The Vivekean Times

( I present before you once again that lovely poem I wrote for Valentine's Day. I had composed it literally overnight for the Bandra Buzz, our local newspaper. ) Tears streamed down his face again As Valentine’s Day approached; For on that day a year ago David’s heart had been crushed. His Valentine had ditched him then And mated with his foe; It had taken him a really long time To recover from this blow. So, David vowed to shun this day But Fate had other plans, For he consented to a Blind Date theme: A dinner and a dance. And there she was in front of him A damsel blessed with grace; ‘Twas her smile our hero loved the best It beautified her face. They strolled out together  arm in arm, Two strangers so in love; He whispered sweet nothings to her Then presented a clay dove. “Take this bird and remember me,”  David told his Valentine; “For I shall be forever yours, And, my dear, you shall be mine.”

(The Author has written an action thriller on terrorism entitled 'Indians in Pakistan' that is available at http://pothi.com/pothi/book/vivek-pereira-indians-pakistan) Well, let's be optimistic when we gaze at the crystal ball. Yes, let's predict only the best for India and the world. Less crime, lower inflation, a rejuvenated economy, higher rupees, a soaring share market, higher incomes, lower taxes, less corruption, no terror attacks and so on. Hmm...this sounds more like a Utopian dream....and why not? What could be the outcome for the Indian Lok Sabha elections in 2014?  Well, it looks like we re heading for a hung parliament and smaller parties like the AAP will play a major role in the shape of the next government. The Left parties might also make a comeback in these elections. And the Prime Minister? My prediction is that it won't be Narendra Modi or Rahul Gandhi. It's the crystal ball, stupid! Yes, it's quite logical that smaller parties woul...

THE DREAM FUTURE OF INDIA (An Excerpt from my book, Rose Gardens and Minefields ) When all the world weeps in sorrow India can wake up to a new tomorrow She can rise steadily from the dumps Travelling to prosperity without any bumps. Her people can struggle to attain their goals All of them excelling in their specific roles Then from a period of almost certain doom Her economy will attain an everlasting bloom Unemployment and poverty will be forgotten terms Success will be familiar with her companies and firms Mechanisation and industry will scale new peaks Thus India shall begin her winning streaks Her army will be the most feared force Although it shall pursue a peaceful course The conceited nations she shall humble From their mighty pedestals they shall tumble Let us drink to that joyous day When Indian policies the world shall obey Her designs for humanity will then unfold Even mud will shine as bright as gold The earth shall represent a beaut...

My book "Rose Gardens and Minefields" had received critical acclaim from a top book review site, Indian Book Reviews. I had submitted my book for the review over a year ago and hundreds of books were reviewed in that period. Didn't know what it would turn out like, but I was thoroughly pleased with the outcome. Check out this fabulous review at http://www.indianbookreviews.com/2012/07/16/a-little-bit-of-this-and-that/ For the uninitiated, "Rose Gardens and Minefields" is a compilation of poems, short stories and essays that cover a plethora of topics. It was published by Leadstart Publishers under their Frogbooks/Virgin Leaf imprint a couple of years ago. This book can be purchased at a sum below Rs 100 or $2 at various book stores across India including some Landmark outlets, Happy Book Store (Bandra) and Granth (Juhu). You can even purchase it online at Amazon and Flipkart.com. Happy Reading!!!