A lone, stout candle flickered inside the cottage. By its light an industrious servant worked. He was bent over a massive table heaped with an assortment of items. He grunted as he laboured over his task of rummaging through them and sorting them.

Warm tears welled up in Aastha’s eyes. ‘Bappa,’ she prayed silently. Any statement that began with that combination of words spelled bad news, didn’t it?

‘You are useless,’ he says. ‘You are such a bad mother. Why did you have a baby if you cannot take care of it? It’s a woman’s job to take care of the child. Aren’t you ashamed to behave like this?’

The women achievers award is an annual award instituted by the Asian Literary Society

It recognizes talent for writing in the field of creating awareness about women issues.

The Orange Flower Awards  instituted by Women's Web in 2016 recognize today's digital creative superstar

This award is conferred by the Asian Literary Society for best fiction writing on women related issues. 

Prasanna Jena Memorial Award

What comes to your mind when you hear the word - 'shattered'? Do you think of glass shattering? Or, perhaps the word brings to mind the shattering of lives? Well, if its the latter than you are not far out in your assessment of the theme of this book. But, that is where the similarity ends. This is not a book about sadness, despair or emotional angst. No! This is a book about silver linings and vanquishing your demons after picking up the shattered pieces of your life.

Bake the swirl bread at this temperature for about 30-35 minutes till the top is a nice golden brown. Oh, and I tell you….the aroma…hmmm….ambrosia! I kid you not.