Asian Literary Society

93 old survivor of World War II Nicholas Dan was publishing his memoir. The Book launch was being arranged by his son-in-law Nikoto who was a Japanese and the son of Col. Syoko from the Japanese army. *** Young Nicholas who was part of the British army, was bidding adieu to his beautiful wife Sandra and daughter Carol, as he had been called to fight in the Burma campaign where the allied forces were facing the giant Japanese troops. Col. Syoko was second in command of the regiment under Maj.Gen.Myoto and was spearheading the battle, with loss of lives on both sides. Nicholas, along with his troop was captured and made POW (Prisoner of war) in the difficult terrains of Burma. A surge of POWs was seen entering Burma as tough Japanese forces were compelling handcuffed and shackled men to build a bridge across the river Kwai. They were being pushed, kicked, and made to work. Nicholas suddenly felt weak and nauseous. He was vomiting and fell unconscious. Major General Myoto kicked him on th

​ ⁠ An artist’s dream! ⁠ Alabaster skin, cheeks touched by fresh rose ⁠ Eyes glowing, ensconced in curling lashes, tresses gold like the morning rays ​ ⁠ Arrogant and proud, caught the ire of an old witch ⁠ Cursed her and took away her looks till a selfless service to her people she would furnish ​ ⁠ Withered and charmless, unable to look at her reflection ⁠ Discovered talent in her voice, sang to drown her shame ⁠ Mastered the Ragas of Indian Classical and sang with inflection ​ ⁠ Sweet were the songs she would sing, the breeze would be her accompaniment ⁠ Swans in water would swim to her side as she sang ‘Raag Basant Bahaar’ ⁠ Flowers would bloom, the cuckoo would join in from near and afar ​ ⁠ Tragedy struck her kingdom, rainless went the year ⁠ Cries of hunger and pain filled the air, she could bear to hear no more ​ ⁠ Burst she passionately into ‘Raag Malhar’, invoking the God of clouds and rain ⁠ Sang in continuity without food or water ⁠ Moved by her penance,

Abandoned on birth and adopted by a queen and king There was a lovely princess long ago Rooted in values, peerless in beauty The princess was well-schooled in duty A young  prince,  handsome, brave, and noble Gained her hand in a fiercely contested Swaymvar But cruel fate ordained for her prince a long  forest exile The princess true to her code of values chose the same with a smile She abandoned the royal robes and dressed like an ascetic She arraigned herself into her new life without a hitch Abducted by a mighty king and later rescued by her prince After a prolonged battle, the princess returned to her land once again. But lo! life played another of its tricks The princess on suspicion was abandoned by her prince Deeply pained by such trials of her chastity She chose to bid adieu to this land of incongruity That long-ago princess  still lives on today All over the land often she is treated the same way The princess's tale loudly seems to proclaim Treat me fair else l am a prince

I received an epistle from a dear distant friend To visit her place, China's most prosperous land A city always on toes, where East and West blend I flew off to Shanghai and the newest Disneyland. We jaunted the eight ancient water towns by the riverine Splendor brimmed the cerulean expanse of Lajiazui skyline The flashes of opulence, I could see well engraved While taking a stroll, along the waterfront promenade The city of oriental charms, with variegated architectural shade And there were temples, pagodas, and statues confected of Jade The history buff in me was, by the museums magnetized Peeping into Huien Tsang's SiYuKi, I was so surprised The vintage cars in the Auto Museum were a lavish show Fun it was to sashay through the fascinating shopping furbelow Now the reminiscent mementos adorn my drawing room's wall And pictures of the chopsticks' culture, the imprints I recall. But I haven't heard of my pal, since one and a half year The number is still out of ser

Bypast a world sunken neath the sands, A kingdom once stood o'er these barren lands. Skies though still attired in cerulean duvets, Reveal the tales of forever annihilating fates. Wading o'er swathes of time: thru' her days, Cortana reigned the winds in blues and greys. Thru' skies and lands her spells alluring, Thru' mortal hearts her visage adoring. Ay! Her footfalls witnessed temple bells, As she walked thru' fecund dales. Spreading bewitching charms around, She reigned each crimp of Rosamound. Gracing the hermits thru' the woods, She galloped on horses draped in hoods. O'er the tors of Caucasus vales, She chased the gust of western gales. The turning pages of dust and earth, Still have preserved her sunset garth. Yon memories of princess Cort, Slumber beneath the desert fort.

शीतल,सुरभित,मंद पवन से,उल्लसित हो गया तन-मन, सोंधी-सोंधी मिट्टी महके, कितना पावन लगता है आँगन, भीषण उष्ण जेठ-आषाढ़ बीते,अब रिमझिम गिरे सावन! सभी दिशाएं धुली- धुली सी,और धरती लगे अति पावन, सबके हृदय उल्लसित होते,जब घिर आएं भूरे-काले घन, बीच गगन में चमके चपला, जब रिमझिम गिरे सावन! निर्मल हरित वस्त्र सब पहने,सद्यः स्नात से वन-उपवन, तृष्णा धरा की मिटी अब सारी,पूरित हुए कृषक के स्वप्न, धान,पान,कदली लहलहाते, जब रिमझिम गिरे सावन ! पीहू-पीहू की टेर लगाए पपीहा,डोलता फिरता है वन-वन, टर्र-टर्र टर्राता फिरता मंडूक, झींगुर भी गाते अब झन -झन, पंख खोल के नृत्य करे मयूर ,जब रिमझिम गिरे सावन! नीम की डाल पर झूला पड़ गया,झूले बचपन संग यौवन, भीगे बचपन आह्लाद भरा, सखियों के खनकते कंगन ! सबकी उमंगें तब चढ़ी हिंडोले, जब रिमझिम गिरे सावन! गले मिल रही सारी सखियाँ,आ पहुँचीं सब बाबुल के आँगन, नैहर के उल्लास के बीच में करतीं,याद पिया को मन ही मन, मन बना हिंडोला उमंग-विरह मध्य,जब रिमझिम गिरे सावन!

  रिमझिम गिरे सावन, तृषित प्रकृति को नहलाये, जहाँ-जहाँ भी मैल जमा, धुलकर उज्ज्वल हो जाए, काश ऐसा कोई सावन गिरे,ईर्ष्या, क्रोध, नफरत, सब धो जाए, सदा के लिए बीज प्रेम व सौहार्द के अंकुरित कर जाये, बोले पपीहा प्रीति करो, प्रेम करो, गाये कोयलिया,घोलो मिश्री, फिर बोलो, खुशियों के झूले, झूमें चहुँ ओर, डाली हो खुशाल हरियाली की, ना चीखे कोई डोर, खिलें उमंगों के कुसुम, हर ड्योढ़ी पर,  सोंधी बालियाँ लहलहाएँ, हर खेत खलियान पर, ना सूखे कोई गला, हर नदी मुस्कुराये देख दामन भरा,  केसरी, सिंदूरी आम्र सी मिठास, घुल जाए हर ज़ुबान पर, खनके चूड़ियाँ, बाजे पायलिया , महके मेहंदी हर सुहागिन की, आए ना ख़बर किसी जवान या बीमार के जीवन खो देने की, रिमझिम गिरे सावन, मन भावन ऐसा, कालुष, कलंक, सब धुलकर हो जाएँ, खरा सोना, रिमझिम गिरे सावन, पावन ऐसा,  आशीष ईश्वर का जिसकी हर बूंद में, बरसता हो, वैसा।

I am a  rivulet ... From an unexplored hamlet And beneath my gurgling glide Lies a stretch of pebbles and rocks, sometimes hampers my spontaneous slide.  I flow through many terrains and springy turfs Sometimes smooth and sometimes rough My core is festooned with lichens and only I can clean. And sponge my parochial vision for a panoramic sheen. I am the owner of my core. The Key is with me to clean all the pores. Long way to go, many miles to cover, and occasionally I have to bend And clean murky mosses from becoming my master, I have to first befriend. To conquer and flow steadily with continuous motion. Till I reach my primordial ocean... And become carefree   humming waves in  fathomless fair And fly like maverick free spirit seagulls and terns in the limitless azure sphere.  

In an aureate meadow. With my bosom shadow Dipped in golden moments, we sway to and fro,  like a reed and  hay Together we see life's neutrality, gloom, and gay Like a  weary reaper wearing an auburn braid. Yearn to drench our  tresses, we gazed at  the sky for a soothing rain Whispering with wind who defies boundaries... Emanating memories of life's posies and worries. Me and my shadow ride and play  see-saw With thrills and loud guffaws. Upward and downward. We balance our life's penalty and reward.  Me and my shadow play swings... Holding tight with euphoria the jute string. High and low, to and fro. We equate life's shrink and grow And after dusk, we wait for silvery luna. To quill verse struck by her aura. In the moonlight, looking at the seas ebb and flow. We see our reflection, our rise, fall, and glows.

लो आया सावन  रिमझिम कर यूं बादल को घर घर बरसाने,  काली घटा की चादर औढ कर, शीतल हवा की महिमा दर्शाने। शीत फुहारें, रिमझिम गिरे सावन, मन कह दे कोई मधुर गीत- सात सुरों को पिरो दो इक धागे में, दिल में बहे अविरल संगीत । मेघा का पानी छम-छम बरसे, हर मन एक नईं आस जगाए, आंगन में बच्चे बूढ़े सब,  तल-तल कर पकवान को खाएं। सोचा नही शायद अटल सत्य है, प्रकृति का नहीं है कोई सानी,  कहां से आता है- फिर चला जाता है कहाँ यह बरसात का पानी ? गरज गरज यह बादल अपना पानी यूं बरसाएं, सूरज समुद्र वा हवा सब मिलकर इस जल को यात्रा करवाएं। बरस बरस वर्षा गांव शहर झील  नदी सब भरदे, धरती की इस माटी  गुल्लक को मानो प्राकृतिक कीमती जल से तरदे। जमा पानी  रिस रिस कर जमीन के नीचे करे भूजल भंडार समृद्ध, दिखता नहीं पर यह खज़ाना है अमूल्य, अनुपम और विस्तृत। गर जल चक्र हम ठीक से समझें, बरसात आने पे उसे संभाले, जलस्रोत सुरक्षित रखकर, तब कमी पानी की फिर आने ना पाए।  

  रिमझिम करता सावन आया,   संग, नव उमंग ,उल्लास लिये,   उमड़ - घुमड़,  मतवारे   बदरा,   ख़ुशियों  की    बौछार    लिये,   मंद फुहार का  कोमल   स्पर्श,   रोम - रोम   को    सींच    रहा,   मंत्र  - मुग्ध ,   आनन्द     मग्न,   हर प्राणी, स्वागत में झूम रहा ,  घनन-घनन जब ,बदरा बरसे,   कृषक का तप, पाता  वरदान,   प्यासी  वसुधा,लहलहा  उठी   हरे- भरे  हुए ,खेत  खलिहान,  अमर्यादित, घनघोर  सी वर्षा ,   जब  रौद्र रूप  धारण  करती,   जाता उजड़ निर्धन का जीवन,   वज्र बन कर ,उन  पर  गिरती।  आओ !जीवनदायिनी बरखा ,   ख़ुशहाली  का  उपहार  लिये,   सोंधी सुगन्ध ,  चहुँ हरियाली,   समृद्धि की मस्त फुहार लिये।

When time is stored within sands of an hour. When beauty is stored within the petals of a flower. When colors are stored within the paintbrushes of the sky. When motifs are stored in the wings of the butterfly.   When happiness is found in the smiles of a child. Nothing is better when distance is reconciled. When tears are mingled in the waters of the ocean. Entity gains strength in every devotion.   When the rhythm is found in incessant rain. When knowledge is gathered in years of pain. When music is confined in a gurgling brook. And lyrics in nature's lap, rather than a book. When the truth is stored in the valley of death. Life is ensured with every single breath. When grief is stored in mountains of sorrow Hope stands still in every tomorrow.  

  I seek solace in nature when my heart is crushed with grief A thousand blended philharmonic notes call for comfort and render relief I watch the birds sing and play, their strain I cannot measure But the orchestra they're engaged in is always a thrill of pleasure With all its merry minstrelsy the voluble, vehement, velvety bees buzz over the grass Singing rhythmically to each and every blossom they seem to pass A beautiful butterfly goes winging by, a Cuckoo comes after Nature from earth to sky, full of dulcet, delightful concord, bubble with laughter I am allured by the harvest moon that gives an iridescent glow Churning its melodious lay reflecting onto the pool below Crickets and cicadas belt out a tune in perfect harmony, as the frogs start their chorus Those reeds by the pool swaying in the gentle breeze play their part glorious The germinated seeds, turning into boisterous blossoms, sing songs of salvation On the jostling stalk, sway with divine rhythm, the purple profusion

  The gentle zephyr affectionaE tely caressed the cuckoo Overcome by emotion, the ebony blackbird responded with a melodious ‘kooo-ooo’ ‘Witt-witt splee-plink’ sang the fork-tailed barn swallows, as their blue backs shone in sunshine Infected by melody, ‘chiddik- chiddik’ went the house sparrows continuing to build their nest ‘Hoooah hoo hoo hoo chirry chirry chirry choreeo’ joined in the dove The mynahs screeched loudly as they took off in pairs to search for scraps ‘Pia ow ey awe’ yowled the peacock loudly To which the rose-ringed parakeet whistled a sweet warning The excited cat mewed in response to the multitude of sounds Annoying the flock of Jungle Babblers who launched into a litany of admonishing harsh chirps The chameleon nodded in agreement as it turned green within the leafy surrounds The squirrel scrambled up and down the Gulmohar chattering incessantly in happiness The metallic blue, purple and maroon sunbird hummed a tune as it fluttered from flower-to-flower sipping nect

O' at the end of the day ‘eventide’ arrives reaching the peak,  And sun plays a game of hide and seek, It's the time for the sun to take some rest, So beautiful is the moment of the sunset! After the whole day's struggle birds return to their nest, Some moving towards north, some towards west, Little buds start closing eyes for a blissful sleep, Some flora- fauna awake and get ready to peep! Ringing bells and prayers at religious places, O' the home is made pious by sacred worships, The beautiful site at the sea beaches and shores, Bathed in azure yellow rays waves dance and adore!   Eventide smiles welcoming gloomy night, Dreams get ready to board a new flight, Stars and moon smile at height, With their shimmer eager to make the whole world bright!   The sky is painted with hues of shades and colors, Lights on the streets sparkle their shimmer, O' it is said eventide is enclosed with the gloom of darkness, But it also brings moments of joy away from stress.

Winding roads in the journey of existence Retreating rays filtering through the thicket Waves of myriad sentiments rising inside Intensifying longing to find purpose in life Eventide coloring the landscape aurous Absorbing conversations of pregnant silence Immersive experience of the transient world Immense realization of resulting tranquillity Celestial display in the vault of heaven Discovering real beauty in the imperfections Awareness of inner cosmos being my home Rekindling the flame to reclaim my soul  

 “Asia Forum-Chapter 4 Bangladesh” which is an offshoot of the Asian Literary Society and Journal of Asian Art, Culture and Literature (JAACL) took place on July 26th, 2021 at 1800 hours IST and 1830 hours BDT on the online forum of Asian Literary Society Facebook Page.  The event involves a presentation of the various genres of Bangladeshi Literature by the distinguished writers and poets of Bangladesh - Mr. Shakil Kalam, Mr. Shams Monower, and Ms. Mahanaj Parvin.  The session begins with a welcome note by Mr. Manoj Krishnan, the Founder of Asian Literary Society. Thereafter, the session was moderated by Dr. Bishakha Sarma, Linguist, and Administrator of Asian Literary Society.  The writers discussed Bangladeshi literature in general as well as their depiction of historical and socio-cultural aspects of Bangladesh reflected in their writings. Mr. Kalam discussed in detail the depiction of the liberation war in his short stories of Children’s Literature. He also discussed his essay boo

Asian Literary Society and Journal of Asian Art, Culture and Literature (JAACL) have initiated a new forum with the purpose of interaction with literary luminaries from other Asian countries. The second chapter in this series, Asia Forum – Chapter 2: Nepal was conducted as a virtual event on Saturday, 17 th  July 2021 at 1745 hours (5:45 PM) IST.  List of Participants: Mr. Yuyutsu Sharma: Writer and Poet Mr. Sarad Pradhan: Writer and Poet Mr. Arun Budhathoki: Writer and Poet Program Co-ordinator: Ms. Vandana Bhasin, Writer and Artist The session was inaugurated by the Founder of ALS and Editor-in-chief of JAACL, Mr Manoj Krishnan. He welcomed the esteemed panelists to the session, and introduced the moderator Ms. Vandana Bhasin. Ms. Vandana   initiated the session with words of Martin Luther “ If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write .” She spoke about the impact of writing on society and thereafter introduced the beautiful country of Nepal in two verse

  The Asian Literary Society (ALS) and the Journal of Asian Art, Culture and Literature (JAACL) have recently initiated a forum for interaction with writers from Asian countries. The third chapter in this series, Asia Forum – Chapter 3: Philippines was conducted as a virtual event on Sunday, 18 th July 2021 at 5.30 p.m. IST   (8 p.m. Philippines time). Panelists:          Dr. Fely Rose M. Nacario,   Professor, Teacher, Writer & Poet Ms. Gracia Gernale,   Businesswoman, Publisher, Writer & Poet Ms. Marites Tordecilla,   Accountant, Writer & Poet Mr. Mark Kevin Montoya,   Seminarian, Writer & Poet Programme Coordinator:     Dr. Aparna Bagwe,   Scientist, Writer & Poet The session was inaugurated by the Founder of ALS and Editor-in-chief of JAACL, Mr Manoj Krishnan. He welcomed the esteemed panelists and viewers to the session, and introduced the moderator Dr. Aparna Bagwe (Administrator, ALS). Dr. Aparna initiated the session by discussing the scope of ALS in