Storizen Magazine December 2021 | Remembering Gen. Bipin Rawat by Storizen Magazine

HOME TO YOUR STORIES

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN

DECODING THE LITERATURE OF WAR - REMEMBERING GEN. BIPIN RAWAT Exclusive Digital Issue For more Columns and features, scan the QR code

Exclusive Feature on PAGE 8

Cover Story

Book Reviews

Decoding the Literature of War - Remembering Gen. Bipin Rawat

Swapna Peri

Brand Partners Aleph Book Company Bloomsbury India

Editors Pria Raiyani Saurabh Chawla

Fingerprint Publishing Hachette India HarperCollinsIndia

For Advertising, Contact us attalktous@storizen.com

Pan Macmillan India Penguin India Roli Books Rupa Publications Westland (An Amazon Company)

WHAT'S INSIDE 7 8

EDITOR'S NOTE

COVER STORY Decoding the Literature of War - Remembering Gen. Bipin Rawat

The unseen dimensions of Pretentious Smile in our life.. - Ankur Rastogi

- Westland

HOT OFF THE PRESS Bengal Beyond the Bhadralok by Parimal Bhattacharya - HarperCollins India

- Westland HOT OFF THE PRESS Savi and The Memory Keeper by Bijal Vachharajani - Hachette India

STORIZEN CONTRIBUTE Music, an Everlasting Companion - Neelakshi Banerjee

STORIZEN HEALTH Anomaly in prostate gland - Sushma M. Bhardwaj

HOT OFF THE PRESS Lal Salaam by Smriti Zubin Irani

- M Lakshmi Supriya

HOT OFF THE PRESS The New BJP by Nalin Mehta

STORIZEN CONTRIBUTE What if, again

- Pria 18

STORIZEN CONTRIBUTE

STORIZEN EXCERPT What’s Within You : Your Roadmap to Living Life With No Barriers by Tom Lillig & David Shurna - Fingerprint Publishing

WHAT'S INSIDE 44

STORIZEN REVIEW

Angels of Kailash by Shubira Prasad

STORIZEN POETRY Lost Time... - Madhumathi H

- Swapna Peri

STORIZEN REVIEW

Lost Times

- Swapna Peri

- Sumantra Chaudhury

STORIZEN REVIEW

- Swapna Peri STORIZEN REVIEW Go Start-Up: Your Best Guide to Unlocking the Values and Culture of Success by Karan Kashyap - Swapna Peri

STORIZEN POETRY

Fate or Destiny by Arthy SL

Your Last Step To Fast Financial Freedom by Aryan Chaudhary

STORIZEN REVIEW A Silver Lining in the Ease of Doing Business Conundrum by Arnab Basu - InkersPress

To read Storizen on the web, visit storizen.com. Follow Storizen on Instagram @storizenmag.

BOOKMARKED

Storizen Magazine November

Books we are loving this month

2021

CLICK HERE TO READ NOW! Exclusive Digital Issue For more columns and features, scan below

HASHTAG: #STORIZENMAGAZINE

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.

Savoring the time we have is something that we all must do, but what about the lost times? Do you also savor the time you have lost? Often, the lost times come as a reflection in front of us in the present.

As the year comes to an end, we have lost a gem of a person in an unfortunate accident. India's first CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat lost their lives in an unfortunate accident on 8th December 2021. We have dedicated this issue to the hero of the nation! We are delighted to share with you the exclusive feature this month - "Decoding the Literature of War - Remembering Gen. Bipin Rawat". Do check out the cover story on page 8. Book lovers, we have shared 4 of the hottest new releases including Smriti Zubin Irani's Lal Salaam, for you to keep your reading bug engaged. Do check out the section - "Hot off the press." This month in the health section, we focus on Prostate health. If you are having troubles with your prostate or know someone who has, do read and share the article with them. We love your support and blessings. We are super glad to share that we have now been accepted into Google News and have ventured into the space for some of the most trusted media brands! Packed with super informative articles and awesome poetry, you are surely going to read this issue again and again! We thank our readers and contributors for their constant support and motivating us to bring you some of the best content each month. Keep spreading the love and support! Do read, like, comment, and share with your friends & family. Happy Reading! editor@storizen.com Saurabh Chawla, Editor in Chief

COVER STORY

Decoding the Literature of War Remembering Gen. Bipin Rawat A Storizen Exclusive Feature Text by Pria

ccording to Oxford Bibliography Press, The literature of war has existed since the first literary texts were written. Scholars have been quick to acknowledge that war is a dominant force in the works of the three earliest cultures: the Greeks, the Romans, and the Hebrews. Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey reflect a culture of war as does Virgil’s The Aeneid and the Hebrew Bible. Even the ancient Sumerian epic Gilgamesh includes an epic battle with an enemy force that must be defeated. These literary works and many others that span the centuries since the classical era remind us that war is a constant in society and a topic that will continue to ensure critical debate. It is as universal as themes of love or death or time or human frailty.

apps, his reason stands tall. COVER STORY

Since the year 1890, the literature of war has generated almost several books, essays, theses, dissertations, and other materials. There are some universities that also showcase war materials, journals, notes, and articles. The 21st-century events like WW I & II, Gulf War, Middle East crisis, Israel Migration, 9/11 attacks, Syrian War, Kargil War, 26/11 Attack, and many more have given the writers and scholars to write and publish so much information. The books on war, after the war, political scenarios, biographies, and autobiographies of the war heroes, stories related to the martyr's families, etc have come into existence. Many unsung heroes are being unveiled.

Pic: CDS General Bipin Rawat

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

The death due to the helicopter crash of CDS General Bipin Rawat, the first CDS of India, reminds many such brave people who sacricficed their lives for the country and the people they serve. As a mark of respect and condolences, this time, the team of Storizen talks about the top ten books based on Indian Military. The listed books are among the best in this genre and are definite must-reads.

DECEMBER 2021

COVER STORY

1. India’s Most Fearless by Shiv Aroor And Rahul Singh The book is a collection of 14 heroic real-life stories of Indian defense men from the border. Each story talks about a military operation. To understand the real situation across the borders and during the war times, the pain, the agony, and the dedication the soldiers irrespective of their cader and gender undergo, this book is a perfect read.

2. Vijyant at Kargil: The Biography of a War Hero “Vijyant at Kargil: The Life of a Kargil Hero” is published in 2020. This is the “first-ever” biography giving a rare insight into the heart and mind of one of India’s bravest soldiers, Captain Vijyant Thapar, son of Colonel VN Thapar and Vijyant was only 22 when he was martyred in the Kargil war in 1999. The book has been penned by Vijyant’s father Colonel VN Thapar and writer Neha Dwivedi, the martyr’s daughter herself.

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

COVER STORY

3. Kargil: From Surprise To Victory by General V. P. Malik This book by Gen. V.P.Malik is one of the best books about the Indian Army. The book is a treasure chest of information about the way the Army functions, and it's deals with the political class, and how the military engages with the civilian leadership, including the command and control structure. The book also opens the eye towards the malfunctions in the Army and the Government. 4. Until You Come Home: The Endless Wait for a Beloved to Come Home from War by Mridula Bajpai The book is about war tales, family, and its emotions, sentiments, and memories about the lost ones. The book emphasizes mostly the women and children of the soldiers who lost their lives in wars fighting

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

COVER STORY

for the country. This tear-jerking novel is narrated in the single voice of Mrinalini Sharma. The story is about Mrinalani’s mama ‘ Capt. Uday Sharma. Jaya the lady love of Uday Sharma keeps waiting for him even after the news he will not come back home is one of the heartwrenching subplots. Another story is about Mrinilani herself and her partner Dev, who is also an Army officer and when he is posted to Kargil, her thoughts and fears are narrated in the story. Two parallel stories are narrated where they are interlinked at several places. 5. The Rise of Indian Military Power (Evolution of an Indian Strategic Culture) by G.D.Bakshi The author has traced the history of war-fighting in India from the Vedic & Mahabharata period to the Mauryan & Mughal Eras and thereafter the British Period. It is a comprehensive audit of India’s combat performance in the ancient, medieval, modern, and post-modern periods of Indian history. The focus of this work, however, is on India’s Post-independence Military History.

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

COVER STORY

6. 26/11 BraveHeart: My Encounter with Terrorists That Night by Praveen Kumar Teotia

7. Insomnia: Army Stories by Rachna Bisht Rawat Delhi-based author Rachna Bisht Rawat just launched Insomnia, featuring stories based on life in the armed forces. Her previous four bestselling books were also helmed on the Indian Army – 1965: Stories from the Second Indo Pakistan War; Shoot. Dive.Fly Stories of Grit and Adventure from the Indian Army; The Brave: Param Vir Chakra Stories; and Kargil: Untold Stories from the War. The author tells The Morning Standard about what inspires her to regularly delve into stories around the army. 14

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

A powerfully written memoir. Praveen Kumar Teotia has poured his heart out in this book on his experience in fighting against the terrorists, how prepared were our forces, what type of ammunition are these soldiers who risk their lives for the people unknown are supplied with, and how the officials treat them during ceremonies. This book is not an ordinary book but a memoir of scars and wounds. The scars and wounds on the body will fade some or the other day, but the scars and wounds that rupture the soul and thoughts will never fade. This book is a fantastic journey of a boy from a small village to what he is now!

DECEMBER 2021

COVER STORY

8. Gurkha: Better to Die than Live a Coward: My Life in the Gurkhas by Colour-Sergeant Kailash Limbu Colour-Sargent Kailash Limbu shares a riveting account of his life as a Gurkha soldier-marking the first time in its two-hundred-year history that a soldier of the Brigade of Gurkhas has been given permission to tell his story in his own words. Kailash Limbu recalls the terrifying and exciting details of those thirtyone days - in which they killed an estimated one hundred Taliban fighters - and intersperses them with the story of his own life as a villager from the Himalayas.

9. Mission Overseas: Daring Operations by the Indian Military by Sushant Singh “Mission Overseas: Daring Operations by the Indian Military” explains three primary military operations carried out by our Army outside India. Sushant Singh tells tales that speak volumes about the path our men and women of courage took in unfamiliar territories, with limited resources. The author writes a fact-based narrative that makes the reader visualize all the scenes narrated in an easy-to-understand language.

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

CDS General Bipin Rawat (16 March 1958 – 8 December 2021)

(Image source: JagranTV)

COVER STORY

10. The Battle of Rezang La: The true story of how 120 Indian soldiers faced 5000 Chinese troops by Kulpreet Yadav A new book tells the story of 120 Indian soldiers who put up a valiant fight against the 5,000-strong Chinese military troops in the 1962 Indo-China war, preventing a possible occupation of the entire Ladakh region. "The Battle of Rezang La", published under Penguin Random House's ''Veer'' imprint, is written by ex-naval officer and author Kulpreet Yadav.

DECEMBER 2021

About Pria - Young mesmerizing freelance blogger, social enthusiast, an economics graduate from Jharkhand University with Master 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

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

HOTthe OFFpress A lucid and objective study of the BJP and India today, this is a book that demands engagement and debate from every side of the political divide. A lucid and objective study of the BJP and India today, this is a book that demands engagement and debate from every side of the political divide.

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

HOTthe OFFpress Moving between the personal and the political, and between travelogue, journal, and memoir, Field Notes from a Waterborne Land takes the reader on a journey across a fascinating land peopled with unforgettable characters.

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

Lal Salaam by Smriti Zubin Irani

Lal Salaam is the story of a young officer, Vikram Pratap Singh, and the challenges an idealistic law-enforcer faces when the system is steeped in backroom politics and corruption. It is the gripping tale of a struggle against overwhelming odds, and of men and women who fight these odds with courage, ingenuity, and resilience.

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN EVENTS

Smriti Zubin Irani is a seasoned politician, former TV actress and producer. She represents the constituency of Amethi in the Lok Sabha, to which she was elected in 2019. Earlier, she was a member of the Rajya Sabha, representing the state of Gujarat, between 2011 and 2019. She is currently the Union Minister for Women and Child Development. She has also served as the Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Minister for Textiles.

ABOUT THE BOOK The manner of his arrival in the dusty little village of Ambuja, in Chhattisgarh, instantly establishes SP Vikram Singh as a man to watch out for. Over the next few weeks, as he attempts to bring order to a long-neglected police station and motivate his less-than-enthusiastic crew, Vikram can feel those eyes everywhere, following his every move, watching and waiting for the first misstep. At stake for him is the truth behind the vengeful killing of his old friend and fellow officer, Darshan—and the very idea of justice. Vikram knows he cannot rest until he solves the case, but every day there is a new challenge: a local businessman with vested interests in both bureaucracy and Naxalism, an influential academic in Delhi at whose doorstep the trail runs cold, a young widow and her journalist friend, who quickly take center DECEMBER 2021

stage in his vexed new life Inspired by the unfortunate killings of seventy-six CRPF personnel in Dantewada in April 2010, Lal Salaam seeks to humanize the daily conflicts and ethical dilemmas that confront people in the poorest and most troubled regions of our country. It is also a story of the brave men who serve the law even when the law fails to serve them.

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

Savi and The Memory Keeper by Bijal Vachharajani

A funny, thoughtful novel about loss and the most pressing issue of our times – climate change – from an award-winning children’s author!

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN EVENTS

Bijal Vachharajani has a habit of hugging strange trees she meets on her travels. When not hugging trees and talking to caterpillars who live on them, she's either reading or writing or editing a children's book. Her books include, among others, A Cloud Called Bhura, which won the Auther Children’s Book Award 2020, So You Want to Know About the Environment, and Kitten Trouble.

ABOUT THE BOOK If Savi were to make a list of things that were the absolute worst, moving to Shajarpur would be right on top. Well, right after the point about missing her father. And death. And her new school, with the most stuck-up of classmates.

Funny, thoughtful, and deeply moving, this is a story of loss, climate change, and the magical power of... Ahem. Actually, why don't we just let Savi tell it now?

Worse, she is now part of an eco-club in which they make fun of her for not having enough green gyaan. And those stuck-up classmates seem to be her new friends. Wait, what? How did that happen? But Savi is too busy figuring out why in the world she, a certified brown thumb, is suddenly able to talk to us (her plants) and to the ginormous ficus tree, whose heartwood seems full of secrets.

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

Ankur

Rasto

by The Unseen

s SMILE in o u iou r nt

o s f n P o i ret s n e e m

e lif

We all understand the relevance of a smile in our life. A real smile reflects joy within you, no two opinions about it. However, if I say that a smile that is pretentious/fake can also add-on to your well-being, and sometimes these smiles work as goodness cookies that balance out your positivism even in adverse stages of life. I am sure your first reaction will be a visible chuckle in denial!!.....but trust me it’s true. I agree that the common notion about a pretentious smile is mainly associated with deceit, fake, and flaunting. However, if we add one more dimension into it - “Situation or Circumstances”, then one will start realizing the magnanimity of virtues a fake crescent brings to all of us. Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk, well describes the unseen dimension of this smile. He states that your joy is the source of your real smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy…and this part of the smile that sources out joy are the unseen side of pretentious smile … wondering HOW?

your body. I’m a natural painkiller that destresses & heals you holistically.My source of origin is through lots of activities, but the simplest & easiest one is by smiling and laughing. I do not care whether it’s a real smile or a fake as your mind does not differentiate between the two. It just commands me to generate the moment you start smiling. Yes, you heard it right… Even a mere act of Smiling can be therapeutic to your entire system. As it tricks the brain into perceiving that you’re happy and will release necessary hormones to uplift your spirit. So, friends Fake it till you feel it!!! as it could boost up your mood when you’re feeling down. Here we’re not patronizing the pretentious smile over the real one. The real smile and its benefits are irreplaceable. Just suggesting a few ways of smiling when the real one seems far-fetched.

Well, it’s nicely narrated by our hormonal anatomy, an essential character playing a part in our body chemistry. Let’s open a stage for this character to introduce Hi, I’m endorphins fondly nicknamed the happiness hormones produced in DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

Well, as mentioned before, the darker side of a fake smile is a pool of deceitful and sarcastic expressions. That undoubtedly adds up to a negative aura. So, bypass them. Flip yourself to the brighter side of it that will sail you and others towards positivism. So, what are these unseen dimensions? Everyone must have watched a Netflix documentary the 14 peaks: nothing is impossible if missed, go watch it. It’s a real-time story of a ferocious Nepalese mountaineer, Nirmal Purja, who climbed 8000ft above 14 peaks at a recordbreaking speed of just seven months. At one point in his expedition, he started losing his confidence to achieve. He was a worried soul. But he decided to keep a pretentious smile on his face intact in front of his teammates. He was aware that any form of grim expression on his face could pull down the morale of the team that was passionately working to achieve his dreams. So, here a pretended smile came to his rescue. It not only balanced the tempo of the teammates but Nirmal Purja too. The fake crescent set his brain releasing, the happy hormones that relaxed him and paved the way for him to revitalize his energies & strategies on the right track. The outcome was gradually his pretended smile converted into a real one (basic theory of fake it till you feel it! came true here.)

Like this valiant mountaineer, many of us face a similar situation at our respective workplaces or homes too. However, the intensity of hardships and circumstances varies. But the basic rule remains the same for all. Overcome these tense moments by forging a smile to keep up the spirit of your teammates or people around whom you care for and prominently you. In end, Nirmal Purja’s faith in pretentious smiles has paved a way for his unparallel feat in history. Remember!!! A smile keeps the elements of sadness and stress in hibernated form. Smiling in trouble and gathering strength from distress reflect the best out of you and build upon your resilience. Another unseen dimension of this smile is it works as an Ice-breaker. A friendly pretended smile conveys aloud then the silence. It breaks the Ice in situations where people are either hesitant to speak or done with voicing their thoughts as the argument is vexing everyone. A pretentious understanding smile of agreeing to disagree makes a difference here. It breaks down the continuity of the situation (in this case a tense one). Whether it’s spouse, kids, friends, or teammates, the fake crescent sometimes is a blessing in disguise. Often, it’s a great initiator for a jump-starting broken line of conversation and most likely ends up winning or restoring the relations with a stronger bond. An effort of giving, Hope through a smile is another unseen feature of pretending

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

the smile that enriches the personality of both giver & taker. Doctor, the noblest profession on earth, can associate well with this. Our medical practitioners in the grimmest situation also will always be wearing a smile as their smile gives HOPE to their patients. They know well unless they induce this positivity in a patient even medicines will not work. The outstanding positive attitude of our doctors facing the deadly situation of Corona with a smile gave Hope & power to fight many of us. So, in nutshell, any form of smile which gives hope is contagious in a good way.

Remember!!! any form of smile is the open window of an opportunity to turn the situation and circumstances in your favor. So, when things are difficult, smile by force. Don’t wait until you feel better. A pretentious smile is generally associated with negativism. However there are a few unseen dimensions of this smile that gives a new meaning to our life..what are they is my new blog all about

Remember!!! A friendly/ reassuring/ motivating/understanding smile that may not be real but all masked up still can keep a spark of positivity alive in you and others. However, Pretentious/fake smiles should not be an indispensable part of your behavioral pattern. This smile is a mere tool to uplift your moods. But if you think it will provide you a solution without you trying for one that won’t happen. Moreover, considering the pretentious smile as an escape route or miracle from all problems will leave you in more grimmest circumstances.

DECEMBER 2021

Ankur Rastogi is a blogger and an author.

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

What if, again?

by M Lakshmi Supriya

have always wondered, in times where my mind would stretch to the farthest extents to meet my heart and kindle its innocence the question on the "what if"s that would become my anesthetic to my soul temporarily. Baseless, to my mind, but inquisitive to my heart. Questions like:

thirsted to love in all honesty and innocence that was never black or white or grey, but a color perceived in remembrance? What if we un-loved the things that made us fall in the whirlpool of love itself? What if we unloved the only thing that knew this love, none but ourselves?

What if we un-spoke the words we spoke, words were spoken that either forged or shattered connections aplenty, like a stone to glass or maybe, like the strongest bridge in volatile promise, but one that lasted?

What if we un-felt the things that made us walk a little closer to the definition of holiness? What if we un-felt the things that make us cry, yet make us battle with the odds to survive, and yet write sonnets on the same?

What if we un-read the things we read, starting with those eyes that tell us a thousand stories, or millions, infinite perhaps, skins studded with scars like heirlooms never meant to own, but to keep; humans who walk past our lives as libraries in flesh and bone, and books that tell the same, in all truth with no shame?

What if we un-remembered the things, the people, the memories that kept us alive, killed us yet resuscitate us all the same, in a dizzying carnival of emotions that always kept us awake even in mortal chaos?

What if we un-wrote the things, messages, and truths that were either meant to be eyes that read them or locked them away in the caskets of their hearts? Or simply be washed away, like colors in the rains of time, like the petals of a flower that wilted before it could touch the hands of a lover, or like the sun that never rose, to throw his light all over the horizon?

What if we were to add a "un" to every single thing that we associate ourselves with, in all uncontrolled frenzy and excitement? In an existence that could never be reasoned with? In all immaculate thoughts that keep this circle of existence going sans pause?

What if we un-loved what our hearts once loved, or yearned, starved, DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

Maybe we would exist, with a heart that pumped but never beat, a body that bore but never felt, a soul that churned the elixir of existence, but never to fuel the heart and brain to make a poet from a pauper, a singer from a sinner, a human from a mortal burdened with the curse of the urban living. In simple words, a paper that would have had scratches of art on it, never to be touched, felt, experienced, but merely seen, never perceived. That would have been us, without those emotions that keep us going.

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

M Lakshmi Supriya is an architect/designer, artist, and author of two poetry books "Musings by a Spearhead" (2018) and "Petals and Thorns-Love and a little Heartbreak" (2020 in collaboration with author Sukanya Basu Mallik) Her works are a reflection, an insignia testimony to her true self, in sonnet and story and do not conform to any rule or method. She believes in the idea of resonance and that is exactly what her words in poetry, have strived to do, reach people and resonate with them. She is also an upcoming podcaster and has her own poetry podcast "Poems by The Spearhead Poet" on Spotify and other streaming platforms.

DECEMBER 2021

WE DON'T SELL BOOKS

We help you increase your book sales.

talktous@storizen.com

by Neelakshi Banerjee

MUSIC, AN EVERLASTING COMPANION

ince childhood I have grown up in the midst of music. My father, being an amateur guitar player, I was acquainted with a wide spectrum of music at a very young age, to suit my equally wandering moods. From country classics to melodious pops to toetapping rocks, there is a conspicuous uniqueness in the songs of the sundrenched era of the 70s and 80s which is somewhat missing in contemporary times. Songs of the famous bands of BoneyM, ABBA, Carpenters, AirSupply, Beatles not only instilled in me a sense of melody but also became an unwavering companion of me during my plaintive times. Individual singers who have notably influenced me are Cliff Richard, Paul Anka, Dan Fogelberg, Matt Monroe, Andy Williams, and countless others. Songs like Rasputin, MaBaker, Hooray Hooray of BoneyM or Waterloo, Dancing queen of ABBA are apt to introduce a jovial tinge to exalt the mood of a party.

Evergreen Tree or Where do I begin by Andy Williams is a tribute to love, sang and dedicated countless times by young lovers. I remember getting mesmerized listening to the pitch and melody of this band AirSupply in their beautiful rendition of Making love out of nothing at all or Just as I am. At times I get so thoroughly immersed in these unparalleled melodies that I weave a story in my mind and then put these songs aligning to that story.

I remember dancing to the tune of All Night Holiday alone at home just to dissipate my growing loneliness and it worked wonders. And in the same way songs like the Winner takes it all or Matt Monroe’s When The Music Played has a story on its own so beautifully portrayed in music that it captivates the listeners with their intriguing melancholy. Superhit songs like

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

Listening to songs also inculcated a desire in me to sing some of my favorite songs in my own voice and then eagerly ask my father for honest insights. The memories of going to a long drive with my family with country classics like Sutter’s Mill playing in the car and the cool spring breeze caressing my face with the occasional laughter interrupting the song will forever be etched in my mind. Now if I feel sad and alone, these memories and the songs become my companions who bring wistful smiles to my face as they take me to my favorite memory lane. Sometimes I crave for a lonely wintry night to wrap myself in a cozy blanket with a hot coffee mug in my hand and to get lost in a reverie listening to Elvis Presley.The right choice of songs that directly complement the mood can act as a perfect medicine to soothe the mind, or to accentuate our emotions. Very recently I have been introduced to a band whose lead singer with his extraordinary voice and unabashed originality has become my favorite. The movie Bohemian Rhapsody introduced me to the Queen and the legend Freddie Mercury. The more I listen to him, the more I get entranced by his genredefining songs in his intrepid voice which not only shows his talent but also his sagacity. His songs are like diaries expressing his deepest emotions. The song A Fairyfeller’s Masterstroke is an art in

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

motion while the song The Show Must Go On speaks of such hard-earned truth that only an alert mind can perceive. So many times tears streamed down my eyes listening to the truth in the songs Too Much Love Will Kill You or Mother Love as if he was trying to express his deepest agony through them. The song Bohemian Rhapsody with its multifarious meaning can invoke curiosity in the listeners as to what meaning aligned with Freddie but instead of divulging left it to the creativity of the listeners which makes the song even more alluring. Each song has a story on its own and it can shape our thinking, inspire our ambition, enrich our sagacity, fortify our resolution, and makes us better human beings. To me, songs hold a special meaning in my heart and are a perfect gateway to escape the mayhem of the modern world.

DECEMBER 2021

My name is Neelakshi Banerjee. Recently I have developed a budding interest to delve through the subtle beauty of art and articulate my imaginations with the help of words. Music holds a pivotal place in my life. Though am an engineer by profession I believe both science and arts are equally imperative to make this world a more beautiful place.

@justice11254

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

Anomaly in Prostate Gland by Sushma M Bhardwaj

STORIZEN HEALTH

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. It does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases. Get the help of a certified medical professional or a certified dietician before making any changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

rostate gland is located just below the bladder in men and surrounds the top portion of the tube that drains urine from the bladder. The size of the prostate gland is like the size of a walnut. The primary function of the prostate is to produce the fluid that nourishes and transports the sperm. The causes of prostate enlargement are mostly unknown, however, it is believed to be linked with hormonal changes in men. As men age, the prostate tends to increase in size this can cause the urethra to narrow and decrease urine flow. As men continue to age, this leads to enlargement in prostate glands and it can also lead to prostate cancer. The first signs of prostate problems are: 1) Frequent urge to urinate 2) Need to get up many times during the night

5) Painful ejaculation 6) Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back When one is diagnosed with a prostate problem or early symptoms you must change your food pattern 1) Have more fruit in your diet, because they are full of antioxidants. Fruits with antioxidants include all kinds of berries – blueberry, cranberry, mulberry, etc. 2) Maintain a healthy, balanced diet 3) Exercise regularly 4) Include saturated fatty acids like Coconut oil 5) Maintain your weight so it falls in the required BMI 6) Take less white sugar and less salt People usually go for the removal of the prostate, which has risk associated with it. The removal of the prostate can cause infection, blood clots, infertility, erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, and urethral narrowing.

3) Blood in urine or semen 4) Pain or burning during urination DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

STORIZEN HEALTH

Click to watch on YouTube To avoid all the surgical processes, I would suggest, those who are suffering from this issue, take Prostate Fuel of OK Life Care for all the prostate-related problems. This product has the following ingredients which work wonders at the onset of the problem. 1) Saw Palmetto Berry extract - it reduces the size of the prostate gland 2) Cranberry - along with prostate problems there are increased chances of UTI so cranberry extract takes care of all the problems related to UTI 3) Punarva, Gokhru - they are helpful in reducing the size of the prostate

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

4) Lycopene - it is a powerful antioxidant and it also has anticancerous properties 5) Vitamin D3 - sometimes prostate problems also arise due to lack of vitamin D. 6) Copper, Zinc- these trace elements improve the functioning of the prostate 7) Probiotics - it takes care of your gut health So do not take prostate problems lightly as prostate cancer is the sixth major reason of death in males in the world. Take care of your body and mental health. Stay well and healthy in the new year.

DECEMBER 2021

WE DON'T SELL BOOKS

We help you increase your book sales.

talktous@storizen.com

BOOK EXCERPT

After the Peak An excerpt from the book What’s Within You: Your Roadmap to Living Life With No Barriers by Tom Lillig & David Shurna

he day after Erik Weihenmayer climbed down from that snowy, windblown mountaintop on Everest, he was confronted by a new kind of storm—the whirlwind of fame. After years of climbing under the radar, suddenly Erik’s face was on billboards, he was featured on the cover of Time magazine, he was interviewed on Oprah. His seemingly impossible feat would be documented in the film Farther than the Eye Can See as well as a TV movie, Touch the Top. Erik’s story was powerful and inspiring, and people wanted to hear it. To the outside world, Erik had achieved it all. And yet, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. As Pasquale’s words echoed in his head —“Don’t make Everest the greatest thing you ever do”—Erik realized the deeper meaning that his friend was trying to relay: “I didn’t want my life to be a conquest. Goals feel like false summits; you reach what you thought was the top, only to discover a higher summit. So, you continue to climb higher and higher, always finding another summit a little higher, and you never find what you’re looking for. The magic of life has to exist beyond a perpetual series of summits.” As Erik was contemplating what was missing from his life, he thought back to a time when he still had just a tiny bit of his sight remaining in his right eye—a time when, if he pressed his face

DECEMBER 2021

against the screen, he could still watch television. In those waning days just before he went blind completely, he saw a news program that was focused on a young man named Terry Fox. Terry was a Canadian who had lost one of his legs to cancer, and he was in the hospital when he decided he was going to run across Canada in order to raise awareness for the disease. This would entail running thousands of miles, essentially a marathon per day, and he would be doing it on a rudimentary prosthetic. As the young Erik struggled to see Terry’s unbelievable feat unfold on screen, he caught a glimpse of Terry’s face, and in it, Erik saw a light. It was this internal light that seemed to be fuelling him. And that’s what Erik decided he wanted —a purpose that would fuel him through the tough times. Erik set to work on crafting his own Vision. For him, it was a process of first reckoning with his internal landscape, understanding what mattered most to him, and then putting his values into action. What the process revealed to Erik was that he valued leadership and community, and he was fuelled by the adventure that is shared with others. Here’s the Vision Statement he crafted: To find a way to lead despite my own fears, to push myself beyond my understanding of what I’m capable of, and to always be a good partner and friend. STORIZEN MAGAZINE

Pic: Tom Lillig (L), David Shurna (R) He also realized that his feats could build awareness for the blind community and the disabled community at large; and, in doing so, he could grow the confidence within that community. But it goes beyond that, too. As he considered his own journey, he realized that all of us feel like we’re climbing blind at times. For him, no matter a person’s ability or disability, we all face adversities; we are all in need of a map to help guide us through our challenges. Once Erik’s goals became an outgrowth of his Vision, his adventures took on greater meaning in his life. Since that day in May 2001, when Erik stood in the wind at the top of Mount Everest, he has not stopped attempting remarkable feats. Several years after Everest, Erik completed the Seven Summits, putting him in yet another exclusive club. He has 42

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

Pic: Erik Weihenmayer (Source: Wikiepedia)

DECEMBER 2021

also taken on skydiving, caving, marathon running, and even kayaking. (In fact, Erik recently kayaked the entire 277 miles of the Grand Canyon.) But even though Erik has become one of the most celebrated athletes in the world, he has not lost sight of his Vision, which grew out of his need for a universal human experience. Today, Erik spends his time speaking to organizations and corporations, using his own life experiences to help others draw their own maps. “My heart burned with the memory of my heroes, people like Helen Keller, who took the world’s perceptions about the disabled and shattered them into a million pieces, people whose stories made me hunger for the courage to live in their image.” —Erik Weihenmayer

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

An Interesting Story Reviewed by Swapna Peri

STORIZEN REVIEW

DECEMBER 2021

BOOK REVIEW

Angels of Kailash is the second book by Shubira Prasad. This is a continuation of the first book, The Demons of Jaitraya. The book Demons of Jaitraya is about the demons that silently planned, escaped and bluffed the mighty Hanuman in the war of Ramayana. They hid in Space, Earth, and Water and reappeared in the 20th century. They hibernated for many ages and came back into the present times. Through the ages, the powers of the warriors have deceased. Earlier, one warrior could annihilate a hundred demons easily. Now, the line between good and bad has blurred due to crime, corruption, chaos, etc. So to kill the demon, Hanuman formed an army with Aishani and Adheesh, who have divine weapons and powers to kill the evils. These two kids are trained in the gurukul. The school of warfare was destroyed at the end of the first book. The second book, Angels of Kailash, now starts with the destruction of the school of warfare. The Guru and the Gurukul are killed and destroyed. The

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

About the Book This book has good explanations of the different philosophies that collectively make up the beautiful mosaic of Indian mythology and ancient knowledge. The author uses the mythological stories and the legends of Ramayana as the basis for her novel, as mentioned.

Book Review

STORIZEN REVIEW

Garuda Devta attempts to bring him and others inured back to life, believing that herbs found in the mountain range of Kailash will bring him back to life. Thus, with the people and Adheesh and Aishani, all travel to Mount Kailash. Aishani, who has a good idea and knowledge of the herbs, tries reviving the dead souls with the help of Adheesh and others.

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 @sappy_dreamz_unlimited @swapna508

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

An Unusual Plot! Reviewed by Swapna Peri

STORIZEN REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW

A good book is a book that has those elements which engage the readers from the first page of the book till the end. The good writing in this book by author Arthy helps readers to gel with the story's characters and immediately transport them to the places of happening. The development and progress of a character are written elegantly. The story doesn't have unwanted drama and boring scenes. Apart from the positives, I usually dislike spoon-feeding to the readers with every detail explained. This could have been avoided. Other than this, the book is an absolute treat. Narration: This is the heart of any book. A novel might have a great story and characters, but it all depends on how the story is narrated. In here, Arthy has done a good job. As the book is a combined plot of main elements like antsy and fiction, the story flows smoothly, and every scene narrated is realistic yet has a fun and fantasy element. Each chapter has a surprise component.

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

About the Book The story's central character is Kavin, who is also the protagonist. As the blurb says, he is a tourist guide, and the story is set up in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Though he is young, his past keeps haunting him. He is a victim of PTSD, and with his phobia towards the water, his nights are quite different and unexpected.

Book Review

STORIZEN REVIEW

Final Verdict: Interesting story unusual plot!

with

Rating: Book Title: 3/5 Book Cover: 3/5 Inside the book: 3/5 Characters: 3/5 Narration: 3/5 Language & Grammar: 3/5 Final Rating: 3/5

(check out storizen.com for full review)

@swapna.peri @sappy_dreamz_unlimited @swapna508

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

An Interactive Book Reviewed by Swapna Peri

STORIZEN REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW

To gain success in any business, achieving financial freedom is a goal for many people. It generally means having enough savings, investments, and cash on hand to afford the lifestyle you want for yourself and your family—and a growing nest egg that will allow you to retire or pursue the career you want without being driven by earning a certain amount each year. Sometimes due to many unforeseen reasons, many people fail to achieve it. They are burdened with increasing debt, financial emergencies, profligate spending, and other issues that thwart them from reaching their goals. Then, unexpected events, such as a hurricane or earthquake—or pandemic—overturn plans bring out the never seen problems.

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

About the Book Are you stuck in survival mode? Struggling to make ends meet or pay the monthly EMIs? So lost working round the clock that you cannot work towards what you really want to be in life? In today’s world, compulsive spending habits, increasing liabilities, less income, and heavy debts are killing the dreams of millions of people.

Book Review

STORIZEN REVIEW

To make the review spoilerfree, recommending this book is the foremost thing I would do. Written in the most simple language with good and practical explanations, a to-do list and a summary/feedback form after every chapter makes the book interactive too. Understanding financial freedom is not rocket science, but one can achieve it without any hiccups with careful planning. Visit storizen.com for full review

@swapna.peri @sappy_dreamz_unlimited @swapna508

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

A Book for Entrepreneurs Reviewed by Swapna Peri

STORIZEN REVIEW

BOOK REVIEW

Jumping straight into the review of the book, the contents are divided into three sections, and each section has subtopics. Everyone wants to be the exception and become successful. But for a startup or even building a multimillion-dollar company in 12 months simply isn't an easy thing. The companies that seem like overnight success stories flew under the radar for several years before finding their big break. This is the main mantra that one must understand. Keeping in view this point, the first section in the book - 'MINDSET' explains the importance of personality traits that help in building the base plan. Naming the company, understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses, creating a support structure with fellow people, and most importantly, family support is some of the key points to be kept in mind.

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

About the Book In today’s times, the most valuable currency for a start-up is the environment it creates and fosters, for its clients as well as for its employees. Be it Droom, upGrad, OYO Hotels & Homes, or Swiggy, the founders of all such successful companies have leveraged the golden rule of protecting and promoting their organization’s values and culture.

Book Review

STORIZEN REVIEW

Author Karan Kashyap's attempt to bring out this book is a boon to those young entrepreneurs looking out for confidence and a helping hand in times of dire need of inspiration. The book is recommended to all those young people who look for some tips to understand the hidden tricks to understand the business and its structure.

(check out storizen.com for full review)

@swapna.peri @sappy_dreamz_unlimited @swapna508

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

g i n th n i n i e L r

ss Co n sine u Bu

D f oin o e g s a E

BOOK REVIEW

rum nd

A S i l v e

Arnab B

Reviewed by Inkerspress

u s a

s the Indian economy is progressing, new ideas have been developing ever since the idea of encouraging business for development came to light. Hence, innovation was bound to see the light of the day, and so were the disadvantages that accompanied it. “A Silver Lining in the Ease of Doing Business Conundrum” by Arnab Basu discusses the bright and the dark side of the concept of Ease of Doing Business in our country, which is moving swiftly on the road of development. While the author discusses the idea with practical references and records, he also touches on major aspects in a precise and focused manner. As the central focus, he highlights the effects the ideas of business have had on the environment of the country and also, how the national bodies have tried to take care of this. Basu’s “A Silver Lining in the Ease of Doing Business Conundrum” features an attractive book cover that shows different aspects of how humans are on the road of development but how giving attention to the environment is equally significant. The grey color in the background attempts to highlight the implications that may have been ignored otherwise. He divides the book into 4 broad chapters where he shows the environment at par with business and the ease of doing it. Through these chapters, he explains the conflict and the tough of war situation that features

DECEMBER 2021

the canvas of the Indian landscape and its hopes to be a developed nation. He makes the readers aware of things and the way they would be in the future. To ensure that the readers understand, Basu keeps the content concise, focused, and straightforward. He does not waver unnecessarily and gives the details which are enough for the readers to attain an understanding. The chapters, for once, may seem to be detailed, yet as the readers go through them, they feel interested in reading as the placement of information places everything in sequence for them. This also makes the book an enlightening reading. The book centres around the time after the creation of the National Green Tribunal alongside the evolution of Ease of doing Business. “A Silver Lining in the Ease of Doing Business Conundrum” attempts to educate the readers and make them aware of the happenings they may not be aware of. Basu does thorough research and presents facts in a neutral and balanced manner. At the same time, he does not let his viewpoint affect the perception of the readers, and he leaves it to their understanding. He does not digress when he writes the chapters and frequently brings in details that are the product of real events. This opens the book to be read from an academic and leisure point of view. Students can read it, and so can those readers who want to update their knowledge. STORIZEN MAGAZINE

Pic: Arnab Basu “A Silver Lining in the Ease of Doing Business Conundrum” by Arnab Basu would be enjoyed by those readers who are interested in content based on nonfiction and which raises practical concerns along with awareness of the facts as they occur. With his extensive research, Basu also enriches the readers with factual information, and many would also find their facts being updated or refreshed. It would also be a good book for those readers who are not much aware of the facts and information regarding the ease of doing business and its relation with the environment. Along with this, the author keeps the language simple and avoids jargon so that he can reach out to maximum readers.

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

The readers who have read Basu’s former book, “The Journey Through Holocene,” would have a fair idea of the nature of the author’s style of writing and the subject of focus in his writing. They would also feel instantly interested in reading “A Silver Lining in the Ease of Doing Business Conundrum” as it presents a different version of the author’s research and knowledge which finds its way in writing from a different dimension. At the same time, reading both books would open the readers’ minds further and educate them on their factual knowledge. Like the former book, Basu’s“A Silver Lining in the Ease of Doing Business Conundrum” also explores the idea of development in the light of sustainability and its related concepts.

DECEMBER 2021

Therefore, Arnab Basu’s book would not only educate the readers, but it would also increase their awareness and help them develop an understanding of how easeful is doing business or how much it is not and how the environment has been affected. Hence, all readers should try reading “A Silver Lining in the Ease of Doing Business Conundrum” as the environment and its concerns are a burning issue of the day, and an awareness of them may help in revolutionizing the way business has been done so far.

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

STORIZEN POETRY

Lost Time... by Madhumathi H A huge heavy rock I had carried all along Weighed down, weary Often, not knowing how to carry, or Put it down... But lost time is a chisel Grey hairs are not just reminders of age, but Of the lost time, youth, energy, and love Of the fresh tender years... Lost time, is a feeling, "A huge portion of myself, Scooped out of my soul, and Am falling into my own emptiness... Caught in my own labyrinth..." But lost time is a Mallet I sighed Often "I couldn't blossom in the garden of my choice I wanted to grow like a tree in full bloom, in a forest... My roots ache, unable to stretch and spread inside a pot!..." But lost time is a sculptor

64 |

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN POETRY

Amid all the chaos I learned to land in love with the NOW Heart replenished with gratitude, hope Reassured my wings, "it is never too late" To fly, choose your own Sky... Lost time, is a Mentor If sarcasm had a face, it was mine, for All the nit-pickers Naysayers Mockers Smirk, the only response I gave... My soul shined brighter From all the fire of courage within From all the stars of hope, pinned on my dreams Lost time, is the coal becoming diamond All the canopies of love I walked under Showered fragrant blossoms From life's gentle hands that healed Each petal smiled as they knew What I longed for More reasons, to smile along the way... Lost time, is the sculpture of hope The universe transformed me into... I am the lost time Rolled into Now A happier soul, harvesting poems...

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, CPCChennai Poetry Circle, IPC – India Poetry Circle, Amaravati Poetic Prism, and in ezines 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", “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

DECEMBER 2021

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

STORIZEN POETRY

Lost Times by Sumantra Chaudhury

And so it did fly away, Like a feather in thr March wind,' And with fervor I tried to grasp,' Oh dear! It slipped my hand. The moments have been precious. Encased within the soft of my heart, Those days of free mingling. And blending like a hand in glove. The shyness of your beauty Those words like a poem in rhyme, The time we embraved our love. So distant, yet lingering in real-time. The long walk by the beach, The late night stroll down the lane. Getting soaked in the blessed ain. Those lost times I want to savor again.

STORIZEN MAGAZINE

Sumantra is a young aspiring poet trying to express his thoughts, emotions, and ideas through rhyming verse. He is working as a Senior Consultant (Communication Design) with a reputed IT firm in Bengaluru. He is also a trained Kathak & Hip Hop dancer and has performed in several stage shows. When not writing or dancing, he spends time creating short funny videos on social media. He believes that the best gifts in life come in small packages.

DECEMBER 2021

WE DON'T SELL BOOKS

We help you increase your book sales.

talktous@storizen.com

We are Sure You got a brilliant idea for a story Let us know when you write it and publish it. We'll help you spread the good word.

talktous@storizen.com

Rekindle your love for books and literature. We bring you the latest releases, interviews and much more from the writing world in our every issue. Get Storizen Magazine delivered to your inbox the moment the issue is released, subscribe now!

Exclusive Digital Issue. For more columns and features, scan below