैसे घुल गयी हैं हवा में
सहमे हुए बच्चे की तरह मेरी नींद खुल जाती है

गिरा हूँ मगर फिर खड़ा होने की ज़िद्द है
मानते नहीं हार जो, उनकी किस्मत बदल जाती है

मैं फिर जगमगाऊँगा जैसे तारा आसमान में
सोचता हूँ तो दिल में उम्मीद की लौ जल जाती है

कह दो मुखालिफ से तैयारी वो भी करे शिद्दत से
कमज़ोर इमारतें ज़रा सी बारिश में ही धुल जाती हैं

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Ghazal on balance: धागे

The Ghazal “धागे” captures the feeling of finding balance amidst chaos. The author finds solace in sacred threads on his wrist, symbolizing hope and resilience. The Ghazal resonates with the search for light in darkness.

This week’s post is Ghazal on balance: धागे, captures the mood at a time when everything around seems to be crumbling and at that point, you find something which restores balance in your life. It could be person, symbol, ritual or an object. For me, I looked at my wrist and found that sacred threads tied around my wrist gave me comfort as if I am being hugged by a higher power. I felt optimistic and resilient.

This ghazal on balance is an ode to that object, symbol or person around you who makes you feel at home and more importantly, makes you see the light beyond the tunnel. What is your source of light? Would be great to know. I hope some shers in the ghazal below resonate with you.

Here it goes, Ghazal on balance: धागे

रौशनी की तरह बिखरा है कमरे में सन्नाटा
काश होता कोई स्विच जो मैं बंद कर पाता

लगता है हर बेजान चीज़ कह रही है कुछ मुझसे
बातें हैं जो मेरे मन्न में कैद, कौन है इन्हें बताता

दीवार की फितरत देख याद आया मुझे सनम
बाहें फैला लिपटता हूँ, फिर भी मुड़ कर गले नहीं लगाता

मैं सब्र के पानी से सींच रहा हूँ मन्न का पौधा
वक़्त चंचल है, गुज़रता है और पलट है जाता

मेरी कलाई पर बंधे लाल पीले धागे हैं मेरी पहचान
इनकी गांठों से संभला हूँ वरना कब का बिखर जाता

Interested in reading more hindi poetry and ghazals?

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Road Trip from Bangalore to Kodaikanal

Road Trip idea from Bangalore to majestic Kodaikanal for a weekend getaway! An experience of this picturesque destination.

Bangalore to Kodaikanal was our first major road trip in 2024. It had been on our list (Guddu & I) for at least a couple of years now. While we love road trips, Kodaikanal somehow seemed like a daunting task. Bangalore to Kodaikanal distance is around 430 Kms however this 8-10 hour ride managed to escape us even though we have done much longer ride (To Goa) many a times and I have done Bangalore to Goa solo bike ride a few times. (Bangalore to Goa bike ride)

Finally, in April this year, we spent 3 nights at Kodaikanal and we are so glad we did that. Over the years, our pattern of travel has changed. From an approach of making sure to cover all the popular spots at a destination, we have transformed to approach to spend quality time at a few chosen spots, explore like a local and contend with missing out on the other touristy things. This has worked wonders for us in terms of improving our travel experience.

You can read about my other road trips here

Onward Journey, Bangalore to Kodaikanal

We started from south Bangalore (Guddu & I) around 6am and the usual Bangalore to Kodaikanal route i.e. Hosur-Krishnagiri-Salem-Dindigul-Kodaikanal. The roads are perfect for driving and early start helped us to beat heavy traffic. After around 2 hours of nice early morning drive, we took a pit stop at Murugan Idly (Salem highway). This turned out to be a good decision. Even though the place was swarming with people and there was about 40 mins wait time, the food was worth the wait and overall experience was enjoyable. Service at this outlet is quick and ragi idly was a standout menu item. There is plenty of parking space at this outlet which makes it a worthy and convenient pit-stop for breakfast.

The drive post Murugan Idly was superb as the road is smooth. On the way, we didn’t find too many exciting eating options. We took a short stop for refreshment at Pudupatti, post which the last couple of hours is a single road journey and April heat was in its full bloom which made the journey a bit of drag but the excitement of visiting Kodaikanal for the first time kept us energetic.

Things to do In Kodaikanal

Usually, Kodaikanal is considered a one or two night trip. However, in our endeavor to spend quality time at a place, we had planned to stay for 3 nights at Kodai. First evening, we absorbed the superb Kodai mountain views from our property and then explored the Bazaar road area. Several small shops and restaurants are adorn this buzzing 1Km stretch close to the Kodai bus station. Savory hot chocolate on offer at the ubiquitous hill station chocolate shops grabbed my attention.

I would recommend that you treat yourself to yummy street food in this popular area to soak in the touristy vibe of Kodaikanal. Some other things to do in Kodaikanal:

1) Walk along the periphery of Kodaikanal Lake, we did this on both the morning we had available and the mesmerizing experience has stayed with us.

2) Explore local cafes on Poet Tyagaraja road (PT road). Munchiez is a good option.

3) Visit farmer’s market on PT road (Sunday morning only). You will find fresh fruits and vegetables, especially avocados

4) Visit Kodaikanal solar observatory. Especially in the evening, for a chance to star-gaze through a telescope. You need to book this in advance.

5) Just relax! Absorb the views from Coaker’s walk, sing to the mountains, give company to the trees along the lake, savor a warm soup, snuggle in a cozy blanket say and hello to the night stars in the sky.

6) Be a responsible tourist, don’t litter, don’t de-face monuments. Buy local stuff from small shops to support local people.

Tourist Spots in Kodaikanal

There are several tourist spots in Kodaikanal. Certainly, we missed more than we visited, however we felt completely comfortable with that. Most of the tourist spots in Kodai are wonders of nature, lakes and majestic views of the mountains. Picturesque views are indeed everywhere.

Our resort gave us easy access to Coaker’s Walk and Kodaikanal lake. A couple of others we covered are upper lake view and Kodaikanal solar observatory. We wanted to do Mannavanur lake and the sheep farms close to it however the local drivers thankfully advised us against the 2-3 hour drive to Mannavanur lake as it ran almost dry during April.

When we visit next time, which is very likely, we will try to cover the other lakes i.e. Mannavanur lake, Berijam lake and Pine forest. I am also curious about Poombarai village.

Overall, we had a relaxing and soothing time at Kodaikanal. It’s hardly a secret and no wonder this summer season government mandated passes for visitors to ebb the overwhelming flow of tourists to this picturesque destination. It is well worth spending a long weekend in Kodai. I would recommend a road trip from Bangalore to Kodaikanal since travel time is adequate and roads are smooth, which make the journey enjoyable. After all, isn’t this that they talk about? Journey is more important than the destination, and what if the journey and destination are both equally enjoyable, it’s a bliss! When are you planning your travel to Kodai? Cheers, Happy Travelling!

Recommended Places for eating at Kodaikanal:

  1. Villa Retreat restaurant at Coaker’s walk
  2. Tamara Kodai
  3. Cloud Street (PT Road – a bit expensive)
  4. Muncheez Cafe (PT Road)
  5. The Carlton, for buffet
  6. Wok at Skydeck

Recommended places to stay at Kodaikanal:

  1. Villa Retreat
  2. The Carlton Kodaikanal
  3. The Tamara Kodai (high on budget)

Villa Retreat and The Carlton are centrally located and give you access to Kodaikanal lake which is a top attraction in Kodaikanal. Additionally, popular streets like PT Road, bus stand, kodai market are accessible by walk from these properties.

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Ghazal on restlessness: बेचैनी

This week’s post, “Ghazal on restlessness: बेचैनी,” explores the dichotomy of certainty and uncertainty within ourselves. It encourages acceptance of these uncertainties and aims to resonate with readers.

This week’s post is Ghazal on restlessness: बेचैनी, captures the essence of ongoing conversations we have with ourselves. Most of us oscillate between two disparate ends, sometimes we have extremely clarity about what we want and then at other times, we feel clueless and uncertain.

This ghazal on restlessness is an attempt to acknowledge and accept these uncertainties which embrace all of us. I hope the dichotomy captured in the shers of this ghazal resonates with you.

Here it goes, Ghazal on restlessness: बेचैनी

क्या चाहते हैं हम, बता नहीं पाएंगे
तूँ गर मिल गया तो,अपना नहीं पाएंगे

कल का ना पूछ, हमें आज की खबर नहीं
वादे करेंगे मगर, निभा नहीं पाएंगे

दौलत से खरीद लेते हैं लम्हें चाहत के
हैसियत ना पूछ हमारी, बता नहीं पाएंगे

हाथों की लकीरों को कुरेदा बहुत हमने
देर से समझे, तकदीर का लिखा मिटा नहीं पाएंगे

तूँ मेरी ग़ज़लों से निकल कर रूबरू ना आ
आंसुओं को पन्नों में छुपा नहीं पाएंगे

Interested in reading more hindi poetry and ghazals?

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Ghazal on self-reflection: मुझे पता नहीं

The ghazal “मुझे पता नहीं” delves into societal critiques, morality, and life’s ironies. Inspired by Bashir Badr’s work, it aims to prompt self-reflection through evocative shers.

This week’s post is Ghazal on self-reflection, मुझे पता नहीं explores a variety of complex themes like critiques in the society (ज़माना), morality and a few others among the abundant ironies of life and the times we live in.

The theme मुझे पता नहीं is inspired from a ghazal written by Padma Shri awardee, Bashir Badr who is one of the most influential hindi ghazal writer. His ghazal uses the radeef ‘पता नहीं’ which I adapted to ‘मुझे पता नहीं’ for this ghazal.

I hope the shers in this ghazal ignite some self-reflection for the readers, which is nothing but a few moments where everything else around you takes a pause. Wishing you a reflective ‘pause’!

Here it goes, Ghazal on self-reflection: मुझे पता नहीं

पैसे पैसे का हिसाब रखना सीख गया हूँ
वक़्त गुज़र जाता है कहाँ उसका मुझे पता नहीं

घूम आया हूँ शहर और देश कई
हुआ सफर बहुत पर मंज़िल कहाँ मुझे पता नहीं

याद है मुझे तेरे दिल में रहा करता था जब
ये मकान किराये पर कब चढ़ा मुझे पता नहीं

बातें दिल की करता था अपनों के बीच बैठ कर
बागी होने का इलज़ाम कब लगा मुझे पता नहीं

वो हथियार बना रहे हैं जंग रोकने के लिए
दहशत का मंज़र क्यों है छाया मुझे पता नहीं

हज़ारों जिस्म घूम रहे हैं हवस के बाज़ार में
खरीदार कौन, कौन है बिक रहा मुझे पता नहीं

Interested in reading more hindi poetry and ghazals?

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