EXOPHONIC WOMEN WRITERS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON READERS

          

 

Exophonic women writers are female authors who write creative works, like novels or poetry, in a language that is not their mother tongue. This practice, known as exophony, involves mastering a second language and finding a unique voice within its framework. Examples include Jhumpa Lahiri, who writes in Italian, and Xiaolu Guo, who wrote A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers in English after writing earlier works in Chinese. 

Definition:

Exophony is the act of writing creatively in a language that is not one's native language. 

Examples:

Jhumpa Lahiri: An American author of Indian origin, she now writes exclusively in Italian. 

Xiaolu Guo: A Chinese-born author who wrote A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers in English. 

Najat el Hachmi: Writes in Catalan. 

Ioana Gruia: Writes in Spanish. 

Nilofar Shidmehr: A poet and fiction writer who writes in English, her second language. 

Elif Shafak: A Turkish-British author who writes in English. 

Motivation:

Some writers choose to write in a different language to explore new creative possibilities or to engage with a different cultural context. 

Challenges:

Exophonic writers face the challenge of mastering a second language and finding an authentic voice within its structure. This can involve letting go of certain habits, expressions, and structures from their native language. 

Significance:

Exophonic writing expands the landscape of literature by introducing diverse perspectives and voices into various languages. 

Exophonic women writers, who write compellingly in languages other than their mother tongue, have a unique influence on readers, often bringing fresh perspectives and innovative styles to literature. Their works, born from navigating linguistic and cultural complexities, can resonate deeply with readers seeking diverse voices and challenging narratives. 

 Influence of Exophonic women writers on readers:

New Perspectives:

Exophonic writers often offer unique insights into both the language and culture they describe, as well as their own linguistic background. This can foster a deeper and more nuanced understanding for the reader. 

Challenging Literary Norms:

By operating outside their native language, exophonic writers may break away from traditional literary conventions, introducing new styles and forms. This can be particularly impactful for readers seeking fresh and innovative approaches to storytelling. 

Enhanced Empathy and Understanding:

When readers encounter stories written in a second language, they often develop a greater understanding of the challenges and triumphs of navigating multiple languages and cultures. This can foster empathy and a broader worldview. 

Inspiration for Multilingualism:

Exophonic writers can inspire readers to embrace multilingualism and explore the beauty of different languages. Their success demonstrates the potential for linguistic creativity and connection across cultural boundaries. 

Diverse Representation:

Exophonic writers, often from immigrant or marginalized backgrounds, can introduce valuable diversity to literature, providing representation for readers who may not have seen themselves reflected in mainstream works

 What do u say? Who is your favourite exophonic writer? Do share it in the comments

SRIRANGAM - THE LEADING VAISHNAVA TEMPLE IN SOUTHINDIA

   

Srirangam, the leading Vaishnava temple in South India, is the foremost among the 108 divya desams. All the Azhwars have sung praises of the deity enshrined in this temple. In Vaishnava parlance, the term “koyil’ refers specifically to the Srirangam temple. Located near Trichy on an island formed by the rivers Cauvery and Kolledam, the massive temple of Srirangam stands tall.

It has a main shrine for Lord Ranganatha, also called Nam Perumal, in a reclining posture on Adisesha. The Thayar is Ranganayaki with a shrine in the fourth prakaram. The sacred water is Chandra pushkarini and the sanctum sanctorum pranavaakriti vimanam.  In Srirangam, there is the Dasavathara temple, the only one of its kind enshrining all the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

According to Sriranga Mahathmyam, the glittering Sriranga Vimana sprang as a result of the tapas of Brahma in the depths of the milky ocean. It was borne by the celestial bird Garuda. Adisesha had spread his hood over it.

Brahma found Lord Vishnu resting on Adisesha, and was informed that He had come as swayamvyakta – on his own as an idol. He would also appear likewise in seven other places on earth – Srimushnam, Venkatadri, saligram, Naimisaranya, Thotadri, Pushkar, and Badri.  Ranga vimana is the first and earliest of all these. Brahma carried the vimana to satyaloka and installed it on the banks of the river, Viraja. He appointed the Sun God to perform the daily worship. Responding to the prayers of the king of Ayodhya of Ikswaku race (Surya vamsam) Brahma permitted him to take the vimanam to Ayodhya

Thus the vimana came to Ayodhya. After Ikshvaku, his descendants continued the service of worshipping the Lord. Rama, himself an avatara of the Lord in the Ikshwaku race, worshipped Ranganatha, and thereafter Lord Ranganatha came to be known as “Periya Perumal”. On his triumphant return to Sri Lanka and during his coronation, Rama gave the vimana as a gift to Sri Vibheeshana for worship.

When Vibheeshana set out for SriLanka, he got down on the Kaveri banks to perform his midday prayers. He placed the Ranga vimana at a place known as “Sesha Peetam’ (srirangam) near the Chandra pushkarini. Later, when he tried to lift the vimana, it would not move as it got stuck. When Vibeeshana was overcome with grief, the Lord appeared before him and consoled him, saying that He had already decided to make this place His abode, and Vibeeshana could come and worship him daily. It is said that even today Vibheeshana worships the Lord daily at midnight.

All the Azhwars except Madhurakavi Azhwar have composed pasurams in praise of the Lord in this kshetram. Vedanta Desika composed Paduka sahasram (1008 slokas) in different metres.

It is significant that Ramanuja completely overhauled the administrative system in this temple and saw to it that great care was exercised in the matter of control of the temple affairs.

The physical body of Ramanuja, who lived for nearly 120 years, is still being preserved in a sitting posture in the sannidhi dedicated to him on the southwest corner of the fifth prakaram of the temple. Shrines for all Azhwars and Acharyas are also found within the temple precincts.

Arayar sevai one of the ancient arts of rendering and expressing Naalaayira Divya Prabhandam, in a dance form, originated at this kshetram under the auspices of Nadamuni. Arayar sevai is also performed at Srivilliputtur, Azhwar Tirunagari, Tirukkurungudi, and Melkot.

This temple is enormous and is the largest temple complex with 156 acres in extent, surrounded by seven concentric walls (the outermost wall having a perimeter of over 3 kilometers) and 21 gopurams.

It has seven prakarams or Tiru veedhis running around the sanctum. The total length of these seven walls is 32, 592 feet, approximately around 9 kms. There are magnificent towers in all prakaras and the latest addition is the 2366 feet high thirteen tiered Rajagopuram built at the southern rampart by the late 44th Jeeyar of Sri Ahobila Mutt.

 

Pilgrims from all over India visit this shrine, and there are festivals all through the year. Vaikunta Ekadasi during Margazhi and the Tirukalyana festival during Panguni attract a very large crowd.

HOW TO KEEP A WALL CLOCK IN WORKING CONDITION

 

   

To maintain a wall clock in good working order, regular cleaning, proper placement, and timely maintenance are essential. This includes dusting the clock, avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity, and either replacing batteries or winding the mechanism as needed. For mechanical clocks, periodic lubrication and professional servicing may be necessary.

 

1. Regular Cleaning

Dusting

Dust and debris can accumulate on the clock's face, casing, and internal mechanism, potentially hindering its operation. Use a soft cloth or a feather duster to gently clean the exterior surfaces on a regular basis.

Pendulum Cleaning

If the clock features a pendulum, make sure it is dust-free to allow it to swing smoothly and function properly.

Movement Cleaning

For older or intricate clocks, use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust from the movement. Take care not to disturb or damage delicate internal components.

 

2. Proper Placement

Temperature and Humidity

Avoid placing the clock in direct sunlight, near heat sources such as radiators or vents, or in damp areas. Excessive heat, cold, or humidity can cause components to warp, corrode, or malfunction.

Stable Surface

Ensure the clock is securely mounted or placed on a stable surface to prevent damage from movement, vibrations, or accidental falls.

 

3. Timely Maintenance

Battery Replacement

For battery-operated clocks, replace the batteries at least once a year to prevent leakage, corrosion, and inaccurate timekeeping.

Winding

If the clock is mechanical, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how often it should be wound. Over-winding or neglecting winding can impair performance.

Professional Servicing

Antique clocks, especially grandfather or pendulum clocks, may require servicing by a trained professional every few years to ensure the mechanisms remain clean, lubricated, and precisely calibrated.

 

4. Avoid Stagnation

In some cultures and belief systems, a non-working clock is thought to represent stagnation or blocked energy. To maintain a positive environment and ensure functionality, repair or replace broken or non-functioning clocks promptly.

 

 

FRECKLES, DRIP, AND ALL THINGS AWESOMESAUCE !

 

Freckles are those tiny spots on the face that some people have. Earlier, many tried to hide them, but now freckles are super cool! Even in cartoons and fashion shows, people show off their freckles proudly. Some kids even use makeup to draw fake freckles for fun. It shows that being natural and different is now in style!

Last weekend, my cousin wore a new outfit for her birthday party. It was so colourful and stylish that we all said, "Wow, that’s awesomesauce!" She had amazing drip — her dress, shoes, and even her matching clips made her look like a fashion star. In today’s fashion talk, “drip” means looking super stylish from head to toe!

THE HICCUP BELIEF

   

Rita and Ravi were cousins who lived in different corners of India. They met just once a year during their summer vacations, but those few weeks were filled with laughter, stories, and unforgettable moments. Their favorite part of the visit was sitting beside their Ammaamma (grandmother), listening to tales that flowed as naturally as the village breeze.

Among the many things that fascinated them was how deeply the village life was intertwined with proverbs, beliefs, and superstitions. One of those, strangely comforting and curious, was the belief about hiccups—that someone, somewhere, was thinking of you when you got them.

One quiet afternoon, their Chandru Mama was eating his lunch when he began to hiccup repeatedly. Without a pause, Ammaamma smiled and said, “Someone’s remembering you, Chandru. Guess who?”

Just then, a voice boomed from the verandah.

“It’s me, of course!” said Vasu Thatha, their grandfather’s elder brother, entering with brisk steps. “Chandru, you left the coconut count halfway and came home for lunch! There’s an order for a wedding, and we need to meet the customer's demand—between 75 and 500 coconuts! I’ve been thinking about you all the way here.”

Chandru Mama looked up, slightly guilty, but Vasu Thatha waved it off. “Finish your food. I’ll keep it in mind for next time—never leave work halfway.”

As they chuckled, the hiccups suddenly stopped.

“See?” Ammaamma said with a knowing smile. “He was thinking of you. That’s why the hiccups.”

Ravi and Rita exchanged wide-eyed looks. Could hiccups really be tied to thoughts and emotions?

Another evening, a different hiccup story unfolded.

After dinner, Ammaamma sat on her wooden cot under the backyard tree, enjoying the evening breeze. Suddenly, she began to hiccup.

Aunty quickly handed her a glass of water. The hiccups didn't stop.

Just then, the maids, finishing their day’s work, came by. One of them said cheerfully, “Ammaamma, the food you made for the guests today was delicious! They must still be talking about it at home. That’s why you have hiccups—they're thinking of you!”

Everyone laughed, but the hiccups still persisted.

Then Thatha came out, scolding playfully, “Children! How many times have I told you not to play in the backyard at night? There’s a big frog there—it might jump on you!”

Startled, Ammaamma looked up in alarm, searching for the frog.

And just like that, the hiccups stopped.

Thatha winked. “She’s scared of frogs. I knew that would work.”

He gathered the children. “Come on now, it’s getting late. Sleep early and wake up before sunrise.”

Ammaamma looked at him with a graceful smile and nodded, her hiccups forgotten.

Rita and Ravi exchanged another surprised glance. First, someone’s thoughts. Now, a sudden scare. These village stories and beliefs might be superstitions, but they carried warmth, connection, and sometimes, even a bit of truth.

Maybe, just maybe, hiccups were more than a bodily quirk—they were tiny messengers from the heart.

WHAT MAKES ME SMILE

    

Waking up to a brand-new day with a smile—
A gentle smile.
Remembering school days with friends,
Playing in the mud with pets,
Watering my favorite rose plant,
Hoping to see it bloom... and smile.

A smile on the faces of loved ones
Lights up the path ahead with glow.
A healthy breakfast, a smooth ride—
Fueling joy to face the tasks of the day.

Fine weather promises a sweet beginning,
A smile makes each moment worth living.
With prayers to the Lord for a blessed start,
And greeting others on birthdays—pure joy from the heart.

A neatly dressed soul sparks a smile,
A clean home admired all the while.
Tasty food brings thankful delight,
And timely support earns a grateful smile—so bright.

So many moments, big and small,
Hold the power to brighten all.
In every act of love and grace,
A smile finds its rightful place.

(This poem is prepared for a poetry contest in Poetry Soup. Details here https://www.poetrysoup.com/poetry/contests/what_makes_me_smile_2_22553

WHAT I'M PROUD OF

            

I am proud of my honesty, integrity, discipline, good habits, and behaviour.

First and foremost, I am proud to be an Indian. I take pride in being a dedicated student, a respectful daughter, a loving sister, a good wife, a kind daughter-in-law, a caring sister-in-law, a friendly neighbour, a true friend, and an affectionate granddaughter.

I am also a passionate reader, a struggling yet hopeful writer, a good listener, and a cautious caretaker who pays attention to detail.

I take pride in my time management skills, my ability to plan with focus, and my determination to maintain balance between my personal and professional life. I stick to my words and act with commitment. I believe in dressing neatly and appropriately, without being judgmental of others.

Helping others during their difficult times, guiding them to the best of my limited knowledge, and always trying not to be selfish are values I hold close. I maintain a clean and well-organized home, follow my planner diligently, and strive to respect and nurture all relationships around me with genuine care and effort.

I strongly disapprove of bribery—both giving and receiving—and I keep myself away from any interest in others' money or possessions. I never touch anyone’s belongings without their permission.

I avoid expecting too much from others and believe in maintaining healthy boundaries while giving space to those I love. I support activities and initiatives that are good for the environment and society.

Teaching the right values and lessons to the next generation is also something I deeply care about.

These are all the things I’m proud of—and I continue to grow with them every day.

 

A LIFE LONG SYMPHONY : MY JOURNEY WITH MUSIC

 

 

Music leaned towards classical genres in the early days, later evolving with the rise of Tollywood and Bollywood hits. Then came the era of reality shows, with Meri Awaaz Suno introducing talents like Sunidhi Chauhan. This sparked an interest in classical maestros like Pandit Jasraj and his daughter Durga Jasraj.

Gradually, there was a growing fondness for ghazal legends such as Pankaj Udhas and Jagjit Singh. Somewhere in between, pop icons like Alisha Chinai stepped in with hits like Bigi Bigi Raaton Mein.

Anuradha Paudwal and Kavita Krishnamurthy were once the favorites of every music lover. Doordarshan played a critical role in bringing music into every home, extending its support to make melodies accessible.

Love for music is a lifelong relationship that creates a bond of strength and serenity. It brings freshness, energy, positivity, and a hopeful light into our lives.

 HAPPY WORLD MUSIC DAY

FROM PENCIL CIGARETTES TO PRIZE MEDALS

 

The camera opens to a lively front yard in a quiet neighborhood, with sunlight casting long shadows across a stone bench. A little girl, with twinkling eyes and mischief written all over her face, climbs onto the bench with a pencil in hand. She sits confidently, crossing her legs like a grown-up, mimicking a familiar school teacher—a strict male staff member known for his stern look and signature smoking pose. The pencil becomes her pretend cigarette. She squints one eye, lets out an exaggerated puff, and imitates his voice with perfect comic timing.

Laughter echoes as neighbors and family gather to watch this little performer in action. They shake their heads in amused disbelief, some applauding, while others whisper, “This girl has talent!”

That’s the opening scene of my life — spirited, playful, and full of drama.

From there, the film shifts to the school playgrounds. The same girl, now wearing medals and clutching prize certificates, sprints across finish lines, balances spoons and lemons, dodges chairs in musical rounds — always winning, always laughing. A whirl of sports days, cheers, scraped knees, and proud smiles.

Then comes the transformation montage: books replace batons, pencils now scribble neatly in notebooks, and the once-playful troublemaker becomes a focused student. Handwriting improves, essays win praise, and evenings are now filled with Hindi classes and academic goals. The sparkle remains — just redirected.

A movie that begins with rebellion, shifts through energy, and settles into quiet determination — and it’s only just begun.

 

EVENING WALK THROUGH THE BAZAAR

    

I went for a walk last evening. The bazaar was alive, buzzing with energy and overflowing with people of all age groups. Some zipped past on two-wheelers and cycles, while others moved at a slower pace, walking home with shopping bags heavy with the day’s purchases.

A noticeable pattern emerged as I passed the rows of shops: nearly every second store had parents with young children inside. Many were shopping for school supplies—particularly water bottles and school bags. The shelves were stacked with bags in all shapes, sizes, and colors, from cartoon-themed to sleek and trendy designs.

Children clutched the pricier, flashier options, eyes sparkling with excitement as they pleaded with their parents to buy the ones they liked. The parents, meanwhile, patiently tried to balance their children's wishes with practical budgets—negotiating both with the shopkeeper and their child.

It was a scene both familiar and heartwarming—a slice of everyday life in a city preparing for the new school term.

 

MASOOR DAL IN SOUTH INDIA : A SUBTLE SHIFT IN THE LENTIL LANDSCAPE

        

Masoor dal, or red lentils, is a staple in many Indian kitchens due to its quick cooking time and high nutritional value. However, in traditional South Indian cuisine, it is not as widely used as lentils like toor dal (pigeon peas) or moong dal (yellow split lentils), which hold cultural and culinary significance in that region.

Masoor Dal in South Indian Restaurants

While masoor dal is not a traditional ingredient in South Indian homes, it has found a place in restaurants and tiffin centers, particularly in cost-sensitive settings.

Tiffin sambars may include a blend of toor and masoor dal, helping reduce costs while maintaining flavor and texture.

Masoor Dal Variations

Though less common, masoor dal has inspired some creative variations:

Masoor Dal Dosa: In this fusion variation, masoor dal replaces rice in the dosa batter, offering a protein-rich and slightly different flavor profile.

 

Popular Masoor Dal Dishes

Masoor Dal Soup

A wholesome and hearty dish, masoor dal soup is easy to prepare and ideal for a light meal.

To make:

Wash masoor dal thoroughly.

Pressure cook with onion, tomato, garlic pods, black pepper, red chilli powder, and salt to taste.

Once cooked, blend into a smooth puree.

Prepare a simple hing (asafoetida) and jeera (cumin) tadka in ghee and pour over the soup before serving.

Masoor Dal Curry

This quick-cooking curry is a nutritious and flavorful option for everyday meals.

It pairs well with jeera rice, plain steamed rice, or even roti.

The masoor dal tadka is traditional, with a base of onions, tomatoes, and dry spices, similar to the classic North Indian dal tadka.

 

Conclusion

Though not deeply rooted in South Indian culinary traditions, masoor dal has carved a niche for itself thanks to its versatility, affordability, and nutritional value. Whether used in traditional curries, inventive dishes like masoor dal dosa, or comforting soups, it’s a valuable addition to any Indian kitchen.