English Literature – Poetry ☆ Anonymous litterateur of social media # 227 ☆ Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ☆

Captain (IN) Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

 

? Anonymous Litterateur of social media # 227 (सोशल मीडिया के गुमनाम साहित्यकार # 227) ?

Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi NM—an ex Naval Officer, possesses a multifaceted personality. He served as a Senior Advisor in prestigious Supercomputer organisation C-DAC, Pune. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad was involved in various Artificial and High-Performance Computing projects of national and international repute. He has got a long experience in the field of ‘Natural Language Processing’, especially, in the domain of Machine Translation. He has taken the mantle of translating the timeless beauties of Indian literature upon himself so that it reaches across the globe. He has also undertaken translation work for Shri Narendra Modi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, which was highly appreciated by him. He is also a member of ‘Bombay Film Writer Association’. He is also the English Editor for the web magazine www.e-abhivyakti.com

Captain Raghuvanshi is also a littérateur par excellence. He is a prolific writer, poet and ‘Shayar’ himself and participates in literature fests and ‘Mushayaras’. He keeps participating in various language & literature fests, symposiums and workshops etc.

Recently, he played an active role in the ‘International Hindi Conference’ at New Delhi. He presided over the “Session Focused on Language and Translation” and also presented a research paper. The conference was organized by Delhi University in collaboration with New York University and Columbia University.

हिंदी साहित्य – आलेख ☆ अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हिंदी सम्मेलन ☆ कैप्टन प्रवीण रघुवंशी, एन एम्

In his Naval career, he was qualified to command all types of warships. He is also an aviator and a Sea Diver; and recipient of various awards including ‘Nao Sena Medal’ by the President of India, Prime Minister Awards and C-in-C Commendation. He has won many national and international awards.

He is also an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus.

His latest quest involves writing various books and translation work including over 100 Bollywood songs for various international forums as a mission for the enjoyment of the global viewers. Published various books and over 3000 poems, stories, blogs and other literary work at national and international level. Felicitated by numerous literary bodies..! 

? English translation of Urdu poetry couplets of Anonymous litterateur of Social Media # 227 ?

☆☆☆☆☆

एक नफरत ही नहीं

दुनिया में  दर्द का सबब ….

मोहब्बत भी सकूँ वालों को

बड़ी तकलीफ़ देती है….

☆☆

Hatred  is  not  only  the

Cause of pain in this world

Love  also  hurts  a lot to

those who live in peace…!

☆☆☆☆☆

हर किसी के नसीब में

कहाँ लिखी होती हैं चाहतें

कुछ लोग दुनिया में आते हैं

सिर्फ तन्हाइयों के लिए…

☆☆

When do the wishes ever get

materialised in everyone’s fate

Some  people  just  come to

the world to be  loners only…

☆☆☆☆☆

कोई तो जुर्म रहा होगा…

जिस में हर शख़्स था शामिल

तभी  तो  हर  शख़्सियत

मुँह छुपाए फिर रही है..!

☆☆

There musta been some crime

Which had everyone  involved

Why  else  every person here

would  be  hiding  his  face ..!

☆☆☆☆☆

वक़्त के नाखून

बहुत गहरा नोंचते हैं दिल को

तब जाके कुछ जख़्म

तज़ुर्बा बनके नज़र आते हैं…

☆☆

Talons of the time tear up

The heart too deep then only

Some wounds manifest as

An experienced wisdom…

☆☆☆☆☆

~ Pravin Raghuvanshi

© Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

Pune

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈

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English Literature – Weekly Column ☆ Witful Warmth # 39 – The Grand Plans of the Great Officer ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra, known for his wit and wisdom, is a prolific writer, renowned satirist, children’s literature author, and poet. He has undertaken the monumental task of writing, editing, and coordinating a total of 55 books for the Telangana government at the primary school, college, and university levels. His editorial endeavors also include online editions of works by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla.

As a celebrated satirist, Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra has carved a niche for himself, with over eight million viewers, readers, and listeners tuning in to his literary musings on the demise of a teacher on the Sahitya AajTak channel. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Telangana Hindi Academy’s Shreshtha Navyuva Rachnakaar Samman in 2021, presented by the honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Chandrashekhar Rao. He has also been honored with the Vyangya Yatra Ravindranath Tyagi Stairway Award and the Sahitya Srijan Samman, alongside recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other esteemed institutions.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra’s journey is not merely one of literary accomplishments but also a testament to his unwavering dedication, creativity, and profound impact on society. His story inspires us to strive for excellence, to use our talents for the betterment of others, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. Today we present his satire The Grand Plans of the Great Officer 

☆ Witful Warmth# 39 ☆

☆ Satire ☆ The Grand Plans of the Great Officer… ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

The great officer issued a decree—”The city must be clean, beautiful, and smart!” Orders spread from top to bottom, like a sudden high-voltage current in an old wire. Officials held meetings, tea and snacks were served, and it was decided that the first battle would be against filth. Posters were plastered all over town—”Clean City, Healthy City!” The public asked, “Who’s going to pick up the garbage?” The officials smiled—”The public, of course! We need everyone’s cooperation!” A gathering was held at the neighborhood square, where an elderly gentleman suggested, “Maybe start by installing dustbins?” The officials nodded—”The budget hasn’t been approved yet, but if the public becomes aware, what could be better!” The next day, newspapers screamed—”The city embraces cleanliness, citizens rejoice!” In reality, the streets were the same, the garbage was the same, only the newspaper headlines had changed—now flying around as litter. 

The trumpet of the Smart City project was sounded. The great officer declared—”Now both the city and its people will become smart!” The citizens beamed—”Wow! Our children will study in smart classrooms instead of just being glued to smartphones!” Some curious minds asked, “Sir, when will these smart classrooms be ready?” The officer replied, “First, we’ll widen the roads, install traffic lights, put up CCTV cameras… then we’ll talk about education!” The next day, trees along the roadsides were mercilessly chopped down—”Greenery out, development in!” Another newspaper headline boasted—”Winds of progress sweep through the city, people delighted!” But the dust storm of this progress was so thick that no one could see where development was actually heading. 

A stampede of contractors rushed to the municipal office—”Give us a chance to serve too!” Contracts were handed out—some for installing fountains, some for replacing park benches, others for repainting old streetlight poles. The public asked, “Wasn’t a fountain installed here just last year? Why replace it?” The officials grinned—”That was an old model. Now, we have new technology!” The public argued, “But the old one didn’t have water either!” A contractor clarified, “That was because there was no water in the tank. This time, we’ll make sure there’s water too!” The public suggested, “Then why not build the water tank first?” The officials sighed, “The budget hasn’t been approved yet, but if the public becomes aware, what could be better!” 

The great officer then turned his benevolent gaze toward the city’s hospitals. “Health is wealth! We will now provide facilities in government hospitals equivalent to private ones!” The next day, a massive banner appeared at the hospital entrance—”MRI, CT scans, heart surgeries—everything available here!” The sick rushed in, only to find… no doctors! The nurse shrugged, “Doctor sir is in a meeting. Come tomorrow.” The next day, doctors were present, but the machines were missing. Complaints reached the great officer, who responded wisely—”Go to a private hospital, bring us the bill, and we’ll reimburse you!” A patient hesitated, “And if we die?” The officer smiled—”Then you won’t have to worry about reimbursement!” 

Digital transformation was the next grand mission—”The city will go digital!” People cheered—”Now even government offices will go paperless!” The clerks chuckled—”Oh no! The files will remain the same, but the advertisements are now digital!” The great officer announced another groundbreaking initiative—”Government offices will now have five-star facilities!” The public gasped—”Wow! Now work will be done faster!” Offices got central AC, new leather sofas, coffee machines. The public thought—”Finally! No more begging the peon for a cup of tea!” But when they visited for actual work, the response was—”The system is down, but would you like some coffee?” 

Plans were laid out to renovate city parks. “Each park will have an open gym, fountains, and shiny new benches!” The next week, a grand inauguration board was placed—”City’s first open gym, now operational!” But within a day, all the gym equipment mysteriously vanished. The public asked, “Where did the gym go?” The officials responded, “Someone took it overnight!” The citizens sighed, “Why didn’t you assign a security guard?” The officer sighed too—”The budget hasn’t been approved yet, but if the public becomes aware, what could be better!” 

Another master plan was launched for cleanliness—”Every ward will have dustbins, and every alley will have sanitation workers!” The next day, brand-new dustbins appeared across town. People felt relieved—”Finally, no more littering!” But within two days, the dustbins themselves disappeared. The officials explained, “Someone stole them! But don’t worry, next time, we’ll install iron ones!” The public rolled their eyes, “Then why didn’t you install iron ones in the first place?” The great officer smirked—”Development happens in phases. Everything can’t be done at once!” 

Then, one fine day, the great officer was transferred. A grand farewell was arranged. Officials delivered poetic tributes—”He has taken this city to new heights!” The public stood silently, wondering—”Whose heights were actually raised? The city’s or the officer’s?” But the speech continued—”His vision has secured the city’s bright future!” The public nodded—”Yes, indeed! The future looks bright… because the present is completely dark!” 

A new officer arrived. In his first meeting, he declared—”The city must be clean, beautiful, and smart!” The public smirked—”Ah, here we go again!”

****

© Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Contact : Mo. +91 73 8657 8657, Email : [email protected]

≈ Blog Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈

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English Literature – Poetry ☆ Anonymous litterateur of social media # 226 ☆ Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ☆

Captain (IN) Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

 

? Anonymous Litterateur of social media # 226 (सोशल मीडिया के गुमनाम साहित्यकार # 226) ?

Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi NM—an ex Naval Officer, possesses a multifaceted personality. He served as a Senior Advisor in prestigious Supercomputer organisation C-DAC, Pune. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad was involved in various Artificial and High-Performance Computing projects of national and international repute. He has got a long experience in the field of ‘Natural Language Processing’, especially, in the domain of Machine Translation. He has taken the mantle of translating the timeless beauties of Indian literature upon himself so that it reaches across the globe. He has also undertaken translation work for Shri Narendra Modi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, which was highly appreciated by him. He is also a member of ‘Bombay Film Writer Association’. He is also the English Editor for the web magazine www.e-abhivyakti.com

Captain Raghuvanshi is also a littérateur par excellence. He is a prolific writer, poet and ‘Shayar’ himself and participates in literature fests and ‘Mushayaras’. He keeps participating in various language & literature fests, symposiums and workshops etc.

Recently, he played an active role in the ‘International Hindi Conference’ at New Delhi. He presided over the “Session Focused on Language and Translation” and also presented a research paper. The conference was organized by Delhi University in collaboration with New York University and Columbia University.

हिंदी साहित्य – आलेख ☆ अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हिंदी सम्मेलन ☆ कैप्टन प्रवीण रघुवंशी, एन एम्

In his Naval career, he was qualified to command all types of warships. He is also an aviator and a Sea Diver; and recipient of various awards including ‘Nao Sena Medal’ by the President of India, Prime Minister Awards and C-in-C Commendation. He has won many national and international awards.

He is also an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus.

His latest quest involves writing various books and translation work including over 100 Bollywood songs for various international forums as a mission for the enjoyment of the global viewers. Published various books and over 3000 poems, stories, blogs and other literary work at national and international level. Felicitated by numerous literary bodies..! 

? English translation of Urdu poetry couplets of Anonymous litterateur of Social Media # 226 ?

☆☆☆☆☆

ये गिले-शिकवे तो सिर्फ़..

साँस लेने तक ही चलते हैं,

बाद में सिर्फ़ कमज़र्फ़ यादें

और  पछतावे  रह जाते हैं…

☆☆

Grouses and grievances 

Last only till you breathe,

Later,  faded memories 

and regrets only remain…!

☆☆☆☆☆

आईए ख्वाबों में ही

मुलाकात कर लेते हैं

पाबंदी सड़कों पर हैं

ख्यालों पर तो नहीं…

☆☆

Come let’s meet 

in the dreams only

Restrictions are on roads 

but not on the thoughts..

☆☆☆☆☆

जो ज़ाहिर हो जाए

वो दर्द कैसा और…

जो ख़ामोशी ना पढ़ पाए

वो हमदर्द ही कैसा….

☆☆

What  kind of  pain is that

That  gets  expressed and

What kind of soul mate is that

Who cannot read the silence…

☆☆☆☆☆

और कोई नहीं है जो

मुझको तसल्ली देता हो

बस तेरी यादें  ही हैं जो

दिल पर हाथ रख देती है…

☆☆

There is no one else who can

Give me comforting solace

It is just your memories that

give consolation to the heart…

☆☆☆☆☆

~ Pravin Raghuvanshi

© Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

Pune

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈

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English Literature – Weekly Column ☆ Witful Warmth # 38 – The Grand Gala of Honors and the Spectacle of Jugaad ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra, known for his wit and wisdom, is a prolific writer, renowned satirist, children’s literature author, and poet. He has undertaken the monumental task of writing, editing, and coordinating a total of 55 books for the Telangana government at the primary school, college, and university levels. His editorial endeavors also include online editions of works by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla.

As a celebrated satirist, Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra has carved a niche for himself, with over eight million viewers, readers, and listeners tuning in to his literary musings on the demise of a teacher on the Sahitya AajTak channel. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Telangana Hindi Academy’s Shreshtha Navyuva Rachnakaar Samman in 2021, presented by the honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Chandrashekhar Rao. He has also been honored with the Vyangya Yatra Ravindranath Tyagi Stairway Award and the Sahitya Srijan Samman, alongside recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other esteemed institutions.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra’s journey is not merely one of literary accomplishments but also a testament to his unwavering dedication, creativity, and profound impact on society. His story inspires us to strive for excellence, to use our talents for the betterment of others, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. Today we present his satire The Trials of Truth: A Modern-Day Journalism.  

☆ Witful Warmth# 37 ☆

☆ Satire ☆ The Grand Gala of Honors and the Spectacle of Jugaad… ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

The scene was nothing short of a grand theatrical performance from an old, overplayed movie. A lavish stage adorned with garlands, a microphone crackling with exaggerated enthusiasm, and the host—oh, the host! —spitting words with the practiced precision of a broken-down radio announcer.

“And now, ladies and gentlemen, I call upon the legendary author, Mr. So-and-So, who has devoted a lifetime to the service of literature!” The phrase was repeated so often that one felt as though an old gramophone needle had gotten stuck in the grooves.

On either side of the stage, glittering trophies wrapped in satin sheets awaited their recipients like dormant artifacts in a museum. The organizers, standing smugly behind them, looked like landlords watching their peasants toiling in the fields for free, basking in the pleasure of borrowed grandeur.

Now, let us cast our eyes upon the esteemed guests. These were authors whose books were so rare that if you walked into a bookstore and asked for them, the shopkeeper would likely ask, “Sir, did you print this yourself?” Yet, their faces frequently graced newspapers—usually in snapshots from literature festivals where tea and samosas flowed more freely than literary discussions.

The moment they received their trophies, their faces lit up as if they had just won an Olympic gold medal. And yet, if you strolled through their neighborhood and inquired, “Do you know Mr. So-and-So, the famous writer?” the local grocer would likely scratch his head and reply, “Oh, you mean the fellow who still owes me money for last month’s lentils?”

But the real charm of these grand literary gatherings was not literature—it was a sophisticated excuse to meet long-lost acquaintances from Delhi or Mumbai. “I am attending a literary conference,” they would announce at home, while secretly rejoicing at the prospect of an all-expenses-paid trip, a fancy hotel stay, and, most importantly, a new invitation to another event where even more free food awaited. The system was simple: buy your own bus ticket, and the rest would be taken care of by the generous organizers. A perfect example of “You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.”

The elderly writers in attendance adhered to a sacred ritual: reciting the same weary proclamation at every event. “Literature is in grave danger. The younger generation does not read anymore. We must act!” This speech had become the unofficial national anthem of literary symposiums. But the moment they spotted a tray of hot samosas and sweet jalebis, their grave concerns for literature were promptly replaced by concerns about securing a second helping before the plates ran empty.

It was a beautiful contradiction—on one hand, solemn discussions on the decline of literary taste, and on the other, a desperate scramble for the last piece of gulab jamun.

The whole spectacle often reminded one of a vegetable market. The writers stood in neat rows, much like potatoes, cabbages, and pumpkins, waiting to be picked, packed, and honored. Some authors found themselves peeled like bananas on stage, while others floated like water chestnuts, drifting from one event to another. A select few played the role of ever-present tomatoes, appearing in every literary salad, garnishing every discussion.

Trophies were awarded, photographs clicked, social media flooded with posts, and before the last echoes of applause faded, plans for the next grand event were already in motion.

And yet, curiously enough, amidst all this grandeur, literature itself remained nowhere to be found. Those who truly wrote masterpieces rarely attended these farcical gatherings. And those who did attend—well, for them, literature was merely the bait, while the real game was the great, never-ending trade of honors.

It was an enterprise where the product held no value, but the packaging was so dazzling that the customers never stopped applauding.

****

© Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Contact : Mo. +91 73 8657 8657, Email : [email protected]

≈ Blog Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈

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English Literature – Poetry ☆ Anonymous litterateur of social media # 225 ☆ Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ☆

Captain (IN) Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

 

? Anonymous Litterateur of social media # 225 (सोशल मीडिया के गुमनाम साहित्यकार # 225) ?

Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi NM—an ex Naval Officer, possesses a multifaceted personality. He served as a Senior Advisor in prestigious Supercomputer organisation C-DAC, Pune. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad was involved in various Artificial and High-Performance Computing projects of national and international repute. He has got a long experience in the field of ‘Natural Language Processing’, especially, in the domain of Machine Translation. He has taken the mantle of translating the timeless beauties of Indian literature upon himself so that it reaches across the globe. He has also undertaken translation work for Shri Narendra Modi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, which was highly appreciated by him. He is also a member of ‘Bombay Film Writer Association’. He is also the English Editor for the web magazine www.e-abhivyakti.com

Captain Raghuvanshi is also a littérateur par excellence. He is a prolific writer, poet and ‘Shayar’ himself and participates in literature fests and ‘Mushayaras’. He keeps participating in various language & literature fests, symposiums and workshops etc.

Recently, he played an active role in the ‘International Hindi Conference’ at New Delhi. He presided over the “Session Focused on Language and Translation” and also presented a research paper. The conference was organized by Delhi University in collaboration with New York University and Columbia University.

हिंदी साहित्य – आलेख ☆ अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हिंदी सम्मेलन ☆ कैप्टन प्रवीण रघुवंशी, एन एम्

In his Naval career, he was qualified to command all types of warships. He is also an aviator and a Sea Diver; and recipient of various awards including ‘Nao Sena Medal’ by the President of India, Prime Minister Awards and C-in-C Commendation. He has won many national and international awards.

He is also an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus.

His latest quest involves writing various books and translation work including over 100 Bollywood songs for various international forums as a mission for the enjoyment of the global viewers. Published various books and over 3000 poems, stories, blogs and other literary work at national and international level. Felicitated by numerous literary bodies..! 

? English translation of Urdu poetry couplets of Anonymous litterateur of Social Media # 225 ?

☆☆☆☆☆

लब तो खामोश रहेंगे…

ये वादा है मेरा  तुमसे…

अगर कह बैठी कुछ निगाहें…

तो  बस खफा मत होना…

☆☆

Lips shall always remain silent…

This is my promise to you …

Please don’t  get upset

If eyes just utter something…

☆☆☆☆☆

माना कि इश्क़

ज़बरदस्ती नहीं होता

मगर कमबख़्त

होता जबरदस्त है…

☆☆

Agreed  that  the  love

Never happens  by coercing

But then, this wretched thing

Happens to be awesome…

☆☆☆☆☆

जो ज़ाहिर हो जाए,

वो दर्द कैसा, और…

जो ख़ामोशी ना पढ़ पाए,

वो हमदर्द ही कैसा….

☆☆

What  kind of  pain is that,

That  gets  expressed, and

What kind of soul mate is that

Who cannot read the silence…

☆☆☆☆☆

और कोई नहीं है जो

मुझको तसल्ली देता हो,

बस तेरी यादें  ही हैं जो

दिल पर हाथ रख देती है…

☆☆

There is no one else who can 

Give me comforting solace,

It is just your memories that 

give consolation to the heart…

☆☆☆☆☆

~ Pravin Raghuvanshi

© Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

Pune

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈

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English Literature – Weekly Column ☆ Witful Warmth # 37 – The Trials of Truth: A Modern-Day Journalism ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra, known for his wit and wisdom, is a prolific writer, renowned satirist, children’s literature author, and poet. He has undertaken the monumental task of writing, editing, and coordinating a total of 55 books for the Telangana government at the primary school, college, and university levels. His editorial endeavors also include online editions of works by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla.

As a celebrated satirist, Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra has carved a niche for himself, with over eight million viewers, readers, and listeners tuning in to his literary musings on the demise of a teacher on the Sahitya AajTak channel. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Telangana Hindi Academy’s Shreshtha Navyuva Rachnakaar Samman in 2021, presented by the honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Chandrashekhar Rao. He has also been honored with the Vyangya Yatra Ravindranath Tyagi Stairway Award and the Sahitya Srijan Samman, alongside recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other esteemed institutions.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra’s journey is not merely one of literary accomplishments but also a testament to his unwavering dedication, creativity, and profound impact on society. His story inspires us to strive for excellence, to use our talents for the betterment of others, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. Today we present his satire The Trials of Truth: A Modern-Day Journalism.  

☆ Witful Warmth# 37 ☆

☆ Satire ☆ The Trials of Truth: A Modern-Day Journalism… ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

King Vikram hoisted the ever-mischievous Vetala onto his shoulders, bracing himself for another riddle-filled ordeal. No sooner had he begun walking than Vetala cackled, “O King! Let me tell you a tale from the grand halls of modern journalism. But beware! If you fail to answer my question at the end, your head shall shatter into a thousand pieces!”

Vikram, ever the unwavering monarch, sighed and replied, “Speak, Vetala. I shall answer.”

Thus began the tale.

In the capital city, a most esteemed and influential news channel, “The Nation’s Conscience,” declared that it required a fresh news anchor—one worthy of the sacred duty of informing the masses. The selection process was veiled in secrecy, as only the shrewdest, most astute, and cunning minds would prevail. But, as in all great institutions, true merit lay in something far deeper.

Three hopeful candidates presented themselves: Raghav, Suresh, and Mohan. Each was competent, but the question remained—were they the right kind of competent? Their fate rested in the hands of the channel’s supreme editor-in-chief, the venerable Bhaktibhushan Acharya.

With an air of divine authority, Acharya gazed at the three and posed his first question: “What is truth?”

Raghav, a firm believer in the antiquated values of journalism, answered boldly, “Truth is impartial. It is that which serves the people and upholds justice.”

Acharya’s brow furrowed with displeasure. “Nonsense! Impartial journalism? There is no such thing! You, sir, have failed.”

Raghav, his ideals still intact but his career aspirations crumbling, departed in dejection.

Acharya turned to Suresh. “And what do you say?”

Suresh, a man of pragmatic intelligence, replied, “Truth is whatever is repeated often enough to be accepted as truth.”

Acharya’s lips curled into a smile. “A fine thought! But not yet sublime. You must go deeper.”

Now came Mohan’s turn. With a smug confidence, he declared, “Truth is whatever the ruling power decrees it to be.”

Acharya leapt up in sheer delight. “Ah! Now here is a man who understands the nature of reality! You are on the path to becoming a journalist of true distinction.”

The second trial began. Acharya presented them with a challenge—a simulated debate. The topic: Inflation does not exist; it is merely a rumor.

Raghav, ever the fool for facts, cited statistics and government reports, attempting to prove that inflation was indeed a grim reality.

Acharya’s expression darkened. “Why is your voice so feeble? A news anchor must dominate the airwaves! Guests may speak, but their words should be mere interruptions to your thunder! You are unfit for this noble profession. Begone!”

Suresh, taking heed of Raghav’s mistake, spoke louder, cut off his imaginary guests, and filled the space with his own voice. Yet, Acharya was unsatisfied.

Then came Mohan. His strategy was elegant in its simplicity: he bellowed at the top of his lungs, repeating only one phrase—“Do not betray the nation! Speak against the government, and you are an enemy of the people!”

Acharya clapped his hands in glee. “Marvelous! A true newsman in the making!”

Now, the final and gravest test awaited. Acharya turned to them and said, “Imagine you are in possession of a video—one that exposes a powerful minister embroiled in corruption. What would you do?”

Raghav, the hapless idealist, responded, “I would broadcast the truth for the people to see.”

Acharya groaned in agony, clutching his head as if in pain. “Oh, you misguided soul! If you wished to speak truth, you should have become a monk, not a journalist! Leave at once!”

Suresh, having learned the game, answered with careful calculation, “I would edit the video to soften the blow, ensuring that it does not cause unnecessary trouble.”

Acharya nodded approvingly. “A step in the right direction, but still not bold enough.”

Mohan, beaming with triumph, proclaimed, “I would erase the video entirely and, in its place, release a new one that frames the opposition as the true culprits.”

Tears of joy welled in Acharya’s eyes. “Magnificent! You have mastered the art of modern journalism! You are now officially our news anchor.”

Vetala cackled with delight. “So, O King! What lesson does this tale teach us?”

Vikram, ever steadfast, answered solemnly, “This tale reveals that in the world of modern journalism, truth and objectivity have become relics of the past. Success is no longer measured by integrity but by one’s ability to amplify the voice of power, twist reality to suit convenience, and drown out reason with sheer volume.”

No sooner had he spoken than Vetala shrieked with laughter and flew back to his perch on the ancient tree. “Ah, Vikram! You have answered yet again! And so, the game continues.”

Vikram sighed, tightened his grip on his sword, and strode forward once more, determined as ever to capture the cunning spirit.

And thus, the cycle of truth and deception marched on, as eternal as time itself.

****

© Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Contact : Mo. +91 73 8657 8657, Email : [email protected]

≈ Blog Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈

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English Literature – Poetry ☆ Anonymous litterateur of social media # 224 ☆ Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ☆

Captain (IN) Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

 

? Anonymous Litterateur of social media # 224 (सोशल मीडिया के गुमनाम साहित्यकार # 224) ?

Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi NM—an ex Naval Officer, possesses a multifaceted personality. He served as a Senior Advisor in prestigious Supercomputer organisation C-DAC, Pune. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad was involved in various Artificial and High-Performance Computing projects of national and international repute. He has got a long experience in the field of ‘Natural Language Processing’, especially, in the domain of Machine Translation. He has taken the mantle of translating the timeless beauties of Indian literature upon himself so that it reaches across the globe. He has also undertaken translation work for Shri Narendra Modi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, which was highly appreciated by him. He is also a member of ‘Bombay Film Writer Association’. He is also the English Editor for the web magazine www.e-abhivyakti.com

Captain Raghuvanshi is also a littérateur par excellence. He is a prolific writer, poet and ‘Shayar’ himself and participates in literature fests and ‘Mushayaras’. He keeps participating in various language & literature fests, symposiums and workshops etc.

Recently, he played an active role in the ‘International Hindi Conference’ at New Delhi. He presided over the “Session Focused on Language and Translation” and also presented a research paper. The conference was organized by Delhi University in collaboration with New York University and Columbia University.

हिंदी साहित्य – आलेख ☆ अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हिंदी सम्मेलन ☆ कैप्टन प्रवीण रघुवंशी, एन एम्

In his Naval career, he was qualified to command all types of warships. He is also an aviator and a Sea Diver; and recipient of various awards including ‘Nao Sena Medal’ by the President of India, Prime Minister Awards and C-in-C Commendation. He has won many national and international awards.

He is also an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus.

His latest quest involves writing various books and translation work including over 100 Bollywood songs for various international forums as a mission for the enjoyment of the global viewers. Published various books and over 3000 poems, stories, blogs and other literary work at national and international level. Felicitated by numerous literary bodies..! 

? English translation of Urdu poetry couplets of Anonymous litterateur of Social Media # 224 ?

☆☆☆☆☆

मुस्कराहट में छुपा कर

तेरा ग़म  रखते  हैं…

ज़िंदगी आज भी हम

तेरा बहुत भरम रखते हैं…

☆☆

Concealed in the smile, 

I  keep  your deep sorrows…

O’ life! Even today, I’m euphoric 

About  your  great illusions…!

☆☆☆☆☆

तुम मोहब्बत के सौदे भी

अजीब करते हो ,

बस मुस्कुरा देते हो

और अपना बना लेते हो…

☆☆

You make strange

deals in love, too…

Just  by a simple smile

You make others your own…!

☆☆☆☆☆

आह़िस्ता-आह़िस्ता बढ़ रहीं

चेहरे की लकीरें

शायद नादानी और तजुर्बे में

बँटवारा हो रहा है..

☆☆

Slowly-slowly the face

Wrinkles  are increasing

Probably innocence and 

experience are being divided…

☆☆☆☆☆

तुझसे नाराज होकर

तुझसे ही बात करने का मन

ये दिल का सिलसिला भी

कभी न समझ पाये हम…

☆☆

Despite being annoyed with you

Mind just likes talking to you only

I could never understand

Such mysteries of the heart

☆☆☆☆☆

~ Pravin Raghuvanshi

© Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

Pune

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈

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English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 19: THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

Meditate Like The Buddha # 19: THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH

“Now this, bhikkhus, is the noble truth of the way leading to the cessation of suffering: it is the Noble Eightfold Path; that is right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.” — Buddha

The Path to Liberation

The Buddha discovered both the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. While the Four Noble Truths diagnose suffering and its cause, the Noble Eightfold Path provides the discipline to be practiced in order to overcome suffering and attain Nibbana.

The Middle Way, as taught by the Buddha, avoids the extremes of sensual indulgence and self-mortification. It gives rise to vision, knowledge, peace, direct insight, enlightenment, and liberation.

The Eightfold Path Explained

The Noble Eightfold Path consists of eight interconnected factors, grouped into three main categories:

  1. Wisdom (Paññā)
    • Right View
    • Right Intention
  2. Moral Discipline (Sīla)
    • Right Speech
    • Right Action
    • Right Livelihood
  3. Concentration (Samādhi)
    • Right Effort
    • Right Mindfulness
    • Right Concentration
  4. Right View
  • Understanding suffering, its origin, cessation, and the path leading to its cessation.
  • Holding wrong views leads to wrong actions and suffering, while right view steers one towards right action and freedom from suffering.
  • A person of right view acts in ways that lead to happiness and liberation.
  1. Right Intention
  • Intention of renunciation (letting go of craving).
  • Intention of non-ill will (cultivating goodwill and loving-kindness).
  • Intention of harmlessness (developing compassion and non-violence).

Whenever thoughts of desire, ill will, or harmfulness arise, they should be replaced with renunciation, goodwill, and harmlessness.

  1. Right Speech
  • Abstaining from false speech, malicious speech, harsh speech, and idle chatter.
  • Speaking in ways that bring peace, harmony, and safety.
  • Truthful, kind, and meaningful speech fosters spiritual development.
  1. Right Action
  • Abstaining from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct.
  • Cultivating kindness, honesty, and responsibility.
  • One’s actions should not cause harm to oneself or others.
  1. Right Livelihood
  • Earning a living through righteous means.
  • Avoiding trades that cause harm, such as dealing in weapons, intoxicants, or human exploitation.
  • A livelihood that upholds ethical values supports spiritual growth.
  1. Right Effort
  • Preventing unwholesome mental states from arising.
  • Overcoming unwholesome states that have already arisen.
  • Developing and maintaining wholesome states such as serenity and insight.
  • Right effort ensures progress in meditation and ethical conduct.
  1. Right Mindfulness
  • Contemplation of the body, feelings, mind, and mental objects.
  • Developing a continuous presence of mind.
  • Practicing the Four Foundations of Mindfulness.
  • Mindfulness fosters clarity, awareness, and insight.
  1. Right Concentration
  • Cultivating deep meditative absorption (jhana).
  • Developing one-pointed focus of the mind.
  • Achieving inner tranquility and profound insight.
  • Concentration leads to deep wisdom and liberation.

Conclusion

By developing and practicing the Noble Eightfold Path, one progresses toward liberation from suffering and attains true peace and enlightenment.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Please click on the following links to read previously published posts Meditate Like The Buddha: A Step-By-Step Guide” 👉

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 8: Midway Recap ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 9: Experience Your Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 10: Liberate the Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 12: The End of suffering ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 13: A Summary of the Steps ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 14: A Lifetime’s Work ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 17: The Middle Way ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 18: THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

 

© Jagat Singh Bisht

Laughter Yoga Master Trainer

FounderLifeSkills

A Pathway to Authentic Happiness, Well-Being & A Fulfilling Life! We teach skills to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life.

The Science of Happiness (Positive Psychology), Meditation, Yoga, Spirituality and Laughter Yoga. We conduct talks, seminars, workshops, retreats and training.

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

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English Literature – Weekly Column ☆ Witful Warmth # 36 – The Plunder of Power, The Death of Truth, The Wound of Democracy! ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra, known for his wit and wisdom, is a prolific writer, renowned satirist, children’s literature author, and poet. He has undertaken the monumental task of writing, editing, and coordinating a total of 55 books for the Telangana government at the primary school, college, and university levels. His editorial endeavors also include online editions of works by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla.

As a celebrated satirist, Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra has carved a niche for himself, with over eight million viewers, readers, and listeners tuning in to his literary musings on the demise of a teacher on the Sahitya AajTak channel. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Telangana Hindi Academy’s Shreshtha Navyuva Rachnakaar Samman in 2021, presented by the honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Chandrashekhar Rao. He has also been honored with the Vyangya Yatra Ravindranath Tyagi Stairway Award and the Sahitya Srijan Samman, alongside recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other esteemed institutions.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra’s journey is not merely one of literary accomplishments but also a testament to his unwavering dedication, creativity, and profound impact on society. His story inspires us to strive for excellence, to use our talents for the betterment of others, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. Today we present his satire The Plunder of Power, The Death of Truth, The Wound of Democracy!  

☆ Witful Warmth# 36 ☆

☆ Satire ☆ The Plunder of Power, The Death of Truth, The Wound of Democracy!… ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

The village was in a terrible state. No, no, don’t misunderstand—it wasn’t famine, farmers weren’t hanging themselves from banyan trees, unemployment wasn’t at its peak, and children weren’t dying of malnutrition. Nothing of the sort. In fact, the village was “developing!” And by development, I mean that every street was adorned with election posters, every corner was occupied by leaders yelling about progress until their throats went dry, and every wall had freshly painted slogans—“Development for All!”

Two candidates were in the race for the position of Village Head—Chaudhary Ramlal and Thakur Baldev. The villagers knew their “illustrious” pasts all too well. Last time, Ramlal had won the elections and then vanished like morning mist, reappearing only five years later to remind the village that he still existed. During his campaign, he had installed streetlights across the village. The moment the election was over, those lights flickered out, just like his promises.

Thakur Baldev, on the other hand, had an even grander vision. His only agenda was, “I’ll turn this village into a city!” He never mentioned the lack of schools, hospitals, clean water, or roads. But he did promise one thing—a liquor shop of premium quality.

The day of the elections arrived. The “sovereign” people walked towards the polling booths, their choices well-secured in their pockets. Some received a bottle of whiskey, others a saree, and the more privileged ones had a crisp 500-rupee note folded into their palms. The elders were made to swear on their ancestors that they would vote for the right candidate—for the “future” of the village.

The votes were cast, the counting began, and in the grand tradition of democracy, the one who could pull off the biggest fraud won. Thakur Baldev was declared the new Village Head.

Celebrations erupted in the village. Crackers exploded, drums thundered, and sweets were distributed. Thakur Baldev, reveling in his victory, roared, “Now, I’ll transform this village into a city!” The crowd cheered, clapped, and then returned to their crumbling homes. By the next morning, the village was back to its original state—broken roads, dry handpumps, locked schools, an abandoned hospital—but discussions on development were at an all-time high.

Within the first week, new government schemes were announced. Ten lakh rupees were sanctioned for the renovation of the Panchayat office, but somehow, the building deteriorated even further. A digital board was installed in the school, though there was no teacher to use it. Funds were allocated to repair the village drains, but the money mysteriously found its way into the Village Head’s personal treasury. The wheel of progress spun so fast that the people couldn’t keep up with it.

Some innocent villagers dared to ask questions. They were quickly told, “You wouldn’t understand. This is democracy!”

A few educated youths tried to hold the Village Head accountable. Thakur Baldev greeted them with a fatherly smile and said, “Everything I do is for your benefit!” By the next morning, those inquisitive young men found themselves politely escorted to the Panchayat office, where they were given a lesson in village politics—questioning too much was hazardous to one’s health.

Five years passed in the blink of an eye. The wheel of development kept spinning, yet the village remained exactly where it was. Then, election season arrived once more. The air was filled with new slogans, fresh promises, and the same old faces with slightly different lies. A new candidate entered the race, announcing, “I’ll turn this village into a city!” The villagers clapped yet again.

Perhaps you’ll read this and laugh. Perhaps you’ll shake your head and chuckle at the absurdity of it all. But if you truly absorb it, you might just feel a lump in your throat. Because this isn’t just the story of one village—it’s the story of an entire nation. It’s the tale of truths we conveniently forget amidst the election festivities. It’s the saga of wounds inflicted upon the people by democracy itself. And above all, it’s the chronicle of those seats of power where truth is executed every five years.

And yes, the development is still ongoing.

****

© Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Contact : Mo. +91 73 8657 8657, Email : [email protected]

≈ Blog Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈

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English Literature – Poetry ☆ Anonymous litterateur of social media # 223 ☆ Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ☆

Captain (IN) Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

 

? Anonymous Litterateur of social media # 223 (सोशल मीडिया के गुमनाम साहित्यकार # 223) ?

Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi NM—an ex Naval Officer, possesses a multifaceted personality. He served as a Senior Advisor in prestigious Supercomputer organisation C-DAC, Pune. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad was involved in various Artificial and High-Performance Computing projects of national and international repute. He has got a long experience in the field of ‘Natural Language Processing’, especially, in the domain of Machine Translation. He has taken the mantle of translating the timeless beauties of Indian literature upon himself so that it reaches across the globe. He has also undertaken translation work for Shri Narendra Modi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, which was highly appreciated by him. He is also a member of ‘Bombay Film Writer Association’. He is also the English Editor for the web magazine www.e-abhivyakti.com

Captain Raghuvanshi is also a littérateur par excellence. He is a prolific writer, poet and ‘Shayar’ himself and participates in literature fests and ‘Mushayaras’. He keeps participating in various language & literature fests, symposiums and workshops etc.

Recently, he played an active role in the ‘International Hindi Conference’ at New Delhi. He presided over the “Session Focused on Language and Translation” and also presented a research paper. The conference was organized by Delhi University in collaboration with New York University and Columbia University.

हिंदी साहित्य – आलेख ☆ अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हिंदी सम्मेलन ☆ कैप्टन प्रवीण रघुवंशी, एन एम्

In his Naval career, he was qualified to command all types of warships. He is also an aviator and a Sea Diver; and recipient of various awards including ‘Nao Sena Medal’ by the President of India, Prime Minister Awards and C-in-C Commendation. He has won many national and international awards.

He is also an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus.

His latest quest involves writing various books and translation work including over 100 Bollywood songs for various international forums as a mission for the enjoyment of the global viewers. Published various books and over 3000 poems, stories, blogs and other literary work at national and international level. Felicitated by numerous literary bodies..! 

? English translation of Urdu poetry couplets of Anonymous litterateur of Social Media # 223 ?

☆☆☆☆☆

ख़्वाहिशों का कैदी हूँ

हक़ीक़तें सज़ा देती हैं

आसान चीज़ों का शौक नहीं 

मुश्किलें ही मज़ा देती हैं..

☆☆

I’m a prisoner of desires

Though realities do bite me

Never enjoyed easy things

Difficulties only fascinate me

☆☆☆☆☆

था जहाँ कहना वहां

कह न पाये उम्र भर…

कागज़ों पर यूं शेर

लिखना बेज़ुबानी ही तो है…

☆☆

 

Where it was required to speak

Couldn’t say a word entire my life

Composing poems now on paper

Is sheer dumbness only…

☆☆☆☆☆

लोग सुनते रहे दिमाग़ की बात

हम चले दिल को रहनुमा कर के 

किस ने पाया सुकून दुनिया में 

ज़िंदगानी का सामना कर के…

☆☆

People kept listening to their mind

I followed the heart as  patron

Who could ever find the solace

in the world by braving the life!

☆☆☆☆☆

यही है ज़िन्दगी कुछ 

ख़्वाब  चन्द  उम्मीदें, 

इन्हीं खिलौनों  से तुम 

भी बहल सको तो चलो…

☆☆

This only is the journey of life,

Few dreams, a handful of hopes

If  you  can manage playing with 

these  toys  then  come along…

☆☆☆☆☆

~ Pravin Raghuvanshi

© Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

Pune

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈

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