The Rakoshi Devis

Rakoshi Devis came to me as a shock since they happened to rescue my senses at a time when extreme anger overwhelmed my consciousness and it was waiting to annihilate my sanity. They salvaged me from the predicament of devastation which hovered around me like an eagle waiting to pounce upon its prey. The Rakoshi Devis I saw in my vision were three gruesome-looking figures ready to overthrow conventional wisdom that often enforces the norm of propriety on a woman. These introduced themselves to me as strong opponents of the egocentric MANHOOD that’s born to obliterate feminine identity. A ‘Demonic Man’ happens to challenge the Devis’ feminine prowess; not evidently by oppressing them but implicitly until he brings them to the point where they become vulnerable to his attack. The Rakoshis then blend their feminine benignity with their demonic ire and manifest themselves into a transformed version of the fierce ‘Demonic Goddess’ to counteract the refractory Egoistic Masculine Vampire.”

This book is an analysis of not only the literal merits of the bard but also the influences and impacts of his works on society, as well as the different incantations of the human mind and interpersonal relationships. From addressing the status of Jews in Venice, to the differences between fate and destiny, to the vainglorious villainy of Iago, it delves at times deep into human psyche. It addresses issues that were not only relevant then but seem to transgress the eons. Its significance lies in identifying and challenging beliefs of characters and conditions. Was Caesar heroic or was Brutus the great devil? What role did the essence of time and timing play in the tale of Romeo and Juliet? How was gender ambiguity presented in The Tempest? It examines the tiny sliver that separates hate and love and what it might take to unite or cross that divide. Reviews: “I am so impressed with your study of historical positions to contradict some of the playwright’s assumptions. But equally awesome is your sensitive interpretation of communal bias in those times and Shakespeare’s role in portraying it. You will certainly have a great future as a scholar and writer.” –Coomi Kapoor, Contributing Editor, The Indian Express “Extremely well-written blogs… You have brought out so clearly the role played by fate and destiny in this story of the star-crossed lovers while also drawing attention to the manner in which character determines the crucial choices made by the protagonists. Your analysis of the paradox of a love story interspersed with violence was also very interesting. You evidently have the ability and the inclination to look at Shakespeare’s plays critically. Wonderful and so unusual in a young person today. Do keep writing.” –Dr. Ranjana Kaul, Associate Professor, Delhi University

“The Return of Gandhi”, in my opinion, rightly predicts that the Mahatma would not sit around and mourn the loss of his legacy. Rather, he would travel this great land, see, learn and understand. And he would then spring to action. Dalits and Adivasis constitute the very heart of Indian society and their pain resonated deeply with Gandhi and he saw their upliftment simply as the pursuit of justice. In the course of my work with the United Nations, I have seen just how large an impact Gandhi left on the world. I recall a youth in a totalitarian country once asking me, “You had Gandhi…who do we have?”. In his words was a fervent longing for a leader who spoke to the masses of his country and for an example that he could identify with. I was barely surprised when his country had a non-violent revolution a year later. For whenever Gandhi is remembered, his spirit returns. Dr Vizai Bhaskar’s Gandhi vows to “lift India from the quick sand of political delinquency and the slush of corruption and dishonesty” to “the solid rock of political and economic Justice”. He promises to return, to protect the persecuted, “the good and the innocent”, and to become the “body, mind and soul of the common man”. Indians may give up Gandhi’s ways, but let us pray that Gandhi will never give up on India. - Raja Karthikeya. Diplomat, United Nations

Knoxy little tales are honest and heart-endearing stories on love, loyalty, and friendship. These stories are of people like you and me. Some of them are inspired by real events of my own life, while the rest are about people who crossed my path. These stories show the strength of the relationships we have. They might make you laugh or cry. They might also make you sit back for a moment and relate them with your very own life. These are stories of our friends, our families, our pets, and even the people we are faintly acquainted with. I genuinely feel that every relationship leaves a mark. And through my collection of short stories, I have tried my best to portray them all. So come and hop on this beautiful journey of life with me.

The short stories cover different aspects of life, as keenly observed by the author in different strata of society, in the city or urban areas. They provoke values of love and compassion with the human and natural surroundings, and also convey certain extraordinary truths emanated from the analysis of events and the mosaic of characters involved in them.

The story revolves around Prince Sundar of the Ahom dynasty in Assam in North-East India during the medieval period. Sundar, the crown prince, is seriously searching for the complete liberation of his soul and thereby shuns the company of women. The Queen Mother forces him to get married against his will to Princess Kanchanmoti, who is in love with Ananga, Sundar’s friend. Expectedly, the marriage ends in disaster. Enter Shewali, an innocent maidservant. Shewali is devoted to the service of the prince, and she loves to serve. She becomes a victim of jealousy and deceit of the palace staff. The Queen Mother holds Shewali responsible for Sundar’s actions and wreaks vengeance. One day, Sundar calls for Shewali, and she fails to turn up. Where is Shewali? Now the story moves to the serene, natural surroundings of the Naga Hills where Ananga, in exile, is dwelling in a cave. Sundar arrives there in disguise with a group of Chaodangs. What is his intention? Written in simple language, the story highlights the pure love of a simple maidservant who becomes a victim of palace intrigues. How her ultimate sacrifice leaves a deep impression on the crown prince’s heart is bound to keep the readers engrossed. “The Palace Maid is an engrossing book. The story is told in an uncomplicated manner. It has been translated quite smoothly from the Assamese novel Karengor Ligiri. Brig Ranjit Borthakur (Retd.), eminent writer, TV commentator and former Chairman of Assam Public Service Commission

Red Marks is a compelling satire about sexual harassment, otherwise known as sexually transmissible marks, a canker worm which is eating deep into the fabric of the society. The plot of the play revolves around the personal dilemma of Laura, an innocent University undergraduate with powerful emotions and rare determination who becomes the unwitting target of the concupiscence of the self-righteous philanderer, Bao. Will she succeed in escaping from his vicious and repulsive seduction and so preserve her virginity, or will she naively succumb to his lustful intrigues and allow herself to be deflowered? The play gives a beautifully poised insight into what happens in situations where the powerful feed fat on the powerless.