Are you there God? It's me, Ila.

Last week, has been so tricky that I can't help but turn to God (if He exists).

From the pen of a shy girl...

Recently, I became an editorial mentor for www.urbookmyreview.com

I have four interns under me. I decided to give them their first task which would help them look within. So, I told them to write about their writing journey, how they started writing, how writing helped them deal with their life.

I was totally amazed to see how they handled the task so well. They honestly penned down their stories. I gave them individual feedback too. But there's this one assignment that I loved the most, so with due permission from my intern Padmaja Phatak. I am sharing it with you all.

Inkredia­: Luwan of Brida - Book Review

Inkredia­—Luwan of Brida
By Sarang Mahajan
Review By Ila Garg

Inkredia—Luwan of Brida, a novel by Sarang Mahajan, is published by Gloryburg Publising LLP. The subtitle—Danger looms tall. Mystery runs deep; is intriguing as well as gripping. The cover is in fiery shades with a symbol at the centre and fire around it. With such an interesting cover, I was sure it would not disappoint me.

Chronux - Book Review

Chronux
By Sagar Kamath
Review By Ila Garg

Chronux, a novel by Sagar Kamath, is published by BecomeShakespeare.com. The cover seems quite unusual at first glance! It looks like a horror book. But if you look closely, you will see the clock hand and if you are a visionary like me, you would be able to actually visualize the clock in the backdrop. Anyway, as you will go on reading the book, the cover will start making sense by and by.

Save the Language, Save the Identities!

“The wisdom of humanity is coded in language. Once a language dies, the knowledge dies with it.” - Lyle Campbell

My voice talks to me!

When I sit alone in my room,

And my voice talks to me,

And says that I have lost you before I could even get you,

It hurts me to see you fading away from my life each day.

In Conversation with Sagar Kamath :)

 

Hi Sagar Kamath,

Hope this finds you in good spirits!

It’s a pleasure to take your interview today. So let’s start:

Sagar Kamath teaches History and International Affairs at Symbiosis International University. With a Masters in History and Philosophy and over 9 years of experience in the teaching sector, he has lectured extensively on subjects ranging from global history to modern day geopolitics and specializes in issues of religion and politics. An avid storyteller, he has spent years researching humanity’s intricate interplay with the natural world, and believes that events like World War II serve to highlight the best and the worst. We as a species are capable of something is amply reflected in his book, Chronux. In his free time, he loves to explore ‘off-the-beaten-track’ locales that have a sense of mystique about them.

Here, he lets his readers know a little more about himself and his journey so far. Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring to you Sagar Kamath:

Of First Loves!

First loves come naturally. They engulf you from within. They are like sudden gusts of winds that merge in your world with seamless efforts. When such love strikes you, it leaves you baffled. Your whole horizon is changed all of a sudden. Some say they lose their sleep, some say their ability to day dream enhances manifold. While I remained untouched by this magical first love for many years and I used to say, "Oh love! Take me in your comforting arms. Embrace me like never before. Teach me what you are like. Assure me of your eternal nature. Come search me, I've been waiting for so long."

Quarter Life Crisis - Book Review

Quarter Life Crisis
By Anshuk Attri
Review By Ila Garg

Quarter Life Crisis, a novel by Anshuk Attri, is published by Maple Press. The cover shows a couple in a cage and a couple talking under a tree. Interestingly, these two images are put in dialog bubbles. With an interesting title, which every teenager would connect with, and a cover so different, I am sure readers would be intrigued to flip through the pages.

Rafflesia: The Banished Princess - Book Review

Rafflesia: The Banished Princess
By Gautam
Review By Ila Garg

Rafflesia: The Banished Princess, a novel by Gautam, is published by Leadstart Publishing Private Limited. The cover shows a girl in black and white filter. Her eyes are focused all the more and grips the attention of the viewer at once. The fan covering her mouth further speaks of her strature and also of the mysterious nature of the female gender. It totally intrigued me to flip through the pages quickly and know the story of this ‘banished princess’.

People Called Ahmedabad - Book Review

People Called Ahmedabad
Curated by Nisha Nair-Gupta
Review By Ila Garg

People Called Ahmedabad, is a collective narrative which aims to unravel the Ahmedabad city. It is published by Random House Publishers. The cover is a photographic collage of what makes the city so special for its people. It also tells why Ahmedabad needs a book to tell about its journey! How people shaped up the city and its history, how food becomes an integral part of every discussion that belongs to Ahmedabad! It should not be mistaken just as a travelogue though because it’s a deep insight into the city and its people. It’s all about how people see Ahmedabad.

The Wrong Turn - Book Review

The Wrong Turn
By Sanjay Chopra and Namita Roy Ghose
Review by Ila Garg

The Wrong Turn, a novel by Sanjay Chopra and Namita Roy Ghose, is published by Om Books International. The cover looks interesting with a couple in a jeep seeking some close moments. The subtitle – Love and Betrayal in the Time of Netaji – makes the plot look all the more intriguing. In fact, this line caught my attention more than the cover.

Every Rock has a Rose Lining - Book Review

Every Rock has a Rose Lining
By Monalisa
Review By Ila Garg

Every Rock has a Rose Lining, a novel by Monalisa, is published by Abha Prakashan. The cover gives an impression of a classic. It’s not that impressive, especially for non-regular readers. With such an interesting title, I’m sure a lot could have been done on the cover! However, the book had a feel good factor as I held it in my hands, so I continued.

Tea Stories with Tea Treasure - Healthy Treasure in a Cup!

Off late, my health is deteriorating, all thanks to the tight schedule that I have! I often sleep late and wake up early and spend more than half of my day in front of the laptop screen. Naturally, this has finally taken a toll on my immunity and I keep falling sick almost every day. Because I don’t get plenty of rest even after falling sick, so I never get fully recovered. All this obviously impacts the work performance and then everything keeps moving in the downward direction. Thus, our health is something that we should never neglect.

(Are you a foodie like me? Check out this: https://www.village-bakery.com/)

I was tired of being sick every day so I tried a lot of green teas (of so many brands) and things like that which are said to have a lot of benefits. However, nothing gave a long-term relief. I then shifted to chamomile teas, which are really good for cold, cough and allergies from pollen grains. It’s still my most preferred tea.

Vami to transcend the future of modern women clothing...

In a hustle bustle of daily life, it is not easy for most of the people sticking to a regular physical activity in routine. If say about India, the situation is more acute for women. They excel in almost everything but overlook their own selves. Most of the times the reason is not the desire but the uneasiness to do the physical activities in the ordinary clothing.

A weekend dedicated to self-pampering with ‘Yes Madam’ services!

So on 29th April 2017, Saturday, I finally allowed myself to indulge in some self-love. I got a call from ‘Yes Madam’ few days ago and they wanted me to try their services. I immediately said yes because it’s rare for me to sit back and relax myself owing to the busy schedule that I have; juggling between multiple things.

Day 3 - India Runway Week - From Mugdha Godse to Swara Bhaskar slaying the ramp!

The much awaited 3-day fashion extravaganza, India Runway Week Season 8 Summer/Spring Edition commenced at Thayagraj Stadium on 28th April 2017. Even on its third day (30th April 2017), India Runway Week continued to please everyone. The day was filled with designers showcasing their Spring/Summer collection. From beautiful and elegant models wearing pastel palette to Swara Bhaskar walking the ramp and almost slaying it, here’s a glimpse of what all happened on the third day!

Day 2 - India Runway Week - Began with Homage to Handloom

Indian Fashion Industry has seen a movement towards make in India, and “homegrown” when it comes to textiles. The textiles of India have gotten all the big designers and young brigade of designers on presenting some of their best collection in textiles of India. After PM Narendra Modi’s constant effort of “Make in India”, Indian Textiles has been promoted vastly. Not to forget the emerging designers have come up with contemporary styles, western cuts in Indian textiles. Organic cotton, tie die and khadi has seen major innovation.

Day1 - India Runway Week - The hottest look Straight off from the Runway

The much awaited fashion extravaganza India Runway Week Season 8 Summer/Spring Edition commenced at Thayagraj Stadium. Adding glamorous quotient to the show  India’s most fashion forward beauty brand, Colorbar coming on board as “Make-Up Partner”.

Weavers at Centre stage of current season of India Runway Week

It would seem that no matter how big the India Runway Week gets, there you will always find fresh new names. Of course, the old designers continue every season. This is the 8th season of India Runway Week which is starting from 28th of April.