Blogfriendsandco

(Image subject to copyright)  CRIME AND PUNISHMENT  by Dostoevsky Set in 19th century Russia, the novel holds relevance in contemporary times as it addresses the most essential human condition of life- the gap between our aspirations and reality (or what the millennials like to call existential crisis) . The novel, in a gripping way makes you think- what’s the bigger crime? A tenant murdering an opportunist pawn broker making a fortune or a university graduate loitering unemployed in the most vibrant of cities? source:  https://www.planetebook.com/crime-and-punishment/  (Ebook). (Image subject to copyright) PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, EMMA by Jane Austen I personally like to call these classic Austen novels the English version of a typical Zoya Akhtar film- obsession with ballroom parties, gowns, courtship and crazy families. They provide an insight into the Victorian society and its class hierarchies in a light hearted manner. source:  http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1342  (Ebook). (Image s

Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi, released in 2018 is set against the backdrop of 1971 Indo Pak war. The film explores the journey of an Indian spy in pre-war times. Sehmat being a woman is married and sent off as a close proximate straight into the Sayed household, where she in no time gains family’s confidence as well as gains access to all the confidential information. A similar move is adopted in Sujoy Ghosh’s 2012 film “Kahaani” by deploying a pregnant woman as an undercover agent, who due to her condition easily gains sympathy and every possible aid. Also, Raazi marks a rift from the conventional image of a female spy used as a seduction tool, a common trope present in numerous films such as the character of Dominika Egorova, a Russian intelligence agent played by Jennifer Lawrence in 2018 film “Red Sparrow”.      Despite employing a female spy, “Raazi” actually problematises the notion of agency. Agency here refers to a sense of self assertion and empowerment. Sehmat as an undercover

"The Heaven of India" After months of hardwork, everyone desires to spend a while in peace. And in searching of this peace people travel to the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar, famously known as 'Heaven on Earth '. The dream of every people to visit here once in their life. Srinagar is located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir,  on the banks of river Jhelum. As picturesque as the most stunning painting to ever be painted, Srinagar is basically known for the stagnated houseboats and colourful Shikararas on Dal Lake. The gondala type raw boats, shikaras are used by the tourists to see attraction of srinagar like the floating vegetable market, and the Mir Bahris- a living community of people who live on the lake itself known as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar os home to some of the most exquisite Mugal-age garden in India, with the top draws being Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashm-E-shahi Garden. Kash

The new summer capital: Naldehra  Looking forward to taking a break from the monotonous and hectic city life and spending a lazy weekend, or maybe even a week-long vacation at a hill station with minimal human obstruction and without even having to worry about getting stuck in jammed roads? Then, welcome to Naldehra! Nestled between the beautiful lofty ranges of the Himalaya and just a while away from the hustle-bustle of the 'summer capital', Simla, Naldehra, is definitely going to mesmerize you with its phenomenal beauty and leave you absolutely mellowed out. The blue sky, the misty clouds, the lofty mountains, and the endless lush green expanse of the cedar tree forest, might make you want to never go back home!    From wherever you stand and every glimpse that you take of it, you get to see an absolutely different picture painted in front of you.  High tee-ing

TITLE- BEYOND THE BARBED WIRES Kashmir! The name of the paradisal land has lately become synonymous to terror, fear and disturbance. But amidst the wires and sign boards, the city holds in its lap the personified form of the most beautiful painting ever painted. Srinagar, the capital of union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, located at a height of 1585 mts gives you snow laden mountains and landscape. Speaking of the local attractions, haven’t all of us wanted that shikara ride ever since Shami Kapoor’s lake romance in “ye chand sa roshan chehra, zulfo ka rang sunehra…”? Dal lake, the second largest in the territory forms undoubtedly the most famous allurement. It is 20ft deep and houses more than 50 houseboats loaded with every amenity equivalent to a 5 star hotel. Floating garden, floating market and the ride along boats selling jewels, handicrafts, eateries and the staple kahwa - all floating at the surface of the lake- make it an absolute thrill. What one finds