Book Review: Premteerath by Narendra Modi

लोकप्रियता से घिरे हुए पूर्ण भारत के हृदय में निवास करने वाले नरेंद्र मोदी को लोग एक मजबूत राजनेता, प्रवक्ता व भारत के प्रधानमंत्री के रूप में जानते हैं लेकिन यह शायद बहुत ही कम लोगों को पता होगा कि मोदी को लिखने का भी शोख हैं। युवावस्था में लिखी गई संवेदना से भरी उनकी यह कहानियां प्रेम और प्यार के अलग-अलग पहलुओं को दर्शाती हैं। नरेंद्र मोदी की नजर में मातृप्रेम ही समस्त प्रेम का सार है और इसकी तुलना पूरे जगत में किसी के यसाथ नहीं की जा सकती है। मनुष्य के बीच अलग-अलग प्रेम इसी मातृप्रेम के विभिन्न रूप में है, चाहे वह प्रेम दोस्तों में हो, अध्यापक का छात्र के लिए, डॉक्टर का मरीज के लिए या फिर पति का पत्नी के लिए। राजपाल प्रकाशन द्वारा प्रकाशित पुस्तक 'प्रेमतीर्थ में प्रेम के विभिन्न पहलुओं पर लिखी उनकी कहानियों को गुजरात केंद्रीय विश्वविद्यालय के अध्यापक एवं विभागाध्यक्ष आलोक गुप्ता ने गुजराती से हिंदी में अनुवाद किया है। प्रेम को यथार्थ के धरातल पर ले जाती इन कहानियों से पाठकों तक यह बात भी पहुंचना तय है कि इतने शक्तिशाली राजनीतिक व्यक्तित्व में एक कोमल हृदय भी निवास करता है। किताब की कहानियां इस बात की शिनाख्त भी करती हैं कि राजनीति का यह मंझा खिलाड़ी शब्दों और संवेदनाओं की पहचान भी रखता है। नरेंद्र मोदी ने यह कहानियां अपातकाल लागू होने के समय 1975 से 1977 में लिखी थी।

The book is available at Lelobooks, an online bookstore in India and avail attractive discounts by buying books online. Also get a home delivery of your book. Hurry now!

Book Review: Crushed by Eliza Crewe

“You see, I’m a cold-hearted person. Not as in cruel and mean, but as in, someone who very seldom cries, who’s seldom moved by emotional scenes, and so on. The few things that make me reach such a state aren’t the usual kind of triggers; I don’t shed tears over characters dying, romantic scenes, happy-ever-after moments. In fact, it’s so random I couldn’t even explain what may or may not trigger a reaction, whatever reaction, in me.” - Meda Melange

The author Eliza Crewe has tried to deliver a spellbinding and power-packed fantasy book for young adults who are just bored of fantasy novels that are limited to vampires and witches. The protagonist, Meda is a Soul-Eater and being a half-demon, she lives and thirsts for the souls of humans. But, the author has incorporated a few clichéd twists in the book as this fairy-like witch only consumes the souls of really bad guys (in literal terms, only guys!). She knows she is a fiend and accepts it. She is now a headstrong locked up in the Crusaders’ school, where she is being given a training to fight demons, who are determined to demolish the human civilization and create more demons. She feels increasingly muffled by the Crusaders rules and there happens to be a day when she finally decides to leave them. The second book in the soul eater series, Crushed will take you further in the story.

The good 

What I liked in the book the most is the blunt narration. The novel is incorporated with sarcasm as the protagonist, Meda’s character has been portrayed differently. She is a no Miss-Goody-Two-Shoes, but definitely she is not one to mess with. She is tough as it is an obvious reason for she is the one who eats Souls, it looks like a prerequisite! But she is also a bad-ass when it comes to righting the wrong. She doesn’t follow any rules and is a hot-headed witch. That’s what makes her different from the regular witches. Her anger and frustration with the Crusaders seems rather vain in the beginning, but the author craftily brings out the justifications as the plot progresses. Also the friendship between Meda and Jo has given this book quite an interesting feel. The contrast in the characters, the tension that develops due to their opposing views and their complex relationship is well written. And the story is quite good. You might get a little bored in the beginning, but as you will get involved in the story with the turning pages, you will find that the author has enough incorporated twists in the plot to keep you occupied till the very end.

The bad

Meda’s character is at times showcased as being too rash and uncontrolled, which confuse readers to decide to whether be on her side or root for her. Though you admire her for being a kick ass, you also realize that some of her actions lead to unnecessary consequences, which is actually added just to build a plot that might seem weak without this milieu. However, if you haven’t read the first book, you might be left slinging on certain stories, like who is Uri and what happened to Meda’s mother and such other things.

The final Verdict

 This is not a usual YA book that one reads, but a rather bold and an extraordinary one. For people who are fed up of the ordinary fantasy novel and has monotony with the overdose of romance, this book would surely be a welcome change. Read the first book in order to have more understanding about the story and the characters.

The book is now available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India. So, have a change in the vampire stories and get your book at home by buying books online and also avail attractive discounts. Hurry Now!

India registered a momentous Test win at Lord’s

The 21st of July, 2014 has been a remarkable day in the history of India. Team India registered a momentous 95 run win over England on the fifth, the final day of the second test at Lord’s on Monday. The match was ferociously led by Ishant Sharma, the man who bounced out  England’s batsmen with some persistent short-pitched bowling, India bundled out England for 22, which led India to a huge victory.

The lean and tall pacer  the match with the figures of 7 for 74, the best figures by an Indian at Lord's in nearly three decades, led by Ishant Sharma's stimulated spell of fast bowling to knock down England by 95 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. India won their first overseas Test match by making this time at the Lord’s and defeating England, since they have also a victory against West Indies in 2011. India led the five-match Test series 1-0 after the first match in Trent Bridge ended in a draw.

In the long 28 years the team India registered their first Test win at Lord's with only second win in 17 Tests here -- after Kapil Dev's team achieved the feat back in June 1986 winning by five wickets. 

"It is a special win here, yes, but every Test wins is special in its own way. I remember the 2007 series when the match ended in a draw because of bad light and S Sreesanth and I were batting at that time. We saved the Test and were victorious in that series. Every Test is special and it is great to win outside India. It will be my last Test at Lord's because I don't see myself coming back here in a few years. So yes, it is a very memorable victory," Dhoni said at the post-match press conference.

Resuming the day at 105 for 4 on the final day, the two overnight batsmen Joe Root (66) and Moeen Ali (39) batted with a lot of determination, adding 101 runs in 44.4 overs before Ishant stroke on the last ball before the lunch. Ali and Root had added 99 runs when Sharma got one ball to kick up and Ali awkwardly fended it off to Cheteshwar Pujara at short-leg.

Books that will help in cracking Civil Services Exam

It has been said that Civil Services exam is one of the most difficult tests to crack and for the ones, who are not familiar with its arduous history, allow me to share some information with you which will help you in cracking your exam, this time. It has been surveyed that in the year 2012, there were about 4.5 Lakh students who appeared for this exam and out of which 15,000 qualified for the prelims and only 998 made it into the final list. Where as there is a section of candidates who appeared to be as bad as landing an airplane in the dark with no radar. And trust me, there is no room for weak hearted people out there. So, in order to support and help these people I have made an attempt to provide them with some of the books that will help them to pay a war against the cantankerous enemy named UPSC. A comprehensive study of the N.C.E.R.T Books will be enough to jog your memory with the basic concepts in all subjects.

Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh 

We all know that Indian Economy is in disaster. The Government is making an to recuperate from the downward spiral. Even when the Prime Miniter of the country which spanned four long ten years who is a renowned economics I can’t figure out why the government did not find ways to redeem the economy.

Thus, Ramesh Singh introduces this subject in a very beautiful manner. The essentials are demonstrated with a deep and thoughtful plot incorporated with appropriate examples and real life circumstances. Similar to that of the Indian Constitution, the subject is also crammed with a truck load of technical terms which may appear mysterious at the beginning, but the writer has portrayed and demonstrates it so well as the book will keep the reader engaged and on the track of understanding and learning things. The author is an experienced person in this subject and steadfastly represents this through his writing expertise. The syllabus is expansively enclosed with sufficient attention as it has been paid to the MCQs without making the subject dull. A highly recommended book not only for IAS aspirants, but also for commerce students who are pursuing their education in similar areas.

Indian and World Geography by Majid Hussain

To me, Geography is a mind-numbing subject. The author, Majid Hussain has made an attempt to provide enough information in order to provide an assistance to you so that you can gauge the basics of the subject. The book is written in a simple language supported by relevant diagrams. The book contains various topics, however, has failed to provide the details of each topic. The book will interest you; however, it may provoke a complain, leaving you famished for more information. By and large, the book will surely keep you engaged and help you build up the right approach.

The books are not only interesting but will also help you in cracking Indian Civil Services Exam. Available at lelobooks! Indulge in online book shopping and avail attractivre discounts while getting books at your door step. So, order now!

Time for some religious thoughts

"The mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it is subdued by practice": Bhagwat Gita

Human beings are never born too strong to exist on their own as we all look up to some supernatural powers for our protection and believes that there is some system which directs the planet. Likewise, there is a system of beliefs and doctrines, which is commonly known as religion. A religion can be described as  a way of showing reverence to the mighty God and feeling protected & safe. In fact, man has always felt snug like a bug in a rug under the roof of religion and spirituality.

Thus, Religious and spiritual books are a great way to remain linked to the Almighty. These books are available at various online bookstores from where you can order them easily and can have them delivered at your doorstep.

 Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

The book has been penned by missionary Sarah Young, who shares distinctively enthused spiritual insight in unforgettable, provocative and inspiring daily devotionals. The novel, Jesus Calling has been inscribed from Jesus' point of view in a touching first-person set-up that facilitate readers to experience and get an insight of the Savior speaking directly to them through scripture.

"It felt a little awkward the first time I tried it, but I did receive a short message. The content was biblical, and it addressed themes that were current in my life: trust, fear, and closeness to God. I responded by writing in my journal as usual; at that point my journaling changed from monologue to dialogue. Day by day, messages began to flow more freely." – Sarah Young, on beginning a "dialogue" with God

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

John Eldredge, an author, a truth-seeker, a motivational orator, an outdoorsman, but in particular, a , passionate and focused man who is blatant to be called a Christian who is ferociously exploratory and an out-of-the-box thinker, John Eldredge is intrepidly honest about men, women, the heart, and the Church -- all in the name of recuperating lost souls to new life in Christ. In the novel,Wild at Heart, Eldredge speaks to the hearts of men, particularly.

“Men want a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. That is what is written in their hearts.... It is undeniable.... An authentic man is, therefore, a man who is living with strength and courage and offering his strength on behalf of others. It is not about selfishness.” – John Eldredge

Get indulged in religious reads and clear your mind from doubts with some of the most inspirational and motivational books, available at lelobooks, an online bookstore in India. Hurry now and get your book just by ordering online and get it at your doorstep. Also avail special discounts and exciting gift hampers.

Modi’s take on black money

From a mere chaiwala to the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has already started off with his work on the very first day of his Prime Ministerialship. The government of Narendra Modi on Tuesday (27th May, 2014) seems to bang on job as Modi announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate and explore black money, which has been mostly salted away in foreign countries. The decision was taken in the first meeting of the union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Modi, who further declared that the SIT will be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, M B Shah and the decision on the SIT is in compliance with the Supreme Court. Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will also be one of its head and the vice-chairman of the SIT will be another former SC judge, Arijit Pasayat.

"In light of the directions of the Supreme Court, we have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to unearth the black money. It was an important issue for us, and therefore it is a matter of assurance for us," Ravi Shankar Prasad told media here today. It will be assisted by the revenue secretary, directors of CBI, IB, RAW and ED, the CBDT chairman and an RBI deputy governor. The government was given a week by the SC to set up an SIT.

A press release added, "The SIT has been charged with the responsibility and duties of investigation, initiation of proceedings and prosecution in cases of Hasan Ali and other matters involving unaccounted money."

The team has decided the names of SIT members and have declared publicly also including secretary revenue, deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India, director of the Intelligence Bureau, director of the Enforcement Directorate, director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes and director of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

The team of SIT constitutes all the highest level of financial, revenue and economic management of the country, which clearly indicates indicates the highest level of commitment of the new government of India, as stated by the minister. He further added, "We are committed to fighting black money".

Another added statement declares that “The SIT will also work out a comprehensive action plan to create an institutional structure that would enable the country to fight the battle against unaccounted money. It would report on the status of its work to the court from time to time”.

In a report in 2011, the ruling government of present India, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had predicted India's black economy to be between $500 billion to $1.4 trillion. In addition BJP was the main opposition of the ruling party of 2011, Congress.  The US-based think tank Global Financial Integrity has pegged the illicit money outflow from India to the tune of $462 billion.

The black money is the money which is earned and relocated unlawfully in foreign countries in order to save tax, like Cayman Islands and Mauritius. It has been surveyed that nearly one third of black money transactions are believed to be in real estate sector. Also, manufacturing, gold and consumer goods purchases are the other major areas, where black money transactions can be made as to avoid paying tax to the government.

Stay tuned with lelobooks, an online bookstore and keep yourself updated with the latest happenings on politics.