Tag: India

Spotlight of Karma’s Dilemma by Karma

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~ Book Blitz ~
Karma’s Dilemma
by Karma

 

About the Book:

Karma, a young man, knows very well who his soulmate is. Or so he thinks.

But, really, who is the one?

The posh Angela who he worships. Or is it Sana, the wild racer, who drives him crazy. Or is it Simi, the sensible psychologist, who puts him back together.

Or maybe there is no one for him because of Karma’s deeds in his all-consuming quest as he scours the world has broken so many rules that, one day, karma, the immortal and unrelenting collector of soul-debt, comes calling for Karma, the mortal, himself.

The novel demonstrates the lengths one is willing to go to, the rules one is willing to break and the soul-debt one is willing to accumulate in the quest for a soulmate. Truly, everything is fair in love, even if not in war.

Will Karma the mortal outwit karma the immortal? Or will karma wipe Karma away…

Book Links:

Goodreads * Amazon

 

Read some Snippets from Karma’s Dilemma

~ Snippet 1 ~

Bengaluru, the city of gardens. The city with lovely weather. The city of the fashionable and the hep. The Silicon Valley of India.

No, that wasn’t my Bengaluru. My birthplace became a part of Bengaluru only when an estate agent wanted to sell you a house.

To understand why I wished for her, you also need to understand the background in which the wish was made. That established, the name of the small town where I was born was Hulimavu, which translated into English as sour mango. I haven’t been able to figure out exactly why someone would choose that name for a place, but I have a good guess; pregnant women loved sour mangoes and my town had a high birth rate. My town was fifteen kilometers from “proper” Bengaluru and its nearest claim to fame was being close to the Bannerghatta National Park, a forest reserve, where tigers lived in blissful ignorance of their nemesis, the army of sour mango eating women, whose children would probably take over tiger territory one day.

 

~ Snippet 2 ~

It was my mother who named me Karma. It so happened that my chosen name was Kumar, but I am told that the outspoken nurse, who looked after my mother at the hospital during childbirth, said: “Tell your husband that your undernourished body is not meant to be used as a child producing factory. You have already given him two sons, what more does he want? This child is not Kumar. He is karma, the karma of your husband’s lust, who almost took your life.”

“But he didn’t take my life. So, if he is anyone’s karma, he is mine. My good karma,” Mother replied and named me Karma.

 

Download a copy on 2nd May!



About the Author:

Dear Readers,

Before I tell you more about myself, I want to answer a question that might arise in your mind. Given there are already so many writers (some might think too many), the question is: Why should I write at all?

Simply, I write because I was not allowed to write. Or read any book which had the word love in it. In my family, it was believed that reading about love lead to rebellion. I myself picked up the pen when my only child was six-months-old. At that time, I was without a job. I wrote because there was a lot that I wanted to tell my child, even if one day in the future, to make sense of this world. Writing also helped me keep hope alive, one page at a time, as I went from one fruitless interview to another.

As my child took the first steps, I reached a milestone of my own. I completed my first book; the story of a young man’s quest to find answers to life’s questions. A boutique publisher in Paris loved it and translated my work into French. I even found a job soon after.

I am choosing to write under a pen-name because I am at a stage in my life where I prefer and love anonymity. Once my child is older, I intend to write under my own name.

Many thanks for reading my post and I hope you enjoy reading my novels.

Happy Reading!

Karma

 

 

Masla Sarhadon Ka

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Masla Tumhara or humara Nahi Hai

Ye To Sarhadon Ka Masla Hai

Bharat Or Pakistan Ka Muaavza Hai

Jo aam aadmi ne Bhara Hai

Paraye Desh Mei Apne hi Bhai Ko

Anjaan Bana Diya Hai

 

Masla Tumhara or humara nahi hai

Ye to Sarhadon ka masla hai

Hindu or musalman ka jhagda hai

Jo insaniyat ko bech chala hai

Kadam kadam pe politics ne

Deshon ko loota hai

 

Masla Tumhara or humara nahi hai

Ye to Sarhadon ka masla hai

Kaun sacha hai or kaun jhootha hai

Ye sawal har mudde se bada hai

Kaum ke naam pe dangon ka bol bala hai

Ye dakiyanusi khayal ne insaan ki soch ko maar dala hai

 

Masla Tumhara or humara nahi hai

Ye to Sarhadon ka masla hai

 

~ Surbhi Sareen

Confessions of an Immigrant-14

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What goes round comes back 

I know I am writing after 2 months which is insane. Honestly speaking, I didn’t felt like writing anything during that time. I was so busy in inhaling the activities and events that took place in my life. All were good but time in Canada, I feel runs faster than anything.

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Till last time, I was in Brampton. I have moved again to Scarborough now and again back to the same place where I had come from. I got an internship in Centennial College and things got again busy and crazy with internship and my Security Guard job.

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The major event being my cousin Varun’s grand wedding. The wedding, my assignments were side by side. It was a roller coaster ride from college to attending functions, managing things. The events were amazing. I enjoyed the time. It was a nostalgic feeling. I was the only one representing paternal side and I was missing my parents there. Here are some of the pictures of the wedding functions.

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I have learnt cooking. I knew cooking but now with some enhanced tips and tricks. Thanks to my auntie who taught me those life skills. We learn so many things but life skills is something we learn from implementing and observing. I am glad that I got the chance to learn all that. I can say that now I am an expert in making Bhindi Masala, Veg Biryani, Butter Chicken, Poha, Paneer Butter Masala, Dals, Pasta (red and white), Rajma and many more. But I eat less spicy so my food will not be that spicy. No offense, thats my choice and I love it.

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My studies are almost over and internship is going amazing. This is my third week here and I am already learning so many things about social media. My position here is of a Social Media Intern. Working in an office is fantastic where you different set of people who appreciate your work and inspire you at every step.

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Coming to job, I am doing Events Security which is an interesting job. Here you not only work but also get a chance to attend the events, though in your break. Previously, I got a chance to cover Taylor Swift’s, Ed Sheeran’s event which was breathtaking. I was mesmerised to see the star and the live event had always been in my bucket list. The locations are different so you don’t feel bored. I got a chance to visit University of Toronto, attend Canadian Fitness Pro Gala, Canadian National Exhibition, Pablo Alto Conference, Zac Brown Event. I met many different people while working and mostly all are different during shifts. Mostly, I work Friday, Saturday and Sundays. But at times, I do weekdays too after my internship. Life is super hectic and I hardly get time to write.

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But there are some shifts which are not that hectic where I grab chances to read books. So, far I read four books in this two weeks of my shifts. When you get your paycheck, the feeling is undescribable. You guys would relate to me as I have always updated about my job search, failed attempts, issues and now when things are finally falling to place, I feel contented, motivated. I feel proud that finally I am heading towards positivity and road to happiness.

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The happiest segment has been Saloni’s visit this Friendships Day. Though she came 2 days after the friendships day yet it was an amazing feeling. I feel she is a person of promises. Whenever she promise me something, maybe God does some magic that she actually keep thta promise and comes here. I feel Saloni and Surbhi are meant to be together forever. Lol. Sounds so Filmy.

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I so want to come back to India once I get a good job here. I just can’t wait to come back and meet everyone out there. I am a part of this country and I don’t want to be treated like a visitor in India. India is where I belong and Canada is where I am now, learning parts and parcel of life. Well, thats me: your Surbhi, signing off. Will be back soon with another amazing life update. See ya!

 

Confessions of an Immigrant-2

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Hello beautiful people,

Thankyou so much for your overwhelming response on my previous post. Just because of you I could connect to so many people who live in Canada and they approached me after reading my post. Many of you had queries and fears so I thought I should base this post according to those queries. In the coming paragraph, I will tell about the Do’s and Don’ts when you decide to come to Canada. These points will surely help you or your friend who is planning to come in Canada.

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Quickees:

Be prepared for the best and the worst situations.

Make sure you check the season in which you are going. The weather is unpredicatable so carry a mixed variety of stuff. Avoid coats and sweaters. You can carry them in less amount. It is better to carry a thick jacket. Indian coats will never keep you away from cold. It is better to buy from here during sale.

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It is a bliss for non- vegetarians but hell for Vegetarians as some restaurants don’t have veg food and if they have, then its expensive, not at all worth eating. Go for Tim Hortons, Indian restaurants, Gurudwara Langar. (I have visited limited places so this is based on that.) Best is, buy your own stuff and make it at home. MacDonalds is the worst option.

Make sure you check the weather of the day when you will land the country. It will give you a rough idea, and you can carry a jacket there.

Carry a small bag that has your important documents, passport and you better don’t take that out, doesn’t matter if you are going to washroom. Just keep it with you until you land.

Always carry INR, Dollars, American Dollars, Pounds. It is better as you land at a place where you have a stay, atleast you won’t stay hungry. In case you don’t want a confusion, you can always exchange your currency as they money exchange shops everywhere.

Packing points:

First of all, go through all the rules of the airlines you are travelling as all the airways have their own set of rules. For instance, British Airways allow 2 bags of 23 or 24 kg each while a cabin bag (the bag you can carry in the plane) of around 8kg.

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Make sure you have half a kg less but not more as you never know if they object then you have to pay extra for those kilos. And trust me, its not 1000 or 1200 INR, it is 15000 INR or more.

Someone told me that we can get fragile tags so that they keep your bag safely. This is all bullshit, it is just to make you feel that way. They throw the bags and they don’t give a damn if it has any tag or not. So, you better not carry any breakable thing.

Don’t carry any perfumes, liquids, creams, soaps, scissors, knives, skellpen, or any such thing in your cabin bag. You can carry perfumes, liquid stuff like some shampoo, face wash but seal it properly and make sure it is in a polythene. In case of shampoo bottles, it is better to carry sachets.

Always carry small toothbrush, toothpaste, vicks, handy medicines, lip balm, vaseline. These have to be in very less quantity else it will be taken out. Some flights give toothpaste but it is better to carry your own stuff.

Cabin Bag :

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The first thing you need to do is weigh your bag. If it is less or around 4kg then go for it. After that put only the required stuff in it like the clothes you will need the very next day you land here. Mostly your night suit or some winter wear. It should not exceed 8 kg as they are very strict about it. I know you will be having a jacket and that is heavy like 2kgs. So, you can keep it handy or wear it until you reach the plane. This bag will stay with you when you will have a stay so make sure you carry minimum stuff and it should have wheels. Else, it will be difficult for you only.

If you are going on student visa or any goddamn thing, always carry your papers along with photo copies in your cabin bag. In India, they wont bug much but in Canada, they want everything in front of their eyes, so don’t do the stupidity of taking pictures of the documents. You can get into trouble.

Golden Tip: 

It is better to carry a laptop bag as you can use that for your one day trip or make it as your college bagpack. When you buy a laptop from Canada, they don’t give you a free bag here. (This was the worst mistake one can ever make.) Bagpacks are expensive here and you will never get any comfortable laptop cover here.

Listen to google not the people around. They are here to make you crazy. Everyone will make you mad. So you better take advise from a blog, google. If someone who has visited airport 3 or 4 years back, you better don’t listen to them as airport rules, situations keeps on changing. You can go for a person who is known to airport rules and everything.

Whenever you are at airport, connect your phone to free wifi. They will ask your email id and your plane ticket number. Make sure connect to free wifi else it will cost you alot.

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Never ask the airhostess to put your stuff in the cabin. They are not meant to do so. Just out of generosity they do it. They are good people so you better ask your queries if you have any while in plane.

Things you should Carry:

It is better to carry your small cooker, fry pan, toaster. This will really be of help to you as you don’t know where you will live. If you have people who are willing to give you then don’t carry. As your priority is to carry important and less stuff.

You can also carry frozen coconut oil.

Expensive things in Canada:

Thick Cardamom, cardamom, cloves

Do bring your own stationary like pens, pencils, 2 registers, scale, eraser, sharpener, marker, cellotape, sticky notes.

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Hair coloring is way to expensive so if you planning to get your highlights done from here, then drop the idea as it costs aroun 150$ which is 7500 INR. You can get it done from India itself.

Parlours are not cheap either so you better carry your hair removal creams, wax, bleach and other girly things. And it would be great if you learn some of the basic things like these. IF you do then you can get a job in parlour as well. So a win win situation.

The voltage in Canada is 120 and in India is 220 I guess. So when it comes to hair dryer, straightners, curlers, phone chargers you better carry your converter with you else it will burn your appliances. If you don’t have a converter then for a phone you can charge it through laptop or through Iphone charger by attaching your data cable simply. This will keep your phone safe.

Mobile Covers, specs frames are way too expensive so you better buy some extras from India only.

Cheap Stuff:

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It is better to buy laptop and mobile phone from here. You can get them in very good range. HP laptop can be bought from Costco at around $499 plus the tax. And for cell phone, you can buy Samsung or some other using the plan as cell phones are under contracts. IF you are IPhone lover then you can get it with 90$ per month plan. For a new comer, it is better to take Chattr Plan which is worth 40-50$ with a data plan. Try to connect to your relatives or family in India through wifi or Vonage app. Vonage works without internet as well.

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You need to buy Running shoes from here only. Doesn’t matter if you have bought Reebok or Nike from India. They can’t match the shoes here. The shoes can be bought from Costco or Payless Shoe Store. You can get it around 40-50$. It is considered affordable here. The shoes are long lasting and stay upto 4-5 years. So, it is worth buying from here.

People love to utilise and earn here. So, there is a site called kijiji.ca where you can buy used stuff for your home, find a basement, apartment from there. It is trustworthy site. So, you better check the things from here. Even the used books can be found here.

If you need a job then update your resume on indeed.ca where you can find the job. You will not get it easily as it will be your first job, so better shortlist 10-20 job opportunities and go for it.

There are flyers which tells you about the sales in the nearest grocery store like Walmart, Costco, Food Basic. You can save a lot of money so you better do that.

There are google maps and also offline google maps. So, you better refer that. They have given the distance by walking, car, bus or train. It is important for you to explore yourself. Car will never give you an idea of distance. It is good to start on your own first. The more you explore the more you will get to know about the things.

Author’s Note: 

These are the main things that I feel will be of much help to a person who is coming to Canada or planning to do so. I have covered most of the things. If you still have queries or some points which I might have missed then you are free to tell in the comments below. I will be back again with more tips and instructions. I hope my small update can help you in anyway. You can always ping me at my id: [email protected]