This slim book is fascinating read, where author Shinie Antony’s writing prowess captivates, as she uses adequate words, phrases and sentences together with the relevant backgrounders to give life to Lilith’s entire being! Also, directly or indirectly focusing on the rage and uncontrolled anger of an abandoned and wronged woman. A book review by Humra Quraishi
Book -REVIEW
Title- Eden Abandoned: The Story of Lilith
Author – Shinie Antony
Publisher – Hachette
Pages- 137
Price – Rs 499
Bengaluru-based author Shinie Antony’s prose is lyrical …yes, a refreshing combination of prose along the poetic strain. A treat to read, I look forward to her writings ever since I read her short story – A Dog’s Death, which won the Commonwealth Short Story Asia Prize, way back in 2002.
And this spring saw the launch of her latest book – Eden Abandoned: The Story of Lilith. Published by Hachette, it brings back to life Lilith! Yes, the woman character whom we seem to know very little about. It’s only after reading this book I realized the significance of the life and times of Lilith…Not just in the life of the first man on earth, Adam, but thereafter too. To quote from this book, “She is the love of Adam’s life – the only woman for the only man on Earth. Until Adam replaces her with Eve. Biddable, meek, subservient Eve. ‘Lilith is demanding, short-tempered, and unnatural in her sexual desires,’ Adam complains to God. Cast out of Eden, Lilith roams Earth, masters the dark arts, and fights the system; dissent is delicious. She is now the Lilith – night monster, seductress of demons. And child killer.”
Fascinating read, where author Shinie Antony’s writing prowess captivates, as she uses adequate words, phrases and sentences together with the relevant backgrounders to give life to Lilith’s entire being! Also, directly or indirectly focusing on the rage and uncontrolled anger of an abandoned and wronged woman.
This slim book could be termed an eye-opener …delving deep into those characters of the bygone era. Together with that, bringing to the fore lesser known aspects to every words: Did you know the word ‘lullaby’comes from Lilith? I came to know of this when I read this book. To quote: “Lilith, from whom the word lullaby comes, ‘Lilith, begone,’ sing mothers to protect their sleeping babies.”
Ambala, May 16, 2024 : In a major boost for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s prospects in the politically crucial state of Haryana, former Union Minister Venod Sharma and Member of Parliament Kartikeya Sharma today extended their unequivocal support to the saffron party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
After chairing a meeting with party workers in Ambala, Venod Sharma, who heads the Haryana Janchetna Party, announced that his party has decided to back BJP candidates and undertake extensive campaigning for them across all 10 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state.
Expressing unwavering faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and policies, Sharma said he is deeply impressed by the plethora of welfare schemes implemented by the Modi government over the last decade that have brought tangible benefits to crores of people from all sections of society in line with the ‘Antyodaya’ ideology of upliftment of the downtrodden.
“After deliberations, we have resolved that considering PM Modi’s far-sighted decisions in national interest during his remarkable 10-year tenure at the helm, the next 5 years under his visionary leadership are crucial for taking the country’s development journey to newer heights,” Sharma told reporters.
The former Union Minister emphasized that just like in 2014 and 2019, the Haryana Janchetna Party had wholeheartedly supported PM Modi’s policies, and will replicate the same this time by facilitating an outreach cutting across villages, cities, and towns to galvanize support for BJP candidates.
Exuding confidence in a resounding BJP victory, Sharma said, “We are absolutely certain that the BJP will emerge triumphant in all 10 Lok Sabha constituencies in Haryana. The BJP is not about an individual but a party solely dedicated to the nation’s welfare and progress. We have full faith in PM Modi’s vision and agenda, and extend our unwavering support to the same.”
Sharma added that every party worker will relentlessly campaign for BJP’s Ambala Lok Sabha candidate Banto Kataria to leave no stone unturned for her victory. They will also work tirelessly to ensure a robust attendance at PM Modi’s proposed poll rally in Ambala, he stated.
“For a strong and stable Modi government over the next 5 years that can accelerate India’s development trajectory, our workers will embark on a meticulous outreach spanning every single door, village, city, and town in Haryana to propagate the Prime Minister’s vision and policies,” Sharma asserted.
Hitting out at caste and divisive politics, the former Union Minister said, “I don’t believe in casteist politics whatsoever. My allegiance to society stems from pride, not political motives. History is a witness that leaders or parties indulging in caste-based politics have only faced losses, an example being the events of 2016.”
MP Kartikeya Sharma echoed Vinod Sharma’s views, stating that the entire nation stands firmly behind the charismatic and decisive leadership of PM Modi, who will undoubtedly lead the country for an unprecedented third consecutive term with a thumping majority after the Lok Sabha polls.
“PM Modi’s welfare policies and schemes cut across all sections of society, with benefits percolating down to even the last person in the queue. We will extend our unstinted support to him to ensure the country’s multidimensional progress is sustained at an accelerated pace along with Haryana’s all-round development,” Kartikeya Sharma averred.
Lauding PM Modi’s long-term vision, Sharma said, “It is due to the Prime Minister’s farsightedness that India today commands immense respect globally and has risen to reckon on the world stage. We will ensure BJP’s victory in all 10 Lok Sabha constituencies in Haryana, facilitating PM Modi’s comeback for an exceptional third term at the Centre.”
Hitting out at a rudderless and disparate opposition camp, Kartikeya questioned, “Development under the Modi government is the biggest issue in these elections which the opposition has failed to counter. This is why people’s guarantee today is inextricably linked with Modi’s guarantee and vision. Interestingly, the opposition doesn’t even have a Prime Ministerial candidate to pit against the towering legacy of PM Modi.”
On the issue of opposition to BJP candidates, the MP asserted that while everyone has the right to protest in a vibrant democracy, candidates too have an equal right to present their vision before the electorate and appeal for votes.
“I too had tried to present my case before Congress MLAs during the recent Rajya Sabha polls but couldn’t as the party had shipped them off to Raipur. I then went through the media route to make my appeal, and it was the impact of that outreach that led to a change of heart in some MLAs who voted for me,” Kartikeya Sharma recounted.
Both Venod Sharma and Kartikeya Sharma vowed to marshal complete resources at their disposal and channel the might of party workers to ensure that the BJP’s lotus symbol blossoms in all 10 Lok Sabha constituencies in Haryana while facilitating another massive mandate for PM Modi to govern at the Centre for the next five years.
The backing of two prominent leaders from the state has added fresh momentum to BJP’s poll campaign in Haryana amidst heightened political activities by various parties for the all-important general elections.
Amethi : Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi today urged the people of Amethi to send a clear message that they do not want the politics of lies, drama and theatrics.
“We don’t want drama or theatrics. We want real politics of service to people and not the politics of lies. We do not need a crybaby, who will always count her own grievances instead of listing her achievements”, Priyanka said in an obvious jibe at sitting Amethi MP and union minister Smriti Irani, without mentioning her name.
Priyanka was addressing a largely attended public rally in support of the party candidate Kishori Lal Sharma. She pointed out, Sharma has been there with them for about 40 years. She said, like he has been loyal to their family, he is also loyal to the people of Amethi, who has always been available for them round the clock.
“Imagine, someone who has been with you for 40 years, becoming your MP”, she told the crowd while appealing to them to send him to the parliament for their own good.
She recalled her family’s long association with Amethi, saying how her father late Rajiv Gandhi served the people while being the Prime Minister. She recalled how he mixed and mingled with people and listened to their grievances.
Compared to that, she asked, has Prime Minister Narendra Modi ever met a common man or a poor man. She said, only lies were being told that Modi did in ten years what could not be done in 70 years.
But, she revealed, the fact is that unemployment is at a 45 year high in the country, while prices of all essential commodities have skyrocketed. She pointed out, when the prices of gas cylinders were Rs 400, the present local MP then would stage protests in Delhi and now when the same price has gone to 1200, she was keeping quiet.
Priyanka Gandhi said, while Modi had worked for just a few billionaires, the Congress government was going to create crores of millionaires by paying Rs 8500 to one woman in every poor family.
She also said, every fresh graduate and a diploma holder will be provided a guaranteed apprenticeship for one year with an assured income of Rs one lakh. For the farmers, she said, loans will be waived off and there will be legal guarantee for the MSP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi filed his nomination on Tuesday from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, aiming for a larger victory margin compared to his previous two wins in 2014 and then in 2019.
The Prime Minister got down from his car at the gates of the district collectorate and walked to the office where he filed his nomination papers.
The four proposers of his nomination were Pandit Gyaneshwar Shastri, who has played a key role in the consecration ceremony of Ram temple, Baijnath Patel, Lalchand Kushwaha and Sanjay Sonkar.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also accompanied the Prime Minister when he filed the nomination papers.
Ahead of filing his nomination, PM Modi had posted on X about his relationship with Kashi- “My relationship with my Kashi is amazing, inseparable, and incomparable… all I can say is that it cannot be expressed in words.”
PM Modi followed a similar schedule of holding a massive roadshow in Varanasi the day before filing his nomination papers in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister did ‘Ganga Pujan’ at Dashashwamedh Ghat and then boarded the cruise ship to NaMo Ghat. He visited the Kaal Bhairav temple and then went to file his nomination papers.
On Monday, PM Modi also held an extravagant roadshow in Varanasi on a five-kilometre stretch, surrounded by what can be described as a “sea” of over 100, 000 saffron supporters.
He was accompanied by CM Adityanath and BJP state president Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh.
Besides, several Union ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J. P. Nadda and presidents of various NDA members were present for the occasion.
Those present included CM Adityanath, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, his Chhattisgarh counterpart Vishnu Deo Sai and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Besides, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, his Goa counterpart Pramod Sawant, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and his Tripura counterpart Manik Saha were also there.
Leaders of NDA constituents RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan, Apna Dal (S) president Anupriya Patel and SBSP president Om Prakash Rajbhar and other leaders were also present on the occasion.
PM Modi briefly interacted with the guests after filing his nomination papers.
Later, Prime Minister went to the Rudraksh Convention Centre where he interacted with local party workers.
Varanasi will go to polls in the final phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for June 1.
New Delhi : Terming it a “once in a lifetime” experience to work with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday that the PM remains committed to the ‘Viksit Bharat’ mission, working tirelessly with full passion for 18-19 hours every day to transform India.
“I am not the kind of person who drops names. But, I have had the privilege of knowing Prime Minister Modi much earlier. I have known him not only when I was a diplomat but before I became a civil servant. I can only tell you that in my 50-plus years of public life, I still have to come across any individual who comes within even close range, ” Puri told the social media channel of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“He is totally dedicated and works 18-19 hours a day, that too non-stop, seven days a week, 12 months a year. He has a commitment to the country and follows it with full passion. As a result of which, you can see the huge transformation that is taking place in India. The India of 2014 and India of 2024 are very different and, at the rate that we are going, the India of 2029 will be even more different, ” added Puri.
Also India’s Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Puri credited PM Modi for his unyielding commitment and foresight.
“Not just the economic progress alone, but also I think the vision he has. Green energy is a case in point, you see the transformation that is taking place and is felt in the tier-2 and tier-3 cities and our rural areas. That is encompassed in his vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. That sums it up… this is now the mission statement and that ‘Viksit Bharat’ journey which he started in 2014 will continue for another five years under his leadership, ” said Puri.
Even though Prime Minister Modi himself has attributed the rise of India to the efforts of 140 crore people of the country, Puri lauded PM Modi’s vision for the huge transformation that is taking place in the country.
“India has slowly moved on from being the 10th largest economy in 2014 to the fifth largest right now. I can say with a reasonable degree of confidence that by 2027, we will be one of the top three economies, ” he assured.
Partnership Aims to Establish a Satellite Center of Lincoln University at DBU’s Future Saksham Center of Excellence in Mohali
Chandigarh : Desh Bhagat University (DBU) proudly announces a groundbreaking collaboration with Lincoln University, California, marking a new era in international education opportunities. The partnership aims to establish a satellite center of Lincoln University at DBU’s Future Saksham Center of Excellence in Mohali emaar. Lincoln University, with its illustrious 100-year legacy in California, USA, renowned for distinguished programs in Business and Diagnostic Imaging, brings its expertise to DBU’s doorstep. Dr. Uday Kumar Ghosh, Faculty of Business Administration & President’s Advisor at Lincoln University, visited Desh Bhagat University’s campuses in Mohali and Mandi Gobindgarh to inaugurate this transformative initiative. The collaboration between DBU and Lincoln University heralds a range of pathway programs, including Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Imaging (BS) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). These programs offer students a unique opportunity to pursue a 1 + 1 + 2 pathway, seamlessly transitioning from DBU Mohali campus to DBU Americas St Vincent and Grenadines Campus and ultimately to Lincoln University in the USA. Dr. Ghosh expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This partnership represents a fusion of academic excellence and global opportunities. Together, we aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in today’s dynamic professional landscape, particularly in healthcare and business sectors.” Dr. Sandeep Singh, President of Desh Bhagat University, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to join hands with Lincoln University, a beacon of academic excellence. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing our students with unparalleled opportunities for academic and professional growth. Through these pathway programs, we aim to empower our students to pursue their aspirations and carve a path towards a successful career.” The collaboration between DBU and Lincoln University opens doors to a myriad of opportunities for students, offering a gateway to the USA and access to the vibrant academic and professional landscape of Silicon Valley, California. Optional and compulsory practical training opportunities provided after program completion further enhance students’ prospects for career advancement and settlement in the USA. The Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Imaging program is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals globally. Through this program, students acquire specialized skills and expertise vital for addressing the evolving healthcare needs of society.
Nawanshahr : Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Monday, campaigned for Anandpur Sahib Lok sabha candidate Malvinder Singh Kang in Nawanshahr. CM Mann, along with AAP candidate Malvinder Singh Kang, deputy speaker Jai Kishan Singh Rouri and AAP MLA Dinesh Chadha, took out a massive road show in Nawanshahr and urged the voters to vote against the dictatorship.
Addressing the people, CM Bhagwant Mann said that we are like you and we are with you. We value your votes, but if you vote for ‘rajwade’ politicians then your votes are wasted. Because they don’t come to people after getting their votes, they stay in their palaces and live luxurious lives at the expense of your tax money.
Mann asked the voters to give their vote to ‘jharoo’, to Arvind Kejriwal, who is fighting to save our democracy, to Malvinder Kang, who will be the voice of the people of Anandpur Sahib in the parliament. He asked the voters to vote against the dictatorship and polarisation. He said, vote to save our democracy, the constitution of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and for the future of your children.
During the road show, Bhagwant Mann got his eye injured in the flower shower but the AAP leader said that he is blessed. Mostly, politicians get slippers, he is getting showers of flowers wherever he is going. He had to cut his speech short because of the pain in his eye, but he asked the people to not worry about him, only think about Punjab. He said that he will get his eye checked later. He urged the people to vote for the AAP candidate Malvinder Singh Kang.
Before Nawanshahr, CM Mann had done two roadshows for Malvinder Kang in Kharar and Ropar where he got the similar support. Malvinder Kang appears to be the strongest candidate in Anandpur Sahib, he is getting positive response wherever he is going for his campaign. The party also has two cabinet ministers, Harjot Singh Bains (Anandpur Sahib) and Anmol Gagan Maan (Kharar), both have important portfolios in the Mann government, from this lok sabha constituency.
On this occasion, AAP candidate Malvinder Singh Kang thanked the people of Nawanshahr for their overwhelming support and said that they will win this seat for CM Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Mann. Kang said that the votes of the people of Anandpur Sahib to the AAP will be validation stamps to the work of two years of the AAP government in Punjab. He said that it will be his honour to represent the people of this historic constituency in the parliament.
Dhule (Maharashtra): Targeting Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday asked the former Maharashtra chief minister if he was backing the Congress which “supports” Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab who was involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
Speaking at a rally in Maharashtra’s Dhule Lok Sabha constituency to garner support for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominee Subhash Bhamre, HM Shah, posed several questions for Uddhav Thackeray.
“Congress leaders are supporting Kasab. I ask Uddhav Thackeray — are you with the Congress leaders? The Congress wants to bring back Muslim Personal Law, are you with them? Rahul Gandhi opposes Veer Savarkar, do you agree with him? Udhayanidhi Stalin opposes Sanatan Dharma, are you supporting him?” he asked
Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) is an alliance partner of the Congress — the principal opposition party.
Addressing the rally, HM Shah also wondered why the Congress as well as Uddhav Thackeray, despite being invited for the January 22 Pran Partishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, did not turn up.
“Because they were scared of losing their vote bank, but we are not afraid, ” the Home Minister said.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi built the Kashi Vishwanath corridor which was destroyed by Aurangzeb. Bomb blasts were happening almost every day when the Manmohan Singh-led government was in the Centre. Mumbai was also shaken by explosions. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in power, terrorists attacked Uri and Pulwama. In just 10 days, our military forces entered Pakistan and carried out surgical strikes and air strikes, and wiped out the terrorists, ” HM Amit Shah said.
BSF personnel opened fire on a Pakistani drone near the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district on Friday night, marking the second such incident in a week, reports said.
According to reports, the drone, which was detected from the Pakistan side, managed to return despite nearly two dozen rounds of fire.
Following the incident, a search operation was launched in Narayanpur, Ramgarh sector, on Saturday morning to ensure that the drone hadn’t dropped any weapons or narcotics.
This comes in the wake of recent incidents along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, where a drone and two packets of heroin were recovered separately. The BSF found a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone in a broken condition in Tarn Taran district’s Kalia village.
In another incident, BSF troops recovered a packet of heroin weighing 460 grams along with a small torch attached to it from a field adjacent to Hardo Ratan village in Amritsar. Acting on a tip-off, a search operation was initiated by the BSF leading to the discovery of another packet of heroin weighing 406 grams in Tarn Taran district’s Sankatara village on Friday.
New Delhi : A Delhi court on Friday ordered framing of sexual harassment and other charges against BJP MP and former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a case lodged by six women wrestlers, observing there was “sufficient evidence” against him.
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Priyanka Rajpoot directed framing of charges against Singh, a six-time Lok Sabha MP, under IPC sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment) and 506 (criminal intimidation).
“There is sufficient evidence to frame charges against the accused,” the judge said.
The court, however, discharged Singh in a complaint filed by one of the six women wrestlers, citing lack of sufficient evidence in the complaint.
The court will formally frame the charges on May 21. It also ordered framing of charges in the case against co-accused and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar.
Reacting to the court decision, Singh said he will consult his lawyers and take a decision on whether to appeal against the order before a higher court or challenge it before the ACMM.
“I welcome this decision of the judiciary. I had protested against the framing of charges but I did that within certain limits but now I have various options open to me. Either I appeal against the order or contest it. I will consult my lawyer and take a decision. I am not hurt, I was prepared for it. If the case continues, I will get an opportunity to present my side,” Singh told to media.
Singh, an influential Rajput leader from Uttar Pradesh, has been denied BJP ticket from Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat in the wake of the sexual harassment allegations levelled against him. The BJP has fielded his son Karan Bhushan Singh in Kaiserganj, his stronghold.
The Delhi Police had filed a charge sheet in the case against Singh on June 15 under sections 354, 354A, 354D (stalking) and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.
