Tis the most wonderful time of the year…isn’t it? Despite the dreary weather December always bring a lot of cheer…there’s something magical about this time of the year…people are a lot kinder and more giving.

Whether you are religious or secular, this time of the year is festive.

We all know that Christmas is always on December 25th and is about the celebration of Jesus Christ.

The Jewish festival of lights is Hanukah which starts on December 18th this year…based on the lunar calendar, this eight-day festival differs each year.

In the next episode of the Stories Between the Lines podcast, I bring to you the story of Indian Jews. You will get a glimpse into the history and culture small but significant community in India that still exists.

May love and light fill your home and heart this holiday season.

“We didn’t get to choose the childhood we were given, but we can choose what to do with the stuff of our childhood memories.”

Every Thanksgiving, we have a tradition in our family to go around the table to mention one thing each of us is thankful for. And almost always, family is the #1 gratitude, followed by friends who are like family.  Now more than ever, we need this reflection because we live in such uncertain times.  The people in our lives who had a hand in shaping who we are and making us better people from the good and not-so-good experiences that hit us in this journey called life.

Don't you wish you could take a single childhood memory, blow it up into a bubble and live inside it forever?

This next episode of Stories Between the Lines Podcast may help you do just that with a compelling memoir – A Country Called Childhood, by Deepti Naval. Yes, she is the same Ms. Chamko from Chashme Baddoor, fame Hindi movie.  With a poignant narration, she walks you through the corridors of her childhood while making you reflect on yours. It is a homage to her wonderful parents who shaped her life and a love letter to the beautiful city of Amritsar back in the 60s and 70s.

This Thanksgiving Weekend is a perfect time to reflect on the scenes from our childhood - the most beautiful of all life's seasons.

Ponniyan Selvan – PS (Ponni’s Beloved) - the Indian version of Game of Thornes  

How many of you have read this literary masterpiece?

Then tune in to this episode of the Stories Between the Lines Podcast for a quick and easy version of this much-cherished novel to give you a glimpse into a story that glorifies a forgotten piece of Indian history – the Mighty Chola Dynasty.

The story is a perfect blend of valor, friendship, conspiracy, vengeance, sacrifice, and love.

The book will hold you captive in an era about a1000 years ago. The book is truly an Ode to Women with a progressive, no-nonsense attitude as envisioned in the 1950s by the prolific writer Kalki Krishnamurthy.

#PonniyanSelvan #PS #Cholas

Have you ever wondered how Mother’s day started and by who? This episode Stories Between the Lines Podcast has a few historical tidbits, some musings, a book recommendation specially for mom’s in their midlife, and soundbites from one of the most memorable movies that portray a mother’s wise words.

Feb 14th may be all about hearts and chocolates and roses, candies, and romantic relationships, but the day is also a celebration of friendships – those special girlfriends you have in your life!

Here’s a short and sweet episode of the Stories Between the Lines Podcast reflecting on female friendships – your inner circle – your tribe. I have included a few much-loved clips from some of our favorite sitcoms (Parks and Recreation, Friends, and Sex and the City) for some throwback moments – these clips offer a much-needed perspective (and not prescription) on friendship.

How many of you say this to your friends after a girls night out – “Text me When you Get Home.” Well, I have a book recommendation by the same title that screams “Ladies Celebrate Ladies.”

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The Stories Between the Line podcast features the tasty pages of the Flavors of Home – a cookbook packed with equal parts of stunning photographs, lip-smacking recipes, and nostalgic food stories. I had a lovely chat with Dr. Veenu Chopra, who the author of this brilliant cookbook.

Like her book, Dr. Chopra’s life is like a perfect blend of Indian spices. She was born in Amritsar (Punjab), raised in Alleppey (Kerala), educated in Ooty (Tamil Nadu) and Trivandrum (Kerala), and has been living in New Delhi for over 40 years. Through her book, she traces her family roots from Lahore – in the pre-partition era of India, to her father’s Burmese connection, and her enriching childhood in Kerala. The food story of each recipe makes this book an incredible memoir.

Caution – this podcast will surely make you hungry but above all, I think it will make you want to cook!

#Flavors #Spices #Food #Cooking #Cookbook #FoodTalk #Receipes 

Music Credits:

Bhangra Bass by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck

Kolam is an ancient ceremonial art of connecting dots to form a beautiful pattern – it is beautiful, mathematical, spiritual, and has a hidden socio-cultural message.

This episode of the Stories Between the Lines podcast celebrates this ceremonial art and to honor the women who perform this art at the thresholds of their house every day, even to this date.

What’s in Kolam – you may wonder. There is more to this art than what meets the eyes. Dr. Vijaya Nagarajan an Associate Professor of Theology, Religious and Environmental Studies at the University of San Francisco eloquently explains that the Kolam is about Feeding a Thousand Souls through her in-depth research on this art form.

We have a duty to preserve our age-old traditions and create a bridge for the future generation to sustain these cultural treasures. Rangoli – the Art of Discovering the Indian Decoration is a perfect book for children to understand this art guided by a sweet grandmother.

#Kolam #Margazhi #India #IndianArt #FolkArt #Andal #SouthIndia #Tamilnadu

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Thanksgiving is about being grateful for what we have and the special people in our lives. Thanksgiving Dinner Table is centered around a meal, after all, sharing a meal together truly connects people. Enjoy Good Food surrounded by Good People - much to be grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving to all the listeners!!!

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