The launch of The Shackles of the Warrior - Tidbits from the Media Part IV

The launch of the Shackles of the Warrior was very successful. The media had quite a few questions to ask. Here, I share with you a few of them with my replies.

4. Conch Shell

Q: - Another interesting question that I have is about the practice of blowing conch shells?
‘In our tradition, conch shell is blown on many occasions including times of worship, Yajna, birth, funerals and other ceremonies. It is also the boggle of war. Arjuna uses ‘Panchjanya’ to announce his intention to battle. The blower is required to concentrate his mind and blow a lungful of air with measured force into the shell with his lips pressed to it. The sound that erupts from the conch shell is like a long drawn ‘Om’, which is the most revered chant of our ‘dharma’. It is also symbolic of the humming echo of ‘Brahm’ (big bang) that still hangs in space as a cosmic vibration.’

...to be contd.

Interview with the contest winner

Ms Ananathalakshmi from Bangalore was the winner of the contest 'Date with History' and she shares her experience with us.

How was the experience, emerging as the grand winner of the contest ‘Date with History’?

It is my immense pleasure and delight to have been selected as the winner of the contest conducted. Although many writers launch their books, this was really unique! To create contest, and increase the curiosity before the launch, and to provide the opportunities to amateurs, is truly amazing!

 How was your experience travelling all the way to Chennai to attend the launch function of the book ‘The Shackles of the Warrior’?

Being in Bangalore, I had never visited Chennai before. This launch function gave me an opportunity to present myself at the function and also visit the place. The view of the Sea, dolphins jumping, ships, and people camped along beachside just before landing in Chennai was breathtaking! It’s a delight to see the beach, but to view from the sky so near is altogether another thing!!! The airport is conveniently located: P The accommodation provided was really very near to the Venue and was very helpful and convenient. Since the transport also was taken care, there was nothing to be worried about.

Have you read the book ‘The Shackles of the Warrior’?

As I am a reader since childhood, I just cannot stop myself from picking up a book to read. Of course I read it over the first weekend after the return.

How do you describe the story narration style of Dr.DD?

The narration and the book itself has been kept simple. It will reach to all age groups, and not specific to a particular audience.

Which chapter in the book was thrilling to read?

It is difficult to pick a chapter from the book, but I would say that the description of Varna system, the whole battle, strategy had kept me glued..! Till the last page the story continued to fascinate me. The last chapter was a masterpiece and the suspense unlocked was beyond my imagination. Truly thrilling…

Which character in the book impressed you the most and why?

There has been equal importance given to all the characters in the book, each have their own quality and strengths. But personally, I liked the Bharadwaj character who was the master and main key. The way he dealt with the situations, handled all types of people, his opinions and principles for which he stood, everything was impressive about him.

What do you anticipate from the next book ‘Indus challenge’ of the series?

Since its supposed to be a series of 10 books, I hope that Drdd won’t keep  us waiting for long time awaiting for next books in the series J I really wouldn’t be able to anticipate the next story, as it has not been predictive in the first! But I guess it would show next life of Sagar, where he would look through people and would be more refined in the times of maybe on Indus Valley Civilization and its downfall.

Any special comments you would like to add.

The book started with the recent times, and the rest was a flashback from his memory. As a reader, it would be intriguing if a little story of recent times was also covered along with past life..! All the very best! J I realize that the karmic journey of the hero will ultimately lead to the modern cyber era.

The launch of The Shackles of the Warrior - Tidbits from the Media Part III

The launch of the Shackles of the Warrior was very successful. The media had quite a few questions to ask. Here, I share with you a few of them with my replies.

3. Ekalaiva

Q. Ekalaiva was not admitted to Drona’s Gurukul. Is it not discrimination?

Varna is character driven, while caste (Jathi) is birth driven. Our education system determines the Varna. A Brahmin by Jathi may adopt a warrior’s role. Look at Dhronacharya - a Brahmin who took up a warrior’s role. His Varna is a warrior, but by Jathi he is a Brahmin. Depending upon the characteristics tested and certified by the Gurukul and endorsed by the education council, citizens of this kingdom take up their position in life. The qualities of people as tested are matched with their profession. Aligning profession and skill is not discrimination.

If we say that a member of the Kshatriya caste can only be a warrior all his life, then we are definitely discriminating. However, this kingdom believes that the father’s occupation need not be pursed by the son. The kingdom of Krishna never recognizes disparity between people. In fact, even on the political front, the kingdom elects its leader; while King Ugrasena is the ceremonial king, the elected leader is Lord Krishna, who has been elected by the people. Where is the discrimination here?

Let me give you some more examples, Saint Vyasadeva was the grandson of a fisherman. His father Parashara was born from a woman who was a dog-eater. Vashishtha was the son of a lady with questionable background. Other sages like Kanada, Shringi, Mandapala, and Mandavya have all had questionable births, and yet all of them are highly qualified Bhramhins and recognized as such.

Likewise, several historical instances are known where the Varna of an individual changed due to circumstances such as adoption. The Brahmana Jathi, Rishi Bharadwaj became a Kshatriya, when he was adopted by King Bharata. His descendants were also considered as Kshatriya and were called Bharata Kshatriyas. King Vishvamitra was a Kshatriya but became a Brahmana as a result of his spiritual austerities.’

And, to the question of Ekalyva’s admission, please note that individual liberty cannot be overruled as long as it does not affect social justice. A master has liberty in choosing his students.

The teacher and a prospective students’ communications, the student’s limitations and other factors matter in the admission process. It is a personal liberty issue. Had Dhronacharya admitted Ekalyva and not given equal education to all his wards; it is a social justice issue. But not admitting Ekalyva is an individual liberty issue. The Kingdom of Krishna has set up their Royal Gurukul Centers to admit those students, who are unable to gain entry into private ‘Gurukul.

...to be contd.

The launch of The Shackles of the Warrior - Tidbits from the Media Part II

The launch of the Shackles of the Warrior was very successful. The media had quite a few questions to ask. Here, I share with you a few of them with my replies.

2. Next Book?

Q. What is your next book? What is it about? When is it expected to be released?

The next book is titled as –  ‘The Indus Challenge’…(Janam 1)

This story revolves around the period 300 BC to 350 BC. This was a time, when the west namely Greeks were looking aggressively outwards. “Bharath” was passionately searching inwards. One was after the conquest of soil, the other was after the conquest of the soul. The killer instincts of the Indus civilization were highly de-blunted by their inward soul searching.

At this hour several historical characters came from our civilization trying to unify the disintegrated Bharath and arrest the aggressive moves of the Greek invasion.

Our main character continues his karmic journey on this era.  He plays a key role with the historical and other various new created characters. He resolves several mysteries.

Is he good man or Is he a bad man? To which group he belongs ……this and much more from the next book. ‘The Indus challenge’ will hit the stands by Diwali this year.

Dr.DD was live on IBN Live

Ibnlive Chat - You can also read the full interview on http://ibnlive.in.com/chat/view/dr-r-durgadoss/1765.html
May 10, 2013 | Closed
Dr R Durgadoss
On his book 'The Shackles of the Warrior'

A terrorist group strikes the world by planting viruses into global computer systems From a satellite orbiting the earth. This act of cyber terrorism disrupts air traffic Systems, interferes with the control systems for water and electricity, blocks commercial communications, crashes various network systems, gains access to Secret military information and defaces various websites. In light of this cyber, the world is facing a chaotic situation. Shiv, a young, celebrated NASA scientist destroys their moves and saves the earth attacks. To honor Shiv's extraordinarily brave performance, a felicitation function was held at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai on the fateful day of 26th November 2008. Shiv, the cyber warrior, becomes a victim to a physical terrorist attack the Taj Hotel. His mind flashed several images in a state of coma, in the ICU of a leading Hospital in Mumbai. The images of war, weapons and weeping Widows flashed in his mind. What has he, the famous NASA scientist to do with a warrior of the 3100 BC era? The secrets buried in the silent chambers of his soul are unraveled.

7 questions answered

How do you see fiction and non-fiction books? which is more difficult to write? Why?
Asked by: Deepak

My last book 'A Saint in the Boardroom' was a non-fiction. There the base was a serious subject on positive thinking while the fictional element was only an icing on the cake. But my present book 'The Shackles of the Warrior' is a 100 percent fiction with twists, turns and suspense. Being creative and yet making it a real page turner is a very difficult task. The fiction should have a combination of substance, creativity, thrill, suspense - then only it can retain the interests of the audience. Hence writing a fiction is the most difficult task in my opinion.

What is going through your mind when you writing a book?
Asked by: Anu

India is a country which is living in several centuries at the same time. We can see a laborer carrying a television on his head, a bullock cart carrying a rocket launcher and scientists launching satellites all at the same time. However, it is a pity that the modern youth India has alienated itself from the Indian mythology/history. Hence I wanted to create a fiction which takes the reader to both the ancient and modern era. I was oscillating between the modern cyber warrior and ancient chariot warrior. I thought the fiction will serve as a time machine to connect the youth India to the ancient era.

I want to be a writer. How to garner the skill to convert thoughts into words?
Asked by: Rekha
   
All I can tell aspiring writers is this: You should read books from diversified segments so that you will be able to enjoy varied genre. Sticking to one genre will exhaust them quickly and it is difficult to retain the interest of the readers in the long run. Therefore, I recommend a depth as far as the writing of technical books and width as far as fictional books. You imagine yourself to be playing the role of the characters and the words will flow automatically. More can be viewed at http://drdd.co.in/

How long did it take for you to put down everything in order?
Asked by: Deepak
   
It took me 3 months for the plot design, 3 months for writing and in all 6 months. In addition, a core team of young students and executives evaluated and edited this pre-publication script for a period of 2 months.

Why did you choose to name the book 'The Shackles of the Warrior'?
Asked by: Honey
   
The protagonist of this book faces the shackles of poverty, caste, society, denouncement from the family and betrayal by the nearest kith and kin. Yet, he faces them all bravely and hence the fiction is titled as the 'Shackles of the Warrior'

What inspired you to write this book?
Asked by: Gunjan
   
Life may crown you or crucify you on a cross. We should be prepared to chase our passion while we should be open to face the outcome of whatever nature. We can design a strategy or a process but not the outcome. Even a slight set back upsets the minds of the younger generation. I intend to pass on the message that the champions are not made in the gyms but are made in the inner chambers of our silent soul. This trigged this book where the protagonist goes through several difficulties but yet he counts his blessings than his troubles. In two contrasting era's, the protagonist demonstrates such conviction.

What writers, books, or ideas have most influenced you?
Asked by: Rohit
   
Ayn Rand, Dan Brown, Amish Tripathi, Ashwin Sanghvi are some of the authors who could make an impact on me. Apart from this, whenever mythology/history is a mystery, I am fond of filling such gaps with creative thoughts.

The launch of The Shackles of the Warrior - Tidbits from the Media

The launch of the Shackles of the Warrior was very successful. The media had quite a few questions to ask. Here, I share with you a few of them with my replies.

1. Story Teller - Why Now?

Q.    Why did you now become a story teller from being a corporate performer? Why not before? Why Now?
There is a saying ….

“The premature pregnancy is bad for the child. The delayed pregnancy is bad for the mother”, they say. I didn’t want to release the books, the child at a very young age so that it will not be bad for the child – the books.

Same way I do not want to delay further in releasing the books, it may not be good for the mother viz., and the author, as ageing may deprive him to give good books.

Hence I thought it is time to write now. The second reason is – I have been a corporate story teller, as story telling is the way we cut across even serious messages today. Now I am having a transition from a corporate story teller to that of a public story teller.

Also, now only it occurred to me to take this passion seriously. I take it as a divine direction. It is better to be “late” than “Never”.  

                                                                                                                                             ...to be contd.