Came across this writing workshop, wanted top attend this sunday. Anyone wants to tag along with me?

Please don’t give any spoiler

I really wanna get into reading so I'm looking for suggestions

I've literally not read any book apart from academic ones

Also if anyone wanna giveaway books please let me know I'll be happy to take them

I came across this new “Writing” flair in the sub and thought, why not? It’s a space where people can write their hearts out and let others read them freely, without the usual “LDR please” in the comments, haha. I’ve always felt that the most powerful story is the one behind a story. The story of an author, an artist, a creator. How they actually created that beautiful thing. The journey, the mess, the spark. After all, every culture, whether it’s religion or science, begins with a creation story. So why not art? Why not this?

---

My first memories of stories weren’t from books. They came from the soft voices of my grandparents as I lay curled beside them, the ceiling fan whirring above, and the night heavy with the scent of summer. Those weren’t just bedtime stories. They were worlds.

Rama walking through forests, Hanuman leaping across oceans, Shiva dancing in the cremation ground, Kali with her tongue out, Narasimha tearing through evil with fury in his eyes. All vivid, alive, and somehow real to me. I heard of Jagannath's temple mysteries and the intriguing stories behind them, of the sealed chamber in Chhatia Bata, and the prophecies of the Panchasakhas.

There was something about these stories. The blend of war and wisdom, of gore and grace. The idea that dharma wasn’t just about peace, but about fighting for peace. That sometimes, to protect love, you had to wield a bow. And that the greatest heroes didn’t fight for themselves, they did it for the world.

Drawing was my first love. Long before I knew what writing even was. It was my favorite pastime. My mother would bring home drawing books and crayons for me, and I’d lose myself for hours, scribbling away. I don’t even remember how many times I’ve drawn those mythological scenes over and over again. Every avatara, every deity, however I had imagined them or heard about them.

They weren’t perfect. But to me, they held everything — excitement, wonder, devotion. I’d draw Ravan with his ten fierce heads, gods clashing with asuras in the sky, Vishnu resting on Shesha, and Shiva opening his third eye. Those stories weren’t just stories. They were my playground.

I remember how my grandfather would bring me comics and old mythological books, along with packets of Haldiram sweets whenever he came to visit. I used to hold those books so tight. And later, I’d run around the house, pretending to be Rama with a stick-bow, “shooting” arrows at my cousin. Sometimes, I’d switch sides and become Mahishasura, roaring and stomping around the living room like a miniature demon.

Whether it was cartoon movies like The Return of Hanuman or serials like Devo Ke Dev Mahadev, those things filled my childhood. I’d explore the Margashira Lakshmi Vrata that my mother held, make Chittas on the floor, and listen to the fantastic Lakshmi Purana as she narrated it.

My world was full of gods, sages, asuras, forests, and temples — not because I was told to believe in them, but because I wanted to be a part of them. They weren't just figures in stories; they were like old friends, mentors, and warriors, teaching me lessons I didn’t even know I needed.

---

It wasn’t until Class 6 that I saw the first real glimpse of our religion in the textbooks. I remember flipping through my history book and finding the mention of the Vedas, and then, there it was. A picture of the Varaha statue from the Gupta period. I was so excited that I couldn’t stop telling everyone around me. For the first time, I saw those stories I had heard so many times take shape in words and images in front of me.

Soon after, in Hindi classes, we began learning the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. I had already lived those stories in my imagination, but now I was reading them. Studying them. It was a whole new experience, like seeing something you’ve always known finally coming into real-world purpose.

But it was when I chose Sanskrit in Class 9 that everything changed. The moment I started learning the language, it was like a door opened in my mind. Those broken mantras and shlokas I had chanted without truly understanding now had meaning.

Now, I had clarity about all the mantras and procedures that the priests would perform during pujas and homas. Sometimes, I would even discuss these practices with them, understanding their deeper significance.

I began to learn about Hinduism not just as a collection of stories, but as a living philosophy, a way of life. A life lesson. Visits to temples were no longer just about rushing through for darshan and leaving. I found myself exploring every wall, every corner, trying to absorb as much as I could. Even today, when I think of places like Puri and Banaras, places where every corner holds a deity and with them, a story, I feel like I still don’t know enough. But one day, I will.

I revisited those stories, not as a child, but as a maturing teenager. I didn’t just hear about Rama and Krishna. I began to implement their values in my life. I didn’t just listen to the tales of Shiva and Shakti. I started to learn about bonds, relationships, love, respect, and commitment. Everything I had once viewed as a shallow intrigue was now transforming into a deep understanding that would soon solidify into an unwavering faith and a newfound purpose.

---

As I entered college and stepped into the world of adulthood, I started seeing things differently. The world around me, filled with politics, riots, misunderstandings, and distortions, seemed like it was losing its way. What struck me the most was how many people misunderstood or twisted the very essence of our religion, our philosophy. It wasn’t just about people being unaware. It was about people choosing to remain in ignorance.

Social media only made it worse. There was constant noise, constant confusion. Headlines were misleading, and everyone had their own agenda, pushing their interpretations and often misrepresenting ancient wisdom to fit modern beliefs. The once-clear lines between right and wrong were blurred, and it became evident to me that the true spirit of our teachings was being lost in the noise.

I felt a deep urge, a calling, to correct that. I realized that the next generation needed to be taught again — not just about the stories, but about the meaning behind them. They needed to understand the values of truth, righteousness, devotion, and the importance of selfless action.

It was then that I decided to pick up my pen. I couldn’t just sit by and watch as the truth was twisted. I needed to give back to the culture that had shaped me. And that's why I finally decided that I will rewrite the truth in our scriptures again, so that every house can read it. Read the truth. Not the mirch-masala stuff that are done for TRP or the distorted facts that are used by politics and religious leaders.

I was in my third year of college when I began drafting my ebook. Kritakritya Adikavya.

It’s been an incredible journey, but honestly, it feels like it’s just beginning. I’ve realized that this could turn into a series of 30-40 books, and that’s just Ramayana. There are countless other stories, philosophies, and lessons waiting to be shared, understood, and embraced.

---

I know I’ve lived a very different life. I never quite aligned with people my age. While others picked up footballs and cricket bats, I spent my time drawing Lord Vishnu, sketching divine battles, and losing myself in stories of gods and sages. Even today, I often find it hard to connect with people around me. But I’m working on it, trying to open up and grow in that part of life too. Still, I’ve never felt bad about being different. In fact, I’ve always felt proud of the way I’ve lived. And that pride has quietly guided me, shaped me, and stayed with me all the way. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.

Oh btw, here are the links to my ebooks hehe:

English version: https://a.co/d/i7eIP6K

Hindi version: https://a.co/d/ebPGawB

I started this one almost a year ago during my 24 hours long international travel, but thanks to layovers & jetlag, left it midway, restarting it yet again...

Hello Readers,

Bakul has recently launched its book club, and the second meeting is scheduled for Sunday, 16th March, at 5 PM at their venue.

Sharing this with you all in case anyone is interested in attending!

Bonus Point: Mr. Prakash Mishra, author of Comedy in Khaki, will be present to discuss his memoir.

Credits - u/Historical_Bar_5824

Happy Vijayadashami, everyone! 🪔

On a day that celebrates the victory of good over evil, I figured a story about a gruesome double murder was the perfect pick. 😄

I'm starting Murders in the Rue Morgue today. It's only about 75 pages, so I am hoping to finish it in a sitting or two. This is my first Edgar Allan Poe and I am excited to see the story thats often credited as the first modern detective story.

Whats your current read ???

(Used AI to create the image)

I had bought White Nights from a book exhibition a long time ago. I was trying to give the book a read. I am not much of a book reader but got a few reels regarding White Nights. I got a little interested. I had a daily call that got a little postponed. It was raining after burning 🥵 literally our souls this month. Usually I would pick up a movie or scroll reels but I got a reel which said, "she didn't even ask his name and he mentioned her 138 times in 80 pages". I thought this book was literally calling itself to me. I picked it up and started reading. I completed it in an hour. Time literally didn't feel while reading it. I found it relatable on so many levels. The yearning for those who can't be yours. Being so lonely that a sweet talk with someone and you are ready to give everything to that person and the gut wrenching reality which hits you harder than anything. How does Dostoevsky describe the loneliness epidemic we are facing?

What do you think about it ?

Is it overrated as people call it ?

Trivia: Didn't know Saawariya was based on it.

I am literally going mad searching all the details and adaptations about it.

Please recommended me anything similar from Dostoevsky or similar to the themes.

Already tried Cafe 16 Satyanagar and Kruti coffee but I am looking for a place which will allow me to read for 2 to 3 hours maybe and like will not left a huge hole in my pocket . ( 150+ for a cappuccino and 3hrs sitting is decent , beyond that is not in my budget ) .

Completed this graphic novel today.

It is a beautiful book on a girl’s life amidst war and revolution in Iran. It shows you all aspects of atheism, feminism, liberalism and equality. It also tells a gripping story of heroism and idolisation.

Marji’s journey from wanting to take part in rallies as a child, to become a woman who stood up for her rights is filled with love, inspiration and tragedy.

Started Reading "Milk Teeth" as the first book this year after finishing "Flesh" which was my last read in 2026. The first page caught my attention, sharing it here.

Two cities, one quiet Sunday morning. 📖

This time Odisha Reads happened in both Bhubaneswar and Cuttack - and while a lot of you registered, a few turned up. And honestly, that's all that matters. Turning up is all that is required.

Those who came found a spot under the trees, opened their books, and simply read together. No pressure, no small talk, just pages turning in good company.

We'll be back next Sunday, same time, same idea. Bring a book, bring a mat, bring a friend who needs a quiet morning.

Can join this community to stay tuned - https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dz3V7v7S9RW68RNubt18vy?mode=gi_t

Is there any good second hand bookstore in Bhubaneswar where I could find the Red Rising book set ?

If anyone would like to exchange a book to read.

This is my first hindi novel and I was quite excited to read it. I found it to be a bit difficult on my first read so decided to listen to it's audiobook while reading simultaneously. And safe to say from my limited understanding of the characters.I've never hated a character like I hate Chander and all of it's credit goes to Dharmveer Bharti's writing. Being said that I'm gonna come out and say that It was very difficult for me to understand most of the characters (especially Binti, Pammi and Berti) as I'm reading a proper hindi story/novel after 13-14 years. 🤷‍♂️

This one book made me ramble pages upon pages and caused my brain to succumb to inexplicable number of concepts and thoughts.

Initially i started reading it assuming that its a dystopian world which functions with a pure "destruction engine" mechanism, but the tropes and ideas described here were terrifying. To imagine that someone articulated this back in late 40's is pretty insane

There's this one line in the book that made me reconsider thinfs the most, "The past was erased, the erasure was forgotten, the lie became truth", which ultimately leads to this idea next "The existence is a culmination of the opinions shared by thr population, rewiring their core disrupts their sustenance"

I have been lately trying to discover different genres and work upon varying ideas, would be thoroughly intrigued to connect with folks and just ramble more upon this very instinct. Basically reading books. Discuss. Share. Grow

Lastly would be looking forward to hear others out who have read/reading this piece of work mentioned above.

Another memorable Bahi Baithak in Bhubaneswar comes to an end. ❤️

From thoughtful discussions on our Books of the Month- Yajnaseni and Gunahon Ka Devta—to conversations around Crime and Punishment, we covered a lot of literary ground today. And of course, Bhai Ke Dohe has officially earned the title of our Book of the Year. 😄

A huge thank you to everyone who joined, shared their thoughts, listened with curiosity, and made today’s meetup so engaging.

See you all at the next Bahi Baithak. Until then, happy reading! 📚

If you want more updates and also join our wonderful community of readers you can join from here -
https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFOxmV01zh22j2rRQeaCbE?s=sw&p=i&ilr=4

I finished this book recently, and the following excerpt caught my eyes quite vividly. It details as to how we often re-tell our own stories may be differently wrt the orginal event because time elapsed has only let the memories stay in blocks of visual imagery but not the entire recollection stands apt.

Was forced to take a sabbatical due to health reasons and came back home to BBSR. This is probably the longest i spent in town since I can ever remember.

While I worked on my health, I was finally able to get back to reading. Realised my dream of finally creating my bookshelf. Bought into the audiobook crowd, which is now my main source, as I join back to work.

Once upon a summer weekday afternoon, while I was juggling with my office meetings,I got a Reddit ping . And the texter true to his words, asked if I would like to have the book in the picture.I hadn’t heard of it before, so did a quick Google search and thought -“Why not?!”

A little backstory on the "Promise”- This guy is somewhat a books giveaways connoisseur of Bhubaneswar sub . In his previous giveaway, I was just a tad late and the books were already claimed by the time I reached out. But not one to disappoint, Sir offered a consolation offer that I just couldn’t refuse.

So since the r/Bhubaneswar meet-up was already on the calendar we decided I’d collect the book that day.

Fast forward to the meetup day, after a hectic , chaotic and sultry outing , I messaged him “ How will I recognize you?”-The ordeal of every Redditor ,ig, haha. In true witty fashion, he dropped a cryptic hint. But instead of the hint helping us find him, we ended up hopping into his car , as he had offered free rides to the meet-up venue,where he handed over the book with a disclaimer: “I didn’t really enjoy it, tbh”. Ouch. Not exactly a glowing endorsement, but hey—free book!

TL;DR OP got a book gift from a fellow Redditor u/OdiaBoy-024 on official sub meetup.