My Kellogg's Healthy Breakfast

Hello Guys !

Today I am going to write something that’s apart from  my usual posts. Recently, I joined a gym and since then, I have been lot careful with my meals. Earlier I used to neglect my breakfast and sometimes used to postpone it. It used to drain me out quite easily and also led to severe weight gain. Now that I have changed my routine and taking care of my meals more often, I can see the difference. You must have heard guys: "Breakfast like a King, Lunch like a Prince, and Dine like a Pauper." My philosophy was completely opposite few months back and I suffered a lot for that. Now I always make it a point to have a healthy breakfast. Most of the time my intake includes Kellogg’s oat poha and muesli or corn flakes served with either chilled or hot milk. Most of the days I run out of new ideas and seriously guys same breakfast recipes do feel boring for me each day. I am a good cook and a big foodie but since 3 months, I am monitoring my diet. I no more indulge in paranthas laced with extra desi ghee or maggi which were my favorites and used to give me immense gastronomic pleasure. While I was running out of fresh ideas on breakfast recipes, I stumbled upon Kellogg's facebook page. To my utter surprise, I found nearly 100+ recipes all prepared with Kellogg’s corn flakes. I am so happy to have found this page, it has some yummy and super easy recipes. You can whip a recipe within 5-10 minutes. I never knew, corn flakes could be used in such fun ways which will appeal both children and adults equally.

 

So do you want to visit Kellogg’s wale Gupta ji’s home with me? Each day they have some or other yummy, mouth watering dishes made with simple ingredients like corn flakes. Have you ever heard of walnut cornflakes choco balls?The very sight of those choco balls made me drool. We all want to indulge in super tasty recipes each day but the thought calories keep us back. The word choco balls itself sound unhealthy. But no more guys, Lets head to Gupta Ji’s home and try their ‘Subah ka naashta’ which is super healthy, looks amazing and tastes much better. I would love to try Chapatti cornflakes Chivda first as I do not much prefer sweet breakfast recipes. I love eating poha and upma, so this one would be my first choice, when I would visit Gupta ji’s home. I would also love to have corn flakes salad, it is a yummy healthy dish made with lots of veggies like cucumber, carrot, tomatoes and fruits like grapes mixed with crunchy cornflakes. Oh god, so much talk on breakfast recipes has made me super duper hungry. So am leaving guys, heading towards Gupta ji’s home for a perfect naashta. I would love to learn more and more recipes from them and would try out those recipes at home. So till then, good bye. Have a yummylicious day.

What Happiness means to you?

Hello Friends!

How are you all doing? Recently I had posted on one of the happiest day of my life.This time I want to ponder deeper into the topic happiness.Is there anyone out there, who does not want to be happy? I do not think, I will find even a single soul who would answer me with a 'Yes'.

Happiness has different meanings for different people in their lives.Can something really give us happiness in true sense? We all rejoice and experience momentary happiness each day due to some or other events.Even smallest of small things can give us immense joy.Happiness is a transient state where we experience the joy and ecstasy of seventh heaven.Our reason for happiness could be anything, it could be materialistic or even a moment spent with our loved ones can give us peace and joy.I feel happiness is a state of mind, we get influenced by our situations and that affects our happy state of mind.The reason for my happiness may not be same as others.For me, happiness is in everything that I do.Whatever I do, I get happiness out of that.Even while I am writing this post and discussing about it ,I am getting happiness.It is my choice whether I want to stay happy or not. Happiness is not achieved only through accomplishing higher goals or milestones.It can be derived even from smallest of things. It is very difficult to cite particular things that make me happy.There is absolutely no restrictions to that.Each day, I am experiencing something or other that strengthens me and makes me happy and content.

There are several things that make my life fulfilling.But my foremost passion is cooking.I feel it is a culinary therapy for my soul.However stressed out I would be, cooking rejuvenate me and makes me content. Cooking for myself  and for others has been my passion since childhood.I remember as a 11 year child, I would save newspaper cuttings and several recipes published in magazines.I would stare at those pictures and try to prepare several dishes during my leisure time.I continuously check recipe videos and try to prepare something or other. Even during my heaviest turmoil, when I shift my focus towards cooking, I feel relaxed and get my answers to my deepest problems.

One incident I want to recall that truly made me happy and content was two years back.At that time,I was a part of an NGO. I along with my friends had collected funds from our institute and also contributed from our personal accounts. We bought several books, notebooks and accessories for school children from college street.On children's day we went to a deaf and blind school. We distributed those books and stationary among all students.Their excited faces and smiles gave us so much of indescribable joy, I am really not finding words to express how I had felt that day.It was one of those happiest moments that made me feel responsible and worthy.Those small wonderful children also had made several handicraft jewelry using rice, straws and other eco-friendly stuff.We bought as many jewelery pieces as possible from them.They were not only unique and designed with par excellence but also reflected the hard work and dedication of those children. It actually touched my heart and gave me immense joy and hope.Thus guys, happiness is not something associated with far distant land or goals.We all have it within us to experience it.We all can feel it through smallest of small things and make our lives more meaningful.My happiness is not just restricted to some future goals, or some chosen people or materialistic benefits.My happiness has a broader meaning in my life, it is not restricted to limited issues.Whatever might happen in my life, I won't ever forget to smile back.

Happiest day of my Life

Hello Friends,

How are you doing? I hope you all are in high spirits and the best of health. Recently I met my close friend after a long gap of four years. That day was one of my most cherishable days of my life. We were best of friends at college, no one ever used to spot one without the other. I have rarely shared such great rapport with anyone in my life. We both used to be roommates. In a period of 4 years, we had no issues or arguments regarding anything. I know it is hard to believe it, but it is absolutely true. After 2010, I shifted to a new place for my career and she left for her home. With time, I got busy with my life and career. I was going through one of the most challenging period then.This phase had kind of changed me and I started keeping less contact with my friends including my best friend. But thanks to Facebook, I checked her message one day in December 2014.She was planning to come to our city alongwith her family. By chance, even I happened to be there at my home during that time. I instantly agreed and called them to our home. She was coming with her parents. The very thought of her parents made me recall some of our sweet memories. When we both used to stay in a room, her parents used to come and visit us many times a year. They used to bring us several delectable home made dishes and food items from their native village. I was so very much thankful to them for their lovely gesture. Her parents were one of the best people I had ever known. They used to treat me just like their daughter. So I was really happy that my friend was coming over to my place to spend some quality time.

So finally, the day arrived. I was all dressed up and had prepared several dishes for them. I love cooking, so this was another excuse for me to indulge in preparations of several recipes.I was all so giggly and enthusiastic for the whole day. So at 12 p.m, they arrived at our place. It was so good to be in their company once more. I made them feel at home.

Just one thing caught my attention. The otherwise jolly, healthy looking aunt looked quite pale, and she was almost reduced to bones with severe hair loss.Something seemed wrong to me. I did not ask immediately but after our lunch, we had a hearty conversation. This conversation made me recall all my beautiful memories with my friend and also taught me many things. We recalled every funny incident and special days of our lives during college. I had lost most of the pictures I had of us. She gifted me an album with all our pictures of college and also of the place we used to live in. It was a beautiful collage of some invaluable memories. This made me realize, I had changed so much. Earlier laughing, smiling was a part of my life. Now I had to think before I smiled, I had become really mechanical and robotic. Their presence made me open up and express myself like a child with no reservations. Then I came to know, my aunt was actually suffering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer of lymphoid tissues. She was taking chemotherapy sessions for it since a long time. This came as a shock to me, they were the last people who should ever go through such life and death situations. This was the reason for her sudden weight loss and alarming loss of hair. But she looked so happy and at peace. My friend used to take her every now and then to better hospitals for chemotherapy sessions. She used to manage everything at home singlehandedly along with her studies. She was coping to everything with such indomitable fighting spirit. Her life was not perfect but she never failed to smile back. I realized happiness is a choice. I was the one who used to consider myself to be the most unlucky person in life. I used to have my own insecurities and complaints against all negative situations of my life. But this made me realize, I am so lucky. I do not have to constantly worry about my parent’s health, I am leading a healthy life. But why on earth am I so pessimistic and unhappy? Their problems made my complaints look so small. I was crying over all petty issues. We all have something or other to worry about but that should never snatch away our happiness. Believe me guys, meeting my friend and her family changed me and my attitude to a great extent. I thought it would be me who would make them happy and feel at home, but they gave me lessons and memories for a life time. I have same situation, same people around me, but my attitude took a complete 360 degree change. It is my choice whether I want to be happy or remain a cry baby who begrudges every situation in life. So guys this was the most memorable day in my life and I would never forget it .Please do let me know about your views. I would love to read your comments on my blog.

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Lakme School of Style- My Views

Hey guys,

Have you checked the official YouTube channel of Lakme School of Style? If not you really must. It has some amazing videos on several social issues that we are facing each day. Karan Johar is the chief editor and also check out his awesome replies in his videos, it will make you laugh for sure.There are many videos which I loved personally but these are the two videos which I could completely relate to.So check out my views on those:

This is one of the most fantastic videos I have ever checked recently.I am someone who really does believe in women empowerment and strongly support in gender equality.If we are talking about women empowerment, it is only possible if we support each other.We should start from ourselves, from our own home.We should ask ourselves, are we supporting our mothers, ours sisters or we are letting them down each day? I am appalled to see such indifferent, mean attitude of women towards other women.If we keep on bitching, or trying to pull each other down then we are weakening our own cause.It is just like breaking your own home from within.If we want the so called male dominant society to accept us and give us full credit, we should strengthen our bonds like never before.I could relate to each and every observation and views expressed by these girls in the video.

I am a girl with extra pounds and short height and believe me guys I have been subjected to mockery and discrimination mainly by female friends and relatives.It is my body, my right, what I should wear and what I should eat only I have the right to decide. Friendly suggestions and criticisms are always welcome but mean remarks about personal issues is something not acceptable.I strongly believe that we should never be judgmental about others.Instead of wasting time in judging and criticizing others let us all make a vow to uplift each other.Let us promise ourselves to encourage and support each other in every way possible.If we are not supporting each other, there can be no women empowerment in real sense.It will be a distant reality about which we always advocate our opinion but do nothing in real sense to realize it.

 

 

This is another video which shook the basic fabric of my life.This makes me ask 'Why am I born as a women? Is it really my fault? I checked the video India's daughter few days back.Guys I have never been ashamed of anything till date.The audacious remarks of those defense lawyers and the rapist made me rethink, whose fault is this anyway? Is it their fault who are expressing such shameful views regarding women or ours who are listening to them and just sharing it on facebook and twitter about their remarks and forgetting about it the next day. I feel we women are as responsible for rape as men are. Got shocked or angry reading my views? Well guys give it a thought.We are the ones who practise gender bias at our home.We support the views of our sons and give in to their relentless demands and when its a daughter we do show our double standards.How many mothers have taught their son to respect women? All we do is teach our sons not to mingle with girls when they are in schools and colleges and when she enters our home as a daughter in law, she is no more important than a kitchen appliance.We allow our sons to go anywhere, do what they get pleased with and yes of course they can wear anything anywhere.But when it comes to daughters, we judge them on their looks, height, weight, and the clothes they wear.It is very easy to judge someone and make hurtful remarks on one's character and clothes but no one can imagine the inner turmoil of the rape victim, because of you guys she is dying each day.My clothes does not define my character.If my clothes are provoking you to rape me, just think how shameful beast you are.
Couple of years back, I was going to a place with my friend.I was wearing a fully clad Salwar kameez and my friend was wearing tees and capris. Just as we reached to a corner, a guy who was approaching in a  bike suddenly groped me from back and punched me hard in my chest and drove away immediately.This incident made me introspect, what was wrong in my clothes? I was fully covered and according to your terms wearing what does not provoke a guy.Then why such shameful, disturbing incident happened with me? What had I done to provoke the guy? Whereas my friend who was wearing western attire did not face it. So guys lets put a stop to all our base less claims and views regarding what a women should do to prevent rapes.Stop judging her character on where she goes and when she returns back, what she eats, what she wears, how many male friends she has and so on.Recently I have been reading many incidents of girl child rape.Now tell me, what a 3 year old girl has done to provoke someone to rape her and kill her mercilessly? Let me tell you guys, this is neither fast food, nor our clothes, the reason is our tolerance to such crimes.We feel as long as we are not the victims, why should we care. As long as we will support the rapist and disown the victim, nothing will change.It is important to teach our sons about respecting women and they should be taught to contribute in household works just like daughters.I do not agree that only illiterate people resort to rape, recently I have read many incidents where professors of well know premier institutes of India have been caught raping their own students.Rape is a heinous crime and can happen with anyone.Lets stop blaming the victim and lets stop compromising with such incidents.We have equal rights to walk on this earth as men.

'This post is a part of the #LakmeSchoolOfStyle activity at BlogAdda.com is association with #Fame'

Turning point of my life

Hello Friends!

Have you guys ever experienced or undergone through some or other incident that has completely changed your views and eventually gave rise to new hopes in your lives? There are some incidents that we witness in our lives which change us forever and for the better.

My parents have always been very protective about us and have given us a very comfortable life.In comforts, one can never grow as a person or learn about harsh realities of life.We all know life is not a bed of roses, it is adorned with thorns too.It is important to have an open mind and to learn from other's experiences to grow as an individual.I had a comfortable life and everything I desired of, still I had so many sorrows, so many complaints and such regressing attitude towards life.My complaints were- not having enough candies, not able to eat in my favorite restaurant each day, not getting a new dress every now and then, not getting the pizza I want to devour on, not getting the shade of lipstick I like,not getting an expensive mobile and so on. At times we are so preoccupied with our needs that even a small change creates havoc in our lives.Our lives become purposeless and hollow and we try to find happiness in materialistic things.There have been many incidents in my life that has changed my perspective towards life and made me more responsible.I would like to write about one such incident.

That girl who used to play with us each day was living in our neighborhood. Her name was Mira.She was couple of years elder to me but we were best of friends.No one had ever made me feel so good in my life.She was the best thing that ever happened in my life.We used to play and enjoy together.With time, we separated and shifted to different states with hardly any communication.One day our whole family was invited to her marriage.Her parents had spent most of their savings on her marriage.She was getting married at a mere age of 21.I was very happy for her marriage but I felt she could have waited a little longer and could have finished her education.When I met her, she looked beautiful with little nervousness on her face towards the start of her new life.She was someone who was absolutely dependent on her spouse for her needs and happiness. She suggested me to get married too.She seemed to view her husband as center of her life and there was nothing 

beyond that.I appreciated her feelings for her husband and wished her all the best for her future.She was someone I knew who seldom used to step outside her home, someone who was always dependent on others for her happiness, someone very docile and simple.

                          

After couple of years when I was really busy with my studies, I came to know from my relatives that she had returned back to her home.She was a victim of domestic violence and her husband used to beat her daily for petty issues.The last time he had beaten her, she developed some serious damage to her organs and had to be hospitalized. The girl who seemed so dependent on others mustered her courage and returned back home.Her parents were initially very apprehensive towards her decision of divorce.But with time even they supported her.She started her new life with a decision to finish her Masters degree.She used to take tutions of school students in her free time.After her masters, she joined for a PhD course at her university and also got a job as a faculty.All her students used to love her for her sweet, helping and always smiling attitude.No one knew, she was hiding so much of tears behind her smiles. During her course she not only published several research papers but also got awarded as an excellent faculty of their institute.Meanwhile, she had applied for a postdoctoral position in a well known university of USA.It was a surprise, that a girl who never used to step outside her home was now spreading her wings to reach the sky.She was selected for the position and thus she went to achieve her dreams on her own capabilities.The simple,shy girl had changed completely into a hard working,head strong and confident woman.Her transformation was amazing.
It is under intense pressure that coal becomes a diamond.To shine with brilliance like a diamond, it is necessary to take up great sufferings which will give us boundless joy and indestructible happiness.You know what guys, the cherry on top is that she met a like minded individual at USA.She has decided to live her life in her own terms with the man who values her.I have never been more happy for her.She brought a complete change in her life and infused many of us with optimism and hope for the future.We should always remember that someone is definitely waiting for us to walk along.

Image Source:

http://www.thedoseofreality.com/

http://www.luckyrichlife.com/

I want to Live my life in my own way

Hello Friends!

Most of the times,I come up with reviews and swatches of my favorite products on my blog.This time I felt like interacting with my readers on a completely different topic. 

Friends,we all come to a juncture in our lives where we need to take that one bold step that will change our lives forever.It is very necessary to take risks.Those who are risk taker, initially lead a life which no one would want to but later they earn a life which we all dream of.Those who succumb to their fears, plunge into darkness forever but those who take challenges are always winners.It is all so important to develop that never say die attitude to accomplish something worth living for.Those who are foolish will retreat at the crucial moment whereas a wise person uses his failures and disappointments as a springboard for his victory.If there is one thing that is stopping us from our victory, is our mental attitude.

                          

Since my childhood, I have been my parents doting daughter.I have always been very obedient to my parents and always follow everything they advise me to.All my major life decisions have been taken by my parents throughout my life.Few years back after completing my masters, my parents insisted me to come back home and to get married and to settle down.It was one of the most crucial periods of my life.I have always wanted to do my higher studies and was aspiring for a PhD course.My parents had objections regarding my staying at a far distant place and also with my examination preparations.I used to stay with a roommate in a single room at Kolkata. We were not allowed to use many basic appliances in the room by our landlord.We both used to struggle a lot with our exam preparations, our parent's apprehensions, and our landlord's frequent tantrums and quarrels.We both used to visit all laboratories and institute of Kolkata to find a place where we both could do our internship and thus apply for PhD course with GRE score.We spent months after months roaming, requesting professors, scientists and people concerned but were always driven away by them.At last we did not get to do our project.This period though was harrowing for me, made me very strong and I learnt many things about life. This made me realize the importance of self independence.Everyday my parents would pursue me to come back home to lead a comfortable life with all amenities available at home.But I was very determined this time to achieve what I had desired to.The strength of character is known in periods of great difficulties.

I wholeheartedly made up my mind to pursue my higher studies.I applied for many entrance examinations for it but was not able to clear those.Still I was not dissuaded from my goal.I appeared for an entrance examination at a premier institute of India.My parents were not very hopeful regarding the results.But I had no fear in my mind this time.I had a sense of confidence in my heart with a burning passion to achieve my goal.During the interview all the professors were quite impressed with my answers.I was hopeful of clearing it. After a month when results were declared, I had not only qualified the entrance but also got first rank among all.I was awarded with institute fellowship and it was announced that never ever any student had secured such high marks in their entrance examinations conducted in  the past.
Everyone in their lives have insecurities, shortcomings and setbacks, it is our attitude during the crucial period that determines our victory.It was very easy for me to succumb to pressure and to return back and enjoy a comfortable life at home.But I decided otherwise and stayed firm on my decision.We all have immense, unlimited potentials inherent within us, we just need to tap it to achieve what we desire to.To start a new life, it is indeed important to take that one step which our heart supports. Above all, it is our heart which is most important.

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Blog Sale: Lipsticks

LIPSTICKS:

Shipping is flat Rs 75 unless stated otherwise. Free Shipping above 1500.Kindly transfer within 3-4 days of booking the products. I will ship within 2 days of receiving the amount. Please comment below or mail me at tapaswini4u@gmail.com.  Kindly do not bargain or back out after booking a stuff. It is open to Indian residents only. Thank you. Do check Blog Sale Part one HERE and Blog Sale Part 2 HERE

1- Deborah rossetto lipstick in 601 cherry, O.P-Rs 395, S.P-Rs 195, Used twice.

 2- Chambor Powder matte lipstick in Rubis rouge, used once swatched once, O.P-Rs 595, S.P-Rs395 BOOKED

 3- Loreal pure red lipstick in Pure Brick red, used once, O.P-Rs 995, S.P-Rs 775, FREE SHIPPING

4- Loreal pure red lipstick in Pure Amaranthe , used once, O.P-Rs 995, S.P-Rs 775 FREE SHIPPING

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7- Loreal pure red lipstick in Pure Scarleto,used once, O.P-Rs 995, S.P-Rs 775 FREE SHIPPING

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9- Colorbar crème touch lipstick in Red heart, used once , swatched once, O.P-Rs 475, S.P-Rs 275

10-Mirenesse lip bomb glossy lacquer stain in shade 6- bubblegum hot fuschia pink shade. Brand new, O.P-Rs 1820, S.P-Rs 650, FREE SHIPPING.

Blog Sale- Eye makeup, Blushers

Shipping is flat Rs 75 unless stated otherwise. Free Shipping above 1500.Kindly transfer within 3-4 days of booking the products. I will ship within 2 days of receiving the amount. Please comment below or mail me at tapaswini4u@gmail.com.  Kindly do not bargain or back out after booking a stuff. It is open to Indian residents only. Thank you. Also check Blog sale Part one- Makeup Brush sale HERE

1-Three Concept eyes triple eye shadow in More Brown brand new, O.P-Rs 1700, S.P-Rs 725, FREE SHIPPING

 2-Givenchy Eye shadow More Brown , Brand new, O.P-Rs 1750, S.P-Rs 825, FREE SHIPPING.

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9- Faces sparkle dust in turquoise blue  O.P-Rs 350, S.P-Rs 150 each

 10-Lavie Lash false lashes au natural collection in heather brand new, O.P-Rs 290, S.P-Rs 190

11- Illamasqua liquid metal Molten, used once, swatched once. O.P-Rs 1660, S.P-Rs 575 with FREE SHIPPING.

12-Makeup Revolution Bronzer Golden days, swatched once. O.P-Rs 1050, S.P-Rs 500, with FREE SHIPPING.

 13-Makeup Revolution London Vivid blush lacquer in Bloom, swatched once.O.P-Rs 750, S.P-Rs 375, with FREE SHIPPING.

 14-MUA blushers in shade 4, 5, lolly, and cupcake, all shades only swatched once, S.P-Rs 150 each,

or buy all 4 for Rs 600 with FREE SHIPPING.

Blog Sale- Makeup Brushes

MAKEUP BRUSHES:

Shipping is flat Rs 75 unless stated otherwise. Free Shipping on purchase above 1500.Kindly transfer within 3-4 days of booking the products. I will ship within 2 days of receiving the amount. Please comment below or mail me at tapaswini4u@gmail.com.  Kindly do not bargain or back out after booking a stuff. It is open to Indian residents only.Thank you.

1-SIGMA F 40 large contour brush, Brand new.O.P-Rs 1500, S.P-Rs 950, Free shipping.BOOKED

2-Zoeva Face shape brush 110 brand new- O.P-Rs 800, S.P-RS 575 BOOKED

3-Sigma E45 eye shadow blending brush, brand new, O.P-Rs 1000, S.P-Rs 780 FREE SHIPPING.BOOKED

4-The body shop eye shadow blender, used twice, O.P-Rs 695, S.P-Rs 400

5-NYX B13 eye shadow brush, used twice, O.P-320, S.P-Rs 170 BOOKED

6-Coastal scents Kabuki brush- S.P- Rs 470, used once, new

7-Coastal scents gel liner brush, Brand new, S.P-Rs 250 BOOKED

8-MUA E2 Eye shadow contour brush, Brand new. S.P-Rs 170 BOOKED

9- Vega professional PB 14 eye brush (Pencil Brush)- O.P-Rs 450, S.P-Rs 250

10- Vega professional PB 15 Eye brush- (Eye shadow blender), O.P-Rs 400, S.P-Rs 225 BOOKED

 11- Vega  professional contour blender brush, O.P-Rs 600, S.P-Rs 350 BOOKED

12- Vega professional PB 12 Brush- O.P-Rs 400, S.P-Rs 225

13- Lakme absolute retractable face brush, used 2-3 times, O.P-Rs 875, S.P-Rs 425 BOOKED

14-Lakme absolute eye shader brush, brand new, o.p-Rs 275, S.P-Rs 170

Ramayana-The game of life: Shattered Dreams (Book Review)

Hello Friends!

Recently I had signed up for the blogadda book review program and got the opportunity to review the novel Ramayana- the game of life: Shattered dreams. I really felt elated on receiving my copy and could not wait to read it. I am an avid book reader, I love reading different kinds of Mythological stories. I am really grateful to all the authors who are coming up with mythological stories in more palatable form. This is my first book review, kindly bear with me. Thank you very much.

Book Details:

Title:  Shattered Dreams, Book 2

Series: Ramayana: The Game of Life

Author: Shubha Vilas

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Publication Year: 2014

Genre: Mythology/ Self Help

ISBN 13: 9788184955316

Binding: Paperback

Number of pages: 387

Price: Rs 350 

About the Author:

Shubha Vilas, a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker, holds a degree in engineering and law with specialization in Patent Law. His leadership seminars are popular with top-level management in corporate houses. He also helps individuals deal with modern-life situations by applying the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other dharmic traditions.

Summary:

Shattered Dreams is the sequel to the national bestseller, Rise of the Sun Prince, in the new spiritual and motivational series Ramayana – The Game of Life. Twelve joyful years have passed in Ayodhya since the wedding of Rama and Sita at the end of Book 1.

Now, in Shattered Dreams, Shubha Vilas narrates the riveting drama of Rama’s exile. Through tales of Rama’s unwavering and enigmatic persona, the book teaches us how to handle reversals positively; through Bharata’s actions, it teaches us to handle temptation; and through Sita’s courage, to explore beyond our comfort zone. This complicated family drama provides deep insights on how human relationships work and how they fail.With Valmiki’s Ramayana as its guiding light, Shattered Dreams deftly entwines poetic beauty from the Kamba Ramayana and Ramacharitramanas, as well as folk philosophy from the Loka Pramana tales, to demonstrate how the ancient epic holds immediate relevance to modern life. Experience the ancient saga of the Ramayana like never before.

My Views:

Whenever I hear about mythology, the first thing that comes into my mind is either Mahabharata or Ramayana. These are the two mythologies we all have read in our school times. Since my school days I have always had greater liking towards Mahabharata than Ramayana. To be honest, I found Ramayana to be quite slow paced and boring. I am really happy that these days authors like Amish Tripathy ( Shiva Trilogy) and others are putting their endeavors in bringing out these mythologies in more detailed and interesting manner.

I have not yet read the first book of this series. But when I started reading the second series, I absolutely faced no issues in following the flow of the story. The author has very nicely described the beginning with the inner turmoil that is going on within dasaratha. I really did not know why he was called Dasaratha earlier, he was trained to drive his chariot in ten directions. Wow, I mean really splendid, I learnt many details about each character in this book of which I had never known of.The Writing style of the author is lucid, crisp and quite engaging. I could not keep the book down for a long time. The footnotes given in the book gives deeper insights to each character and situation. All the situations are described alongwith its solution to overcome those. I found the descriptions or lessons that we learn from each chapter to be most useful. I had never given a deeper thought to Ramayana before. This book made me introspect the relationships and our inner vices and virtues in true sense. I found each of the character is very similar to each one of us. We all have certain strengths, insecurities, vulnerabilities, virtues and vices. This also made me realize that no relationships are born perfect, we can make them perfect through right attitude and actions.

It teaches us how both Rama and Sita share the most beautiful cordial relationship with each other. Both of them speak less but understand each other more.

It teaches us the plight of Bharata. A person at the top is always despised and ridiculed of. A character of a person can be known when he is at the top. It has been nicely depicted how Bharata overcomes his situation and temptations of his position through right questioning and attitude.

Through Manthara’s scheming mind, we come to know those who are emotionally weak feel happy to see others sadness and are insensitive towards all. It also makes us realize that such people can appear in our lives at any point of time, so we should guard ourselves and should not fall into such traps which would eventually break our families and separate our near and dear ones. There are several lessons given in box form which I really found useful and worth mentioning:

1- Six Anarthas to Conquer.

2- Triple Virtues.

3-What is true communication?

4-How does one handle reversals in life?

5- Four roles played by a self confident wife.

6- Test of ego and dedication.

7-Four gems.

8- Six solutions to success.

9-Rama’s Five management mantras.

We all know Ramayana more or less so I am not going into details of the plot, as I feel it would kill your enthusiasm to go through the whole book. This book is written in such a manner that it will be popular among all book readers irrespective of age. This book brought me closer to this amazing mythology that we have been reading since our childhood. I loved it a lot and I intend to purchase the first book of this series in this week itself.

Rating:

Writing Style: 4.5 out of 5

Character Portrayal: 4.5 out of 5

Worldly Relevance: 4.5 out of 5

Strength of the Plot: 4 out of 5

Thought provoking: 4.5 out of 5

Entertainment Factor: 4 out of 5

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Thumbs up Factors:

: Useful footnotes mentioned in maximum pages of the book.

: Crisp, lucid and engaging form of writing style.

: Relevance of Ramayana to modern world.

: Each character has been portrayed really well.

: It is our age old Ramayana in more palatable form.

: Found the management tips given my Rama quite useful.

: I could follow the book despite of skipping the first book.

Thumbs down Factors:

: It is more of a self help book than a pure mythology.

: Younger generation may find it a bit slow paced.

: I did not like paperback binding, first page has already torn out.

Recommendations: Highly Recommended! If you are someone like me who loves reading mythological stories in a more relevant and palatable form, then surely check this one. I am sure you won’t be disappointed with this book. I really have never liked Ramayana this much before. Happy Reading.

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