RECOGNITION AND REMEMBERANCE OF INDIAN SOLDIERS WORLDWIDE

 

 

India's military is consistently ranked among the top 5 globally, showcasing its significant strength and capabilities. 

The Indian Army, the largest branch of the Indian Armed Forces, is the second-largest army in the world. 

India's strong military is a testament to the courage and dedication of its soldiers. 

Indian soldiers have demonstrated immense courage and bravery both within India and in various other parts of the world, particularly during World War I and subsequent conflicts. Their bravery is recognized through military decorations, memorials, and the lasting impact they had on various conflicts. 

 Haifa Liberation:

Indian soldiers, particularly the Jodhpur Lancers and other units, played a crucial role in liberating Haifa (present-day Israel) from Ottoman Turkish forces during World War I. This act of bravery is still remembered and commemorated in Israel and Australia. 

World War I:

Over 800,000 Indian soldiers fought for the Allied Powers during World War I, and their bravery is acknowledged in various war memorials across the globe, including Chattri in Brighton, UK, and the Zehrensdorf Indian Cemetery in Germany. 

United Nations Peacekeeping Missions:

India is a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, where its soldiers continue to demonstrate bravery and dedication to maintaining peace and stability in conflict zones around the world. 

The bravery and dedication of Indian soldiers, both historically and in contemporary missions, continue to earn respect worldwide. Their sacrifices are commemorated through various memorials and annual observances, ensuring that their legacy endures.

 Salutes to them.

(This blog post is a part of #BlogchattersBlogHop-Details -Here)

A POETICAL VIEW OF WAKING UP EARLY IN SUMMER

    

The phrase "waking up early in summer, dealt in poetry" evokes a scene of dawn, likely in the countryside, where the poet is actively engaged in creative writing or contemplation. This time of day, early summer mornings, are often associated with a sense of freshness, peace, and the potential for inspiration. The phrase suggests a blend of the natural beauty of a summer morning and the poet's engagement with artistic expression. 

In poems exploring waking up early in the summer, a common feature is the contrast between the desire to stay out and play during the long daylight hours and the need to be in bed. This creates a sense of frustration and a longing for the freedom of nature. The poems also often highlight the beauty of the natural world, such as birds singing, flowers blooming, and the clear sky. 

Specific Examples:

"Bed in Summer" by Robert Louis Stevenson:

This poem, written from a child's perspective, expresses the sadness of going to bed during a beautiful summer day while the world is still active. The child desires to stay up and enjoy the daylight, contrasting with the requirement to sleep. 

"Wake Up Spring" by Robert Louis Stevenson (attributed to Stevenson):

This poem celebrates the beauty of spring, including the long daylight hours and the awakening of nature. It emphasizes the joy of being able to enjoy the outdoors and the presence of nature. 

Key Features and Themes:

Contrast between sleep and wakefulness:

The poems often highlight the conflict between the desire to stay awake and enjoy the long summer days and the necessity of sleeping. 

Nature's beauty:

The poems describe the natural world in vibrant and evocative language, emphasizing the beauty of the summer landscape. 

Childhood perspective:

Many poems, like "Bed in Summer," are written from a child's perspective, highlighting their perspective on the world and their desires. 

Longing for freedom:

The poems convey a longing for freedom and the ability to enjoy the summer outdoors fully. 

 

Here is a poem expressing the joy of waking up early:

MUSIC IS DIFFERENT FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE

     

 

 

Yes, music is perceived and enjoyed differently by different individuals due to various factors. These include individual differences in personality, emotions, and experiences. Additionally, cultural influences, memories, and the specific context of music listening can shape individual preferences. 

Here's a more detailed look at why music is so personal:

 Individual Differences:

Personality:

Some research suggests that personality traits, like extraversion, openness, and agreeableness, are associated with broader musical tastes. 

Emotions:

Music can evoke strong emotional responses, and these responses can vary from person to person. 

Experiences:

Personal experiences, both positive and negative, can create strong connections between music and memories. 

Cognitive Abilities:

Some individuals may have heightened musical sensitivity or the ability to identify specific musical elements more easily. 

Cultural and Societal Influences:

Culture:

Music often reflects and reinforces cultural values and identities, so exposure to different cultures can influence musical tastes. 

Social Groups:

Music can also be a way to connect with social groups and express shared identities. 

Exposure:

The types of music people are exposed to during their upbringing and throughout their lives significantly shape their preferences. 

 Context and Situation:

Mood:

People's mood and emotional state can greatly influence their choice of music and how they experience it. 

Setting:

The environment where music is listened to, such as a concert hall, a club, or even a personal space, can alter the experience. 

Purpose:

Listening to music for specific reasons, like relaxation, studying, or dancing, can affect preferences. 

 Neuroscience and Physiology:

Brain Activity:

Different parts of the brain are involved in processing music, and these areas can be activated differently by various musical elements. 

Auditory Perception:

Even subtle differences in how individuals perceive sound, such as variations in the shape of their ear canals, can impact their musical experience. 

Endorphins and Dopamine:

Music can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins and dopamine, which are associated with pleasure and reward. 

 People have complex personalities, and the music they like may be related to this. People's brains work in unique ways as they process music. Some may physically react to certain music, while others may not.

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF MULTILINGUALISM IN BLOGGING

   

 

 

The journey of learning a new language isn’t just about learning the language — it’s very much about learning the culture associated with that language. As we open up to a new culture, we begin to appreciate others’ opinions and actions. As a result, multilingual people are better equipped to see the world from different perspectives, therefore enhancing their ability to communicate in today’s global economy.

With better appreciation and knowledge of your first language, you can become a better writer, speaker, and communicator. Language speakers also develop a better ear for listening since they’re skilled at distinguishing meaning from discrete sounds.

Being multilingual is being a medium, or even an advocate, for linguistic diversity around the world. And what is true in our interactions with people down our street is also true in our interactions as bloggers.

Blogging is about providing an audience with content; it’s about interacting with people and helping others. From that perspective, should multilingual bloggers go ahead and blog in multiple languages? Depending on the blogger’s objectives, there certainly are pros and cons, and different how’s and why’s.

Maintaining a multilingual blog is not just about format. It’s about content: you’re going to post in several languages. There are two ways to handle this:

Either you publish each of your posts in several languages (multiple posting),

Or you use a different language depending on the topic or format of the post (thematic posting).

The third logical option would be to mix several languages in one post, which I would not recommend unless you have a good reason (thematic constraint, rhythmic or stylistic purpose).

Finally, you need to think about how to express your multilingualism on social media.

If you know different languages, then you can easily express yourself. Limiting yourself to one language only can prove to be harmful to your personal growth and expression. For instance, if you want to say that there is a magnificent way of doing so, using the exact words “magnificent way” might sound a bit off.

However, if you use the words “magnum opus,” you might deliver your idea better to the audience. The word magnum opus means “a great work,” which most people are aware of even though there are chances that they would not readily use it.

However, it would help if you did not use words from different languages that no one might understand. For instance, the word “ikigai” is a Japanese word that means “the reason for being.” While most people understand it, different people do not. You can use it like your ikigai (the reason for being) by writing the word and its meaning in the brackets.

The most important reason why knowing different languages will be beneficial for you while writing blogs is because of your audience. Your audience will be attracted to your content if you have used some chic words (like we did just now). The audience finds it impressive when the content is written incorporating foreign words.

This is because each human being is attracted to exotic things. Getting familiar with things might help you keep the audience, but to grab their attention and impress them, you would always need the help of some exotic ideas and words/phrases that learning new languages can quickly provide you with.

When you write blogs in different languages, more people will be able to understand your work and therefore increase the web traffic for your blog. More people will be sharing it because they know the people know that language and thus can feel relatable.

It is said that a person always thinks in their native language. And so if you can sync your thinking and writing together, you will save so much time as a Blogger. Most of the time, Bloggers are just not able to manage their time properly because they lack ideas and a decent vocabulary to roll out blogs quickly. However, blogging in one’s own language will save a person this hassle.

 Being an early player in an industry for a certain language is a big thing. Early players have the advantage of niche dominance, quick monetisation, and high authority.

 This is exactly why quality blogging in a regional language is an absolute must. The more loyal the language speakers, the higher the chances of a regional Blogger excelling.

 I’m sure every foodie around India who seeks recipes online knows  Hebbars Kitchen. The Blogger behind the entire empire now is Archana Hebbar. What started as a regional blog in Kannada is now available in Hindi and English. Archana has YouTube channels as well as apps for her platform.

 Nowadays, businesses have to flex in whatever way they can to impress customers, and let’s face it – a multilingual site is kind of a flex. 

A site available in many languages is proof that you’re running a global business, which implies a degree of complexity, sophistication, and elaborateness – all of these things reflect highly in the eyes of the customer who’ll associate your business with quality and professionalism.

  Having a multilingual website, while daunting, is not the Herculean task it once was and can be done seamlessly with the right solution. Take your business to the next level by translating and growing – you’re not likely to regret it. 

Multilingual SEO allows your website to prepare for the foreign market. Optimizing the website means the respective search engines can pair up with your targeted SEO keywords. These are the same words that your potential customers usually use to find related products or services on the web.

There are numerous advantages to being multilingual in the blogging arena. Unlock its power and engage with global audiences by creating high-quality multilingual blog posts.

PICTURE -PROMPT- POETRY

    

What a splendid evening!,

Moon was full so as their plates.

Joy of sharing under the moonlight is 

flashing in their faces,

The tasty food feeds the heart and the mind

With white and cool thoughts,

Opens the door for happiness and

support.

The people gathered under the moon

be cool, full, and on top

In every round of their life.

Year after year, this day

should strengthen the bond

of their friendship as full as a 

full moon. 

(This poem is written in response to the picture prompt of IPC on CHITRA POURNAMI CELEBRATIONS)

TRADITION OF OPEN AIR EATING ON CHITRA POURNAMI IN RURAL TAMILNADU

       

Nila Sadham or moonlight dinner, is a cherished tradition observed during Chitra Pournami (this year 12- 5- 25), the full moon day in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April–May).

This festival holds religious significance, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where devotees honor Chitragupta, the divine accountant of human deeds, and Lord Murugan. The celebration often involves performing special pujas and enjoying a communal meal under the moonlight.

On Chitra Pournami, a significant Hindu festival in rural Tamil Nadu, open-air eating is a common practice. This includes sharing food with others, offering food to the poor, and celebrating with communal meals, often accompanied by worship and rituals. 

Enjoying meals on the terrace, along with a view of the full moon, is a treasured ancient practice in rural Tamil Nadu. To have dinner in such a serene atmosphere on that particular day of Chitira Pournami is what no one wants to miss. 

What can be a better way to enjoy the moonlight and the auspiciousness of the day? 

Many find it a good opportunity to connect with loved ones and enjoy a special meal in a peaceful setting. 

On the auspicious day of Chitra Pournami, many observe practices that include enjoying meals with family and friends, often near water or a place where the moon is visible if the terrace is not accessible. Because Huts don’t have a terrace, right?

 This tradition is particularly strong in regions like Tamil Nadu and is associated with the worship of Murugan. 

Just imagine, on Chitra Pournami, the full moon is high in the sky, casting a soft silver glow over the world. The terrace is gently lit with lanterns and decorated with flowers and banana leaves. A soft breeze carries the scent of jasmine and sandalwood.

You sit down on a mat or traditional low table, and in front of you is a lovingly prepared mixed rice meal—a true South Indian treat. It includes:

Lemon rice

Tamarind rice (Puliyodarai)

Coconut rice

Curd rice

Mint rice or coriander rice

Served with: papad, pickle, and a small cup of payasam for dessert.

As you eat under the moonlight, surrounded by close ones, the sounds of the night—distant temple bells, rustling leaves—enhance the spiritual and calming energy of the evening.

It’s a mesmerising one.

Significance of Nila Sadham on Chitra Pournami

Chitra Pournami is a time for spiritual reflection and community bonding. Families gather outdoors—on terraces, in gardens, or in open spaces—to share a meal under the full moon.

 This practice symbolizes unity and gratitude, as participants reflect on their actions and seek blessings for the future. The moonlight is believed to dispel darkness and negativity, aligning with the festival's themes of purification and renewal. ​

Traditional Dishes Served

Chithra Pournami Platter - Kalavai Sadam:

The Nila Sadham typically features a variety of rice-based dishes and sweets, prepared without cow's milk in adherence to traditional customs.

Sakkarai Pongal: A sweet rice dish made with jaggery and ghee.

Puli Sadham: Tamarind rice, known for its tangy flavor.

Elumichai Sadham: Lemon rice, offering a refreshing taste.

Thengai Sadham: Coconut rice, rich in aroma and flavor.

Thayir Sadham: Curd rice, a cooling dish.

Moongdal Payasam: A sweet pudding made with moong dal and jaggery, often prepared using buffalo milk as per tradition. ​

These dishes are often served directly by elders to younger family members, fostering a sense of togetherness and respect. ​

The essence of Nila Sadham lies in its simplicity and the joy of sharing a meal under the serene glow of the full moon, reinforcing familial bonds and cultural heritage.​

"Nila Sadham," translating to "moonlight meal" or "moonlit rice," holds a special cultural and emotional resonance in Tamil Nadu's history, literature, and rural traditions. It refers to the practice of having dinner outside under the moonlight, especially during hot summer nights when indoor temperatures were stifling before widespread electricity or fans.

Historical and Cultural Context

Pre-electricity rural lifestyle: Before modern amenities, Tamil families often gathered outdoors for meals after sunset. The moonlight not only offered cool illumination but also a pleasant atmosphere, turning a simple meal into a cherished communal experience.

Summer tradition: During peak summer, it was customary to sleep and eat outdoors under the open sky. Families would spread mats and eat together, often followed by storytelling, music and star gazing.

Literary References

Sangam Literature: While the direct term "nila sadham" is not mentioned in early texts, the Agananuru and Kurunthogai (Sangam poetry) vividly describe lovers meeting under the moonlight, village life under the stars, and the natural rhythms of the night, evoking a similar atmosphere.

Modern Tamil Literature:

Contemporary authors like Sujatha, Jayakanthan, and Latha often reminisce about village life and include nostalgic references to nila sadham in stories of childhood, rural customs, or romantic rural settings.

Tamil poets like Vairamuthu have written metaphorically about nila sadham, blending it with themes of love, memory, and the passage of time.

 Symbolism

Nila sadham is more than a meal — it symbolizes:

Simplicity and minimalism

Togetherness and community

Harmony with nature

Nostalgia for a slower, more connected way of life.

 Needless to say that the moonlit dinner would have been just awesome!!! Missing those good old days and the open terrace night outs...

 Have a break on this Chithra Pournami from those dining tables, televisions, etc, and try an open terrace dinner. Everyone in the family will surely love the dinner and the whole lot of time spent together. Happy dining!!

 

STRICT AND COMMANDING MOTHERS IN INDIAN WRITING IN ENGLISH

  

 On Mother's Day today, 11-5-25, the second Sunday in May, let us recall a few strict and commanding mothers in Indian Writing in English.

Several Indian English literary works feature strict and commanding mothers. These mothers often wield significant authority within the family and societal structures, and their influence can be positive and negative. 

Examples include Ammu in The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, Em in Em and the Big Hoom by Jerry Pinto, and the mother in Sharecropping by Arundhathi Subramaniam. 

Examples of Strict and Commanding Mothers in Indian English Literature:

1. Ammu in The God of Small Things:

Ammu, the character in Arundhati Roy's novel, is a strong and independent figure who acts as a protective, though sometimes demanding, mother to her twins, Estha and Rahel.

2. Em in Em and the Big Hoom:

In Jerry Pinto's novel, Em is a mother who can be intimidating and controlling despite her love for her son.

3. The Mother in Sharecropping:

The mother in Arundhathi Subramaniam's short story is presented as a figure of authority and discipline within her family.

4. Other examples:

The mother in Hajar Churashir Maa by Mahasweta Devi is another example of a mother figure who faces difficult circumstances and wields considerable influence. 

These characters highlight the complex and often contradictory roles that mothers play in Indian society, reflecting the societal pressures and expectations placed upon them. Their strictness and authority can stem from a desire to protect their children and ensure their well-being, but can also result in a sense of oppression or control. 

MEMORABLE VACATIONS AT MY GRANDPARENTS VILLAGE HOME

 

Spending my vacation at my grandparents' home in the village was a delightful experience filled with warmth and joy. The day began with waking up late to the soothing sounds of nature, followed by a leisurely bath that refreshed my senses. Breakfast was a feast of piping hot, tasty dishes—my favorites—accompanied by various side dishes, sweets, and fresh fruits like mangoes and jackfruits plucked from the garden. After indulging in the delicious meal, I took a restful nap in the cool shade of the verandah. 

The afternoons were filled with fun and laughter, playing traditional games and swinging from the sturdy roots of ancient trees with my cousins. As evening approached, we gathered around our grandparents to listen to enchanting stories from their youth, tales rich with wisdom and humor that transported us to a different era. The day concluded under a starlit sky, lying on a cot on the terrace, gazing upward as my grandfather shared anecdotes about the cosmos. These simple yet profound experiences made my vacation memorable, leaving me with cherished memories and a longing to return.

 Here is a work that beautifully encapsulates the essence of rural life, familial bonds, and the simple joys reminiscent of vacations spent at grandparents' homes in villages.

Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee
An evocative memoir of Lee's childhood in the Gloucestershire village of Slad, capturing the idyllic charm of rural England in the early 20th century. The book paints vivid pictures of family life, community gatherings, and the changing seasons, echoing the warmth and simplicity of time spent at grandparents' homes.

 

This literary work offers rich portrayals of village life, emphasizing the warmth of familial relationships and the simple pleasures found in rural settings. They resonate with the experiences of spending leisurely days at grandparents' homes, indulging in hearty meals, engaging in local games, and cherishing the stories and traditions passed down through generations.

 

BOOK REVIEW OF COOKING WITH JUDITH

                                                      

Author: Dr. Judith Briles

Genre: Cookbook/ Food 

Publisher: Mile High Press

Book buy link : @Amazon

 

Cookbooks remain valuable, even in the age of online recipes, due to their comprehensive information and inspirational value. While online recipes are readily accessible, cookbooks often offer additional context, tips, and techniques.

Here is one such book: COOKING WITH JUDITH by Dr. Judith Briles, comfort foods create WOW! Eating.

Yes, Comfort foods are those dishes that evoke strong emotional and nostalgic feelings, play a significant role in our diet, offering both emotional and nutritional benefits. They trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, and can improve mood and provide a sense of comfort during stressful times. 

The book provides recipes for appetizers, soups, salads, sides, quiche, pasta, Mexican, seafood, pork, poultry, and desserts. The author also presents a listicle of things needed, ranging from pantry, bakery ingredients, cooking, fridge, and freezer.

Dr. Judith Briles is the award-winning and best-selling author of 48 books. In this book, she brings forth the recipes in a grand style with an introduction, ingredients, along with putting it all together & an image. For certain recipes, a notable feature of recommendations, servings, and preparation time is also included for convenience.

This book is the right choice for cooking in any season as it carries recipes fit for spring, summer, and winter, not leaving behind a salad for the Christmas celebration either.

The energising and mouth-watering recipe - WATER MELON SALAD WITH FETA AND CUCUMBER – MINT is on page 50 of the book. What better way to start preparing the dishes from the book “COOKING WITH JUDITH” than this time of Indian summer.

Supporting this is her version of the recipe – Judith’s summer beet salad (page 42) and Gazpacho – a cool summer drink on page 26 of the book.

Moving ahead, in this book, the author’s choice of recipe is in a remarkable combination of the statement on the cover of the book-comfort foods create WOW! Eating.

Every recipe created in the book is in correct coordination with the theme of the book. The author has taken a keen interest and done a lot of research on the tastes and likes of the targeted audience.  That’s why she says, I quote: “Don’t be surprised to see seconds grabbed for!

  Zucchini patties, Creamy corn pasta with Basil and parmesan, and slow cooker creamed corn were all the recipes that the guests will enjoy till the last taste.

 A “gratin” is any dish that is topped with cheese or breadcrumbs mixed with butter, then heated in the oven or under the broiler until brown and crispy. The term au gratin or gratinée just refers to anything prepared in that manner.

Earlier, cauliflower au gratin was a well-known recipe; now, the author has come up with PEARL ONION AND CHEESE au Gratin (page 57).

In the list of Easy Peasy Recipes That Are quick and Delicious, steps in the Fingerlings- The author shares her experience about it, here I quote from the book -

“Fingerlings, I first did this for a Holiday dinner with my Foodie Friends. It was a hit, along with the Buttery Garlic Mushrooms. Fingerlings are eye-appealing, with the white and red potatoes usually in the mix from your grocery store. Their texture is almost creamy in your mouth. The great thing about fingerlings is that you can do prep work the day before— cut and store in a bag with water. Leftovers? Think breakfast the next day with eggs on top.”

Like these, there is much interesting information about the dishes and the complete structure of the recipe.

Grab a copy of the book and enjoy reading it. You will surely prepare the recipes and serve them to your guests, who will be astounded and ask for seconds. Bear this in mind and prepare a little extra.

 

(Received a copy of the book in the PDF format from Book Reviews 4 U in return of an honest review)

BECOME A SAFE COOK BY COOKING SAFE WITH COOKING TONGS

   

 

 

In the culinary world, tongs serve as an extension of the cook's hands, enabling them to handle hot, cold, or delicate foods with precision and ease. The basic function of tongs is to provide a safe and efficient means of manoeuvring food during cooking, serving, and plating processes.

Tongs are like your extended hands and are super useful in the kitchen!

Tongs protect your hands and arms from burns when dealing with hot pans, grills, or pots. 

They offer a gentle grip, making it easy to handle delicate foods like asparagus or salad greens without crushing them. 

Tongs can speed up the cooking process by allowing you to flip, turn, or toss food with one hand. 

They can be used for a variety of tasks, from flipping steaks to tossing pasta. 

Using tongs helps prevent the spread of bacteria and ensures a cleaner cooking environment, especially when working with raw meat. 

Tongs can make serving dishes more elegant and efficient, particularly for items like pasta or salad. 

 

 

In India, a "chimta" is a cooking tong, a kitchen tool used to manipulate or serve food, especially hot items like roti or chapati. It's a type of tong specifically designed for Indian cuisine. These tools are typically made of stainless steel and have a long, ergonomic handle. 

Chimtas are used to hold and turn roti or chapati over an open flame, ensuring even cooking and puffing up. They can also serve food, such as salads or sandwiches. 

Traditionally, chimtas were made of cast iron or brass. Modern chimtas are commonly made of stainless steel, which is durable, rust-free, and heat-resistant. 

They usually have a sleek, ergonomic design with a good grip for easy handling. Many chimtas have a locking mechanism to keep them closed when not in use. 

Chimtas are suitable for a variety of cooking and serving tasks, including frying, grilling, and lifting hot pans. They are also useful for handling delicate foods like salad greens. 

Chimtas are readily available online and in kitchenware stores in India. 

 

Types of Tongs:

Utility Tongs: Versatile tongs for a wide range of tasks, like flipping and serving. 

BBQ/Grill Tongs: Longer tongs designed for working with grills and larger cuts of meat. 

Salad Tongs: Specifically designed for tossing and serving salads. 

Pasta Tongs: Ideal for lifting and serving pasta. 

Ice Tongs: Used for handling ice cubes or crushed ice in drinks. 

 

In conclusion, cooking tongs are a versatile and essential tool for any kitchen, providing safety, efficiency, and ease of use during cooking and serving. 

 

BOOK CLUB - A BOON OR A STYLE STATEMENT

     

 

Book clubs can be both a boon and a style statement. They offer benefits like fostering social connections and expanding knowledge while also serving as a fashionable and engaging way to connect with others and express personality. 

Boons of Book Clubs:

Social Connection:

Book clubs provide a space for individuals to connect with like-minded people, build friendships, and foster a sense of community. 

Intellectual Stimulation:

Discussions and sharing of ideas around books can broaden perspectives, introduce new genres, and enhance critical thinking skills. 

Personal Growth:

Engaging with literature and discussing it with others can promote empathy, understanding, and social-emotional growth. 

Improved Reading Habits:

Book clubs can motivate individuals to read more regularly and explore different authors and genres. 

Skill Development:

Book clubs can help individuals improve their communication, writing, and listening skills. 

Style Statement Aspects of Book Clubs:

Social Status:

Book clubs can be seen as a way to signal one's interests and values, showcasing a love for literature and intellectual pursuits. 

In-group Dynamics:

Book clubs can create a sense of belonging and exclusivity, appealing to individuals who seek a specific type of social experience. 

Cultural Expression:

Book clubs can be a way to express oneself through shared interests and passions, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. 

Social Networking:

Book clubs can serve as a platform for meeting new people and building social networks, potentially leading to professional or personal connections. 

Ultimately, whether a book club is perceived as a boon or a style statement depends on the individual's perspective and motivations for joining. However, the benefits of engaging with literature, connecting with others, and fostering intellectual curiosity are undeniable.