Category: Arts & Culture

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Turkish Ambassador Firat Sunel’s Love for Cycling and Writing

Adding that he can cycle 40-50 km a day, he adds that it is paramount that countries develop not just political relations but also cultural ones…Sukant Deepak

When the Turkish Ambassador to India, Firat Sunel, is not working or writing, he is busy cycling.

The first thing he did when posted to New Delhi was to buy a bicycle and discover the national capital.

“Getting to know the city on two wheels can be enigmatic. Discovering labyrinths, the happenings there, gives a peculiar view to the mechanics of how a city functions and how its character shapes,” he tells.

Adding that he can cycle 40-50 km a day, he adds that it is paramount that countries develop not just political relations but also cultural ones.

“And I can say Turkey and India are very close culturally. People-to-people contact and acquainting one another with each other’s culture can be instrumental in strong friendships. Both our countries have stood with each other in times of crisis. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Turkey supplied the required medical equipment. India on its part demonstrated its commitment to our relations by sending rescue teams and equipment during the devastating earthquake in Turkey.”

This diplomat-author, who was recently part of the recently concluded Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) and will be in conversation with Meru Gokhale on his novel ‘The Lighthouse Family’ (Penguin) during the upcoming Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) has written ‘Salkim Sogutlerin Golgesinde’ (‘In the Shade of the Weeping Willows’), which inspired a TV series called ‘Buyuk Surgun Kafkasya’,’The Great Exile Caucasia’, ‘Izmirli’, ‘Izmirli, My Last Love’, and ‘Sarpincik Feneri’ (‘The Lighthouse Family’). His novels have been translated into several languages, including Malayalam, Tamil and Kannada in India.

“While diplomats write a lot as it is part of their profession, they also get to meet and interact with a lot of people. Contact with diverse people provides me with much inspiration,” he says.

Talking about ‘The Lighthouse Family’, which has recently been published in Malayalam, and will be released in English at JLF, the author says Indian readers will easily relate to the book.

“It is about a family’s tragedy through World War 2, and how wars affect people and their families, even though they live in a faraway lighthouse. I do have a lot of feedback from Turkey and critics really liked it and it will be received well,” concludes Sunel, who likes writing historical fiction and makes it a point to devote at least three hours early morning to writing.

ALSO READ-Dive into India’s Rich History with These Must-Watch Shows and Films

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Winter’s Literary Retreat

Here is the list of five books curated by British Council Digital Library to transport you to captivating settings during the perfect winter days…reports Asian Lite News

In the tranquil embrace of winter’s frosty breath, an inherent charm invites us to retreat to the comfort of an inviting home. Outside, a subtle winter chill lingers, while indoors, the ambiance exudes warmth and coziness. The air carries the aroma of freshly brewed tea or hot cocoa, complemented by the delightful scent of baking cookies or the rich flavours of a simmering soup on the stove. Wrapped in blankets or seated by a crackling fire, the allure of delving into a captivating book intensifies in this snug haven. With each turn of a page, the immersive worlds found within literature harmonise with the wintry setting, inviting a sensory and intellectual journey amidst the quietude of the season.

As the outside world grapples with wintry breezes, the expansive digital repository invites individuals to explore a diverse collection of books, offering an array of captivating narratives and insightful stories that complement the serene tranquillity of a cozy winter day. Here is the list of five books curated by British Council Digital Library to transport you to captivating settings during the perfect winter days.

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

This historical novel follows Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power in the court of King Henry VIII. Mantel’s intricate storytelling vividly portrays the political intrigue, power struggles, and complexities of Tudor England, offering a compelling insight into Cromwell’s life and the tumultuous era in which he lived.

10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World by Elif Shafak

After Tequila Leila’s death, her mind continues to function for ten minutes and thirty-eight seconds, recalling her life’s memories. Set in Istanbul, Shafak’s novel intricately weaves Leila’s past experiences and the vibrant characters she encounters, shedding light on societal taboos, friendship, and the marginalized voices of Turkey.

The Sea, The Sea by Iris Murdoch

In this introspective novel, Charles Arrowby, a retired actor and director, retreats to a seaside cottage to reflect on his life. Amidst the backdrop of the sea, Murdoch delves into themes of love, obsession, and the complexities of human relationships, offering a contemplative exploration of the protagonist’s inner world.

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Antonia Lloyd-Jones

Set in rural Poland, the story follows Janina Duszejko, an eccentric woman who becomes embroiled in a series of mysterious deaths in her village. Lloyd-Jones crafts a gripping narrative that delves into themes of justice, the human-animal connection, and the dark underbelly of a seemingly tranquil community.

Possession by A. S. Byatt

Blending elements of mystery and romance, Byatt’s novel intertwines the stories of two academics as they uncover a secret love affair between two Victorian poets. As they delve into the past, the book navigates themes of literary scholarship, passion, and the complexities of human relationships across time.

ALSO READ-Why Reading Matters?

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An Artistic Exploration of Life’s Analogies through Installations

Each artwork in the exhibition portrays different aspects of comparison and its impact on our perception. Through curated daily walkthroughs, visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the artist’s interpretation of the three constructs of comparison: similarity, dissimilarity, and peculiarity…reports Asian Lite News

Visual and Installation artist Raihan Vadra is showcasing an immersive exhibition titled ‘Upamana’ that uses installations, visual art, sound and lighting and explores multiple analogies that human beings face through life. The exhibition will open on January 28 and will be on display till February 4 here at Bikaner House.

‘Upamana’ is part of a series of five solo shows, spread over a decade, based on the five schools of logic in Indian philosophy (five Pramanas). Using concepts derived from the same, the immersive shows use installations, visual art, sound and lighting to explore multiple comparisons and analogies that people face throughout life.

Borrowing from Sanskrit words — upa (similarity) + mana (knowledge), the word describes the act of “Knowledge arising from the association of something previously unknown”. This show builds upon themes such as control choice, compulsion, memory and emotion that were explored during the artist’s previous works – Dark Perception (2021) and Anumana (2022).

Each artwork in the exhibition portrays different aspects of comparison and its impact on our perception. Through curated daily walkthroughs, visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the artist’s interpretation of the three constructs of comparison: similarity, dissimilarity, and peculiarity.

The materials used for the works are metal, resin, fibreglass, naturally sourced trees and roots, photographs printed on archival paper, LED strip lighting and vinyl. A soundtrack is specifically created for the show which will go along with a voiceover that will introduce the viewer to each room, creating a holistic experience.

Raihan Vadra’s artistic vision revolves around the idea of embracing one’s uniqueness without the need for comparison. Through his artworks, he aims to convey the message of unlimited possibilities that arise from being true to oneself and being comfortable in one’s skin.

“Everyone faces comparisons in their daily life, whether it’s in the classroom at an early age, in the workspace, from their family or their friends. The show will explore these comparisons as well as the comparisons we make on other people and ourselves,” says Raihan Vadra.

“The comparisons we make define our reality, why is that and should we allow ourselves and others to be defined by these comparisons? Should we instead be questioning our comparisons and therefore our reality?” asks the artist, adding the exhibition aims to explore these aspects to understand what are we without such comparisons.

ALSO READ-‘Belong’ Exhibition by Karishma Swali at India Art Fair

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‘Belong’ Exhibition by Karishma Swali at India Art Fair

The India Art Fair also serves as a platform for unveiling the school’s artistic collaborations with French-Cameroonian visual artist Barthélémy Toguo and French contemporary artist Eva Jospin, underscoring their collective vision that celebrates the confluence of art and craft to create a new language across interdisciplinary mediums…reports Asian Lite News

Karishma Swali and the Chanakya School of Craft present ‘Belong’ at the India Art Fair in New Delhi from February 1st to 4th, 2024, located in a dedicated area at the heart of the fair at booth I01. 

Derived from the transformative power of nature, belong is a spontaneous immersion into the eternal connection between the human form and the natural world. From this exchange, emerges a fantastical universe, where the interconnectedness between all beings, their inherent nature, and the ecosystems they inhabit come to the fore. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the interconnectedness unfolds, uniting both real and metaphysical worlds. Rendered with a familiarity that transcends space and time, the central figures seamlessly integrate into the landscape, embodying a sense of profound belonging. In doing so, belong prompts contemplation on this eternal connection, reaching into the realms of collective consciousness and an almost unreachable memory. The series features large scale, interdisciplinary handcrafted works and sculptures conceived by Karishma Swali and meticulously handcrafted by the female graduates of Chanakya School of Craft, alongside the master artisans of the Chanakya ateliers.

The intricate interplay of hand-spun yarns and layering techniques, along with micro variations of needlepoint techniques, including couching, bullion knots and the stem stitch, bring to life a layered narrative that honours craft and its role in culture, community and preserving our collective identities. The exhibition also features hand moulded sculptures created with bamboo terracotta and basket weaving techniques, serving as a tribute to the resilient and unyielding spirit of the feminine. 

“Belong is a tribute to the spirit – common to us all, the wonder of nature and the interconnectedness of all life forms. Through this presentation, our endeavour is to honour the profound role craft plays in preserving our collective heritage and nurturing communities.”  says Karishma Swali, Creative Director of Chanakya School of Craft. 

The India Art Fair also serves as a platform for unveiling the school’s artistic collaborations with French-Cameroonian visual artist Barthélémy Toguo and French contemporary artist Eva Jospin, underscoring their collective vision that celebrates the confluence of art and craft to  create a new language across interdisciplinary mediums. 

The French Institute in India — as part of the launch of its Villa Swagatam residency  programme, which encourages exchanges between French artists and Indian craftspeople — the Basu Foundation and Galerie Lelong & Co. Paris New York will be unveiling the installation ‘Water Matters’, the fruit of an original collaboration between the Franco-Cameroonian artist  Barthélémy Toguo, Creative Director Karishma Swali and the artisans of non-profit school and  foundation, the Chanakya School of Craft, based in Mumbai. Presented at the Villa Swagatam booth L02, this installation will reflect a unique dialogue, combining contemporary artistic  practice with a wealth of ancestral knowledge. A 5-metre-long embroidery representing a  man receiving and offering water will be presented in front of a table with a hundred of  engraved bottles filled with water from all over the world. Two other embroideries  representing different animals will frame this installation. The interdisciplinary crafted works  involve the use of raw organic threads and fine needle techniques. Hand-embroidery  techniques such as stem stitch, back stitch, and micro-French knots are employed to achieve  an ink spread similar to that found in the paintings. 

“In India, craft occupies an honoured space, proving to be more unifying in human relationships than even spoken language. Through our artistic collaborations, we aspire to  acknowledge the significance of celebrating communities and their material cultures,  highlighting the integral role craftsmanship plays in conveying our traditional heritage and  our collective identities,” adds Karishma Swali. 

Over the few years, the Chanakya School of Craft has collaborated with renowned French  artist Eva Jospin, known for her mystical cardboard sculptures that intricately detail sections  of forests in bas-relief. The resulting works portray captivating landscapes with architectural  structures, forests, boulders, lianas, and waterfalls.

The graduates from Chanakya School of  Craft dedicated months to bring these intricate landscapes to life, employing over 150  variations of embroidery and utilizing more than 400 shades of organic silk, linen, cotton, and  jute threads. Three works from this artistic collaboration will be presented at the Galleria  Continua booth E04, while two unique creations will be presented at the Chanakya School of  Craft booth. This presentation not only exemplifies their enduring artistic partnership but also  underscores their shared commitment to celebrating craftsmanship across diverse  interdisciplinary mediums. 

ALSO READ-Folk and Tribal Art Take Center Stage at ‘Indiyart’ Exhibition

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JLF 2024: A Preview of Linguistic Diversity and Literary Brilliance

The literary extravaganza will see a range of linguistic diversity with sessions on 16 Indian and eight international languages…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian languages include — Assamese, Awadhi, Banjara language — Lamani (Lambada), Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Kurukh, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Sanskrit, Tamil, Toda and Urdu…reports Asian Lite News

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As the forthcoming 17th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival, scheduled to run from February 1 to 5 at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, draws near, Festival Producer Teamwork Arts presented a preview of the festival in New Delhi recently.

The literary extravaganza will see a range of linguistic diversity with sessions on 16 Indian and eight international languages.

The Indian languages include — Assamese, Awadhi, Banjara language — Lamani (Lambada), Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Kurukh, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Sanskrit, Tamil, Toda and Urdu.

For its 2024 edition, the festival will host about 550 speakers and artists across a vast array of nationalities, as well as recipients of major awards such as the Booker, the International Booker, the Pulitzer, the Sahitya Akademi, Dada Saheb Phalke Award, the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature, the JCB Prize for Literature, etc.

It will feature a range of themes, including Fiction & Non-Fiction, Literary Criticism, History, Politics & Current Affairs, Economics, Poetry, Art & Culture, Art & Architecture, Translation, Graphic Novels, Gender, Science & Medicine, Food & Memory, Biographies & Memoir, Mythology, Spirituality & Religion, Mental Health, Fashion & Lifestyle, Law & Justice, Geopolitics, Sports, Crime Fiction, Climate Change + Environment & Climate Justice, Pet Parents + Pets & Animals, Cities, Literary Icons Through The Ages, Bollywood & Cinema, among others.

Namita Gokhale, writer and co-director of Jaipur Literature Festival, said, “In this, our seventeenth year, we remain committed to the rich diversity of our multilingual literary heritage. We have writers from over twenty-five nationalities. Sixteen Indian languages shall be represented, including those from the evocative oral traditions. We explore a universe of ideas and themes — mathematics to music, camels to cuisine, environment to economics, and fiction to faction.”

“William Dalrymple, writer, historian, and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, said, “Every year we try and raise the bar at the Jaipur Literature Festival, but 2024 will be our finest festival yet. We are proud to present almost all the year’s most celebrated writers from around the world: the greatest novelists and poets, environmentalists and investigative journalists, historians and biographers, scientists and economists, artists and art historians, travel writers and humourists, literary critics and philosopher-feminists: a free-flowing gathering of great literary minds and extraordinary thinkers that is like a global super symposium or mega university opening its gates for anyone who wants to attend for five whole days for free.”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, who produce the Jaipur Literature Festival, said, “Embarking on Jaipur Literature Festival 2024, our vision is one of inclusivity, uniting the finest in literary excellence and fostering interdisciplinary conversations on a global scale. Our Festival proudly embodies pluralism, diversity and multilingualism, showcasing more than 24 languages, with 16 hailing from India. The 2024 edition continues our commitment to fundamental values, focusing on engaging the youth, creating a democratic and accessible platform, and ensuring free and equitable participation for all.”

ALSO READ-Jaipur Music Stage Reveals Stellar Performers for JLF

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Kedaya Antharvahinikalude Yard: A Poetic Revolution with AI-Driven Creativity

‘Kedaya Antharvahinikalude Yard’ transcends conventional boundaries by constituting a collection of post-modern poems that delve into the multifaceted conflicts experienced by individuals…reports Asian Lite News

Abin M. Devasia’s ‘Kedaya Anthatvahinikalude’ Yard stands as a pioneering work in Malayalam literature, marking the inception of a novel approach that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) creatively into the realm of poetry. This innovative initiative not only breaks traditional barriers between literature and science but also reflects the omnipresence of AI in shaping various aspects of human life, from thought processes to daily routines. At the same time, this initiative gives us the realization that ultimately it is human beings themselves who are controlling the AI.

We are giving it instructions, and it is acting according to that. This work is an example of how AI can be used in the creative space. It is more like an experiment, after all, using AI-generated illustrations for each of his poem. The intersection of literature and science has historically been confined within distinct disciplinary boundaries. However, in contemporary times, AI has permeated every facet of our existence, influencing our cognition, decision-making, and even our aesthetic sensibilities. This makes us think about how we can use AI rather than it using us.

Devasia’s work, with its utilization of AI-generated illustrations for each poem, signifies a groundbreaking convergence of literature and science. The process involves providing prompts that encapsulate the implied meanings of the poems, thereby guiding the AI in generating illustrations that complement and enhance the literary experience. It is noteworthy that the iterative nature of this creative collaboration ensures that the final output undergoes multiple refinements, highlighting the dynamic interplay between human intent and machine-generated creativity. Today, Prompt Engineering also has many possibilities for people out there who have knowledge in both language and AI. To use AI for poetry, we need to have the ability to convey the meaning of each poem to a non-human entity. Every picture used in this book is the result of multiple attempts at giving prompts.

‘Kedaya Antharvahinikalude Yard’ transcends conventional boundaries by constituting a collection of post-modern poems that delve into the multifaceted conflicts experienced by individuals. Each poem in this work has life engraved in it. It talks about freedom, religion, caste, women, regionality, nationalism, childhood, art, and so on. His way of expression is more connected to his way of life. He takes poetry as a tool to voice against the nuances of society. Each of his poems makes the readers think about the changes happening in their life, society itself. It is more like a political act. This work is an experimental act of exploring how literature and technology can be intertwined without losing its aesthetic sensibility. We should understand the challenges and limitations of making a machine understand human emotions and giving an output according to it.

The illustrations used for each poem are an attempt for this. It paves the way for more people to explore this interdisciplinary approach, not only expanding the horizons of literary expression but also underscoring the transformative potential of integrating AI into the creative process. Devasia’s work can be viewed as a scholarly contribution that challenges established paradigms, offering a nuanced exploration of the symbiotic relationship between literature and AI. By intertwining human agency with technological innovation, ‘Kedaya Antharvahinikalude’ Yard not only expands the canvas of Malayalam poetry but also serves as a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue between the humanities and emerging technologies.

ALSO READ-Sketching Dreams

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Sketching Dreams

The film’s soundtrack is composed by the acclaimed Sneha Khanwalkar, who has created iconic compositions for films like ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ and ‘Oye Lucky Lucky Oye’…writes Sukant Deepak

He may have cracked the prestigious BITS entrance but during his time there, what interested him more was writing plays and sketching. He soon realised, not Thermodynamics but looking inside people’s minds interested him. And that is when he decided to do an animation course in Singapore next.

Filmmaker Ishan Shukla, whose dystopian sci-fi animation film ‘Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust’, which will have its world premiere at the prestigious 53rd International Film Festival of Rotterdam (IFFR) smiles, “Well, it may sound all cool now, but believe me, I was really worried that time — what if I don’t get a job after the animation course? Of course, I don’t generally admit that,” he tells IANS.

While he did get a job in Singapore, in less than a year it started getting boring for him.

“In this sea of monotony, I started sketching in my diary and I replaced all the people with a box on their heads. The boxes not only conveyed emotions but also became tools of social and political commentary. It felt like I could make a story and create it into something around what was going on in the world as well. In a way, the film was conceived back in 2010.”

Based on his award-winning short with the same name, ‘Schirkoa’, which played at 120 plus international film festivals and won 33 awards, including Best Animated Short award at the LA Shorts Festival and was longlisted for the Academy Awards, this 103-minute film features principal voices of international film personalities such as Golshifteh Farahani, Asia Argento, SoKo, King Khan And The Shrines, Denzil Smith, John Sutton and introducing Tibu Fortes and Shahbaz Sarwar and guest star voices of Lav Diaz, Karan Johar, Shekhar Kapur, Anurag Kashyap, Piyush Mishra and auteur filmmaker Gasper Noe.

The film’s soundtrack is composed by the acclaimed Sneha Khanwalkar, who has created iconic compositions for films like ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ and ‘Oye Lucky Lucky Oye’.

In a sophisticated perfect society named ‘Schirkoa’, citizens live with paper bags on their heads to dissolve differences. Tensions rise when the whispers of a mythical land without the bags start to float and a fresh council member sparks an accidental revolution.

One of the rare animator filmmakers to make it to such a prestigious festival, Shukla hopes more Indian animators come forward, “When my short film qualified for the Oscars nominations shortlist, there was a lot of chatter. Many youngsters got in touch. But many of them are now in regular jobs. I wish talented people would keep at it and not get scared by a few years of grind.”

While children are the major earners for animation movies, in places like Japan, France and South Korea it is doing well in other demographies as well.

“I am sure animation will catch up with adults in India too, we are slowly seeing that happen. For me, it has always been an adult medium. I tend to see the world through an absurdist lens: for me, animation provocatively amalgamates absurdity and fantasy while still keeping the visual poetry and human moments intact,” says the filmmaker, who has been sketching since childhood, and has done consistent theatre in Bhopal.

Talking about the current state of animation in India, he feels that the major reason many people stay away is the lack of people willing to think from the ground up.

Adding that it is tough to find those who can take an idea to an empty piece of paper, he adds, “I have grown up seeing my father act in theatre and my mother write. And economic value is not there when you see animation filmmaking as a career in India. You can’t earn much and even the biggest studios are not making money. But we must come out of the shell and start taking calculated risks.”

Talk to him about the funding journey of ‘Schirkoa’ and he remembers that part to be nothing less than “blood-sucking”. Most people were interested in animation that catered to children. While some found his idea fascinating, no one was willing to take a risk.

“And then I found my French and German colleagues. They knew exactly what I was trying to achieve. In the last stage, people in India made it possible even though they had not done it before,” concludes the filmmaker, who is next going to direct a science fiction and create a video game based on that.

ALSO READ-Celebrate Heritage, Art, and Healing at VHAH FEST 2024

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Celebrate Heritage, Art, and Healing at VHAH FEST 2024

Highlights include a Food and Crafts Mela, artistic workshops, exploration of the Veda Temple’s architecture, and a Lime (Chuna) Technology demonstration by INTACH Shekhawati Chapter for heritage building restoration…reports Asian Lite News

The Vedaaranya Heritage and Healing Festival (VHAH FEST) returns to Ramgarh Shekhawati from January 26th to 29th, 2024. This festival, a collaboration between the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Shruti Foundation and INTACH Shekhawati Chapter, is set to celebrate heritage, art and healing in the captivating heritage wonderland.

Once deserted by affluent merchants, Ramgarh Shekhawati has transformed into one of the world’s most sought-after heritage destinations, showcasing over 200 Havelis, 36 cenotaphs and 101 temples.

Initiated eight years ago by Shruti Foundation, VHAH FEST 2024 focuses on the cultural revival of this gem through restoration, skilling, rural tourism, and cultural festivities. promises a captivating blend of cultural experiences featuring performers, artists, heritage experts, and musicians from India and beyond. From January 26th to 29th, 2024, this cultural extravaganza will unfold with “East meets West” performances, renowned musicians, domain experts, indigenous craftspeople, healers, designers, entrepreneurs, and leaders from governmental and institutional spheres.

Highlights include a Food and Crafts Mela, artistic workshops, exploration of the Veda Temple’s architecture, and a Lime (Chuna) Technology demonstration by INTACH Shekhawati Chapter for heritage building restoration.

Participants can also engage in a Kantha Textile workshop, explore upcycled products, and join weaving sessions with Katran (Waste Material). The festival features cultural performances, including “Meera” by Dr. Sonal Mansingh, a Sitar and Cello Jugalbandi with Pandit Shubhendra Rao and Maestro Saskia Rao De Haas, and “TRIDHARA” by Guru Geeta Chandran, blending Kathak, Odissi, and Bharatanatyam.

Other attractions include an inaugural dinner with Iranian Folk dances, Sufi Folk with the Mirs of Rajasthan, and a screening of “The History and Heritage of Ramgarh Shekhawati.”

Renowned artist Satish Gupta will present a “Live Calligraphy” performance, and attendees can explore Ramgarh Shekhawati’s heritage through guided tours. Immersive healing sessions offer local Ayurvedic insights, “A Superfood a Day” with Health Transformation Coach Vidhi Beri, and Yoga Healing Sessions with Bijal Doshi.

Mark your calendars for January 26th to 29th, 2024, to immerse yourself in the enchanting heritage, art and holistic well-being of Ramgarh Shekhawati, Rajasthan, at VHAH FEST 2024.

ALSO READ-A Glimpse into Style Preferences

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Books Parenting Woman

‘The Parents I Met’ By Mansi Zaveri: An Anthology of Conversations With Parents of Successful Individuals

Featuring interviews conducted by Mansi Zaveri, the founder of the award-winning parenting platform Kidsstoppress.com, The Parents I Met is an anthology of her authentic conversations with parents of successful individuals who made it big against all odds. What was it that they did right while raising their kids to create the person their child is today? A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

Mansi wants parents find their voice through these stories. “It is important to read stories of people you don’t know as their journeys are inspiring and interesting too. As parents to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, it will take a lot for us to unlearn that education is no longer the game changer and our kids will choose paths that may not be built on the foundations of a formal education system. They will learn differently and they will embrace learning styles that are best suited for them. Their role models will also evolve and it may not be someone brilliant in one field like academics, sports, Bollywood or politics like it’s always been. 

“This book gave me a new perspective on parenting, and on the way we should listen to our kids”, said author Mansi Zaveri. Through the collection of stories, “The Parents I Met” unveils invaluable insights, guidance, and validation for every parent navigating the complexities of raising children in today’s world. 

“The Parents I Met,” published by Penguin Random House, is available on online portals and bookstores for readers to explore the captivating stories of successful individuals and the parenting journeys that shaped them. 

“I always believe that we are all products of our childhood and our self-portrait, as we present it to the world, is a polished and curated version of who we want to be, but our parents are the only people who ever get to see the real us. They understand us more intimately than we know ourselves. They have known us even before we knew ourselves. And as a mom of 2, my experience has taught me that parenting is different, yet the same for everyone. So, I set out on a journey to learn what it takes to raise an outlier from the parents who raised successful outliers. Every single story is different, just like yours and just like mine. This book is not going to give you rules or any tips but it will surely give you lessons, stories and experiences that will bring a small impact in the way you see parenting and the way you see your kids”, stated Mansi as she signed off. 

About Mansi Zaveri:

Mansi Zaveri is the founder and CEO of India’s most trusted discovery platform for parenting and childcare, Kidsstoppress.com, which boasts a digital reach of 20 million people per month. She was also featured in Exchange4Media’s Content 40 Under 40 list in 2020. In June 2013, this mom of two decided to combine her passion for digital medium and her parenting journey to become an entrepreneur, leaving behind her corporate life to empower parents to make informed choices. 

Mansi is a certified Conscious Parenting Coach and works with families, educators and stakeholders to build healthier and happier families. Her first book The Parents I Met, published by Penguin Random House continues to top the charts on Amazon for Families and Relationships & True Accounts. She has successfully filled a void in the Parenting section across bookstores with her latest book. 

She hosts 2 podcasts one for kids and the other for families that continue to rank among the top 30 podcasts in the Kids & Family category on Apple and Spotify with over 20 million + listens. Mansi is the voice of the New Age Indian parents and has emerged as one of the most popular influencers in the parenting and baby care space. With a whole lot of passion and hard work, she has built Kidsstoppress.com into an enormously successful brand that today hosts online courses for parents, kids and women entrepreneurs. Her first book, 50 Indian Meal Plans, ranked no. 1 on Amazon in Food and Encyclopaedias in 2020. The Kids Stop Press (KSP) Awards, which celebrates excellence in parenting and baby care, is her brainchild. 

A yoga student and sustainable living advocate, Mansi lives in Mumbai with her two daughters, husband and family.

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KLF Announces 2024 Book Awards Shortlist

The Fiction shortlist boasts of Salman Rushdie’s ‘Victory City’, Vauhini Vara’s ‘This is Salvaged: Stories’, and Devika Rege’s ‘Quarterlife: A Novel’…reports Asian Lite News

Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) has announced the shortlist (English) for the Annual KLF Book Awards for 2024.

This year’s shortlist includes works such as Manoj Mitta’s ‘Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India’, Amitav Ghosh’s ‘Smoke and Ashes: A Writer’s Journey through Opium’s Hidden Histories’, Salman Rushdie’s ‘Victory City’, Devika Rege’s ‘Quarterlife: A Novel’, Ranjit Hoskote’s ‘Icelight’, Gurcharan Das’s ‘Another Sort of Freedom’ and former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan’s ‘Breaking the Mould – Reimagining India’s Economic Future’.

Rashmi Ranjan Parida, founder and director of KLF, said, “Literature is the mirror and the lamp of society — it reflects our realities and illuminates our dreams. We strive to honour those literary works that challenge our perspectives, enrich our experiences, and elevate our understanding of the world and ourselves.”

In the Non-Fiction category, Amitav Ghosh’s ‘Smoke and Ashes: A Writer’s Journey through Opium’s Hidden Histories’, Neerja Chowdhry’s ‘How Prime Ministers Decide’, and Manoj Mitta’s ‘Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India’ have been shortlisted.

The Fiction shortlist boasts of Salman Rushdie’s ‘Victory City’, Vauhini Vara’s ‘This is Salvaged: Stories’, and Devika Rege’s ‘Quarterlife: A Novel’.

Books in the Poetry shortlist include Ranjit Hoskote’s ‘Icelight’, Robin S. Ngangom’s ‘My Invented Land: New and Selected Poems’, and Varavara Rao’s ‘A Life in Poetry’.

The Debut shortlist includes Atharva Pandit’s ‘Hurda’, Sohini Chattopadhyay’s ‘The Day I Became a Runner: A Women’s History of India through the Lens of Sport’, and Radhika Iyengar’s ‘Fire on the Ganges: Life Among the Dead in Banaras’.

In the Children category, the shortlisted books include Bijal Vachharajani, Rajiv Eipe’s ‘When Fairyland Lost Its Magic’, Nikhil Gulati, Jonathan Mark Kenoyer’s ‘The People Of The Indus: And the Birth of Civilisation in South Asia’, Ravi Kapoor, and Nicholas Hoffland’s ‘Golden Tiger Mountain’.

The Business shortlist comprises Gurcharan Das’s ‘Another Sort of Freedom’, Akshat Rathi’s ‘Climate Capitalism: Winning the Global Race to Zero Emissions’, and Raghuram Rajan, Rohit Lamba’s ‘Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future’.

The Translation shortlist includes Vivek Shanbhag’s ‘Sakina’s Kiss’, translated by Srinath Perur, Imayam’s ‘A Woman Burnt’, translated by GJV Prasad, and Manoj Rupda’s ‘I Named My Sister Silence’ translated by Hansda Sowvendra Shekha.

KLF will be held from February 9 to 11 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

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