BOOK REVIEW : THE SILK ROUTE SPY

Name : The Silk Route Spy : The True Story of An Indian Double Agent 

Author : Dr. Enakashi Sengupta 

Pages : 209

Publisher : Harper Collins Publisher India

Genre : Historical/Non-fiction 

BOOK BLURB

A true story of an Indian Double Agent Spy. Nandlal Kapur was working with the British Government as a spy. They trained him as a silk merchant for cover and he learnt the tricks of the trade on how to be a good spy. As he travels across the land on mission and meets revolutionaries demanding freedom, he decides to do his bit for the country. The extraordinary journey of Nandlal is marked with unpredictablity and danger

ABOUT THE BOOK : 

This is the first time I am reading a non fiction historical book. I was attracted towards the true story of the Indian Spy and how he puts his life in danger by doing double agent work.

This book has 22 chapters and each chapter has a captivating plot. You can feel the sensation of the burning revolution of India and the dilemma of Nandu to do something for his motherland. 

WHAT I LIKE : 

The writing is evocative, conjuring the sight, sound and emotions of the bygone era.

Though it was 1920 and the flames of revolt against colonial rule engulf the country, Nandu was very clear about his career goals. 

I salute his bravery for doing double agent work by risking his and families life. He is the true patriot and master mind behind the major revolution work.

From Firozpur, delhi, calcutta to Japan his curiosity and the way he evolved was tremendous. Nandlal transformation from the spy to double agent was masterful depiction. It keeps me engrossed with each chapters.

I love the flow of each chapter with the depth description of character and situation. The connection of Nandu with these well developed characters like Asit, Vimal , Ramcharan is impressive. 

MY RATING : 4.5/5 

Grab Your copy here : The Silk Route Spy: The True Story of an Indian Double Agent 

Price : Rs. 194 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Enakashi Sengupta is a prolific researcher and academician. She has twenty five years of experience working in both the corporate world and in academia. She has a PhD from University of Nottingham and has completed her MBS with merit from the same university. 

FINAL THOUGHTS :

The Silk Route Spy is mesmerizing portrayal of courage and sacrifice. All I said , if you love historical fiction then you must read. It is admirable that the author managed to put the story in an engaging plot after only listening from his Husband in a story form . The simple language and engaging story of the Nandlal journey keep you captivated till the end. 

This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program 

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सिया टेल - तू घाबरु नको

 सिया टेल - तू घाबरु नको 

PS : Google 

आम्ही तिघी means मी, सिया आणि इरा बसून dough सोबत खेळत होतो. मी घरचे पीठ खेळायला देते. खाले तरी काही tension नाही. एक तास आम्ही खूप छान खेळत होतो आणि अचानक फायर ची bell वाजली. मी दरवाजा उघडून बघीतला तर काहीच नव्हते. परत आम्ही आमच्या ॲक्टिव्हिटी मधे busy झालो.

आमच्या कडे गेले दोन महिने काम चालू आहे. सतत आपला आवाज आणि धूळ. कंटाळा आला पण काम काही संपत नाही. आम्ही घरात खेळत होतो आणि फायर ची bell वाजली. माझी सिया मला बोलते,

तू घाबरु नको मम्मी, काम चालू आहे.

I said, okay madam.

परत पुन्हा पुन्हा bell ring होत होती. 

आणि finally माझी सिया बोलते, मी आहे ना mumy, तू घाबरु नको. खाली काम चालू आहे.

मुली कधी mature होतात कळतच नाही. 

तुमच्या सोबत असे काही झाले का? कमेंट बॉक्स मधे

 सांगा. 

REFLECTIONS OF THE YEAR 2024

I sat to write a reflection of year 2024 and there were many things but then unable to process my thoughts and my kiddo jumped on my diary. Holaaaa.... hogaya post likhake .. 

Like this only my  half of the year had gone. Whether I opened a laptop or my mobile both of them have to pip inside and have to press my keyboard. And when they sleep my mind also 😴 

Finally when Manali suggests using 6 words to summarise the year...it gives me a little bit of inspiration and here I am finally writing my post on my blog. 

2024 is a very difficult year for me in terms of emotional. It affected my mental health and I was surrounded by negativity. One day I realised I was spreading the negativity towards my kids too. On that day I decided to heal. Not only for me but also for my kids. Learned that when things are not in our control we should learn our lesson and concentrate on our own life.

8 WORDS SUMMARISE YEAR 2024

1) GRATITUDE : 

I am grateful for both good and bad things in my life. Bad things teach me to limit my boundaries and give respect only to those who deserve it. Grateful to the universe which teaches me to raise high and avoid unnecessary drama.

Grateful for good things : 

My kids development : I have twins and the development of both is quite different. That is where I realised how much it is important to attain a milestone of kids. Grateful both of them are doing well. 

2) TRAVEL:

I set intentions for travel especially for this year. We dared to have our adventures of traveling. Yes, it is quite hectic with twin toddlers but we enjoyed things. I am proud of myself for completing the small traveling spot this year. One major trip is Mysore Ooti which was successful. 

3) REGRET:

I regret being unable to write more on my blog because my priority was my kids. Unable to connect with the community and my writing.  I even registered myself for many blog hops and did not even write a single 500 word post. 😞 But never mind it is okay if I am unable to balance both things.

4) HURT: 

This year hurt me more. You can say I enjoyed only half a year in happiness and half in tears. Unexpected things gave unbearable pain and I tried to heal myself.

5) LEARN: 

Yay, I learned lots of lessons this year too. I think life is always there to teach you something every year. As I grow old I am more on taking experience and growing. I learnt about how the people behave and they are never going to change.

6) FOCUS:

This year  l focused more on my healing and my kids health. I learned new digital skills. I did painting too which kinda meditation for me. 

7) READING :

After 2 years of postpartum, I get back to my reading. Tried new modes like e - book and audiobooks. After becoming a mother that also twins it is very difficult to get kindle in your hand or reading a book peacefully for at least 15 minutes. And yes, I am proud of myself for completing reading 10 books 😄

8) CREATIVE : 

Being creative in many ways as a mother. Creating lots of activities to have more concentration for my kids. Most of the time is consumed by creating this activity and modelling them to my kids. This activity helps my kids to attain the milestone which was necessary. 

Finally I am greatful that I was happy and healthy. Life is not as per our expectations. It gives unexpected turns and trying to teach to  balance what you expect and what you get. 

Cheers to embrace the change and identify my power. 🤟🤟

2025 I am ready for you.... Looking for more personal growth and more healing. 

Question of the day 

What one things last year teach you ? 

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"This post is a part of ‘Celebrate and Reflect Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed under #EveryConversationMatters"

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1 January 2025

Welcome 2025 ! 

As you grow old you realise life is difficult. Every day new challenge and we survived it. Right! We survived because life is keep going on no matter whatever happened it never stop. And so we have to go on trying to match the speed with life. 

If you are celebrating new year with your loved one then I must say, BE THANKFUL to the GOD / UNIVERSE for having this day. Be thankful to have life, to have kids, and to have smile on your face. Don't forget to count the real laughter though it is very less. Live in your presence without thinking too much. Because it is life uncontrollable and out of your imagination. 

But don't forget You Are Alive. 

So on that note, MemoryFlies wishing you all great year. Plan it, learn something new and cherish the memories.

Till then Take Care 

DIWALI 2024

I know it is Dec 2024 and I am editing diwali blog post. Because we had been on zero screen mode for the past one months. For kids and so for me. This post is in my drafts and it is a memorable post. I am updating this Diwali 2024. 

Diwali is always special to us. From the last two three years we didn't celebrate this festival so this time we a celebrated with family specially with siblings.

This is the third diwali of my twins. This year they watched everything that mom and dad do. Right from cleaning, making mithai, Rangoli and lighting diya, lantern and. Lighting, everything fascinating to them. The most repeated questions my Siya asked, kay karate mummy? 

She loves to eat shankarapali, my attempt to feed them healthy sweet so tried whole wheat shankarapali which turned out so.. so.. average but it tasted good. I made only 1 tin and it was finished. I was happy that my kids loved it.

Ira liked to wiped out the whole rangoli with her feet and so I managed to draw this rangoli only.

Akashkandil finally installed. This year I worshipped my daughters as they are the main LAXMI in my house and heart of my house. 

This year is a special bhaidooj with all siblings. Means our kids. 

The house was  filled with kids, sweets, gifts, firecrackers and love. We all missed our father very much. 

I hope your life will be illuminated like this Diya forever. Keep the spirit of love and happiness over haters. May gather together always at this special festival and celebrate it with lots of love . 

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©Neeta Kadam. This article and image are the property of Memory Flies. Any unauthorized use without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited.

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FRIDAY SPECIAL IV : CHOTI METHI BHAJI

Methichi ( Fenugreek) Bhaji is one of my favourite leafy vegetables. When I got married I came to know about this small version of Fenugreek leaves. My MIL used to make it lot in season and I loved it. Infact I adore this small leafy vegetables more than the normal one methichi bhaji. Let's learn how to make this choti methi vegetable.

You all know big methi leaves but this one is small version which is more tasty and little bit bitter. You can see this small methi vegetable in season only. Whenever you see this in market don't forget to eat at least once in a week. In every maharashtrian house it is staple. 

You have to clean it thoroughly as it has lots of mud. At least 6 to 7 times you have to wash until all the mud is washed away. Then it is ready to chop. You may or may not be chopped but it tastes good when you chop it. 

Today I am sharing a easy recipe of choti methichi bhaji.

INGREDIENTS:

• Choti methi vegetable, sprouted Fenugreek 
• Slice onion 1 big
• Green chilli 3 no. (As per your taste)
• Oil 
• 2 tbsp grated coconut 
• Salt : As per taste.

DIRECTION : 

1. Heat oil in kadai.
2. Add onion and fry till it turns to pink.
3. Then add green chilli and fry till it crispy.
4. Add now washed, chopped methi and mix very well. 
5. Do not overmix it. Otherwise it taste bitter.
6. Drop some water , say 1 to 2 TSP and mix very well.
7. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
8. Now add salt and grated coconut (optional) mix very well.
9. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.

Your delicious vegetable is ready. 

You can serve this delicious choti methi bhaji with dal rice and roti. It is a complete meal. 

Health Benefits of this Choti Fenugreek Leaves : 

• Keeps Your Heart Fit.
• Controls Diabetes.
• Relief from Menstrual Cramps.
• A Good Brain Food.
• Prevention from Cancer.
• Good Gut Health.
• Helps in Weight Control.

Reference : https://www.tataaig.com

SIYA TALE - STORY TIME

सिया ला पुस्तके खुप आवडतात. माझ्या जुळ्या मुली चार महिन्यांच्या असल्यापासून मी पुस्तकं वाचते. Read aloud. दोघींना खुप आवडतात त्यातली रंगीबेरंगी चित्रे, अक्षरे, आणि गोष्टी सुद्धा. 

आपण parents जसे मूलांना मोल्ड करू तसे मुले ग्रो होतात. मला आश्चर्य नाही वाटत जेव्हा माझी सिया मला पुस्तकं वाचून दाखवते. 

तिचे तसे सगळीच पुस्तकं आवडती आहेत. पुस्तकाची हलत बघून कळलेच असेल किती पुस्तकं वाचतो आम्ही. आता ती फक्तं अडीच वर्षाची आहे पण तिला पुस्तकं वाचायला आणि गोष्टी सांगायला खुप आवडते. 

Peppa pig हे आमचे फेवरेट पुस्तकं. 1000 वेळा तरी माझे वाचून झाले असेल. ना, मी कधीच कंटाळत नाही तेच तेच पुस्तकं वाचायला. उलट नवीन प्रकारे तिची स्टोरी सांगायचं प्रयत्न करत असते. आणि त्याचा परिणाम माझ्या मुलींना स्टोरी आणि त्याचा आशय सुद्धा कळतो. तर बघा आता सिया ही पेपा पिग चि स्टोरी कशी वाचते आणि कशी सांगते तिच्या मम्मीला. 

मम्मी डॅडी पेग चे ग्लासेस हरवले. तो पेपर वाचतो. 

जॉर्ज आणि पेपा टीव्ही बघतात.

Sometimes she speak english...  Yaa mummy , Peppa is looking for daddys glasses. 

She goes upstairs.

पेपा वर चालली.

पेपा बाथरूम मधे शोधते.

आणि मग आम्ही फक्तं चित्रे बघतो आणि पाने टर्न करतो. 

शेवटी शेवटच्या पानावर आल्यावर,

Wowo mummy डॅडी पेग ला ग्लासेस मिळाले.

मी विचारते कुठे होते त्याचे 🤓 ग्लासेस?

सोफ्यावर होते मम्मा,

डॅडी पेग त्यावर बसला होता.

आणि मग ती मला हायफाय देते. 

मग मी पुन्हा विचारते कसे मिळाले ग्लासेस?

पेपा ने शोधले सगळीकडे.

मी विचारते कुठे कुठे शोधले?

पेपा बेडरुम मधे जाते,

पिलो खाली बघते,

But glasses was noth there.

मग ती bathtub मधे बघते,

But glasses was not there,

मग डॅडी पेग सोफ्यावरून उठतो 

आणि ग्लासेस तिथे असतात.

आणि मग सिया लास्ट page turn करते आणि बोलते 

THE END

आणि आमची स्टोरी संपते. 

तुम्ही वाचता का तुमच्या बेबी सोबत स्टोरी? तुमच्या बेबीना स्टोरी आवडतात का?

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This post is a part of the Blogchatter Half Marathon 

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