Silver Hair Sins - Review

Buy Here - Amazon

Genre - Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

Silver Hair Sins is a fiction thriller and the story goes ahead to the time of 2088 AD - 2205 AD. Imagine the barriers and differences that we have today. Hasn't it multiplied in last few decades? Haven't it dug differences amongst us on the basis of religion, caste and other social scenario? If this is the sscenario today then imagine the world about a hundred years from now. The Author, Mr. Saumick Pal takes us exactly to the era when religio-political differences amongst us would be at the peak and technology would take over us to save humanity.  The Author takes us to such a stage where we would be guided through artificial intelligence. However, the evils inside a human mind is such, they do break codes and guidelines with such ease that even the creators would be amused. The author points towards the aspects of today where religion and religious views are moulded by religious leaders in such a manner that they take advantages of the differences and exploit our beliefs only for their interests. The author uses cinematized photographs to take us to the Dystopian world. He uses his narrative skills to create an image of augmented reality, hovercrafts, silver chips embedded into humans and also shows the human greed for power.

The story revolves around a small family - Meera, Aasma and Akbar. The story describes how artificial intelligence takes on human beings and how the balance of sin and holy is maintained in the world. The narration and portray of the charecters are such that throughout the book there has been a curiosity regarding what next would come up. The growth of an innocent child to a matured girl amidst the various religio - political differences portrays the different faces of our society.

Initially the book shall compel you to think that it is about the scince fiction. However as the story goes on gradually, various social isses like patriarchy, hypocricy, fanatacism, intolerance and politics are highlighted. The issues  are drawn from todays point of view and its imapct on future is well depicted by the author.

However, the author could have elaborated more in the climax. After reading the book, I am still inquisitive on a few how's and why's. However, the author's attempt to maintain brievity while depicting so many social issues on a future reference is also remarkable.

The author Mr. Saumick Pal is an engineer and has also been a script writer. The book is his of attempt of fictional window to social commentary.

In a nutshell, I would recommend this book for people who love reaading thrillers and science fiction. The book would also be interesting for those who are associated with social causes. The use of pictures builds a strong visual impact. The vocabulary and concept is easy to understand and relatable.

I would rate the  book 4.5 out of 5. 

Retro Town

Retro Town is city located restaurant which is newly opened at Sixmile, Guwahati. The restaurant is a must for food lovers in the city. It is also the right hunt for party animals.

The theme of the restaurant alluringly draws the traces of the glorious gone-by era that has been shrouded in people’s memories. The entrance itself has beautifully decorated old jeep steering wheel, a saxophone, cassette player, a typewriter and a telephone. These things which have been replaced by modern gizmos take you back to antiquity. The restaurant is a paradise for indoor game lovers featuring a pool table and a carom table. The ambience is often thrilled by live bands playing classic rock and pop. The dais of the restaurant is open for young and blooming bands of the city giving the crowd a chance to hear to the upcoming bands live. There is also a dance floor for people who love to shake themselves a bit to the live music. There are lots of places around to go for a click or a selfie.

The entrance to  the restaurant

As the door opens

As you walk ahead from the dance floor, the door opens to an open roof top restaurant and thus giving you an experience to dine in the city’s biggest roof top space restaurant. This gives you an option, or rather puts you in a dilemma whether to dine in solitude with some open air breeze or to enjoy the food with some classic rock.

The owners of this place are two young boys who firmly believe that a restaurant is not just about good food. They have designed this place keeping in mind the need for a perfect ambience and satisfying service. They have belief that food isn’t about a meal, it is rather a culture. They have designed their Carte de Jour from various kitchens across the globe. They have Indian breads and dishes, Mughlai, Chinese, Italian, American and French. The Chef also has specially designed menus for every weekday dinner. Sizzlers and Sea Food also form a part of the kitchen for the lovers of it. The helping staffs of the restaurant are well experienced to achieve customer satisfaction.

The menu

I have travelled across several cities and gobbled up at several restaurants, and I haven’t found so many which gives you such a wide space and a choice to choose upon among two contrasting ambiences. Also the wide recourse in the menu gives a chance to taste wide range of dishes. The availability of parking space is also a major reason for thumbs up to this great place.

Silver Metro..

Location - 3rd Floor, Total Mall, Madiwala (Near Madiwala Police Station)

Ambiance - Good (4/5)

Service - Good (4/5)

Food - Average (3/5)

Price - Rs 375+taxes

Well the first look of the place would itself attract you towards it. The ambiance being totally different from any other buffet of the city. Seating arrangement's are available both on a dining hall and the metro deck. The welcome of the staff is quite warm.

I obviously chose my seat on the metro deck, which then reminded me of the Delhi Metro, which I travelled years back.

The Starter's Bhel Puri, Papri Chat, Veg Dim sum and  Chicken Dim sum. The starter's aren't going to disappoint you. There was a veg Soup and a Mutton Soup also.

The main course had Chicken Kabab, Egg Fried Rice, Gosh Biryani, Chicken Curry, Egg Curry, Paneer, Veg Fried Rice, Lady's finger masala, Chowmein and Papad. 

The dessert was awesome. Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry Ice Cream; Gajar Ka Halwa, Cake, Gulab Jamun. Sweet's and Ice Cream are always a blessing for me. 

One different thing about the entire place was that the soft drink's there was also on the list of buffet. While it was my turn it did end soon; I guess that's not a part of their regular job.

Money Value cannot be expected; although one could pay visit to enjoy the ambiance.



 All the pictures were taken by Sidhartha Borkakati, my roommate.

Param Vir - Our heroes in battle

Cannon to the right of them,

Cannon to the left of them,

Cannon in front of them,

volleyed and thundered,

Stormed at with shot and shell,

Boldly they rode and well,

Into the jaws of death,

Into the mouth of hell.

- Alfred Lord  Tennyson

War is probably the least expected thing on this planet, which is an extension of politics of a nation and ultimately falls to the lot of the soldier to face combat on the ground. Major General Ian Cardozo has but his best effort in the book 'Param Vir - Our heroes in battle'.  Param Vir Chakra is the nation's highest decoration for gallantry. This book honor's every brave Indian men who showed their patriotism even in the darkest hour of the night. Their extraordinary bravery in the battle field is well explained in every page of the book. Sir Cardozo has stressed his words on these Indian soldier and their degree of commitment to the Indian Army, and the nation they have served. Every paragraph of the book highlights the fact that few men have never thought about their life, rather they thought all was about his motherland and her dignity. Sir Cardozo's word's are a strong arrow on our hearts to build patriotism in our soul. He has also well described. The introduction by Sir Cardozo's written poem 'The Unknown Soldier' pays tribute to every soldier, and his desire for duty. 

The first Chapter is on the War in Jammu & Kashmir in 1947-1948. Major Somnath Sharma's bravey has been very well highlighted and if we read we can feel how brave he acted even when the enemy had shattered every Indian base and he stood till the end. The sacrifices of the other recipients of Param Vir Chakra and their citation have been beautifully presented for our read.  The other recipients of the PVC are -

Company Havildar Major Piru Singh, 6th Rajputana Rifles

Lance Naik Karam Singh, MM 1 Sikh

Major Somnath Sharma

Naik Jadunath Singh, 1 Rajput

Second Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane, Bombay Engineer's  

The last word's of Major Sharma, "The enemy are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round." 

The second chapter is of the war in the east, The Sino-Indian War. 1962 was the time when Indian politicians failed to recognize the duplicity of Chinese Diplomacy. Subedar Joginder Singh's bravery when the advancing Chinese Troop had to face disappointment because he and his few men charged them with heavy firing. Major Dhan Singh Thapa of 1/8 Gorkha Rifles who showed his cool courage and conspicious fighting qualities and leadership fighting against the army. Even after been captured as a prisoner by the Chinese Army, he never spoke against his motherland and his Government. Major Shaitan Singh of the 13 Kumaon who had shown his supreme courage and was found dead after he succumbed to his injuries. 

The third Chapter is of the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965. This war had two brave men who were awarded with the PVC - Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid of the 4 Grenadiers and Lietanant Colonel A. B. Tarapore. Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, who can be termed as the terminator of tanks.

The Third chapter is on the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 which ultimately resulted in birth of Bangladesh. This war had a number of PVC recipients-

Lance Naik Albert Ekka, 14 Guards

Major Hoshiar Singh, 3 Grenadiers

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, Poona Horse

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, Poona Horse belonged to a family of long tradition of military service. He has shown the qualities of leadership and excellent warfare even at his training days. It is a must read.

Captain Vikram Batra

The Fourth chapter is on the The Kargil war of May-June 1999 where there are four PVC-

Captain Vikram Batra, 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles

Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, 1/11 Gorkha Rifles

Grenedier Yogender Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers

Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles

This was the first time when two men of the same regiment received the PVC for the first time. This war had many crucial points like Khalubar, Rocky Naub, Pimple Complex and Tiger Hills. Thanks to all these men in Uniform who has saved our country's dignity and earned her respect.

This 220 paged booked is a real patriot's words that beautifully speak and salute of all Great men who have stood straight while keeping intact the country's independence. Every Indian must read this book. This book is available in all leading book store of all cities and towns and available in Flipkart as well.

JAI HIND.

Salute to those Gentlemen who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our motherland.

 The images have been taken from Google.

Terra Mayaa

Terra Mayaa, at Anil Plaza-II, G S Road, Guwahati a newly opened restaurant cum bar is a fabulous place with such a superb ambiance. The good service of the staff further add points to the list. Its a must visit for people who love buffet meals. Either we can enjoy our meal with some classic English music or we can also have an open air meal with a view of busy Guwahati city.  Their lunch buffet theme is different for different days of the week; Monday it's continental, Tuesday its Indian, Wednesday its Mexican, Thursday its Italian, Friday its Lebanese and Saturday its oriental. I never tasted Mexican and so stepped in there on a Wednesday. The welcome of the staff and the first look of the atmosphere around gave a good impression of everything around. The welcome drink was with soft drinks. Their service started with soup, and then starters, main course and the mouth watering dessert. The Mexican lunch was like this -

Salad
Fresh Avacado with Coconut
Hori Tikka Salad
Pine Apple with Cheddar Salad
Spicy Chicken Cheapote
Dressing Salad

Soup
Water Chestnut with Tortilla Soup
Chicken Jalapeno Valute

Starter's
Chicken Chaarmula
Rery Potato
Nachos with Salsa

Main Course
Chimi Changa
Veg fajita
Veg Paella
Chicken fajita
Lamb in Lemini

Dessert
Banana Cheese Cake
Chocolate Mousse

While everything there was too good, still a few dishes are worth saying.

'Pine Apple with Cheddar Salad' is a pineapple salad with cheese that is so good. I could not resist myself from another bowl. The cheese with the pineapple is really yummy.

'Chicken Chaarmula' is a kind of fried chicken dipped in Mexican Spices. Its somewhat similar to Indian chicken Tikka although tastes purely Mexican.

'Rery Potato' are Mexican spiced potato fries and are a real gem for potato lover's.

The entire main course is really superb. even if I was full with the starter's I never could imagine how I asked for more and more of the main course. 'Lamb in Lemini' is a gravy dish of lamb meat. I have always been in love with lamb meat and so it was a blessing on my appetite.

'Banana Cheese Cake' & 'Chocolate Mousse' in the dessert were also too good. After such a good main course such a superb dessert keeps a better taste in our tongue for a while.

Terra Mayaa also doesn't disappoint those who like a drink with their meal. They have a varied collection of drink from Johnnie Walker Blue Label to Old Monk rum. Also a good collection of beer is available.

The entire meal was really good only at a mere price of Rs. 539 (including taxes).

Even my friends who accompanied me were too happy with the service and food there. We are soon looking forward for our next visit there.