Book fest, intrinsic joy of reading

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Over the last two months, there's been several book fests to celebrate the World Book Day which took place sometimes back. The idea is to encourage more people to take interest in reading since many of the young minds are too much stuck in their academic books in a bid to score high marks and become toppers. It's an irony considering the definition of an educated person is that he is someone who learn about intellectual, spiritual and physical development and the learned soul has a fair amount of knowledge about culture. Books is an answer to the cultural part of education. It's a sad fact that the last book someone read was at the time they were doing their graduation. It is a sad fact.
It doesn't apply to countries like India where people are exposed to reading books, novels and non novels where books are sold like like peanuts. There is the hunger to read and learn and new budding authors are coming and trying to connect with the new generation. I am speaking of Mauritius where I am currently based. True it is a small market and people are not exposed to the reading culture so much. The education system has been built in a manner where emphasis is being laid too much on academic education and there is no real effort on the part of the government to promote reading. There are timid efforts. In some places, books are overpriced and it is one particular bookshop which is spearheading all efforts towards reading. Sad! They need many more bookshop like this one who sell books at an affordable price to encourage reading. Reading is bliss.
They held two such book fairs and I bought some books on my first visit. Decided that I will not buy any next time I visit but boy, I ended up buying books worth Rs 1,500. Boy!! The temptation is too luring to resist. A book exhibition is being held today at a place call the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre. Thought that I will skip this one. Later, realized that I love books too much to give it a miss. It is very attractive since there will be international authors and publishers attending the event as I look forward to meet some of them and click some pictures A book lover like em cannot afford to miss the event. Hopefully, I shall meet some publishing houses and discuss about mu collection of short stories that I am currently writing.
I know that I have been slacking with my writing and I need a desperate push to renew with my writing. I am looking forward to the month of June since I have quite a few interesting off days.Lotsa Sundays and Friday and it's boon to pen my stories. I shall rush to the event now and will let you guys know how it was. With photos of course.
Enjoy the ride and read beautiful books. Next week, I shall start with RK Narayan's Bachelor of Arts and Shobha at 60.

Citizen watch: Razing of promenade at Marine Drive-Let's Act

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Imitation is the best form of flattery-

Or is it? In the name of development, we've been hell bent in destroying our greeneries, fauna and hills and that too for crores as we aspire to become the new Shanghai. Well, our dear friends and friends, policy makers, Shanghai is well... Shanghai. Nothing wrong with development. But, it must be done taken into consideration the specification of the people, culture, habits and the environment.
Going through a not so old copy of Mumbai Mirror dated April 10, I was horrified on see the picture of Marine Drive where a coastal road of 2.3 kms is proposed along the Queen's necklace.
The effect of such a proposal:The promenade where hundred thousands walk and sit will be razed. I believe it is shockingly absurd. Marine Drive is a place which holds immense value not to the residents and that of Churchgate. It is an evening gate way and recreation to families who loves spending a nice evening their and looking at the still sea. In a place of Mumbai, where there is hardly anyplace to go as a result of the crazy construction of buildings, it is one of the few places to sit in solace. Not just residents but the average Mumbaikars and non-Mumbaikars as well who take a train to the city of dreams to be there and go back to their cities. It is a jewel in our Mumbai filled with bottle necks. A place we are extremely proud of. It represents a way of life of the average Mumbaikars.
The promenade regularly sees the likes of many celebrities and business men like Anil Ambani jogging regularly in the early morning. I have often seen Anil, followed by his Black Cats commando running on the track. Not just him, but the average city goers does their jogging, exercise and reading the newspapers there. It is and I strong feel, it should be made a historical heritage as when we think of Mumbai, Marine Drive is one of the places which comes to our mind. Moreover, it is a popular tourist attraction and so many tourists visit the place. It is one place where many of us have grown, gone for a date, stealing a kiss, made meaningful conversation with a complete stranger and admiring the beauty of life.
It is really sad that when the government think of something, the residents of the vicinity is not even consulted. It is cheating. The residents of Churchgate as well as the regulars must start a petition and shoot it to the concerned authorities. Let's all hope their plan fail. There are other ways and means to undertake developmental projects. It is because of this attitude that the city is choking with buildings and there is hardly any space the breath fresh air in the city. We, the citizens, should take the plunge and perhaps Shri Anna Hazare must lead us. Time to Act citizens of India, Mumbaikars and lovers of beauty and recreation.
Let's do it.
Link:mumbaimirror.com/sunday april 10, 2011(page 6)