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My First Defeat- it happened, not when I lost a game or something that we call life race. I was defeated when I first thought I\u2019m not worth it or I\u2019m not talented as much as everyone else was....ya that was my First Defeat when I started self-pitying myself. But you know what, I was wrong. I was totally wrong. My Defeat is because I haven\u2019t given my best at all. Maybe I\u2019m good at something else. But instead of considering the maybe or because I started thinking that I\u2019m not capable of anything.<\/p>
Days passed....months passed...years passed.... and I start cursing myself.....<\/p>
one day I found my talent.but it was too late.<\/p>
After losing something if I would not have blamed myself and started thinking about what mistake I would have done and started correcting them. The story would have been something different<\/p>
So remember -\u201c Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, but this time more intelligently\u201d<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507727379920","data":"59de188ab9097"}]
I feel like I should say this, with Comic-Con Hyderabad one day away. <\/p>
Many of us youngsters will be headed to Comic-Con to celebrate our weirdness together, but it is important for us to remember that no matter what, it is not okay for you to touch a cosplayer without permission, neither is it okay for you to take pictures without permission. <\/p>
Too many times I've seen people just grab cosplayers, especially women, around by their waists and pulling them around to take photos with without even asking for permission which, obviously, leads to some heated arguments. If you are at the Con, remember that the cosplayers are dressing up to celebrate their fandom, and not for your fantasies. <\/p>
So the following are 5 tips that you need to keep in mind while you're attending the con and not to come off as a creep. <\/p>
1. Come to the con for the fandoms, not the women: <\/b><\/p>
Look, don't try to pretend that there aren't boys who only go to the Con to check out women and creep on them. We saw this in prominence last year when half of Hyderabad seemingly turned up for the Con, so much so that there was barely any room to breathe in the hall, let alone walk in peace. When you have this many people in a crowded room, things get messy, especially with people who have come only to objectify women and not to enjoy the fandoms they like. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507792032590","data":"59df1b8d48d3d"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507792034521","data":"
2. Understand Consent: <\/b> <\/p>
You have to understand that if anyone, man or woman, says no to your request, turn around and walk away. If a cosplayer does not want to take pictures with you, then walk away, because a No means a No. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507792105151","data":"59df1ba7b6c81"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507792107140","data":"
3. Learn to ask permissions: <\/b> <\/p>
This isn't just limited to asking cosplayers permissions to take pictures with, but if you are taking a picture of anyone else, make sure you ask them for permission. It is Comic-Con, cosplayers understand that they'll be taking pictures with folk all day, just ask first. It is a shame that I even have to write this down. <\/p>"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507791318727","data":"
4. Learn to take a No: <\/b> <\/p>
Let's not take any names in this article, but not very long ago, an acquaintance with a massive ego was refused a photo with a cosplayer and a dear friend. This acquaintance went berserk, yelling at her in the middle of the crowded hall because she had dared hurt his fragile male ego. Don't do that, learn to take a no. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507792578671","data":"59df1bc462e10"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507792740984","data":"
5. Remember that the world doesn't revolve around you: <\/b> <\/p>
Comic-Con is for everyone, not just for you. Women don't exist for your ego, if your idea of fun comes at the expense of someone else's, please do us all a favour and leave the con. The world does not, and will never, revolve around you, therefore making things worse for someone else is the worst thing you can do. Don't be a creep. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507793585635","data":"59df1be642dba"}]
Not being a big fan of historical movies, when I went, I was a blank sheet. I wanted to watch the movie on my own terms and form my own opinions. The way you think gets distorted when you take in the opinions of other people before judging it yourself.\nNeedless to say, the movie surprised me. It surprised me because it was never larger than life. This is 'my opinion' or otherwise what I call as 'a couple of thoughts that grazed my mind while I watched the movie'.\nScenes of aerial combat spitfires and paranoid shots at the sea shore aside, the movie told the story of war as it probably might have taken place. It didn't suggest a tale of a hero who charged into battles nor a tale of villain who is dragged to hell for destroying the world<\/u>. <\/p>\n
The story told by Dunkirk is a story drenched in many shades<\/u>- it's a story of shifting conclusion of morality which never seems to cease, about frightened youngsters just like you or me, marching into battle only because everyone else was, sometimes inspired to be courageous, at other times, purely motivated to survive no matter what the cost. The soldiers in Nolan's screen were sometimes a hero, sometimes a villain, sometimes merely extras, but at all times, human. <\/p>\n
Our movies are almost always stories of great feats by remarkable people, the reason we have a hero, who has villains to defeat and extras to outshine. We need it because we need to believe that there is something more than just our lives on this planet. We need to believe that there's something more. We need someone to blame, someone to save and someone to be a hero. Maybe damaged, maybe foul mouthed, maybe not perfect yet still a hero.<\/u><\/p>\n
I look around at my life and it's anything but larger than life. I'm an awkward almost-adult who lives life with earphones in my ears. I'm no hero. I stumble and fall, and then I get up. I try to do right but more often than not, mess it up. I sometimes say things I don't mean and I sometimes hurt the people that love me. <\/p>\n
There are moments when I feel like I am part of something big, like when I stand up to speak or when I'm writing my heart out, and see it resonate with wonderfully different people from across the globe. But most of the time, I'm just a confused person trying to keep it all together, wondering when I'll be the hero of my own story. Maybe, I already am. Just as it seems. <\/p>\n"}]
At the break of the day, as I got up from my bed, I heard a cuckoo telling a message to her friend or maybe singing just to share her joy. I wondered how come a bird\u2019s song can be so mesmerizing. That might be the magic of music. <\/p>\n
I put my backpack in the trunk and was driving to Cochin, listening to Drake\u2019s Grammys, and going with the varied playlist of mine\u2026some beats of Michael and melodies of Elvis. Then I approached the shore of the mighty Arabian Sea. The majestic wind turbines with mammoth sized blades turning to rhythm of wind, soaring high in the sky just left me awe inspired. Then leaving my headset and mobile in my car, I reached the shore to see something wonderful yet pretty melodious. The way the huge waves made their way from somewhere in middle of the vast waters to the shore striking with huge force just made a sort of sound, or maybe it was one of the songs of the nature, I guess. The rhythm of the flamingos and sea gulls pulled me towards them. That serene sea suddenly turned to something similar to a stage for a concert filled with tunes so soothing yet simple. <\/p>\n
After driving about fifty kilometers on an expressway, I reached the beautiful Western Ghats. The lush greenery just caught my sight and made me stop there. I reached a waterfall. There were a lot of birds, many of which were parrots and sparrows. There were a very few deers far from my sight yodeling and those birds were being creative hymnodists. <\/p>\n
The euphony made by mother nature filled me with an aura of euphoria. The I questioned was it really necessary to have a speaker or earpiece to have music, like should some person sing it with an orchestra? Then I answered to myself this might not be the only way.<\/p>\n
The harmonious music made by the trees, wind and all life full of beans' was no less than any of Fifth Harmony's single. I realized my d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu of having this feeling before but didn\u2019t realized this was a small showcase of creativity of mother nature.<\/p>\n
I admired her and resumed my journey. But then I started listening to beats not on mobile but on and along my way. This might be the so called Viva la Vida.<\/p>\n"}]
It has come to my attention that many people are nervous when they visit the airport for the first time, for a variety of reasons. From the tight security to the plush ornate design of the interiors, the general stark cleanliness of the surroundings and the lack of chaos that us Indians are used to in a bus or train station. It feels completely new and puts you on your guard, because it is simply human tendency to fear the unknown, it is perfectly alright. But you don't have to worry, because as someone privileged enough to fly enough times around the world, I have a few tips for you to remember as you head towards your first flight. <\/p>
1. Make a list of things you need: <\/b> <\/p>
You get used to this, but if this is your first ever time flying, sit down, take a piece of paper and a pen and write down everything you'll need to fly. Don't write what you'll pack, but what you actually need to make the trip, like your ticket, your ID and if you're traveling abroad, your Passport. This is important because it is often very easy to forget things when you're nervous about flying the first time, and before you begin the trip, crosscheck multiple times in a cool and calm manner, there is no need to panic. Speaking of staying calm, however...<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507735788117","data":"59de44d053403"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507735790249","data":"
2. Stay calm, there is no reason to panic: <\/b><\/p>
I realise people say that especially when there are plenty of reasons to panic, but in this case, there are none. The airport is a safe zone unless you're smuggling something, so don't actually do that. Enjoy the sights, get shocked at the prices on the menu in the varied cafes and restaurants that dot the place and find a nice chair you can sit on. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507737456507","data":"59de44df6a284"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507737458699","data":"
3. Security Checks are a deterrent: <\/b> <\/p>
And they are there for your safety, so take comfort in that fact. Security checks can get really bothersome, but make sure you follow instructions when you are asked to do something and ensure that you and your fellow passengers are cleared through security as soon as possible. You will most likely be asked to deposit your phone, wallet and laptop in a tray available at the security clearance desk, so do it, and wait in line for your turn. If something happens, answer the questions you are asked as truthfully as you can. Remember, you have done nothing wrong, therefore you have no reason to fear. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507737597196","data":"59de44f9c2bb2"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507737599034","data":"
4. Don't hesitate to ask for help: <\/b> <\/p>
One good thing about airports is that you can always rely on someone being close by who can help you out if you are confused and do not know which way to go. Before you get your boarding pass, airliners usually have people spread out near their counters who will ask you if you need help, alternatively you could go to them and ask for help as well. There's no shame in being a little lost and asking for help, therefore do not worry if you do not know what to do once you get through the initial security and are headed towards picking your boarding pass. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507737717813","data":"59de451fd88cc"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507737719529","data":"
5. Remember to have fun: <\/b> <\/p>
If you are a first time flyer, you will experience the result of many decades of research into aviation in action as you fasten your seat belts in the aircraft cabin. The thrill of the aircraft attaining high speeds and the force you feel on your body as the aircraft takes off, as well as the lightness in your body when it starts descending is an incredible experience, one which can be scary at first. Remember that flying remains the safest way humans have travelled, and that you are in safe hands with an industry that has many regulations to check and prevent anything untoward from happening. <\/p>
Oh, and do ask your fellow passenger if you could have the window seat just for take off, since it is your first time. More often than not, they'll agree. Have fun! <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507738807973","data":"59de4538aef5c"}]
The best weekend of the year, as they advertise themselves, is a fitting tagline for Comic-Con. A 2-day event celebrating your favourite movies, video games and of course, comics is basically a dream come true for every young geek who grew up playing video games, reading comic books and watching Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. <\/p>
Comic-Con Hyderabad, to be held this weekend on October 14-15, is the first Comic-Con edition in the country this year. With a range of guests - including Sailesh Gopalan of Brown Paperbag comics, whose interview you can read by clicking here - the event promises to be a memorable one with cosplayers from across the city and a few from across the country attending the event. But while all that sounds good, during a recent discussion with a friend about the event, we spoke about what makes Comic-Con an event we strongly identify with.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507730312336","data":"59de29737375c"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507730314210","data":"
The extent of popular culture in India was centered around movies with over the top heroes and action sequences where a seemingly normal man beats up multiple henchmen with no particular problem, not even stopping to break a sweat. These movies also put a lot of emphasis on 'machoism', where the hero asserts his dominant masculinity over the people around him, even other men. The idea was that this was the only man you needed to see in the room, in this case, the screen. Heroes were flawless, they had the perfect comeback lines, they were ready to take on any challenges, they formed cults of personality around them with people existing solely to feed his ego.<\/p>
There were some of us that didn't like this at all. <\/p>
As much as our movies tried to promote - and still do - the machoism of the hero in movies, there were many of us who wanted stories, real grounded stories about extraordinary people. This led to an underground culture around comic books, greatly aided by the many Indian comics like Tinkle, Raj Comics and more. Chacha Chowdary was, and still remains, many young children's first introduction to a proper comic book. <\/p>
So for us misfits who rejected the popular culture that Bollywood forces upon us, we had comics to fall back on with its varied stories and interesting, richly detailed characters. But while comics had had a following for quite some time in India - just not a convention to celebrate it - there was another niche that was quickly forming as India opened the floodgates to its economy in the 90s: TV Show buffs and Gamers. <\/p>
The Indian economy boomed after liberalisation carried out in, coincidentally, the same year I was born. This would lead to a new generation of Indian children with access to the Internet and by extension, video games and TV shows. Starting my love affair with video games in 1995, I've never looked back over the years as I played more and more, keeping notebooks for games like Tomb Raider to write down puzzle solutions and draw rough maps from memory of the levels I had gone through to see if I could find an exit to the room I was stuck in. Those were the days. <\/p>
While I've never been a TV show buff until 2010, thanks to a dear friend who introduced me to How I Met Your Mother, video games have always been my life and I felt that there wasn't a proper community around it. That is until Facebook became mainstream in India. I found that there are thousands of people like me, people whom I count among my friends today, who felt the same way. It was only a matter of time before we would have something that would let us celebrate our collective geekiness together. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507731537362","data":"59de29894ed87"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507731539423","data":"
This is why Comic-Con means so much to me. It is a platform for me to meet like-minded folk, people with whom I can hang out and talk, come out of my comforting shell of being a recluse and be part of a community. Being part of a community is, after all, a very comforting thing to keep in mind: you have a family that isn't bound to you by blood, but by your shared interest in a work of art. <\/p>
I do realise that there are many who have grown some animosity against how Comic-Cons are held in India, and I get that. It isn't perfect, but they were part of the movement while it was growing and with all our efforts, it will become something that we can all be very proud of. <\/p>
See you at the con! <\/p>"}]
He rises before the sunrise and without a second thought about his life he goes and works for his nation. It has been years he gets time to think about himself, his family and the wishes and dreams he had. Years pass by and there is no difference in his life, but he is always proud of the country he is living in. Not many things he wants to accomplish in life but a dream to make all the citizens feel safe. He is none other than an armed soldier. Being an army brat, I know the agony my father goes through. But whatever may be the case he is always smiling and never expresses his true feelings. Whenever there is a knock at the door, I have seen the expressions on my parents face, my dad is ready to leave seeking for his bag's and my mother has a smile on her face to make my father feel better. <\/p>
I have heard many stories from him..., the life at the border, the feeling of not being safe, the fear of the enemy, and the determination to fight. Many times even during his leave he gets a call saying that 'There is an emergency, your leave is cancelled and you have to report back at the border'. His life as he says belongs to his nation. My father always quotes these lines 'Wealth is gone nothing is gone, health is gone something is gone, the character is gone all is gone', and advises me to remember it always. <\/p>
I am proud of my father and I want to follow his footsteps. Like all parents, his dream is to see me at a better position, so that I can live a better life. The sufferings he has gone through, he doesn't want me to face them ever. Life of a soldier starts with a responsibility, he has to protect his nation and think about his family. But ask anyone, none of them will put their family as the first priority, service is their aim and only goal. No matter you belong to which side of the border, that feeling of patriotism is what all matters. Visit the Wagah Border, Amritsar and you will feel the vibes of a love of one's country. Singing the national anthem at the end of the event will give you goosebumps. His life is always on the edge, a single decision to be a saviour of his country changes the lifestyle he leads. The respect you get and the opportunity to give someone a better life, a secure life and the smiling faces of millions, you just can't be more satisfied and happier than that.<\/p>\n"}]
Recently, a friend of mine was excessively bullied by teenagers on the internet who thought their words do not have consequences and that they can get away with whatever they say. Of course, they later found out that people with resources can track them down and be the bearer of consequences to their hateful comments, the incident got me thinking, however, of why do people, especially young teenagers like the ones who were reprimanded, do what they do online. <\/p>
It should be noted that in India, the teenage angst phase continues for much longer than actual teenage. Unlike developed countries, teenagers are not allowed to explore who they are as a person and this level of repression has adverse effects on the development of the teenager into a healthy adult. The infantilisation of children by parents even in an very sensitive age where they are learning who they are and start to see that their parents are not all knowing gods but people like them them causes teenagers to develop into immature young adults who do not understand that their actions can have consequences because they never faced any while they were teens themselves. <\/p>
Which is why you see these adult children even in colleges, sometimes you see them even later in life. I truly pity them. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507716931897","data":"59ddfb605023d"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507716934409","data":"
So what is it about angst that makes you want to lash out like that? The core part about being a teenager is that you do believe nobody really understands you anymore. You are desperate to be an adult and you think that 'adult humour' constitutes of you being a horrible person to someone you don't even know, or barely know. This leads to enjoying and using the type of humour we like to call 'edgy', edge of the cliff humour, called that because only other edge lords seem to enjoy it. <\/p>
First things first, it is completely okay to feel like nobody understands you, but you need to understand that there are people who can help you because they have been through the same thing. Secondly. don't forget that your actions have consequences, and that other people have feelings and their lives too. <\/p>
So the solution here is really simple, you can not be a dumb teenager by developing empathy with your fellow peers, the people you meet, the stories you read. Understand that they too are going through some stuff in their lives and just because you are going through the same does not give you the right to be rude or say something harmful to them. <\/p>"}]
Since the world is obsessed with labels, people are often surprised that I, a woman, can like someone like Steven Wilson, with his preferences to heavy but slow guitar riffs. For this reason, I've always associated him with Neil Gaiman: people are shocked that I, a girl, can read comics! OMG, how? How does a girl know about these things? Funny as it is that Gaiman's readers are mostly female, Wilson's music is something that men aren't usually encouraged to share: emotional and raw. <\/p>
Steven John Wilson (born 3 November 1967) is an English musician and record producer. Currently a solo artist, he became known as the founder, lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter of the band Porcupine Tree, as well as being a member of several other bands. He has also worked with artists such as Opeth, King Crimson, Pendulum, Jethro Tull, XTC, Yes, Marillion, Tears for Fears, Roxy Music, and Anathema.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507636937183","data":"59dcb8082aa13"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507636939051","data":"
Wilson is a self-taught producer, audio engineer, guitar and keyboard player, playing other instruments as needed, including bass guitar, autoharp, hammered dulcimer and flute. Despite being mainly associated with prog music, his influences and work have encompassed diverse genres such as psychedelia, pop, metal, electronic, and jazz, among others, shifting his musical direction through his albums. His concerts incorporate quadraphonic sound and elaborate visuals.<\/p>
In a career spanning more than 30 years, Wilson has made music prolifically and earned critical acclaim. His honours include four nominations for the Grammy Awards, twice with Porcupine Tree, once with his collaborative band Storm Corrosion and once as a solo artist. Nevertheless, his work has largely stayed away from mainstream music, being described by publications such as The Daily Telegraph as 'the most successful British artist you\u2019ve never heard of.'<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507636983304","data":"59dcb825750a5"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507636985575","data":"
I still hate myself for missing Steven Wilson's concert last year when he performed in India for NH7 Weekender in both Shillong and Pune. How could I have missed it? Unfortunately, some things are not meant to happen, but one thing is for sure, I will attend his gig one day, no matter what happens. <\/p>
Wilson's latest album 'To The Bone' is available online. <\/p>"}]
\"If it was a British band, they would have played their set anyway,\" said the 30s something man huddling behind me for cover from the rain. <\/p>
Mumbai's rains are infamous. The city is so used to being flooded due to excessive rains that it does not even care anymore, people are used to it and plan their commute and help others accordingly. So when I heard that Dream Theater, a band that I had idolised for years, was finally making their first trip to India with a show scheduled in Mumbai on October 8, I knew we would have rains to deal with. What I did not expect was frequent lightning strikes and claps of thunder. <\/p>
Concerts like these never start on time, even in perfect conditions. In some cases, it doesn't start at all, like Metallica's gig on October 29, 2011, in New Delhi. We waited for the band to come on the stage since 4 in the evening, only to be told, 5 hours later, that the band wouldn't be showing up at all and to come back the next day. The crowd went berserk. <\/p>
In Mumbai, outdoor events do not have permission to continue beyond 11 PM, a rule that is strictly imposed with the police keeping a constant eye on things, probably the only city in India where the rule to stop playing loud music after the appointed after is strictly enforced. So when it started to rain and us peasants in the silver category, those who couldn't even see the stage properly, ran for whatever cover we could find to not get drenched in the downpour, we worried that the gig might not happen at all. <\/p>
Except it did happen, with a start so memorable, I will remember this gig for the rest of my life. The band had just arrived on stage and started playing their set, with Jordan Rudess working his magic and a God of the Guitar, John Petrucci just beginning to strum his guitar. It was at that exact moment, a gigantic fork of lightning snaked across the sky, lighting up the grounds, followed by a crack of thunder. It was as if the Gods themselves were present to witness Dream Theater live and were welcoming them onto the stage. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507632951813","data":"59dcaa4eb68d7"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507632953981","data":"
The band stopped after their opening song because there have been cases of people being struck by lightning at concerts like these, which led to us huddling under cover again with the rest of the newly minted friends I had made at the concert. It was then a gentleman from Bangalore made the comment about British bands I posted above. Iron Maiden, we both said at once, would have powered through the entire set without stopping, even if someone got thunderstruck at the gig. <\/p>
The lightning continued, of course, when it rains in Mumbai it pours. All of us huddling together had to decide, go home and miss a potentially great gig, or get soaked in the rain, risk pneumonia, but have a once in a lifetime experience. The choice seemed obvious. <\/p>
All pretentions were abandoned as Dream Theater took a short break and came back to start with Pull Me Under, arguably their most popular song. The cover we had was abandoned, the rain was pouring over our heads, but we were there, standing under the thundering skies, listening to Petrucci's riffs and John Myung's enchanting bass guitar. Pull me under, screamed James LaBrie, and we were, pulled under a spell only Dream Theater could manage. <\/p>"},{"type":"youtube","id":"vid-url-1507634001916","data":"SGRgAULYgWE"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507634013688","data":"
I never bothered to find out why Dream Theater was touring with Images and Words, an album they released all the way back in 1992. Having only been formed a few short years before the popular album, maybe they thought since they've never been here, this would be a great album to tour in India? Or perhaps it was because they weren't ready to perform their latest album, titled 'The Astonishing'. As a friend joked - and we both agreed - if they started playing anything from The Astonishing, we would walk out. <\/p>
Despite the incredible experience, attending a concert in pouring rain is a terrible idea. I mean, it sounds great on paper, but it is a risk nonetheless. As we left the concert, a visibly distressed fan was screaming unpublishable obscenities about Mumbai because the rain had ruined the gig for him. Hey, some of us do not like to get wet all the time. <\/p>
But, I'm glad I travelled to Mumbai for this gig. I mean, certainly, it was not easy risking my health and risking damage to my phone as I pulled it out of a plastic cover that I had taken from a restaurant earlier that day to occasionally take pictures. This was one of the best gigs I've attended in my life, not that I've attended many gigs, but at least so far, it is the best. There was an ethereal quality to how it all went down, with the stage lights dancing to the power riffs and the crash of the cymbals, punctuated frequently by a flash of blinding white light and a crack of thunder, the Gods roaring their approval along with the cheering crowds under the dark pregnant clouds. <\/p>"}]
Having recently discovered the joy of reading due to the Harry Potter books, thanks to Rowling and my parents, I ran home straight from school, a bright-eyed young lad who had made his parents promise to get him more books from the market when they came back home. <\/p>
Excited to go through the pile of books I had just received, I took in the cover art of each of the books, carefully ran my eyes over the names of the authors and how they were presented, flipped the book over and read the summary and snippets of reviews on the back cover. Then I saw Bachelor of Arts. <\/p>
Call it blind luck or maybe fate itself had its designs for me but I was drawn to the book in an instant, whether it was the curiously designed cover or the fact that the author was an Indian man named R.K. Narayan, I do not remember. I told myself that this would be the first book I'll read and ran off to a corner of the house where I could squeeze in and read in relative peace.<\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507617572253","data":"59dc9271e51f5"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507617574469","data":"
Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami was born on October 10, 1906, in a privileged Brahmin family, a fact he would remember as he went on to build his career in the coming years. Born in the Madras Presidency, his family would eventually move to Mysore, a town the young man feel unquestionably in love with. The general prosperity of The Kingdom of Mysore meant the small town was a beacon in the dark for all kinds of interesting people and intellectual discussions. The vibes of the small town combined with the kind of people that shuttled in and out of the place, the intellectual discoures under lush green trees and the sheer scenic beauty of Mysore had found a stricken lover in R.K. Narayan, so much so that he would eventually go on and immortalise it in the form of Malgudi, a small South Indian town in Karnataka that would be the ground zero for most of his stories. <\/p>
I've never studied literature professionally, I'm an engineering drop out that decided to focus on writing instead, so maybe I'm not exactly the best judge of his literary merits. This piece is more of my personal opinions on his works, although I would be unfair to mention that I do wish to study literature, hopefully soon. <\/p>
Because reading R.K. Narayan for the first time is like falling in love for the first time. Many have called his work simple and easy to pick up, but the reason Narayan's books found a place in our hearts was not that they were simple to read and understand, but because his writing was, without a shadow of a doubt, sincere. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507623538966","data":"59dc92763e522"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507623541071","data":"
For Narayan put his heart and soul into his work, the sincere and simple South Indian boy who would go on to be one of India's greatest English writers. His sincerity in writing showed, of course, many noted literary critics spoke at length about how Narayan's writing makes one feel like they had visited the town themselves. So detailed were the descriptions of the town and its people, you couldn't help but feel like you were an observer to the events in the book, watching in sadness or with great amusement as Malgudi's rich and varied characters interacted with each other and try to take on life in all its complexities. For a first time reader, one would go in not expecting what they would find, only to finish the book and feel a profound sense of loss for a life that doesn't exist outside the pages of Narayan's books. <\/p>
I was too young to fully grasp Bachelor of Arts when I first read the book. The humour and the way Narayan highlights the quintessentially middle-class issues to the world with his crisp writing style has, since then, always been at the back of my mind. To this day, I regularly revisit the book. It is one of those works which you identify with more and more as the years go by because much like Chandan in the book, I too am an upper-middle-class spoiled brat. Bachelor of Arts is an example of how well Narayan understood the middle class, and this is just his second book, one which serves as a great example of going back in time to see how much things have changed and how much more has remained the same. <\/p>"},{"type":"img","id":"img-uid-1507624466152","data":"59dc928d1e81d"},{"type":"txt","id":"rich_1507624468092","data":"
It is the simple honesty in his prose which makes Narayan such an effective writer. Following Swami and Friends and Bachelor of Arts, he would go on to write many more stories - short stories included - about life in and around Malgudi. His works have been adapted as movies and The Guide even got a Broadway play, were included in textbooks and more. He has inspired generations of Indian middle-class children (like yours truly) to look to writing as a career, all of which began that day when I picked up my first Narayan book and was blown away by what I read, and that is why you never forget your first R. K. Narayan book, it stays with you forever, nudging you when you feel lost and telling you that it is okay, that problems will come and go but you and your work will remain constants. <\/p>
Whenever I read books by some of the greatest literary minds from across the world and find myself out of depth with the words they use and the way they write, it makes me wonder if I will be any good, if I'll ever be able to write even remotely as good as the authors of the books in question do, but then I remind myself of R.K. Narayan, a man who went on to become a legend not with lofty words and complicated sentences, but with sincerity and simplicity. <\/p>"}]
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