True Torch.

True Torch.

The true torch of –
peace,
equality, and
justice; eclipsed,
leaving humanity, stripped;
amid holders of –
fiery flames,
eager to set it,
ablaze.

Peace and Rich Tributes to Sir Nelson Mandela.

Photo courtesy - Wikipedia.

10 Commandments

Earlier, I had a habit of cutting and saving good articles, appearing in dailies, to be read later, which I am unable to do at present. I feel, the frequency of articles, worthy of cutting and saving leave apart reading; has gone down nowadays.

This past week, I found '10 Commandments'; explained in lucid language, which appeared in Education Times on November 12, 1999. I was so glad to find it back and couldn't resist sharing it with Family of Friends on SCRIBD and here.

There are various/argumentative opinions on presence and the resulting belief in God and there's nothing wrong in it. Of late, I have come to believe that, My Guru is My God. HE is the one, who'll lead me to eternity.

Read and share '10 Commandments' here 
http://www.scribd.com/doc/171761028/10-Commandments

What is Social Media Marketing?

A powerful tool to promote, advertise, and market any sort of brand, product, and or service. Unlike, traditional advertising and marketing; ‘Social Media Marketing’ is the fastest, far-reaching, and above all – cheapest mode to reach out potential or existing consumers or customers. No doubt, traditional advertising, which include – TV commercials, special campaigns, newspaper inserts and advertisements, billboards across streets, advertisements on public transport vehicles and other means, which are visible to public are equally fast; reaching masses at the same time, but are quite expensive compared to promotions, publicity, offers, and campaigns run on social networking sites.

May it be a large sized corporate, small enterprises, vendors, wholesalers, retailers, publishers, authors, artists, and many others can possibly, with much ease interact with their respective customers, consumers, or audiences within no time.

Such means of marketing have grown manifolds; after social networking site – facebook and micro-blogging site – twitter became popular among companies and individual users all over the world. Facebook and Twitter have been used extensively to promote brands and products in the recent past. Other widely popular website includes, LinkedIn – a website for working professionals; however, it is also utilized by companies to host their own profile, company history, office addresses, and names of key executives. This assists companies on many professional grounds.

Today, almost all organizations across the world – big or small, have their presence on social networking sites enabling them reach out the end user directly.

For example – An individual consumer of an FMCG company, will have the freedom to express his/her experiences he/she had after using the company’s product/s; just by liking or following that particular company’s page on ‘Facebook’ or ‘Twitter’ respectively. In return, the company can interact with its consumer/s directly or through other resources. Quite positive. Isn’t it?

Here, it is good to note that upgraded technology has evolved in getting people across the world, closer that ever.

We all know that technology is abused even before it is put to its correct use. Considering this, social networking sites too, have their negatives. There always is a possibility of spammers or unwanted elements joining social pages of companies, with fake profiles. Such users tend to spoil the image of a particular company, even if they are not it’s consumers. Under such circumstances; companies affected surely can take steps to remove or block such elements from their page/s to protect their reputation.

Every social networking site have a provision to block, remove, or report any of its followers, if the user notices unwanted content on any of its pages. A bit difficult, but doing so enables the company or fan page users to protect its reputation among other loyal buyers and or followers.

Almost all companies have an IT department, which control technology related issues and amicably resolves them. However, technology is far more powerful today; than it used to be, but unfortunately is quite prone to hacking, spamming, and other viruses. Organizations and individuals need to protect themselves and their systems by installing anti-theft; firewall protection software’s to avoid being spammed, spoofed, and exposed to risks, which also includes protecting online social statuses.

Social Media is on the rise and its not going to stop bringing people closer.   

Everville: The First Pillar Kindle ebook giveaway contest

Everville: The First Pillar Kindle ebook giveaway contest.

Enter a chance to win a free Kindle ebook of Amazon's #1 international epic fantasy bestseller Everville: The First Pillar. Also, be sure to stay tuned for details on the upcoming second book in the series Everville: The City of Worms, expected to be released in late Summer.

To enter, you must have a valid non-Kindle email address. The winner will be sent a free Kindle ebook directly from Amazon. In order to enter you must reside in a country that allows Kindle downloads. If you do not have a Kindle, you can download a free Kindle app for iPhone or Android or Kindle Cloud for PC’s.

Buy links,

http://tinyurl.com/c645pc7 Kindle ebook regularly $2.99

http://tinyurl.com/blbpv22 Paperback

http://tinyurl.com/cg8rtxr Hardcover

http://tinyurl.com/ktc9abl Audible audio book (Also available on ITunes)

Author Bio:

Roy Huff is the author of Amazon's #1 international bestselling epic fantasy novel, Everville: The First Pillar. This is the first installment in the remarkable Everville series which combines elements of epic fantasy and young adult fiction in a form that nearly anyone will enjoy reading, young or old. He is a man of many interests including but not limited to science, traveling, movies, the outdoors, and of course writing teen and young adult fantasy fiction. He holds five degrees in four separate disciplines including liberal arts, history, secondary science education, and geoscience. Roy Huff's background includes work in art, history, education, business, real-estate, economics, geoscience, and satellite meteorology. He was born on the East Coast but has spent more than half his life in Hawaii, where he currently resides and writes his epic fantasy sagas.

Easy entry for all owensagefans fans on Facebook 
http://www.facebook.com/owensagefans

Become a fan of Roy Huff on Goodreads  
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6893006.Roy_Huff

Mad Man's Artwork

Very honestly, I am not an artist at all. But, at times, I do have the urge of quenching the thirst of splashing colors on paper.

It was day before, that I saw couple of A4 size papers lying on the table top, which were lying there for almost 15-20 days, unattended.

I do not know, what struck me, I picked them up, cleared off the dust and thought for few moments on, what can I sketch.

Finally, all I could paint out directly, using my daughter’s oil pastels, is this. 

 

I entitled it as, “Mad Man’s Artwork”.

Not sure, but I think, there are many pictures or messages, within this image.

I perceived the picture as – “Unconditional love, keeps hopes alive.”

Will be honored, if you could add your thoughts on this. 

Thank you. 

Reading completes Writing.

To be very honest, I haven’t read much of books, except the books authored by friends online and few, which are passed on to me, by my Father. I wasn’t much of a reader. It all started a few years ago and I started to get a hang of reading and loved it. I do not go deep into the genre of the work, but just keep on reading, which enables me to co-relate with the author, closely.

It would make one, wonder – How can a non-reader become a writer? This question makes me wonder too. It all started with a humble poetry, which I wrote three years ago and then, there was no looking back. All I can say is, only reading gave me that extra boost to express in different ways.

Being a poet, I never thought, I could write a love tale, (a novella in two short stories). I don’t know from where they came and struck me. I just kept on scribbling and it turned out to be a love story with a mix of negatives and positives.

I am aware, that a novel needs to have certain number of words, like 10k or more. My love story “Love Connection” has just 3K words. 

Sigh! So less. 

I wonder anyone would like to read it. But, I am glad, that I could at-least reach that many words. All the credit goes to reading. Reading completes writing. Am grateful to all author friends.

Am happy to share an excerpt from “Love Connection” and a link to it.

            “Daniel is 24, a graduate in commerce and he works as an officer with a high profile bank. It’s been almost four years he’s been sweating out day in and day out for his career to grow. He likes his job although he isn’t comfortable with the monotonous work of the bank. Since, he was a salesman for his previous organizations.” 

            “During his peak as a salesman, he fell in love with a fellow colleague, “Jenny”. Jenny was a smart and a beautiful young girl. She lived quite close to Dan’s house. She was a child to a single parent. She had lost her father a few years ago. She used to work in the Direct Marketing division of Dan’s company. Both of them interacted while on duty.”

              “ Jenny, was quite impressed with Dan’s personality, his style of working, the way he talked, the rapport he used to build with one and all, we can say she was impressed with almost everything; while, Dan liked her simplicity, beauty, and her humble nature. They never knew, when and how they fell in love with each other.

            Each others presence made them cheerful and absence turned them gloomy. Days, weeks, months passed and their love grew stronger. Their love was selfless, pure, and strong.

            It was love his for Jenny, which landed him to build a career in banking. Love makes things work. He sacrificed his selling career just for love. He had the ideology to give love first and receive it later.”

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Connection-Aniruddha-Sastikar/dp/1484022327 

What makes you happy? A Five Star Rating, A Review, Or Both?

What would or does a "Five Star" mean for a poet or a writer on his/her works?

Aha! May be the first expression. Or A Wow!!! With couple of extra exclamation marks.

Further more, what if the book receives a wonderful review from unknown and unmet friend/s across national borders?

Yes! You got it right!

The poet or writer feels grateful toward the reader friend/s and the review adds encouragement to the pen holder. And that’s what happened with me. Am sure, this must be happening to you too.

I’ve gone speechless not only after reading this wonderful review from lovely friend, Lynn Creager, (Jefferson City, Missouri, US) but every review posted on my work.

Glad to share it here.

 
“Maiden Musings is a touching collection of Haiku poetry. The Author Aniruddha Sastikar takes a soul searching journey. In Maiden Musings you will find yourself on a path of beautiful images of nature, a depth wherein the Author looks closely at life. Complex and uplifting, he soul searches. He finds beauty and hope even in darkness. On a breeze, his musings takes his heart into his faith in God. He shares his love for friends and his dear family, his hopes and dreams, and how nature lights his path each day.... 

Click the link below to read the complete review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/618460534

Cricket.

Cricket.

Cricket – the game with eleven players each side,

umpires ‘two’ and few reserve players too,

with a referee to control,

playing away their natural talent;

to cheers from fully excited,

unbiased crowd;

only wanting the sport,

to win.

Tender strong hands,

may they be of a child or a youth,

at every given opportune;

they would grab a bat

to hit fours and sixes,

or shine the leather ball

to deliver fire and claim wickets,

and the older men and women,

enjoyed every moment played.

Alas!

The game with a willow, a ball, and six wickets;

once used to be a source of living a disciplined life,

for it’s great players and numerous fans,
until the day; it was slapped black and blue,

with it’s rules and playing area, bended –

to make quick bucks,
was thrown to disgrace by few polished gangsters;

hiding –

a gun, in their hind-pocket to spread fear,

international currencies, in their side-pocket to bribe,

hookers, in their expensive cars for adultery.

Ah!

The thrilling sport went more murkier,

when troupers joined hands,

with bloody hoodlums

and stepped on the podium,

not to give away cups or trophies,
but to hypnotize and drag one and all,

in their beautiful rotting Worlds.

Sigh!

That refreshing gentleman’s game

is not the same anymore,

which it used to be,

few decades ago.

Invisible positive vibes.

Life is a mix of struggles and rejoicing. It may be intense and depressing at one and smooth and pleasant at next. I do not have to reinvent the wheel; we all know this.

Everyone needs a moral support; be it tough or celebration times. Isn’t it?

We all need it. Don't we? 

I need it too, especially when times are really delicate and very depressing. Although, I have a strong backing from my family members and friends (in-person and online), it at times is difficult to cope. But, being a poet and artist and living among truly amazing fellow poets, writers, & artists; makes life, livable.

Instead of surrendering myself to the graves of doom, I prefer to let the muse flow, click pictures and write on them. I know every word or verse in my poem/s may not make me positive, but am sure about they, touching others and possibly make them enthusiastic toward life and when that happens, their invisible positive vibes touch and enter me, making me optimistic and hopeful toward life.

Just to quote an example. I have had clicked a picture of a live flame, burning in a lamp kept in the place of worship at home in April this year. I copied it on my PC and pondered for days; on where to use it. It was today, that I decided to use it in the best way I could. I scrolled through hundred odd poems and found “Burning Radiance”, which I wrote in March this year, which exactly matched the picture. It is really magical. You write first and image comes later; conversely, you click first and writing comes later.

So, it was time to share it on facebook, Google+, and others. And when I did, friends liked it and found it inspiring and beautiful, which in turn, inspired me too. Positive vibes, you see.

How does this happen?

I am amazed and have no answer to this invincible and unseen power of GOD.

Very glad to share it with You.

Once upon a time...

On a hot afternoon, couple of days ago, my daughter - Chinmayee and I had a small chat, which reminded me, I've and can write stories for children. I was pleased with her sharp memory, compared to what I have. Here's the conversation, which choked my throat and silently told me, I need to get back to writing for children apart from poetry.

Chinmayee: Come on, Dad, tell me a good story.

Me: I don’t know how to, Dear Child.

She: I know you can.

Me: I am a dumb poet, so how can I tell one.

She: Why do you say so? I remember the one about a parrot flying freely.

Me: Ah! Okay. Listen. "Once upon a time...

Morals help us lead and retain a positive outlook toward life. Children are the ambassadors for a beautiful world; for themselves and others as well. Pleasure sharing link to a short story book for children, published last December http://www.blurb.com/b/3941840-once-upon-a-time

Journey's just begun...

Today, when I look back at those bygone 38 years of my active life (still active, though), I wonder what extra-ordinary have I accomplished. Nothing. It surely was a life, which included a humble childhood, charming youth, & struggle filled years of working for different corporations, with more downs than ups. Although, I did taste success, but it was only at couple them. After working for 16 long years (still working), I realized, a principled life or specific working style has no or least value in the wildly dark corporate world.

Moving a bit away from jobs and corporate world; I never realized during these 38 years that I had a gift of writing poetry. Wonder, whether it was lost, hidden, suppressed, or never exposed. 

Maybe it was lack of time or time was waiting for the right opportunity.

Nevertheless, it was exactly 2 and half years ago; my hidden muse struck me right through my heart and I started scribbling. Initially with quotes, stories, and poems/poetry later.

It was only after writing around 250 poems and 30 odd short stories, I stepped out in the self publishing world with haiku/micro poetry books - “Maiden Musings Vol. 1 and 2”, Children's short story book – “Once upon a time...” and recently published “Wings of Freedom; published traditionally through good friend Brian Wrixon, Burlington, Canada and Blurb Inc., US. 

To reach out readers in India, I self-published “Wings of Freedom; through a POD in India – Pothi.com owned by Mudranik Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, India.

How can I forget crediting the unending support of readers, fellow writers, family members, and friends. They mean more to me than my writing. I am glad that I am in safe pair of hands and all the people, whom I have known – in-person and online are sent by The Lord above. I will cherish them beyond eternity.

I truly feel that the journey's just begun...

Am happy to share couple of my personal best poems for you to read.

1. If me being alive...

If me being alive

doesn’t uplift,

change and grow myself

in any form,

it should stop me

from glorifying,

the day I was born.

If me being alive

isn’t backing

and nurturing fellow beings

in any form,

it should stop me

from exulting on,

the day I was born.

If me being alive

doesn’t support

or stand for a social cause

of any form,

it should stop me

from observing,

the day I was born.

If me being alive

doesn’t help

and serve the nation

in any form,

it should stop me

from celebrating,

the day I was born.

If me being alive

doesn’t comfort

and console the troubled

in any form,

it should stop me

from jubilating,

the day I was born.

If me being alive

doesn’t aid

and assist the needy

in any form,

it should stop me

from enjoying,

the day I was born.

If me being alive

fails to realize,

the blessings of God

in every form,

it should stop me

from moving and,

leave me dead and torn.

2. Out of the woods...

 

I was loosely roaming

in those dim woods

of solitude...

I collected me, only –

when your gentle steps,

crushed those scattered

leaves of isolation...

I was alone lonely

in those dim woods

of seclusion...

I knew of love, only –

when your lips kissed

away my frozen

tears of dreariness...

I fell mildly asleep

in those dark woods

of loneliness...

I woke-up, only –

when the scent of your love,

vaporized that hovering stink of loneliness...

I went feebly dead

in those unlit woods

of isolation...

I came to life, only –

when your tender touch,

swept away that biting

hide of solitude...

We are livingly alive

in this, still dark woods

of haziness...

We can live, only –

because our hearts,

beat that mysterious

fog of haziness...

Pleased to share links to my poetry books. All these books have been added on Goodreads too.

http://www.amazon.com/Maiden-Musings-Volume-Aniruddha-Sastikar/dp/1480192643 

http://www.amazon.com/Maiden-Musings-Volume-Aniruddha-Sastikar/dp/148191085X 

http://www.blurb.com/b/4192156-wings-of-freedom 

http://pothi.com/pothi/book/aniruddha-sastikar-wings-freedom 

I hope, you'll enjoy reading my works.

Be updated or be left out!

Keeping blog or blogs up-to-date is not only necessary, but mandatory, because anybody visiting the blog, would always like to have updated information about its author’s progress, instead of closing the page; just because it contains posts, which are couple months older.

I haven’t added anything new in the above paragraph, though, but in the virtual world its quite common; if you are not updated, very soon you will be out-dated.

I do not know if I have the right to say this; because its over 25 days, I added a new post to my blog. Those who have visited and regulary visit this page may have got or might get irate on reaching the same old page. My extended apologies to everyone.

After my last post on the first of this month, I got dead busy in getting my poetry book “Wings of Freedom” published here in India using a POD publishing website - Pothi.com, which is owned and managed by Mudranik Technologies Pvt. Ltd - a Bangalore based start-up in 2008. This poetry book was initially published in Canada through great friend Brian Wrixon and Blurb Inc. US. I got it published here too, so that family and friends residing in India can buy it in INR. It was this time, I realized how difficult self-publishing is. Especially, the cover art. All efforts paid off, the book’s been published and available by clicking these links http://pothi.com/pothi/book/aniruddha-sastikar-wings-freedom and http://www.blurb.com/b/4192156-wings-of-freedom.

If one wishes to become a good writer he/she has to read first; and thats what I got myself busy with. Within this 20-25 days, I managed to read “A Favorite Son” a wonderful book written by inspiring friend +Uvi Poznansky. 

I am in awe with her skill with words, brush, and chisel and hammer. Those looking to read strong family ties, I highly recommend “A Favorite Son” which is a modern day presentation of Biblical tale of of Jacob and Esau, their mother Rebecca, and Isaac, son of Abraham. Check out “A Favorite Son” through this link http://www.amazon.com/A-Favorite-Son-Uvi-Poznansky/dp/0984993258.

Coming back to blog updating, I noticed and read regular updates from lovely and close friends +Uvi Poznansky, +Cain Latrani, +Storm DeVille, and +Carla Sarett, which inspired me to get serious with my blog, if I wished to stay in the league.  

While I work on my next poetry book, I’ve made it a point to keep my blog updated, even if the post is just about 50 words.

I sincerely hope to keep my word.

Also hope you will like reading “Wings of Freedom” and “A Favorite Son”.

Wishing you all a happy weekend.

POD in India

After putting-in days together researching, I finally found a POD (Print-On-Demand) publisher in India. The site Pothi.com is owned and managed by Mudranik Technologies Pvt. Ltd - a Bangalore based start-up in 2008. The company's got positive reviews from third party analyzers, independent bloggers, & partner websites.

I am glad to release my first love story "Love Connection" using services of Pothi.com, which can be reached by clicking the following link...
http://pothi.com/pothi/book/aniruddha-sastikar-love-connection

This certainly doesn't mean I wouldn't use Amazon henceforth, of course I will, but to reach out my dear friends and family members residing in India, I would use Pothi.com

Thank You for checking this out in advance. I hope you'll love the offering.

Artist Next Door

Attached is a satirical piece (of course, which doesn't depict me) for those who literally do not bother for artists - standing, sitting, living, or dying just beside them. I wonder why famous artists the world over are propagated, whilst ignoring amateur or budding artists all the way through, whom they know personally.

I do know as most of us are - All those greats too, started small, but they were appreciated and encouraged by their friends, relatives, and investors to make it big one day.

Even I love those inspiring greats, but first I would love to encourage and appreciate artists whom I know personally and meet on the path of my life, instead of blatantly ignoring their works.

What do these artists need – just a word of praise to encourage their art or maybe constructive criticism to enhance their creativity?

I did die doing this.

Am aware, this sounds harsh, but think this happens day in day out.

My sincere apologies to all for hurting attachments.

I really am indebted to everyone who have read, appreciated, and shared my work/s on SCRIBD, facebook, twitter, Amazon and assisted me, get published.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/119916757/Artist-Next-Doorhttp://www.scribd.com/doc/119916757/Artist-Next-Door