THE GREAT INDIAN TEE AND SNAKES (Short Story)-WINNER OF THE COMMONWEALTH SHORT STORY CONTEST 2020

Set in contemporary small town India, this story speaks about an  unconfessed chemistry between a Hindu girl and a Muslim boy in tension fraught times and how their love gets thwarted even before it has a chance to blossom. In a series of tragic events triggered by the simultaneously occuring socio-political upheaval  in the country, the author has revealed the ugly face of religion, caste, and power dynamics. 

Is there any place for fragile emotions amidst bias and hatred? What is the fate of innocent love in a world where man hates man? With its communal prejudice, intolerance and power politics,this disturbing story holds a mirror to the ever prevalent ugliness in Indian society.

The end packs a punch and raises a pertinent question--In these times of communal   disharmony can "happiness" even  exist? 

 

STARTED SOMETHING NEW

Just something I randomly did. A new blog : AN EQUAL MUSIC

https://anequalmusic2020.blogspot.com/

LOCKDOWN READING.

In the middle of a pandemic like most of the world and my brain is in lockdown mode.

Reading horror stories everyday in the news and being in a constant state of stress and panic isn’t helping.I find myself feeling dejected and anxious.

The present feels dystopian.

 In stressful times books offer me the much needed solace.I will be writing detailed reviews about what I’ve been reading very soon.

These are the few books that Ive read over time but right now there’s just too much to handle and I’m barely getting into reading mode.

But getting back to talking about books,I picked up these few to write about:

A thought provoking ,compelling and emotional read ,a reminder to never bow down to injustice ,ever relevant now as it was then.The unwavering love of a mother for a child she chose to have and raise in the difficult age of apartheid. #Blacklivesmatter .Trevor Noah is brilliant!

Unsettling ,gut wrenching ,powerful ......What a punch packed story this was and a bold statement in the times we live in.

A charming ,light hearted ,fun read.

A collection of horror stories which make you question life ,death and everything in between by the acclaimed writer Ratnakar Matkari who donned multiple hats(director,playwright) and who sadly passed away due to the dreaded virus in May this year.

BOOKS READ SO FAR IN 2020----Just a quick update