Re-living the magical experience of DDLJ.

On the eve of completing incredible 1000 weeks run in a single theatre, the movie ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ was released worldwide once again last week. I went to witness it once again and re-live the golden magic of DDLJ. And I was not disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the movie, partially due to my fading memory, as I had seen it in theatre before in 1995, the year it was released.

Following are some of my observations about this epic movie, which has cemented a place for itself in all-time Bollywood blockbusters.

The on-screen chemistry of SRK and Kajol was mesmerizing. It had a freshness, youthfulness, romanticism and what not. This pair can easily be compared with other classic pairs in Bollywood like Raj Kapoor – Nargis, Dilip Kumar – Vaijayanthimala, Dev Anand – Waheeda Rehman, Rajesh Khanna – Mumtaz and Amitabh Bchchan – Rekha.

The entire star cast has now changed with times. 20 years has changed a lot. Sadly, Yash Chopra and Amrish Puri are no more. Kajol is a happy mom with two kids. SRK is struggling to keep his stardom alive. Mandira Bedi, almost a newcomer in the movie, has come and gone into oblivion. Karan Johar, who played a cameo as sidekick of SRK, has established himself as a premium filmmaker. 

The film does not have a single kissing scene. This tells us about how the society has changed in the last twenty years. As the years progressed, in the name of being advanced or progressive, the sensuality has been lost somewhere.

The film has a dialogue, ‘Bade bade shahron me aisi chhoti chhoti baten hoti raheti hai.’  This dialogue had put RR Patil in serious trouble and cost him his home minister ship when he had wrongly used it after the tragic terror attack in Mumbai In 2006. However, this dialogue was deeply honored when Barack Obama mentioned it in one of his speeches during his recent visit to India.

The audience mainly comprised of people in their forties and fifties, some of them with their young children. The elders were excited to re-live the magic while the children were excited to see their parents thrilled. Conspicuously, there were no youngsters-in-groups in the movie hall. This could be because they might have seen this movie on television many times or simply, they do not value it enough to watch in theatre.

This was a cult movie, which later gave birth to several remakes with selective portions of the movie. It was very easy to relate some portions of this movie with plots and sub-plots of movies released subsequently, for several years. In that respect, it has retained its freshness and originality, even after twenty years.

In the last minute of the film, when Amrish Puri leaves the grip of Kajol’s hand and says in his deep voice, ‘Ja Simran Ja … jee le apni zindagi…’ it was as if the whole world had accepted the concept of true love. It shows a victory of love over everything else. If Yash Chopra has earned the title of ‘King of Romance’, then this film surely marks an important landmark in his achieving this coveted title for himself.

Overall, it was a great experience. I came home satisfied that I had enjoyed once again a masterpiece of a movie, which had stood the test of time. A whole new generation had grown up in Mumbai by watching its morning show in Maratha Mandir. 

5 reasons why AAP will not survive the full term in New Delhi...!

AAP has set new benchmarks in the history of India as far as the winning percentage in assembly elections are concerned. By any standards, this is an unprecedented victory and shall always figure in the top 5 list of victory margins for decades to come. The AAP cadre deserves to be complimented for their sustained efforts during the last few months for campaigning for their candidates.

With this verdict, the Modi juggernaut has symbolically come to a halt. The BJP may console themselves by saying that this was a referendum on Kejriwal and not on Modi government, but even a child will say that this is not entirely true. BJP faced its first big challenge post the general elections last year and they lost the contest very badly. 

Going ahead, the AAP will have unlimited power as the people’s mandate has been completely in their favor. However, will AAP live up to the people’s expectations? Can the Kejriwal government fulfill all its poll promises? Can Kejriwal bring the Moon, which he has promised, to the Aam Admi of Delhi during the campaigning?

Well, the road ahead for Kejriwal is not very easy. He has a challenge ahead of him, which is much bigger that what meets the eyes. Let us analyze the threats faced by Kejriwal at this moment of time, and see whether he can survive a full term of five years or again sacrifice his powerful seat, to satiate his inner need of doing dharnas and agitations.

Threat #1: No opposition

Kejriwal has achieved something, which neither he nor any of his ardent supporter might have dreamt of. He does not have an opposition in the assembly. He can virtually pass any bill, any resolution, any act without having to bother about anything. In fact, there would be no meaningful discussions in the assembly at all. The ruling party legislatures are stretching from the right side of the speaker to the extreme left side, a place reserved for the opposition party legislatures. How much debate can be held with the three members of BJP, who will appear and behave more like invitees to a marriage function that posing any serious challenge to the government?

This is not good omen for democracy, since the government tends to become complacent about its actions and likely to lose focus very soon.

Threat #2: Old habits die hard

Kejriwal has been an expert agitator while is efficiency as an administrator is yet to be tested. He has already squandered one precious chance last year. During his infamous rule for 49 days, he has initiated and participated in several agitations and dharnas, some of them on the roads leading to north block. He had not only threatened to disrupt the republic day parade, but had also openly incited the policemen to join the agitation. He also uttered those words ‘Yes, I am an Anarchist.’

If he indulges in any of these things now, he might be in trouble again. Moreover, this time, he has no excuse. The people have given him an enviable mandate. He has to govern, not agitate.

Threat #3: Difficult promises

Kejriwal has made several rosy promises to the people of Delhi. He may not find it easy to deliver on these promises. For example, if he is going to reduce the electricity and water bills for the people, and collect the money from people indirectly by way of additional taxes and duties, then this may not work for long. The electricity and water authorities cannot operate on losses. The government cannot grant subsidies to the people, unless they know where the money is going to come from, to cover the loss in revenue.

Similarly, roads cannot be built without collecting additional money from the public. 

Threat #4: High expectations on fast results

The mandate got by Kejriwal is unrealistic by any standards. People do not even dare to dream what he has achieved. Naturally, the expectations are running high and people expect the result of good governance to be reflected in their daily lives from day one. Every day brings more pressure to perform and any delay is looked upon with suspicion about the capabilities to bring about the changes. Unfortunately, he has many things in his agenda like bringing Delhi police under the Delhi government, statehood for Delhi, audits of power companies etc., which are not easy tasks. These changes require prolonged deliberations with different stakeholders, patient discussions, compromises and adjustments from one’s original stand etc. Unfortunately, the AAP leadership has not demonstrated so far any of these qualities while dealing with such issues. They instantly go on offensive and threaten a dharna. This only derails the process and brings down the trust levels between various parties.

Threat #5: Internal contradictions

By far, this is the biggest threat for the AAP. This is one factor, which could accelerate the process of bringing down this government before completing its term for full five years. The only thing common to all the elected representatives is that they are all clean, without any corruption charges against them. But then, that alone is not enough for ensuring a good governance. Even Manmohan Singh was clean, and we know what happened to him and his party. Moreover, all these legislatures are inexperienced in politics, principled and people with an opinion. Kejriwal is known to be autocratic in his functioning style and he is bound to ruffle some feathers among his own party members while taking decisions, small and big. It will be interesting to see how these legislatures accept the diktats form the high command without questioning and adjust to the dictatorial work environment.

Another big worry is that some of the inner coterie like Somnath Bharti and Rakhi Birla, who have been in controversies before for their unruly behavior. Would they unintentionally embarrass the government like before? Would they spread anarchism around again?.

Given these five challenges, it looks very unlikely that the Kejriwal government would complete its term of five years. The internal contradictions would bring it down faster than anyone can expect. This has been a roller coaster ride for the AAP. Now it will stabilize and continue to be like any other political party. 

We all have heard that absolute power corrupts absolutely … now we are going to witness it in Delhi in coming few months.

10 reason why I love Srilanka

We had a short trip of 5 days to Srilanka in third week of December 2014. It was a memorable trip, which brought us close to the nature in an enchanting way. We visited the capital city Colombo, the commercial city of Kandy and the hill station Nuwara Eliya. 

Here are ten reasons why we will always remember this Srilanka trip on a positive note.

Immediately on arrival at the Colombo airport, the immigration officer noticed an issue relating to my daughter’s visa. While she should have had a separate visa for her, the travel agent had by mistake put her name in my visa as a dependent. To our surprise, the immigration officer was very helpful in resolving this issue, which required him to leave the counter for well over fifteen minutes and consult his superiors. He made an online application for her visa and obtained approval immediately.

Reason #1: The immigration officer was extremely polite, cooperative and helpful while dealing with us.

Once in the city, we noticed that there were auto rickshaws of different colors like Red, Black, and Yellow etc. Later, we were told later that just like cars, the autos in Srilanka come in different colors. The first observation we had in Colombo was that there was a traffic discipline. All the traffic lights worked, the roads were without any potholes, no one sounded the horn unnecessarily and people followed traffic rules.

Reason #2: The traffic sense in the people was far superior compared with other Asian cities.

As we traveled to Nuwara Eliya, which is located at an incredible height of around 6000 feet from the sea level, we observed that even the narrow roads had markings of the road divider and the hard shoulder (end of lane) all along. However interior we went in the hilly roads, or outskirts of the cities, we found that the roads were clearly marked.

Reason #3: The roads are laid properly with lane markings, which gave a neat appearance of the roads.

While we traveled from Colombo to Pinnavala, on one of the single lane road, the driver overtook an auto by momentarily crossing over to the opposite lane, as there was no road-divider, and also the road in other direction was empty. There was a policeman standing just ahead, who stopped the vehicle for violating the traffic rule. The violation was that there was a solid line dividing the lanes of both direction, which meant that overtaking was not allowed on that patch of the road. However, when the tourist guide and the driver explained to the policeman that they were carrying tourists to Pinnavala, where they needed to be on time and were already late, the policeman just checked the license of the driver and let the vehicle go. He did not take any money with or without receipt.

Reason #4: The policemen appeared to be honest. Just imagine, if he was corrupt, he would have taken some bribe. Then for the rest of the day, the driver would have cursed the policeman and passed some of his stress to us, by not being as courteous. So, in this case, an honest policeman ensured that we spent our day blissfully.

Our guide informed us that the government wants that every child in every government school has a nutritious breakfast every day. However, to ensure that the disparity in the financial status of various children does not come to the fore, they came up with a very novel idea. They ask the parents to cook the breakfast for all the children in their ward’s class. So, if a child has say thirty students in his class, the parents of every child cook the breakfast for all thirty students by rotation. The government pays a specific amount to the parents towards this, with an advance intimation about their turn.

Reason #5: The government is interested in developing a better future for their country, by ensuring that every child has a nutritious breakfast.

As we were watching the road traffic while travelling in our cosy van, we noticed something amazing. A boy was running to catch a bus and as he boarded the bus, his wallet fell down on the road. While some of the bystanders were watching this, suddenly, one of the person came forward, picked up the wallet and ran behind the bus, which had slowed down now for some traffic congestion ahead, and handed over the wallet to this boy who looked anxiously all along.

Reason #6: It appeared as though the percentage of honest citizens is higher than average in Srilanka.

Throughout our stay in Srilanka, we did not spot a single beggar. This showed that the people engaged themselves in some activity or other to earn sufficient money for their survival. Also, the government might have several measures in place to ensure that the beggars are rehabilitated in some remunerative work.

Reason #7: No beggars.

In all the hotels we stayed, what stood out was their hospitality. The hotel staff was utmost courteous, which was probably because of their training of course, and also it could have been their basic nature to be polite and humble. The attitude and behavior of the hotel staff has a direct bearing on the level of comfort of your stay in any hotel.

Reason #8: Excellent hospitality.

The nature must have been extremely generous while designing various countries on earth. The hillside of Nuwara Eliya is a treat to the eyes. It is a wonderful experience to travel through the narrow roads, surrounded by hundreds of tea plantations, spread over thousands of acres of land. The scene of clouds passing below the mountain heights leaves an imprint in the mind for a long time.

Reason #9: Natural beauty of Srilanka.

The religious harmony of Srilanka is worth appreciating. The population comprises of 80 percent Buddhists, 10 percent Muslims and 10 percent Christians. Barring a few incidents, the society is generally tolerant towards one another’s religions. This is probably, because Buddha emphasizes on noble qualities such as peace, tolerance and harmony.

Reason #10: Communal harmony.

Our guide told us many other trivia like how the Indian satellite channels were making inroads into Srilanka. Some of the popular ‘saas-bahu’ serials were already dubbed in the local Sinhala language. These serials attracted all the womenfolk in sitting glued to the TV sets when these serials were telecast. Apparently, the local fashion market is also deeply influenced by these serials, with various dresses, bangles, accessories coming out with the brand names of popular serials.

As we left Srilanka, we felt that this land had suffered a lot in the last few decades due to the insurgency of LTTE and was experiencing some peace now. We pray that the peace reins in Srilanka for ages to come and it develops and grows to become a powerful south Asian country.

Reader's Reviews ... 'Altered Destiny'.

It was a pleasant experience to receive such overwhelming response from the readers of my second book ‘Altered Destiny’.

Here are some of the best reviews I received for this book.

1.

I have read Suhas Inamdar's earlier book, power games of life, and believe me this experience has been very unique and eye opener. Altered Destiny talks of optimism in life; and how we can change our life by positive thinking and actions. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience the experience of positive thinking in Personal and Professional life.

- CD

2.

Dear Suhas, I loved the book and the essence of it... and I loved the way Dilawar turns around. His quest for a clean life evolved very well. The end was sad but not depressing... there was a feeling of hope.

Congratulations... and wish you much much success.

- VS

3.

I was waiting for it, I got it, I read it and I was immensely happy about it. It was Altered Destiny.

- DS

4.

I was lucky to secure a copy of your second book titled "Altered Destiny" and read it with great interest. In many ways, I think it is as good, or even better than your first effort. 
In Yashwant Rathore, you have presented the character of a modern day jailor who dreams of reforming the prisoners with the power of his subconscious mind.
His interactions with Dilawar Khan, the hardcore terrorist, the terrorist's daring escape from the prison and his eventual meeting with Maleeha, the minister's daughter in Pakistan are all depicted in real style. The underlying message that the power of positive thinking can work miracles is in line with the teachings of our scriptures and reiterated by great thinkers like Napoleon Hill and Norman Vincent Peale in their best sellers.
Looking forward to your next novel.

- KS

5.

Altered Destiny has been a very good read! This book reminded me of some important points - 

As a child, it reminded me to be brave, hold ground in any situation and to not underestimate the comforts that are in access by being born in a good family.

As a citizen, it told me the importance of education in maintaining a society that does not enrage the young children to end-up as destructive elements to the same society, and to believe in the police/security system set-up by the government even in very precarious conditions.

As a to-be-employee, I came to know the importance of maintaining work-life happiness and how one can help ensure the other. The instance of sacrifice the Home Minister was ready to do inspired me. Also, alertness and co-ordination to handle emergency situations was very well highlighted. I personally felt that the narration was at its best when the plot dealt with tackling the twin blast case.

As a human being, it re-told me that sincere and positive deeds always have positive results.

It has taken-up a very important topic of the power of sub-conscious mind with a very well interleaved plot. It re-establishes schools as places where wisdom is imparted. A gradual transition in which innocence and purity of the surroundings influence the hardest criminals has been shown really well. This book also includes some important parts dealt with in the Bhagwad Gita. Personally, this has been my favorite part. 

The ease with which you could pour thoughts of different characters through speeches and letters is amazing! I got emotional when Dilawar Khan wrote about the plants he has been looking-after in his letter to Yashwant. 

I am of the opinion that somewhere each of us holds ourselves guilty of taking some wrong decisions in life. By showing a positive reformation of a hardcore criminal, this book inspired me to leave the past and try to make a better tomorrow. 

Overall, the book left me inspired with a thought of experimenting with my own powers of sub-conscious mind!

Sorry for the delay in sending this. I was waiting for some calm time to write it in a good way... I hope I have been able to do justice :)

- SI

6.

Thank you for writing such a book and more than that giving me an opportunity to read it first (probably one of the first few in the general public). Yesterday evening, I randomly chose to open a page and read. I landed on page 106-107. Thought of reading a few pages and then get back to the book to read it from the beginning. Before I have realized, I am almost at the end of the book, when my elder son asked me as to how am I at the last part of the book.

Should I say, I was riveted to the book. Absolutely immersed into the book for an hour or so. I went to complete the book. Today morning, I went back to complete the first part. I did not count the total time it took, but close to some 4+ hours.

- RV

7.

First of all, Congratulations to you on bringing out your second creation “Altered Destiny" book. Secondly, thanks for remembering me and sharing the copy for my benefit & pleasure. I feel proud & honored. Thirdly, I had read through the book and I can see the evolution of a writer! Certainly, you set for yourself a higher benchmark and ambition while writing this book or ideating on it ...and as I read through the book I can tell you (as a reader) have done immense justice to your objectives...It has certainly come out as a gripping context and the plot was well set, details attended to very cleverly so that the reader’s attention is held right there where it should belong!

Given the fleeting attention span of 2mins or less in this new fast moving world  , the context has to hold enough for the writer to offer the reader something new , exciting and hold an element of surprise gaining the confidence of the reader to continue to engage for a few more and a few more and a few more mins till you are done !  

 I must frankly admit this might have been a missing element in the first one! But from then on you seem to have travelled miles to reach this destiny...or may I say Altered Destiny?

Though an unsavory part of it was the naming of the milestones ...it could have been an intriguing title for each instead of insipid 'chapters'... weaving the main theme of the book...

in fact 'Destiny' is often a retrospective view of life ...but prospectively it is always an ocean of potentialities and possibilities! Hence, when we say 'Altered Destiny’, which was the possibility that was altered? I leave that as a 'food for thought' for you... :)  So to that extent or in that context I am not sure if I agree with your title of 'Altered Destiny’!

I as a reader was reading it purely from a fictional perspective to not miss the plot and stay the course! But frankly, I am not sure if that is how you approached the subject...! Would be interesting to hear your views on it....so goes to say that I have taken at face value the 'power of sub-conscious mind ' and purely driven the construct of the plot in my mind using those principles though I may not be actually subscribing to the way you have dealt with it ...

But my GOD, that's a feat (being a writer) many of us can just dream of or fantasize, but for you it’s your Destiny ....or was it your Altered Destiny? More power to you for many more...

- JBN

8.

I have completed reading the Altered Destiny in last two nights. Liked the pace, twists, uncertainty, concepts of values, patriotism, power of subconscious mind, and the kidnapping plan and is flawless execution. Truly a story full of anxiety. Wondering what a great talent people can have and how best it is used to give a simple nation-building message in so interesting way. You are a great writer Suhas.

- MS

9.

Finished reading ur book "Altered Destiny" a very well written book and it raised the bar even more for ur upcoming books. This book can be transformed into a Bollywood movie.

- VK

Seize the moment … and feel good…!

Last week, one evening while I was riding a Honda Activa scooter near my home in Green Park colony, Hyderabad, someone asked me for a lift. Usually, on those roads, I find many schoolchildren and occasionally some grown-ups asking for a lift to all the passersby.  I always tend to ignore them.

However, that day, for some reasons, after I passed by that person, I realized that he was actually an old man, who looked quite dignified.

In an instant reaction, I stopped a few meters away from him, looked back and nodded at him, indicating that I shall give him a lift. I observed that he had a lean personality, had total white hair and wore thin frame spects. He walked thankfully, trying to walk faster that what his legs could allow him to, making conscious visible effort to ensure that he displayed his gratitude to me for my gesture.

Once he sat and we started off, I asked him, where I could drop him. He said that he was going to Saidabad colony and that I could drop him at the next crossroad, where Autos would be generally available. I offered him to drop at a main road of Saidabad colony but he politely refused. During the brief conversation, he mentioned that he was a retired government officer and cold not drive his car as he was not feeling too well on that day. He had no strength to walk all the way to the auto stand, which was just half a kilometer away.

As I reached the crossroad, I dropped him near few autos standing there and he thanked me. I too thanked him, for giving an opportunity to help him. 

While coming back from the cross road, I was feeling very happy to have been able to help an old man, who was in need. He appeared to be well off and would not have required a lift on any other day. That made it even more satisfying.

Then I thought what would have happened if I had gone ahead by ignoring him, when he had asked me for a lift? Probably, someone else would have eventually given him a lift sometime later. He probably would never have remembered that I declined giving lift to him. Actually, he may not have remembered my face also.

But then, what about me? I would have felt miserable for not helping an old person, when I could have helped him without much inconvenience or efforts from my side.  

All of us experience such circumstances and face these situations in our lives, when we get thoughts about helping someone. Then, in a moment of hesitation, sometimes we delay the decision and the opportunity is lost. And it is lost forever. It is almost as if playing a dot ball to a loose delivery in the final over of a T20 match when the scoreboard shows still eight runs required.  

So, whenever we get an opportunity to help someone in need, please SIEZE THE MOMENT … and help him. Because, that person may not require our help in the next moment. Moreover, the happiness derived from helping someone in need is to be experienced to be believed…!

Therefore, seize the moment … and feel good …!

Reader's Reviews - Power Games of Life.

Reader’s reviews of my first book ‘Power Games of Life’.

I am extremely thankful to all my well wishers who have given me positive and negative feedback about my first book ‘Power Games of Life’.

Given below are the excerpts of some of the best reviews I have received by emails and on Facebook.

1.

A very well knit and realistic story of four school classmates. It took just 9 hours to read, enjoy and be one with the main characters of the story. The book is so intriguing that once begun I got completely engrossed in it. Worth translating this theme into a Hindi movie – Char Langotiyar. The journey from childhood school friends to college, and then career, then reaching professional heights of life and then life after that through routine ups and downs of each person with a different lifestyle and then finally their meeting have been really wonderful, realistic and down to earth presented in a simple language. The emotions, feelings, reactions of each character on different occasions have been brought out and narrated in the most natural way. The conclusions of each of the friends in the twilight of his life have brought out the real philosophy of life. The story of the four friends in this book appears to be a real life story. I congratulate Suhas on this venture and wish and hope many more like this will come out. Let ALMIGHTY bless him on his journey.

– DS

2.

First and foremost, heartiest congratulations for being a successful published author of a wonderful book!!!  The book amazed me. It surprised me and enlightened me. Honestly, in a previous conversation when you mentioned the book was a story about four friends, I was curious as to what could it be the thing that links them. Generally, it is a few end-of-the-world incidents or something major… my mind raced ahead and I was unconsciously imagining the story in the most clichéd mindset.

When I put down the book after completing it, (which was soon, thanks to the brisk and a very precise narration throughout) I was taken aback. The questions that came in my mind often, which I never even bothered about, thinking they were rather silly or way too philosophical for me, were there, answered in the most simple and a direct style. It was all there, right from the way to live, to how to perceive problems in life, to how to deal with the most fundamental things and what not.

The book not only stated on ‘how’ to live but also very intelligently showed the way for a balance in life which people fail to gain just because of some rather misplaced notions of happiness.

The characters in the book were very believable, very life-like. Actually, I realized that I had been in similar situations that all four of them face at some point or the other in their lives. Hence, it is really easy to relate how each of them, with their respective situations, opted for whatever they did. After all, the human psyche doesn’t differ much on the fundamental level which you effortlessly tapped into.  

And, I was highly excited form the page one to the last, because it is a very different feeling that you are reading a book which has been written by a close acquaintance! The simple and direct language, the to-the-point stating of events and the briskness of the storyline, perfectly matched the flair with which you narrate incidents, anecdotes or just a joke.  The feeling itself was very funny, I could actually imagine you speaking the printed words in the book, sitting in the hall with the rest of us listening intently, and sipping tea of course! Something that would be a remarkably Inamdar-ish way of spending an evening!

Also, the book seemed to uncannily point out what makes you such a happy and a content human being and how you go about each day making it a fruitful and a satisfying venture.

The book itself is an inspiration not just due to its content but also the author. A very productive use of time and resources is something that is evident from this endeavor.

 Heartiest Congratulations!!!

- SI

3.

I read your book "Power Games of Life" during my recent train journey to my native Palakkad in Kerala. I opened the book the moment the train left Thane and couldn't put it down till I read the whole book. I finished the book before the train reached Bangalore. It was really a fascinating story told in very simple language but carrying deep meaning. I was so impressed with the story that I recommended to all my brothers, sisters, cousins and brothers-in-law that they must read the book. In fact my cousin from Andheri who accompanied me to Palakkad also finished reading the book during our stay there and was very much impressed. I have left my copy with my brother at Coimbatore with instructions to read and circulate among all relatives there. I am told that the book is being well-received and is doing brisk business at bookstores. Wish you all the very best and looking forward to many more bestsellers in due course.

- KS

4.

BRILLLIANT!!!!! I don’t know where to start from while writing…ok...i just finished the book …TRULY TRULY AWESOME!!! :) Firstly I could actually feel things written in the book...we imagine characters and the story taking place like the cool breeze in moonlight in the end of the book! The book gives us a pleasure when we complete it..Realizing so many things which go unnoticed every day!  It is very admirable of you for sharing so much of knowledge all over the world... There were many points in book which I felt - are so true!!!Another great point is the book cannot be categorized for a specific genre...it is meant for people of every age and any time....:)The book contains some lesson for everyone and  also anyone can relate to characters and events as everything seems so real and possible with anyone!! Personally I could relate with all characters in some way when they were young!! :) In certain ideas they shared and what all they wanted from life... (We can actually have a big discussion on that!)

I loved the inspiring stories in the book and also learnt many things from it...i am sure everyone has...as the book provides solution to every negative feeling a person can go through also teaches you that one should never be proud of success as the time can always change!!!Not only you have given business ideas, you have dealt with every positive or negative situation possible in common man’s life which makes the book really likable for all! As always you are epitome of positive thinking for me... You have put your knowledge in the book (for apt situations) in such a fabulous manner!!!  Honestly the events and the response to events are planned so well in book that we cannot get bored...It’s really precise!!! 

When it comes to inspiring books there is a thin line which if crossed book can be felt lengthy...You have done it so well..!!!! Overall ....it’s a book for all!! So super duper HIT!!!! :) Actually I still want to discuss many things in the book...which we will definitely discuss!!! :)

-SI

5.

Normally when I read a book i don’t go very deep into each character of the book but try as form a picture of the writer's personality!!! So with each chapter and each experience of the four characters i discovered a different aspect of your outlook in life and i must say it is huge honor for me to say that i know Suhas Inamdar!!! I suppose that is the privilege of being a good writer!!!! 

While reading the book i came across 2 doubts!!! 

1) First one was whether maggi noodles were available in the 70's?????   

2)And my second  doubt is, when you shift the story from one character to another are they happening in chronological order or are they occurring at different points of each characters life and only eventually culminating in them meeting after 60yrs of age????

Lastly i would like to thank you for sending us the book and i hope many more are on the way!!!! Also congratulations on the tremendous success of the book which is richly deserved!!!!!

-GA

6.

Sir, thanking you for contributing Power games of life to Indian English literature. It is a world class book with a valuable message. Characters and incidents are presented in such a way to help the readers to understand the moral of the story. An individual will get ultimate pleasure only by caring others and sharing valuable things achieved; it can be knowledge, education or wealth. Four heroes of the book are representing four dimensions of human life. To add this book to syllabus will definitely add value to our college education I’m not an English scholar to evaluate and criticize one of the best books; it is unbelievable that four heroes had completed their school / college education without love Thanks again, may Saraswathi bless you to write more books.

-GK

7.

First of all, thanks a lot for taking pain to have sent the book... The title of the book is very apt...few points I like in this book are: "scriptures are not meant to be read after retirement....", we are becoming literate but not educated....It really is... the connectivity syndrome of the present generation including myself... a successful person is one who adapts changing situations...analogy of water and friendship with fish... a person could be at peace with himself even in the noisiest place...it is very true....you could have thrown some light on software jobs and more on childhood memories as well..In few places, "than" is misprinted as "that". I hope you take care of these small mistakes of editing in the next enlightening book(s)....thanks a lot sir.

- RK

8

This is a very good book. Its insightful of the times we live in .The books narrative is smooth and entertaining with a heavy mix of self help Mantras. It successfully tries to point out where exactly we the ambitious Indians are going wrong and also suggests a remedy for it. Yes the story entertains, educates and above all compels you to rethink .It wouldn’t be wrong if you cast this book in a “Self Help” genre
I wish Mr. Suhas Inamdar All the best with this Debut Novel and Hope all the readers enjoy this GEM of a book.

-BM

9

Dear Sir, I have the honor to receive that book and also thank you. I enjoyed reading that book and found it very interesting and relevant on all accounts. Looking forward to many such books on life from you.

-RD

10.

A very interesting read. A complete masala mix of Bollywood, politics, corruption, corporate games, philosophy, relationships covering the various phases of life from childhood to sixties...with a powerful message of living i.e. "be HAPPY, always"......written with a very easy and crisp choice of words!!!

-QE

When the Parliament turned emotional...!

The 15^th Lok Sabha was the lowest productive, passed the least number of bills and was disrupted for maximum time compared to all previous Lok Sabhas.  Some of the most acrimonious debates were fought and some shameful acts were also witnessed by this Lok Sabha.

However, on the last day of the Lok Sabha, 21^st February 2014, the atmosphere inside the parliament was very unusual. For a change, all the members of Parliament were behaving at their best. There were compliments flowing around from everyone to everyone around crossing all the party barriers.

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s wife was in the visitor’s gallery to see her husband occupy the prime spot of Prime minister for one last time. No one had imagined that Manmohan Singh would be the prime minister two consecutive terms lasting 10 years. Just as in a cricket match, some wrong decisions sometimes tilt the decision one way or other, but the history only remembers the final result of the match forgetting the blunders in umpiring decisions. Similarly, Manmohan Singh’s tenure was much embroiled in controversies of all kinds including corruption, non-governance and policy paralysis. But history will always remember him as the only non-Nehru Gandhi family member from the Congress party to be the Prime Minister for 10 full years. In the current scenario and predictions for immediate future, this record may well remain intact for at least a quarter century.

There was very refreshing camaraderie visible between Kamal Nath, Sushma Swaraj and Sushil Kumar Shinde, who specifically praised one another forgetting all their ideological differences. There were smiles on every member’s faces as they went about praising and mentioning one another’s positive contribution during the 15^th Lok Sabha.

But the real honor came for LK Advani, when everyone referred to him as the ‘Father of the House’ given that he was the most senior among them all. Advani could not control his emotions and was seen wiping his tears many times. He has been the Member of Parliament since 1971, which is well over four decades. He has seen the Members of the old era give way to the new ones during these forty years. He must have been highly nostalgic to see that none of those who were around him in 1971 were around today, many of them already passed away. And the future is always uncertain. He was complimented by even his staunch opponents like Mulayam Singh Yadav, Communist leaders and such. He had spent half his lifetime inside the Parliament. Today, he desired to be in a better position, but destiny probably had a different opinion. He had to be content throughout his active career as a strong number 2 and now that he had a chance to be the number 1, he is declared a mentor, guide and a veteran by his party making way for the younger blood.

This also demonstrated that the Members of Parliament still have humanity left inside them and they too have emotions. In the current scenario, the common man gets to know about the Members of Parliament only for wrong reasons. Therefore, this comes as refreshing news.

The Members of 15^th Lok Sabha had realized that this was the last time they were sitting together. After three months, when the 16^th Lok Sabha starts, some of them would not be there. Some new faces would appear on the scene. The mood was that of final year students in a farewell party. Therefore, it was but natural that they behaved at their best forgetting their differences and seeing only the positive sides of others.

The parliament, which had witnessed all unruly scenes all through the last five years, therefore, turned emotional….!